Summer is all fun and games until you notice critters around your house. Much like with humans, bugs become more active during the warmer months of spring and summer. While avoiding these pests altogether is close to impossible, there are household tasks that are often missed that attract bugs, critters, and mold.

Cleaning expert Will Cotter of FreshSpace Cleaning partnered with Ruggable to share the chores that shouldn’t be neglected this summer if you want to avoid attracting unwanted guests.

Clearing Dishes in Sink

One of the best things you can do to prevent your home from being infested with critters is never to leave dishes in your sink overnight. “Even the smallest residue of unclean food can attract unwanted smells, bacteria, bugs, and critters,” says Cotter. After washing dishes, make sure to clean your sink with soap and water, wipe your counters, and put food away in the refrigerator or pantry.

Wiping Surfaces in the Bathroom

According to YouGov, one of Americans’ least favorite household chores is wiping down bathroom surfaces. Cotter advises, “Scrub and disinfect the toilet, especially those hard-to-reach spots under the rim and around the waterline.” When it comes to the shower and bathtub, it’s important to remove soap scum and mildew. “Don’t forget to wash your bath mat after cleaning the bathtub or shower area, but before wiping down other surfaces like countertops and sinks,” says Cotter.

Shower curtains are another part of your bathroom that should not be neglected. If your shower curtain looks like it needs some love, wash it in the washing machine with mild detergent. “If it’s beyond saving, it might be time to get a new one,” Cotter reveals.

Effectively Washing Your Bedding

Wash your bedding weekly to keep your home as clean as possible. This means washing your sheets, pillowcases, and blankets. When doing a deep clean, make sure to clean under your bed to avoid unwanted critters being attracted to any mess. As summer approaches, make sure to clean out your closets to get rid of unwanted items that may be causing clutter.