How Can I Avoid Bringing Pests Into My Home?

When we make calls to homes that are experiencing a pest problem, we are often asked by homeowners how the pest got inside in the first place. Sometimes the answer is that a foundation has cracks or openings, other times it is a chimney cap that has come loose, or even a soffit or siding piece that has just enough space for a pest to sneak into a home. Many times, however, there are pests because the homeowner actually brought it into the home!Yes, you heard me right! Some pests, like bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, mice, and even squirrels have been brought into homes by the owner, unbeknownst to them. Read on to hear about how these clever hitchhikers are finding their way into a cozy, warm home for the winter by catching a ride with someone who lives in the house.

Common Hitchhiking Pests

Before we reveal how these pests are using you to get into your home, let's take a second talk about which pests are the most likely to be a hitchhiker so you will know what to be on the lookout for.

• Bed bugs are notorious hitchhikers who can grasp on to luggage, clothing, backpacks, and purses to get from one location to another.
• Cockroaches can enter your home by hiding in virtually anything you carry into your home including boxes, luggage, and even groceries.
• Mice and small squirrels can often hide away on firewood as you bring it in from your stack to the fireplace.
• Ants and fleas have been known to catch a ride into your home on clothing, shoes, pets, and groceries.

Preventing Pest Hitchhikers

Now that you have an idea of what pests could enter your home, it is a good idea to take some precautions to make sure you are not the method of entry.To prevent pests from entering your home in luggage, especially after you have stayed in a hotel, check your luggage and take clothing directly to the laundry for cleaning and dry all items on high heat to kill potential bed bugs. While away, you may also want to keep your clothing and luggage items off the floor and hanging in a closet. Check the mattresses of each hotel you stay in and be aware of any signs of bedbugs.To prevent pests such as mice, squirrels, or insects from catching a ride in on firewood, be sure to bang it on the ground to loosen any pests that are hiding inside the bark. Be careful to burn the wood the same day as bringing it into the home. The longer the wood sits inside, the better chance a pests will emerge.To stop pests from sneaking into your home in groceries or boxes, check all produce and bulk items before you enter the house. Some homeowners even unpack in the garage to ensure that no pests find their way into the pantry or kitchen.Need more tips about keeping hitchhikers out of your home? Contact our team or check us out on our Facebook page,