Inviting a Pest Problem with Home and Decor Choices

Of course you want a home that looks great and has design elements that mesh with your preferences and style. At the same time, you want a home that's safe from pest problems and is clean and sanitary. Would you believe that the decor choices you make can play a role in a pest issue? While looks are certainly important and something you shouldn't overlook, it's important to know which of those choices might invite unwanted pests into your home.

Using Dark Colors

Many insects, mosquitos and flies included, are attracted to darker colors so using black, brown or red inside your house could mean you wind up with a problem that requires professional pest control. Try lighter, brighter colors like white, cream, or pastels instead. If you can't forgo the darker shades, consider installing bug detection devices or insect traps near windows and doors to keep them from coming inside. Also, make sure that you seal up any places where these creatures can gain entrance to your home.

Using Very Light Colors

On the other hand, in certain parts of the world, lighter colors attract a different set of pests. Light colors, both for wood flooring and wall paint, invites cockroaches, carpet beetles, and ants. Find out more about the possible pests you may be dealing with where you live so that you can choose decor colors accordingly. You should also be sure to plug up any holes or other ways that these insects can get into your house. If you need help with this, a professional pest control expert can help. Click here for more information.

Incorporating Large Amounts of Wood

Wood happens to be one of the most popular choices when it comes to home design, not only for durability and protection, but also for visual appeal. The biggest concern you'll have with wood is termites, which love to make it their home. In the process, however, they can cause a lot of structural and expensive damage to the interior and exterior of your home. Carpenter ants are another insect that love a home filled with wood. Certain designs, including Industrial and Scandinavian, attract termites to a larger degree simply because there are a lot of wooden elements in such styles. The same is true if you have wooden floors or walls in your home. If termites or carpenter ants are a problem in your area, be sure you take measures to protect your home from them and have your home checked out immediately if you suspect that you have an active termite infestation.

Filling Your Outdoor Space with Greenery

Foliage in your garden and outdoor space is a great idea because it offers curb appeal and can provide shade to cool your home during the heat of the summer. However, it can also attract a variety of pests if you don't plant with care. Carbon dioxide given off by plants often invites mosquitos and tall grasses and unkempt foliage is a place where you could find snakes. Cool areas are also hideouts for pests like snakes. Using proper repellents in your outdoor space, as well as keeping it trimmed and well cared for, can help cut the risk of dealing with pests, both inside and outside your house. You may also want to eliminate potted plants or vases of flowers near the doors and windows of your home where pests can get in and make a home.

Decorating with A Lot of Holiday Decor

There's no reason why you can't decorate your home for the holidays, but it's important to keep in mind that some items are pest magnets and can quickly turn your home from festive to scary. In particular, the greenery used at Christmas time, in wreaths, trees, and garlands, can welcome in a variety of insects and other pests. If you're using the artificial variety, you may be dealing with spiders when you unpack them so make sure you open those items outside and give them a good shake before putting out to rid them of any unwanted guests lurking inside. Any food decor items can attract pests if they're left out too long so make sure they are put away or tossed in the garbage before they become a breeding ground.

You should never give up a design element or style that you love simply because there is a risk of pests. However, being mindful of pests and taking appropriate measures to discourage them, no matter the decor you've chosen, is important. Keep in mind what pests you might be dealing with so that you can take steps to prevent them from becoming a problem and so that you can recognize their presence before they cause too much damage. This ensures that you have a home you love without the worry that you'll discover unwanted house guests as a result.