• Always make sure to fully dry any cleaning tools like mops and sponges since moisture can be a breeding ground for pests.
• Clean pet toys and beds regularly, especially if your pet is outside often since they can easily attract pests.
• Seal any tiny holes around unused outlets and cable lines, so pests can’t come in through the cracks.

Food that’s been left out is known to attract pests into your home, but you may be surprised to learn there are many other things that invite pests in.

“Think beyond the usual food-and-water equation; Warmth, scents, and hidden entry points can be just as inviting,” Nicole Carpenter, the president of Black Pest Prevention, says.

Carpenter says cockroaches, ants, flies, and even rodents are attracted by seemingly harmless things like floral-scented candles, game consoles, and wet mops. However, regular cleaning, sealing gaps, and checking overlooked areas can make a big difference.

Ahead, the pro shares seven surprising things that are actually attracting pests into your home so you are aware and can take the proper precautions.

Floral and Fruity Scents

There are some floral and fruity scents that Carpenter says can attract pests such as ants, flies, and even rodents that are looking for a food source in your home. The floral smell may be coming from a scented candle or an air freshener, but pests don’t know that and assume nectar-producing flowers are the source.

Similarly, just as a fruit basket with overly ripe bananas will attract fruit flies, some fruity scents, whether they are sweet or citrusy, can bring pests in under the impression there is food available.

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Routers, Game Consoles, and Surge Protectors

“Roaches and bed bugs love the warmth of routers, game consoles, and surge protectors, making these hidden nesting spots,” Carpenter says.

Not only does having these items plugged in at all times use up a lot of energy, they are an unexpected attractant. In addition to the warmth they emit, Carpenter notes that tiny food particles trapped in buttons and crevices of these devices can attract ants and cockroaches.

Wet Mops and Sponges

Moisture is one of the most common things that attracts pests indoors, but it’s not just standing water that does so. Carpenter warns that if you leave wet cleaning tools like mops or sponges around, they can become breeding grounds for bacteria-loving pests such as drain flies and cockroaches.

To prevent this, always allow mops and cleaning sponges to fully air dry, clean them according to specific product directions, and store them in a dry place.

Self-Watering Pots

While self-watering pots may take a chore off your hands and keep plants watered while you’re away, on the other hand, they can also attract unwanted pests according to Carpenter. She says the constant moisture creates an ideal breeding ground for fungus gnats and mosquitoes.

Self-watering pots keep plants hydrated by dispensing water into the soil from a built-in reservoir. To make sure the stored water isn’t attracting pests, clean out the reservoir regularly, discarding standing water and replacing it with fresh water.

Pet Beds and Toys

Carpenter explains how pets can also attract pests with their plush beds and soft toys if they’re not cleaned regularly.

To prevent these pests from infesting your home, washing your pet’s bed, toys, and accessories regularly are essential. The frequency will depend on how active your pet is and how much time they spend outside, but ideally, you should aim to wash these items twice a month.

Fabric and Jute Grocery Bags

Reusable grocery bags are a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bags and are generally considered an eco-friendly choice that benefits the planet and your home. That’s why it may surprise you that Carpenter says fabric and jute grocery bags can actually cause pests to come in.

She explains they can carry pantry moth eggs or cockroach hitchhikers from the store right into your home. Reduce the risk by washing bags if the care directions allow and shaking them out outside after emptying them.

Unsealed Vents and Holes Around Unused Outlets

Pests are known to enter a house through any cracks and crevices they can find, but Carpenter says these access points go well beyond foundation cracks. Carpenter points out that unsealed vents of a chimney or dryer are entry points for everything from stink bugs to rodents. She shares another surprising place that can attract pests: the tiny holes around unused outlets and cable lines. Carpenter says these often overlooked entry points attract pests such as spiders and cockroaches.