These 6 pests may be lurking in your GA home’s spare room. Here’s how to deal with them

As out-of-town guests arrive this time of year, some Georgia homeowners may be unknowingly hosting more than family and friends. In infrequently used spare rooms, pests can thrive, turning holiday visits into itchy ordeals for guests.

Pest control experts, DIYWarehouse report that dust mites, fleas, carpet beetles, rodents, bed bugs and German cockroaches are some of the most common critters guests could encounter.

Most common household pests

Dust Mites

• Microscopic
• Feast on dead skin in bedding a
• Causes sneezing, itchy eyes and breathing issues

Fleas

• Often carried by pets or wildlife
• Can jump from guests onto humans
• Causes painful bites 
• Fleas activated with body heat from during sleep

Carpet Beetles

• Larvae feed on fabrics 
• Shed noticeable shells in unused rooms 
• Cause irritated skin 
• Can ruin clothes or linens

Rodents

• Often sneak into attics or walls
• Droppings spread diseases like hantavirus

Bed Bugs

• Can travel from luggage or furniture
• Bite at night
• Causes red welts and sleeplessness

German Cockroaches

• Smaller in size
• Fast lifecycle 
• Hide in dark corners
• Can trigger asthma

How to treat unwanted pests

The American Lung Association reports that close to 80% of homes have dust mites in at least one bedroom, so even a spotless, never-used room can still cause discomfort in guests.

• Inspect mattresses, baseboards and closets with a flashlight 
• Look for droppings, shells or live bugs
• Vacuum thoroughly
• Wash linens in hot water
• Seal cracks
• Call a local exterminator for severe cases

How to prevent pests

Jerry Wang, owner of DIYPest Warehouse offers a bit of advice when preparing a room for your friends or family.

To determine if a room has bugs or not, his pest technicians, “wipe the dust from surfaces, [so they] can easily see what [they] are wiping up. If the cleaning towel … only has dust, then it’s fairly safe to assume there aren’t any insects.”

He also suggests paying close attention to mattresses, and if there is not a presence of insect exoskeletons or casing there is little chance for insects.

Precautions for pest containment

• Use allergen-proof mattress covers 
• Wash bedding weekly in 130°F water
• Treat pets with vet-approved flea products 
• Vacuum pet areas daily
• Store fabrics in sealed bins and 
• Launder rugs in hot water
• Discard infested items
• Seal gaps  around doors/windows with caulk 
• Set rodent traps baited with peanut butter
• Steam-clean upholstery 
• Eliminate food crumbs
• Fix leaks 

Have any tricks or tips for people preparing their home for guests? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.

This story was originally published December 18, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "These 6 pests may be lurking in your GA home’s spare room. Here’s how to deal with them."