An electrical outlet is the last place that you would expect to find ants, spiders or other pests lurking. However, as odd as it sounds, an outlet actually provides what they perceive to be a safe environment. Let’s take a closer look at why bugs flock to outlets, what you can do to eliminate the pest issue and what can be done to rectify any problems pests might cause.
Why Are Bugs Attracted to Outlets?
The inside of an outlet is dark, warm and free of predators. This provides an insect with an opportunity to survive and possibly reproduce in relative comfort and safety. Of course, for some, finding themselves in an electrical outlet is little more than a death sentence. For example, ants produce pheromones when they die that attract other ants to their location. This means that hundreds or thousands of additional ants will unwittingly be attracted to the place of their deaths by electrocution.
Why Are Pests in Outlets a Problem?
Primarily, the number of bugs that can live comfortably inside of an outlet is the biggest cause for concern. During their lifetimes, they can chew on wires and create shorts or other issues that wreak havoc on your home’s electrical system. When the bugs pass on, their dead bodies simply accumulate inside of the outlet and increase the risk of a short or other physical issues that render the outlet incapable of working properly. It’s also possible that the pests will migrate away from the outlet to other areas of the home, and there is also a chance that insects may attract other pests such as mice or rats.
What Should You Do About a Pest Issue Inside of an Outlet?
If you notice a pest issue inside of an outlet, the first step is to call an exterminator to assess the problem. A professional will be able to take steps to eradicate the pests in a manner that is safe for yourself, your pets and your home. Sprays, poison traps and expanding foam sealants will likely be used in and around outlets to kill bugs and keep them away.
It’s worthwhile to call an exterminator even if you think that the problem is a minor one. This is because there could be thousands of ants, cockroaches or other pests hidden in the walls. In a matter of a few days or weeks, they could easily multiply and create a problem that you won’t be able to handle on your own.
What Happens After the Pests Are Gone?
After the pest problem has been resolved, you can call in an electrician to take care of any damage that they have caused. This may involve replacing damaged wires, replacing outlets or taking other steps to ensure that your home’s electrical components work as they should.
Call Mister Sparky for Help
If you are in need of help with electrical issues caused by pests, call our team right now. We’ll take the time to assess the state of your home’s electrical components and discuss what needs to be done to overcome them. Our team of professionals will also be able to repair wires, replace outlets or take other steps to keep your home safe for years to come.