Pests in your home can be a nightmare.
At worst, they can even render a home unlivable and derelict.
They come in many forms, including: plants, insects, animals, and fungus.
Below, we’ve listed 12 UK house pests to watch out for in order of least to most commonly occurring.
12. Ants
In the UK, the most common type of ant, the black garden ant, doesn’t often damage homes.
However, there are less common ants in the UK which can. The main one of these is the much larger carpenter ant, which chews at wood to layer its nest. It can damage property structures and electrical wires.
The pharaoh ant is unlikely to cause as much damage as the carpenter ant. However, it carries with it serious health risks, as it can carry dangerous pathogens and even send people into septic shock.
11. Japanese knotweed
Japanese knotweed is an invasive plant species.
It can force its way through concrete, asphalt and other strong material. This leads to it damaging foundations, boundaries, and ecosystems.
It’s often mistaken for other plants. But unlike most of them, it’s particularly destructive.
Homeowners can be fined if it spreads beyond their boundaries. And sellers can be sued for not disclosing its presence.
10. The deathwatch beetle
Properties affected by fungal decay are more susceptible to deathwatch beetle infestations.
Their presence will appear in the form of weakened and damaged timbers.
They like to infiltrate damp wood inside your home and damage fixtures and fittings.
9. Dry rot
Dry rot spores are not harmful to your health.
But they are a sign that there is excessive moisture in your property, which could make you ill.
Dry rot itself is a fungus that digests damp wood, leaving it dark in colour and heavily cracked.
This can affect the structural integrity of your home as the wood becomes weak.
8. Wet rot
Unlike dry rot, wet rot is a general term. It’s used to describe an array of ways in which fungi caused by water can destroy the home.
Wet rot occurs on timbers that contain over 50% moisture (whilst Dry rot needs only 20% moisture to germinate).
Wet rot is much easier to notice due to typical water damage stains. And it can cause considerable damage to walls, ceilings, and floors.
7. Squirrels
Whilst they appear cute, squirrels can damage your property especially to your:
- Sidings
- Drainpipes
- Soffits.
They can even get inside your property, especially between walls. Here they might damage wiring, woodwork, and more.
Grey squirrels are an invasive species in the UK. By contrast, the less common red squirrel is endangered and protected.
6. Bedbugs
The common bedbug (Cimex lectularius) is a parasitic insect found in the UK and elsewhere.
These reddish-brown creatures are about 6 millimetres long with six legs. They typically inhabit furniture and bedding, and feed on blood by biting human (and animal) skin, which can lead to itchy rashes.
They get into properties vis items such as second-hand furniture, luggage, clothing, or even pets.
Poor hygiene isn’t a cause. But maintaining cleanliness ensures that if they do enter, they will meet a hostile (clean!) environment and be less likely to survive.
5. Woodworm
Woodworms are a type of beetle larvae that leave holes in wooden surfaces.
Often, people are unaware of woodworms until it’s too late. One of the main signs (aside from holes in wood) are small piles of fine sawdust underneath beams or furniture.
Left untreated, woodworm can weaken timber in your property and cause structural failure.
4. Rising damp
Rising damp is often noticed by the internal water damage it causes to a home’s walls.
It’s caused by moisture travelling from the ground and up through the capillaries of the wall.
Damp is rare as most homes have protection. But you should seek expert help if you notice:
- Tide marks
- Damaged paint or wallpaper
- Orange water staining around your skirting board.
3. Silverfish
Silverfish are small insects that thrive high-humidity locations, such as the dark corners of:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Basements
- Lofts.
Nothing is safe in your home if silverfish have intruded. They will feed on anything containing starch or cellulose, which includes:
- Plaster
- Paintings
- Photographs
- Books.
They can go up to a year without food, too. So even if you remove their food source, you need to stay vigilant.
2. Moths
Most moths in the UK are harmless. But a few species lay their eggs in our stored belongings.
If undetected for long periods of time they might damage:
- Clothes
- Carpets
- Soft furnishings (including curtains)
- Sofas.
1. Mice and rats
Many people are afraid of mice and rats.
They leave droppings and contaminate food. They can also cause extensive damage to properties.
They chew almost anything to make their nests, including insulation and electrical wires.
How can I stop pests from destroying my home?
You must contact a pest specialist with most of the flora and fauna above.
Most pest control companies also offer property care services. This means you can have your property free of the culprit and any damage fixed.
Whether plant, insect or mammal, do not try to fix the issue yourself. You could put the structural integrity of your home at further risk.
