Living in Florida means enjoying sunshine, beaches, and a tropical climate. But along with the perks of nature come a few drawbacks – one of the most annoying being small household pests. Gnats, kitchen flies, ants, and pantry bugs are all frequent uninvited guests in Tampa Bay homes. If you’re tired of dealing with them or want to prevent them from showing up in the first place, this article is for you. I am not a biologist or a pest specialist. I own a cleaning company in the Tampa Bay area, and every day I see how cleanliness affects the number of “guests” in the house. At Wow Now Cleaning, we help our clients do more than just tidy up—we create living spaces where pests have no reason to stay.
Why Do Pests Appear in the Home?
Let’s start with the basics: most small pests don’t come from outside—they thrive because of things we do or don’t do indoors. Leftover food on the counter, juice spills, dirty sinks, overflowing trash bins—all of these create perfect breeding conditions for flies and gnats.
In Tampa Bay’s humid climate, even the smallest organic residue can attract pests. Combine that with warmth, and you’ve got an ideal environment for them to multiply.
Start With the Sink and Drain
In our experience, the kitchen sink drain is one of the most common sources of gnats. It’s always warm and damp, with bits of food clinging to the pipe walls.
What to Do:- In tough cases, we recommend enzyme-based cleaners to break down organic buildup and remove the food source for gnats.
Don’t Leave Fruit Out
We often see fruit baskets left out on kitchen counters. While they look beautiful, they’re magnets for fruit flies. These pests can appear within a day of fruit becoming overripe.
Tips:- Keep fruit in the fridge or in a covered container with ventilation.
- If you already have fruit flies, set a trap: pour some apple cider vinegar and a drop of dish soap into a jar, cover it with plastic wrap, and poke holes in the top. The flies will get in but won’t be able to get out.
Take Out the Trash Regularly
Even in otherwise clean homes, we’ve found pests – and the culprit is often the trash bin. Organic waste left to sit creates smells and breeding grounds for flies.
What to Do:- Take out the trash daily, especially if it contains food scraps.
- Don’t just change the liner – wash the actual bin with a disinfectant once a week.
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Clean Out Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets are another hotspot. Spilled flour, sugar, or crumbs can attract ants and pantry bugs. Once they settle in, they’re hard to get rid of.
Our Approach:- During deep cleaning, we remove crumbs, and disinfect shelves. If we notice signs of pantry bugs, we advise tossing the infested items and wiping shelves with vinegar or disinfectant spray.
Check Windows and Doors
Many homes in Tampa have mosquito screens, but if they’re torn or don’t fit properly, flies can easily get in—especially at night when lights are on.
Tip:- Inspect all window and door screens for damage.
- Install proper seals or mesh curtains on balconies and patios if needed.
Don’t Overlook the Bathroom
People often forget that drains in bathrooms can also attract gnats, especially when there’s buildup from hair, soap, and moisture.
Solution:- Use a drain cleaner once a week to prevent buildup.
- Avoid leaving wet towels on the floor – they trap moisture and may attract pests over time.
Book Professional Cleaning at Least Every Two Weeks
One of the biggest reasons pests stick around is the hidden buildup in places you don’t clean regularly—behind the fridge, under the stove, inside vent covers. That’s where we come in. At Wow Now Cleaning, we specialize in deep cleanings that target the areas pests love most.
We scrub hard-to-reach places, and use safe but powerful cleaners to eliminate grime and organic residue.
After our service, you’ll not only see the difference – you’ll feel it. And pests? They’ll have nowhere left to hide.
Final Thoughts
Here’s what I’ve learned after years in the cleaning industry: having pests in your home doesn’t always mean your space is dirty. More often, it’s just a result of life getting busy—of not having time to clean every sink or trash can. And that’s okay.
That’s exactly why we exist at Wow Now Cleaning—not to judge, but to help. Your home should be for you, not for bugs. Trust us to restore comfort, safety, and a truly clean environment where you can relax and feel at peace.
Ready to take back control and send pests packing?
Get in touch with Wow Now Cleaning today and book your professional home cleaning! We know where bugs hide – and we know how to keep them from coming back.
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Hi, I’m Tetiana, your go-to cleaning expert! I share tips and articles to keep your home sparkling. I’d love to hear your feedback and comments!
10 Comments
What kind of products do you use to clean the drains? Can I buy them myself, or is it better to let professionals handle it?
We use professional-grade products that effectively clean drains and eliminate odors and organic buildup. These products are available for purchase, but if you’re unsure which one to choose or how to use it properly — it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
There are so many gnats after it rains. Are there any safe ways to deal with them if I have small kids at home?
Yes! We always use cleaning products that are safe for children and pets. We also pay close attention to the little details that often attract gnats — like cleaning drains, kitchen surfaces, vent covers, and other hard-to-reach spots.
How often do you recommend deep cleaning if there are no pets or kids at home?
In that case, a deep cleaning once a month is usually enough. But if you start noticing gnats or small bugs, it’s a good idea to check hidden areas — like under the fridge, inside cabinets, and behind the stove. That’s where organic buildup often hides and attracts pests.
What if I just put a lot of air fresheners around? Wouldn’t that help with the flies?
Unfortunately, no. Air fresheners may mask the smell temporarily, but flies and gnats aren’t attracted to scents — they’re drawn to food sources like leftovers, dirty drains, or a full trash can. To really get rid of them, you need to eliminate those sources. Air fresheners are just a nice bonus for an already clean space 😊
Thank you so much for the article! I finally understand why gnats appear even in a clean home. I’ve already booked your deep cleaning — can’t wait to try it out.
Thank you so much for your trust! 🙌 We’re happy to hear the article was helpful. Our team is already getting ready for your cleaning — we’ll make sure your home feels not just clean, but truly comfortable. If you have any special requests or details you’d like us to know — feel free to reach out anytime!