Common Household Pests That Can Damage Your Home

As homeowners, it is important to be aware of the various pests that can invade our homes and cause damage. Some of the most common household pests are termites, carpenter ants, and cockroaches - but unfortunately, the list doesn’t end there.

In this blog post, we will provide information on each of these pests, including their habits and how to get rid of them. 

Stay safe and pest-free!

What Are Some Common Household Pests That Can Damage a Home?

When it comes to pests, most people think of visibly creepy and crawly bugs like spiders and flies. While these pests can be a nuisance, they usually don't do too much damage to your home. 

There are other pests, however, that can cause some serious damage - especially if they're left untreated. Here are some common household pests that can damage your home if they're not dealt with quickly.

1. Termites

Termites are small insects that live in colonies underground. Though they are often mistaken for ants, termites actually belong to a different order of insects altogether. 

While most species of termites are harmless, some can cause extensive damage to homes and other structures. Termites are especially drawn to wood, which they use for food. They typically enter homes through cracks in the foundation or other small openings. Once inside, they begin to consume the wood, hollowing it out from the inside. 

This can weaken the structure of a home and make it more susceptible to collapse. In addition, termites can also spread disease and trigger allergies in humans. 

2. Moths 

While moths may seem harmless, they can actually cause a great deal of damage to your home. Moths are attracted to natural fibers, such as wool and cotton. 

They will often lay their eggs in these materials, and the larvae will feed on them, causing holes and weakening the fabric. In addition, moths can also spread diseases. They are known to carry bacteria that can cause food poisoning, and they can also transmit diseases such as typhus and dysentery. 

As a result, it is important to take steps to prevent moths from entering your home. You can do this by keeping your food stored in airtight containers and by vacuuming regularly. 

You should also inspect any clothing made from natural fibers for signs of damage before storing them for long periods of time. By taking these precautions, you can help protect your home from the damaging effects of moths.

3. Squirrels 

Squirrels may seem like harmless creatures, but they can actually cause a lot of damage to your home. For one thing, they are notorious for chewing through electrical wires, which can create a fire hazard. 

In addition, they often gnaw on wood and insulation in order to create nests, which can weaken the structure of your home and make it more susceptible to damage from weather and pests. If you suspect that a squirrel has taken up residence in your home, it's important to take action right away.

Once they've made themselves comfortable, they can be very difficult to get rid of. 

Not only will you have to deal with the damage they've already caused, but you'll also have to contend with the mess they leave behind. As you can see, squirrels may be cute, but they're definitely not welcome guests in your home.

4. Beetles 

Beetles can cause a lot of damage to your home, especially if they are left unchecked. These pests are known to chew through wood, fabric, and even insulation, leaving behind a trail of destruction. 

Beetles can also be very difficult to get rid of once they have infested an area, as they often reproduce quickly and new generations can quickly become resistant to insecticides. 

As a result, it is important to take steps to prevent beetles from entering your home in the first place. This includes sealing up any cracks or openings in the exterior of your home and keeping food products stored in airtight containers. 

If you do find beetles in your home, it is important to call a professional pest control company as soon as possible to get rid of them before they cause any further damage.

5. Ants 

While ants may be small, they can cause big problems for your home. Ants are attracted to food and moisture, which makes kitchens and bathrooms especially appealing to them. 

Once they find their way inside, they can quickly multiply, leading to an infestation. In addition to being a nuisance, ants can also cause damage to your home. 

They can contaminate food, gnaw through electrical wiring, and even weaken the structure of your home by burrowing into wood and drywall. If you suspect that you have an ant problem, it's important to take action immediately. 

Otherwise, you could be left with a costly repair bill — not to mention a nasty surprise the next time you reach for a snack.

6. Cockroaches 

Cockroaches are one of the most ubiquitous pests, infesting homes and businesses around the world. Not only are they unsightly, but cockroaches can also cause significant damage to your property. Their constant foraging for food can lead to gnawed electrical wiring, which can create a fire hazard. 

Cockroaches also spread disease, contaminating food and surfaces with their feces. In addition, their shed skin and egg casings can trigger allergies and asthma attacks in sensitive individuals. 

7. Stinging Insects

Stinging insects can pose a serious threat to your home. Their nests are often made from materials that can damage your home’s structure, and their stings can be painful and dangerous. 

In addition, stinging insects can contaminate your food and spread disease. If you have a stinging insect problem in your home, it is important to take action immediately.

8. Mice and Rats

Mice and rats can cause a lot of damage to your home, and not just by chewing through wires and gnawing on wood. These pests can also contaminate your food supply, spread disease, and trigger allergies. They're also capable of squeezing into tiny spaces, which means they can slip into your home undetected. 

Once they're inside, they'll start to build nests and reproduce. As their population grows, they'll become bolder and start to explore every nook and cranny of your house. That's when the real damage begins. 

Mice and rats will chew through insulation, drywall, and floorboards in their search for food and shelter. They can also chew through electrical wiring, which poses a serious fire hazard. 

How to Prevent a Pest Infestation

If you want your home to be safe and comfortable, you’ve got to make sure the creepy crawlies all stay out. 

Pest infestations can cause serious damage to your home and can be difficult to get rid of once they've taken hold. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prevent pests from moving in in the first place. 

Perhaps the most important step is to keep your home clean. Pests are attracted to food and water, so it's important to regularly sweep and mop your floors, wipe down countertops, and wash dishes. You should also declutter your home on a regular basis, as clutter provides ideal hiding spots for pests. 

Another important step is to seal up any cracks or openings in your home. By filling in cracks around windows, doors, and baseboards, you'll make it harder for pests to get inside. 

And finally, be sure to promptly address any moisture problems, as many pests are attracted to damp conditions.

What to Do If You See Signs of a Pest Infestation

If you see signs of a pest infestation in your home, it is important to take action immediately. Pest problems can quickly become severe, and they can be difficult to eliminate once they get out of hand. 

The first step is to identify the type of pest you are dealing with. This will help you determine the best course of action. 

If you are not sure, you can always contact a professional exterminator for assistance. Once you have identified the pest, you can take steps to control the infestation. This may involve using traps, sprays, or other methods specifically designed for the type of pest you are dealing with. 

In some cases, you may need to call in a professional pest control service to help get the infestation under control.

By taking action quickly and following these steps, you can eliminate pests from your home before they have a chance to cause serious damage.

Amber Bushman

Amber has been in the pest control industry for 18 years now...13 of them have been with Reliant Pest Management. She is a licensed certified commercial applicator in the state of Texas. Amber’s background is mostly in office management and administration, but she enjoys going out in the field from time to time and serving customers by protecting their homes. Amber loves people and bugs and pest management has them both!