It’s a harrowing feeling to realize your home is inadvertently attracting bugs. And no matter how hard you try, you’ll inevitably be met with an unwelcome guest in your home—especially as the weather gets hotter and bugs start to crawl out of hibernation. “While pest management is a year-round operation, there are a few pests that are more common to see in the summer months,” says entomologist Emma Grace Crumbley. “Some pests to look out for as the weather heats up include ants, flies, mosquitoes, wasps, roaches, and ticks.” And although we can’t guarantee that bugs won’t enter the sacred territory of your home again, we tapped experts for places to be cautious of and preventative tips moving forward.
Attics
“Roaches and rodents are the most likely pests that will enter your home through gaps in your attic,” Crumbley says. “The attic is a low-traffic spot in the home, meaning pests won’t have to worry about getting caught.” She suggests going up to the attic during the day, turning all the lights off, and observing where sunlight peaks in—these are entry points for roaches, rodents, and pests to make their way into your home.
Recycling Bins
Recycling is an important part of being environmentally conscious. However, it’s also an easy way to attract bugs. “If soda cans and juice bottles are thrown into the bin without being cleaned out, the sugary liquid left behind can lead to pest problems,” Crumbley says. Before tossing them into the recycling bin, give each can and bottle a quick rinse to ensure bugs stay away.
Decaying Wood
You might not even realize that the piles of wood around your home have started to rot. “Whether it’s rotting wood in a wood pile out back or wooden windowsills in need of replacement, some pests called wood destroying organisms seek out moist and dilapidated wood to feed on,” Crumbley says. “Consider moving wood piles away from the home and replacing any wooden features of the home in need of repair.”
Toothbrush Holders
Your toothbrush holder is the last place you’d want to see a bug, but pests are highly attracted to the moisture, says Nicole Carpenter, pest prevention specialist. “Toothbrush holders and electric toothbrush bases, with all their moisture and toothpaste residue, make perfect breeding grounds for mold and attract ants and drain flies,” she explains. “Scrub them weekly and let them dry fully.” Make it a habit to check for any lingering moisture while brushing your teeth at night.
Plants
If you’re a plant parent, then you’re likely familiar with how easily plants can attract bugs to your home. “If you do [have plants] and they grow in the pots with drip trays, it’s a mosquito heaven,” Carpenter says. “Plants are great, but empty the trays regularly and add a layer of sand to the soil surface to deter fungus gnats.”
Bathroom Sinks
Much like toothbrush holders, bathroom sinks harbor excess levels of moisture. “Bathroom and kitchen sink overflow holes are dark, damp, and truth be told, rarely cleaned,” Carpenter says. “If you want to deter them (and battle mold!) flush them with boiling water and vinegar monthly.” Thankfully, you likely have these cleaning ingredients already sitting in your pantry.
How to Keep Bugs Away
Unfortunately, keeping bugs away isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—but there are preventative measures you can take. “Correcting entry points and remedying moisture problems can significantly reduce pest presence in the house, even before calling a professional,” Crumbley suggests. “Even small changes can yield big results for pest management.” Once you take a good look at your home, you’ll notice those forgotten spots that might be to blame for an insect infestation.
Carpenter offers a similar sentiment. “Instead of just treating pests, treat the conditions that attract them,” she says. “Get rid of stagnant water, leftover food, and clogged drains. Use enzyme drain cleaners for flies, seal cracks for cockroaches, and eliminate standing water for mosquitoes.” If you notice multiple insects in the same day, it’s best to address the problem right away—even if that means calling in a professional for some guidance.
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