Pest Control

Pest Control in the Wizarding World refers to the set of magical practices, charms, and potions used to manage or eliminate unwanted magical creatures from a dwelling or area. Methods vary depending on the specific pest.

• Boggarts: While technically non-beings, Boggarts are common household pests found in dark, enclosed spaces. The primary method of removal is the Boggart-Banishing Spell, which has the incantation Riddikulus. This charm forces the Boggart to assume a comical form, and the resulting laughter repels it.
• Bundimuns: These multi-eyed, creeping fungi secrete a substance that rots the foundations of dwellings. They are effectively dealt with by using Scouring Charms.
• Chizpurfles: Tiny, crab-like parasites attracted to magic. They infest the fur of creatures like Crups and Augureys and can also be found in magical objects, which they gnaw on to consume the residual magic. Control methods are handled by the Pest Sub-Division of the Ministry of Magic and may involve patented potions.
• Doxies (Biting Fairies): Venomous, fairy-like creatures that infest homes, typically nesting in curtains. A standard method for removal involves spraying the creatures with Doxycide, a black, foul-smelling potion that paralyzes them, allowing for their safe disposal. Protective gear is recommended, and a Knockback Jinx can be used to stun them temporarily.
• Ghouls: Ghouls are generally simple, harmless creatures that tend to live in the attics or barns of wizarding families. While often tolerated as a noisy but benign presence, they can be removed by the Ghoul Task Force, a part of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.
• Gnomes: Small magical creatures that live in holes in the gardens of wizarding houses. The most common method of removal, known as “de-gnoming,” involves grasping the gnome by the ankles, swinging it in a circle to make it dizzy, and then throwing it as far as possible over the garden wall. Another known method involves using a Jarvey to hunt them.

The need for pest control is a mundane part of life in the Wizarding World and is mentioned several times throughout the series.

• De-gnoming at The Burrow: The Weasley family regularly de-gnomes their garden. Harry Potter participates in this chore during his first visit, where Molly Weasley instructs her sons on the proper swinging and throwing technique. The alternative methods described in Gilderoy Lockhart's book, Gadding with Ghouls, are dismissed by the Weasleys as foolish.
• Cleansing of Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place: Following its use as the headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix, Molly Weasley led a major effort to clean the long-abandoned Black family home. This involved extensive pest control, most notably dealing with a large infestation of Doxies in the drawing room curtains using Doxycide. A Boggart was also removed from a writing desk in the same room by Molly Weasley. Fred and George Weasley secretly kept some Doxy eggs for use in their Skiving Snackboxes.
• Gilderoy Lockhart: The fraudulent Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher was the author of several books claiming expertise in pest and creature control, including Gadding with Ghouls. His supposed knowledge was later revealed to have been stolen from other witches and wizards.

Basic pest control is considered a part of general magical household management, likely covered under the umbrella of Domestic Charms. More advanced knowledge may be taught in Charms or Care of Magical Creatures at Hogwarts. For serious infestations or dangerous pests beyond the ability of an average witch or wizard, the Ministry of Magic provides professional services. The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures includes a Pest Sub-Division and a specific Ghoul Task Force dedicated to these matters.

The term “pest control” is a direct adoption of the Muggle English phrase. It refers to the regulation or management of a species defined as a pest because it is perceived to be detrimental to a person's health, the ecology, or the economy.

• In the video game adaptation of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, a “De-Gnoming” mini-game is featured, allowing the player to physically throw gnomes out of The Burrow's garden, as described in the book (video game).
• The Pottermore website (now Wizarding World) has featured articles on pests like Gnomes and Doxies, largely reiterating information found in the novels and the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them textbook (Pottermore).