How to Bug Proof Electrical Outlets
The key to getting rid of bugs in your electrical outlets is to know how they got there and why they’re there.
Any time you have small cracks, gaps or holes in your home, they can become entry points for tiny bugs. This includes all types of holes and gaps, including your electrical outlets. Small bugs, such as ants, love to crawl through the holes in outlets as they scurry around trying to find shelter, food, warmth and moisture. Once they do, they tend to multiply by hundreds or even thousands.
This guide will help you identify the most common types of bugs found in outlets, their habits, potential harm and practical techniques for removal and prevention.
The Most Common Bugs That Crawl Into Outlets
Bugs like to crawl into electrical outlets because they provide warmth and shelter. It’s very common for ants to crawl through outlets as they search for something to eat or to make a new nesting spot. They have a special preference for crawling through outlets in kitchens and pantries that contain sweet substances.
Cockroaches, even the big ones, have an incredible ability to squeeze their way through small holes like electrical outlets. The primary reason they do this is to find shelter. Because they are nocturnal, they absolutely love the warm, dark nature of electrical outlets.
Spiders like to crawl in outlets as they hunt other bugs and sometimes even to build webs and a place to live or lay eggs. Most spiders aren’t as harmful as other bugs, but they can still be just as annoying and unsightly. If not removed from the outlets, they can even cause electrical issues and loose wiring which can cause buzzing sounds in outlets.
While termites are rare, they can easily damage electrical systems. And since they feed on cellulose, they pose a threat to the wooden structures that surround your outlets.
Understanding the Potential Harm of Bugs in Electrical Outlets
Bugs in an electrical outlet can easily cause it to short circuit, resulting in major electrical issues. You might notice breakers tripping or even complete power outages. Bugs can also cause corrosion to the wiring; this is a frequent problem that occurs when bugs die in the outlets. As the wires corrode, they become weak and present a safety risk.
There’s also a risk of debris from the bugs (e.g., spider webs, droppings, egg casings, larvae, etc.) accumulating in the outlets, increasing the risk of an electrical fire. Dead insects and nesting materials, particularly those from ants and bees, can even explode if they come into contact with electrical sparks.
Pests like termites can wreak havoc on your home’s framework, especially in the areas surrounding your electrical outlets. This can result in having to spend money on expensive repairs to enhance the structural integrity of your house as the damage gets worse and worse.
Ways to Bug Proof Your Electrical Outlets
Never give in to the temptation to fiddle with the outlets in an attempt to free trapped debris or dead insects. Also, don’t spray any insecticide into the outlets. You risk hurting yourself or causing further damage if you do this.
Instead of trying to fix the pest problem yourself, it’s always best to hire a pest control specialist and an electrician. The pest control expert can identify the source of the infestation and safely remove the bugs, as well as apply remedies to keep them away for good. An electrician can inspect the outlets, assessing them for damage and making any necessary repairs to keep them functional and safe.
If your outlets aren’t currently infested, you can take precautions to avoid future infestations by following these steps:
- Sealing: Before you put the cover plates on your outlets, make sure you install gaskets or seals. Bugs can’t get in since these seals block their path.
- Caulking: Use caulk to fill in any holes or crevices around the walls and outlets. Be very careful around the points where the wires enter the walls, since these are typical access points.
- Cleaning: Switch off the power at the circuit breaker, wipe out debris with a dry cloth or a vacuum attachment and finish by putting covers on the outlets to keep bugs away.
- Moisture control: One surefire approach to making your house less bug-friendly is to control the indoor humidity with a dehumidifier.
- Bug repellants: Put some essential oils or other natural bug repellents around your outlets to keep the pesky insects at bay. Several essential oils, such as peppermint and eucalyptus, have the ability to discourage insects from approaching your house.
If you find bugs in your electrical outlets, don’t worry—Mister Sparky is here to help.