Weekly, I visit a residence with a water heater that does not have a drain pan, or a water heater that has a drain pan, but the drain pan does not direct drainage to the exterior of the home.
Either of these scenarios are defects, and potentially costly repairs if not done right the first time. 
Check out our latest YouTube video below to better understand why your home inspector has reported this defect!

What are conducive conditions? Also, why should I care?
These may be at least 2 of the questions you're asking as you read this!

The truth is, anyone that resides anywhere, (whether they own or lease), should be aware of conducive conditions for pest infestation, and how to correct these conditions.

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Let's start with termites.
 I'm sure you're aware that termites are looking to munch on some wood. Termites in our region of West Texas are generally sub-terranean, meaning we rarely see them active. But we can see the damage they cause. As home owners, occupants, or pest treatment companies, we are dealing with the results of their infestation in many cases. 
Basically, termites are looking to access exposed wood in contact with soil. They're "shy", meaning they want to avoid exposure if possible. If untreated wood of any kind is contact with soil, this is right up their alley. If that wood that's in contact with soil is also in contact with your home, they've just been provided a highway into your residence.

Most common conducive conditions for sub-terranean termites:
Wooden fence in contact with your residence (photo at the top of this post)
Wood debris, framing, or firewood in contact with your home
Leaking plumbing or excessive moisture 
Damp crawlspaces
Even brick veneer on the exterior that extends below the soil line

Some of these are easy fixes. Others are not so easy to fix. The point with any conducive condition is to do all you can to remedy what you can. This will minimize the chances of a termite infestation.


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Roaches. 

The most common conducive conditions I see for these little monsters in West Texas relates to food debris on floors and counter tops. 
This includes anything a critter would consider nutritional - commonly pet food as well!

One of the best ways to limit the opportunity for roach infestations is cleaning your residence thoroughly, and often. It's just that simple. 
Roaches can infiltrate your residence or business via a variety of means. You might commonly see them if you are moving in or out, as they are known to attach themselves to cardboard boxes!

With roaches, probably more than other pests on this list, once you have an infestation, it is VERY difficult to get rid of them! Keep that in mind!

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Rodents are similar to roaches, as far as conducive conditions are concerned. CLEANING IS KEY! They are looking for food and water. Pet food and pet water dishes are a common means of accessing these!

The important part of preventing rodent infestation relates to keeping your residence sealed shut from the outside. You might be surprised by how many residences I see that have holes in walls and near doors and windows that allow rodents all the access they need!

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Ants. In my opinion the most common, least harmful, and most productive member of this list. 

As West Texas residents know, most of us have witnessed ants working hard outside in the yard at some point. We just want them to stay outside, where they belong!

Ants are simple - keep food cleaned up, prevent their accessing your home. If you keep things clean, they will soon find somewhere else to get what they need. 


In conclusion, as a resident or homeowner, part of effective pest management is your responsibility as well! It's up to each of us to do our part to keep those pesky critters where they belong - outdoors!

Thanks for reading - and if you'd like to discuss a pest treatment plan for your home or business, contact us today!
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