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Most of us have learned by now that an unsealed, dirty trash can attracts endless bugs, not to mention raccoons. Other common outdoor items may attract insects without necessarily raising your suspicions. If you’re wondering why ants, yellow jackets, mosquitoes, or cockroaches keep flocking to your yard, you might want to take a look at your bird feeders or gas grill. Read this list of eight outdoor items that attract more bugs than you think—it could help solve the mystery.
Clogged Gutters
We often don’t notice clogged gutters and downspouts until they start overflowing, but the bugs definitely do. Mosquitoes will breed in small pools of water created by clogs. Ants will nest in the debris and decaying leaves. This is yet another reason you should clean your gutters twice a year.
Plant Pots
Silverfish, earwigs, and pill bugs often hide under pots where it is cool, dark, and moist. If you use saucers, the standing water also attracts mosquitoes. If the creepy crawlies bother you or your vegetable garden, try placing potted plants on feet. Make sure to empty the saucers every time you water and after every rain.
Bird Feeders
Birdseed attracts weevils, cockroaches, and other insects that feed on grain. These bugs will scurry around on the ground to pick up fallen seed. They may also crawl right onto tray and cage feeders to eat. While birds will happily eat the insects, an infestation could ruin the seed. Store birdseed in sealed containers, use feeders that aren’t exposed to the elements, and clean up fallen seed from the ground. Bee guards and ant moats can help keep bugs out of your hummingbird feeders.
Landscape Lighting
Porch lights aren’t the only ones to draw in bugs. Landscape lights—especially the cool white ones—also attract moths and other nocturnal insects. If you don’t enjoy swatting at clouds of fluttering bugs while you sit on the patio, switch to yellow bulbs or move your lights further from seating areas.
Grills
A dirty grill and grease drippings will attract all sorts of hungry insects, so clean your grill after every use. Grill covers also create shelter for bugs and spiders to hang out in. Sometimes bees will try to nest in a covered grill. Use a grill cover with a drawstring to prevent this from happening, or store your grill in a garage or shed when you aren’t using it.
Compost Bins
Compost bins are a wonderful way to recycle kitchen scraps and enrich garden soil. And you do want some bugs living in your compost bin to help break down decomposing scraps and weeds. But compost bins also attract many unwanted insects, particularly cockroaches, ants, and yellow jackets. If these pests overrun your compost bin, you likely have too much food waste in the mix and need to add carbon-rich materials like dead leaves, grass, and twigs.
Pet Bowls
Pet bowls don’t just feed dogs and cats—they attract every critter in the neighborhood. If you leave pet food sitting out, expect visits from raccoons, opossums, and rodents, as well as ants, cockroaches, and flies. Even a few crumbs in the bottom of the bowl can be enough to attract bugs. Bring pet bowls inside after feeding and wash them thoroughly.
Yard Toys
Bugs often hide underneath overturned toys or nest in sandboxes. Mosquitoes are attracted to toys left out in the rain. Even a tablespoon of water is enough to hatch mosquitoes, so try to bring all toys indoors before rain arrives. If you have a sandbox, use a hard cover rather than a tarp, which may sag and fill with water.
Read the original article on Southern Living
