It’s officially summer—and prime season for household pests like termites, carpenter ants, silverfish, roaches, and rodents. Not only can these unwelcome houseguests spread germs and contaminate food, but they can also cause significant damage to your home—and hidden maintenance issues may be inviting them in.
Here’s what you need to know about two of the biggest home maintenance problems that can lead to infestations and costly repairs.
Moisture Is Enemy No. 1
“Moisture problems are among the biggest hidden contributors to recurring pest infestations, as many pests rely on damp environments to survive and reproduce,” says Jill Pierce, senior director of consumer care for the DIY pest control retailer DoMyOwn.
Richard Karn, chief solutions officer for DoMyOwn—and America’s favorite handyman from the ’90s sitcom Home Improvement—agrees, noting that moisture is one of the hidden issues he looks for first. “Anywhere there is moisture, the risk of pests is higher. Leaking pipes, standing water, and clogged gutters create ideal breeding grounds for pests like roaches, mosquitoes, and silverfish,” he says.
Moisture can also attract wood-destroying pests like termites and carpenter ants, which leave behind telltale signs. “Homeowners should be on the lookout for any small piles of wood shavings or sawdust, bubbling paint or drywall, and ‘soft’ spots in the floor. Early intervention is key to avoiding an expensive remediation,” Jill says.
Easy Access Points Are Enemy No. 2
“Seemingly minor home issues are frequently overlooked and can lead to pests and rodents finding their way into your home,” Richard says. “Mice can fit through a hole the size of a dime, so repairing cracks or holes in your foundation, around window and door frames, in window screens, or where pipes and wires enter your home goes a long way to keep pests and rodents out.”
Preventative Home Maintenance Is Key
“There’s a lot of power in being proactive when it comes to keeping unwanted guests out of your home,” Richard says. “It may seem harmless to wait until you see pests or visible damage before taking action, but by that point, the problem may already be well established. Regular inspections around your home for pests, proper identification, and preventative pest control treatments can help stop small issues from becoming larger, more expensive infestations.”
Along with closing up entry points, remove water sources pests need to survive in and around your home. “This includes preventative steps like repairing leaks quickly, keeping the ground near foundations dry, and utilizing dehumidifiers,” Jill says.
Other home maintenance tasks to add to your list: cleaning your gutters regularly to prevent debris from building up, keeping landscaping elements in check (maybe it’s time for that overgrown shrub planted too close to the house to go), and monitoring for damage or standing water after strong storms.
“Without fixing leaks, improving airflow, reducing humidity, or correcting drainage issues, pest problems often return,” Jill says. “Many homeowners focus solely on pesticides while overlooking the environmental conditions sustaining the infestation.”
Terri Robertson has been an editor and storyteller for more than 20 years. As Deputy Digital Editor at Country Living, she curates daily newsletters and has found a niche writing about odd corners of the internet and people embracing American life off the beaten path. She’s passionate about gardening and nature, writing about everything from super monarchs to supermoons. She also contributes to Country Living’s entertainment coverage, including HGTV stars, popular TV shows, and music. Terri began her career proofreading Southern Living cookbooks—a first job befitting an English major with a childhood penchant for reading her mom’s cookbooks—and went on to edit many food, garden, and lifestyle titles. She later worked for the University of Alabama’s marketing and communications division, capturing the stories of students and faculty. Returning to lifestyle media in 2017, she covered local arts, culture, and business news in Birmingham, Alabama, for Bham Now and later served as digital media manager for Flower magazine, a luxury home, garden, and lifestyle publication, before finding her home at Country Living. She and her husband live with their four cats in Birmingham.
