Uninvited guests often provide surprising benefits for your household
Every residence, from high-rise apartments in Bhubaneswar to traditional homes in rural Odisha, hosts a secret community of tiny inhabitants. These creatures enter through the smallest gaps and make themselves comfortable behind our furniture or inside cupboards. While many people view them as unwanted intruders, these common house animals often play a functional, and sometimes helpful, role in our domestic ecosystem.
House lizards, or Jhitipiti as they are locally known, are perhaps the most visible roommates. They frequently gather near light bulbs to hunt for mosquitoes, moths, and flies. By staying in warm corners and ceilings, they act as a biological shield against flying insects that could otherwise spread diseases or cause irritation.
Spiders might cause fear for some, but they are incredibly industrious cohabiters. They build intricate webs in ceiling corners or behind large furniture to catch flies and smaller pests. Most species found in typical Odisha homes are shy and prefer to stay out of sight, working silently to balance the indoor environment.
Ants are the ultimate scouts. They appear almost instantly whenever sugar, moisture, or food crumbs are left exposed. Their highly organized nature allows them to communicate through chemical trails, leading their entire colony to food sources within your kitchen. While annoying, they are a clear signal that a deep clean is needed.
Long-legged house centipedes are effective natural exterminators that prey on cockroaches and silverfish. On the other hand, silverfish are ancient, shiny creatures that prefer dark, damp spots. They often hide in bookshelves or storage boxes, feeding on the glue and starch found in old papers.
Cockroaches and mice are the most persistent of the "rent-free" crowd. Roaches favor drains and dark kitchen cabinets, while resourceful mice can squeeze through holes the size of a coin to find warmth. Understanding these guests helps us manage our living spaces better. While some provide free pest control, keeping your home clean and dry is the best way to ensure these residents do not become a nuisance.
