Delayed Home Repairs that Attract Pests and How to Fix

Although some of these home fixes can be delayed for a while, while you gather up the money and motivation, others simply can’t or shouldn’t wait.

There is a whole class of home repairs that may seem like they aren’t that big of a deal, but that can lead to far greater issues if they aren’t managed promptly. For instance, many delayed home repairs can increase the likelihood of pests getting into your home and wreaking havoc. These are the types of fixes that shouldn’t be put on hold.

 

Delayed Home Repairs That Attract Pests and How to Fix Them

This article will discuss some of the most common home repairs that, if left unfixed, can attract pests that ultimately cause larger problems. It will also provide some guidance on how to complete these repairs in an effective and affordable manner.

 

1. Fix Holes and Cracks

Perhaps the single most valuable home repair you can do to prevent pests is to patch up any gaps around the exterior of your home. Structural repairs can affect both the safety and security of your home if left untreated.

All sorts of pests, from termites and wasps to bats and raccoons, will take advantage of easy access to your home. Any and all pests can do significant damage within a relatively short period of time if left unchecked.

Do a semi-regular check of the exterior of your home for damage or cracks that need to be repaired. This involves looking at the foundation for cracks, checking the roof for leaks, evaluating screens and weather stripping, and walking around the exterior of your home looking for holes or other types of damage to the siding.

Pay special attention to places where electrical lines, piping, or other things enter the house. Depending on the size and severity of any of the repairs you uncover, you will likely be able to fix them yourself. For instance, rips in screens and weather stripping can be repaired cheaply and easily.

Small cracks under ½ inch in width can be sealed using exterior-grade caulk or sealants. Plugging small holes with things like copper mesh wire can also help deter pests.

Techies might also be able to incorporate smart technologies to aid in long-term pest monitoring. Along with AI and other fun smart tech that can be incorporated into the home, some companies also offer services such as sensor installation that can connect to a phone and alert homeowners when there is a breach. Ultimately, this can help prevent problems before they start.

 

2. Repair Minor Leaks

Leaks are another maintenance issue that can encourage pests to come to your home. If water collects in areas of your house or a leak occurs, you’ll find rotted wood and damage to the structure of the house, which should be a high priority to fix.

Stopping these issues from springing up in the first place is the best way to limit the need for recurring maintenance. Excess moisture and leaking pipes are some of the main attractions for pests like termites in many parts of the United States.

Most species of termites prefer warm, moist climates and damp wood, which can be easily found in homes with small, unknown leaks. Other pests may also take advantage of leaks or pooling water around your home, such as mosquitoes, which breed in chronically wet places.

Repairing leaks around your home could be something that is easily done by you, such as tightening up nuts and bolts around pipes and replacing broken or damaged fittings. Even cleaning out the gutters on a semi-regular basis can make a big difference.

Most of the tools and pieces for minor leak repair can be picked up at a local hardware store at an affordable rate. However, larger leaks caused by things like roots in sewer piping or a broken line may require the help of a plumber.

 

3. Rethink Landscaping

Another type of preventative maintenance that you can do around your home to prevent pests involves strategically planning your landscaping to minimize its attractiveness to different pests. This doesn’t mean you can’t have your dream landscaping; rather, it means planning with pests in mind. 

For instance, one of the most important things you can do to minimize the attractiveness of your landscaping to pests is to remove large hiding spaces right up against your house.

If you keep a wood pile, moving it away from your home can prevent termites (which thrive on dead and decomposing wood) and limit warm homes for mice adjacent to your house. Clipping back vegetation right up against the exterior walls of your home can also make a big difference.

There are several ways to incorporate natural remedies to help reduce the attractiveness of your home to pests as well. For instance, coffee grounds can be used around the base of your home to deter most insects. Vinegar mixed with peppermint or lemon extract can also be a great natural pest deterrent.

 

In Conclusion

Once your home is pest-proof for the year, you can just kick back and relax, knowing that you’re not sharing your home with a multitude of different pests.

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