Cockroaches, silverfish, earwigs – these pests and more thrive in moist conditions. Chances are you’ve seen them lurking in your bathroom or under the kitchen sink. Once they’ve entered your home and found a good water source, they won’t turn around and leave on their own. McCall Service has some tips on how to take pest prevention into your own hands in your Gainesville, FL, home.
5 Tips to Control Humidity Levels
Repair the leaky pipes.
Pest prevention starts with fixing the leaks around your home. However, not all leaks occur from the faucets; sometimes they occur behind the walls. If the faucet leaks, make the necessary repairs to keep water from dripping continuously. For leaks behind the walls, check for signs of moisture, such as darker areas on the wall or the smell of mildew. Take care of the problem right away to prevent further pest infestations and structural damage.
Caulk around the showers and tubs.
Caulking around the showers and bathtubs may not reduce the humidity levels, but it will prevent water from seeping in the cracks and causing wood rot. Pests lurk in the floors and walls and can find the smallest source of water. This fix only takes a few minutes and can keep smaller pests like silverfish out of the room.
Use a dehumidifier and fans.
High moisture levels? Invest in a dehumidifier for your rooms. It will help to balance the air conditions and reduce the overall moisture in your home. Running the ceiling fan or a floor fan can also help to circulate the air, keeping the indoors nice and dry.
Encapsulate the crawlspace.
Sometimes the excess moisture comes from the crawlspace beneath your home. Creating a vapor barrier and insulating the space can improve your home in many ways, from reducing moisture to preventing mold and wood rot.
Seal cracks and crevices around your home.
Inspect your windows and doors for cracks and crevices where pests could come inside. These gaps also let in air from the outside and cause an imbalance in the interior humidity and temperature. Block the cracks with foam sealant or caulk to put a stop to pest invasions and poor indoor air quality.
McCall Service: Pest Control Professionals
High humidity levels in your Gainesville, FL, home attract various pest insects, causing an infestation in a few weeks or months. If you fail to create dryer conditions inside, you could deal with a larger problem later, such as mold and mildew growth. Contact McCall Service to talk with a pest control professional and to learn more about how we can keep your home protected from moisture.