Pest related plumbing problems in Bellingham and Whatcom County

When it comes to plumbing in your home, whether you are replacing old, galvanized pipes or doing a remodel, PEX plumbing is hard to resist as a choice over the more expensive copper material due to its affordability and ease of installation. Unfortunately, rodents find it hard to resist as well.

Rodents like to chew on PEX pipes for several reasons, including:

• Teeth maintenance: Rodents have continuously growing teeth, so they need to gnaw on hard objects to keep their teeth trimmed down to a manageable length. PEX pipes are made of a relatively soft plastic material, which makes them an attractive target for rodents looking to wear down their teeth.
• Access to water: PEX pipes are often used for plumbing, which means that they carry water through the home or building. Rodents are attracted to sources of water, so they may chew on PEX pipes to gain access to this valuable resource.
• Nesting material: Rodents often build nests in hidden spaces like walls, attics, and crawlspaces. PEX pipes can be a tempting source of nesting material for rodents, as the plastic material can be easily chewed and shredded to make a comfortable nest.
•  Stress relief: Rodents are known to chew on objects to alleviate stress or anxiety. This behavior is especially common in captive rodents, but wild rodents may also chew on PEX pipes to relieve tension or frustration.

To prevent rodents from chewing on PEX pipes, it’s important to take steps to deter them from entering your home or building. This may include sealing up any gaps or cracks in the walls or foundation, keeping food stored in sealed containers, and using rodent repellents or traps to keep them away from your pipes.

If you are having issues leaking pipes due to the presence of rodents in your home or business, contact Environmental Pest Control to get your rodent infestation under control.