🕷️ The Uninvited Guests: Pests That Plagued Colonial America

Bridgeman via Getty Images

When we think of Colonial America, images of hearty pioneers, rustic log cabins, and the pursuit of freedom often come to mind. But life for early American colonists wasn't just about farming and building a new society; it was a constant battle against a relentless enemy: pests. From buzzing insects to scurrying rodents, these uninvited guests made daily life a challenge and even influenced historical events.

The Pests That Crossed the Atlantic

Many of the most problematic pests weren't native to the New World. They were stowaways, arriving on the same ships that carried European settlers and their supplies.

• Rats: The arrival of European ships meant the introduction of rats to the Americas. These rodents thrived in the crowded, often unsanitary conditions of the settlements. They were so numerous and destructive at the Jamestown settlement that during a period of famine known as the "Starving Time," colonists were forced to resort to eating them to survive.

• Cockroaches and Beetles: John Smith, a leader at Jamestown, famously complained about cockroaches, which he described as leaving "ill-scented dung." Archaeological evidence from Jamestown has also uncovered the remains of various European beetles that likely infested wooden structures and food stores, further complicating the colonists' lives.

A saw-toothed grain beetle (Oryzaephilus surinamensis) crawling on a grain mixture.

Getty Images

Native Nuisances: A Different Kind of Challenge

While some pests were introduced, others were already here, waiting to greet the new arrivals.

• Cicadas: Colonial governor William Bradford documented the emergence of periodical cicadas in 1634, describing their "ear-splitting drone." These loud insects were a regular, though temporary, part of life for many early colonists.

A Brood XIV periodical cicada climbs a tree.

Photo by Bill Uhrich, MediaNews Group via Getty Images

• Mosquitoes: Perhaps the most dangerous native pest was the mosquito. A vector for diseases like malaria, mosquitoes were not just an annoyance but a deadly threat. Interestingly, the colonists' long-term exposure to these insects gave them an unexpected advantage during the Revolutionary War. British troops, who had no resistance to the local insect-borne diseases, were often decimated by sickness, while many seasoned colonists were less affected.

Closeup of silhouetted mosquito.

Getty Images

• Lice: Personal hygiene was a constant struggle, and lice were a common problem. The discovery of fine-toothed bone combs during archaeological excavations shows just how hard the colonists fought to keep these parasites at bay.

Louse comb with teeth on both sides, c. 1750s.

Sepia Times/Universal Images Gro

The fight against pests in Colonial America offers a unique glimpse into the day-to-day realities of early settlers. It reminds us that history isn't just about grand events and famous figures but also about the small, persistent challenges that shaped everyday life.