Hygienic pests, such as pest rodents (Norway rat, house rat and house mouse) and vermin (arthropods, e.g. cockroaches, meal moths, bacon beetles), contaminate food and/or buildings, are destroyers of supplies and food and ultimately also cause technical defects.

Their role as triggers of allergies and especially as transmitters of diseases (vector function) to humans and animals should not be underestimated, because pests can transmit viruses and bacteria that can cause diseases in humans and animals.