How Your Pipes Could be Harboring Pests
That infuriating drip under the bathroom sink sounds like a dinner bell to insects and rodents. The pipe that’s corroded since you shut off the water supply? A maternity ward. That clogged floor drain you keep swearing you’ll take care of “soon” might as well be a welcome mat.
What most home and business owners don’t realize is that plumbing problems cause much more than just water damage. Drippy faucets, dry pipes and gunked-up drains can create the perfect environment for pests of every stripe, from the mice that treat the leaky sink as a neighborhood saloon to the cockroaches that lay their eggs along the rusty walls of a dried-up water line.
If you need a plumber, chances are you also need pest control, whether the problem is too much water—or too little.
The Allure of H2O
For many pests, water is the magic ingredient that transforms useless debris, such as dry crumbs, into a viable food source. Energy source, plus water, plus time equals decomposition—creating a veritable smorgasbord for fly larvae, among other vermin, who love rotten food.
But sometimes water—specifically flowing water—creates an environment inhospitable to creepy crawlies. It’s when the water stops flowing that a problem develops.
A dry conduit can turn into a main thoroughfare for insects and rodents, allowing them to migrate from one location to another. Not only that, it can become a breeding ground for insects, such as flies and cockroaches. Dried-up pipes are the perfect place for them to safely lay and hatch their eggs, increasing their numbers exponentially.
Another often overlooked beacon for pests is cracked and broken tile and grout. Water seeps into the cracks, which in no time leads to the formation of mold. If that alone wasn’t a big enough problem, mold and fungus are other tasty treats for insects such as beetles and booklice.
As the temperature increases in the spring and summer, an unseen problem often arises too: hidden underneath sinks and behind cabinet doors, you might find sweaty pipes. When warm air meets cold pipes, beads of condensation form along the shaft, sometimes even collecting and dripping to the floor. Many insects, such as gnats and springtails, are drawn to these moisture-packed areas, where they reproduce like crazy.
Although home and business owners are likely to call in a plumber to fix their pipe, drain and other water issues, one of the biggest mistake amateurs make is thinking that they can handle the accompanying pest problems on their own.
Pursue Professional Solutions
The National Pesticide Information Center cautions that unless you are completely sure exactly what kinds of pests you are dealing with, and are confident that you know how to match the pesticide you’re going to use with its appropriate target, it’s usually best to call in the professionals.
Sometimes the right treatment involves applying commercial-grade insecticides. If that’s the case, only a licensed pest control professional can legally apply these products to your home or business.
If you find you have plumbing problems that have led to pest infestations, it’s always best to let the professionals restore your home or business to the safe, clean environment that you, your family, and your customers deserve.
Contact us for a free estimate for your home or a free consultation for your business.
