Harborage Locations
Reference guide for 56 common harborage locations. Includes 12 critical and 19 high-priority inspection areas, with detailed guidance on why pests are found in each location.
| Location | Description | Inspection Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Under Kitchen Sinks | Cabinet space beneath kitchen sinks with plumbing penetrations, drain pipes, and disposal connections. | Critical |
| Kitchen Cabinets | Upper and lower kitchen cabinets storing dishes, cookware, and dry goods. | Critical |
| Pantries | Dedicated food storage rooms or closets with shelving for dry goods, canned items, and packaged foods. | Critical |
| Under Bathroom Sinks | Vanity cabinets beneath bathroom sinks with plumbing, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. | High |
| Behind Toilets | Space between toilet and wall, including water supply lines and floor mounting area. | High |
| Bathtubs & Shower Surrounds | Areas around and beneath bathtubs and showers, including access panels and tile gaps. | Medium |
| Wall Voids | Empty spaces within interior and exterior walls between studs. | High |
| Basements | Below-grade finished or unfinished living spaces with concrete floors and walls. | Critical |
| Crawl Spaces | Shallow unfinished areas beneath first floor with exposed soil, minimal height clearance. | Critical |
| Attics | Uppermost space directly beneath the roof, typically with insulation and minimal floor. | High |
| Behind Refrigerators | Space behind and underneath refrigerators, including compressor area and drip pan. | Critical |
| Behind Stoves | Space behind and underneath stoves and ovens, including warming drawers and side gaps. | Critical |
| Under Dishwashers | Space beneath built-in dishwashers, including insulation and motor area. | High |
| Behind Washers & Dryers | Laundry area behind and beneath washing machines and dryers. | Medium |
| Mattress Seams & Tufts | Seams, tufts, folds, and piping of mattresses where fabric is joined. | Critical |
| Box Springs | Fabric covering, wooden frame, and interior of box spring foundations. | Critical |
| Upholstered Furniture | Couches, chairs, and cushioned furniture with fabric covering. | High |
| Wooden Furniture Joints | Joints, cracks, and underside of dressers, nightstands, desks, and wooden chairs. | Medium |
| Floor Drains | Basement, garage, and utility room floor drains with standing water and organic buildup. | High |
| Sewer Lines & Cleanouts | Main sewer line connections, cleanout access points, and broken sewer pipes. | High |
| Electrical Outlets | Wall outlet boxes, switch plates, and electrical receptacles. | Medium |
| Electrical Panels | Main circuit breaker boxes and electrical distribution panels. | High |
| Indoor Garbage Cans | Kitchen trash cans, bathroom waste baskets, and indoor refuse containers. | High |
| Outdoor Dumpsters | Commercial waste dumpsters and large outdoor trash receptacles. | Critical |
| Floor-Wall Junctions | Gaps and cracks where floors meet walls, especially behind molding and baseboards. | Medium |
| Drop Ceilings | Suspended ceiling spaces above tiles, especially near utilities. | Medium |
| Exterior Foundation | Cracks in foundation, weep holes, expansion joints, and areas where utilities enter. | High |
| Mulch & Landscape Beds | Mulched areas, wood chips, decorative stones near foundation. | High |
| Firewood Piles | Stacked firewood for heating, typically stored outdoors near structure. | High |
| Stored Lumber | Construction lumber, wooden boards, and building materials stored outdoors or in sheds. | Medium |
| Tree Branches Touching Roof | Overhanging tree limbs making contact with or near the roof structure. | High |
| Dense Vegetation Against Building | Shrubs, bushes, and plants growing directly against foundation or siding. | Medium |
| Soffit Vents | Ventilation openings in the underside of roof overhangs. | Medium |
| Gutters | Rain gutters and downspouts around roof perimeter. | High |
| Stored Clothing | Closets, storage boxes, and areas with infrequently used clothing made of natural fibers. | Medium |
| Carpets & Rugs | Wall-to-wall carpeting and area rugs, especially wool and natural fiber materials. | Medium |
| Wood Framing | Structural wood members including studs, joists, rafters, and sill plates. | Critical |
| Hardwood Floors | Solid wood flooring and subflooring materials. | Medium |
| Bird Baths & Water Features | Ornamental bird baths, fountains, and decorative water features. | High |
| Clogged Gutters | Rain gutters filled with leaves, debris, and standing water. | Critical |
| Compost Bins | Enclosed or open composting systems for yard and kitchen waste. | Medium |
| Leaf Piles | Accumulated fallen leaves, especially against foundation or in yard. | Medium |
| Pet Food Bowls | Indoor and outdoor pet feeding and water dishes. | Medium |
| Pet Bedding | Dog beds, cat beds, and areas where pets sleep regularly. | High |
| Window Frames | Wooden or vinyl window frames, sills, and sash areas. | Medium |
| Door Thresholds | Bottom of exterior doors, weatherstripping, and door sweeps. | High |
| Storage Boxes & Clutter | Cardboard boxes, stored items, paper storage, and cluttered areas. | Medium |
| Potted Plants & Houseplants | Indoor and outdoor potted plants, planters, and container gardens. | Medium |
| Tree Holes & Hollow Trees | Natural cavities in trees, hollow trunks, and abandoned woodpecker holes. | Medium |
| Ground Burrows & Cavities | Abandoned rodent burrows, cavities under structures, and ground-level voids. | Medium |
| Wall Voids & Structural Cavities | Empty spaces within exterior walls, behind siding, and in structural voids. | High |
| Eaves & Overhangs | Protected areas under roof eaves, porch ceilings, and building overhangs. | Medium |
| Exposed Wood & Wooden Structures | Untreated wood beams, fence posts, deck railings, eaves, siding, and wooden outdoor furniture. | Medium |
| Outdoor Rocks & Debris | Piles of rocks, bricks, lumber, and other outdoor debris near structures. | Medium |
| Animal Nests & Burrows | Rodent nests, bird nests, and areas near domestic and wild animal harborage. | Medium |
| Tall Grass & Vegetation | Unmowed grass, weeds, brush, and dense vegetation in yards and along trails. | Medium |
Important Disclaimer: The information provided in this knowledge base is for educational and reference purposes only. Pest management professionals should always consult current product labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), manufacturer instructions, and applicable local, state, and federal regulations as the definitive source of truth. Product formulations, application methods, safety requirements, and regulations may change over time. This information may be out of date and should not replace professional judgment, proper training, or required licensing and certifications.