Leaky Pipes: A Thirsty Pest’s Best Friend
On top of the structural damage, rot, and defects that leaky pipes can cause, they also lead to pest problems in many cases. Dark and damp environments create safe havens for all sorts of pests living in Santa Fe NM looking for a place to hide and a source of drinking water. If you forget to check up on plumbing fixtures regularly, you might end up with a pest infestation that has had plenty of time to build up. Read on to learn all about the pest pressures that leaky pipes can cause with help from New Mexico Pest Control.
Pests Attracted By Leaky Pipes
When water wells up in your walls, you can expect these pests to come running:
- Cockroaches: Roaches are infamous for their resilience, but their one true weakness (by comparison) is how reliant they are on a consistent water source to survive. Since they are nocturnal insects, they look for a dark place to hide during the day. This combination of needs leads them to look for water sources in our walls and cupboards.
- Ants: People often find that leaky shower heads or pipes in cabinets under their sink invite ant trails that just keep going. Especially during the warmer, drier months of summer, ants will be looking for a more hospitable environment to save them from dehydration.
- Termites: Wood damage caused by consistent leakage creates an attractive setting for termites. With an available water source and plenty of wood to eat through, they can cause damage with consequences far worse than what has been caused by leaks.
What Do I Do About Leaky Pipes?
It is important to act fast when you notice leakage in your home. These are the best ways to combat pest issues caused by leaky pipes:
- Seal any cracks in your pipes with a silicone-based caulk. This is the best at-home sealing option to quickly and effectively stop leakage.
- Ensure that any areas experiencing leakage are as well-ventilated as possible. This will allow the area to dry up faster, reducing the risk of pest infestations.
- Contact your local pest control company. If you’ve found minor pest activity but are worried about it worsening, a technician can come take preventative measures.
Keeping Pests Out of Your Home in Santa Fe NM
If leakage issues are causing a pest outbreak in your home, you can contact your local pest control company for help, no matter what kind of insect you’re dealing with. Our technicians at New Mexico Pest Control have years of experience identifying the sources of pest infestations in Santa FE NM and will be able to quickly assess your situation, determining the most efficient ways to move forward with extermination. For a free quote, contact us today!
