Many of us think that preventing pest infestations boils down to keeping food covered and our homes clean, and while that certainly plays a huge role, there are some surprising things attracting critters inside your home that often go overlooked.
From leaking air to monocultured yards, it's the small things that can land you with pest guests that never want to leave.
Luckily, pest control experts have broken down the seven biggest hidden causes of pest infestations so you can reverse the invitation and don’t end up having to identify indoor pests that are hard to get rid of.
7 surprising things attracting pests to your home
Knowing what might draw pests in and preventing them is far more effective than any natural pest control methods. Never having to wrangle a problem in the first place takes up less time, money, and energy while protecting your home and health.
1. Moisture
Moisture is not the most surprising invitation for pests, but it can crop up in some pretty surprising spots. That’s why it is vital to reduce humidity in a house using one of the best dehumidifiers, such as our best-rated GE 50-Pint Energy Star Portable Dehumidifier from Best Buy, and get rid of black mold by cleaning with vinegar, such as the Great Value White Vinegar, available in 128 fl. oz bottles from Walmart.
Trenton Frazer, lead entomologist at Aptive Environmental, begins, ‘Moisture is a big one. Pests like cockroaches, ants, and silverfish all need water, and they’ll find it fast if there’s a drip under your sink or a damp basement.’
More surprisingly, your home storage ideas could be a source of misery. Allan Bossel, operations expert at Bed Bug Exterminator, adds, ‘Since cardboard holds moisture, it attracts pests, including cockroaches and silverfish. If possible, use plastic bins or glass containers for storage, especially in areas with high moisture levels.’
The Container Store offers matching heavy-duty stackable storage totes in three sizes with latch lids to prevent pests and moisture from creeping in.
2. Clutter
The best decluttering methods aren’t just for keeping your home tidy – they are essential for preventing pests from finding a hiding or nesting spot, too.
Trenton warns, ‘Another thing people often miss is clutter. Pests love a good hiding place, and cardboard boxes in the garage or storage piles in the basement are perfect for them.’
This set of 10 large Sterilite storage totes from Target offers the perfect solution, removing cardboard storage from your home, making items easy to see and access, and creating neat stacks of items, rather than clutter heaps where pests can creep around.
Of course, it also helps to stop clutter before it starts to avoid the risk of pest issues altogether.
3. Unwashed pet supplies
Keeping a home clean when you have pets is a must, not only for your comfort, but to prevent pests. Allan warns, ‘Unwashed pet food bowls are potential pest magnets, as well as the immediate area around the bowls. Leftover kibble attracts ants, roaches, and rodents. Follow a regular feeding schedule for your pets, clean up immediately after each meal, and refrain from leaving food out overnight.’
With the help of cleaning experts, we rounded up the cleaning essentials people with pets need to make cleaning and maintaining a pest-free home quick and easy, without the risk of harming your furry, scaly, or feathered friends.
4. Hidden crumbs
You might keep kitchen counters clear and know how often to vacuum, but have you checked for any hidden food or crumbs around your home?
Trenton adds, ‘Remember, your kids might be helping out without even knowing it. Check to see if they’ve stashed snacks in their rooms, under the bed, or inside toy boxes. It’s more common than you’d think.
'And pets? They can be just as sneaky. Some dogs and cats like to carry food away from their bowls and hide it for later. So make sure to be creative yourself in finding those little surprise snack spots – before the bugs do.’
5. Unclean gutters
Knowing how to clean gutters is an essential skill for any homeowner. Not only does it prevent water leaks, prevent gutters from clogging, and stop roof damage, but it can also prevent pests, too.
Allan explains, ‘Gutters clogged with debris hold water and create nesting spots for ants, mosquitoes, and even rodents. Regular cleaning is highly recommended, especially before the spring and summer seasons.’
Make the task easier by using a telescopic gutter cleaning tool, available at Walmart, so that you can work from the ground. It stretches up to 24ft and has a pressure washer attachment for thorough cleaning. Be sure to also brush up on the gutter cleaning mistakes to avoid, too, so your hard work is not for naught.
6. Leaking conditioned air
Lorne Hanewich, corporate trainer JGGT at Clark’s Termite & Pest Control, explains, ‘Pests are drawn to temperature changes, especially conditioned air escaping through cracks around doors and windows. We recommend that you draftproof by sealing gaps with weatherstripping and caulk to prevent air leakage and make your home less enticing.’
The Gorilla waterproof caulk and seal, available at Walmart, is a fantastic multipurpose sealant that works for kitchens, windows, baths, doors, and more to prevent pests and air leaks.
This surprising thing attracting pests to your home is also a common sign that it’s time to replace your insulation, preparing your home to stand off against heat waves and cold winters.
7. Monoculture yards
The surprising things attracting pests to your home don't stop at your front door – there are some common gardening habits you should break this year if you want to prevent pests, such as monoculture gardening.
Lee Maddocks, director at Richards Pest Control, explains, ‘Monoculture lawns and non-native gardens create imbalance. Without native bugs and predators, pests like cockroaches, termites, and aphids move in unchecked. Plant native species to support natural pest control.’
What to shop
Food is not a surprising draw for pests, but it is an important factor in keeping them at bay. Invest in quality air-tight food containers to prevent pests and keep food fresher for longer.
This handy multi-insect killer is a great second line of defence if you spot any wandering pests getting a little too close to your home.
Designed to slot onto the tops of clothes hangers, these cedar blocks will help keep moths and other pests away from our closets and storage cabinets.
Meet the experts
If all else has failed and your home ends up with pests, it might be a sign it’s time to call professional pest control in for a thorough evaluation of your home. They will be able to help kill off an infestation and identify the source for a pest-free home moving forward.
