7 Things in Your Home Attracting Pests Right Now (And How to Stop Them)

What Attracts Pests?

• Crumbs and exposed food (including pet food)

• Leaky pipes or damp rooms

• Cluttered storage areas

• Overgrown plants or mulch near your home

• Overflowing or unsealed trash bins

• Gaps and cracks pests can sneak through

• Bringing pests in on items like firewood or luggage

Keep reading for how to fix each one—and stop infestations before they start.

#1 Food Left Out (Even Just a Little)

If there are crumbs on the floor, open snacks on the counter, or full pet food bowls left out overnight, you’re basically sending out a dinner invite to insects and rodents.

What to do:

• Wipe counters and sweep floors daily

• Store dry goods in sealed containers

• Don’t leave pet food or dirty dishes overnight

• Empty trash and compost bins regularly

#2 Moisture and Leaky Pipes

Shreveport’s humidity and rain already dampen homes. Add a slow leak under the sink or a musty crawl space, and pests like silverfish, roaches, and even termites feel right at home.

What to do:

• Repair leaks as soon as you spot them

• Run fan in bathrooms

• Place a dehumidifier in damp rooms

• Check behind appliances and under sinks for drips and leaks

#3 Cluttered Closets & Storage Areas

Pests love quiet, cluttered places where they can hide without being disturbed. Closets, attics, garages, and basements make ideal nesting and hiding spots, particularly for mice and rats; the more clutter, the better! 

What to do:

• Toss or donate unused items and organize at least a couple times of year

• Store items in durable, sealed plastic bins (not cardboard)

• Keep items off the floor where possible

• Shake out stored items, particularly clothing and fabric, before using

#4 Overgrown Landscaping Near the House

Bushes touching your siding or piles of leaves along the foundation make it easier for pests to get in, and offer perfect hiding spots outside.

What to do:

• Trim tree limbs and shrubs back so that they don’t touch the house

• Don’t stack firewood on your porch or against the foundation

• Maintain a gap of at least six inches between mulch and the foundation

• Keep gutters clear and water draining away from your home

• Clean up yard debris regularly and especially after storms

#5 Trash That’s Too Accessible

Insects and rodents have powerful senses. If your trash cans are uncovered, overflowing, or too close to the house, they are likely a neon sign for pests.

What to do:

• Use bins with tight lids

• Store outdoor trash away from entry and garage doors

• Don’t pile trash up beside your bins

• Clean your bins every few weeks

• Rinse food containers before tossing

#6 Gaps, Cracks, and Holes

Mice don’t need much room to get in; a hole the size of a dime will do. Bugs can slip through tiny cracks, no wider than a credit card. Most homes have more ways in than homeowners realize.

What to do:

• Seal cracks around windows, doors, pipes, foundation, and siding

• Use weatherstripping where needed

• Check door sweeps and garage seals regularly and replace as necessary

• Install screens over vents

• Make sure your chimney cap is in good working order

#7 Pests Hitching a Ride Indoors

You’d be surprised how often bugs and rodents come in through the front door. Firewood, luggage, secondhand furniture, and even your kids’ backpacks can carry pests inside.

What to do:

• Inspect and shake out items before bringing them in

• Don’t store firewood against the home

• Be cautious with used furniture or decor

• Wash and inspect travel bags after trips

Stop Problems Before They Start with Professional Pest Control

The truth is, pests in Northwest Louisiana never really go away. Our warm, humid climate means something is always active, whether termite swarmers in the spring, ants in summer, or rodents in the fall.

That’s why routine pest control isn’t just about solving a problem; it’s about preventing one.

Anti-Pest is your trusted, local team. We’ve been protecting homes (and businesses) in Shreveport, Bossier, and the surrounding areas for over 75 years. Our services are fast, eco-friendly, and backed by our satisfaction guarantee.

Ready for a Pest-Free Home?

Whether you’re trying to get ahead of a pest issue or already seeing signs of an infestation, we’re here to help. Contact us today for a free estimate or to sign up for the best home pest control around!