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If you’re like me, you probably think you’re doing all the right things to keep your home clean and cozy. But here’s the surprising truth — sometimes our everyday habits, the ones we hardly think about, are like rolling out a red carpet for bugs, rodents, and other uninvited guests.
Pests don’t just wander in because they’re bored. They’re looking for food, water, and shelter — and we often give them all three without even realizing it. The good news? Most of these habits are super easy to fix once you know what to watch for.
Let’s go through some of the most common ways we (accidentally) make pests feel at home — and how to show them the door for good.
1. Leaving Pet Food Out Overnight
I know, your cat might like to graze, or your dog leaves a few bites behind for “later.” But to ants, cockroaches, and mice, that’s just a midnight snack buffet. Try feeding pets at set times and putting away any leftovers before bedtime. Dry food should go in an airtight container — not just a flimsy bag — so the smell doesn’t lure anything in. Bonus: elevated feeding bowls or a mat under the dish make cleanup so much easier.
2. Using Sweet-Smelling Essential Oils Near Doors and Windows
Here’s one I learned the hard way. Lavender and eucalyptus may smell heavenly to us, but some insects love them too — mosquitoes especially. If you run a diffuser, stick with pest-repelling scents like peppermint or citronella. And don’t place it right by an open window or door, unless you’re planning to host a bug party.
3. Indoor Compost Without the Right Setup
I love composting. It’s good for the earth and feels responsible… until you’re suddenly swatting fruit flies every time you walk into the kitchen. A compost bin with a tight lid is a must. Skip tossing in meat, dairy, or greasy scraps — they smell awful fast. And covering your food scraps with a handful of shredded paper or dry leaves keeps both the odor and the flies in check.
4. Pantry Items Left in Their Original Packaging
You know those open cereal boxes or half-used flour bags? To pantry moths and beetles, they’re as inviting as a bakery display case. Transferring dry goods into glass jars or thick plastic containers seals out pests and keeps your shelves looking neat. Every so often, do a quick scan for crumbs, webbing, or other suspicious signs — and wipe shelves down with vinegar to discourage future visitors.
5. Overwatering Houseplants
Your plant may not say it out loud, but too much water is not doing it any favors. Constantly damp soil is like a spa day for fungus gnats. Let the top inch of soil dry out before you water again, and make sure pots have drainage holes. A little gravel at the bottom can help too. Your plants will still thrive — minus the bug drama.
6. Loose or Leaky Trash Bags
Raccoons, mice, flies — they can smell an open or loosely tied trash bag from a mile away. Use heavy-duty bags, tie them tightly, and keep the bin lid shut. Every so often, give the bin itself a good cleaning with a bleach solution. Trust me, it’s a lot easier than dealing with a raccoon raid at 2 a.m.
7. Ignoring Small Cracks and Gaps
Ants don’t need much of an opening — sometimes just a sliver. Check around windows, doors, and where pipes come into the house. A quick fix with caulk or weatherstripping can make a huge difference. Think of it as locking the doors, just for the tiniest intruders.
8. Dirty Dishes Sitting Overnight
It’s tempting to leave the dinner dishes for the morning. But to pests, a sink full of plates is a five-course feast. Either wash them right away or rinse well and load them into the dishwasher. And don’t forget to give your sink drain some love — leftover food bits down there can smell pretty appealing to the wrong crowd.
9. Storing Firewood Inside
It might be cozy to stack firewood by the fireplace, but it’s also a great way to bring termites, beetles, and ants indoors. Keep your woodpile outside, at least 20 feet from the house, and off the ground. Only bring in what you plan to burn right away.
10. Forgetting About the Drains
Your kitchen or bathroom drain can collect grease, food particles, and other gunk — and that’s basically a buffet for drain flies. Every couple of weeks, pour in a mix of baking soda and vinegar, let it fizz, and then flush with hot water. A simple drain cover will also keep larger debris from going down there in the first place.
11. Bug-Attracting Outdoor Lights
The warm glow of a porch light is lovely — and irresistible to moths and other bugs. Swap your bulbs for yellow “bug lights” or sodium vapor lights, which don’t draw as many insects. Better yet, use motion-sensor lighting so the bugs aren’t circling your front door all night.
The Bottom Line
Pests aren’t masterminds — they’re opportunists. If you take away the easy food, water, and shelter, they’ll move on. Small changes, like sealing containers, fixing leaks, and tidying up before bed, can make a big difference.
It’s much easier to keep pests from settling in than to try to evict them later. And your peace of mind — not to mention your pantry — will thank you.