10 Things You Should Never Let Touch Your House

Most folks don’t think twice about what’s leaning against or touching their house—but they should. Letting the wrong things rest against your siding, roofline, or foundation is asking for moisture problems, pests, or expensive damage.

Some of these seem harmless at first glance, but over time, they cause rot, attract bugs, and ruin your home’s exterior. If you want to protect your house (and your wallet), make sure these things stay far away.

Firewood Stacked Against the Wall

Firewood piles are a magnet for termites, carpenter ants, and spiders. When you stack it right against your siding, you’re basically inviting pests to move in.

Plus, firewood holds moisture. Let it sit there long enough, and you’ll end up with mold, mildew, or even rotted siding. Keep firewood at least 20 feet from the house if you can, and stack it up off the ground.

Dirt or Mulch Piled Too High

It might seem harmless, but when mulch or dirt is piled against the foundation or siding, it holds moisture against the house. Over time, that leads to rot, mold, and even foundation problems.

Keep mulch and soil a few inches below the siding line. It helps the house breathe, keeps pests away, and prevents water damage.

Shrubs and Bushes Growing Too Close

Those pretty bushes can cause big problems if they’re brushing the siding. Leaves trap moisture, scratch the paint, and block airflow, which can lead to mold or mildew.

Make sure there’s at least 12 to 18 inches of space between your shrubs and the house. It’ll help with airflow, keep pests back, and save your siding.

Vines Climbing the Walls

Vines might look charming, but they’re terrible for your house. They dig into siding, trap moisture, and give insects a straight shot inside.

Whether it’s ivy, wisteria, or anything else, it’s best to keep climbing plants off the house completely. They’re beautiful—but better suited to a trellis placed a few feet away.

Leaves and Debris Piled Against the Foundation

When leaves pile up along the foundation, they hold moisture right where you don’t want it. It creates the perfect spot for rot, mold, and pests to thrive.

Make a habit of blowing or raking leaves away from the house. It’s a small job that prevents way bigger headaches down the line.

Downspouts Draining Too Close

If your downspouts pour water right next to the foundation, it won’t take long for problems to show up. You’re looking at erosion, foundation cracks, or a soggy crawl space.

Add downspout extenders or splash blocks to carry water several feet away. It’s one of the easiest ways to protect your home from water damage.

Trash Cans Sitting Right Beside the House

Trash bins attract pests like raccoons, ants, and roaches—especially when they’re right against the siding. They also hold moisture that can stain or damage the exterior.

Keep them pulled away from the house, ideally on a slab or pad. It helps with both pest control and keeping your siding looking better.

Garden Hoses Left Coiled at the Foundation

Leaving a wet hose coiled against the foundation seems minor until it’s not. It holds moisture right against the wall, which can lead to mold or water stains over time.

Hang it up on a reel or hook that’s mounted away from the siding. It keeps things dry and looks a whole lot neater, too.

Kid Toys, Bikes, or Furniture Leaned Against the Walls

It’s easy to stash bikes, scooters, or fold-up chairs against the house when you’re in a hurry—but they trap moisture, scuff paint, and create clutter that can lead to pest hideouts.

Set up a designated spot a few feet away from the house for anything that’s being stored outdoors. It helps the house breathe and stay protected.

Gutters Full of Gunk Overflowing

When gutters are clogged, water spills over the edge and runs right down your siding or pools around the foundation. That leads to stains, wood rot, and foundation issues fast.

Check your gutters regularly, especially in spring and fall. Clean them out so water flows where it’s supposed to—away from your house.

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