You might think it’s okay to avoid fixing a leaky faucet or a slight drip in your bathroom tap. However, your plumbing problems can lead to many other problems — like pests.
Pests thrive in humid conditions caused by water damage which is created due to plumbing leaks in your kitchen or bathroom. Just like humans, pests need water to survive. These pests are a health hazard and they need to be exterminated. You may want to call in a pest control service to get rid of them.
If you have a slow dripping kitchen tap that you’ve neglected to fix, it might become a magnet to attract pests into your home. In addition, hidden plumbing problems like a leaky pipe in your home’s walls can also cause the wooden structures in your house to dampen and attract pests.
Here are the different pests that are attracted by plumbing problems:
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Carpenter ants
If you’ve got a carpenter ants infestation, it usually means there’s a plumbing problem that’s causing excess moisture in your home. These critters are found in dishwashers, sinks, and areas where there are plumbing leaks. Carpenter ants infest building materials like wood when it is damp or rotting, which can be caused by hidden plumbing leaks.
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Drain flies
Drain flies are attracted to the moisture and decomposing organic matter that is found in garbage disposals drains that haven’t been cleaned for a while. Likewise, clogged kitchen sinks. If you have a drain fly infestation at hand, it would be a good idea to have your drains inspected and cleaned.
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Termites
Termites are attracted to damp or even rotting wood, which might be caused by a plumbing problem that’s gone unnoticed. These termites can cause large-scale structural damage to exposed wood and eventually compromise the whole structure of your building.
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Rodents
Rodents like mice and rats are not only attracted to the humidity of a damp bathroom or a laundry room. Meaning, rodents can also access a building structure’s plumbing system through the sewer. Thus, causing major blockages that in turn can cause water leaks. Also, Rodents in the house can transmit diseases and cause major damage by chewing wires, paper and cloth.
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Cockroaches
Cockroaches are attracted to places that offer humidity and moisture. They can make your plumbing problems worse. Since they’re known to gain access to the sewer system and clog up the drain and sink traps. Make sure to keep your kitchen clean to avoid cockroach infestations.
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Mosquitoes
A blocked gutter or a drain will attract a pool of water, and stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. A mosquito infestation at home can be dangerous since these pests are responsible for diseases like malaria and dengue.
A good way to know if you have a pest infestation due to a plumbing leak is to look for dead bugs in your home. Inspect your windowsills, spaces beneath your furniture and hard to reach nooks and crannies of your house for the bodies of dead bugs and pests. If you notice that the bodies of the bugs are of the same species, it might be an indication of an infestation. Mosquito clearzone treatment is recommended if you find out a region in your home that has mosquito infestation.
How to prevent a pest infestation because of plumbing
It’s important to understand that pests are generally attracted to moisture caused by plumbing leaks. This can be stopped by a few preventive measures:
- Locate and repair the source of excess moisture in your home. It might be the leaky garbage disposal, faucets that don’t close completely or a kitchen tap that doesn’t stop dripping. Call a professional to repair them immediately.
- Inspect your basement and attics for leaks to reduce moisture levels.
- Inspect gutters and roof on a regular basis. Make sure your roof is free of dead leaves and bird feathers and droppings to prevent the formation of mold, which can attract pests.
- Chimneys and kitchen vents should be inspected once a year for leaks.
Getting your plumbing problem fixed immediately can help prevent a pest infestation. Also, save you a lot of time and money on repairing the damage that can be caused by unwanted pests. It’s also a good idea to have a pest control service come and examine your home for possible signs of an infestation that you might have missed.
For additional Home Tips and Advice visit: Smarter Renovation and Home Improvement Tips
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