Common Entry Points for Pests in Newcastle Houses

Crawling insects and cockroaches are easy to ignore at first glance. However, when these creatures continue to stall your house frequently, they can be a cause of concern. Essentially, their presence can damage the structures and be the reason for a life-threatening experience for you and your family. 

When searching for professional pest control Newcastle, it is essential to first identify how and why these pests enter homes. In this blog, we will guide you through common pests in Newcastle, entry points that trigger their growth, and how to enhance protection in these areas to avoid the headache of removing them repeatedly. Let’s begin.

Understanding Pests and Their Behaviours

When dealing with pest infestation, it is essential first to understand the types of pests most commonly found in Newcastle homes and why they exist in your homes in the first place. Here’s a closer look at the behaviours and motivations of these pests.

  1. Termites

Termites have a bad reputation for destroying and consuming wood. This behaviour compromises the structural stability of home furniture, tabletops, and other wood structures.

Entry and Behaviour: 

These pests look for moist environments and can remain hidden in trails until you start seeing significant damage. Usually, these pests enter through wood laid on the ground but can also enter through cracks as small as 1/32 of an inch in the foundation. Inspecting these areas before searching for pest control in Newcastle is helpful.

  1. Rodents (Rats and Mice)

Rodents prefer to shelter in cool and comfortable environments. Newcastle homes are ideal places for this, with plenty of nesting materials and food sources.

Entry and Behaviour: 

They can squeeze through small openings (dime-sized for mice and quarter-sized for rats). Both these rodents are known for continuously biting wood, objects, or any surface which comes across as a barrier in their way. Once inside, they look to nest in secluded areas like attics, basements, and wall cavities.

  1. Ants

Ants always search for food sources and moisture; this behaviour of ants makes them likely to appear in kitchens and bathrooms of your homes.

Entry and Behaviour: 

They typically enter homes through tiny cracks and crevices in search of food to take back to their colonies. Once a food source is identified, they leave a pheromone trail for other ants to follow. Residential pest control Newcastle can effectively break these trails from forming and causing infestation.

  1. Cockroaches

Cockroaches are a complete mess and pose significant health problems, especially if you or your family member is prone to pathogen allergies.

Entry and Behavior: 

These pests can enter homes through drains, pipes, and even on items brought into the house. They prefer warm, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms and often hide behind appliances or in cupboards.

  1. Spiders

While spiders are less harmful (some even help by eating other pests), their presence can be uncomfortable; some species of spiders can even cause life-threatening bites.

Entry and Behaviour:

Small, large, and hidden cracks are common entry points for spiders. These pests often prey on other insects and will settle anywhere in your home as soon as they find it. 

Identifying Common Entry Points

It is crucial to identify where they are most likely to gain access to your home to help minimise the time taken in residential pest control. Here’s a breakdown of the common entry points around the house and what you can do to secure them:

  1. Doors and Windows

Gaps Under Doors or Around Window Frames: 

These are prime entry points for pests like ants, spiders, and even rodents. Installing weather stripping in windows and door sweeps can cover these gaps well. 

Torn Window Screens or Openings: 

Broken window screens or unsealed gaps allow flies, mosquitoes, and other insects to enter and nest inside your home. Repairing the screens and using caulk to seal openings can help keep pests out.

  1. Roof and Foundation

Cracks in the Foundation or Gaps Around Utility Lines: 

Small cracks can be large enough for pests like termites and ants. Sealing these cracks can prevent entry.

Roof Vents, Chimneys, and Damaging Roof Shingles: 

These areas can invite birds, bats, and squirrels into your home. Install screens over vents and chimneys, and repair any damaged shingles immediately.

  1. Walls and Siding

Cracks in Exterior Walls: 

Similar to foundation cracks, wall cracks can allow various pests to enter. Use a high-quality sealant to close these gaps.

Loose Siding or Gaps Where Different Materials Meet: 

These gaps can provide an entryway for pests that climb, such as ants and cockroaches. Be sure to seal all siding to secure it properly.

  1. Attics and Basements

Egress via Attic Vents and Basement Windows or Doors: 

These are some of the overlooked areas where pests can crawl in easily. It is best to cover attic vents with wire mesh and make sure to seal the basement windows and doors.

Poorly Sealed Basements or Crawl Spaces: 

Moisture and darkness attract pests like spiders and rodents. Using dehumidifiers and sealing any external cracks can mitigate these conditions. If the problem still persists, call a residential pest control service near your area.

  1. Drains and Pipes

Entry Through Gaps Around Plumbing and Drainage Systems: 

Insects and even rodents can navigate through these gaps. Apply waterproofing and sealing around pipe entries. Consider stainless steel mesh to cover larger openings.

How Pests Use Sewer Lines to Enter Homes: 

Some pests, like rats, can travel through sewer lines and emerge through toilets and drains. Installing backwater valves can prevent this type of entry.

  1. Other Susceptible Areas

Garage Doors and Pet Doors: 

Open garage and pet safe doors can also allow pests easy entrance to your home. Ensure garage doors fit tightly, and consider an electronic pet door that only opens for your pet.

Vents for Dryers and Other Appliances: 

If not properly covered, these vents can lead directly outside and may invite pests. Use vent covers to block access.

Final Words

We hope that this blog provides you with all the information you need to prevent pest infestation in Newcastle. We have explored the most common types of pests found in Newcastle homes. Additionally, we learned their behaviour and how they enter residential spaces. As we moved forward, we also identified common entry points that welcome these unwanted guests and DIY methods to secure these areas. 

However, it is best to call professional pest control in Newcastle to alleviate the rapid growth of different pests. Call OzPest Solutions for effective results and to ensure safety of your house interiors.

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