Just like humans, household pests need three main things to survive: food, water, and shelter. In this post, we are going to focus on how you can keep pests away by eliminating their sources of water. Getting rid of excess moisture in and around the home is not often discussed when it comes to preventing pests, but it can make a big difference.
Roaches, ants, silverfish, mosquitoes, millipedes, centipedes, and more thrive in moist conditions. If these exist inside or outside of your home, you may be attracting these pests.
Inside the Home
Some of the biggest sources of moisture inside of homes are leaky pipes and faucets. You may not even realize that you have leaky pipes because they are often “out of sight, out of mind.” Regularly check your faucets and pipes, and fix any that may be leaking.
Caulking that is deteriorating or improperly applied can also cause bathtubs, showers, and sinks to leak, causing water to accumulate in wall voids and under flooring.
In areas that tend to be more moist, like bathrooms and laundry rooms, it is important to also have exhaust fans to help pull the moisture out of the air. If your entire home is humid due to the climate, a dehumidifier may be the best option.
Outside the Home
Things outside of your home can also contribute to excess moisture. Landscaping is one thing that can be problematic. Water should flow away from the house and should not collect in low spots. A change in slope, drains, or fill dirt may be needed to improve drainage. Bushes and mulch should also be kept away from the foundation of your home. These types of things can trap moisture and provide harborages for pests.
Gutters can also collect water if they are clogged with leaves, branches, dirt, etc. Standing water is a magnet for mosquitoes, so make sure that your gutters are cleaned regularly and clear of debris. Pots, cans, wheelbarrows and other things that can collect water, should also be drained and removed so that mosquitoes can not breed in your yard.
Lastly, it is important to make sure that your lawn irrigation system is not contributing to the problem. Keep sprinklers from directly hitting the house so that water does not enter the crawlspace. If the crawl space is moist, it may attract termites to your home. You may want to consider a dehumidifier here as well.
Sunshine Coast Pest Control
Radar Pest Control is your best bet for Sunshine Coast Pest Control. Our expert technicians and friendly staff will help keep your home and family safe and pest free. For pest control in Buderim, pest control in Nambour, and everywhere in between, trust Radar Pest Control.