Common Household Pests and How to Control Them

Common Household Pests and How to Control Them

No one likes sharing their home with pests. Whether it's ants in the kitchen or cockroaches in the bathroom, pests can make your home feel dirty and uncomfortable. Some pests even carry diseases or cause damage to your property. That’s why it’s important to understand how to spot them early and take simple steps to control them. Let’s look at some of the most common household pests and how to manage them using basic general pest control methods.

1. Ants

Ants are small but can quickly become a big problem. You might see a few one day, and the next day, a whole line of them across your bench or floor. They come inside looking for food, especially sweets and crumbs.

How to control ants:

• Keep your kitchen clean and free of food scraps

• Wipe down benches and floors daily

• Seal up cracks where ants might be getting in

• Use ant baits from your local store if needed

2. Cockroaches

Cockroaches are one of the most hated pests. They’re fast, hide in dark places, and can carry bacteria. They often come out at night and love warm, damp areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

How to control cockroaches:

• Keep areas clean and dry

• Take out the rubbish regularly

• Don’t leave food or dirty dishes out overnight

• Use traps or sprays if you see them often

3. Spiders

Most spiders are not dangerous, but many people don’t like having them inside. They tend to hide in corners, under furniture, or in sheds and garages.

How to control spiders:

• Clean and vacuum regularly

• Remove any webs you see

• Keep doors and windows closed or use screens

• Spray around the outside of your home if needed

4. Rodents (Mice and Rats)

Rodents can be very damaging and unhygienic. They chew through wires, food packaging, and even walls. You might hear them at night or see droppings in cupboards.

How to control rodents:

• Store food in sealed containers

• Block holes and gaps where they might get in

• Set traps in areas where you see signs of them

• If the problem is big, call a pest control professional

5. Flies

Flies can be annoying and also spread germs, especially in the kitchen. They’re attracted to food and rubbish.

How to control flies:

• Keep your bins sealed

• Don’t leave food out

• Use fly screens on doors and windows

• Use fly traps or sprays if they become a problem

Final Tip

Keeping your home clean and well-maintained is the first step in pest control. But if pests become a real problem, don’t wait—take action. Whether you want to protect your home or start a career in pest management, learning general pest control through proper training can make a big difference.