10 of the Most Common House Pests

Did you know that insects represent the largest percentage of the world’s organisms?

They represent 40% of all known living species. As a homeowner you are pretty much battling the largest group of species from conquering your living space. That’s not even counting additional furry friends who might find your abode the perfect nesting place.

What is a homeowner do to keep these ten common house pests at bay?

Ants

Ants are the most common pests that homeowners deal with. Because ants are social, they tend to bring all of their friends and can infest a home in large numbers. The first step in extermination is to identify what type of ants you are dealing with. Some types of ants, such as the carpenter ant can damage structures, where as house ants are a nuisance but do not pose any danger to humans or do any type of damage to your home. Depending on the types of ants you have a simple insecticide can work, for a major infestation it is best to call a professional pest services company. 

Rodents

Rats and mice can be cute but these vermin carry disease and cause major property damage. As a first step, you should look for signs of rodents and fill any little holes where a cute little mouse has the ability to enter your home. It’s important to focus on pest control rather than extermination because killing the animals that are already in your home will not stop their furry little buddies from entering the house at a later date. 

Termites

Termites are everywhere. These insects populate every landmass on earth (except for Antarctica). They are also extremely damaging to a home since their diet mainly consists of wood. If you suspect you have termites, it is a pest control situation best left to a professional. 

Cockroaches

If you have ever experienced a cockroach hiss at you and then scuttle away, you understand the true terror that is a cockroach infestation. In your home a cockroach will eat anything, including furniture, clothing, soap and any food left available in your kitchen. Baiting and trapping is the most effective way to rid your home of these creatures. 

Bed Bugs

These little creatures can lurk in even the cleanest of homes. Bed Bugs only come out at night and can hide behind electrical outlets and in the crevices of your box spring. This is definitely a pest best left to the professionals. 

Beetles

If you have beetles in your home there is a chance that they can damage stored food, furniture and clothing. Beetles that have made their way indoors can simply be vacuumed up. Thankfully these critters are more innocuous than other common pests. 

Dust Mites

Dust Mites are very common and they can make the lives of those predisposed to allergies and asthma miserable. Dust Mites have been found on every continent (including Antarctica!). These little guys are only about ⅓ of a millimeter, so you will not be able to see them running around your home with the naked eye. Zippered dust-proof covers for your mattress and pillow can help in a big way in the fight against the mites. 

Moths

Moths in your closet? Or cupboards or any other dark, undisturbed area of your home? Moths are an extremely common household pest that are more of a nuisance than an actual health concern. Mothballs are an option in areas where you might expect moths to hide and propagate. The bad news is that once you already see a couple flying around your home there is a good chance you have an infestation on yours hands and you will most likely want to call a pest control professional. 

Wasps

Wasps (paper wasps, yellow jackets, hornets), not to be confused with the beneficial honey bee, have a painful sting and can in rare cases be fatal. If you suspect that you have a wasp nest, it’s best to call a pest control professional. 

Wildlife

Snakes, squirrels, raccoons; they can be cute and are a necessary part of ecosystems outdoors but can cause havoc inside your home. If you do have wildlife in your home they are most likely not trying to terrorize you, rather they are looking for food, water or shelter. When possible, it’s best to use a capture and release protocol that’s done by a professional.