Believe it or not, not only can bugs get inside your electrical outlets but they can also cause extensive damage. In fact, if you’ve begun to notice that your outlets don’t always work correctly, it’s possible that pests are the issue.
Instead of letting them wreak havoc with your Fort Myers, FL, home’s electrical system, call the professional experts at Mister Sparky to address the problem.
Most Common Bugs We’ve Found in Electrical Outlets
There is an extensive list of different bugs and pests that have made their way into electrical outlets throughout the Fort Myers area. However, the following four are the most common.
Roaches
If you’ve got roaches in your home, then you’ve probably got them in at least one of your electrical outlets as well. These pests naturally seek dark, warm places, and they have the ability to squeeze into the tiniest cracks. This makes your electrical outlets the perfect daytime haven.
Ants
Have you got sweet substances left behind on your kitchen countertops? This attracts ants, that will then climb inside your electrical outlets. Even worse, instead of just looking for food, ants may decide to build a nest in your affected outlet.
Termites
Termites might be the least common of these commonly found bugs, but they also cause the most damage. They find themselves attracted to any cellulose material, and they love to damage any wooden structures that may be surrounding your outlet.
Spiders
Spiders aren’t typically that harmful to your outlets, although they may cause a disruption to your electrical connections. They generally enter outlets when they’re chasing food or want an out of the way spot to build a web.
How Do They Put My Electrical Outlets in Danger?
Having bugs in your electrical outlets is annoying, but it goes further than that. Unfortunately, pests can also cause serious damage to your electrical system.
Fire Hazards
Where you have bugs, you’ll also have accumulated debris. Sadly, this debris increases your risk of having an electrical fire. The presence of dead bugs or bug nests are flammable and might catch fire if they come into contact with an electric spark.
Short Circuits
Have you been experiencing an increase in your breaker tripping and/or power outages? It’s possible that insects are responsible for your electrical malfunctions.
Structural Damage
If termites or other wood-destroying bugs enter your electric outlets, they’ll begin to damage your Fort Myers home’s structural integrity. Leaving them unchecked for too long will become very costly.
Why Are Insects Attracted to My Electrical Outlets?
There are any number of reasons that a bug might decide to enter your electrical outlet and claim it as their own, but the following four points are the most likely cause.
Shelter
Just like anyone else, insects need to find shelter from harsh weather, predators, etc. Once they’ve entered an outlet, they’ll find a secure, protected place where they can build a nest or hide.
Warmth
Electrical currents are known for generating heat, and insects will be looking for a place to get warm in the winter. Plus, if the bug is looking for a cozy area to take shelter, they can find it inside your warm outlets.
Moisture
High humidity levels or moisture left behind by leaky pipes can make electrical outlets seem like a perfect choice. After all, insects need moisture to live.
Food
Your dining area or kitchen can attract bugs if there are any crumbs left behind. Sometimes, crumbs will actually fall inside an electrical outlet, which provides the perfect spot for pests to dine.
How Can I Prevent Insects from Getting into My Outlets?
The best thing you can do is ensure that your outlets are properly sealed. Doing this, along with the following, can help bug proof your electrical outlets.
Seal Your Outlets
Did you know you can buy outlet gaskets or seals that are meant to go behind your outlet cover plate? These are easy to find at any local hardware store, and they’re also easy to install.
Keep the Area Clean
Cleaning the area around your outlets on a regular basis will help prevent insects from being attracted to them. Be sure you remove any debris and food particles to keep bugs at bay.
Caulk and Seal Cracks
Any existing gaps or cracks on your walls or around your outlets will provide the ideal entry point for insects. Be sure to caulk and seal these cracks to greatly reduce your odds of suffering from an infestation.
Use Natural Bug Repellents
Using a natural bug repellent such as essential oil is a good way to keep insects at bay. Eucalyptus and peppermint oil are known to deter these pests from entering your home.
Control Moisture Levels
One of the best ways to make your home a less attractive option for bugs is by controlling the level of moisture. Be sure to fix any leaks immediately. Also, consider placing a dehumidifier in any areas that are prone to high humidity.
How Can I Remove Bugs from My Outlets?
Your best bet is to contact pest control, followed by an expert electrician. You can also ask both providers for tips on preventing additional infestations in the future. An electrician can fix any electrical issues caused by bugs, along with making sure your system is functional and safe.
Fort Myers Electrical Team
When you need a professional electrical team on your side, reach out to the Fort Myers experts at Mister Sparky! Our roots go back to 1996, and we now operate in more than 40 Southeastern locations. We perform any type of electrical service you may need, ranging from electrical panel replacements to smoke detectors.
Do you think you have bugs inside your electrical outlets? Contact Mister Sparky today!