Sharing your home with uninvited guests? No, we’re not talking about distant relatives we mean household pests. From buzzing fruit flies to sneaky ants, every home eventually has to deal with a few creepy-crawly intruders. The good news? With a little knowledge and the right natural remedies, you can keep your space pest-free without harsh chemicals.
This beginner-friendly guide breaks down the most common household pests, what attracts them, and simple, effective ways to show them the door for good.
1. Ants
What Attracts Them:
Crumbs, spills, pet food, and anything sugary or greasy.
Signs:
Small lines or trails of ants, especially in the kitchen or near windows and doors.
Natural Solutions:
- Wipe surfaces with vinegar and water to disrupt scent trails
- Use cinnamon, peppermint oil, or coffee grounds as natural deterrents
- Seal entry points with caulk or weatherstripping
2. Fruit Flies
What Attracts Them:
Overripe fruit, dirty drains, and open trash cans.
Signs:
Tiny flying insects hovering near fruit bowls, garbage disposals, or compost bins.
Natural Solutions:
- Set out a bowl of apple cider vinegar + a drop of dish soap
- Keep fruit refrigerated and take out garbage regularly
- Clean drains with baking soda and vinegar flushes
3. Cockroaches
What Attracts Them:
Food crumbs, leftover grease, moisture, and dark hiding places.
Signs:
Droppings (tiny black specs), egg casings, or a musty smell.
Natural Solutions:
- Place bay leaves or cucumber slices in problem areas
- Use diatomaceous earth around baseboards and under appliances
- Fix leaks and keep areas dry
4. Gnats (Fungus Gnats)
What Attracts Them:
Overwatered indoor plants and moist potting soil.
Signs:
Small flying bugs around houseplants.
Natural Solutions:
- Let the soil dry out between waterings
- Use sticky traps, or top the soil with sand or cinnamon
- Spray soil with diluted neem oil or hydrogen peroxide solution
5. House Flies
What Attracts Them:
Rotting food, trash, and animal waste.
Signs:
Visible adult flies around windows or trash bins.
Natural Solutions:
- Hang DIY fly traps with honey or apple cider vinegar
- Use clove-studded lemons or basil plants as fly repellents
- Keep doors closed and use fine mesh screens
6. Spiders
What Attracts Them:
Other insects (aka spider snacks), cluttered spaces, and undisturbed corners.
Signs:
Webs in corners, windowsills, or closets.
Natural Solutions:
- Spray with peppermint oil + water solution
- Keep your home clutter-free and vacuum regularly
- Use citrus peels along windows and doors
7. Silverfish
What Attracts Them:
Starchy materials, paper, cardboard, and humid environments like bathrooms.
Signs:
Small, silver, wiggly insects, especially at night or under sinks.
Natural Solutions:
- Reduce humidity with dehumidifiers
- Use cedar oil or sachets of cloves and cinnamon
- Place rolled-up newspaper traps overnight and discard in the morning
8. Mice and Rats
What Attracts Them:
Open food sources, clutter, and warm hiding spots.
Signs:
Droppings, gnawed wires, or scurrying sounds in walls or attics.
Natural Solutions:
- Seal holes or cracks with steel wool and caulk
- Use peppermint oil-soaked cotton balls near entry points
- Keep food in airtight containers
9. Bed Bugs
What Attracts Them:
Body heat and carbon dioxide while you sleep.
Signs:
Itchy bites in a line, small blood stains on sheets, or bugs in mattress seams.
Natural Solutions:
- Wash bedding in hot water and dry on high
- Vacuum thoroughly and use a steamer on mattresses and upholstery
- Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around bed frames
10. Dust Mites
What Attracts Them:
Warm, humid environments and dead skin cells.
Signs:
Allergy symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, or coughing.
Natural Solutions:
- Use hypoallergenic covers on mattresses and pillows
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water
- Keep humidity below 50% with dehumidifiers
Final Tips for a Pest-Free Home
- Clean regularly, especially kitchens and bathrooms
- Seal cracks, windows, and door gaps
- Store food properly and take out trash often
- Inspect plants and packages before bringing them indoors
Closing Thoughts
Dealing with pests doesn’t mean you need harsh chemicals or a full-blown exterminator. Most common household critters can be managed with a little vigilance and some natural remedies. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or just want to keep things bug-free, these tips will help you create a cleaner, healthier home—no extra roommates required.