Do you know water can attract bugs and insects?
Just like any other homeowner, at some point, you must have encountered a leaky faucet or water pipe. It is a no-brainer that if left untreated, leaky faucets can result in flooding and water damage. Water damage, if left to stay can result in mold growth, which affects infrastructure and human health. However, one curse brought about by stagnant water is that of bugs and insects. The insects that we are about to discuss are attracted by water, and having them around isn’t something you would long for.
Here are some of the most common bugs attracted by water.
- Cockroaches
One of the most common creepy crawlers in households is the cockroach. To survive, all it needs is water and shelter. These insects can survive for more than a month without food. All they need is a stagnant source of water to thrive on. Once they enter your home, their number increase exponentially. Moisture attracts a cockroach just as much as leftover crumbs of food. To keep cockroaches at bay, make sure the entrances are closed tightly, and the floors and mats in your bathroom are clean and dry.
- Silverfish
Another nuisance brought about by moisture is the silverfish. The ideal place for the silverfish is the crawlspace or the basement, and they enter your home through the cracks in your home’s foundation. These insects munch on kitchen items such as flour, sugar, and oats, and damage the structure of your home. They also harm paper products such as old newspapers, books, and registers. They can also feed on cotton and different types of fabric. If you notice them in your living space, make sure to remove clothes and valuable items to a safer place. The presence of silverfish inside your living space is a sign of water damage, so get your home inspected.
- Mosquitoes
One of the most common flyers attracted by water is the mosquito. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water and can cause multiple diseases such as malaria, Zika Viruses, West Nile and Dengue Virus. As soon as possible, get rid of all the standing water in your home. If mosquitoes are hard to get rid of, you should consider getting your living room fumigated.
- Carpenter Ants
Of all the things that attract carpenter ants, water tops the list with flying colors. If you notice these ants around your ants, wait for the next rainfall, for their number is about to increase. Carpenter ants have a natural taste for wood and might eat away your home’s foundation, as well as wooden furniture.
These were four of the most common insects attracted by stagnant water. To keep them at bay, and your home safe, make sure to keep your home clean, dry and free from standing water.
