11 Cleaning Mistakes That Are Making Your Pest Problem Worse

You might think keeping your home clean is the best way to avoid pests—and it is, for the most part. But certain cleaning habits can actually backfire if you’re not careful. Some methods spread crumbs around, leave moisture behind, or create cozy hiding spots without you even realizing it.

If bugs or rodents keep showing up no matter how much you clean, one of these habits could be part of the problem. Here’s what to watch for and what to do instead.

Wiping Crumbs onto the Floor

It’s easy to brush crumbs off the counter and deal with the floor later, but that gap in timing gives ants, roaches, and mice a chance to move in. Even tiny crumbs are a meal to a hungry pest.

Always sweep or vacuum immediately after cleaning surfaces. It might take an extra minute, but it keeps pests from getting a foothold right where you prep your food.

Ignoring Under Appliances

The spaces under your fridge, oven, and dishwasher are magnets for food particles, spills, and warmth—all the things pests love. If you never pull them out, those areas become long-term hiding spots.

Try to clean under major appliances every few months. A quick vacuum and wipe-down can stop bugs from turning those forgotten corners into a permanent home base.

Leaving Wet Sponges or Rags Out

Sponges, cloths, and wet mops that sit around damp can attract roaches and flies, especially in warmer months. The moisture and food particles create a perfect environment for bugs to thrive.

Always wring out and hang cleaning cloths where they can fully dry. Swap sponges regularly, and don’t leave them sitting in the sink overnight. If it’s staying wet, it’s staying dirty.

Vacuuming Without Emptying the Canister

If your vacuum is full of crumbs, hair, and dust—and you don’t empty it regularly—you could be carrying pest attractants from room to room. Some insects are drawn to debris inside vacuums and can even lay eggs there.

Make it a habit to empty the vacuum after every use, especially if you’re cleaning up food or pet messes. A clean vacuum works better and won’t accidentally spread your problem around.

Overusing Bleach or Strong Scents

Heavy use of bleach and other strong-smelling cleaners might smell clean to you, but it can mask the scent trails pests leave behind for each other—making it harder to track or bait them properly.

Roaches and ants often rely on pheromones to find food and shelter. Overwhelming smells can scatter them and make the infestation harder to contain. Stick to basic cleaners in areas where you’re actively treating for pests.

Letting Clutter Build Up in Hidden Spots

That pile in the garage, the stack under the sink, or the junk drawer that turned into a junk cabinet—these are all places pests love. They give bugs a place to hide where they’re not disturbed.

If you’re trying to get rid of pests, start by decluttering. Reducing their hiding options makes your home a lot less appealing. It’s not just about wiping surfaces—it’s about giving pests fewer places to settle in.

Skipping the Trash Can Itself

You might be good at taking out the trash, but when’s the last time you cleaned the actual bin? Spills, leaks, and stuck-on food at the bottom are a goldmine for bugs.

Give your trash can a rinse with soap and hot water every couple of weeks. If you notice any sticky residue or odors, clean it sooner. Even a “clean” bag can’t cover up what’s already in the can.

Using Too Much Water When Mopping

Soaking your floors might make them look extra clean, but excess moisture—especially in corners and grout lines—can stick around longer than you think. Damp floors attract pests like silverfish, roaches, and mold mites.

Use a damp mop, not a wet one, and always let floors dry fully before putting rugs or furniture back in place. If water pools, you’re giving bugs a place to drink and hang out.

Letting Dirty Dishes Sit Overnight

It’s one of the most common habits—and one pests love most. A sink full of dishes offers leftover food, water, and shelter all in one place. Roaches and ants are especially drawn to that easy access.

If you can’t do the dishes right away, at least rinse them thoroughly and stack them neatly. Soaking pots can wait, but avoid leaving food scraps out where pests can feast while you sleep.

Forgetting to Clean Pet Bowls and Food Areas

Even a few crumbs or drips around a pet bowl can attract ants and roaches. And water left out overnight becomes an easy drink station for all kinds of pests.

Wipe around pet feeding areas daily and wash bowls regularly. If you feed your pet on a mat, lift it and clean underneath. Pest control isn’t just about people food—pet messes count too.

Using Scented Trash Bags Instead of Sealing Properly

Scented bags might mask odors for you, but they can actually attract pests with artificial food-like smells. If the bag’s not sealed tightly or leaks, it still gives bugs a reason to come sniffing around.

Stick with strong, unscented bags and make sure they’re tied off securely. The fewer smells and spills, the less interest pests will have in your trash area.

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