How Common Pests Enter Your Home

And how to tackle the problem

Dealing with pests in your home can be frustrating. No one wants to come home to a house full of creatures they didn’t invite in. However, just like us, pests are usually simply seeking shelter and sustenance. Our homes are sometimes perfect places to take up residence with abundant food sources and cozy quarters for a variety of pests. Let’s take a look at why pests enter your home and how you can try and prevent them from getting in.

Why Do Pests Enter Your Home

Just like you, pests are looking for three things: shelter, food, and water. If your home provides these crucial items, pests love to take up residence. Changes in weather often drive pests into the home as they look for shelter. During winter, pests like rodents seek warmer spaces to nest and ride out the weather until spring. Pests also seek shelter from extreme heat as well during the summer months in specific parts of the country. Ants tend to seek cooler spots during hot droughts and warmer spots during wet, winter weather.

Types of Common Pests

While any pest can enter your home at any time, there are some common pests that we see more often in Florida throughout the year.

Rodents

Rodents are opportunists. They can eat nearly anything and chew through many materials, so homes are prime real estate for them to infest. Rats and mice seek entry into homes through cracks and crevices, as well as poorly insulated areas. They can also chew their way into structures. Rats can also set up shop outside your home but enter it to forage for food. 

Ants

Ants thrive in warm and humid climates so it’s no wonder why Florida sees its fair share. These pests typically enter your home in search of food. They seek out the quickest and easiest route even if that means heading straight for a pile of crumbs under an appliance or piece of furniture. While ants don’t pose a threat to humans, it can be unsettling to see them scurrying around your home. 

Fleas & Ticks

Fleas and ticks are year-round problems in Florida. Whether you have pets or not, these pesky creatures can cause a big issue in and around your home. Fleas typically hitch rides on a host, whether that’s a passing canine or a rodent that’s made its way into your home. Since fleas jump, they can easily pounce to a new environment and begin infesting it. Ticks also hitch rides on living hosts but they can infest your lawn and lie in wait for their next meal. Since both fleas and ticks can cause harm to humans, it’s important to prevent them from creating a problem at your property. 

Roaches

Finding roaches in the home has typically been synonymous with unclean conditions, however, even the cleanest home can find itself with a cockroach problem. These survivors are historically hard to get rid of and, because they’re nocturnal, also challenging to find. If you’ve seen one cockroach in your home, it’s likely you have a full-blown infestation. As with most other pests, these creatures seek food, water, and shelter in Florida homes.

How to Prevent Pests From Getting in Your Home

Once you have an active infestation, you need to call in professional pest control experts. However, the goal is always prevention instead of remediation and there are a few ways that you can try to stave off pesky pests from inhabiting your home. 

• Seal cracks and gaps. Seal up all cracks, gaps, crevices, and holes on the outside of your home. Pests of varying sizes can squeeze through the smallest spaces and sometimes just a little bit of caulk can do the trick. Also, make sure chimneys are capped and dryer vents are meshed.
• Remove food sources. Do not leave food or trash available for pests. If you have dog food in bags, put it in something sturdier to deter pests from feasting on it. Make sure trash cans have lids and all trash is kept in secure containers. Clean cabinets, pantries, counters, and floors frequently.

• Plant specific herbs. Herbs like mint, lavender, and basil can deter a variety of insects such as mosquitoes, fleas, and more. Planting these near your home or even having some inside can be beneficial in preventing pests.

• Trim plants. Any plant, bush, shrub, or tree that comes in contact with your home is another spot where pests can make entry. Be sure to trim any plants away from your structure to prevent a pest problem.

As noted, if you’re dealing with a pest problem it’s crucial to call in professionals. Many infestations can’t be handled through DIY methods alone. The experts at Capelouto Termite & Pest Control have decades of experience dealing with all types of creepy, crawly creatures. Let our team assess your situation and provide a personalized quote. Contact us today to find out more.