How Water Leaks Cause Pest Infestations
The most common pests in moist spaces are drain flies, termites, spiders, cockroaches, pill bugs, ants, silverfish, woodlice, and mosquitoes.
One of homeowners' most common fears is finding insects and rodents in basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Insects and rodents are attracted to damp, dark spaces, so homes with high moisture levels are especially prone to infestations. High moisture levels could be due to leaky pipes and plumbing fixtures, so developing a regular maintenance routine for the pipes and other plumbing systems is key to preventing rodents and insects from entering the home.
Common pests that are attracted to moisture
The most common pests in moist spaces are drain flies, termites, spiders, cockroaches, pill bugs, ants, silverfish, woodlice, and mosquitoes. Homeowners should be familiar with these pets to identify and eliminate them from the home quickly.
Drain flies thrive in places where there is decomposing organic matter, such as garbage disposal pits, sinks, bathroom showers, and dirty drains. They feed on organic matter, lay eggs, and multiply. If these flies are found in the drain, call a plumber to check for any leakage in the plumbing system.
Cockroaches and pill bugs also like places that are damp and dirty. If a pipe is not fitted well, it may leak, causing food and other waste materials to escape. Cockroaches feed on the food particles and drink water from the moist parts of the pipe. Additionally, pill bugs may indicate a leak in the piping system. Sealing leaks is the best way to rid a home of cockroaches and pill bugs.
Check for termites and woodlice if a property is made of wooden materials. These insects are attracted to damp wood or damp places. The woodlice dries up when in sunlight or open areas; thus, it mostly stays below the leaking pipes. Regular maintenance from a qualified plumbing expert can prevent these incidents from happening. Check for potential leaks if the attic has a hot water system. Leakage in the attic can lead to moisture in the roof or walls, attracting termites.
Inspecting for leaks
The first step to repairing leaks is to find the source of the problem. If the insects mentioned above are encountered, thoroughly investigate areas prone to moisture and look at nearby running water sources. Check common places like underneath the refrigerator, the water line of the freezer, the garbage disposal area, sink traps, bathroom and kitchen doors, and the water of the dishwasher and washing machine.
Sealing the Leak
Check the pipe entry points and make sure they are watertight. Seal the identified leaks with foam insulation, metal plates, or rubber gaskets. These materials can be bought at most hardware stores. When sealing pipes, contacting a qualified plumber is always best to ensure safety and quality work.
Pets are not only unwanted in the home but can also cause damage and health problems. Stay on top of all water systems in the house to avoid moisture buildup that could attract pests, and take immediate action if pests are detected. Familiarizing themselves with the most common types of pests helps homeowners to know what kind of leak may be occurring and to resolve the issue promptly.
With over 25 years of experience, American Discount Plumbing has offered expert plumbing service and repair in Phoenix, Arizona, and surrounding cities at affordable rates for both residential and commercial properties. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured plumbing company offering 24-hour emergency service. We provide lasting general plumbing, water leak detection and repair, toilet repair, pipe repair, and water heater repair or replacement solutions. Call 602-883-2787 today!
