Although many insects are harmless, several can become real problems for your health or home. Here are the most common ones and the measures you can take:
1. Cockroaches
They carry bacteria like salmonella and E. coli, and can transmit gastrointestinal illnesses. LOS40+13infobae+13realmissolliesoakland.com+13controldeplagashayek.com. They hide in crevices and warm places. The best prevention: thorough cleaning and sealing entrances. Rentokil+2purepest.com+2Diario AS+2.
2. Ants
They seek sweet, moist food. They can contaminate food and, in some cases, cause structural damage (like carpenter ants). US EPA +15 Insec +15 pestcontrolhayek.com +15. To prevent them, keep the kitchen clean and close off potential access points. realmissolliesoakland.com +2 Raid +2 purepeest.com +2.
3. Mosquitoes
In addition to annoying bites, they can transmit diseases like dengue fever or Zika. Prevention +15 Insec +15 realmissolliesoakland.com +15. Eliminate standing water and use physical barriers, such as mosquito netting. TheHuffPost +6 Rentokil +6 Raid +6.
4. Bed Bugs
These tiny insects feed on human blood, causing itching, hives, sleep problems, and even anxiety. Wikipedia +1 purepeest.com +1. Controlling them requires professional measures: deep cleaning, vacuuming, and mattress protection.
5. House Spiders
Most are not dangerous and, in fact, help reduce other pests, such as flies and cockroaches. Amazoninfobae. If they appear, it’s best to relocate them outside rather than kill them.
6. Dust Mites
Although invisible to the naked eye, they trigger allergies and respiratory problems in sensitive people. ptla.org+15Wikipedia+15infobae+15Raid+13Del Valle Pest Control+13infobae+13. Reducing humidity, vacuuming thoroughly, and washing bedding are essential.
7. Dermestid Beetles
Also called “carpet beetles,” their larvae damage textiles, clothing, and upholstery. Wikipedia+1realmissolliesoakland.com+1. Keep clothes clean, store them in airtight bags, and ventilate closets.
8. Silverfish and Moths
They feed on paper, clothing, and moisture. Their presence indicates excess moisture, which encourages mold. Use dehumidifiers and adequate ventilation in closets and corners.
✅ Tips to Avoid Infestations
Maintain cleanliness and remove food scraps or trash (purepest.com).
Seal cracks and gaps in windows, doors, baseboards, and pipes (Raid).
Reduce humidity: ventilate, use dehumidifiers, or absorb moisture with homemade solutions.
Use natural barriers: plants such as mint, lavender, or bay leaves effectively repel ants, flies, and cockroaches.
Consult professionals: fumigation, mattress treatments, or specific control for bedbugs, cockroaches, or mites.
📌 Final Summary
On the one hand, insects such as bedbugs, cockroaches, mosquitoes, and certain beetles can be harmful or cause allergies; on the other hand, others such as spiders and dermestids coexist without direct risks. The keys to maintaining a healthy home are hygiene, structural prevention, reducing humidity, and using natural or professional methods when necessary.