Dealing with common household pests around the house can be really annoying. And honestly, it’s something every homeowner deals with at some point. Whether you are spotting a few ants here and there or dealing with creepy cockroaches, you need to take action. You can try handling it yourself or get a pest control expert to help out.
Pretty much every homeowner has experienced pest infestations. Maybe it is just a few ants walking across the kitchen, or it could be something worse like termites slowly eating away at your house. Pests are not just annoying; they can wreck things, contaminate food, and even make you sick. Knowing what pests are common and how to spot them is key. The sooner you catch the problem, the better.
In this blog post, we will cover 10 common pests you might find at home, how to identify them, and what you can do to stop them from taking over.
Cockroaches are tough little creatures. They can survive in pretty extreme conditions, which makes them one of the hardest pests to deal with. On top of that, they can spread bacteria and allergens, which is a real health issue, especially for kids, the elderly, or anyone with asthma or allergies.
How to Spot Cockroaches:
Size and Shape: They come in different sizes, but usually, they are oval and flat with six legs. The bigger ones can get as long as 3 inches.
Colour: Most cockroaches are dark brown or reddish-brown, though some, like the German cockroach, are a bit lighter.
Behaviour: These guys are night creatures. They like to hide during the day in cracks, crevices, or behind appliances. You might see their droppings, notice a musty smell, or spot some greasy marks along walls or counters.
How to Keep Them Away:
Store food in sealed containers, clean up any crumbs or spills fast, and take out the trash regularly.
Seal up gaps around windows, doors, and pipes to keep them from sneaking in.
You can use traps, baits, or insecticides. But if things get out of hand, you might need to call in a pro for some stronger treatment.
2. Rodents (Rats and Mice): Common Household Pests
Rodents like rats and mice are the most common household pests. These unwanted guests can create a lot of trouble in your home. For example, they can damage your property and pose serious health risks. Usually, they gnaw on electrical wires, cables, insulation, furniture, plastic containers, and books. Thus, they can cause expensive repairs and even fire hazards. That’s not all. They are also carriers of many diseases such as hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonella. These diseases can be transmitted through their urine, faeces, or bites.
Size and shape: Mice are small, about 2 to 4 centimetres long, with long, thin tails. Rats are much larger, usually around 7-10 inches, with a bulkier body and shorter tails.
Colour: Mice are usually light grey or brown, while rats tend to be darker, usually black or brown.
Behaviour: Rodents are mostly active at night. They can find droppings, gnaw marks and urine stains. They also build nests out of shredded paper or cloth.
How to Stop Them:
Check your home for holes, cracks or crevices, especially around doors, windows and pipes, and seal them up.
Make sure food is stored properly and garbage is disposed of regularly.
Set traps or use rodent bait to control the population. If things get out of hand, call in a professional exterminator.
Bed bugs are tiny, annoying insects that feed on human and animal blood. While they do not spread diseases, their bites can be itchy and uncomfortable. Having them around can lead to sleepless nights and a lot of stress.
Here is How to Spot Bedbugs:
Size and Shape: Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, around 1/4 inch long. Their bodies are flat and oval-shaped but can puff up after they feed.
Colour: Before feeding, they are reddish-brown. After a blood meal, they get darker and more swollen.
Behavior: Bed bugs are most active at night, so you probably will not see them during the day. Their bites show up as small, red welts, often in a line or cluster. They tend to bite areas of the body that are exposed, like your arms or legs.
To Keep Them Away:
Check your bedding, mattress seams, and furniture for signs of bed bugs.
Wash and heat-dry bedding and clothing regularly. Using a mattress encasement can also stop them from settling into your mattress.
If you think you have an infestation, it is best to call a pest control professional. They can use heat treatments or other methods to get rid of them.
Mosquitoes are not just annoying, they can also spread diseases like malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus. While they are usually outside, they can easily make their way into your home through open doors and windows.
How to Spot Mosquitoes:
Size and Shape: Mosquitoes are small with long, slender bodies and legs. They are usually between 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch long.
Colour: Most are grey or brown with long, needle-like proboscis that they use for feeding.
Behaviour: Mosquitoes are busiest at dawn and dusk. You will likely hear them buzzing or see them landing on exposed skin, especially in warm, humid places.
How to Keep Them Away:
Get rid of any standing water around your home, since that is where mosquitoes like to breed.
Put screens on windows and doors to keep them out.
Use insect repellents, or try mosquito traps. If the problem gets bad, you may want to call a pest control service.
Lizards are usually harmless. Even they can be helpful since they eat insects and other pests. But having them around your home can still be a problem. They can leave droppings on your furniture or uncovered food. Thus, they can contaminate food items and spread diseases. That’s not certain types of lizards are also poisonous. And yes, lizards are also scary and can frighten you or your family members. So, do not take any chance and consider eliminating them from your home.
How to Spot Lizards
Size and Shape: Lizards tend to have long bodies and tails. They can range from a few inches to several feet long.
Colour: Lizards come in different colours like brown, green, or grey, depending on the type.
Behaviour: Lizards are quick and are often found in sunny spots like windowsills, patios, or sunrooms.
How to Keep Them Out:
Close up any gaps around windows, doors, or vents where they could sneak in.
Make sure food is sealed and trash cans are covered to avoid attracting the insects that lizards like to eat.
If you need to move a lizard, gently catch it in a jar or container and release it outside.
Ants are one of the most common household pests in Indian homes. These small insects are social creatures that live in colonies. Don’t underestimate these small insects just because of their size. They can invade your home to find food and water sources and create big trouble. They can contaminate foodstuff. Plus, their bites can cause skin irritation and allergies as well. Certain types of insects like carpenter ants can even damage your wooden structures and furniture. So, be mindful.
How to Spot Ants:
Size and Shape: Ants can be tiny, as small as 1/8 inch, or larger, up to 1/2 inch for the queens.
Colour: They can be black, brown, red, or yellow, depending on the type.
Behaviour: Ants often travel in long lines, especially around food or water sources.
How to Prevent Them:
Seal any cracks or gaps in your walls, doors, and windows.
Clean up food crumbs and spills quickly. Store food in airtight containers.
If you have a serious infestation, try using ant baits or call a pest control professional for a more targeted approach.
Silverfish are minuscule, wingless bugs with the appearance of a unique silvery-grey colour. Do not underestimate these small insects just because of their size. Of course, they are small but can cause big trouble. They love eating starches and sugars and damage things like clothes, wallpaper, books, and other household items as well. So, you should seriously be serious if you have a silverfish infestation in your home.
How to Spot Silverfish:
Size and Shape: They are about 1/2 inch long and have a fish-like body, with three long tail appendages sticking out from their back end.
Colour: They are silvery-grey or sometimes have a bluish tint.
Behaviour: These guys are mostly active at night and like hiding in dark, damp spots, such as bathrooms, kitchens, or basements. They move fast and will often dart away if you surprise them.
Houseflies are among the most common household pests in India. They are not only annoying but also a major risk for diseases like food poisoning leading to diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and fever. These flying insects are also known for spreading other diseases like tuberculosis, leprosy, typhoid fever, conjunctivitis, and cholera. If they are in your home they can mess with your food, spread germs and just make you uncomfortable. So, make sure to get rid of houseflies as soon as possible.
How to Spot House Flies:
Size and Shape: They are usually 1/8 to 1/4 inch long, with wings and big eyes.
Colour: They are grey, with black markings on their body.
Behaviour: You will often see them buzzing around kitchens, trash cans, or near open food.
How to Keep Them Out:
Always cover and seal your food.
Take out the trash often, and make sure it is in sealed bags or bins.
Use fly traps or fly paper, and think about adding screens to your windows and doors.
9. Spiders: Common Household Pests
Spiders do a pretty good job of keeping other pests in check. But they can definitely freak and scare people out when they pop up inside. Most spiders are harmless, but a few, like the black widow or brown recluse, can be dangerous.
How to Spot Spiders:
Size and Shape: They have eight legs and two main body parts—the head/thorax combo and the abdomen.
Colour: Spiders come in all sorts of colours, from brown and black to bright, flashy ones.
Behaviour: Spiders like dark, quiet places—think basements, closets, or room corners. Some spin webs, while others are more of the hunting type.
How to Keep Them Out:
Fill in any cracks or gaps around windows and doors.
Clean up webs regularly, and try to keep places tidy where they might hide.
If you find any dangerous ones, it is best to call in a pest control expert to handle them.
Fleas are tiny bugs that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. While they are most often linked to pets, they can also invade your home and cause trouble for people too.
How to Spot Fleas:
Size and Shape: They are very small, about 1/8 inch long, and have a body that’s flat from side to side.
Colour: Usually reddish-brown or black.
Behaviour: Fleas are fast jumpers. You might see your pets scratching or biting themselves. You can also spot flea dirt (tiny black specks) on your pet’s bedding or fur.
How to Keep Them Away:
Bathe and groom your pets regularly, and make sure they are using flea preventatives.
Vacuum often, especially in places where your pets hang out.
If fleas keep being a problem, try flea treatments or call a pest control expert.
Conclusion: Common Household Pests
It is essential to identify common household pests early and take preventive measures. If you spot them early, you can take better action and eradicate them more easily. Keeping your home clean, sealing up cracks, and using the right pest control methods are basic things that you can opt for to make your home pest-free. But if pest infestation becomes severe, you must not hesitate to call a professional pest control service. Professionals have the right skills and tools, you know. They have the expertise to deal with even the toughest infestations. So, stay on top of things to keep your home comfortable and pest-free!
10 Common Household Pests and How to Identify Them
