Pest Hot Spots in Your Home: Where to Look and How to Treat

Your home should be a place where you feel safe and – at all times. But even the cleanest homes may get infested with bugs, which not only cause nuisance but can become a serious health risk. The secret to warding off bugs is to be aware of their hiding places. In this article, our pest control Townsville experts have laid out a list of typical pest hotspots in your house and the effective treatments for them.

1. The Kitchen: A Buffet For Pests!

Where to Look:

Pests, especially cockroaches, rats, and ants, are particularly drawn to the kitchen. Your kitchen will be an ideal hangout place for these pesky pests since this is where they will get food and water to grow and multiply. To keep an eye on any pest activity and make sure your house is always pest-free, start with the kitchen and check behind appliances such as the dishwasher and refrigerator, under sinks, in cupboards, and behind the stove. Any spills, crumbs, and even the smallest food particles can attract pests.

How to Treat:

• Routine cleaning: Clean up spills right away, sweep floors, and wipe off surfaces to keep your kitchen area clean and tidy.
• Seal off foods: Store food in airtight containers so that bugs won’t be drawn by the smell of food.
• Seal off leaks: Moisture is a big reason for pests in kitchen areas. If you have any leaks or drips, we recommend fixing them immediately to keep your house pest-free.
• Baits and Traps: Place ant and cockroach baits along baseboards and corners and set traps near entry points or where you notice droppings.

2. Bathrooms: Moisture Lovers’ Paradise

Where to Look:
If there were a spot in your house that would become a haven for pests, the bathroom would surely take a front seat. Mould-loving insects, cockroaches, and silverfish find comfort in bathrooms. Look under the sink, the floor around the base of the toilet and shower, and next to any leaking pipes or drains.

What to Do:

• Minimise Humidity: After use, always have the exhaust fan or dehumidifier run to dry away the moisture.
• Seal Cracks: Caulk sinks, toilets, and bathtubs to remove access paths.
• Keep Drains Unclogged: Keeping the drains flowing smoothly can help keep pests away. Run a mixture of vinegar and baking soda through the drains once in a while to keep them unclogged and free of pests.
• Place Non-toxic Repellents: Place non-toxic repellents for insects, e.g. eucalyptus or peppermint essential scents, in the bathroom. 

3. Living Areas and Bedrooms: Sanctuaries for You and Pests

Where to Look:

Though they may not seem like the most likely places to find pests, living rooms and bedrooms can be a breeding ground for pests if you aren’t careful. These comfortable places in your house can be pest activity areas for rodents, dust mites, and bed bugs. Check behind furniture, under the bed, and in any fabric folds where pests might hide.

How to Manage:

• Vacuum frequently to keep bed bugs and dust mites from invading upholstery, carpets, and rugs.
• Washing Bedding: Wash your blankets, pillowcases, and sheets in hot water once a week to get rid of any lurking pests.
• Check Second-hand Furniture: Before allowing old furniture into your home, make sure it is bed bug-free and free of other pests.
• Mattress Covers: Use protective covers on your mattress and pillows to keep bed bug infestations at bay.

4. Garages and Sheds: The Overlooked Hotspot

Where to Look:
Garages and sheds are filled with boxes, tools, and outdoor equipment—ideal spots for out-of-sight pests like spiders, rodents, and termites. Check corners, behind stored items, and around the foundation.

How to Treat:

• Organise and Declutter: Store off the floor in plastic bins with tight-fitting lids.
• Inspect for Termite Activity: Look for mud tubes on the foundation or wood, wood damage, or discarded wings near the foundation or wood structures.
• Seal Entry Points: Close all doors and windows, then repair rips, tears, and holes.
• Pest Control Sprays: Spray along perimeter edges to form a chemical barrier that pests won’t cross.

Leave It To The No.1 Pest Control Townsville Team!

Pests can lead to property damage and pose health threats to your family. While regular inspections and treatments do a great job of preventing problems, if your home is facing an infestation, call Golds Termite & Pest Control in Townsville. We are here to remove pests quickly and effectively so you can enjoy a safe, pest-free home. For expert service from Townsville’s No.1 pest control team, contact us today. Your safety and comfort are important to us.