It’s embarrassing to admit, but most homeowners have, at some point, been confronted with pests in their homes. However clean and tidy you are, it’s all too easy for everyday household items to bring in and attract pests without you realizing it. To help you prevent these unwelcome guests from gaining access, here is a list of everyday household items that may unknowingly attract them.
Any professional pest control company will tell you that easily accessible garbage is a major, major attractant for pests. By ‘garbage’ we mean everything from the leftovers of your last meal to rotting fruit on your compost heap and unrinsed tins and packets in your recycling cans. Anything that’s even slightly edible is likely to look like an irresistible buffet to pests. To avoid garbage-related pest problems, make sure your trash cans are always clean, that lids are tightly closed, and that your recyclables are rinsed before storing.
Pests are always on the lookout for food, and improper food storage can send inviting signals to these unwelcome intruders. Opened bags of chips, pasta, cereal, and other such items can lure in creatures like ants, roaches, and mice. What’s more, once pests have learned that your home is an easy source of food, it can be hard to get rid of them without professional assistance. So, invest in sealed containers for pantry storage and consistently clean your kitchen counters, cabinets, and floors to prevent food crumbs from attracting pests.
Indoor plants and flower pots create a lively and refreshing ambiance in a home. However, they can also be a haven for pests like gnats and aphids. Overwatering your plants can lead to the growth of mold and fungi, which attract bugs.
Cluttered spaces make comfortable hideouts for pests. What seems to you like unsightly clutter looks like an ideal nesting, sleeping, and breeding ground for critters. Piles of papers, cardboard boxes, old magazines, and clothes can shelter pests like cockroaches, silverfish, and spiders. So, de-cluttering doesn’t just make your home look nicer - it’s also a great pest deterrent.
Pet food and water can end up feeding and hydrating more than your beloved furbaby if left out for extended periods. If you’re not paying attention, neglected pet food and water can attract a host of pests, including ants, cockroaches, and rodents. Make it a habit to remove your pet's food bowls after meal times, and try to keep water inaccessible to pests as far as possible. Also, make sure that pet food is stored in tightly sealed containers to keep pests at bay.
The humid environment created by leaky pipes is a perfect breeding ground for pests like cockroaches and silverfish. Keep your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room dry, and repair leaky pipes immediately to prevent pest infestation.
Conclusion
Knowledge of what attracts pests to your home is the first step in putting an end to the invasion. Some things may seem insignificant, but they can have a great impact on pest prevention. By staying vigilant and practicing good housekeeping habits, you can keep these annoying creatures at bay. Knowing when to enlist the aid of a professional pest control company is also crucial. By paying attention to these household items, you'll be well on your way to maintaining a pest-free home.
