Many people deal with pest issues on a daily basis which means there’s a good chance that they are doing something to attract them. Sometimes you may feel like you’re doing everything right, but some everyday habits can attract pests without realizing it. Primarily pests are attracted to food, water, and shelter. If your home provides these things for pests, they will be more likely to stick around. Here are five things that you might be doing to attract pests:
Leaving Food Out
Leaving food out is one of the most common things that attract pests inside the house. Whether leaving scraps on the counter or crumbs on the floor, these little bits of food can attract all sorts of pests, from ants and cockroaches to mice and rats. So, when you want to keep pests away, put food away and keep it in sealed containers.
Leaving pet food out can also attract pests, just like humans; therefore, it is important to ensure pet food is put away when the pet is done eating.
Not Cleaning up Spills
One of the things you might be doing to attract pests is not cleaning up spills. A messy home is an inviting place for pests because it gives pests a free meal. Cockroaches, ants, and mice are all attracted to dirty homes. Spills and crumbs can include food, drinks, or even water. When these liquids are left out, they provide an easy source of sustenance for pests. So if you have a dirty kitchen, dish in the sink overnight, or any crumbs on the floor, clean up as soon as possible to prevent pests and potential infestations because pest contamination may follow after their entrance into your home.
Not fixing Leaks can also attract all sorts of water-loving pests like cockroaches and termites. Therefore, if you are having a leak, be sure to fix it.
Not Repairing Damage
One of the most common ways pests enter homes is through cracks and holes in the exterior. Cracks and holes are like doors for pests since they provide free entry. Mice and rats can squeeze through small spaces. Therefore, it is important to repair/seal any damage to prevent pests from getting into your house and keeping them out.
Another reason that attracts pets is leaving lights on at night. This is true, especially if you have outdoor lights that illuminate your home.
Pests get attracted to light, making your home more inviting to them by leaving lights on. If you don’t want pests, turn off all lights before bed.
Having too Much Clutter
One thing you might be doing to attract pests is having too much clutter around your home. Clutter provides places for pests to hide, making it harder to keep your home clean. If you have a lot of stuff, consider donating some of it or throwing it away. This will help reduce the risk of attracting pests.
Another open invitation for pests is a full garbage can/ Not taking out the trash can. Trash is a breeding ground for pests like rats and cockroaches. If you don’t take the trash out on a regular basis, you’re giving pests a free meal. Make sure to take the trash out every day to avoid attracting pests.
Not Using Pest Control
You might be surprised to learn that one of the things you could be doing to attract pests is not using pest control. If you’re not regularly treating your home for bugs, rodents, and other critters, you could be providing them with the perfect environment to thrive. Pest control measures such as traps and insecticides can help to prevent pests from getting into your home and get rid of them if they do get in.
Conclusion
You may not realize it, but there are a few things you might be doing that are attracting pests into your home. When dealing with pests, you should first figure out what’s attracting them. Once you know what they’re after, you can take steps to eliminate the problem.
Watch out for these five things and take steps to correct them so you can enjoy a pest-free environment.
