Spring and water damage tend to go hand in hand, be it melting snow, falling rain, or rising levels of humidity. And seasons aside, there’s also man-made water damage due to burst pipes, leaky appliances, and inadequate ventilation. As soon as the water hits–whatever its source–the destruction begins, causing stains, odors, wood swelling and warping, drywall deterioration, and structural rot. Within hours, flooring, walls, and furniture can be ruined, and within days the integrity of your home can be compromised, and your interior air contaminated by mold.

To restore each of these factors when at their worst can be costly and stressful, which is why responding to water issues immediately is always the best course of action. But if you need one more reason to quickly dry out any incoming moisture, look no further than another potential problem: pests.

Moisture-Related Pest Problems

Insects are like humans in that they need water to survive. A good example is the mosquito. While these buzzy bugs can thrive in a variety of locations, infestations tend mostly to happen in damp areas where they prefer to lay their eggs: swamps, ponds, marshes, wetlands, and other warm, humid environments. Even clogged gutters with pooling water make a great nesting space for the tiny biters.

Mosquitoes aren’t the only insects in need of a water source to live. And when it comes to your home, the pests to really bug you will be the ones causing further damage. Carpenter ants, termites, cockroaches, springtails, powderpost beetles, and more may be small in size, but if they chew on the water-softened wood of your home or simply shack up inside your interior, they can quickly become a giant nuisance.

Steps to Prevent Moisture-Related Pests

Though it may seem obvious, one way to avoid water-related pests is to keep moisture to a minimum. That could be as simple as running a dehumidifier, opening windows to help dry out moisture in bathrooms and kitchens, and installing ceiling exhaust fans in damp areas. For issues of indoor pooling or flooding, addressing the water source and drying the area is going to be top priority.

Beyond the obvious, don’t overlook a few areas in and around your home that could be a culprit for attracting creepy crawlers: 

• Crawl space dampness caused by soil-based moisture and condensation
• Slow leaks from pipes, faucets, or spigots
• Trapped moisture in ground and flower bed covering, such as mulch and straw
• Pooling water near improperly graded foundations
• Behind shower surrounds and backsplashes where a break in the caulk allows in moisture
• Standing water in flower pots, containers, tree cavities, and gutters, especially after rainy weather
• Overgrown bushes and landscaping near the exterior of your home, which can give easy access for bugs to enter your home’s interior