Pests can cause a lot of issues. Not only can they make your home look dirty, but they may spread disease, cause allergies, and damage the home. Unfortunately, your home may be attracting pests. If you would like to know more, keep reading.

Do You Have Pets?

If you have pets, they may track in a wide variety of pests, especially fleas. This is usually a bigger problem for people with dogs and cats that go outside. Luckily, you don't have to get rid of your furry friend to reduce the risk of fleas. Just make sure you treat your pets for fleas, ticks, and other critters. You can also use special pest control in your yard.  

Is Your Yard a Great Spot for Pests?

The more pests in your yard, the higher the risk they will migrate inside your home. Naturally, an overgrown, poorly maintained yard may provide a lot of food and shelter for pests. However, even if you do maintain your yard, having plants near the house is like asking pests to move in. They can easily hide in those plants and look for a way inside the home.

Other factors that may attract pests include:

• Open trash cans
• Rotting wood like tree stumps
• Firewood stacked against the home    

Do You Have Access Points for Pests?

Naturally, you won't open the door for pests, but they can find many ways inside. Small pests can sneak through tiny gaps like those around windows. Pests may also sneak inside via:

• Pipes/cords passing through the exterior
• Cracks in the foundation
• Screenless windows
• Vents
• Chimney

To prevent pests, start by sealing up any holes in the exterior of the home. You can also use screens on windows, vents, and chimneys to block pests, particularly larger pests.

Are You Providing Water and Food?

Pests need food and water, and you may be providing it to them. Many pests are attracted to unknown water sources like hidden leaks. However, you may be attracting pests with:

• Bird baths
• Pet water bowls
• Leaking faucets

While you can't remove every source of water, you can limit the number inside the house. If you have water outside, keep it away from the house.

When it comes to food, some pests naturally eat your housing materials, but most pests prefer human foods. As a result, you may attract pests if:

• You have lots of crumbs
• Leave food exposed/uncovered
• Leave dirty dishes in the sink

If you have pests, you aren't alone. Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent and eliminate pests. To find out more, contact a company like Rice's Termite and Pest Control Services.