Every home has unwelcome guests from time to time. Those tiny invaders crawling across your kitchen counter or buzzing around your bedroom aren’t just annoying—they can pose real problems for your health and home.
Understanding the most common household pests and how to deal with them effectively can save you time, money, and stress while protecting your living space from damage and contamination.
From small cockroaches with distinctive reddish-brown bodies to ants with their characteristic pinched waists, household pests come in many forms.
You might spot lady bird beetles (ladybugs) gathering indoors during colder months or discover bed bugs hiding in furniture seams.
These unwanted roommates don’t pay rent, but they certainly make their presence known.
The good news is you don’t have to share your space with these creatures.
With proper identification and the right approach, you can reclaim your home from ants, bed bugs, cockroaches, and rodents.
Let’s explore the bugs you’re most likely to encounter and what you can do when they decide to move in without invitation.
Ants
Ants are among the most common household pests you’ll encounter, with over 1,000 species native to North America alone.
These tiny invaders move quickly in single-file lines and can become a major nuisance in your home.
Most household ants range from 2-3mm in length and vary in color from brown to black.
You might notice them first in your kitchen or pantry, especially around sweet foods and spills.
Common Household Ant Species:
- Odorous house ants (emit a rotten coconut smell when crushed)
- Carpenter ants
- Pavement ants
- Sugar ants
Carpenter ants deserve special attention as they can cause structural damage.
These larger ants (1/4 to 5/8 inch long) are typically dark brown or black, and unlike termites, they don’t eat wood but tunnel through it to build nests.
Ant colonies can grow surprisingly large, with some containing up to 200,000 individual ants. This explains why eliminating just a few visible ants rarely solves the problem.
To control ant infestations, you should:
- Keep food in sealed containers
- Clean up spills immediately
- Trim trees and shrubs away from your house
- Use ant baits for existing infestations
Remember that ants can contaminate your food and potentially spread diseases like E. coli and Salmonella. Taking prompt action when you spot these pests can prevent a small problem from becoming a major infestation.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are among the most persistent and common household pests that can quickly turn into a major infestation if left unchecked. These resilient insects belong to the Blattodea order, which also includes termites.
You might encounter several types of cockroaches in your home. The most common varieties include:
- German Cockroach: Small, light brown insects about ¾ inch long with a torpedo-shaped body
- American Cockroach: Larger species, often reddish-brown
- Smokeybrown Cockroach: Shiny, dark red-brown insects about 1½ inches long, sometimes called palmetto bugs
Cockroaches are social insects that prefer to live in groups. They spend much of their time scavenging for food and shelter, which is why they frequently invade homes.
You can identify a cockroach problem through droppings, egg casings, or an unusual musty odor. Even spotting one roach should prompt immediate action, as they rarely travel alone.
To prevent cockroach infestations, keep your home clean and fix any moisture issues. Seal cracks and crevices where they might enter your home.
Natural repellents can help discourage these pests. Try mixing essential oils like citrus, oregano, and rosemary with water to create a spray that repels roaches.
For severe infestations, you might need to contact professional pest control services who can provide targeted treatments.
Termites
Termites are often called “silent destroyers” because they can damage your home without you even knowing it. These pests cause about $5 billion in property damage each year in the United States.
There are three main types of termites you might encounter in your home:
- Subterranean termites: Build mud tunnels and live underground
- Drywood termites: Infest dead wood and are smaller than typical termites
- Dampwood termites: Prefer moist, dark spaces like basements and crawl spaces
Warning signs of a termite infestation include mud tubes along your foundation, discarded wings, hollow-sounding wood, and tiny holes in wooden structures. You might also notice fecal pellets that look like petrified wood, especially with drywood termites.
Early detection is crucial to prevent extensive damage. Regular inspections of your home can help you spot termite activity before it becomes a major problem.
To protect your home from termites:
- Keep firewood away from your house
- Eliminate moisture problems
- Ensure proper drainage around your foundation
- Store wooden materials off the ground
- Consider professional termite treatments
Professional pest control is often necessary for effective termite elimination. DIY methods rarely address the entire colony, especially with subterranean termites, which can build extensive underground networks.
Remember that termites work year-round and can remain active even when you don’t see them. Stay vigilant to keep your home termite-free!
Mice
Mice are among the most common household pests that can invade your home. These small rodents typically have gray or brown fur, large ears, and a pointed snout with a long tail.
You can identify a mouse infestation by spotting droppings that look like dark rice grains, hearing scratching noises in walls or ceilings, or noticing gnaw marks on food packages and furniture.
These pests are more than just a nuisance. Mice can spread diseases through their urine, feces, and saliva. They may also trigger allergic reactions in some people, especially children.
Signs of a Mouse Problem:
- Droppings near food sources or nesting areas
- Gnawed holes in walls and floors
- Musky odor in enclosed spaces
- Nests made of shredded paper or fabric
- Tracks or tail marks in dusty areas
Mice reproduce extremely quickly. A female mouse can have 5-10 litters per year with 5-6 babies each time. This rapid breeding rate means a small problem can quickly become a major infestation.
To prevent mice from entering your home, seal any cracks or openings larger than 1/4 inch. Keep food in airtight containers and maintain clean countertops and floors, especially at night when mice are most active.
For existing infestations, you might need a combination of traps, exclusion methods, and possibly professional help depending on the severity of your mouse problem.
Rats
Rats are among the most common and destructive household pests, causing significant problems when they invade your home. These furry intruders are recognizable by their size (larger than mice) and distinctive tails that are often hairless and longer than their bodies.
You might be surprised to learn how common these pests really are. Rats frequently invade homes in both urban and suburban settings, seeking food, water, and shelter.
Signs of a rat infestation:
- Droppings (dark and pellet-shaped)
- Gnaw marks on food packaging or structures
- Scratching noises in walls or ceilings
- Nests made of shredded materials
- Greasy marks along baseboards
Rats aren’t just a nuisance—they’re a health risk. These rodents can spread diseases through contamination and may cause damage to your home’s structure and electrical wiring.
To prevent rats from entering your home, you should seal any holes around your home’s perimeter. Even gaps as small as a quarter can allow these pests access to your living space.
Keep your property clean by eliminating potential food sources. Store food in airtight containers, clean up spills immediately, and ensure trash is properly contained in sealed bins.
If you suspect a rat infestation, don’t wait to act. Professional pest control services can assess the situation, set traps, and help maintain a rat-free home through regular monitoring and prevention strategies.
Spiders
Spiders are among the most common household pests you’ll encounter in your home. The American house spider is incredibly common throughout North America, from Southern Canada to the United States.
The Common House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) is probably the one you see most often indoors. These helpful creatures measure about 5-8mm in length with yellowish-brown bodies and darker markings.
Common Indoor Spider Types:
- Common House Spider
- Black Widow
- Wolf Spider
- Jumping Spider
- Cellar Spider (Daddy Longlegs)
House spiders create different types of webs depending on the species. Some spin messy cobwebs in quiet corners, while others create more structured webs. These webs help you identify which type has moved in with you.
Most household spiders are actually beneficial! They help control other pests by eating insects like flies and cockroaches. Before you squash that spider, consider the free pest control service it provides.
You can identify common house spiders by their round abdomens and thin legs. Their coloring typically ranges from yellowish-brown to darker browns with various markings.
If you’re concerned about dangerous spiders, know that most household varieties are harmless to humans. However, it’s wise to learn to identify the few species that can cause problems.
Silverfish
Silverfish are small, silvery insects that get their name from their fish-like movements and metallic appearance. You might spot these nocturnal pests scurrying away when you turn on the bathroom light.
These unwelcome guests prefer dark, damp areas in your home like:
- Bathrooms
- Basements
- Attics
- Kitchen cabinets
Silverfish can be destructive despite their small size. They have a taste for starches and proteins, which means they’ll happily munch on your:
- Books and papers
- Natural fabrics (especially cashmere and vintage clothing)
- Wallpaper
- Food items like cereals and grains
- Glue in book bindings
You can identify a silverfish infestation by looking for damage like half-eaten pages in books or chewed-through boxes in your pantry. These pests can live surprisingly long lives—up to eight years in some cases!
Controlling humidity in your home is one of the best ways to prevent silverfish. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas and fix any leaky pipes promptly.
Sealing cracks around windows, doors, and pipes can block their entry points. Regular cleaning helps too, especially in dark corners where they like to hide.
For existing infestations, consider using sticky traps, natural repellents like cedar or lavender, or contacting a professional pest control service for severe cases.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on human blood while you sleep. These flat reddish-brown insects are about the size of an apple seed (5-7 mm long) and can be a nightmare to deal with.
These pests are masters of hiding. They live in dark crevices of bed frames, box springs, mattress seams, and behind baseboards. This makes them particularly difficult to spot until an infestation is well established.
The common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) typically feeds exclusively on human blood but can also target your pets. Their bites often cause itchy welts on your skin, though some people show no reaction.
Signs of bed bug infestation:
- Small blood stains on sheets
- Dark spots (excrement) on mattresses
- Shed skins
- A sweet, musty odor
- Visible bugs near mattress seams and furniture cracks
Bed bugs are considered among the worst common household pests by professional exterminators. They’re notoriously difficult to eliminate because they:
- Can survive months without feeding
- Hide in tiny cracks and crevices
- Reproduce rapidly
- Develop resistance to certain pesticides
If you suspect bed bugs in your home, act quickly! Inspect your bedding regularly with a flashlight, particularly along seams and tufts. Reducing clutter around your bed can limit their hiding spots.
Professional pest control is often necessary for complete elimination of these persistent pests.
Fleas
Fleas are tiny, wingless insects that can quickly become a troublesome household pest. These reddish-brown parasites measure only about 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch long, making them difficult to spot with the naked eye.
Despite their small size, fleas are impressive jumpers. They can leap up to 8 inches vertically – that’s 150 times their own height! This jumping ability helps them move between hosts and spread throughout your home.
The most common type you’ll encounter is the cat flea, which, despite its name, can infest dogs, rabbits, and even humans. These pests don’t discriminate when looking for a blood meal.
Flea Life Cycle:
- Eggs: Tiny white specks that fall off pets
- Larvae: Small, worm-like creatures that avoid light
- Pupae: Cocoon stage that can remain dormant for months
- Adults: Biting insects that feed on blood
A female flea can lay up to 2,000 eggs during her 100-day lifespan. This remarkable reproductive rate explains why infestations can grow so quickly in your home.
You might notice these pests as tiny black spots that jump around quickly. Check your pets for excessive scratching, hair loss, or small dark specks (flea dirt) in their fur.
Flea prevention is crucial for pet owners. Regular vacuuming, washing pet bedding, and using veterinarian-recommended flea treatments can help keep these persistent pests from establishing themselves in your home.
Ticks
Ticks are parasitic pests that can occasionally find their way into your home. Unlike many household bugs, ticks feed on blood from humans and pets, making them particularly concerning.
You might be surprised to learn that ticks can establish themselves indoors. The Brown Dog Tick is especially known as a common household pest that can survive and reproduce entirely inside your home. While it rarely transmits diseases to humans, it can cause anemia in pets.
Ticks typically enter your home through these common routes:
- On your pets after outdoor activities
- On your clothing after walking through wooded areas
- By hitching rides on rodents or other household pests
Watch for these warning signs of tick-borne illness:
- Fever
- Rash
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain
To prevent tick infestations, regularly check your pets after they’ve been outdoors, especially if they’ve been in tall grasses or weedy areas. Wear long pants and socks when in tick-prone environments.
Keep your yard well-maintained by trimming vegetation and removing leaf litter where ticks may hide. If you discover ticks in your home, thorough vacuuming and professional pest control services may be necessary to eliminate them completely.
Houseflies
Houseflies are one of the most common and frustrating household pests you’ll encounter in your home. These persistent insects are especially attracted to your kitchen areas, garbage cans, and places where your pets spend time.
While they might seem like mere annoyances, houseflies pose genuine health concerns. They can transfer harmful bacteria from dirty surfaces to your food and living spaces. These pests can potentially transmit diseases like food poisoning, E. coli, and typhoid fever.
Identifying Houseflies:
- Medium-sized (about 1/4 inch long)
- Gray bodies with four dark stripes on the thorax
- Large red eyes
- Single pair of wings
The lesser house fly is another variety you might encounter. These are about two-thirds the size of common houseflies but create similar problems in your home.
Prevention Tips:
- Keep garbage tightly sealed
- Clean up food spills immediately
- Use screens on windows and doors
- Store fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator
- Clean pet areas regularly
For serious infestations, contact a licensed pest control professional who can identify breeding sites. Since houseflies typically enter from outside, professionals will look for entry points and recommend specific treatments.
Understanding these common household flies helps you deal with them effectively and adopt preventive measures to keep your home fly-free and healthy.
Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are tiny pests that can quickly take over your kitchen. These small insects have red eyes and brown bodies and are especially common during late summer and fall, though they can appear year-round.
You might notice these pesky insects hovering around your fruit bowl or near garbage cans. Fruit flies multiply rapidly, turning your clean kitchen into a frustrating battleground within days.
While fruit flies aren’t directly harmful, they can contaminate food surfaces and create unsanitary conditions in your home. Their presence often signals overripe produce or unclean areas in your kitchen.
Getting Rid of Fruit Flies:
Remove attractants:
- Throw away overripe fruits and vegetables
- Keep produce in the refrigerator
- Clean up spills immediately
-
- Apple cider vinegar in a container with plastic wrap (poked with holes)
- Commercial fruit fly baits
- Sticky traps near problem areas
Clean thoroughly:
- Scrub garbage and recycling bins
- Sanitize drains and disposal units
- Wipe down countertops daily
You can also try natural repellents like whole cloves stuck in a lemon placed in your fruit bowl. For severe infestations, you might need to use insecticides specifically designed for fruit flies.
Prevention is your best defense. Keep your kitchen clean, store fruits properly, and take out trash regularly to avoid these annoying visitors.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are among the most annoying and potentially dangerous household pests you might encounter. These long, slender flying insects measure between 3 and 7 millimeters in length with thin legs and needle-like mouthparts that they use to bite.
You’ll most commonly notice mosquitoes during warm summer months when they become particularly active. These pests are more than just irritating—they can pose serious health risks as carriers of various diseases.
Common house mosquitoes can quickly turn your outdoor activities into uncomfortable experiences. They breed rapidly in even the smallest amounts of standing water around your home.
Common Breeding Sites:
- Neglected birdbaths
- Clogged gutters
- Saucers under houseplants
- Unused flowerpots
- Kiddie pools
- Rain barrels
To protect yourself and your family, you should eliminate these water sources or change them frequently. Installing screens on windows and doors will help keep mosquitoes from entering your home.
Consider using EPA-approved repellents when spending time outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Wearing long sleeves and pants can also reduce your exposure to bites.
You might find that certain scented plants like citronella, lavender, and marigolds help repel mosquitoes naturally. Placing these around your outdoor living spaces can create a more comfortable environment.
Carpet Beetles
Carpet beetles are common household pests that can damage your carpets, clothing, upholstery, and other belongings. These tiny insects might seem harmless, but they can cause significant damage if left unchecked.
There are several types of carpet beetles you might encounter in your home. The most common include:
- Varied carpet beetles
- Furniture carpet beetles
- Black carpet beetles
- Common carpet beetles
Adult carpet beetles typically measure only 1/8 to 3/16 inch long. They’re often oval-shaped with distinctive patterns or colors on their backs.
The real troublemakers are the larvae, not the adult beetles. These fuzzy, worm-like creatures feed on natural fibers found in your carpets, clothing, and furniture. They particularly enjoy wool, silk, leather, and feathers.
You might notice signs of carpet beetles including small holes in fabrics, shed larval skins, or tiny beetles near windows. Look for damage in closets, stored clothing, and carpeted areas.
To eliminate carpet beetles, start by thoroughly vacuuming affected areas, including carpet edges, baseboards, and furniture. Wash infested fabrics in hot water and dry on high heat when possible.
Regular cleaning is your best defense against these pests. Vacuuming frequently can remove eggs and larvae before they cause damage. Pay special attention to rarely disturbed areas where carpet beetles often thrive.
For serious infestations, you might need professional pest control services to get rid of carpet beetles completely. They can apply appropriate treatments to eliminate both adults and larvae.
Pantry Moths
Pantry moths, also known as Indian meal moths, are common household pests that can quickly infest your kitchen. These small flying insects primarily target your stored food items, making them particularly troublesome pests to deal with.
You can identify pantry moths by their distinctive coloring. They have reddish-brown, coppery wings on the outer two-thirds of their wingspan and gray on the inner third. These moths are quite small, measuring only about 1/4 to 3/8 inch long with a wingspan of 1/2 to 3/4 inch.
Unlike some other house moths, pantry moths don’t damage your clothing. Instead, they contaminate dry food products such as:
- Flour and grains
- Cereals and pasta
- Dried beans and nuts
- Seeds and bird seed
- Dried fruits
- Dog food
- Spices and herbs
- Chocolate and cake mixes
You may not realize you have an infestation until you spot moths flying around your kitchen. Often, these pests enter your home through contaminated groceries.
The larvae of pantry moths are the most destructive stage. These tiny caterpillars feed on your stored foods and leave behind silky webs, fecal pellets, and cast skins—all of which contaminate your food supplies.
To prevent an infestation, store all dry goods in airtight containers made of glass or heavy plastic. Regularly check your pantry for signs of activity and promptly discard any infested items.
Keeping your pantry clean and organized will help you spot these unwanted visitors before they establish a large colony in your kitchen.
Earwigs
Earwigs are distinctive reddish-brown insects with intimidating-looking pincers at the end of their bodies. These creatures, often called “pincher bugs,” grow to about 3/4-inch long and can move quickly when disturbed.
Despite old myths, earwigs won’t crawl into your ears to lay eggs. This is completely false! They’re actually quite harmless to humans, though they may give you a small pinch if handled.
You might spot earwigs in your home because they’re attracted to moist environments. These nocturnal insects typically enter houses seeking shelter from dry or extreme weather conditions.
Common Signs of Earwigs:
- Visible insects in damp areas of your home
- Small damage to houseplants
- Presence in basements, bathrooms, or kitchens
- More frequent sightings after rainfall
Earwigs serve as ecological scavengers, feeding on dead plant material and insects. In this way, they actually benefit your garden ecosystem despite their creepy appearance.
To prevent earwigs from entering your home:
- Reduce moisture around your foundation
- Seal cracks and entry points
- Add gravel barriers around your home’s perimeter
- Remove debris and leaf piles near your house
Earwigs dislike strong scents, so essential oils can be effective deterrents. Try cedar oil, lavender, or eucalyptus in areas where you’ve spotted these pests.
Remember that while earwigs might be unsettling to see, they generally don’t cause significant problems and rarely infest homes in large numbers.
Centipedes
House centipedes are common household insects known for their many legs that help them move quickly across your floors and walls. They typically grow up to 1-1.5 inches long with flattened bodies and can have up to 15 pairs of legs.
Despite their scary appearance, these creatures aren’t something to fear. They don’t typically bite humans and aren’t considered dangerous to your health.
Centipedes are actually nature’s exterminators. They prey on other household pests including flies, ants, moths, spiders, and even cockroaches. Before you squash one, consider that it might be helping control other pest populations in your home.
These fast-moving creatures prefer dark, damp environments. You’ll often find them in:
- Bathrooms
- Basements
- Closets
- Under sinks
- Around drains
House centipedes have impressive vision with compound eyes containing up to 200 optical units, though some species have simple eyes or none at all.
If you want to reduce centipede populations in your home, focus on eliminating moisture problems. Fix leaky pipes, use dehumidifiers in damp areas, and seal cracks in your foundation.
You can also limit their presence by reducing their food sources—other household pests. Regular cleaning and removing clutter gives them fewer places to hide.
Remember that centipedes are beneficial in many ways, serving as a natural form of pest control in your home.
Millipedes
Millipedes are common household pests that often make unwanted appearances, especially during summer or rainy seasons. Despite their name suggesting “thousand legs,” most millipedes have between 30 and 400 legs, with two pairs per body segment.
These creatures typically display a dark brown or black coloration, sometimes with subtle stripes. Most household millipedes measure between 1 and 1.5 inches long, though sizes can vary among the 7,000 different species.
Unlike many pests, millipedes don’t bite, sting, or cause property damage. They’re more of a nuisance than a threat to your health or home.
Why Millipedes Enter Your Home:
- High humidity and moisture
- Excessive rainfall
- Seeking shelter from extreme temperatures
- Attracted to damp basements and crawl spaces
You’ll typically find these pests in areas with high moisture and organic debris. Bathrooms, basements, and areas near foundation walls are common millipede gathering spots.
Prevention Tips:
- Reduce moisture around your home’s foundation
- Remove leaf piles and garden debris
- Create a dry barrier between mulch and your foundation
- Seal cracks and entry points around doors and windows
The most effective long-term solution is to reduce excess moisture and eliminate hiding places near your home’s foundation. Pay special attention to water pooling from sprinkler systems, which can invite millipedes closer to your home.
Wasps
Wasps are distinctive flying insects with yellow and black striped bodies and a characteristic “wasp waist.” These common stinging pests can become unwelcome visitors in your home, especially during warmer months.
If you spot large buzzing insects with yellow and black stripes around your property, you’re likely dealing with common wasps. These insects are particularly aggressive when their nests are disturbed.
Your attic, basement, and other seldom-used areas of your home make ideal nesting sites for wasps. The basement’s dim lighting creates a perfect environment for wasps to build nests undisturbed.
Warning Signs of Wasp Infestation:
- Increased wasp sightings indoors
- Paper-like nests in corners, eaves, or sheltered areas
- Buzzing sounds in walls or ceiling spaces
- Wasps entering/exiting from the same spot
If anyone in your household has a wasp sting allergy, you should avoid all risks and contact professionals for nest removal. Wasp stings can cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Prevention is always easier than removal. Seal cracks and openings in your home’s exterior, keep food covered when outdoors, and maintain garbage bins with tight-fitting lids to make your property less attractive to wasps.
Gnats
Gnats are tiny flying insects that can become a real nuisance in your home. These pests are actually a collection of different small flies, including fungus gnats, drain flies, and fruit flies.
Most household gnats measure between 1/16 to 1/8 inch long, making them barely visible but definitely annoying when they fly around your face. You might notice them especially in kitchens, bathrooms, or near houseplants.
Common Types of Indoor Gnats:
- Fruit flies – attracted to ripening fruits
- Fungus gnats – often found near houseplants
- Drain flies – live in drains and pipes
- Buffalo gnats – can bite humans
The main causes of gnat infestations in your home include overripe or rotting fruit, excess moisture, houseplant soil, and dirty drains. Fruit flies are particularly drawn to fermenting items like that bowl of bananas you’ve left on the counter too long.
You can identify what type of gnat problem you have by noticing where they gather. If they hover around plants, you likely have fungus gnats. If they congregate near drains, they’re probably drain flies measuring about 1/8 inch.
Effective Gnat Control Methods:
- Remove overripe fruit
- Fix leaky pipes
- Let soil dry between waterings
- Set up vinegar traps
- Try a beer or wine trap – they’re attracted to the fruity smell
With proper prevention and treatment, you can keep your home gnat-free and comfortable.
