It may sound odd, but the Clark Man recommends that you make your home less attractive. No, we aren’t asking you to let weeds grow knee high on your lawn, or use curtains for drapes in your bedroom.
We are talking about making your home less attractive to visitors that want to crawl or fly inside. The unwanted visitors the Clark Man is talking about are household pests.
The winter months can see a spike in pest activity, as pests seek food and shelter from colder temperatures and excessive moisture (e.g., the El Niño weather pattern). And without proper exclusion tactics, your home can become a prime target for foraging pests. Once inside, these pests can set up housekeeping very quickly, cause damage to electrical wiring or structures, contaminate food and, in some cases, even spread disease.
At Clark Pest Control, we encourage our customers to be vigilant in protecting their living space from unwanted pests. What follows are answers to some of the most common questions homeowners have about how pests find their way indoors.
Q: What makes homes attractive to pests?
A: Pests are attracted to food, water, and shelter. Exclusion techniques and removing food and water sources will help deter pests. Simple measures, such as keeping food in sealed containers and cleaning up after each meal to avoid leaving crumbs, can help. Fixing leaky pipes and drains will help ensure that if pests do get in, they won’t find the ideal conditions that allow them to thrive.
Q: How do pests get into homes?
A: Pests enter structures through windows, doors, and the cracks and crevices around them, through cracks along foundations, through ripped screens and uncapped chimneys, and also through holes where utility wiring enters a structure. Firewood, groceries, and other deliveries can carry pests in, too. Make sure to seal any openings with exclusion materials, and to avoid hitchhiking pests, examine packages thoroughly before bringing them inside.
Q: Where are pests most likely to settle in?
A: Pests have direct access to basements and attics through roofs and foundations, so those places should be kept well ventilated, dry, and clutter-free. Also, because of the concentration of food and water found there, kitchens and bathrooms are other common areas.
Q: What should I do if I have an infestation?
A: Despite even the best efforts, pests can still find their way inside. If you have a pest problem or need advice on how to better pest-proof your home, call or text the Clark Man at (800) WE NEED YOU (936-3339) or send me an email at clarkcares@clarkpest.com. One of our residential pest control experts will follow up to answer any questions you may have.
Until next time I’m the Clark Man, and thanks for helping me keep unwanted pests out of your home.