The construction boom in Denver is changing neighborhoods all over the city, but there is a byproduct of that change that homeowners may not be expecting: pests. With bulldozers plowing through land and new developments sprouting in places like Stapleton, RiNo, and Green Valley Ranch, many rodents, spiders, and insects are being pushed out of their homes.
These evicted vermin are not just disappearing; they are moving into whatever proximity shelter is nearby, which is usually within the four walls of your house. Spotting any weird activity by pests around a construction site and seeking professional assistance in its earlier stages can stop an incipient nuisance from turning into a full-fledged infestation. You can get rid of pests in Denver by speaking to a professional today!
Why Construction Zones Trigger Pest Movement In Denver?
Construction zones trigger pest movement in multiple ways:
Pest Move Due to Habitat Destruction
In 2023, the city alone issued more than 8,500 building permits for many large residential and commercial developments, according to the Denver Community Planning and Development department. Row by row, it removes colonies of ants, nests of rodents, and populations of spiders that had inhabited the area for years without disturbance.
Mice and rats relish the semi-arid climate and lose their burrows and food overnight. Vegetation destruction takes away insect habitats, and mammals and birds are also dispersed in all directions by the destruction of their habitats. And with $7.2 billion worth of construction pouring into Denver, development is proving to be an unquenchable thirst, along with pest displacement.
Repelling Pests Through Vibration And Noise
Vibrations produced by heavy machinery constantly disturb the ground, which interrupts pest colonies and stimulates a survival mechanism that forces them to escape. The battering of diggers, pile drivers, and concrete mixers reverberates through the subterranean network of tunnels used by mice and bugs.
These vibrations are perceived as a threat by pests, and so they immediately leave the area. This mass exodus brings pests straight to neighboring properties on one end and older homes right next to brand new construction in neighborhoods like.
Why Neighborhood Homes Become the ‘Next Best Shelter’
Pests would not go far from construction zones since they are generally searching for the nearest suitable habitat, and Denver houses offer all the right conditions. Homes provide displaced pests with everything they need—food, water, warmth, and shelter.
As spring and fall temps swing 40 degrees or more in a single day in Denver, our homes provide the climate stability pests crave. Kitchens have scraps and pantry supplies, bathrooms have water adjacent to them, and basements or attics have cover from predators.
What Homeowners Near Construction Should Do Immediately
If you reside within walking distance of active construction in Denver, this is an easy way to prevent an expensive pest issue in the future.
The first thing to do is to walk the house and plug any cracks or holes you see, because mice can get inside an opening the size of a quarter. Search for areas where utility lines enter your home, check along edges of the foundation, and install new door sweeps as necessary.
Additionally, store food in sealed containers, repair leaky faucets as soon as you notice them, and declutter storage spaces where pests may be attracted to nest. These barrier treatments create a protective wall around your property before pests arrive and are so much better than waiting for droppings or the sound of scratching on your walls.
However, it is important to seek professional help from time to time. For instance, Saela Pest Control — a local company that takes treatment for homes with construction nearby to the next level — has a lot of experience with Denver homeowners experiencing this scenario. They can evaluate your home and provide with a proper treatment.
Periodic construction inspections, the presence of any pests that you see should be documented, and watch out for potential pest problems after construction is complete; pest pressure can persist for months while ecosystems develop.
