Do you have mice, ants, or other critters coming up your drains? This could be due to an issue in your kitchen or bathroom pipes, or it could be that you’re unknowingly attracting them with what you’re putting down your drain. Find out why dirty drains attract critters and how to keep them out of your drains without causing harm to your home in this article from our trusted Tampa plumbers.
Mice are a common home invader because they're so small, but if you have a mouse problem, it's likely because there are mice nearby that keep coming into your house. A dirty drain is one of the easiest ways for mice to enter your home, which is why it's important to keep drains clean of debris. Food or any other leftover grime may be filling up your drains and lure these critters to enter your home. A simple drain clearing can ensure you keep your pipes clear, so mice don't become an unwelcome guests in your home.
There are many different critters that can make their way up your drains, including cockroaches. These critters love to eat anything in sight, but they also like to live in dark damp places like drains. If you're noticing a lot of cockroaches in your home, it may be because you have dirty drains. Cockroaches are not only attracted to leftover food but soap scum and toothpaste as well, which is why you may find them coming up not only in your kitchen drains but bathroom drains as well. One of the best ways to keep these critters out is by keeping your drain free from hair, soap scum, or any other items that could attract them. If you're still experiencing these problems after trying some of these tips then we recommend hiring a professional to examine your drains and ensure your pipes are not the culprit.
As soon as ants are in your home, they start looking for food. Ants can find their way into your drains and start a colony if they have access to enough food. It's important to keep your drain clear so that you don't attract these critters in the first place. If you are starting to notice ants in your home, your first move should be to clear out your kitchen sink by pouring 2:1 vinegar and baking soda down the drain. This will take out any initial food debris. If after performing this hack, you still notice ants in your drain give our Red Cap team a call. We will ensure there is not a deeper issue.
Drain files are a common critter. They collect when you have drain issues and are a telltale sign there is something lurking below. They thrive in stagnant and standing water. You may begin to notice them around a drain clog or they could collect around rarely-used toilets or drain pans. If you are starting to notice an abundant amount of flies lingering in your home, it would be best to call a professional to thoroughly check your drains.
Some of the most common animals found in drains are frogs. These amphibians live near water sources, so they're likely to jump into a drain if one is accessible. If you see a frog in your sink or bathtub, try to scoop it out with a net or cup. You can also use a long tool like a broom handle to reach into the drain and grab it from under the running water. Typically, these critters venture into our drains by mistake but if they get stuck, they could cause problems for you and your drain.
Being a Florida homeowner, a critter in your home every now and then is not unusual. But if you begin to see numerous or repeated critters appearing, they may be attracted to something lingering in your pipes. The type of critter you find as well can tell you a lot about what may be happening in your plumbing system and can be a good indicator if you have a dirty drain or not. Our Red Cap Family is here for ALL your drain needs this year and will ensure your home is CRITTER-FREE by performing drain maintenance.