Managing Moisture-Loving Pests During Portland’s Rainy Season

People in Portland usually worry about puddles and muddy shoes when the skies open up and the rain falls for days. But the moisture also makes homes and yards more inviting to pests that thrive in damp environments. Moisture-loving pests will take advantage of every leaky crack and humid corner in your home.

Rain creates the perfect environment for certain pests to survive and spread. Many of them moisture to stay alive and reproduce. They often move indoors looking for shelter and food when outdoor spaces get soaked. They can use basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms as hotspots during Portland’s rainy months. That is why homeowners should take Portland pest control serious during this time.

Common Moisture-Loving Pests in Portland

Portland can attract the following pests due to the presence of moisture:

Silverfish. These silvery insects love damp, dark places, so they usually hide in bathrooms and basements. They feed on paper, fabric, and glue. Silverfish don’t bite, but they can damage your belongings and become hard to get rid of once they settle in.
Carpenter ants. Carpenter ants don’t eat wood, but they tunnel through it to build their nests. Water-damaged wood is especially attractive to them.
Termites. Damp conditions help termites thrive, especially in wood that stays wet for long periods. Subterranean termites live in soil and build tunnels into homes where they can cause serious structural damage over time.

How to Handle an Infestation

Below are steps to take when dealing with pests that love moisture:

Fix Leaks and improve drainage. Check your home for leaks under sinks, around windows, and in the basement. Drips can create damp areas that attract pests. Repair any broken pipes, reseal windows, and make sure your gutters are working properly. Also, ensure the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation. This helps keep rainwater from pooling next to your house and seeping inside. If needed, add downspout extensions or a French drain system to direct water farther away.
Reduce indoor humidity. Pests love humid environments, so using a dehumidifier can make your home less inviting. Humidity usually builds up in Basements, laundry rooms, and bathrooms. These rooms should be kept well-ventilated. Also, use exhaust fans when cooking or showering. In addition, check for condensation on windows or pipes.
Keep outdoor areas tidy. The rainy season causes leaves to pile up, mulch to stay soggy, and debris to collect around homes. These are perfect hiding spots for pests. You can avoid this by raking up and keeping your lawn trimmed. Also, you must not pile wood or mulch right against the house. Also, do not overwater your garden, especially when it is already raining a lot. Wet soil attracts slugs, snails, and other soft-bodied pests that can migrate indoors.
Seal gaps and cracks. Moisture-loving pests often enter homes through tiny openings. So, look for these openings and seal them up. Walk around your home and look for cracks in the foundation and gaps around doors or windows. Also, holes where pipes or wires enter the house should be given attention. Use caulk, weather stripping, or steel wool to block off these entry points. Door sweeps can also help keep pests from crawling in under doors, especially in basements or garages.
Get Professional help if needed. Sometimes, pests may still find a way in despite your best efforts. You might want to call a pest control professional for help if you continue to see signs of pest activity. In Portland, Pointe Pest Control tackles pest problems, no matter the severity. Their team knows what to look for during the rainy season and can help protect your home from unwanted visitors. The Washington-based company has service centers across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. CEO Jacob Borg and their team of pest control experts are committed to ensuring the pest control needs of their customers are met.