Humidity is a year-round concern in Altamonte Springs. The warm and damp air makes this area a paradise for pests. Most people think about sealing windows or checking crawl spaces to keep bugs out, but they often forget the HVAC system.
Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can influence how comfortable your home feels. Also, it can make your house more attractive to pests if not properly maintained. Damp conditions, dark ductwork, and access points around the unit create the perfect shelter for intruders. This is the reason why Avata Pest Control handles every pest control job with a focus on the HVAC system of a home. The company has specialty programs to deal with all the bugs and critters in Central Florida. Its technicians perform thorough inspections to tailor their service to what your home needs. Also, they take into account the weather, the season, and the type of pests when developing the best treatment plan for your home. Read on to learn how your HVAC system might capture the attention of pests to your home:
Condensation Is a Pest Magnet
Moisture forms when warm outdoor air meets the cool surfaces of your air conditioning equipment. This happens inside ducts, near vents, and around the outdoor unit. This moisture sticks around and creates a damp environment that pests if not drained or dried out properly.
Cockroaches and ants are especially drawn to moisture. They follow water trails to find a cool and wet place to hide, which can be your HVAC system. Standing water from clogged condensate drains or drip pans can also attract mosquitoes looking for a place to lay their eggs.
Air Ducts Provide Shelter
Air ducts are often dark and rarely cleaned, which makes them ideal hiding spots for pests. If your ductwork has cracks or loose connections, small pests can squeeze right in and build nests inside. Rodents, for example, can enter through openings around the HVAC system and crawl into ductwork where they stay out of sight.
Pests that move into your air ducts won’t stay silent. So, you may hear scratching or movement in the walls, notice strange odors, or see droppings near vents. Also, pests in your ductwork can spread allergens and bacteria into your home every time the system runs.
Outdoor Units Are Easy Entry Points
Weeds, mulch, or plants that grow too close to the unit can create a bridge for insects and rodents. From there, pests can squeeze into gaps or crawl underneath the unit to find shelter. Rodents sometimes chew through insulation or wiring near the unit. This invites more pests and can damage your system. Wasps or ants may build nests around the fan or compressor. Keeping the area around your outdoor unit clear and clean is an important step in preventing infestations.
Clogged Filters Can Worsen the Problem
HVAC filters can trap dust, pollen, and other particles before they spread through your home. But airflow can be restricted, and humidity levels can rise indoors when filters get dirty or clogged. High indoor humidity makes your home more appealing to moisture-loving pests.
Changing your filters regularly helps keep the air cleaner and prevents your system from overworking. It also helps control the moisture levels in your home, making it less inviting to pests looking for a humid hiding spot.
Poor Insulation around Ducts and Vents
Air leaks around ducts and vents can be a problem in Altamonte Springs’ humid climate. These small openings let cool air escape and warm, moist air enter. This temperature change causes more condensation. The gaps create water issues and give pests easy access to your HVAC system. Sealing these spots with weather stripping or caulk keeps both air and pests where they belong.
