Living in Wesley Chapel? Here are 7 Bad Habits That Are Attracting Bugs to Your House
Your home could be an open invitation for unwelcome pests.
We’ve all been there— we’re cooking or making a cup of coffee in the kitchen, and suddenly, we notice an ant or a tiny roach scurrying across the countertop. Yikes! You wonder why this unwelcome pest has invited itself into your home or where it came from, but according to John D’Abruzzo, a Florida-based area manager at Truly Nolen Pest Control, it could be something you’re doing wrong.
“The first thing to realize is that all insects have three basic needs: food, water, and harborage (shelter),” D’Abruzzo says. “Even removing one of these three resources can significantly reduce pest issues in and around the home.” He also shares that while it’s impossible to eradicate every single ant, mosquito, or cockroach from your home, there are a few ways to prevent a frustrating infestation. Here, he points out seven habits that could be attracting bugs to your house.
You Leave Food Out
Sure, that fruit bowl or bag of bread looks pretty on your countertop, but if you’ve been noticing more ants, this could be the reason why. D’Abruzzo says ants are the most common pest group. “There are approximately 700 different species of ants, but only 25 are known to be pests,” he says. “Most nest in colonies and some species can have up to 50,000 in their colonies.”
It turns out that ants love sugar and carbs. While we can’t blame them, leaving food out is like inviting them to a dinner party where you’ve cooked their favorite meal. “The workers of the colony are tasked with finding food for the entire colony, and as they return to the nest, they lay down what’s known as a trail pheromone,” D’Abruzzo explains. “That alerts others to join in on the food source.”
You Aren’t Cleaning Your Kitchen After Cooking
Making dinner can be tiring, and you might not have much energy afterward to do a thorough cleanup, but taking that extra minute or two to wipe down your countertops and appliances is crucial for preventing bugs.
“Seemingly little things like crumbs left on kitchen counters and stoves overnight can become a feast for ants that are foraging,” explains D’Abruzzo. “A good practice is to wipe down kitchen countertops, stoves, and sinks every night with a damp cloth and some type of powder or liquid containing borate.” This will eliminate the trail pheromones and cause the ants to look elsewhere for food.
You Aren’t Taking Out the Garbage
Housekeeping is such a chore, but if you don’t take out your garbage frequently enough, it could attract cockroaches, especially the common German cockroach.
“They multiply extremely fast and have the potential for mechanical transmission of pathogens because of how they contaminate food,” says the certified entomologist. “Their feces and cast skins can also be a problem in the home for people who suffer from asthma and other respiratory problems.“ Ew.
Reducing the infestation of German cockroaches usually consists of a combination of chemical and non-chemical strategies. D’Abruzzo says proper sanitation and regular cleaning of kitchens and storage areas can greatly reduce future German Cockroach problems, as well as ensuring that trash cans are stored away from the structure and is regularly picked up.
You Don’t Have Window Screens
Are your windows old? If they aren’t properly sealed or lack screens, it could be a problem, according to D’Abruzzo. “All windows should be screened and properly sealed, along with any doors leading into the home.”
You Haven’t Checked Your Plumbing
If you’ve noticed an uptick of insects in your bathroom or kitchen, D’Abruzzo advises having your pipes checked. “Any plumbing that leads into or out of the home should be free of leaks and properly caulked,” he says. If you aren’t able to check your own pipes, it’s best to call in a professional plumber.
You Buy Bulk Produce
It’s always great to find a deal on produce at your local warehouse store, but before carting in all of those apples and oranges, D’Abruzzo recommends making sure you aren’t also bringing home insects. He suggests thoroughly inspecting all bulk produce products that are brought into the home in cardboard boxes.
You Leave Standing Water Around Your Home
Mosquitoes aren’t just pests; they can also be dangerous. “Mosquitoes are known to be responsible for up to 1,000,000 human deaths per year worldwide due to the various diseases that they transmit,” D’Abruzzo says. “A combined approach is needed on a consistent basis just to keep the mosquito population at a minimum.”
He strongly recommends homeowners not allow any type of standing water around the home’s exterior to get rid of mosquitoes. (They will float inside, too, FYI!) D’Abruzzo adds that regardless of the water’s temperature, mosquitoes will use standing water as a breeding site and rapidly reproduce. If standing water is a major issue, you may need to consult a landscaping pro.
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