6 Common Reasons for Pest Infestations (and the Simple Fixes)

Any homeowner can find themselves up against a barrage of problems from time to time, whether it’s a money pit or not. Pests are one of those things that we all have to contend with in one way or another at some point, whether it’s woodlice making their way in through a crack somewhere or something worse. But it’s important to remember the most common reasons for pest infestations so you can then take a good look at your home and make the appropriate changes. Let’s show you exactly what causes a pest infestation:  

Food Sources  

Pests are mainly attracted to areas that come with a lot of food. This is something that we all know on the surface, but of course, we all need food. There’s always pest infestation specialists like Terminix that can help with the real visceral issues, but it’s important to clean up spills and crumbs straight away, regularly inspect and clean storage areas, but also be far more on the ball when it comes to waste management, including tightly covering trash cans.  

Moisture and Water  

Pests need water to survive; therefore, moist areas are very attractive. This doesn’t just mean leaky pipes or standing water. In fact, condensation can be a common source of pests as well. Of course, preventing this problem is about being proactive. Eliminating standing water, including in plant trays, keeping surfaces dry by wiping them regularly, while also ensuring proper drainage and fixing leaky plumbing, can make all the difference. There’s always plumbing advisors that can give you the best support to ensure that you are doing everything you can, and besides, it’s good practice for the sake of your home as nobody ever wants a leak.  

If damp patches keep returning or you notice sudden low water pressure, don’t just treat the symptoms; check whether there’s a wider supply issue contributing to moisture. Street-side pooling, repeated “air in the lines,” or a nearby main repair can push water into places pests love. Look for official outages and advisory updates so you’re not guessing. For households in service areas covered by American Water, their page posts real-time alerts about main breaks, repair timelines, and conservation reminders. Use those updates alongside a quick home checklist: run a dehumidifier to keep humidity under 55%, insulate cold pipes to cut condensation, clear gutters so water drains away from foundations, and reseal utility penetrations where insects follow moisture indoors. Drying the environment and knowing whether the problem is inside your walls or upstream in the system will make every other pest fix work harder and last longer.

Shelter and Entry Points  

Pests are like us, and they need shelter in warm, secluded areas. Pests can enter through unsealed vents, gaps around doors and windows, and cracks in the walls and floors. Therefore, preventing pest entry by sealing these issues, installing door sweeps, and repairing damaged screens, and even setting up a perimeter around the facility that’s made of gravel or concrete, can work wonders.  

Poor Storage Practices  

This isn’t just exposed food, but clutter can be a big draw for pests because it provides hiding spots. We should all get into the habit of decluttering regularly anyway, so this little act of tidying up after ourselves can really work.  

Improper Cleaning  

We should implement a thorough and regular cleaning schedule, paying attention to hard-to-reach areas as well as cleaning and sanitizing equipment regularly. Poor sanitation will always create an inviting environment for pests.  

The Exterior  

From overgrown vegetation to outdoor lighting or improperly maintained trash and waste areas, these can also be a big factor when it comes to pests. Make sure you trim the vegetation away from the buildings, use pest-resistant exterior lighting, as well as maintain cleanliness so you can reduce the risk of pest infestations.  

It’s all about simple things, and making sure that you address these will result in a healthier and happier home, as well as yourself!