One in ten people in the United States has a phobia of some kind. And of those individuals, 40% have phobias related to bugs.
So, if bugs are infesting your home, you want them gone. And gone fast!
As creepy and crawly as they may be, household bugs are common and relatively easy to get rid of.
Read on to discover 5 such bugs and how to get them gone for good!
Table of Contents
Runners-Up
Before we get into the top 5 house bugs you can eliminate yourself, here are a few runners up.
- Bedbugs
- Spiders
- Fleas
- Beetles
When faced with these creepy crawlers, you can try some at-home methods or call in the experts. Companies like can help free your home of infestations.
1. Dust Mites
While dust mites themselves aren’t all that gross, how they survive is. These household bugs feed off dead skin cells. Most skin cells are found on push materials such as bedding, carpets, and stuffed animals.
Eliminating dust mites is tricky since you can’t clearly see them. Dust mites are so small, they aren’t visible to the naked eye. But knowing they’re there is enough to skeeve out most homeowners.
Performing routine cleaning is the best way to cut down on the dust mite population in your home. Try washing your bedding in hot water and vacuuming carpets regularly.
Placing plush items in the freezer is another way to kill off dust mites quickly and easily.
2. Centipedes
Not only do these household bugs have too many legs to count, but they also move lightning fast. Which is why getting rid of them takes some effort.
But think before you squash or squirt disinfectant on one of these 100-legged critters. Centipedes actually feed on other insects that pester your home including termites, roaches, and moths.
Centipedes live and thrive in moist environments, so keeping your house dry is key in preventing them from getting indoors. When it comes to outdoor protection, remove brush and debris from your home’s foundation. You can also spray insecticide indoors near windows, doors, and baseboards.
3. Ants
Your picnic isn’t the only thing ants can ruin. And where there’s one, there are hundreds.
Most homeowners discover a group of ants looking for food, water, and shelter in either the kitchen or bathroom. The good news is, when it comes to getting rid of these house bugs, you have several options.
Household remedies like vinegar, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and a mix of baking soda and powdered sugar can all squash your ant problem. Ant traps are fine if you don’t have small children or pets at home. The same goes for strong chemical pesticides.
To keep these relentless invaders away for good, take your garbage out regularly and wipe down any surfaces where they once were. This removes their scent and may prevent their return.
4. Cockroaches
Cockroaches are natural-born city dwellers. And once they stake claim to your home, it’s hard to get rid of them.
Similar to ants, where there’s one, there are more. Cockroaches are also great at hiding in bathrooms and kitchens. Lay roach traps and insecticide in wet, dark areas like under the sink, behind the toilet, and alongside your fridge.
Your best defense against cockroaches is to prevent their invasion in the first place. You can do this by taking out the garbage regularly. Avoid leaving scraps or crumbs on the floor and store all food in tightly sealed packages.
5. Fruit Flies
These household bugs are more a nuisance than anything else. They also multiply at a rapid speed, which is why quick action is needed. Fruit fly larva hatch 24 hours after eggs is laid.
These flies attack fruit (hence the name) but feed on garbage and other scrapings as well. Store soft fruits in your refrigerator rather than a fruit bowl on the counter.
Here’s a great DIY remedy for ridding your house of these tiny bugs. Fill a small bowl with warm water, apple cider vinegar, and one tablespoon of dishwasher soap. Fruit flies are attracted to this mixture. And once they dive in, they won’t be coming back out.
Household Bugs, Be Gone!
No one wants to share their home with unwanted visitors. And household bugs may be the most unwelcomed of them all!
Take control by preventing bug infestations and act quickly if one does arise. Check out our Safety and Security page for more tips on keeping your home safe and healthy.
