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Journalism of Courage
No one likes sharing their home with uninvited guests, especially the creepy, crawling kind. Yet, without even realising it, many of us are unknowingly rolling out the red carpet for bugs. Insects are masters at sneaking in through the smallest gaps and making themselves comfortable.
What’s worse is that some of the most common habits and oversights in our daily routines could be sending silent invitations to these pests. While we all know that insects can enter homes through cracks and crevices as well as poorly sealed drains and pipes, here are five lesser-known slip-ups you might be making, and how to fix them:
We get it, the kitchen is where the cooking magic happens, and with that comes the inevitable risk of spills, splatters, and crumbs. But it’s not just limited to meal prep. Everyday habits like eating at the dining table or snacking on the couch can also lead to unnoticed crumbs and food residue. These tiny bits may seem harmless, but to pests like ants, cockroaches, and even rodents, they’re an open invitation to feast. What’s worse? These pests don’t just show up for the leftovers, they often stay and multiply.
We’ve all had nights when the thought of doing the dishes feels exhausting, but letting them sit until morning is practically sending bugs an invite. Leftover food scraps, greasy residue, and pooled water in the sink can attract ants, cockroaches and even fruit flies. You might even notice a pungent smell the next morning. It’s not just about hygiene; pests are drawn to moisture and food particles. Make it a habit to rinse or wash your dishes before bed and wipe down the sink area thoroughly.
Your furry friend’s food may be meant for them, but pests love it just as much. Packed with protein and nutrients, both dry kibble and wet food emit strong scents that attract a variety of bugs, including ants, cockroaches and even rodents. Leaving pet bowls out, whether indoors or outside, can quickly turn into an unintentional buffet for pests. Even after your pet is done eating, leftover crumbs or uneaten bits become a magnet. To keep bugs at bay, clean bowls after every meal and store food in airtight containers.
Insects love places that are dark, undisturbed, and rarely cleaned, and cluttered corners or stacks of cardboard boxes provide the perfect hideouts. Cockroaches, silverfish, spiders and termites take shelter in these forgotten zones. Cardboard, in particular, retains moisture and is easy for pests to chew through or nest in. Regularly decluttering, vacuuming behind furniture, and switching to plastic storage bins instead of cardboard can go a long way in keeping bugs out of your home.
While your leafy friends may brighten up your space, overwatering them can do more harm than good not just to the plant, but to your home as well. Excess moisture in the soil or water that collects in trays beneath pots creates a damp environment that’s ideal for pests like fungus gnats, mosquitoes, and even mould-loving insects. To prevent this, water your plants only as needed, ensure proper drainage, and empty saucers regularly.
