The Role of Cleanliness in Pest Prevention: Decluttering and Hygiene Tips


You may notice various insects hanging out in your grass, garden, patio, or other outdoor areas. While it’s better to have these pests outdoors, these insects can easily make their way indoors. Once you have ants, mosquitoes, cockroaches, bees, mice, or other insects and rodents in your home, they can quickly multiply. Before you know it, you have a major pest infestation on your hands. 

While pests can infiltrate clean or dirty homes, they’re more likely to choose the messy house. That’s because they love clutter. Papers, cardboard, wood, plants, clothes, and trash all make great materials for nests and hiding places. Plus, clutter can attract various types of insects, which can mean food for larger pests. It becomes a cycle. The dirtier the home, the more likely you are to have pests. 

This means it may be time to do some spring cleaning (or fall, summer, or winter cleaning; you get the idea). If your home is looking a little dusty and clutter is starting to pile up, it’s time to get out the rags, mops, and cleaning supplies and start cleaning floors, countertops, and other surfaces. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

Regularly Clean Your Home

House cleaning shouldn’t just be done several times a year or on special occasions. You should be cleaning your home to some degree pretty much every day. This includes sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, and wiping down countertops to remove crumbs, spills, and other potential food sources for pests.

Reduce Paper Clutter

Paper clutter can attract pests like silverfish and cockroaches. Organize and shred unnecessary papers. Keep important documents in sealed containers or safes so they are away from pests that can destroy them.

Organize Food Storage

Don’t leave food lingering on countertops or windowsills. Store food in airtight containers to prevent access to pests. Pet food needs to be sealed up too.

Declutter the Kitchen and Pantry

Discard expired and unused items in your pantry and refrigerator. Keep the pantry organized so you can quickly spot and remove any signs of pests.

Declutter Closets

Keep closets organized to make it harder for pests to find hiding spots. Store clothes in plastic storage bins. Throw away any papers, boxes, or unnecessary items.

Regularly Empty Trash Cans

Dispose of trash regularly. Don’t let trash overflow inside the house. Keep your trash cans clean and ensure they have secure lids to prevent pests from entering.

Limit Moisture

Pests like roaches and silverfish are attracted to moisture. Fix any leaks as soon as possible to prevent puddling of water. You should use dehumidifiers in damp areas.

Clean Drains

Sink and floor drains often accumulate debris that can attract pests and provide an ideal breeding site for flies and other small insects. Make sure to regularly inspect and clean all the drains in your home, including those in the bathrooms, laundry room, and basement. You can make an effective homemade drain cleaner out of baking soda and vinegar. These ingredients provide a foaming action that flushes out clogs.

Inspect and Seal Entry Points

Look around the inside and outside of your home for places that pests can hide and enter. Check inside, under, and behind kitchen cabinets, refrigerators, and stoves. Check around pipes, vents, and cables. and look for cracks, gaps, and holes that pests can get through. Focus on gaps that are ¼ in diameter or greater. Seal them to prevent pests from entering.

Declutter the Garage

Your garage may also be a nesting place for pests. Keep your garage organized and free from clutter to prevent pests from nesting there.

Keep Outdoor Areas Clean

Keep grass trimmed to 3 inches or shorter. Trim shrubs and trees away from your home to prevent pests from using them to get into your home. Remove branches, leaves, and other debris from your yard to eliminate hiding spots.

Store Firewood Away

If you use a fireplace, store firewood away from the house. It’s best to put it as far away from your home as possible, as pests will use it as a hiding spot.

Clean Pet Areas

If you have pets, keep their areas clean. Clean litter boxes as needed. Clean out water and food dishes regularly. Wash bedding often to prevent pests like fleas and ticks.

Contact Us Today for Decluttering tips

Hoarding items and leaving your home unclean can attract insects and rodents. By putting in an effort into cleanup, you can keep your property pest-free. Contact the friendly and knowledgeable team at Golden Circle Exterminators to help keep pests out of your home. Enjoy your home with less stress. Discuss your pest problems with us. Call (731) 668-4887 to schedule a free inspection.