Why do Pests Make a Home of Your Home?

The days shorten, the sun gets lower in the sky, the temperatures tumble and that signals the start of home insect invasions. While the rest of us cozy in by the fire and eat comfort food for the next few month, the pests find shelter in your home. This is prime seasons for pests to look for warm places to hide out for the winter, and usually the cracks and crevices of the home are the first places they'll look. They also settle in, find food and even make way into your precious walls, attics, and the rest of the home. But why?What makes your home so appealing to these pests? Read on to find out.

The Climate

Insects need to find a safe place to overwinter and your home may just fit the bill. The snow, cold, rain, wind and low temperatures are cause for insects to move into your home. Obviously you can't do much about having a warm and inviting home, but you can, however, locate possible entryways. Be sure these possible entryways are blocked off so mice and other critters cannot make their way in from the outside.

The Direction your House Faces

While we may never know the reason why insects specifically choose your home, one major reason may be the direction your home faces. South or west facing homes, where the sun can warm the exterior walls may seem like a warm place for insects to congregate - sometimes by the thousands. Insects tend to find a home where there's a lot of sun or warmth for an extended period of time. This often ends up being the side of the home that faces the sun for the most hours of the day. Be sure this side of the home is secure and pest-proof.

The Easy Access to your Home

Cracks, crevices, splits in the foundation and outside entrances can be like an open door to insects looking for a place to stay. Its difficult to pinpoint all of the possible entryways, as some can be extremely difficult to identify. Have a professional come and assess your home before the season. Taking care of any openings on the exterior of your home can mean that you have closed the door to your home becoming a good hibernating spot.

The Color of your Home

Believe it or not, some bugs, like stinkbugs, flock to light colored hues. Not that you should repaint your home, but at least it may explain the migration to the walls of your home. And this also may be something you consider when moving into a new home, especially in a wooded area of New England.

The Plantings Surrounding your Property

Ground beetles tend to infest homes that have planting beds located next to the foundation. Millipedes migrate from moist, heavily mulched flower beds to moist basements. You may want to consider moving flower beds and gardens a little further from the foundation and not mulching right next to the foundation if possible.

The Chemical Scent from Past Generations

The chemical sent that past generations of pests may have left behind could attract other critters. Many scientists believe that insects leave behind the scent of chemical pheromones that tend to attract future generations of insects to find safety and nest in your home.