You open a cabinet, and something skitters out of sight. You shake your shoes before putting them on, just in case. But no matter how clean your home looks, there are places pests love to hide—and most of them are places we rarely check.
We tend to keep our eyes on common hotspots like the pantry or the bathroom floor. But some of the worst infestations start where you least expect them: deep in the shadows of forgotten storage, inside appliance housings, or even in the folds of your couch cushions.
Let’s pull back the curtains (literally and figuratively) on the sneakiest pest hideouts inside your home—and what you can do about them before it’s too late.
Inside Electronics: The Warm Welcome Mat
Most people don’t think twice about their TV or game console being a pest magnet—but they absolutely can be.
Cockroaches, in particular, love the warmth electronics produce. Once inside, they can damage circuitry and leave droppings or shed skins that affect the airflow and function. And since we rarely open these devices up, the infestation often goes unnoticed until it spreads.
Pro tip: Regularly dust behind electronics, and avoid placing snacks or drinks nearby to keep things less inviting.
Under the Fridge: Not Just Dust Bunnies
The space under and behind your refrigerator is prime pest territory.
Crumbs, moisture from condensation, and heat make it the perfect hangout for cockroaches, ants, and even mice. And because fridges are rarely moved, these areas become long-term havens.
If you’ve ever smelled something *off* in the kitchen but couldn’t place it—start here.
Inside the Couch: Not Just Lost Change
Crumbs, pet hair, forgotten candy wrappers—all of it makes your couch a gourmet buffet for pests like carpet beetles, fleas, and even mites.
Worse, rodents like to nest in plush furniture, especially if the home is vacant or a room isn’t used regularly. They’ll tunnel into cushion stuffing and fabric linings, and you might not notice until you sit down and hear a strange rustling.
Vacuum under cushions frequently, and consider sealing off unused rooms to avoid unwelcome guests.
Closets: Dark, Quiet, and Full of Snacks (for Insects)
Think your closet is just a storage space for clothing? Think again.
Moths and carpet beetles see it as a buffet of wool, fur, and natural fibers. Silverfish may target books, glue in leather shoes, or even the starch in folded linens. And if the closet shares a wall with a bathroom, the added humidity can create a perfect breeding ground.
Use cedar blocks, vacuum occasionally, and rotate stored clothing to discourage infestations.
Inside Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans
Ever removed a light fixture dome and found a cluster of dead bugs inside? It’s not just a graveyard—it’s a sign that insects are getting in through attic vents or gaps around the ceiling.
Certain pests, like cluster flies and stink bugs, are drawn to warmth and light. And once they enter through tiny crevices, they get trapped in the fixtures and multiply unnoticed.
Seal gaps around ceiling fixtures and install fine mesh in attic vents to reduce intrusions.
Behind Picture Frames and Wall Decor
This one surprises people: the space behind hanging art, mirrors, or wall-mounted items is a cozy hideaway for spiders, silverfish, and even wasps.
It’s dark, undisturbed, and often warm—everything a pest needs. Spiders, in particular, may spin webs here, waiting for unsuspecting insects drawn to light or moisture.
Make it a habit to take down and dust behind wall decor at least a few times a year.
Inside Cardboard Boxes in Storage
Attics, garages, and basements filled with cardboard boxes are heaven for roaches, silverfish, and rodents. Cardboard is both food and shelter, especially when damp.
Stored holiday decorations or old documents can quickly become shredded nesting material if pests move in.
Swap out cardboard for plastic bins with tight-sealing lids to cut down on pest activity and moisture exposure.
When the Problem’s in the Places You Never Check
Most pests don’t want to be seen—they want to stay hidden, warm, and well-fed. That’s why they tend to settle in the places we forget to clean, check, or even think about.
Prevention starts with awareness. The next time you’re deep cleaning, look beyond the surface. Pests are patient, but so are vigilant homeowners.
If you hear, see, or smell something suspicious, don’t ignore it. It might just be the sign of something lurking where you least expect it.
