Have you ever wondered why pests keep invading your home, even when you keep it clean? While food crumbs and open trash cans are obvious attractants, there are several lesser-known reasons why pests may find your home irresistible.
In this blog, we’ll uncover five surprising things that attract pests and share simple steps to keep them out!
1 Moisture & Humidity
Many pests, including cockroaches, termites, silverfish, and mosquitoes, thrive in damp environments. Leaky pipes, clogged gutters, and high indoor humidity create the perfect breeding ground for these unwanted guests.
How to Fix It:
✔ Fix leaks in pipes, faucets, and roofs.
✔ Use a dehumidifier to keep indoor humidity below 50%.
✔ Clean gutters regularly to prevent standing water.
✔ Ventilate bathrooms and basements to reduce moisture buildup.
2 Clutter & Hidden Spaces
Rodents, cockroaches, and spiders love dark, undisturbed places to hide and breed. Stacks of old newspapers, cardboard boxes, and cluttered storage areas create the perfect shelter for pests.
How to Fix It:
✔ Declutter storage areas in attics, basements, and garages.
✔ Use plastic storage bins instead of cardboard (which attracts roaches and rodents).
✔ Regularly inspect hidden corners for signs of pest activity.
✔ Keep storage areas well-lit and organized to deter pests.
3 Outdoor Landscaping & Overgrown Plants
Overgrown bushes, tree branches touching your home, and stacked firewood provide shelter for pests like ants, termites, and rodents. These pests use outdoor debris as a stepping stone to enter your home.
How to Fix It:
✔ Trim tree branches so they don’t touch your home’s walls or roof.
✔ Keep firewood stored at least 20 feet away from your home.
✔ Regularly mow the lawn and remove weeds to deter hiding pests.
✔ Seal cracks and crevices where pests might enter from outside.
4 Scented Items & Sweet Smells
Pests have an incredible sense of smell! Sweet scents from perfumes, lotions, candles, and even laundry detergent can attract ants, flies, and other insects.
How to Fix It:
✔ Store food in airtight containers to prevent ants and roaches.
✔ Take out the trash regularly and clean spills immediately.
✔ Use natural pest deterrents like peppermint oil (which repels ants and spiders).
✔ Keep scented hygiene products covered in bathrooms and bedrooms.
5 Pet Food & Water Bowls
Leftover pet food is a feast for ants, rodents, and cockroaches. Even standing water in pet bowls can attract mosquitoes and other insects.
How to Fix It:
✔ Feed pets at specific times and clean up uneaten food immediately.
✔ Store pet food in sealed containers to keep rodents out.
✔ Change pet water bowls daily to prevent mosquito breeding.
✔ Keep the feeding area clean and free from crumbs.