Pests know how to get inside, and often, they do it through the tiniest of cracks and crevices. Although most homeowners check behind refrigerators or under sinks, some hiding spots are not on many people’s radar, at least until an infestation is serious. These surprise hideouts enable pests to breed and form colonies in peace, posing serious health risks and damaging property.
Well, this is critical for effective prevention. In addition to preventative methods, regular inspections can uncover potential problems before they become serious issues, but if there are persistent problems with pests, then Exterminator Services will know what to look for and will be able to eliminate them completely.
8 Creepiest Places Pests Hide
You may be wrong if you think your bed, plants, and dirt are the only things that attract pests. Some of these hidden places might even shock you.
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Inside Electrical Outlets and Switch Plates
Small gaps around electrical outlets make perfect entry points for tiny insects. Cockroaches, ants, and even bed bugs can inhabit wall voids accessed through these openings. Cockroaches can fit into spaces as slender as 3mm in width, and they easily creep behind outlet covers.
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Hollow Door Frames
These hollow spaces inside door frames are perfect nesting spots for many pests. Carpenter ants especially like these spots, given that they offer insulated spaces for forming satellite colonies. These pests do not actually consume wood but rather carve out galleries for nesting that can weaken structural integrity over time.
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Ceiling Light Fixtures
The gap between ceiling-mounted light fixtures and drywall provides small insects with an excellent entry point. Moths are drawn to light by their nature, and spiders spin webs to capture them. Over 63% of households have identified spider activity in ceiling corners and light fixtures.
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Seasonal Ornaments in a Box
Seasonal items in attics, basements, or garages are real estate for pests. Rodents frequently nest in boxes of holiday decorations, incorporating soft supplies like tissue and fabric into the nest. Those things usually sit in place for months, giving pests a little time to dig in.
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Behind Wallpaper and Wall Décor
The narrow space between wallpaper and walls is a good habitat for silverfish, book lice, and even bed bugs. Especially in areas that struggle with moisture problems, these pests can hide away for a long time. Heavy picture frames and wall hangings also form dark, undisturbed areas where pests flourish.
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Inside Vacuum Cleaners
The irony here, and probably one of the most surprising hiding spots, is that vacuum cleaners tend to act as homes for the bugs they are designed to eliminate. Dust, hair, and food particles all provide a perfect breeding ground in a warm, dark environment. Fleas and their eggs can also live inside vacuum bags and canisters if you do not empty and clean the vacuum.
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Potted Plant Soil
Although plants bring vitality and beauty to our homes, the soil they grow in can contain countless pests. Fungus gnats, springtails, and even cockroaches can thrive in potted dirt, munching on organic material and moisture. Overwatering leads to soggy conditions that entice moisture-loving pests and enable them to multiply quickly.
Struggling With a Pest Problem?
If you’ve found pests in any of these unconventional hiding spots, it might be a sign of a bigger infestation that will need to be handled by experts. When pests have multiple colonies spread throughout your home, DIY methods can leave you at a loss. Professional pest control experts possess specialized equipment to identify pest activity in otherwise hard-to-reach areas, in addition to the expertise to formulate and execute elimination strategies.
They also can detect access points and structural weaknesses that could be letting pests into your home in the first place. Do not wait until you find bugs in a few spots — call the pros at the first sign of trouble.