Portable Homes in India: What They Are & Why They Are the Next Big Home Trend
July 18, 2025
5 Household Items That Attract Pests
Here’s the list of household items that attract pests in your house:
Leftover Food
Leftover food is one of the main causes of pests entering your home. When you leave food uncovered on the kitchen counter, or leftover snacks in the living room, or crumbs under the dining table, any exposed food becomes a feast for pests.
Ants and cockroaches are especially quick to find even the smallest food particles. Over time, this increases pest activity in your kitchen but can also cause contamination and health risks.
Dirty Bathroom
Dirty bathrooms and toilets are the biggest causes of cockroaches in houses. When you don't clean bathrooms or let them remain damp for long, they become ideal breeding grounds for pests. The moisture in the bathroom attracts insects like cockroaches, silverfish, and even small flies.
Clogged or Overflowing Sewage Tanks
In most of the households, sewage problems are one of the most serious causes of pest infestations. A clogged or overflowing septic tank or drainage line can release foul odors and attract flies, cockroaches, and rodents. Such conditions are not only unhygienic but also pose serious health hazards, and pests find their way indoors from these systems.
Open Dustbins
One of the household items that attracts pests is an open or dirty dustbin. When you don’t close the lid or forget to empty the bin regularly, bacteria start to grow. Waste like leftover food, fruit peels, and packaging materials quickly attracts flies, ants, and cockroaches.
If the dustbin is kept indoors or near the kitchen without a proper cover, it becomes easy for pests to enter your home and move around freely. Over time, this can cause a bad smell and lead to a pest infestation.
Still Water
Still water that is collected in plant trays, buckets, bathroom corners, or outside areas can attract mosquitoes. These small insects lay their eggs in such water, and they quickly multiply in number and can cause diseases like dengue and malaria.
Pet Bowls
Many pet owners leave food and water bowls out in the open for long hours, especially during the night. While this is easy for pets, it can attract pests. The smell of pet food brings ants, cockroaches, flies, and even rats. Over time, more pests may start coming near the pet’s area, and the food can get dirty or unsafe for your pet to eat.
Still Water
Still water that is collected in plant trays, buckets, bathroom corners, or outside areas can attract mosquitoes. These small insects lay their eggs in such water, and they quickly multiply in number and can cause diseases like dengue and malaria.
Pet Bowls
Many pet owners leave food and water bowls out in the open for long hours, especially during the night. While this is easy for pets, it can attract pests. The smell of pet food brings ants, cockroaches, flies, and even rats. Over time, more pests may start coming near the pet’s area, and the food can get dirty or unsafe for your pet to eat.
The easiest way to keep pests away from your home is by keeping the kitchen clean. Make sure you wipe the kitchen counters, clean up food spills, and store leftover food in sealed containers. Also, never leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight, as cockroaches usually come out and breed in the kitchen at night. Washing utensils before going to bed can help reduce pest activity.
2. Cover Your Dustbins
Always use dustbins with proper lids and empty them regularly. Open or dirty dustbins are one of the main reasons pests like flies and cockroaches come into your home. You can also use biodegradable dustbin sheets to keep the bin clean and make it easier to throw out the garbage. Don’t forget to wash your dustbin from time to time to avoid bad smells and germs.
3. Declutter Your Home
Pests like cockroaches, silverfish, and even rats love to hide in dark, quiet places. Stacks of cardboard boxes, old newspapers, magazines, and unused household items create the perfect hiding spots for them. That’s why it’s important to keep your home neat and clutter-free. Regularly clear out things you no longer need or use. A clean and open space makes it harder for pests to hide and stay in your home.
4. Use Natural Repellents
If you want to keep pests away without using strong chemicals, natural repellents are a great choice. Items like neem oil, vinegar spray, and camphor work well to keep insects away from your home.
You can spray neem oil or vinegar in kitchen corners, under the sink, and around windows. Camphor can be placed in cupboards, drawers, and even bathroom corners. These natural options are safe, affordable, and help reduce pest activity without harming your family or pets.
5. Clean Bathroom and Toilet Areas
Bathrooms are often warm, damp, and used daily, which makes them a favorite spot for pests like cockroaches, silverfish, and drain flies. If the bathroom is not cleaned regularly, soap scum, hair, and standing water can attract insects. To prevent this, make sure to clean the bathroom every day, especially the corners, behind the toilet, and near the drain. A dry, clean bathroom keeps pests away and maintains hygiene in your home.
Conclusion
A dirty house becomes a perfect breeding ground for pests. That’s why it’s important to regularly check your home and keep an eye on household items that attract pests. Pests not only bring a bad smell but also carry bacteria and germs that can make you and your family sick. It’s always better to take simple precautions in advance to keep your home clean, healthy, and pest-free.
Also Read: Water Tank Servicing: How to Clean Your Water Tank The Right Way?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What are those household items that attract pests in the house?
A: Dirty kitchen, utensils, bathroom, and still water are some of the main causes of pests in the house.
Q2: What are some natural ways to remove pests?
A: Neem oil, peppermint oil, apple cider vinegar, and rosemary are some of the most common household items that keep pests away.
Q3: How to keep cockroaches away from home?
A: The best way to keep cockroaches away is to regularly clean the house, kitchen, and washroom. Also, keep your drains clean, as they are the biggest breeding ground for cockroaches. Another thing that can be done is pest control twice or thrice a year.
