The most common household pests, and how to handle them safely

This is a collaborative post

We all love having guests over — but some creepy-crawly visitors definitely don’t make the list. From uninvited scuttlers to tiny nuisances that pop up when you least expect them, household pests can quickly turn your cosy home into a bit of a headache. The good news? With the right know-how, you can deal with them safely and send them packing in no time. Here’s how to spot the usual suspects and show them the door.

Rodents That Go ‘Bump’ In The Night 

Rodents account for a big chunk of the trouble we encounter with pests. Rats and mice, especially, can cause substantial damage to our homes. If you get this kind of infestation, the bad news is that they’re likely to keep coming back. Ideally, call in a professional to safely get rid of rodents and to find out what was attracting them, how they were getting in, and where they were nesting. This kind of comprehensive approach is much more likely to keep your home rodent-free for longer.

The Unwelcome Cockroach

Cockroaches are more common in warmer areas, like the Southern USA, but they’re not unheard of in the UK. If you see a cockroach in your home, it’s highly likely that there are a lot, lot more lurking in the crevices of your property. Cockroaches pose significant health risks through contamination and allergens, so if you find a roach, it’s imperative to do a deep clean of your home. Again, you might need professional pest control services for more severe infestations.

Wasp Nests: Small but Dangerous 

Wasps are known for being a nuisance at picnics, but if they take up residence around your home, they could put you at risk of painful stings. If you discover a nest, it's important to stay calm. Do not disturb the nest, as this will provoke a defensive swarm to zoom out and attack you. For safe removal, call in professional help. 

Photo credit Tom Sid via Unsplash

Relentless Ants

Ants can be a very determined nuisance, especially during the warmer months. They can invade your home in search of food and shelter, and once they’ve made themselves at home, it’s hard to persuade them to leave. The first course of action includes good hygiene practices like cleaning crumbs swiftly, washing carpets if they get something sugary spilt on them, and securely storing food items. Ant baits, available in most local stores, are an effective secondary measure. However, if the problem persists, consider pest control services. 

Bed Bugs: The Nocturnal Nightmare 

The incidences of bed bug infestations have been rising steeply across the world. They are notorious for their bite, which can cause allergic reactions, skin rashes, and sleep deprivation. Washing infested fabrics at high temperatures, vacuuming regularly, and utilising commercially available treatments can help control minor infestations. However, professional pest control services are often needed to eradicate these hard-to-kill pests fully. 

Conclusion

Keeping household pests at bay is all about prevention — little habits go a long way. But even the best routines can’t stop every unwanted visitor, and sometimes you’ll need more than DIY tricks. If you’re dealing with a stubborn or growing infestation, don’t hesitate to call in a professional pest control service; they’ve got the tools and expertise to sort the problem safely. While pests are an unwelcome part of family life, a calm approach and the right strategies will help you keep your home exactly as it should be: cosy, comfortable, and pest-free.