Pests in Your Home

Pests in and around our homes can be a nuisance. Pests include insects (e.g. cockroaches, bed bugs, wasps, and garden bugs), rodents (e.g. mice and rats), and weeds. The pesticides, or chemicals, we use to treat pests can cause serious health problems. Pesticides can contaminate our indoor environment, cause and trigger allergies and asthma, and be especially dangerous to children, pregnant people and pets.

Use the dropdowns below to learn about health risks, prevention and treatment tips for each pest.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small insects that feed on human blood. They are usually active at night when people are sleeping. Adult bed bugs have flat, rusty-red-colored oval bodies. About the size of an apple seed, they are big enough to be easily seen, but often hide in cracks in furniture, floors or walls. When bed bugs feed, their bodies swell and become brighter red. They can live for several months without food or water. Bed bugs bite, but they do not transmit disease. Do not scratch a bed bug bite because it can lead to secondary infections. 

Images of bedbugs and their eggs up close.

Signs and symptoms

Bed bug bites will usually affect only the surface of your skin as small, itchy red bumps known as papules or wheals. You might find the bumps in a row or grouped together, which shows repeated feedings by a single bed bug.

Some people may develop allergic reactions such as:

  • Large, itchy wheals up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) across
  • Blister-like skin inflammations
  • Groups of small, swollen sacs of pus
  • Skin rashes similar to hives

How do I get rid of bed bugs?

The Health Department recommends primarily using heat treatment to get rid of bed bugs. Heat treatment can be supplemented with other tools like using encasements, interceptors, or pesticides. Pesticides may be needed to treat specific areas or materials that heat cannot treat. If pesticides must be used, hire a licensed pest control professional. Talk with the professional about safe use of pesticides and make sure the professional: 

  • Uses the least toxic pesticide.
  • Follows instructions and warnings on product labels.
  • Advises you about staying out of treated rooms and when it is safe to return.
  • Treats mattresses and sofas by applying small amounts of pesticides on seams only. Pesticides should never be sprayed on top of mattresses or sofas.
More information
Rats and mice

There are many species of rodents, including rats and mice. Rodents can play an important role in the health of the environment and are a major source of food for many other animals. However, some types of rodents are pests when they infest homes, destroy property, and threaten public health. Rodents may spread diseases to humans through:

  • Bite wounds.
  • Consumption of food and/or water or breathing dust contaminated by rodent droppings and other waste products.
  • Ticks, mites, and fleas that transmit infection to humans after feeding on infected rodents.

Hantavirus is a virus that can be found in the urine, droppings and saliva of certain rodents. Hantavirus can cause a serious disease in humans called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Without prompt medical care, the disease can be fatal. Learn more about hantavirus and the types of rodents that can carry it in Vermont
Learn about other diseases spread by rodents on the Centers for Disease Control website

Signs of a rat or mouse infestation

  • Rodent droppings around food, in drawers or cupboards, and under the sink.
  • Nesting material like shredded paper, fabric, or dried plant matter.  
  • Signs of chewing on food packaging.
  • Holes chewed through walls and floors that create entry points into the home.
  • Stale smells coming from hidden areas.

Preventing rat or mouse infestations

To eliminate and prevent rodent infestations:

  • Keep living spaces clean.
  • Seal up holes in your home to prevent rodents from entering.
  • Trap mice around your living space to reduce the population.
  • Store food securely and properly.
  • Reduce any potential nesting sites inside and around your home. 

Learn more about identifying and preventing rodent infestations (EPA)

Cockroaches
A cockroach on a wall.

Cockroaches have a flattened, oval body, six legs and long antennae. Many adult cockroaches have fully developed wings, but only few fly. Cockroaches generally live in the dark and like warm moist places. Cockroaches carry disease and can worsen or trigger asthma. The best way to control cockroaches is to remove the food source by putting all food in insect-proof containers and cleaning the area.

 Learn more about identifying, controlling and preventing cockroaches from the University of Minnesota Extension 

Download the Pests in Your Home fact sheet for tips on how to prevent and treat pests.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a safer, effective, and environmentally friendly method used to control pests that is based on common-sense principles and science. This method focuses on minimizing the use of hazardous pesticides by first using knowledge of the life cycles of pests and how they interact with their environment to figure out the best ways to control the problem. If chemicals must be used, safer pesticides are chosen.

Be very cautious about using pesticides yourself. Pesticides can be hazardous to people and pets. If you choose to use a pesticide, or a licensed pest control professional suggests you use one, follow these precautions:

  • Only use pesticides clearly labeled for the type of pest you want to get rid of. Never use a pesticide that does not list the pest on the label.
  • Never use a product that is labelled for “outdoor use only” indoors.
  • Follow label instructions exactly.
  • Never spray pesticides on top of mattresses or sofas, or in areas where children or pets are present.
  • Never purchase or use a product without a manufacturer’s label and never buy pesticides from street vendors.
  • Avoid using “insecticide bombs” and “foggers” in your home. These products can spread hazardous chemicals throughout your home.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development has more information on IPM and Safe Pest Control.

Topics:
Air Quality Asthma Chemical Contaminants Healthy Homes
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