The basement is sometimes overlooked when it comes to routine maintenance and house cleaning. But it's more likely to draw pests that thrive in dark, dank areas because it doesn't always get the same attention as upstairs rooms that are in full view.
Many bugs thrive in humid and wet conditions found in basements, attics and crawl spaces under porches, so pest inspection is needed in these spots. Even insects like centipedes, which are typically outdoor pests, will find their way into your home if the conditions are right.
Piles of mulch or dead leaves that collect in wells outside basement windows and doors are sure to get wet during rainstorms and attract outside pests. By clearing away this debris and the stagnant water that puddles around it, you can reduce the incidence of outside pests coming indoors.
Small foundation cracks, sweating pipes, gaps around utility and cable connections - all may draw garden pests as well as those that breed indoors to moist situations. For instance, although they're drawn to different types of food indoors, both silverfish and cockroaches like moisture and humidity.
By addressing leaks that allow moisture to build inside and installing a dehumidifier in a basement with a chronic humidity problem, homeowners can reduce the insect population significantly. If more help is needed, a pest control service like Abell Pest Control can customize a treatment plan to deal with the issue thoroughly and make recommendations on how to prevent a recurrence.
Other indoor conditions that are common in basements may attract pests, including rodents. Since most communities only have one trash collection each week, homeowners often store garbage in their basements until trash days. If you're among them, make sure the cans always have covered lids and don't allow the trash to accumulate week to week.
Repair or replace damaged window and door screens. Tears and holes in screens are like an open invitation for insects to enter your house. While you're at it, clean the windows, dust sills and window trim and clear away any mold that may have developed.
Silverfish are particularly attracted to basements where stored items haven't been moved in ages. They reside near old clothing, books, stored papers and family keepsakes, but may go unseen for a few years until you move a box and discover they're comfortably ensconced underneath it. Clearing away the clutter will reduce the likelihood of silverfish lurking in your basement.
You probably already know that most people are repulsed by the simple sight of cockroaches. If you are personally dealing with a cockroach infestation, the feelings of disgust are probably even more intense. Unfortunately, the cold winter weather tends to be one of the reasons this pest ends up in your home in the first place, according to Any Pest. While you may know that you don't want to share your home with cockroaches this winter, there are a number of interesting facts about this pest that you've probably never heard.
Because of the high amount of traffic and the versatility of the facilities, pests are naturally attracted to long-term care institutions. Many nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and other care facilities include on-site kitchens and cafeterias as well as private rooms and common spaces. All of these places are susceptible to attracting pests because of the presence of food, water and viable habitats.
During the summer months, some people love to go camping with family and friends. Yet this fun trip can be ruined with a few unwanted visitors, most notably different types of bugs. Crawling spiders, hungry mosquitoes and buzzing flies can become annoying quickly. How can you avoid these pests when you're outdoors? Consider these tips to keep bugs out of your campsite.
Carpenter ants can chew through the strongest studs and stringers in a house as they hollow the wooden beams out for nesting. The resulting damage can weaken the home's structural support and require expensive repairs. Professional pest control workers can remove a colony of ants, but the best practice for homeowners is to learn the best ways to keep out an ant colony and prevent the problem before it begins.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
You might have noticed that, with the exception of the kitchen, you find more pests in your bathroom than in the rest of your home. This is because insects and rodents see the bathroom as a convenient watering hole. Pests love leaky pipes and standing water because these offer them a hydrating oasis in the otherwise dry biome that is your house or apartment. And if your bathroom develops mold, all the better for pests, who may eat fungus or use it to lay their eggs.
The kitchen is largest gathering place for pests in a residential home. The reason is simple: pests can grab a bite to eat and take a sip of water while they're here. And when they find such a bountiful place, they will return home to their nests and report the finding - before you know it, your whole pantry is a buffet for ants! The problem could get even worse if a piece of food falls somewhere and begins to rot. Similarly, fruit and vegetables you bring into your home may be harboring unseen pests waiting to hatch.
