There are several ways that pests may enter your home. Some of the entryways are obvious – leaky windows and open doors. However, one that’s often overlooked is the HVAC system. Holes and gaps in your HVAC system offer the perfect access points for pests, including rodents, silverfish, and stink bugs. The question is, what can you do to make sure your HVAC system is protected.
The good news is, pest proofing your system doesn’t require you to spend a lot of money. Just a few simple maintenance tasks, regularly scheduled inspections, cleaning services, and the occasional pest prevention methods can help you avoid a complete infestation.
Your HVAC System and Pests: Why Preventing the Problem is Best
From bad smells to expensive damage, small animals, insects, and rodents can do quite a bit of damage to your home in a very short period of time. When you take proper abatement measures, you can help prevent any damage from taking place.
Are you wondering what type of problems these pests can cause? If so, here are some of the most common:
- Equipment and home damage
- Issues related to air quality
Preventing Pests in Your HVAC System: What Can You Do?
There are several pest abatement measures you can use to help protect your HVAC system over time. Particularly, make sure you pay attention to the areas of the HVAC system where pests may enter. Always be sure to hire a local Kansas City pest control company to keep your home pest-free. This includes outside equipment, flues, and exterior vents, along with the home’s ductwork.
Some of the steps you can take to protect these areas include the following.
Seal the Flues, Vents and Ducts
The exterior vents, such as a dryer vent, soffit, or attic vent all provide the perfect pathways for all sorts of pests. It’s also important to make sure that your ductwork is sealed properly. Not only is this going to help you prevent pest infestations, it can also help you save money on your heating and cooling costs. Small cracks and gaps in your ductwork can quickly turn into a highway for pests. This is especially problematic because allergens, debris, and odors carried by the pests into the ducts are going to be distributed all around your home.
HVAC Maintenance and Regular Duct Cleaning
Even when you have the best seals in place, pests are going to find a way to get into the home. One strategy you can use to prevent bigger issues is to invest in proper duct cleaning. When you clean your ducts, you can remove any allergens and debris that have collected inside them. A professional can help you identify any problems, as well. It’s also important to pay attention to your dryer vent to prevent any significant build up of lint.
If you want to minimize the risk of pests in your home and HVAC system, make sure to keep the tips and information here in mind. You should also call the pros, who can help you with this process.