In the big picture, several factors can cause pest infestations, including:
- Weather events and changing weather conditions
- Seasonal changes
- Loss of habitat
- Food and water shortages in the wild
Tropical storms and hurricanes can dislodge pests from their habitats. Some pests, such as American cockroaches seek higher ground during rainy periods – they are trying not to drown. Home and business development can destroy the natural habitats of some pests forcing them to seek shelter somewhere else. When the temperatures drop, pests seek the warmth of your home, as a safe haven from predators. Additionally, natural food and water sources are harder to find in the fall and winter. With food, shelter, and water all in one convenient location, your home is attractive to roaches, rodents, and ants. Rodents and insects can live on very little food and water, so the crumbs in your kitchen and your pet’s food and water bowl are convenient sources for these pests.
South Florida’s high humidity and generous rainfall can also make conditions favorable for pest infestations. Clogged gutters make a great breeding ground for mosquitoes. Standing water in patio furniture, kids’ toys, planters, birdbaths, and pet water bowls are ideal places for mosquitoes to breed. Unconnected drain spouts or drain spouts that don’t drain properly can cause water damage in wood that can make your home more susceptible to pest infestations. Any place the wood in your home touches the ground can invite carpenter ants and termites to invade your home.
For termites, your home is their food supply - literally
- Drywood termites have adapted to require only the water they can squeeze out of the wood they live in and infest.
- Asian and Formosan subterranean termites forage for food in your home in the form of any kind of cellulose they can consume and transport back to their colonies below the soil near your home.
Certain conditions in your yard can cause pests to be attracted to your home
There are a few things you can do to make your home less attractive to pests. Begin by inspecting the exterior of your Broward County home for the following conditions.
- Clutter and piles of leftover construction materials in your yard
- Dense or tall vegetation offer breeding grounds for pests
- Mulch placed too close to your foundation attracts pests
- Tree branches and shrubs that touch your home and act as bridges for pests to enter the upper floors of your home
- Cracks, holes, and crevices in your foundation make ideal entry points for pests to enter your home
You can do a lot to prevent pest infestations by correcting pest-prone areas, sealing the cracks in your foundation, and decluttering your home and yard. However, when you suspect pests are invading your home, the best pest control strategy is to go with the pros. Contact Crush Bugs for a free pest inspection. Our certified technicians can eliminate your current pest infestation and treat the perimeter of your home to prevent future infestations.
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