Do Older Homes Have More Pest Problems?

Many of us wonder why older homes get more pests than newer homes. This is typically the case, and we will help explain why and what you can do to prevent such problems.

It’s true that older homes tend to have more activity from a number of pests from boxelder bugs to mice to termites for a number of reasons. Older homes, particularly those built before 1950, were constructed with different standards than the newer construction we have today. Through the years, the natural settling, constriction and expansion from weather and general breakdown of construction components have occurred. Another big issue is that most older homes are attached to older municipal infrastructures and are typically surrounded by other older homes. All of these items can impact the pest potential in a home. Luckily, there are certain things to look out for that can impact an older home’s pest population and there are ways to be proactive to keep the pests out.

Fixing Issues in an Older Home

So how can someone prevent or fix these issues of their home? Here are some things you can do:

• Seal up as many cracks and holes around your perimeter as you can.Insects and rodents do not need more than a few millimeters to get into your home. In fact, a mouse only needs a ¼ inch hole to penetrate a home. If you seal up as many holes and cracks as possible, you will put yourself many steps ahead of any would be intruders. Do not use expandable foam or steel wool since they break down with the elements and rodents will chew right through expandable foam.
• Don’t forget about your windows and doors. Door sweeps create a barrier to prevent pests from entering the property. If the door does not close properly, it can allow many different pests into a home. One quick way to see if your doors are sealed up well is to look at them from the outside at night. If you see light coming through around the perimeter, then there is a gap that needs to be fixed. As the caulking around window frames degrades, numerous pests can pass through them, so they should be caulked, as well.
• Water can also play a big role in pest activity. Gutters, drainage, and leaks can all have an impact on a pest population at a home. Water can lead to mold and fungi, which many insects feed on. It can make construction material easier to get through and attract insects to a home as well. Cleaning out your gutters so ants don’t live in them is a wise idea. Having proper drainage away from your home will help reduce the attractiveness of your property for pests.
• If you have leaks in a crawl space, taking the time to have them fixed can make a huge impact on a pest population. Also, be sure to have the air moisture content in your crawl space properly maintained. Many insects require moisture enriched areas, so if you make it more arid, they will be less interested in your property.
• Another big danger for an older home is additions or improper modifications to a property.If someone added a screened in porch or another room without having a termite treatment done to that area, then that ground has been compromised and could be attractive to pests. If plumbing was done incorrectly, then rodents can enter a home through the sewer system. If a roof was not installed properly, then there may be a gap that squirrels or bats can move in as well.

This was just a quick list of common items that older homes run across, and if you own an older home, you very well may not have any of these issues. The idea is to be proactive rather than wait until you have a problem and have to get it fixed or have any subsequent damage to your property.

Call Us to Help You Get Rid of Pests or Rodents!

Have a pest problem in your home? At Alexandria Pest Services, our trained professionals will analyze your pest control needs and come up with a personalized plan for your household. Our team of expert technicians will provide a free inspection and work to create a plan to eliminate your pests. At Alexandria Pest Services, we help homeowners just like you get rid of pests in their homes all year round. If you find that you are having a problem with insects or pests, and need an exterminator, call Alexandria Pest Services at 703-923-0925 to schedule a professional evaluation. We can help you get rid of these invaders in your home or office!

We hope you and your loved ones stay well and healthy during this time. We are open and following all CDC regulations. Please call us today for all of your pest control needs!