From spiders and bats to "invisible" mites and bed bugs, there are all kinds of animals that could be secretly living in your home without you even knowing.
BBC Countryfile said: "Our homes may seem like places separate from the natural world, but look a little closer and you'll discover they're alive with hidden life.
"Most of these miniature lodgers are harmless, even if they seem a little unsettling."
Native wild animals in the UK
The 10 'unsettling' animals secretly living in your home
Silverfish
Silverfish are "silvery insects" and are usually drawn to dark, damp spots, such as bathrooms and basements.
BBC Countryfile added: "While they won’t harm you, they can cause damage to your belongings if left unchecked."
Booklice
Booklice thrive in humid areas, according to the experts at the BBC, and feed on:
- Mold
- Fungi
- Organic material found in old books and wallpaper
While harmless to humans, booklice can become a nuisance if they find a steady food source, Countryfile added.
Bed bugs
Bed bugs are the "experts" when it come to hiding, according to BBC Countryfile.
It adds: "Bed bugs prefer mattresses, bed frames and headboards, emerging at night to feed on human blood.
"They leave itchy bites as their calling card, and a small infestation can quickly grow if unnoticed."
Fungus gnats
Fungus gnats are "tiny flies that appear around houseplants" as they are drawn to moist soil, BBC Countryfile explains.
"While they don’t bite or harm humans, their larvae feed on decaying organic matter and can sometimes damage plant roots," the experts continued.
House mice
BBC Countryfile said house mice are "among the most common creatures secretly living indoors".
"These small rodents slip through tiny cracks in search of food and warmth, nesting behind walls or in cluttered spaces."
Carpet beetles
Carpet beetles are commonly found in homes with natural fabrics, and will hide in undisturbed places like attics or under heavy furniture.
"Their larvae feed on wool, silk and other fibres, often going unnoticed until the damage is done," BBC Countryfile said.
House spiders
Though their webs may not be to your taste, spiders are "nature’s pest control, doing more good than harm", the experts at the BBC said.
Spiders can help to "keep insect populations down".
There are 22 spiders common to the UK that you are likely to find in your home.
Thankfully, most of them are "completely harmless" to humans.
Bats
"Sometimes, a small bat might take up residence in your attic, seeking warmth and safety," BBC Countryfile explains.
"Bats are shy creatures and pose no harm to people, but their droppings (guano) can build up over time."
Clothes moths
These "tiny" moths often go undetected until you discover what they've done to your clothes - leaving small holes in your favourite woollen or silk garments.
These insects are often found in dark, undisturbed spaces such as wardrobes, where their larvae can feast on natural fibres.
House dust mites
Dust mites are "invisible to the naked eye", according to BBC Countryfile, and feed on dead skin cells.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Biting bug spotted in the UK for first time in 18 years sparks 'serious concern'
- How to get rid of maggots in your bin? Experts share their top tips
You will usually find them in:
- Bedding
- Carpet
- Furniture
The experts at the BBC added: "They’re generally harmless but can aggravate allergies or asthma with their waste.
"Almost impossible to detect without a microscope, these little mites are constant but unseen housemates."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel