10 Things in Your House That Are Basically Bug Magnets

Bugs don’t magically appear—they’re showing up for a reason. Most of the time, it’s because we’re unknowingly giving them everything they want: food, water, and shelter. And it’s not always the dirty dishes or open trash cans that are to blame.

Everyday habits and missed spots around the house can turn into a welcome mat for all kinds of pests. If you’ve been seeing more creepy crawlies than you’d like, it might be time to look closer at what’s actually drawing them in.

Dripping Faucets and Leaky Pipes

Even the smallest leak under a sink can invite bugs like roaches, silverfish, and ants. These pests are drawn to moisture, and if you’ve got a constant drip, they’ll find it fast.

Fix leaks as soon as you notice them, and keep an eye on spots that tend to stay damp—like under bathroom vanities or around the water heater. Dry environments are a lot less appealing to pests.

Cardboard Boxes

Roaches love cardboard. It holds moisture, provides shelter, and even gives off a smell they’re drawn to. If you’re storing boxes in closets, attics, or garages, you might be creating a bug haven.

Swap cardboard for plastic bins with tight-fitting lids, especially for long-term storage. It keeps your stuff safer and sends the bugs packing.

Pet Food Left Out

Whether it’s in the bowl or spilled on the floor, pet food is a buffet for ants, beetles, and even rodents. Some bugs are even small enough to get inside the bag if it’s not sealed.

Feed your pets on a schedule and clean up any leftovers. Store dry food in airtight containers instead of keeping it in the original bag.

Dirty Drains

Grimy kitchen and bathroom drains are a magnet for drain flies and gnats. They feed on the gunk that builds up inside and can multiply fast if it’s not cleaned out.

Pouring boiling water or a mix of vinegar and baking soda down the drain once a week can help break down buildup and keep bugs out.

Crumbs in Couch Cushions

It’s easy to forget about what falls between the cushions, but bugs don’t. Crumbs and spills are a steady food source for ants, roaches, and even carpet beetles.

Vacuum your furniture regularly, especially if your family eats in the living room. A clean couch doesn’t give pests anything to stick around for.

Trash Cans Without Lids

An open trash can—especially in the kitchen—is like a glowing invitation for flies, ants, and more. Even if it’s not full, the smell is enough to draw them in.

Use cans with lids that seal tightly and take the trash out often. Don’t forget to clean the can itself every once in a while, too.

Houseplants with Wet Soil

Overwatered houseplants can attract fungus gnats, which lay their eggs in damp soil. Once they hatch, they’re hard to get rid of without drying out the plant.

Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again, and make sure your pots have good drainage. You can also add a layer of sand on top of the soil to help deter gnats.

Unwashed Dishes in the Sink

Even if it’s “just overnight,” dirty dishes give bugs like roaches and ants a reason to stick around. Leftover food particles and standing water are all they need.

Try to rinse and load the dishwasher right away or wash dishes before bed. Keeping the sink clean is one of the fastest ways to cut down on kitchen pests.

Stacks of Paper or Clutter

Paper clutter like mail piles, old magazines, or junk drawers can attract silverfish and roaches. These bugs feed on glue, paper, and even book bindings.

Decluttering makes your space less hospitable and makes it easier to spot pest activity before it becomes a bigger problem.

Forgotten Food in the Pantry

Spilled flour, open cereal boxes, and stale crackers are a feast for pantry pests like weevils and moths. Once they get in, they can ruin a whole shelf’s worth of food.

Store dry goods in airtight containers and do regular pantry checks. If you spot bugs, toss infested items and wipe down the shelves before restocking.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.