What Triggers a Pest Infestation?
Few things are more unsettling than spotting a cockroach in your kitchen without knowing why it’s there. Pests—from insects to rodents—find their way into homes for various reasons. While some factors may be within your control, others, such as shifts in weather or seasons, may require professional assistance from A-One Exterminators.
Searching for Food
Pests are incredibly resourceful and can survive for long periods on even the smallest crumbs, spills, or water sources like pet bowls or leaky faucets. If your home provides easier access to food and water compared to the outdoors, it becomes an attractive spot for pests. Unwashed dishes, food scraps, overripe fruit, and unsealed pet food are prime targets. Make sure to store food in airtight containers and take garbage outside regularly. Rodent droppings can attract other pests like roaches and flies, which also lay eggs in cardboard boxes. Check your storage areas for signs of infestation and keep your living spaces clean and dry to deter unwanted visitors.
Environmental Changes
Shifts in seasons, weather patterns, and habitat disruption often drive pests indoors. As temperatures drop in fall and winter, many pests—including mice and rats—seek warmer environments to ride out the colder months. Additionally, urban development in Oregon has forced pests to find new places to live, often leading them into residential homes for food, water, and shelter.
Easy Entry Points
Pests take advantage of open doors, unsealed windows, and gaps in foundations to enter homes. Cracks in doorways, improperly sealed attic vents, and unguarded plumbing or sewer lines all provide access points for pests looking to escape the cold. Be sure to close all entryways, seal cracks, and repair any gaps in doors or windows to prevent an infestation.
When to Call an Exterminator
If you’ve taken steps to clean your home and seal potential entry points but still have a pest issue, it’s time to call a professional. A-One Exterminators can help identify the problem and eliminate pests from your home efficiently.
