North Carolina gets between 40 and 80 inches of rainfall on average each year.  And the humid, subtropical climate is prone to moisture-loving pests that can cause severe damage to your home and property. Excess moisture can cause wood decay, the growth of harmful mold, spores, and fungus, and musty smells. Areas around your home prone to moisture, including crawl spaces, and otherwise hidden areas like vent spaces are also hotspots for pest activity. However, you can take action before moisture and pests become a problem.

Crawl Space Moisture

You might not think about your crawl space often, but there’s good reason to make this moisture-prone area of your home top-of-mind. Up to 50% of the air we breathe on the first floor of our home comes from the crawl space.  And when warm air rises inside of your home, it brings up the air that was in your crawl space. That includes moisture and potentially mold spores. A range of intruders from pests to rodents are attracted to dark, damp areas like the crawl space and will make a home and a meal out of debris and damaged insulation. Breathe easy, the professionals from Thomas Pest Control are trained to tackle both moisture and pest problems many North Carolinians experience in their homes.

Vent Area Moisture

While your HVAC system can keep you cool or warm through the year, it also provides a gateway into your home for pests. Insects, including cockroaches and spiders, as well as rodents, can gain entry into your home and through your air vents by way of your system. Oftentimes, pests are attracted to this area because of standing water and debris. After making their way into your home, pests can make a home or nest inside of your ductwork. These cool, dark places are prime real estate for pests. Keeping the outdoor HVAC area free of standing water and clear of debris is key to preventing potential pest infestations. The best solution to prevent pests altogether is to have regular pest control, treatment, and maintenance.

Wall Moisture

After a rainstorm, it’s not uncommon for the areas around your home to retain moisture. Damp soil near the foundation of your home or above-ground areas in the house that are damp can attract damage-causing pests like termites. These tiny pests are attracted to moisture and feed primarily on moist plant and wood matter called cellulose that’s commonly found around the home. However, termites won’t miss a meal of other materials that range from drywall to plastic. And while you might not think such tiny insects are a big problem, consider that termites cause billions of dollars in structural damage annually in the United States and cost homeowners thousands in repairs. And once termites make their home in moist walls or other moist areas around your home, it’s nearly impossible to remove them without an expert. When it comes to moisture-related termite infestations, it’s best to leave it up to the pros.

Don’t let moisture get you down. Contact Thomas Pest Control for all of your pest control needs today.