There are a few common ways pests can be attracted to a given location, and one of the most well-known and frequent examples is the presence of moisture. Why is this the case, and what makes many pests so attracted to moist and humid areas?
At A-1 Exterminators, we’re proud to offer a huge range of pest control services to clients around Salt Lake City, West Jordan, Sandy, West Valley City and nearby areas of Utah. From ant control and boxelder bug control to various other insects, rodents and even bird control solutions, we’ll help protect your entire property from any major pest concerns. Why are some pests attracted to water? Let’s run through some of the most notable pest types that fit this description, plus the reasoning behind each.
Ants
Many species of ant are attracted to moisture for the simplest of reasons: They need it for hydration, plus to maintain their nests. They may forage for water sources around your home, such as leaky pipes or faucets, and once they find a steady supply, they’ll keep coming back for more. Some species may even build their nests near sources of water.
To prevent ant infestations and maintain ant control, it’s important to fix any leaks or drips immediately and keep areas around the home dry.
Termites
Termites are another pest that’s attracted to water, perhaps even more so than ants. This is for even more than just basic hydration; termites need humid conditions to survive and reproduce, meaning they’re often found in damp, dark areas such as basements and crawl spaces. These pests can cause significant damage to homes, as they feed on wood and other cellulose materials. This can lead to structural issues and costly repairs.
To prevent termite infestations, it’s important to address any moisture problems in the home, such as fixing leaks or improving ventilation in damp areas. Regularly inspecting for signs of termites and promptly addressing any issues is also crucial.
Cockroaches
Another pest that requires humid, damp conditions to thrive is the cockroach. These resilient pests can quickly infest a home and spread bacteria and diseases. To prevent cockroaches, it’s important to keep kitchens and other areas clean and free of food debris. Sealing any cracks or openings in walls or floors can also help prevent these pests from entering the home.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are likely the most common example of a different reason for pest attraction to moisture: They lay their eggs in stagnant water, which can develop in gutters, bird baths and other sources. It’s important to regularly empty any containers that collect water and to ensure proper drainage in outdoor areas.
For mosquito control, it also helps to ensure good ventilation in the home. Use dehumidifiers if your space is too humid, and make sure windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent them from entering.
Additionally, planting certain herbs such as lavender, citronella, and peppermint can act as natural mosquito repellents. These plants emit scents that mosquitoes dislike, making them less likely to linger in the area.
Silverfish
Silverfish are another moisture-dependent insect, commonly found in dark and damp areas such as basements, bathrooms and kitchens. They are attracted to paper products, fabrics, and food sources like flour, sugar and cereal.
To prevent silverfish infestations, it is important to address any water leaks or excess moisture in the home. Regularly vacuuming and dusting can also help remove potential food sources for silverfish. Storing paper products in sealed containers can also discourage these insects from entering your home.
General Pest and Moisture Prevention Tactics
In addition to the specifics on these individual pests we’ve already discussed, here are some general moisture-related tactics to avoid pests around your home:
- Fix any leaks or standing water in and around your home, as these provide an attractive breeding ground for many pests.
- Keep gutters clean and free of debris to avoid creating stagnant pools of water near your home.
- Ensure that your yard is properly graded so that rainwater can drain away from the foundation of your home.
- Use dehumidifiers in damp areas of the home, such as basements or bathrooms, to reduce excess moisture levels.
- Regularly inspect and maintain plumbing pipes and fixtures to prevent leaks and drips.
At A-1 Exterminators, we’re here to help clients around SLC, West Jordan, Sandy, West Valley City and nearby areas with all their pest control needs, including helping clients identify potential sources of moisture that may attract pests. For more on any of our pest control solutions, contact us today!
