15 Everyday Things in Your House That Are Attracting Pests

“Dying Flies, Flat Windowsil, East Finchley, 23-12-2006” by DG Jones is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

Pests can be a major nuisance in any home, and they often find their way inside due to some of the most common household items and habits. From crumbs on the floor to cluttered spaces, seemingly harmless everyday things could be inviting pests into your living space without you even realizing it. Here’s a list of 15 things in your home that might be attracting unwanted pests.

Unsealed Food Containers

“Have a Nice Day! styrofoam food container” by BrokenSphere is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Leaving food in unsealed containers, such as bags of chips, cereal, or pet food, is like rolling out the red carpet for pests. Ants, cockroaches, and mice can easily detect food sources, even if you think they’re safely tucked away in your pantry. Dry goods, in particular, are an easy target for pests looking to nest or feed. 

Crumbs on the Floor

“Bread Crumb” by NedraI is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Even if you can’t see them, tiny crumbs on the floor or on your countertops are enough to attract ants, cockroaches, and other pests. These critters have a keen sense of smell and can find even the smallest bits of food to sustain themselves. If crumbs are left to accumulate, you’re essentially providing a buffet for them. 

Standing Water

“Water in sink” by James E. Petts is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Pests are not only looking for food but also water. Standing water in sinks, bathtubs, pet bowls, or even from small leaks in your plumbing can quickly become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, cockroaches, and even rodents. Mosquitoes, in particular, lay eggs in stagnant water, while cockroaches use damp areas to nest.

Dirty Dishes in the Sink

“Chores” by ShardsOfBlue is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

It might be tempting to leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight, but doing so can invite a host of pests, particularly ants, cockroaches, and flies. Leftover food particles on plates, pots, and pans provide the perfect snack for these insects. If washing the dishes immediately isn’t possible, consider rinsing them off or soaking them in soapy water to deter pests. 

Pet Food Left Out

a close up of a bowl of food
Photo by Samantha Hare on Unsplash

While you’re feeding your pets, you might unknowingly be feeding pests as well. Leaving pet food out all day, especially outdoors or in accessible indoor areas, can attract rodents, ants, and cockroaches. Dry kibble, in particular, is appealing to these pests. After your pet has finished eating, it’s a good idea to remove any leftover food and store it in an airtight container.

Piles of Laundry

“Laundry” by KellyK is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Piles of laundry may seem harmless, but they can provide a cozy hiding place for pests like mice, spiders, and even bed bugs. Rodents are especially drawn to warmth and soft materials, making laundry piles an ideal nesting spot. Additionally, dirty laundry can carry food particles or moisture that attracts insects.

Cluttered Storage Areas

“clutter” by believekevin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Cluttered storage spaces like basements, attics, and garages create dark, undisturbed areas that pests love. Rodents, spiders, and insects can easily hide among boxes, old furniture, or stacks of paper. These areas often go uncleaned for long periods, allowing pests to nest and multiply unnoticed. Regularly decluttering and organizing storage spaces can make them less attractive for pests. 

Leftover Food Scraps in the Trash

“Mülli” by ☃ is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

Food scraps left in the trash can are a primary attractant for pests like cockroaches, flies, and rodents. Even if you take out the trash regularly, if it’s not sealed tightly, pests can still smell and access it. To minimize the risk, use garbage bags that seal well and take out the trash daily if it contains food waste.

Uncleaned Spills

“Spilling drinks at the grill” by Champion of Cheese is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

It’s easy to overlook a small spill, especially if it’s water or something seemingly harmless. However, even minor spills—especially sugary liquids—can be a feast for pests like ants or roaches. Whether it’s juice on the kitchen floor or coffee on a countertop, any spill can attract pests if it isn’t cleaned up promptly. Wipe up spills immediately and thoroughly to avoid attracting insects that thrive on even the smallest food and liquid particles.

Overripe Fruits and Vegetables

“Comma butterfly eating overripe fruit” by livewombat is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Leaving fruits and vegetables out to ripen might seem convenient, but once they’re past their prime, they become a magnet for pests like fruit flies and gnats. Overripe or rotting produce emits a strong smell that attracts insects. To prevent this, store fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator or cover them in a sealed container if left out on the counter. Dispose of any overripe produce quickly before it starts to attract pests.

Untended Pet Litter Boxes

“Just Lion Chilling In Her Litter Box” by StraightEdgeSmurf is licensed under CC PDM 1.0

A dirty litter box not only causes unpleasant odors but also attracts pests like flies and cockroaches. The fecal matter, urine, and dampness in a poorly maintained litter box can become a breeding ground for pests. Regular cleaning and proper disposal of waste can prevent this issue. 

Open Windows or Cracks in Doors

brown concrete building under blue sky
Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

Open windows, broken screens, and gaps in door frames or walls are open invitations for pests like flies, mosquitoes, and even rodents. These pests can enter your home through the smallest cracks. Inspect your home regularly for gaps or cracks in walls, doors, and window frames, and seal them to prevent pests from entering. 

Dirty Kitchen Counters

“busy baker, first of july” by cafemama is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

If your kitchen counters aren’t cleaned regularly, crumbs and grease can quickly accumulate, providing a food source for pests like cockroaches and ants. These pests are attracted to any kind of food residue, and a kitchen full of crumbs and spills can become their favorite spot. Wiping down your counters after every meal and deep cleaning regularly can help eliminate the food sources that attract pests.

Paper Clutter

“56/365 Scrap Piles” by Jellaluna is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Stacks of old newspapers, magazines, and cardboard boxes might seem harmless, but they’re highly attractive to pests like silverfish and cockroaches. These insects are drawn to the paper’s fibers for food and nesting material. Cluttered paper also provides shelter for rodents. 

Houseplants

“Houseplants” by F. D. Richards is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

While houseplants add beauty to your home, they can also attract pests like gnats, aphids, and mosquitoes, especially if the soil is overwatered or allowed to stay damp. Standing water in plant trays can become a breeding ground for insects. Make sure that your plants are not overwatered and that any excess water is removed from the saucers.