Of course, we know today that pests don’t just come out of nowhere, and they don’t show up in our homes for no reason. In fact, there are plenty of ways we inadvertently let pests into our own homes!

Cluttered and messy spaces

A messy and cluttered home might provide an extra-appealing home for pests. Piles of clothing, for instance, make a nice home for spiders or bedbugs.

Food scraps on discarded dishes and wrappers can attract cockroaches or rodents. Rodents can in turn bring other pests like bedbugs and fleas with them?

Exterior maintenance

You should make it a habit to check the exterior of your home for any potential entry points for pests. These might include cracks and gaps in siding, rotted wood, or HVAC vents and chimneys that aren’t properly sealed off.

A mouse can fit into a hole that’s the size of a dime, and insects can fit through even smaller cracks.

Windows and doors

These are some of the most common places that pests can enter the home. A door that is left open or is improperly sealed can serve as an open invitation for insects who are searching for food, water, and shelter.

It’s important to check window screens as well. A window screen that has come loose, or a window that doesn’t close properly, can also leave your home vulnerable to infestation.

Leaking pipes and faucets

Anything that creates standing water of any kind could attract insects who are looking for water. That means you should check roof drains and downspouts. Clean gutters are a necessity as well, and it’s helpful to minimize condensation buildup wherever you can.

Trash and recycling

Pay close attention to the items you toss into the recycling bin. If food containers and beverage cans and bottles aren’t rinsed out, they can easily attract curious insects who are looking for sustenance and water.

You should also make an effort to take the trash out regularly, storing it in a secure container that’s located away from the house. Be sure to put cans out by the curb for trash pickup to avoid letting refuse pile up at your home!

Trees, shrubs, and weeds

If trees and shrubs are very close to your home, or touching it, they can serve as a superhighway for insects to travel into your home. If possible, try to trim back any trees and bushes and keep grass and weeds trimmed.

If piles of wet leaves are present, it’s a good idea to remove them entirely, since the wet environment they provide is the perfect home for earwigs and other pests.

If you have any doubts about where insects are coming from, or if you’d like to prevent their entry to your home entirely, contact West Termite, Pest & Lawn. One of our experienced, certified technicians can visit your home and look out for any potential sources of insects and other pests and treat the area accordingly, keeping your home safe and secure from unwanted guests!