Why it is important to know the two categories
When there are crawlers at home, in the business, or in the warehouse, not every animal is automatically dangerous. Many people lump all insects together – but in pest control, a clear distinction is made between pests and hygiene pests.
This distinction is important because it determines how urgently you need to act and what professional control looks like.
In this article, you will quickly and clearly learn how to recognize both groups – and which measures are really sensible.
What are pests?
Pests are pests that are primarily perceived as annoying, but do not pose a direct threat to health or supplies.
Typical examples of nuisance pests:
- Silverfish
- Paper silverfish
- Fungus gnats
- Fruit flies
- Spiders
- Woodlice
They are unpleasant but mostly harmless.
Their presence often indicates moisture, organic residues, or poor ventilation.
Pests can be a symptom of another problem – but rarely the actual problem.
When should you act?
- If pests multiply strongly
- If you notice initial material damage (e.g., with silverfish)
- If their presence causes a guest disturbance (gastronomy/hotel)
- If you suspect they indicate a hygiene issue (moisture, etc.)
What are hygiene pests?
Hygiene pests are animals that are health relevant, transmit diseases, or can contaminate food.
Immediate control is mandatory here – especially in kitchens, gastronomy, hotels, and commercial areas.
Typical hygiene pests:
- Cockroaches
- Mice and rats
- Ants in kitchen/storage areas
- Flour moths & stored product pests
- Fleas
- Clothes moths
- Wasps indoors
- Bed bugs
These animals are not only annoying but can:
- Spread pathogens
- Trigger allergies
- Contaminate supplies
- Cause damage
- Cause severe official consequences (especially in gastronomy)
❗ You must act immediately if:
- cockroaches are seen
- mice/droppings appear
- supplies are infested
- Report guest insects
- A pest monitoring activity shows
Nuisance or hygiene pest? – The most important differences
|
Feature |
Nuisances |
Hygiene pests |
|
Danger |
low |
high |
|
Health |
no direct danger |
Transmission of germs possible |
|
food |
mostly harmless |
heavy contamination |
|
Urgency |
moderate |
act immediately |
|
Examples |
Silverfish, spiders, fruit flies |
Cockroaches, mice, ants, moths |
|
Effort |
light to moderate control |
professional control necessary |
Our product recommendations for safe control
For nuisance pests (discreet monitoring)
Catchmaster 288i Silverfish Trap
Perfect for bathrooms, storage, and kitchens – poison-free & discreet.
Catchmaster MaxCatch adhesive surface
Ideal against crawling nuisance pests & for reliable activity monitoring.
For hygiene pests (immediate control)
Advion Cockroach Gel
Professional remedy against cockroach infestation – fast effect & safe application.
Advion Ant Gel
Works deep into the nest and reliably stops entire colonies.
Catchmaster mouse snap trap
Robust, secure trap for storage, workshop, basement & gastro.
Conclusion
Not every pest is dangerous – but every pest says something about the condition of your rooms.
If you know whether it's nuisance pests or hygiene pests, you can react specifically, save money, and keep your rooms clean permanently.
