Ways You Could Be Accidentally Attracting Pests Into Your Home

You don't want pests in your home, and you know not to do certain things to attract them. However, you may be doing things to bring them in accidentally. Many people have certain habits that attract pests, even when they keep their homes relatively clean.

While doing some of these things once in a while isn't usually a problem, it can be if done continuously. Here are some ways you could be attracting pests to your home accidentally.

You Brought Them In

Many pests are experts at hitching rides into homes. You may have brought some home with your groceries, for example. Potted plants are another common way people bring in pests. Your pets can also carry them in.

You Store a Lot of Paper

Many pests love piles of paper. If you keep a lot of paper storage, you likely have some pests taking advantage of it. Mice like paper for nests, for example. Many insects like to eat the cellulose in the paper. A pile of paper bags makes a perfect place for insects to lay eggs.

You Don't Fix Pipe Leaks

High moisture and rotting paper and wood created by leaks can attract many different types of insect pests. Roaches and silverfish find high moisture areas ideal hiding places. Termites are attracted to soft, rotting wood.

You Keep Overripe Fruit

You've likely seen an occasional small fly around your bananas or other fruit. If you don't put the fruit in the refrigerator or eat it, the flies can become quite numerous. Some vegetables also have the same effect. These flies breed fast and can spread food-borne diseases.

You Store Firewood Indoors

Firewood stored indoors can bring in pests and attract them, including rodents. While it may be convenient to store wood for your fireplace or stove indoors, resist the urge to do so. Even if you store it for a short time, you could be unknowingly attracting pests. Keep firewood outdoors and away from your home until ready to use.

You Don't Do Dishes Often Enough

If you have a habit of letting dishes sit for long periods, especially overnight, you could have a pest problem. Storing them in the dishwasher can be just as bad. If you don't plan to run the machine right away, make sure you rinse your dishes before putting them in.

Pests take advantage of any opportunity they can find. Occasionally forgetting to wash your dishes is usually not a problem. However, making it a habit lets pests know there's a regular buffet there. If you have discovered that pests have invaded your home, call a pest control company for help.

For more information, contact a pest control service like EcoNet Pest Control.