Spring is on its way. Unfortunately, as nature wakes up, so do the pests. With warmer temperatures and increased moisture, many critters will be starting to look for food, water and shelter. This means that they may be sneaking into your home through your plumbing. No one wants to find creepy crawlies in their sinks or hear scurrying in the walls. So, let’s talk about the most common spring plumbing pests that invade your home and how to keep them out.
1- Cockroaches
They love warm, damp environments. This makes your pipes the ideal environment for them. They can squeeze through the tiniest cracks and will often emerge from your kitchen and bathroom drains. Once inside, they multiply quickly and are notoriously hard to get rid of.
How to Stop a Cockroach Invasion:
- Keep your kitchen spotless, wipe up any crumbs, store food in airtight containers, and avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
- Fix any leaks and get rid of standing water.
- Seal gaps around pipes with caulk or expanding foam.
- Flush drains weekly with a mix of boiling water, baking soda, and vinegar. Get any blocked drains fixed quickly.
- Install drain covers to block their entry points.
2- Drain Flies
Thes plumbing pests breed in the organic gunk that builds up on slow-moving or clogged drains. They’re harmless yet very annoying. They are also a good sign that your pipes could use a good cleaning
How to Stop Drain Flies:
- Regularly clean your drains with a pipe brush or enzyme-based cleaner.
- Flush drains with hot water and vinegar to remove build-up.
- Avoid leaving standing water in sinks and tubs.
- If the problem persists, we can help you inspect for deeper drain issues.
3- Rats and Mice
Rodents can also find their way into your home through your sewer lines. Older plumbing systems with cracks or openings create the perfect entrance for rats and mice. Once inside. they can chew on pipes, contaminate you water supply and cause serious damage.
How to Keep Rodents Out of Your Plumbing
- Inspect and seal any gaps around pipes and sewer vents
- Use metal mesh or wire wool to block small holes.
- Keep outdoor drains and gutters clean and free of debris.
- If you suspect a larger problem, call a professional for an inspection.
4- Ants
They may seem harmless, but they are definitely annoying. Some species love moisture and can be found around sinks, drains and pipes. If you spot a trail of ants near your kitchen sink or bathroom, they could be searching for water or nesting nearby.
How to Keep Ants Away
- Fix any leaky faucets or pipes to eliminate moisture sources.
- Wipe down sinks and counters regularly to remove food residue.
- Use ant bait traps near entry points to target the colony.
- Seal up crack and entry points around your plumbing.
5- Spiders
While spiders don’t invade pipes directly, their presence around your drains and plumbing often means other plumbing pests are already inside. If you’re seeing more spiders, it’s time to address the root of the problem.
How to Reduce Spiders In Your Home
- Keep your home’s plumbing pest-free so spiders don’t have a food source.
- Reduce humidity in bathrooms and basements with dehumidifiers or exhaust fans.
- Seal any crack and crevices where spiders might enter.
- Regularly dust and vacuum to remove spider webs.
Protect You Home This Spring
No one wants to share their home with unwanted plumbing pests, especially ones sneaking in through the pipes. Taking preventative measures like sealing entry points, fixing leaks and keeping your drains clean can go a long way to keeping these critters outside where they belong.
If you suspect pests are getting in through your plumbing, it might be time for a professional inspection. Our expert team can check for leaks, blockages and potential entry points. Give PR Plumbing a call on (905) 429-9622 today and keep those springtime invaders out.