Getting to Know the Most Common Types of Pests You'll Find in Your Home

Pests come in an array of sizes and shapes. From the biggest mouse or the tiniest fruit fly, the pests “out there” are vast and different. Unfortunately, these big and small pests can also invade your shed, garage, pantry, and more, wreaking havoc, making you crazy, and spreading diseases. Getting to know some of the most common household pests you may encounter is the best way to learn how to fight them and, ultimately, get rid of them.

This is, perhaps, the most common household pest you are likely to encounter. While they are small, they are also deemed the top nuisance pest in the country. You are most likely to see ants trailing along your baseboards, windows, floors, in a single file, steady line. You may see a scout ant on its own from time to time, too, hunting for new colonies.

Ants can cause an array of problems, including property damage and food contamination. With more than 700 species of ants found in the U.S alone, it can be difficult to identify these pesky critters. However, getting rid of them should be a top priority, which is why it’s best to contact a professional for help if you notice ants in your home.

The modern-day Silver Fish is considered to be one of the oldest insects in the entire world. There are many who believe this pest is around 100 million years old – this is older than dinosaurs. While there is no scientific evidence that silverfish or dangerous or that they bite, they can trigger allergic reactions in some people. As a result, it’s best to have this problem handled before it gets out of hand.

The name of this pest can be deceiving. The truth is, bed bugs can be found in an array of different areas, including both in and out of your home. Bed bugs enjoy feeding on humans because your skin isn’t protected by very thick layers of hair or fur, like the majority of animals.

The bed bug is a wingless insect and often called a “nest parasite,” because they will live in a bat roost, bird’s nest, or a human’s bed. They will also continually feed on the same host.

If you are like most people, even if you aren’t allergic, you tend to walk away any time you see yellow jackets, wasps, hornets, or bees. These are considered, by many, as a homeowner’s biggest enemy. The truth is, though, they can be helpful in maintaining a healthy and balanced eco-system. While this is true, if the critters become problematic or if they are inside your home, they must go. Calling a professional for help will ensure you don’t encounter one of these rather aggressive winged pests.

When it comes to varieties of beetles, the number exceeds that of ants. In fact, there are more than 350,000 species of beetle in the world, with over 12,000 of them being found in the U.S. They come in a huge array of sizes, scale, and colors. Some examples of the beetles you are most familiar with include the dung beetle, June bug, click beetle, and ladybug.

When it comes to pests you don’t want to see in your home, for most people, the cockroach has to be close to the top of the list. It is hazardous to your health, with most carrying up to 33 different types of bacteria, and they can host parasitic worms, along with other human pathogens. The husks they discard can also cause asthmatic and allergic reactions, which means getting rid of them is a must.

When it comes to pests in your home, this list just scratches the surface; however, it is a good starting point to get to know all the options that are “out there.” Being informed is the first line of defense to getting these pests out of your house and keeping them out for good.