Common Household Pests and How to Control Them

Common Household Pests and How to Control Them

Common Household Pests and How to Control Them

Nobody likes to find bugs or pests crawling around the house. Pests like ants, cockroaches, mice, and spiders are not just annoying — they can cause damage to your home and may even carry germs that affect your health. Knowing what pests to look out for and how to control them is a great way to keep your home safe and clean.

Here are some of the most common household pests and simple tips on how to manage them.

1. Ants

Ants are small but can become a big problem, especially in the kitchen. They come inside looking for food, and once they find it, they leave a trail for other ants to follow.

How to control ants:

• Keep food sealed and stored properly.

• Clean up crumbs and spills right away.

• Wipe down surfaces with vinegar or soapy water to remove ant trails.

• Use ant baits near where you see them entering.

2. Cockroaches

Cockroaches can carry bacteria and make your home feel unclean. They usually hide in dark, damp places like under sinks, behind fridges, or inside cupboards.

How to control cockroaches:

• Keep your home clean and dry.

• Take out the garbage regularly.

• Seal cracks and holes where they might enter.

• Use cockroach baits or traps for small problems — call a professional if it gets worse.

3. Spiders

Most spiders are harmless, but some can bite, and many people simply don’t like having them around. They build webs in corners, behind furniture, or in basements and garages.

How to control spiders:

• Vacuum regularly, especially in corners and behind furniture.

• Keep windows and doors sealed.

• Remove webs as soon as you see them.

• Use natural repellents like peppermint oil or vinegar spray.

4. Mice and Rats

Rodents can chew wires, damage furniture, and leave droppings that spread germs. They often sneak into homes through small gaps in walls or floors.

How to control rodents:

• Store food in containers with tight lids.

• Seal small holes and cracks around the home.

• Set traps in areas where you’ve seen droppings or signs of chewing.

• Contact a pest control expert if the problem gets out of hand.

5. Termites

Termites eat wood and can cause serious damage to your home’s structure. They often go unnoticed until the damage is done.

How to control termites:

• Keep wood and cardboard away from your home’s foundation.

• Fix leaks and keep areas dry.

• Get regular termite inspections from a licensed professional.

• Use termite barriers or bait systems if needed.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with pests doesn’t have to be hard. With a little knowledge and regular care, you can keep your home clean and pest-free. For bigger problems or if you're not sure what to do, it's best to contact a trained pest control professional. And if you're interested in learning how to handle pests the right way, check out our general pest control training course at Accurate Training.