10 insects we most often encounter at home and how to deal with them
The home is our refuge, the place where we want to feel safe and calm. However, insects often appear that not only annoy us but can also affect our health or cause damage to the space.
Some find shelter due to humidity, others are attracted to food, and some hide so well that they are difficult to detect in time.
Below are the 10 most common insects one may encounter inside a house, along with their basic habits.
1. Cockroaches
Cockroaches are perhaps the most unpleasant insect that can appear at home. They live and reproduce in warm, humid, and dark places such as kitchens, drains, bathrooms, and behind appliances. They are mainly attracted to exposed food or enter our homes in search of it.
Beyond the disgust they cause, they are a serious health risk, as they carry bacteria, fungi, and germs onto surfaces and food. Worryingly, they reproduce at impressive rates, meaning the presence of a few cockroaches may hide a large colony.
2. Ants
Ants are small but extremely organized insects. They can sneak in through tiny cracks in walls, windows, and floors. They are attracted to sweet foods and sugary substances, as well as crumbs or spilled liquids.
Once they locate food, they create trails that lead the whole colony to the same spot. So, while at first you may see only a few ants, soon hundreds can appear, invading kitchen counters, cupboards, and tables, making everyday use of spaces difficult.
3. Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are among the most annoying summer insects. They bite mainly at night, leaving marks that cause itching and redness. They enter through open windows and doors and reproduce in stagnant water, such as plant saucers, barrels, or even clogged gutters.
Beyond the irritation they cause, mosquitoes can also carry diseases, which makes them dangerous in certain cases. Their presence is often a sign that there is a nearby water source favoring them.
4. Flies
Flies are often underestimated but are actually among the unhealthiest insects. They easily enter through open doors and windows, are attracted to food, fruit, and garbage, and reproduce quickly when they find favorable conditions.
Though they may seem “harmless,” they carry microbes and bacteria from contaminated places directly onto food and kitchen surfaces, potentially causing food poisoning or other infections.
5. Spiders
Spiders do not appear to feed on food but because homes provide plenty of other small insects for them to eat. They are mostly seen in ceiling corners, storage rooms, basements, and rarely used spaces.
Their most characteristic “trace” is the webs they weave in hard-to-reach spots. While most spiders are not dangerous, their presence gives a sense of untidiness and often provokes fear.
6. Fleas
Fleas are mainly associated with pets such as dogs and cats but can spread throughout the house. They nest in carpets, blankets, sofas, and mattresses, where they can remain hidden for long periods.They feed on blood and cause intense itching and skin irritation. The problem is that they reproduce very quickly and spread easily from room to room, making their presence one of the most troublesome experiences for a household.
7. Clothes Moths
Moths are known for the damage they cause to clothes and fabrics. They prefer dark, closed places such as wardrobes and drawers, where they find humidity and stable temperatures.
They are attracted mainly to woolen fabrics and natural materials in general. The result of their activity is small holes in clothes and blankets, often discovered too late. This makes them a sneaky enemy, as the damage is only noticed when it’s already irreversible.
8. Termites
Termites are among the most destructive insects that can infest a house. They live on and feed on wood, destroying furniture, floors, frames, and even the structural parts of a building.
The problem is that they move silently and are usually only detected once the damage has advanced. Small piles of wood dust on surfaces are often the first signs. If not dealt with in time, they can cause huge financial losses.
9. Centipedes
Centipedes prefer dark and damp places such as basements, bathrooms, and storage rooms. They mainly come out at night and move quickly, making them even more unsettling.
Although not dangerous to humans, their appearance provokes fear and disgust. They feed on other small insects and are usually a sign of humidity and poor insulation in the area.
10. Bedbugs
Bedbugs are among the hardest insects to eliminate. They live in mattresses, sofas, wall cracks, behind frames, and generally in places where they can stay hidden during the day. They feed on human blood and mostly come out at night. They usually enter our homes after traveling and staying in infested accommodations.
Their bites cause severe itching and skin marks. What makes bedbugs particularly troublesome is their resistance to simple cleaning methods and the speed at which they spread from room to room.
The importance of prevention and professional treatment
Cleanliness, proper food storage, good ventilation, and reducing humidity are key practices to limit the presence of insects at home. However, in many cases, problems get out of control and professional intervention is required.
NOVA Pest Control has the expertise and specialized equipment for the complete elimination of all these insects. With modern and safe methods of disinfection and pest control, it offers solutions for both residential and commercial spaces, ensuring a clean, hygienic, and safe environment for everyone.
Contact us today for an immediate assessment of your space and customized solutions tailored to your needs.
