When providing pest control in Knoxville, one of the first steps after identifying an infestation is attempting to find the source. There is something that all living creatures, including household pests, have in common. They all need three things to survive: food, shelter, and water. If you are dealing with a pest problem, then they have already successfully found at least one of those essential needs! The most common culprit is moisture! Let's take a look at some of the common pests that are attracted to moisture in your home.

What is Moisture?

First, let's talk about what we consider moisture in relation to an ideal habitat for pests. There are many different sources of moisture in your home, and they are almost all preventable. Indoors, we would look for leaking pipes, leaking roofs, water damage from previous flooding, dampness, or poorly fitting windows. Outside, you would want to consider standing water such as pools, birdbaths, blocked gutters, and even puddles caused by poor drainage. All of these sources of moisture can be an attractive beacon for various pests, leaving you needing pest control in Knoxville to eradicate the problem!

Where Are The Common Hot Spots?

Each type of pest will have its own needs outside of the primary three. This will determine which area of your home they will likely establish a colony in. For example, do they prefer being in the dark? Do they have a carnivorous or plant-based diet? Pests will hole up just about anywhere in your home, but in our extensive time offering pest control in Knoxville, we have seen that some specific hotspots tend to attract pests more than other areas of the home.

• Kitchens -One of the most common areas to find pests is the kitchen, which often provides both food and moisture! You may pride yourself on your cleanliness, but even a single crumb from your last meal can present a feast to a small insect! The kitchen also has a lot of moisture from the sink and other appliances like dishwashers and refrigerators, making it a haven for many species of pests.
• Bathrooms - Like kitchens, the bathroom presents plenty of opportunity to find moisture. The steam from baths and showers can often cause dampness, and many bathrooms have mildew hiding in the crevices. This is very attractive to pests. Bathrooms also have organic matter available in the form of hair, skin, and nail clippings. This can be a source of food for specific pests.
• Basements and Attics - These areas of the home are the ones that are most prone to residual moisture and leaks. They are also dark and cool, making them the ideal environment for pests to colonize. When carrying out pest control in Knoxville, we always make sure to focus some attention on these spaces.

Which Pests Are Attracted to Moisture?

Pests that are attracted to moisture are often referred to as moisture-loving pests. These pests thrive in damp or humid environments, as moisture provides them with the conditions they need to survive and reproduce. Once these take hold and build a colony, it can be tricky to get rid of them without the help of professional pest control in Knoxville. Here are some common types of pests that are attracted to moisture:

• Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, so they are highly attracted to areas with stagnant water or high humidity.
• Fungus Gnats: These tiny flying insects are attracted to damp soil, organic material, and overwatered plants.
• Termites: Subterranean termites are drawn to moisture and require it to survive. They often build their colonies in damp soil or wood.
• Cockroaches: While they can survive in dry conditions, cockroaches are known to seek out moisture sources, such as leaky pipes, damp basements, and areas with high humidity.
• Silverfish: These wingless insects are attracted to high humidity and moisture-rich environments. They feed on starchy materials like paper and glue.
• Centipedes and Millipedes: These arthropods are attracted to damp, dark areas and are often found in basements, crawl spaces, and other areas with high moisture levels.
• Earwigs: Earwigs are drawn to moisture and are commonly found in damp areas like under rocks, logs, and in mulch.
• Slugs and Snails: These creatures need moisture to survive and are often found in gardens, especially during wet seasons.
• Dust Mites: While not visible to the naked eye, dust mites thrive in humid environments and feed on dead skin cells.

Regular pest control in Knoxville can help to stay on top of any potential pest infestations, but there are also steps that you can take to help prevent these pests. It's important to address any moisture-related issues in your home or property. This can include fixing leaks, using dehumidifiers, ensuring proper ventilation, and maintaining good drainage around your property. Regular cleaning and maintenance can also go a long way in keeping these pests at bay.

--

Otis Termite & Pest Control is a full-service pest control company with a focus on outstanding service. We have been serving the East Tennessee area for over 56 years and our reputation is built on prompt and effective service. We’re good at what we do and we’re fast. We do the job right the first time – and that’s an actual guarantee! 

Call 865.690.1662 or visit www.otispestcontrol.net.