According to BBC Countryfile, our homes are actually filled with hidden life from the natural world, despite appearing separate from it at first glance.
Most of these small creatures are harmless, even though they may seem a bit unsettling.
Native wild animals in the UK
The 10 ‘unsettling’ animals secretly living in your home
Silverfish
Silverfish are insects with a silvery appearance, usually found in dark and damp areas like bathrooms and basements.
If left unchecked, silverfish can cause damage to items like paper and wallpaper paste. (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
BBC Countryfile mentioned: “While they won’t harm you, they can cause damage to your belongings if left unchecked.”
Booklice
Booklice thrive in humid environments and feed on mold, fungi, and organic material found in old books and wallpaper.
Although harmless to humans, booklice can become a nuisance if they find a reliable food source, as mentioned by Countryfile.
Booklice are harmless to humans. (Image: Getty Images)
Bed bugs
According to BBC Countryfile, bed bugs are experts at hiding, with a preference for mattresses, bed frames, and headboards, where they come out at night to feed on human blood.
They leave itchy bites as a sign of their presence, and a small infestation can quickly grow unnoticed.
Fungus gnats
Fungus gnats are small flies that are attracted to houseplants due to moist soil, as explained by BBC Countryfile.
While they do not bite or harm humans, their larvae feed on decaying organic matter and can sometimes harm plant roots, as stated by the experts.
Fungus gnats are small flies that appear around houseplants. (Image: Getty Images)
House mice
BBC Countryfile mentioned that house mice are among the most common creatures living indoors secretly.
These small rodents can easily slip through tiny cracks in search of food and warmth, making nests behind walls or in cluttered spaces.
Carpet beetles
Carpet beetles are often found in homes with natural fabrics, hiding in undisturbed areas like attics or under heavy furniture.
BBC Countryfile stated that their larvae feed on wool, silk, and other fibers, causing damage that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.
Carpet beetles are commonly found in homes with natural fabrics. (Image: Getty Images)
House spiders
Despite their webs not being everyone’s preference, spiders are nature’s pest control, doing more good than harm, as mentioned by BBC experts.
Spiders help to keep insect populations under control.
There are 22 common spiders in the UK that you may find in your home.
Fortunately, most of them are completely harmless to humans.
Bats
Sometimes, a small bat might take up residence in your attic seeking warmth and safety, as explained by BBC Countryfile.
Bats are shy creatures that pose no harm to people, although their droppings (guano) can accumulate over time.
Clothes moths
These tiny moths often go unnoticed until they damage your clothes, leaving small holes in your favorite woolen or silk garments.
They are usually found in dark, undisturbed spaces like wardrobes, where their larvae feed on natural fibers.
House dust mites are invisible to the naked eye. (Image: Getty Images)
House dust mites
Dust mites, invisible to the naked eye, feed on dead skin cells, according to BBC Countryfile.
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BBC experts 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.”