13 Household Pests: How to Get Rid of Them for Good

Termites eat wood, and they live in warm, moist soil near food sources such as fallen trees, woodpiles, and houses. They can enter buildings through gaps in masonry as small as 1/32 of an inch. Termite colonies live in underground nests connected to a network of mud tunnels through which the insects travel to look for food, which they carry back to the nest. Even in homes with little wood in the framing or walls, termites may target wooden doors, window frames, cabinets, or shelves.

Run an electric fan and cover food with mesh domes to keep bugs away. This artistic deflector, inspired by a Mexican street vendor trick, shoos flies naturally: Sunlight reflecting off the water-filled glass bulb confuses and repels them.

De La O Anti-Fly Sphere 3.0, $85, delao.mx.

Many species of ants are beneficial, as they are likely to eat other, more harmful insects, such as fleas and bedbugs. The problem with ants is largely aesthetic; they're not likely to cause disease. When ants invade a house, they are generally just looking for food.

These tiny members of the arachnid family thrive in dry, hot weather and are a common problem for both indoor and outdoor plants. When plants are stressed from hot weather and dehydration, they are especially vulnerable to spider mites. They inflict damage to leaves by piercing and eating individual plant cells, leaving behind yellow and white speckles or discolored patches.

Mosquitoes love swampy air and humid weather. They can carry diseases, including West Nile virus, so it's best to take measures to keep them away. Eliminating standing water and cutting tall grass are the most effective preventative measures.

There are about 20,000 species of bees. The most common ones are bumblebees, honeybees, and carpenter bees. Not only do they pose a serious threat to those with allergies, but they can also cause damage to wood and other surfaces.