How Do Bugs Get in Your House

Pests are a nuisance to homeowners all over the world. In a survey, 50 percent of the respondents said that they had experienced structural damage to their homes after a pest infestation. Besides being unsightly, they also carry diseases that can harm humans and pets. What’s worse is that pests are usually hard to get rid of, and once they enter your home, it can be challenging to eradicate them. You might be thinking, how do bugs get in your house? 

Read on as we will explore the top 7 habits that are inviting pests into your home and how to avoid them.

#1 – Leaving Food Out

Leaving food out is one of the most common habits that attract pests into your home. Bugs are attracted to the smell of food and will quickly swarm to any food left out in the open. Crumbs on your countertops or floors can attract ants, cockroaches, and other pests. To prevent this, you should make sure to clean up any spills or crumbs immediately. You should also keep food in airtight containers and keep your kitchen clean.

This Also Goes For Leaving Pet Food Out

It’s important to remember that pests aren’t picky when it comes to food. Even pet food that is left out can attract bugs. So, for pest control, you should feed your pets in a designated area and not leave their food out for long periods. You should also store their food in airtight containers.

#2 – Not Taking Out the Trash

Another reason how do bugs get in your house is not taking out the trash regularly. Trash is a major attraction for pests. And leaving it out can lead to an infestation of flies, roaches, and other bugs. To prevent this, you should take out the trash regularly and use a trash can with a tight-fitting lid.

For residential pest control, avoid certain items being thrown in the trash. For example, food waste and organic materials should be composted instead of disposed of in the trash. According to EPA, food wastage is the 4th largest waste material category in MSW in the USA. Avoiding food wastage helps you prevent pest buildup in your home.

#3 – Neglecting Yard Maintenance

Your yard is a crucial part of your home’s ecosystem, and neglecting its maintenance can invite pests into your home. Pests thrive in environments that offer them food, shelter, and water, and an unkempt yard can provide all three. For example, overgrown vegetation like tall grass, bushes, and trees can shelter rodents, snakes, and other pests. It makes it easier for them to survive and reproduce.

Additionally, stagnant water and debris, including piles of leaves, grass, and branches, also invite bugs into your space. So, it’s important to maintain your yard to prevent pest infestations. This includes mowing the grass, trimming bushes and trees, and removing any dead or decaying vegetation. Just like that, it is crucial to dispose of any debris properly and not let it accumulate in piles.

#4 – Leaving Dirty Dishes

What attracts bugs into your home? Leaving dirty dishes in the sink is another habit that invites insects into your space. Pests are attracted to food residue on dishes and utensils, and leaving them out can quickly lead to an infestation. To prevent this, you should make sure to wash your dishes regularly and not leave them sitting in the sink for long periods.

Moreover, dirty dishes aren’t just limited to the kitchen sink. Any dish or utensil that has come into contact with food can attract insects if not properly cleaned.

#5 – Clutter and Mess

Clutter and mess can also attract pests into your home. You might be thinking, how do bugs get in your house through clutters? Pests like to hide in piles of clutter. Clothes lying around, piles of newspapers, and other clutter provide the perfect hiding spot for pests.  

So, keeping your home organized and tidy can help prevent an infestation. To avoid this, you should keep your home clean and clutter-free. Vacuum and dust regularly, and avoid keeping piles of items lying around.

Additionally, you need to acknowledge that clutter doesn’t just include physical items. Digital clutter can also attract bugs, such as a cluttered desktop or a full inbox. Cyber pests like viruses and malware can enter your computer through cluttered files and emails.

#6 – Leaving Standing Water

Another reason for how do bugs get in your house is standing water. Pests like mosquitoes and other insects are attracted to standing water and can quickly lead to an infestation. It’s significant to note that standing water can accumulate in unexpected places, such as clogged gutters or leaky pipes. It is what attracts pests in your space.

To control mosquitoes and other bugs, you should make sure to empty any standing water around your home, such as in plant pots or buckets. So, regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent the buildup of standing water.

#7 – Not Sealing Entry Points

Wondering how do bugs get in your house? Sometimes, bugs can enter through the smallest openings, such as gaps around doors and windows. Likewise, small holes or cracks in your roof can allow pests to enter your attic and become a nuisance. Pests can easily squeeze through even the smallest entry points. Once they are in your home, they can quickly multiply and become a serious problem.

Sealing any gaps or cracks is significant to prevent pests from entering your home through entry points. For this purpose, you can use natural pest control solutions. This can be done by mixing essential oils with water and spraying it at the openings. Similarly, you can use caulk or weatherstripping as a barrier. Make sure to inspect your home regularly for any new entry points that may have developed, and take services accordingly. 75% of US homeowners use pest control services on a regular basis.

Contact Gregory’s Pest Control

As you can see, bugs can find their way inside through open entry points, lack of proper sanitation, cluttered living spaces, and more. These pests can be challenging to remove once they have made themselves comfortable. However, you can mitigate the risk with natural pest control methods and the help from professional pest control services.

For exterminator services, connect with Gregory’s Pest Control. We are a pest control company serving Florida with eco-friendly solutions to eliminate infestations. We offer comprehensive pest control services, including rodent removal, ant extermination, cockroach control, bed bug removal, and more. So, why wait? Schedule your free inspection now!