Pests and Your Home (and How to Stop Them)

If pests keep finding their way into your home, it’s likely due to a few factors that make your space a prime spot for food, shelter, and warmth. While we may not notice, even minor issues like crumbs, clutter, and small gaps are like open invitations to critters of all kinds. Tackling these attractors can help you keep pests out for good. Here are five common reasons pests are drawn to your home—and simple ways to make your space far less welcoming.

1. Readily Available Food and Shelter

Pests aren’t just looking for a roof over their heads; they’re searching for food. Even a few crumbs left behind on counters or floors can be enough to entice ants, cockroaches, and rodents. Likewise, clutter or dusty corners provide them with spaces to hide and nest comfortably.

Solution:

Maintain a regular cleaning routine, focusing on food preparation or consumption areas. Sweep, vacuum, and wipe down surfaces to eliminate crumbs and food remnants, and store food in airtight containers. Decluttering also removes potential hiding spots, making your home less appealing to pests.

For more tips on effective cleaning routines, check out Shire Pest Solutions’ home hygiene guide.

2. Easy Entry Points

Small gaps, cracks, or holes around windows, doors, and foundations are all open doors to pests. Mice can squeeze through openings the size of a pencil, and insects need even less space to enter.

Solution:

Take time to inspect your home’s exterior, especially around windows, doors, and any pipes leading inside. Seal gaps and cracks with caulk, add weatherstripping to doors and consider installing door sweeps to close any remaining space. Not only will this reduce pest access, but it’ll also improve your home’s insulation.

Need help sealing up entry points? Contact Shire Pest Solutions for an inspection to spot and secure vulnerable areas.

3. Outdoor Waste and Rubbish Near the Home

Outdoor rubbish bins can draw pests right to your doorstep. Rubbish, especially if not properly sealed, attracts rodents and other animals who can smell food and organic waste from a distance. Once they’re used to visiting your bin area, they’re more likely to try to explore your home.

Solution:

Position your rubbish bins away from the main house, and ensure lids are tightly closed to keep pests out. If possible, rinse containers before discarding them to minimise odours, and consider cleaning bins regularly to prevent build-up that might attract pests.

4. Excessive Humidity

Many pests, particularly insects, thrive in warm, humid spaces. High humidity creates an ideal environment for cockroaches, silverfish, and other pests, allowing them to breed and live comfortably. Basements, bathrooms, and kitchens are often prime areas where humidity levels can get too high.

Solution:

Use dehumidifiers in problem areas, ventilate bathrooms and kitchens, and check for leaks in pipes and under sinks. Regularly maintaining these areas and reducing moisture will make your home less appealing to moisture-loving pests.

Curious about how to control humidity effectively? Read our humidity management guide at Shire Pest Solutions.

5. Nearby Water Sources

If your home is near a pond, stream, or other water source, you might find yourself dealing with more pests than average. Standing water attracts mosquitoes, and many other pests seek out damp environments. Additionally, stagnant water around your property can be a breeding ground for insects and a magnet for pests looking to quench their thirst.

Solution:

Make sure there’s no standing water on your property by regularly emptying containers and checking for areas where water might collect. Clean your gutters to prevent water build-up, and ensure proper drainage around your foundation to keep dampness to a minimum.

Keep Your Home Less Appealing to Pests

A few changes in maintenance habits can make a big difference in keeping pests away from your home. A consistent cleaning routine, attention to sealing entry points, and managing food waste will reduce the chances of pests settling in. For added peace of mind, professional pest control services can offer targeted prevention and effective treatments.

If you’re dealing with recurring pest issues, reach out to Shire Pest Solutions for expert advice and reliable pest control solutions.