HomesAndHedge guides

Household pests: identify it, judge it, fix it, find who to call

Most UK household pests can be identified from a few clear signs, and many are a nuisance rather than a danger. This hub helps you work out what you are dealing with, how worried to be, what you can safely do yourself, and the point at which a qualified pest controller is the right call.

Finding an insect or a sign of one in your home is unsettling, but the right response depends entirely on what it is. A few silverfish in a bathroom is a humidity problem you can fix yourself; a bed bug infestation or a rat in the loft is a job for a professional.

Each guide below follows the same shape: how to identify it, how serious it is, how to fix it where you safely can, and who to call when you cannot. Where a figure is quoted, it links to a named source such as the NHS, the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) or gov.uk.

Silverfish Low: a nuisance and a damp indicator, not a health risk Carpet beetle Low to moderate: harmless to people, damaging to natural fabrics Bed bugs Moderate to high: not a disease risk, but fast-spreading and hard to clear Woodworm Variable: old damage is often harmless; active structural infestation is serious Wasp nest Moderate: sting risk that rises with size and proximity to people Ants Low: a nuisance, not a health risk, for common garden ants Fruit flies Low: a hygiene nuisance, quickly fixed at source Clothes moths Low to moderate: harmless to people, costly to natural-fibre items Mice and rats High: a health and property risk that breeds fast if ignored Cockroaches High: a health risk that almost always needs professional treatment

Frequently asked questions

Which household pests do I have to call a professional for?

Bed bugs, rats, mice, cockroaches and wasp nests are usually best handled by a qualified pest controller, because they breed fast, can carry disease or sting, and rarely clear with shop-bought products alone. Silverfish, ants, fruit flies, carpet beetles and clothes moths can often be managed yourself.

How do I find a reputable pest controller in the UK?

Use the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) or the National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA) member directories. Members work to a code of practice and carry insurance. Your local council also offers pest control for some pests, sometimes free for rats and mice.

Can my council deal with pests for free?

Many councils provide pest control for rats and mice, and some treat cockroaches, bed bugs or wasps. Charges and which pests are covered vary by council, and some treat rodents free of charge. Check your local council pest control page on gov.uk for what is offered in your area.

Oliver Mackman

Editor, HomesAndHedge

Oliver leads HomesAndHedge's editorial coverage of home and garden problems. He researches and writes the plain-English explainers on pests, invasive plants, damp and mould, drainage and wildlife, drawing on guidance from bodies such as the Property Care Association, the RHS and the NHS, and is clear about when a job needs a qualified professional.

Last reviewed: 8 June 2026