As the seasons change, pests can become a bigger and bigger problem. It only makes sense, because after a less-active winter season, bugs and rodents are going to be hungry and looking for a warm place to take shelter. When you realize that your home is going to seem like a luxury hotel to pests emphasizes the importance of sealing even the smallest cracks and crevices that pests can work into.
One element that motivates homeowners to go the extra mile to pest-proof their homes is the potential damage that pests can cause, especially to the HVAC systems. For your health, peace of mind and financial security, do what you can as a homeowner to keep pests outside your home.
- Ants and bugs
- Cockroaches
- Spiders
- Mice & Rats
- Snakes
- Squirrels and Raccoons
Identifying signs of pests
Pests survive best when they are unnoticed. However, certain habits and natural behaviors leave signs for homeowners or HVAC technicians. Understanding that you have a pest problem is the first step. You may not simply spot a rat scurrying about their house or hear squeaks and scratches in the night. Instead, you may have to find out that they have pests by spotting droppings left behind, scratches on the walls or by the serious damage that has been done. According to studies by Texas A&M squirrels, rats and other rodents are accountable for 25% of mystery fires. For any number of reasons, pests are never welcome guests in any home.
Your next steps should be to identify the extent of the issue, to survey the damage that may have been caused, and then remove the pests and remediate any damage caused to your HVAC system or home.
Have your vents inspected and maintained
A very commonplace for pests to take refuge while hiding in your home is your vents. Vents are well hidden, provide more than enough room for pests of all sizes and also offer a network of channels for navigating your entire home as needed. This means, no matter where scraps may lie throughout your home, rats and roaches can make their way to that room and work their way in and out before anyone notices.
If you’ve seen signs of pest waste or bite or scratch marks, one of the first places to check is going to be your vents/ducts. If you aren’t sure how best to inspect your home’s ductwork, give the local Austin HVAC specialists at McCullough a call at (512) 866-9821 . We will thoroughly inspect your home’s vents without causing any damage to your system. Our Austin HVAC techs can also clear out, clean out and sanitize your ducts to improve your home’s air quality and lighten the load on your system’s filters.
Maintain a tidy home inside and out
Dirty dishes, crumbs, stains, overgrown grass and out of control weeds are all pest magnets. Pests are scavengers, so they are designed to sense even the smallest bit of food and do what it takes to get to it. The more often you leave food accessible to pests, the more likely they are to try to get in for a snack or to make your house their home.
You can also pest-proof your home by tightly sealing all packaged products. Even chip or cookie bags that have been clipped shut, can be sniffed out by rodents or insects. Utilize tightly sealable bags or, better yet, resealable plastic containers to prevent pests from becoming too interested in the food inside your home.
To rid yourself of crumbs and dirty dishes, it is simply a matter of adhering to a strict cleaning routine. If you leave dishes out overnight or crumbs under your sofa for weeks, there’s a good chance that pests will take advantage of an easy meal.
In your yard, pests are more comfortable functioning within a natural environment. This means that the closer that grass, weeds and other plant life get to your home and HVAC components, the more likely pests will infiltrate your space.
Seal up vents and other points of entry
Cracks and openings on the exterior of your house provide an easy opportunity for pests to invade your home. These openings are often around vents, doors, windows, loose siding, flutes, shingles, chimneys, gutters and other seams around your home. If you notice loose bolts or caulking, call a contractor to make these needed repairs.
Keep humidity levels in check
Most pests thrive in dark and damp conditions. Take care of any water buildup within your home and ensuring that rooms, especially bathrooms, are properly ventilated. This keeps things dry, safe and less-inviting to household pests.
Call a local HVAC specialist
Whether you’re looking to identify ways to better pest-proof your home, or have noticed signs of pest damage on your HVAC system and need immediate services, give the Austin HVAC experts at McCullough a call @ (512) 866-9821 . We look forward to working with you!
