12 Surprising Everyday Habits That Attract Pests to Your Home

Pests are more than a nuisance around the home—they can be a serious health risk. "Rodents invade an estimated 21 million U.S. homes each winter and can spread dangerous pathogens like salmonella and hantavirus," says Dr. Jim Fredericks, board-certified entomologist and senior vice president of public affairs at the National Pest Management Association. "Cockroaches pose their own set of risks, as they are linked to the spread of around 33 types of bacteria—including E. coli and salmonella." No, thank you!

And the truth is, you may be unknowingly inviting pests inside. Read on for expert advice on how to avoid common habits that may be attracting pests into your home and yard.

Trusting Paper or Cardboard Packaging

One common mistake is relying on paper or cardboard packaging to protect pantry items. “Pantry pests, such as Indian meal moths and saw-toothed grain beetles, can get into and chew through those materials with ease,” says Fredericks. “Once they find a food source, the problem spreads quickly.” 

The best approach is to move dry goods into airtight, hard‑sided containers and periodically check for expired or damaged items, so pests don't have a chance to establish themselves.

Improper Trash and Recycling Disposal

It's easy to forget to rinse recyclables and properly seal trash containers—but these things make a difference. “Residual sugary liquids in soda cans and juice bottles, along with food scraps in garbage bins, can quickly attract ants, rodents, and other pests to your yard and home,” says Emma Grace Crumbley, entomologist with Mosquito Squad Plus.

“To prevent this, rinse recyclables before placing them in bins, use garbage cans with closable lids, store trash away from the home, and clean both trash and recycling bins regularly.” 

Over- or Under-Fertilizing Your Garden

Folks may inadvertently harm their lawns and attract pests by over- or under-fertilizing. "Too little fertilizer can lead to lean grass, which is not only an ideal target for pests," says lawn expert Ryan Walts, but can also leave your lawn susceptible to "stressors such as heat, cold, or traffic wear that can cause it to thin out."

It's, of course, a delicate balance. "On the other hand, applying too much fertilizer can burn the lawn or create excessive thatch buildup, which can also provide a home for pests," Walts adds. The best way to prevent over- or under-fertilization and pest problems is to test your soil and maintain a recommended fertilization schedule.

Common Mulching Practices

Common mulching practices that take place near the home often attract potential home invaders. “Millipedes, pillbugs, and moisture-requiring insects often find their way inside because we are providing their harborage close to the home,” says senior entomologist Jason Byrd, Ph.D. “Hardscapes, like stones or wood, are also possible harborage for roaches, scorpions, spiders, and other occasional invaders.” 

Keep them as borders, some distance from possible entry, Byrd recommends, and stuff weep holes with copper wool to prevent needed ventilation from becoming a pest access point.

Leaving Dirty Clothes Around

One overlooked habit that typically attracts pests is leaving your sweaty gym clothes strewn around. “Since it is infused in your scent and body oil, this can attract small pests—or worse, allow infestations like bedbugs to spread even faster,” says pest control expert Allan Bossel. “Make sure that your laundry is kept in a sealed hamper and is placed off the floor.”

Storing Pet Food in the Pantry

Many people store pet food in the same pantry as human food—a habit worth rethinking. “Because pet food has different contaminant standards than human food, it can contain pantry pests like Indian meal moths,” says entomologist Conrad Lyons.

According to Lyons, “even sealed containers in the pantry may release pests into areas where human food is stored because the containers are frequently opened." To be safe and prevent pests and contamination, "pet food should be stored in a sealable container away from human food," he says.

Stacking Firewood Too Close to Your Home

“It feels convenient,” Fredericks warns, “but to termites, carpenter ants, and even rodents, that woodpile is the perfect shelter and a direct path indoors,” Fredericks recommends storing firewood at least 20 feet from the home and up off the ground, which removes one of the biggest access points pests use. 

Overwatering Your Yard

Overwatering yards and gardens is a common mistake that can attract pests. “While grass and garden plants do need adequate water to stay green and healthy, overly watered areas or areas where water pools and floods will create overly moist environments ideal for pests to thrive and reproduce,” Crumbley says. “To prevent an infestation, homeowners should regularly evaluate their lawn’s irrigation systems and avoid overwatering plants when gardening.”

Using Spray Foam

Avoid using spray foam to close household holes or door gaps. “Rodents can easily chew, scratch, and pull away your efforts and now have access in the home,” Byrd cautions.

Fortunately, there are several alternative insulation materials (including natural products like soybean) that are being used in place of petrochemicals. “Use hardware cloth, copper wool, hardy plank, or other durable construction material that cannot easily be chewed or removed.”

Having Too Much Clutter

One common indoor problem that people often ignore is having too many items in storage around the home—especially cardboard boxes that are kept in attics, closets, or garages. "In general, reducing all clutter around the home will reduce pests," says Byrd.

"To keep pests from finding suitable hiding and nesting places, as well as a food source, store items in sealed plastic boxes that are off the floor and eliminate all extra cardboard as soon as possible," Byrd suggests.

Using Bug Zappers

Bug zappers that attract mosquitoes, flies, and other pests with bright light are popular additions to decks and porches where people gather in warmer weather. “The irony is that these lights actually invite pests to places that they might not naturally go,” says Lyons. Consider other methods of outdoor pest control.

Not Picking Up Animal Waste

Picking up after your pets isn’t just important for keeping a clean home—it’s also important for keeping pests away. “Believe it or not, some pests love to feed on animal droppings,” Crumbley says. “Be sure to pick up pet waste in your yard and double-bag pet waste before throwing away.”