Nothing ruins a relaxing evening at home faster than the annoying itch of an insect bite. While it’s common to blame outdoor adventures for these unwanted irritations, many bites actually come from inside your home. Mosquitoes, fleas, spiders, and even bed bugs can find their way indoors—especially during warmer months.
At SOAA Cleaning Services in Lebanon, PA, we believe prevention starts with a cleaner, more pest-proof home. That’s why we’ve created this practical guide to help you identify and clean seven commonly overlooked areas that attract insects. Follow these tips and hacks to keep your home bite-free and your family comfortable.
1. Window Sills and Screens
Open windows let in fresh air—but if the screens are torn or dirty, you might be welcoming insects, too.
Tips & Hacks:
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Inspect all screens for holes or tears and repair them with screen patch kits.
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Clean window sills with a vinegar and water solution to remove dirt and bug-attracting debris.
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Use a vacuum with a crevice tool to suck up any dead bugs hiding in corners.
Hack: Add a few drops of citronella or eucalyptus essential oil to the cleaning solution for a natural insect deterrent.
2. Under Furniture and Appliances
Dust bunnies aren't the only thing hiding under your sofa or fridge. These dark, undisturbed areas are a haven for insects like spiders and roaches.
Tips & Hacks:
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Move furniture and large appliances at least once a month to sweep and vacuum underneath.
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Mop with warm water and a bit of castile soap for a non-toxic clean.
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Check for food crumbs or moisture around kitchen appliances.
Hack: Place dryer sheets in hard-to-reach areas—many pests dislike their smell.
3. Pet Bedding and Toys
Fleas and mites love to hitch a ride on pets and make their home in their bedding, toys, and even your carpets.
Tips & Hacks:
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Wash pet bedding weekly in hot water.
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Freeze plush toys for 24 hours before washing to kill any lurking bugs.
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Vacuum areas where pets spend the most time, especially under beds or in corners.
Hack: Sprinkle baking soda on pet beds, let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum to absorb odors and deter insects.
4. Cracks and Gaps Around Doors and Windows
Small entry points are an open invitation for insects. Cleaning these areas not only improves your home’s appearance but also helps you spot vulnerabilities.
Tips & Hacks:
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Wipe down door frames and window tracks with an all-purpose cleaner.
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Seal gaps with caulk or weather stripping to block insect access.
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Use door sweeps at the bottom of exterior doors to keep bugs out.
Hack: Apply a line of diatomaceous earth along cracks—it’s safe for humans and pets but deadly to bugs.
5. Trash Cans and Compost Bins
The smell of food waste is irresistible to flies, ants, and roaches. Keep your trash areas spotless to reduce pest attraction.
Tips & Hacks:
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Clean your trash bins weekly with a bleach solution or vinegar and baking soda.
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Make sure compost bins have secure lids and are emptied regularly.
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Use liners and deodorizing tablets in trash cans.
Hack: Place bay leaves or citrus peels in the bottom of your trash bin to naturally repel bugs.
6. Mattresses and Upholstered Furniture
Bed bugs and dust mites thrive in mattresses, couches, and fabric chairs—areas that don’t get cleaned as often.
Tips & Hacks:
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Vacuum your mattress and upholstered furniture weekly using a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
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Wash sheets and pillowcases in hot water, and dry on high heat.
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Use mattress encasements to prevent bed bugs from settling in.
Hack: Sprinkle baking soda on your mattress, let it sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum to neutralize odors and discourage bugs.
7. Indoor Plants
Indoor plants can harbor tiny insects like gnats and spider mites, especially when soil stays damp or decayed leaves pile up.
Tips & Hacks:
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Remove dead leaves and wipe plant pots regularly.
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Don’t overwater—keep soil damp, not soggy.
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Use sticky traps near plants to catch flying pests.
Hack: Mix a bit of cinnamon into the top layer of soil—it’s a natural fungicide and deters bugs.
Clean to Protect, Not Just to Shine
Regular, targeted cleaning can drastically reduce your risk of indoor insect bites. While pest control treatments have their place, prevention through cleanliness is the best first line of defense. These seven areas are often overlooked but are essential to a healthy, comfortable home environment.
Feeling overwhelmed or don’t have time to deep clean? SOAA Cleaning Services is here to help. Our team offers thorough, professional house cleaning in Lebanon, PA, including those hard-to-reach, pest-prone spots.
Schedule your next deep cleaning with us and say goodbye to the itch—for good.