Leaky Pipes: What Pests Are They Attracting?

A leaky pipe attracting pests in Vermont - Vermont Pest Control

Pest outbreaks can come from many different sources, but one of the most common reasons that our technicians at Vermont Pest Control find is the consequences of hidden leakage. When we have leaky pipes in our walls or cupboards that go undetected, they often create rotten wood and pools of standing water that invite all sorts of pests for an extended stay. To learn what you can do to prevent pest outbreaks caused by leaky pipes in Vermont, read up on the findings of our pest control experts!

What Pests Can Leaky Pipes Attract?

Leakage in your walls, cupboards, attic, crawl spaces, or anywhere else in your home can lead to all sorts of issues, but pest problems are almost inevitable in certain circumstances. Here are the three main pests to watch out for when you have leaky pipes:

  1. Cockroaches: While they are some of the toughest creatures on the planet, one thing that roaches rely on heavily is a water source. Due to their nocturnal nature, cockroaches need to find a dark (and preferably damp) place to hide during the day. They often find everything they need next to our leaky pipes.
  2. Ants: Ants seek out leaky pipes in our home when they’ve become dehydrated and need a cool place to search for food. They are also often attracted to our bathrooms by the sweet scents of our hygiene products, then stick around for the free water source.
  3. Termites: Keeping your wooden structures dry will help you prevent a termite infestation. Once they find a source of wood next to a source of water, only a professional termite control company can stop them from destroying your home from the inside out.

Combatting Leaks to Stop Pests

When you find leaky pipes in your home, you have to act right away to avoid pest problems from starting up or building upon themselves. Here’s how:

  • Seal the cracks that you find by applying a silicone-based caulk. This is the most effective way to stop leaks on your own.
  • Do whatever you can to improve the ventilation of the area experiencing leakage. This will reduce the amount of moisture accumulating in the room.
  • Let your local pest control company know about your problem. They will be able to help you prevent a pest infestation with preventative tactics.

Minimizing Pest Pressures in Vermont

At Vermont Pest Control, we understand that having leakage issues can cause stress that extends far beyond the threat of a pest infestation. That is why we train our technicians to handle pest outbreaks swiftly and professionally for our customers, ensuring that their homes are clear of ants, cockroaches, and more. To learn more about our pest control services or for a free quote, reach out today!

Are Roaches Only Active At Night?

Cockroaches are active at night in Vermont - Vermont Pest Control

There are many myths about roaches, making it hard to know what is true versus lore. Something many people don’t realize is true is that cockroaches are typically only active at night! As nocturnal creatures, cockroaches typically only come out at night. This is when they feed, spread, and make a mess. But what about the daytime? Seeing them during the day is indicative of a significant infestation in your home or business.

At Vermont Pest Control, we know that cockroaches are any homeowner’s worst nightmare. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about keeping your eyes peeled for roaches—both day and night.

Nighttime Cockroach Activity

The last thing anyone wants to think about is a bunch of roaches roaming throughout their home in the middle of the night. Unfortunately, it’s more common than you think. Roaches are nocturnal insects. If and when they’re out during the day, they avoid sunlight and prefer to stay hidden in the dark, damp areas of your home. When alert overnight, cockroaches will begin their hunt for food. They will eat just about everything and can navigate your dark kitchen to seek out any crumbs they can find. Research has shown that nighttime cockroach activity happens primarily during the hours just before midnight.

Signs of Roaches During the Day

During the daytime, cockroaches typically stay hidden in dark, moist areas around your home. If spotted crawling around, you likely have dozens and dozens hidden elsewhere. The most common areas where roaches rest in your home during the day are as follows:

  • Underneath or behind appliances like stoves and refrigerators
  • Beneath sinks in your kitchen or bathrooms
  • Near plumbing or your washer and dryer machines
  • Inside light switches or even inside the walls
  • Nestled in piles of debris, papers, boxes, supplies, and more

What to Do About Roaches in Your Home

If you see even a single cockroach, it’s often a bad sign they are hidden in your home. To get rid of these pests, it’s best to team up with your local cockroach exterminators. At Vermont Pest Control, our roach exterminators will work with you to eliminate the infestation and prevent any future roaches from coming back. Contact us today to learn more!

How to Prevent Cockroaches in Your Vermont Home

Cockroach prevention tips in Vermont - Vermont Pest Control

There are four cockroaches found in Vermont: the American cockroach, brown-banded cockroach, German cockroach, and oriental cockroach. Though some are more common than others, there’s no doubting that roaches are a dreaded pest problem for home and business owners alike. Not only are these pests feared in the hearts of many people, but they also can be dangerous as they spread germs and trigger allergies. Bottom line: no one wants to deal with a cockroach problem. The best form of cockroach control is prevention, and the team at Vermont Pest Control is here to share their top tips for preventing roaches in your Vermont home.

8 Best Cockroach Prevention Tips

Roaches are excellent hiders and love to take shelter in the dark, damp corners of your property. To avoid the discovery of an infestation, it’s important to learn how to limit their chances of survival in the first place. Here’s how:

  1. Clean your kitchen. Roaches will gladly feast on food crumbs and spillage in your kitchen. Clean up after mealtimes to keep them away.
  2. Repair leaky pipes and avoid excess moisture. Attracted to moisture, cockroaches will assemble in damp areas created by plumbing problems in the home.
  3. Be wary of cardboard boxes. Cockroaches are known to live in and breed in cardboard boxes. Be cautious when moving them and consider using plastic tubs for storage instead.
  4. Take out garbage regularly. Don’t let cockroaches ravage your trash: make sure to take it out regularly and secure it in a bin with a tight-fitting lid.
  5. Seal cracks and crevices. Roaches can squeeze inside through small holes. Use caulk to seal cracks and holes that permit entry into your property.
  6. Eliminate their food sources. Keep all of your food stored in airtight sealed containers to limit food sources to roach populations.
  7. Pick up pet food from the floor. If you tend to leave out pet food 24/7, you should think twice. Pet food is a common contributor to pest and roach problems.
  8. Declutter your property. Roaches will gladly hide in dark, damp corners of your property. Avoid clutter and regularly clean your surroundings.

When to Get Professional Help to Prevent Cockroaches

Let’s face it: no one wants to deal with a roach problem on their own. If you’re having trouble preventing roaches, it’s best to call your local pest control experts at Vermont Pest Control. Contact our cockroach exterminators today to learn how we can keep you and your family safe from roaches in Vermont.

Pests May Trigger Your Springtime Allergies

Pests can cause allergies in Vermont - Vermont Pest Control

Few places are as beautiful in springtime as Vermont. Unfortunately, with spring blooms comes seasonal allergies. From a runny nose to itchy eyes, most of us have dealt with springtime allergies at one time or another. But is it just the weather and trees triggering our allergies? Unfortunately, pests are a common cause of allergies, especially amongst children. With May being National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, all of us here at Vermont Pest Control are here to shine light on the dangers of allergies exacerbated by pests. Pest allergens are a result of certain types of pests in your home, making it important to know how to avoid them.

How to Remove Pest Allergens in Your Home

To get rid of pest allergens in your property, you need to get rid of pests in your property! Basic pest prevention tips will go a long way in protecting your family from allergies caused by pest infestations. Some of these include:

  • Seal cracks and holes in your property, including entry points for utilities and pipes, screen doors, and windows.
  • Store food in sealed containers and clean kitchens on a daily basis.
  • Dispose of garbage regularly and use a tight-fitting lid.
  • Keep your basements and crawl spaces well-ventilated and dry!
  • Wash blankets, rugs, and bedding in hot water or get them dry-cleaned.
  • Vacuum and dust your property frequently!

Pests that Trigger Allergies in Vermont

Pests certainly can be dangerous, but most people don’t realize that they can cause allergies, too. The most common culprit is the cockroach. Roach droppings, skins, saliva, and more have all been linked to triggering allergic reactions and asthma in individuals, especially children. In addition to cockroaches, stinging insects and dust mites commonly trigger allergies. A sting from a fire ant or yellow jacket can be dangerous for anyone allergic.

It’s important to immediately call 911 or seek medical attention if you are having a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, dizziness, and more.

How to Get Rid of Allergy-Causing Pests

Avoiding pest allergens requires proper pest prevention. If you’ve done all you can to keep pests out of your home and are still getting infestations, it’s best to enlist the help of an exterminator. At Vermont Pest Control, our team customize a pest control plan suited to the unique needs of your property.