Parasites in the house – proven methods

Parasites in the home are a problem that many of us face. Their presence can affect the quality of life and also pose a health risk. Here you will find practical tips on how to recognise the presence of parasites, effective methods of eliminating them and proven ways to prevent their recurrence.

Recognising the presence of parasites in the home

Parasites and pests in the home can leave behind various traces that indicate their presence. Bed bugs often leave small red or brown spots on bed linen, mattresses and curtains as a result of feeding. Cockroaches can be recognised by their dark, fine droppings, which resemble ground pepper, and their characteristic, unpleasant smell. Food moths reveal their presence through small, grey-brown butterflies flying around kitchen cabinets, and their larvae can be found in loose products such as flour, groats or rice. Fruit flies appear near ripe fruit, and their larvae can develop in fermenting food scraps. Ants, especially pharaoh ants, create long paths leading to food sources and often settle in warm, humid places such as behind refrigerators, dishwashers or stoves.

In addition to insects, larger pests such as mice and rats can also appear in homes. Their presence can be recognised by the characteristic bite marks on furniture and electrical wires, excrement in kitchen corners, or rustling sounds coming from the floor or walls. It is crucial to detect these pests quickly because they can transmit dangerous diseases and destroy household items. Regular observation and quick reaction can prevent major problems related to parasites and pests.

The most common household parasites and their characteristics

The most common household pests include bed bugs, cockroaches, pharaoh ants, food moths and fruit flies. Each of these types of parasites has a specific way of life and various hazards that they can cause in our homes. Bedbugs are small insects that feed on blood, leaving itchy bites on the skin. In addition to carrying bacteria and allergens, cockroaches can contaminate food and the surfaces they are on. Pharaoh ants, which prefer warm and humid corners of apartments, can multiply quickly and form numerous colonies, which makes them difficult to eliminate.

Food moths, on the other hand, are most commonly found in loose products such as flour or groats, and their presence endangers stored food.

Can you get parasites from animals?

Yes, people can become infected with parasites from animals, including dogs, cats, rodents and other domestic and wild animals. The transmission of parasites most often occurs through contact with their eggs, larvae or directly from an infected animal. Below is a detailed description of the different cases:

Dog in the house and parasites

Dogs can carry many parasites that are dangerous to humans. The most common include:

• Toxocara canis (dog roundworm) – the eggs are found in dog faeces and can survive in the soil for a long time. Humans can become infected by consuming contaminated food or coming into contact with infected surfaces (e.g. sandboxes).
• Echinococcus granulosus (hydatid disease) – dogs can be carriers of this tapeworm, and humans become infected by eating eggs that contaminate the dog’s fur or the environment.
• Dog tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum) – humans can become infected if they swallow an infected flea (carrier of tapeworm larvae).
• Demodex canis – rarely transmitted to humans, but can cause skin problems in people with weakened immune systems.
• Sarcoptes scabiei – causes scabies, which manifests itself in humans as itchy rashes.

Cat in the house and parasites

Cats, like dogs, can carry many parasites, e.g.:

• Toxoplasma gondii (toxoplasmosis) – this parasite is found in cat faeces. The infection is particularly dangerous for pregnant women.
• Toxocara cati (feline roundworm) – as with dogs, humans can become infected through contact with infected eggs.
• Cat tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum) – also transmitted by accidentally swallowing infected fleas.
• Ringworm (Microsporum canis) – although not a parasite, it is often transmitted from cats to humans, causing skin lesions.

Mice and rats and parasites

Rodents can transmit parasites both directly and through their faeces:

• Whipworm (Trichuris) – can be transmitted through contaminated water or food.
• Tapeworms (Hymenolepis nana, Hymenolepis diminuta) – infection occurs through ingestion of parasite eggs, e.g. on unwashed vegetables.
• Leptospira (leptospirosis) – although it is a bacterium, its transmission is often associated with rodents.

Can animals have bedbugs?

• Bedbugs do not live on animals because they do not have the right body structure to attach themselves to the fur.
• However, they can temporarily move onto the fur of animals (e.g. if a cat or dog lies down in a place with bedbugs), but they do not treat them as their main hosts.
• If bedbugs are in the house, they can attack sleeping animals, especially if people are not around.

Parasites in the house and health – what is the risk to household members?

Parasites in the home can cause serious health problems, including gastrointestinal infections, allergies and parasitic diseases. Roundworms and tapeworms can lead to malnutrition, a weakened immune system, stomach pain and digestive problems. Ticks transmit dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis, which can cause chronic neurological disorders. Bed bugs, although not transmitting diseases, can cause allergic reactions, severe itching and insomnia, leading to psychological problems such as stress and anxiety. The long-term presence of parasites in the home can weaken the immune system of the household and increase the risk of serious infections.

Ways to prevent parasite infestation

One of the most important ways to prevent parasites in the home is to maintain cleanliness and hygiene. Regular cleaning, vacuuming and wiping down surfaces removes any parasite eggs and food debris that could attract them.

It is also important to store food in tightly closed containers, which minimises the risk of food moths infesting food products. Another effective way to prevent parasite infestation is to seal all cracks and crevices in walls, floors and around doors and windows. This is where cockroaches and pharaoh ants can enter our homes.

Regular inspections also allow for early detection of unwanted guests. It is worth paying attention to any worrying traces that may indicate the presence of parasites in our environment. Using traps, window screens or ultrasonic repellents provides additional protection against infestation. In addition, it is important to regularly check the condition of the house, especially places that are less visited, such as basements or attics.

The most effective methods of parasite control

Parasite control in the home can be carried out using various methods, from home remedies to professional pest control services, which increases their effectiveness. Home remedies often rely on natural products that are safe for humans, such as essential oils, vinegar or baking soda. For example, lavender or lemon can be used to repel insects, and glue traps are effective in monitoring the presence of cockroaches or pharaoh ants. It is also important to keep the area clean by regularly vacuuming and washing surfaces to remove food debris that could attract parasites.

Professional pest control is an effective solution, especially for larger infestations. It involves the use of advanced chemical preparations and modern technologies that are not available for home use. The main methods include:

• The use of chemicals that fight parasites at the developmental level, disrupting their life cycle.
• Microwave and thermal techniques eliminate insects through high temperatures.
• Professional fumigation involves gassing rooms and effectively eliminates colonies that are difficult to detect.