Great service! Leo, our technician was very knowledgeable and professional, he helped me understand the do's and don'ts and how to keep my house free of pests. The green company is very pet and child friendly so we didn't loose time from our daily lives. For privacy and out of respect for your property, technicians do not open closed doors so you gotta let them know which rooms you want service in. Price is great, and includes unlimited follow-ups. Great job, thank you.
Caroline Canning
Tim Cloud is thorough and well spoken when it comes to explaining treatment. He gets the job done and we do not experience pests in between sprays, which is really appreciated.
M Hughes
Nathan green services : it was such a pleasure to meet your technician Mr Raul Espinosa. He was very knowledgeable about his job and meticulously checked the property and explained to us that unluckily we are connected to other neighbors which would’ve made his work impossible since the others apparently don’t care about the presence of mice in their attics and the six owners would’ve had to decide to do the job. We really appreciate his time and knowledge . Such a great asset for your company.
victor barbee
Great job. Cheerful, efficient, thorough.
Catherine Raines
Tim is very professional and kind. This is his 2nd time to do our pest control and just like last time was very thorough and made sure we were satisfied. Excellent customer service!
Hitesh Bhakta
Natran serviced my previous home and when I moved to my new house, I contacted them again since their service is excellent and they pay attention to detail.
Cindy Davis
Alex was very thorough and informative of the pest/roach problem I am experiencing. He cared and listened to my concerns. I am hopeful the pesticide and bait work to get rid of these pests.
Radeen Kabir
Whether you have Marc, Raul, or Damion coming by your home for your pest control needs, you will be very pleased with their service. They are highly professional and thorough. After the first pest control folks we used incorrectly told us we had American cockroaches when in fact we had mice, we reached out to Natran and they came by right away. Natran's traps helped us exterminate a number of mice and they also sealed the openings at our home. I highly recommend their services. And Kate at their office is great and will connect you to the right pest control professional, who is very well trained and dependable.
Debbie Hall
Very attentive, articulate, and thorough service person. We appreciate the effort he put in to find the dead rat that had escaped the trap.
Julie Brandom Atun
Thorough and professional!!!
Doug Block
Great pest company. Highly recommend them for fast, effective, and professional pest control. We'll be using them for regular service from now on!
Kevin Bice
Fast, friendly service. They seem to know what they’re doing, and I look forward to working with them in the coming year.
The Science of Attractants: What Draws Pests into Your Home?
Home > Blog > The Science of Attractants: What Draws Pests into Your Home?
Published Date - June 13, 2024
Article written by Jamar Williamson
We're diving into the world of pests and figuring out why they love to crash at your place. Have you ever wondered why pests seem to prefer your home over others? It's not just bad luck – there's actually some solid science behind it! Let's explore the types of pest attractants, why they're important, and how you can make your home less appealing to these unwanted guests.
Types of Pest Attractants
First things first, let's talk about what exactly attracts pests to your home. Pests are on the hunt for three main things: food, water, and shelter. Just like us, they need these essentials to survive. Let’s break it down further:
Food Attractants
Pests have a keen sense of smell, and they're always on the lookout for a good meal. Different pests are attracted to different types of food:
Ants: These little guys are mostly after sweets, but some species love greasy foods, too. That cookie crumb you dropped under the couch last week? Ants can sniff it out in no time!
Cockroaches: Cockroaches aren’t picky eaters. They’ll munch on anything from leftovers in the sink to the glue on the back of stamps. Gross, right?
Rodents: Mice and rats have a diverse diet. They’ll go for grains, fruits, seeds, and even meat if they can find it. Your pantry is like a buffet to them.
Water Attractants
Pests also need water to survive, and they'll find it in some surprising places:
Mosquitoes: Standing water is a mosquito’s paradise. Birdbaths, clogged gutters, and even puddles in your yard are perfect spots for mosquitoes to lay their eggs.
Cockroaches: These resilient pests can go a long time without food, but they need water to survive. Leaky faucets, damp basements, and wet mops are like a spa retreat for cockroaches.
Termites: Termites are attracted to moisture because it softens wood, making it easier for them to chew through. Leaky pipes or poorly ventilated crawl spaces are like a welcome mat for termites.
Definition and Importance of Pest Attractants
So, what exactly are pest attractants? In simple terms, pest attractants are things that lure pests into your home. These can be food, water, shelter, or even specific scents that pests find appealing.
Understanding pest attractants is important for a few reasons:
1. Prevention: Knowing what attracts pests helps you take steps to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. If you eliminate the things that attract pests, you make your home less inviting.
2. Control: If you already have a pest problem, understanding attractants can help you figure out why pests are there and how to get rid of them. It’s easier to control pests when you know what they’re after.
3. Health and Safety: Many pests carry diseases or can cause health problems. By reducing the attractants, you also reduce the risk of pests bringing harm to your family.
Shelter and Nesting Sites
Let’s take a closer look at shelter and nesting sites. Why are these so crucial for pests, and what can you do about it?
Why Pests Need Shelter
Pests need shelter to protect themselves from predators and harsh weather. They also need a safe place to raise their young. Here are some common shelter and nesting sites for various pests:
Rodents: Mice and rats are always looking for warm, dry places to build their nests. They often use materials like shredded paper, fabric, and insulation.
Cockroaches: These pests love dark, damp places. They often hide in cracks and crevices, under appliances, and inside cupboards.
Termites: Termites build their colonies in wood, often in the foundation of your home. They prefer moist environments because it makes it easier for them to chew through wood.
Spiders: Spiders like quiet, undisturbed areas where they can spin their webs and catch prey. Corners of rooms, basements, and attics are common places for spider webs.
Reducing Shelter and Nesting Sites
Now that we know why pests need shelter, let's talk about how to reduce these nesting sites and make your home less attractive to pests.
Keep Your Home Clean and Tidy
A clean home is less inviting to pests. Here are some tips to keep things tidy:
Regular Cleaning: Vacuum and dust your home regularly to remove crumbs, food residue, and cobwebs. Pay special attention to areas where food is prepared and eaten.
Declutter: Piles of newspapers, boxes, and other clutter provide excellent hiding spots for pests. Keep your home organized and get rid of unnecessary items.
Proper Food Storage: Store food in airtight containers and keep countertops clean. Don’t leave pet food out overnight.
Eliminate Moisture
Since many pests are attracted to moisture, it’s important to keep your home dry:
Fix Leaks: Repair any leaky pipes, faucets, or appliances. Check under sinks and around toilets for signs of water damage.
Ventilate: Make sure your home is well-ventilated, especially in areas like the bathroom, kitchen, and basement. Use dehumidifiers if necessary.
Clean Gutters: Keep gutters clean and free of debris to prevent standing water.
Seal Entry Points
Prevent pests from entering your home by sealing up potential entry points:
Doors and Windows: Make sure doors and windows fit tightly and have no gaps. Install weather stripping and repair or replace torn screens.
Cracks and Holes: Inspect your home’s exterior for cracks and holes. Use caulk or other sealants to fill gaps in walls, foundations, and around pipes.
Chimneys and Vents: Install mesh screens over chimneys and vents to keep pests out.
In Conclusion
Understanding the science of attractants and what draws pests into your home is the first step in keeping them out. By recognizing the types of attractants – food, water, and shelter – and taking steps to eliminate them, you can make your home a much less inviting place for pests. Remember, a little effort goes a long way. Regular cleaning, proper food storage, fixing leaks, sealing entry points, and maintaining your yard can significantly reduce the chances of pests invading your space.
Here at Natran Green Pest Control, we’re all about helping you live in a pest-free environment. If you ever need help dealing with pests or just want more tips on keeping them at bay, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Happy pest-proofing!
FAQs
What scents attract bugs? Sweet and flowery scents in perfumes, lotions, deodorants, and shampoos can make you more enticing to mosquitoes. Similarly, mosquitoes enjoy the aromas of ripe fruits, such as citrus, mangoes, and bananas.
What are the common household attractants for pests? Common household attractants for pests include food crumbs and spills, standing water, and cluttered spaces that provide shelter. These elements offer pests the essential resources they need to survive, making your home an inviting environment for them.
Can certain types of lighting attract pests to your home? Yes, certain types of lighting can attract pests to your home. Many insects are drawn to bright lights, particularly UV and fluorescent lights, which can lead them to enter buildings seeking the light source. Reducing outdoor lighting or using yellow "bug" lights can help minimize this attraction.
