The majority of homeowners are faced with an infestation of pests at one time or another. From insects to rodents, these nuisances are more than just unwelcome guests. They can carry diseases and cause considerable and costly damage. Worse yet, many insurance policies don’t cover damages caused by household pests.
Infestation problems are more easily rectified the earlier they are discovered. Find out more about the 15 most common house pests that like to invade homes and wreak havoc. Prevention, or at least early detection, is the best tactic to avoid shelling out hard-earned money to rid your home of unwanted pests.
1. Mice and Rats
Some of the first likely house pests that come to mind are rodents. Rats and mice cause more than a fright when they are spotted. They often carry diseases and can contaminate your food, leaving behind feces and urine.
Rodents are destructive and will chew anything they come across. This includes furniture, which leaves behind obvious signs. They can also chew through insulation and wiring, causing dangerous damage and are likely hard to spot until an appliance malfunctions or other signs are apparent.
2. Squirrels
Squirrels look adorable and are amusing to watch. However, they are capable of chewing through surfaces and causing a lot of problems.
They may find their way into an attic to nest. While present, they easily destroy anything from PVC pipes to wires to personal belongings. Another unfortunate side effect is that squirrels are often carriers of disease, as well as additional pests like ticks and fleas.
3. Honey Bees
Honey bees are important for pollination services, but when they invade your home, they make the list of house pests. They may build a hive in the siding of a home, causing damage to walls severe enough to make them collapse. Bees should be removed by a professional and safely relocated.
4. Wasps
Another type of flying insect that is unwelcome is the wasp. They bore into wood, and while they typically stay outdoors, it is possible for them to make their way inside and cause damage.
5. Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are annoying insects that leave behind itchy, irritating bites. And their bites can cause some people to have an allergic reaction which is concerning.
They are also known to carry diseases, which puts the inhabitants of a home at risk if they manage to get indoors. Not to mention they are a pain in the neck. It seems like once one arrives, there becomes a swarm. There is never just one mosquito…
6. Termites
Every homeowner knows to fear these house pests. Termites cause serious structural issues that may require expensive repairs. These tiny insects are responsible for billions of dollars of damage every year.
Termites eat continuously, creating harm rather quickly. Watch for signs like tapping noises, sagging floors, and nearly nests. A pest control professional is needed to eradicate the insects entirely to prevent further issues.
7. Cockroaches
Cockroaches are famous for being reviled. They also tend to smell terrible, carry disease, and cause allergic reactions. Cockroaches are another insect that enjoys chewing through personal possession and home interiors.
8. Spiders
Not all spiders are harmful, but the poisonous variety can cause major health problems if they bite. Spiders prefer to head inside and seek out warmth.
They tend to stay in dark corners and out-of-the-way areas.
9. Beetles
There are two main types of beetles that cause home damage. Powderpost beetles are trouble because they chew through unfinished wood. The other most common house pest is the carpet beetle. These insects are small and hard to spot.
However, they quickly chew through carpets, furniture upholstery, and other fabrics.
10. Fleas
Fleas can find their way indoors by hitching a ride on your pet. Once inside, they lay eggs all over the home. A flea infestation is tough to get rid of since they are so small and fast.
The pesky insects bite humans as well as pets. Some people have an allergic reaction to flea bites, which is often serious.
11. Woodworms
Woodworms are actually beetle larvae. In this stage, they chew through wood. Everything from furniture to structural wood framing is at risk.
12. Moths
Another insect that likes chewing through and destroying fabrics is the moth. They can ruin everything from clothing to drapes.
13. Silverfish
The sight of a silverfish scurrying across the floor is unwelcome, for more than their unpleasant appearance. Silverfish are insects that feed on grains. They can contaminate food storage and make a mess.
These house pests also like to chew through paper, including the kind that decorates walls.
14. Bed Bugs
These tiny house pests are difficult to spot but are still a major problem. Bed bug bites aren’t just a nuisance; they also cause health problems. Small red bites on your skin could indicate that you have bed bugs.
15. Ants
Several types of ants are cause for concern. They get into your food and create a mess. Beyond that, fire ant stings are painful and can lead to health problems. Carpenter ants are capable of causing severe damage to wood. Signs that ants are present include sawdust beneath wooden areas and sounds coming from inside the walls.
Pests Beware
Stay alert for signs of these common pests. Make time for home inspections, inside and out, regularly. Seal up cracks and holes while making needed repairs as soon as possible. The moment you suspect pests are present, call in the professionals to address the issue before more harm comes to your home and wallet.
Related: The 7 Most Effective Pest Repellents To Keep Rodents And Insects Out Of Your Home
