We've all been in this situation: you wake up in the morning and notice a small uninvited guest in your home. Then another, and another. Your home is full of creepy crawlies and you have no idea where they came from!
You like to think of yourself as a clean and tidy person, so what gives? Why have all of these bugs taken up residence in your home? What attracts bugs anyway?
We're here to help you figure out why pesky insects are taking over your Murrieta home. Read on to learn all about what attracts common bugs in homes and how you can get rid of them.
Dampness and Humidity
One of the top things that people don't think about when it comes to why their homes might be attracting pests is the dampness and humidity that's lurking in the darker areas in their cabinets and basements.
It's normal for there to be a bit of humidity in those areas, but it's important to take care of it so it doesn't cause water damage or invite unwanted 6-legged neighbors into your space.
Bugs need water to survive, just like people. Some insects, like mosquitos, lay eggs in that water (which will exacerbate your problem).
During your routine cleaning days, check all areas of your home that may be dark and damp and dry them out. This will discourage bugs from moving in.
Clogged Drains
Speaking of damp places, your drains might be attracting bugs! Namely: drain flies.
Drain flies are a burden. They're challenging to get rid of alone, and they're common because people don't think of their drains as a place that could attract anything.
First, the drains are damp. This gives bugs the water that they need to thrive. On top of that, a drain that's not completely clear likely contains some type of decaying organic matter.
If you've accidentally lost some coffee grounds, stray noodles, or produce peels down the drain, drain flies are sure to seek them out for lunch!
Keep your drain clear and always include it in your cleaning schedule just in case.
Garbage
This one may seem obvious. Garbage will attract a variety of insects, even if you don't have a full garbage bin. That's right, if you already have an infestation going on, you may need to start emptying the trash more often.
Bugs want to feast on organic decaying matter. This is likely most of what's in your garbage can. From leftover food to soggy paper, all of these things are perfect meals for the creepy crawlies in your space.
If you're noticing a lot of bugs hanging out around your garbage can, consider getting a can with a tight lid to prevent them from getting in. If this doesn't work, start taking your garbage out every day.
To avoid wasting garbage bags, consider using a smaller bin and reusing shopping bags as garbage bags. This is going to be a temporary solution, just until your home is invader-free.
Bonus tip: this might be a good time to reduce your waste overall.
Keep in mind that if you have a compost bin that you keep inside, this will also attract bugs. Keep it tightly covered or keep it outdoors.
Dirty Dishes
If you're like most people, you have a few dishes in the sink or in your dishwasher waiting to be washed at any given time. This isn't a big deal in most homes, but if you're already struggling with insects, you need to make a change.
Bugs love eating your leftovers. You'll find them hovering around your sink. Wash your dishes as soon as you use them (at least for now) and consider placing a jar full of vinegar and dish soap nearby to trap any flying bugs.
Poor Outdoor Maintenance
If you're not keeping your home's exterior well-maintained, bugs can break into your home.
At least once per year, make sure that you're checking your siding, roof, and chimney for any gaps. This is also a good time to clean out your gutters (as that damp material can attract bugs).
Check your doors and windows for any gaps and check screens for holes. Always take a look at your foundation. Cracks in the foundation can leave more than enough room for termites and ants to crawl in.
Produce and Other Foods
When our fruits aren't ripe yet, we keep them in a bowl out on the counter, right? Many fruits fare far better when they're not in the refrigerator. You may even keep things like bread or cake out on the counter while you're waiting to eat them.
Unfortunately, this isn't a good idea when you have bugs in your home. Bugs will pursue even fresh fruit if there's nothing else around.
At least at the moment, put all of your foods that can go into the refrigerator away.
If you have open food in your cabinets, like cereal, sugar, or chips, put them in closable plastic or glass containers instead. It will be far harder for insects to access them.
Pet Food
So you still have bugs coming in despite all of your best efforts. What's the culprit?
If you have a furry friend, that's probably the answer. Even if your pet is inside all day, it could be the cause of your bug problem. The pet's food is out in the open and ready for creepy crawly visitors.
This is a hard problem to solve. At least for the moment, you may have to get your pet used to a strict feeding schedule and put their food away when they're not eating it.
Animals that like to graze will be upset, but it's a temporary measure.
What Attracts Bugs? A Lot of Things
If you've been wondering "What attracts bugs? Why are there bugs in my room when it's clean?", this list might have your answer. A lot of things can attract insects to your home, and it doesn't mean that your space is dirty.
When you have common bugs in homes, it's time to hire a pest control expert in Murrieta. We're here to save the day.
If you need pest control in Murrieta, contact LOCAL Bug Guy for a free estimate so we can help you out!
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