Insects were a major nuisance
It’s a known fact that insects, particularly flies, aren’t exactly attracted to the cleanest environments. They prefer filth, and yes, we’re talking about feces. This speaks volumes in the case of Captain John Smith. Upon visiting Jamestown, he was instantly displeased with the environment, claiming it was infested with what he describes as “noisy creatures” — flies, mosquitos, cockroaches and lice.
Fleas were also a common problem, making themselves (along with lice) quite comfortable on the everyday garments of colonists. For conditions to be that bad, just imagine the stench.