20 Most Common Household Pest And How to Prevent Them

Termites**
**Prevention Tips**:
- Keep wood and mulch at least 12 inches away from your foundation.
- Repair leaks and eliminate moisture.

**When to Call**: If you see mud tubes or damaged wood in your home.

### 2. **Mosquitoes**
**Prevention Tips**:
- Remove standing water from gutters, bird baths, and containers.
- Use screens on windows and doors.

**When to Call**: If you have a severe infestation or need long-term control methods.

### 3. **Cockroaches**
**Prevention Tips**:
- Keep food sealed and dispose of garbage regularly.
- Seal cracks and crevices in walls and around doors.

**When to Call**: When you see multiple roaches during the day or eggs.

### 4. **Bed Bugs**
**Prevention Tips**:
- Inspect used furniture before bringing it home.
- Use protective mattress covers.

**When to Call**: If you see bites or spot live bugs or fecal stains.

### 5. **Fire Ants**
**Prevention Tips**:
- Remove food sources and keep yards clean.
- Create a barrier with recommended insecticides.

**When to Call**: If you have large mounds or aggressive behavior from ants.

### 6. **Brown Recluse Spiders**
**Prevention Tips**:
- Declutter and vacuum frequently.
- Seal cracks and seams around windows and doors.

**When to Call**: If you suspect a spider infestation or experience bites.

### 7. **Ticks**
**Prevention Tips**:
- Mow your lawn regularly and keep bushes trimmed.
- Wear long sleeves and use insect repellents when outdoors.

**When to Call**: If you find multiple ticks indoors or have been bitten.

### 8. **Rats and Mice**
**Prevention Tips**:
- Seal entry points and keep food stored away.
- Keep garbage in tightly sealed containers.

**When to Call**: If you see droppings or hear noises in walls.

### 9. **Ants (Carpenter and Sugar Ants)**
**Prevention Tips**:
- Clean spills promptly and seal food containers.
- Identify and eliminate trails.

**When to Call**: If you see large trails or nests inside your home.

### 10. **Flies (House and Fruit Flies)**
**Prevention Tips**:
- Keep food covered and clean up spills.
- Use screens and keep doors closed.

**When to Call**: If infestations become unmanageable or persistent.

### 11. **Silverfish**
**Prevention Tips**:
- Store books and papers in sealed containers.
- Reduce humidity with dehumidifiers.

**When to Call**: If infestations are large or damaging items.

### 12. **Clothes Moths**
**Prevention Tips**:
- Store clothing in airtight containers.
- Use mothballs or cedar blocks.

**When to Call**: If you notice larvae or damage to clothing.

### 13. **Stink Bugs**
**Prevention Tips**:
- Seal windows and doors, and install screens.
- Reduce outdoor lighting to attract fewer bugs.

**When to Call**: If they infest your home in large numbers.

### 14. **Ladybugs**
**Prevention Tips**:
- Seal cracks around windows and doors.
- Remove food sources like aphids from plants.

**When to Call**: If their presence is overwhelming and disruptive.

### 15. **Pill Bugs (Roly-Polies)**
**Prevention Tips**:
- Reduce moisture in the yard and eliminate debris/hiding spots.
- Keep mulch levels in check.

**When to Call**: If they invade your home in large numbers.

### 16. **Knats (Fungus Gnats)**
**Prevention Tips**:
- Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Keep indoor plants healthy and pest-free.

**When to Call**: If their presence persists despite preventative measures.

### 17. **Wasps and Hornets**
**Prevention Tips**:
- Seal entry points to prevent nesting.
- Remove food and sugary substances around your home.

**When to Call**: If you find a nest on your property or are allergic to stings.

### 18. **Centipedes and Millipedes**
**Prevention Tips**:
- Keep areas dry and reduce mulch or leaf litter.
- Seal cracks in the foundation.

**When to Call**: If you see them frequently indoors.

### 19. **Asian Cockroaches**
**Prevention Tips**:
- Keep outdoor lights off at night.
- Maintain a clean environment indoors and outdoors.

**When to Call**: If they become a persistent nuisance.

### 20. **Gophers and Moles**
**Prevention Tips**:
- Manage your yard with regular maintenance.
- Plant deterrent plants or use repellents.

**When to Call**: If they cause significant damage to your garden or lawn.

### Conclusion
If you experience an infestation that is beyond your control or if you are unsure how to handle it, contacting a professional pest control service is always a smart and effective option. Regular inspections and maintenance can also help prevent major issues before they arise.