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20 Things That Attract Bad Bugs Into Your House and Yard
Summer is every bug’s time to shine, including those that bring disease or simply the discomfort of itchy bites. The bad news is that you might be inviting these critters into your home without even knowing it. Here are some things that attract bad bugs into your house and yard and what you can do about it.
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1. Standing Water
1/201. Standing Water
1/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Mosquitoes breed in standing water, even in puddles only a few centimetres deep. Empty out all containers in your garden and fix blocked drains to get rid of standing water.Outdoors20 Things That Attract Bad Bugs Into Your House and Yard1. Standing Water
PHOTO 1 of 20READ LESS -Mosquitoes breed in standing water, even in puddles only a few centimetres deep. Empty out all containers in your garden and fix blocked drains to get rid of standing water.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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2. Humidity
2/202. Humidity
2/20Photo Credit: Daniel Clauzier/Wikimedia Commons
Cockroaches, silverfish and other bugs love high humidity inside your home. Fix all water leaks and if the humidity levels in your home are still high, invest in a dehumidifier.Outdoors20 Things That Attract Bad Bugs Into Your House and Yard2. Humidity
PHOTO 2 of 20READ LESS -Cockroaches, silverfish and other bugs love high humidity inside your home. Fix all water leaks and if the humidity levels in your home are still high, invest in a dehumidifier.Photo Credit: Daniel Clauzier/Wikimedia Commons
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3. Trash
3/203. Trash
3/20Photo Credit: Lcmortensen/Wikimedia Commons
Cockroaches, ants and flies are drawn to trash, which provides them with a source of food. In between trash pick-up days, store your garbage in tightly sealed containers that will keep the bugs out.Outdoors20 Things That Attract Bad Bugs Into Your House and Yard3. Trash
PHOTO 3 of 20READ LESS -Cockroaches, ants and flies are drawn to trash, which provides them with a source of food. In between trash pick-up days, store your garbage in tightly sealed containers that will keep the bugs out.Photo Credit: Lcmortensen/Wikimedia Commons
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4. Dirty Recyclables
4/204. Dirty Recyclables
4/20Photo Credit: Z22/Wikimedia Commons
Recyclables that still have bits of food in them will attract flies, ants and cockroaches. Before you put your recyclables in the recycling bin, thoroughly rinse them.Outdoors20 Things That Attract Bad Bugs Into Your House and Yard4. Dirty Recyclables
PHOTO 4 of 20READ LESS -Recyclables that still have bits of food in them will attract flies, ants and cockroaches. Before you put your recyclables in the recycling bin, thoroughly rinse them.Photo Credit: Z22/Wikimedia Commons
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5. Overripe Fruit
5/205. Overripe Fruit
5/20Photo Credit: André Karwath/Wikimedia Commons
As fruit and vegetables ripen, they start giving off ethylene gas, which attracts bugs such as fruit flies. Eat fresh produce before it becomes too ripe or store it in the fridge.Outdoors20 Things That Attract Bad Bugs Into Your House and Yard5. Overripe Fruit
PHOTO 5 of 20READ LESS -As fruit and vegetables ripen, they start giving off ethylene gas, which attracts bugs such as fruit flies. Eat fresh produce before it becomes too ripe or store it in the fridge.Photo Credit: André Karwath/Wikimedia Commons
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6. Cardboard Boxes and Paper
6/206. Cardboard Boxes and Paper
6/20Photo Credit: Dave 7/Wikimedia Commons
Cockroaches and silverfish are just some of the bugs that love paper products while termites munch on the glue holding cardboard boxes together. Recycle your old cardboard boxes and newspapers, donate old magazines to hospitals or schools and store your paperwork in plastic boxes with tight-fitting lids.Outdoors20 Things That Attract Bad Bugs Into Your House and Yard6. Cardboard Boxes and Paper
PHOTO 6 of 20READ LESS -Cockroaches and silverfish are just some of the bugs that love paper products while termites munch on the glue holding cardboard boxes together. Recycle your old cardboard boxes and newspapers, donate old magazines to hospitals or schools and store your paperwork in plastic boxes with tight-fitting lids.Photo Credit: Dave 7/Wikimedia Commons
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7. Clogged Gutters
7/207. Clogged Gutters
7/20Photo Credit: Eric Schmuttenmaer/FlickrSource: flic.kr
Clogged gutters lead to small puddles of water for mosquitoes to breed in, while the rotting plant material also provides other bugs with food and shelter. Regularly clean your gutters.Outdoors20 Things That Attract Bad Bugs Into Your House and Yard7. Clogged Gutters
PHOTO 7 of 20READ LESS -Clogged gutters lead to small puddles of water for mosquitoes to breed in, while the rotting plant material also provides other bugs with food and shelter. Regularly clean your gutters.Photo Credit: Eric Schmuttenmaer/FlickrSource: flic.kr
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8. Woodpiles
8/208. Woodpiles
8/20Photo Credit: kallerna/Wikimedia Commons
Piles of wood provide an excellent hiding place for bugs and if you store your firewood right next to your house, the bugs will find it much easier to get inside. Keep woodpiles well away from your exterior walls.Outdoors20 Things That Attract Bad Bugs Into Your House and Yard8. Woodpiles
PHOTO 8 of 20READ LESS -Piles of wood provide an excellent hiding place for bugs and if you store your firewood right next to your house, the bugs will find it much easier to get inside. Keep woodpiles well away from your exterior walls.Photo Credit: kallerna/Wikimedia Commons
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9. Bushes Close to the House
9/209. Bushes Close to the House
9/20Photo Credit: Celeste Lindell/FlickrSource: flic.kr
Most bugs love finding shelter on plants and if you have bushes growing too close to your house, insects will use the foliage and branches as a bridge to enter your home. Keep a space of at least 15 cm between foliage and siding.Outdoors20 Things That Attract Bad Bugs Into Your House and Yard9. Bushes Close to the House
PHOTO 9 of 20READ LESS -Most bugs love finding shelter on plants and if you have bushes growing too close to your house, insects will use the foliage and branches as a bridge to enter your home. Keep a space of at least 15 cm between foliage and siding.Photo Credit: Celeste Lindell/FlickrSource: flic.kr
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10. Piles of Leaves and Grass Clippings
10/2010. Piles of Leaves and Grass Clippings
10/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Piles of leaves and grass clippings provide excellent shelter for bugs, especially in winter. Get rid of organic garden waste and if you want to compost it, keep it in a composting bin.Outdoors20 Things That Attract Bad Bugs Into Your House and Yard10. Piles of Leaves and Grass Clippings
PHOTO 10 of 20READ LESS -Piles of leaves and grass clippings provide excellent shelter for bugs, especially in winter. Get rid of organic garden waste and if you want to compost it, keep it in a composting bin.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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11. Unkempt Yards
11/2011. Unkempt Yards
11/20Photo Credit: Michael Cornelius/FlickrSource: flic.kr
Bugs and other pests can breed in overgrown yards and by the time you notice them, the infestation may be huge and difficult to control. Mow the lawn regularly, prune shrubs and trees and pull out weeds to keep your yard tidy and pest free.Outdoors20 Things That Attract Bad Bugs Into Your House and Yard11. Unkempt Yards
PHOTO 11 of 20READ LESS -Bugs and other pests can breed in overgrown yards and by the time you notice them, the infestation may be huge and difficult to control. Mow the lawn regularly, prune shrubs and trees and pull out weeds to keep your yard tidy and pest free.Photo Credit: Michael Cornelius/FlickrSource: flic.kr
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12. Dirty Grills
12/2012. Dirty Grills
12/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Bits of food stuck to the grill will attract bugs looking to feast long after you’ve had your barbecue. Clean your grill thoroughly after each use.Outdoors20 Things That Attract Bad Bugs Into Your House and Yard12. Dirty Grills
PHOTO 12 of 20READ LESS -Bits of food stuck to the grill will attract bugs looking to feast long after you’ve had your barbecue. Clean your grill thoroughly after each use.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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13. Pet Food
13/2013. Pet Food
13/20Photo Credit: Maja Dumat/Flickr
Uneaten pet food is a hit with bugs such as flies, ants and cockroaches. Feed your pet only as much as they need with each meal and store the rest of the food in sealable containers.Outdoors20 Things That Attract Bad Bugs Into Your House and Yard13. Pet Food
PHOTO 13 of 20READ LESS -Uneaten pet food is a hit with bugs such as flies, ants and cockroaches. Feed your pet only as much as they need with each meal and store the rest of the food in sealable containers.Photo Credit: Maja Dumat/Flickr
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14. Pet Waste
14/2014. Pet Waste
14/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Pet waste provides food and a breeding ground for flies and other nasties. Clean up after your dog and keep your cat’s litter box clean.Outdoors20 Things That Attract Bad Bugs Into Your House and Yard14. Pet Waste
PHOTO 14 of 20READ LESS -Pet waste provides food and a breeding ground for flies and other nasties. Clean up after your dog and keep your cat’s litter box clean.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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15. Bird Seed
15/2015. Bird Seed
15/20Photo Credit: Johntex/Wikimedia Commons
Bird seed is an easily accessible source for insects. Keep the bugs at bay but the birds happy by putting out only a little bit of seed every day rather than filling the bird feeder to the brim.Outdoors20 Things That Attract Bad Bugs Into Your House and Yard15. Bird Seed
PHOTO 15 of 20READ LESS -Bird seed is an easily accessible source for insects. Keep the bugs at bay but the birds happy by putting out only a little bit of seed every day rather than filling the bird feeder to the brim.Photo Credit: Johntex/Wikimedia Commons
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16. White Lighting
16/2016. White Lighting
16/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Gnats and other flying insects are attracted to lights. If you have to keep the lights turned on, switch to yellow lights because white lights attract more bugs.Outdoors20 Things That Attract Bad Bugs Into Your House and Yard16. White Lighting
PHOTO 16 of 20READ LESS -Gnats and other flying insects are attracted to lights. If you have to keep the lights turned on, switch to yellow lights because white lights attract more bugs.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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17. Missing Door Sweeps
17/2017. Missing Door Sweeps
17/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Crawling insects such as cockroaches and ants can squeeze through tiny gaps to enter your home. Keep your door sweeps in good condition and replace them when necessary.Outdoors20 Things That Attract Bad Bugs Into Your House and Yard17. Missing Door Sweeps
PHOTO 17 of 20READ LESS -Crawling insects such as cockroaches and ants can squeeze through tiny gaps to enter your home. Keep your door sweeps in good condition and replace them when necessary.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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18. Torn Screens
18/2018. Torn Screens
18/20Photo Credit: Maniago/Wikimedia Commons
Screens help to keep bugs out but even the tiniest tears will let bug-attracting odours through and can provide bugs with a way in. Inspect your screens regularly and fix any tears and holes.Outdoors20 Things That Attract Bad Bugs Into Your House and Yard18. Torn Screens
PHOTO 18 of 20READ LESS -Screens help to keep bugs out but even the tiniest tears will let bug-attracting odours through and can provide bugs with a way in. Inspect your screens regularly and fix any tears and holes.Photo Credit: Maniago/Wikimedia Commons
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19. Cracks
19/2019. Cracks
19/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Cracks provide bugs such as ants with a way into your home while they can also give shelter to fleas and other critters. Caulking and sealing cracks will help to keep the bugs out.Outdoors20 Things That Attract Bad Bugs Into Your House and Yard19. Cracks
PHOTO 19 of 20READ LESS -Cracks provide bugs such as ants with a way into your home while they can also give shelter to fleas and other critters. Caulking and sealing cracks will help to keep the bugs out.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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20. Messy Neighbours
20/2020. Messy Neighbours
20/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
If your neighbours are messy or have an unkempt yard, it can attract bugs to your yard too. Find a diplomatic way to raise the issue and, if necessary, offer to help your neighbours with the upkeep of their yard.Outdoors20 Things That Attract Bad Bugs Into Your House and Yard20. Messy Neighbours
PHOTO 20 of 20READ LESS -If your neighbours are messy or have an unkempt yard, it can attract bugs to your yard too. Find a diplomatic way to raise the issue and, if necessary, offer to help your neighbours with the upkeep of their yard.Photo Credit: Getty Images
