Why Do I Have General Pest Issues?

If you have looked into reasons for pests invading a home, you probably already know that keeping your home clean is the first step in preventing pest problems. This makes sense, because a cluttered home with dishes in the sink and crumbs on the counter is going to attract household pests. But what if you keep your house clean and you are still struggling to keep pests out? There are some other common causes of infestations of which you may not be aware.

Common Causes of Pests

• You may be providing a food source. Pests aren’t picky, and you don’t have to leave food on the counter for them to find a feast in your house. Unsealed food in the pantry, pet food left uncovered, and open garbage cans can all attract pests. Some pests feed on bugs, so it could be that one type of pest is attracting another!
• Pests may be coming to your house for a drink. Living things need water, and your home could be providing a water source for pests. Leaky pipes, dripping faucets, and even your pets’ water bowls can bring in bugs and rodents.
• The change of season may bring new pests. Different pests come out at different times of year, depending on factors like the weather, the prevalence of natural food sources, and the thickness of the foliage. While you might expect to see more pests in the warmer months, your home is actually a warm place for them to escape the cold in the winter.
• You may have hitchhikers or stowaways. Fleas are notorious for hitching a ride into homes on suitcases, clothes, and used furniture, but they are not the only pests that sneak into your house. Some bugs stow away in your groceries, infesting produce or dry goods.
• Pests may be entering through gaps, cracks, and crevices. You might be surprised at how easily pests can get into your home through small cracks in the foundation, gaps around your windows, crevices under the baseboards, holes in screens, or spaces under exterior doors. It makes sense that tiny ants can get through these little holes, but it is important to note that the average rat can squeeze through a hole the size of a quarter. Mice only need a nickel-sized hole, and roaches and spiders need far less than that.
• Your plumbing may be letting pests into your house. While this may sound like nightmare fuel, it’s worth considering. Rats are really good at swimming and climbing, so it is possible for them to climb from the city sewer, through your plumbing, and into your toilet. Additionally, city sewer maintenance can scare roaches into your plumbing system, allowing them to crawl out of your drains. Also, it is very common that the holes cut in your home where plumbing leads into the structure are cut bigger than necessary, which will create unnecessary gaps. These gaps can allow rodents into your home. Contact MightyMite Termite to inspect for potential access points into your home to prevent rodent infestations from taking over.

Preventing a Pest Infestation

Armed with the knowledge of what attracts pests, you can be proactive in keeping them out of your home. Seal up any gaps in your home that could allow them to gain entry, and keep a vigilant eye on things like leaks and unsealed food. The best way to keep pests away, though, is to enlist the help of a professional pest control company. By providing an inspection and coming up with a plan, an experienced pest control specialist can eradicate pests and prevent future infestations.

Pest Control for Common Pests

The question for many homeowners becomes whether or not to hire someone to provide pest control. There are certainly DIY products on the market, but is it more effective to enlist the help of a professional pest control company? Here is the truth: if you have a minor pest issue, doing it yourself is perfectly feasible. There are insecticides, traps, and repellents that work well, as long as you are being diligent about preventive measures. However, if you are struggling to keep pests at bay, or you have a major infestation, it pays to call in the professionals. Pest control experts have knowledge, expertise, and access to tools that you don’t have, and they can be very helpful in eradicating pests. They can also help you determine the best ways to keep pests out in the future. The issue that most over the counter remedies have is that they have what is called a “deterrent” property to them. Which means, when a homeowner sprays them on an area, it deters a pest from that particular area for a set amount of time. Which sounds wonderful. However, it can force pest infestations to inadvertently spread to other areas of their homes and offices. This issue is why it is important to research before performing DIY pest control services. The false sense of security of the immediate issue being taken care of, can make the issue much worse.

Let MightyMite Termite Help with All Your Pest Control Needs

When you are looking for pest control, prioritize a company with positive customer reviews and a strong reputation for providing reliable, effective, long-term protection against pests. In the Bay Area, call the pest control professionals at MightyMite Termite Services to defend your property against infestation. Long known as experts in California termite control, MightyMite has now designed a wide range of pest control services to protect your home and family. We perform free pest inspections to identify any pests and determine the best way to rid your home of an infestation. Our carefully refined rodent and pest control services, combined with our experience, licensed, and highly trained professional staff, makes us the leading extermination company in the Bay Area. We understand that your home is your most important investment, so we work hard to provide excellent service, utilizing best practices to solve our customers’ pest control problems. For more information, email Info@mightymitetermite.com or contact us through our website.