“The Southeast had an unusually cold winter with sleet, moisture and snow in unexpected places. Despite the cold, mosquitoes will rebound quickly due to the accumulation of moisture in the region. Expect termites and cockroaches to similarly thrive as it gets warmers”, states Pest World.
Excessive moisture around your home can attract many pests specifically mosquitoes, termites and cockroaches. It can also cause fungi to grow, including wood rot fungus which can lead to severe structural damage.
Mosquitoes:
National Geographic explains that, “All mosquitoes need water to breed, so eradication and population-control efforts usually involve removal or treatment of standing water sources. Insecticide spraying to kill adult mosquitoes is also widespread. However, global efforts to stop the spread of mosquitoes are having little effect, and many scientists think global warming will likely increase their number and range”.
Termites:
Termites are a concern for homeowners in every state except Alaska. These destructive insects can slowly destroy the structure of a home. A few simple precautions can help prevent this; many of the typical preventive measures involve reducing or eliminating moisture and water near the foundations of the house.
Cockroaches:
Pestworld.org says that “cockroaches are some of the most adaptable creatures on earth, which makes controlling and eliminating a cockroach infestation all the more difficult. Homeowners should seek out and seal all cracks and holes in homes. Basements and crawl spaces should be kept well ventilated and dry”.
Here are some ways you can reduce the moisture in and around your home to keep the bugs away.
Inside your home:
- Keep humidity levels low by using a dehumidifier or circulating the air with fans. Dehumidifiers are especially useful in basements.
- Fix leaking pipes. Check under sinks and around toilets and look for wet spots.
- Caulking around bathtubs and showers. A small hole or break in the caulk will allow water to seep through.
Outside your home:
- Clean out your gutters. Clogged gutters can breed mosquitoes and attract a variety of pests such as carpenter ants and cockroaches.
- Trim your bushes and trees back away from the house. Pests like to hang out in heavy vegetation where moisture is trapped.
- Excessive amounts of mulch or pine straw around the foundation of your home can trap moisture and keep the foundation wet, plus provide harborage for pests.
- Check for standing water around the foundation and eliminate it. Grading the the soil sloping away from the foundation can help.
- Mosquitoes can breed in any amount of standing water that lasts for two weeks. Make sure you empty water from old flower pots, trashcans, wheelbarrows, toys, etc.
- Position sprinkler heads away from the house and not onto it.
Under your home:
- Keep your crawlspace dry and free of wood debris. Excessive moisture in the crawlspace attracts termites and other pests. Lots of options to dry out your crawlspace such as drainage system, foundation vents and vapor barrier.
- For high levels of humidity, you may need to have your crawlspace encapsulated and a dehumidifier installed.
Houseman is the only complete service company in the Athens, GA area. We provide Weed control, fertilization, shrub care, mulch & pine straw, sod, annual plantings, irrigation, and commercial & residential lawn maintenance. We are also state certified and licensed in wood destroying organisms (termite control), household pest control, public heath, and turf & ornamental weed control. We are licensed to control and treat mosquitoes, termites, all pest problems and turf & ornamental weed control. Contact the professionals at Houseman Services and set up a free inspection of your yard. We have been servicing homes and businesses in the Athens, Clarke County area since 1985!