Top 5 Most Common Household Pests and Effective Ways to Control Them

Insects and critters play a vital role in the world's ecosystems, but when they invade spaces they shouldn't—like your home—they not only become a nuisance but can spread diseases and even cause extensive damage. For example, termites are responsible for an astounding five billion dollars in damage annually, as reported by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).

To effectively protect your home from pests, the first step is maintaining cleanliness. Make sure to promptly clean up crumbs and spills, and store pet food and dry goods in airtight containers. Additionally, reduce entry points by fixing any damaged screens, sealing cracks in the foundation, and addressing gaps around weather-stripping or pipes and vents.

Even the most carefully maintained homes can occasionally face pest problems. According to NPMA, these five pests are the most commonly found in U.S. homes, and the key to tackling them is knowing how to fight back.

Roaches

These half-inch to 2-inch pests contaminate food, damage fabrics and paper, leave stains on surfaces, and depending on the species, can spread harmful bacteria and diseases, including salmonella, coliform, staphylococcus, streptococcus, and even hepatitis.

While bug sprays aren’t the best solution for long-term cockroach elimination, they can be eradicated with persistence. The first step is to eliminate all food and water sources, and remove any places where they may hide. Using traps will also help you track their reappearance and handle them more efficiently.

Rats

Though not as large or intimidating as rats, mice are capable of causing significant trouble. Even if you don’t catch sight of them, their droppings—resembling large coffee grounds—are a clear sign they’ve taken up residence. Mice typically cause damage by leaving urine and feces on household items and clothing, and they also have a tendency to chew on books, pillows, and other soft materials.

Mice breed as frequently as ten times a year, so it is crucial to control their numbers promptly. Along with eliminating all food sources inside the house, ensure that anything they could consider food—such as birdseed—is securely sealed in the garage or nearby outbuildings. Since mice can fit through even the tiniest openings, it's essential to seal any cracks that could give them access to your home or garage. You can also use traps, rodenticides, or glue boards to catch and kill the mice.

Rodents

Rats can make even the calmest person uneasy. If you notice clear signs, such as finding them in your pool, your cat bringing one inside, or seeing them run across the yard or along electrical wires, it’s important to take immediate action. However, there are other signs you may have rats, including burrows in the garden or compost pile, rustling sounds in the attic at dusk, or larger-than-mouse-sized droppings. Beyond consuming food, rats also gnaw on wood, wires (sometimes causing fires), and insulation, which can lead to expensive repairs. They can spread diseases like salmonellosis, rat-bite fever, and typhus.

To control a rat infestation, it’s crucial not only to eliminate their food sources but also to secure your home by sealing any openings larger than a quarter inch with materials like steel wool or sheet metal, which rats can’t gnaw through. If they persist, setting traps is the best solution, as poisoning them could result in them dying in inaccessible areas like walls, creating a foul smell that could require costly repairs.

Termites

These small, pale-colored insects, ranging from white to tan to black, are notorious for feeding on the wooden structures of your home, but they can also damage books, furniture, and even food products hidden within the walls. The queen termite can lay thousands of eggs daily, leading to rapid and widespread damage. If you notice swarms of tiny winged insects in spring or fall, or find wood showing signs of tunneling, darkening, or blistering, it's a sign of a termite infestation.

There are numerous types of termites, and the methods to eliminate them vary depending on the species. However, regardless of the type, professional intervention is usually necessary for effective removal. To prevent termites from invading in the first place, keep wood at least 12 inches above the ground and ensure proper ventilation in the structure to prevent moisture buildup, a major attraction for termites. When constructing a new building, consider using termite-resistant woods such as cedar, redwood, and white oak.

Ants

When ants invade, there's no doubt about it. Spotting one is usually a sign that many more are close by. Whether they are rushing across countertops or forming trails from outside to a forgotten crumb on the floor, eliminating them quickly can prevent a full-blown infestation.

To eliminate ants from your home, take any affected containers or items outside. Use soapy water to wash away any visible ants and make sure to clean up any spilled food or sticky substances. However, removing ants from inside won't prevent new ones from entering. Seal gaps in doorways or along trim with caulk to keep them out. To further discourage ants from approaching the house, refrain from planting or laying mulch within a foot of the foundation. If the issue persists, consider using outdoor baits to stop them before they enter your home.