If you have a favorite room in your house, you aren’t alone. Like many people, pests also have a preferred spot where they like to spend time. Bugs search for areas where they can easily access food, moisture, and shelter. Unfortunately, several areas in your home check these boxes. We’ve made a list of spots in your house that are likely to attract pests.
Basement
Most basements offer areas that are dark and damp. This is perfect for pests like spiders and crickets. To keep bugs out of your basement, you’ll want to eliminate moisture. Using a dehumidifier can help reduce moisture build-up. Sealing potential entry points, like cracks in the foundation, can also deter pests.
Bathroom
Like basements, bathrooms provide bugs with moisture and humidity. Cockroaches and silverfish often gravitate to bathrooms. Keeping this space as dry as possible is the key to preventing pests. Ensure your bathroom has proper ventilation. You’ll also want to repair any leaky pipes.
Kitchen
They say the kitchen is the heart of the house, and pests would agree. Many pests, including ants and cockroaches, love hiding out in kitchens. This is because they have a steady supply of food, moisture, and warmth. Keep hungry pests out by eliminating food sources. Clean up any spills or crumbs, don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink, and store your food in airtight containers.
Attic
You probably don’t spend a lot of time in your attic, which is ideal for pests. Attics are mostly undisturbed and offer plenty of hiding spots. Stink bugs and spiders are often spotted in attics. To keep these unwanted guests out, keep your attic organized. Store items in plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes and only keep what’s necessary. You’ll also want to seal any entry points.
Wall Voids
A wall void is the space behind the walls in your home. Since these spots are undisturbed, bugs love them. Wall voids allow pests to travel to multiple rooms undetected. You can’t easily access these areas, so you’ll want to focus on pest-proofing the rest of your home. If they can’t find a way inside, they won’t be able to hide behind your walls.
Closets
Moths and silverfish are often attracted to closets. They’re dark, and besides quickly grabbing your favorite sweater, not much time is spent there. Keeping your closet clean can help prevent a pest problem. The less clutter the better, so only hold on to the clothes you wear. It can also help to regularly wipe down the shelves and sweep or vacuum the floor.
Clutter
Unfortunately, clutter doesn’t just pop up in your closet. Pests will use anything they can find as a source of shelter—boxes, paper, and piles of clothes. Organization can help keep pests out of your home. Remove cardboard boxes and stacks of paper. Using plastic bins with tightly fitting lids will not only keep pests out of your items, but it will also eliminate potential hiding spots.
Trash Cans
One of the best ways to make bugs feel at home is to provide them with food. Trash cans are the perfect spot for pests to nibble on your leftovers. Make sure your trash cans, both indoors and outside, have tightly sealed lids. Remove trash from your home regularly, and don’t forget to add washing the cans to your cleaning list.
Though the areas may change from bug to bug, one thing is clear—pests love our homes. Making these hiding spots as unwelcoming as possible can help keep your home bug-free. If you’re dealing with uninvited pests, we want to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.