Dealing with a pest infestation is every homeowner’s worst nightmare. Not only is dealing with an infestation time-consuming and expensive, but the experience can also be traumatizing and leave you riddled with anxiety.
While many different parts of the country have pests that are specific to that area, several common house bugs can be found in many homes across the country. So keep reading to learn about why bugs may be attracted to your home, as well as the most common types of house bugs you might run into.
Reasons Bugs Are Attracted to My Home
There are several reasons why bugs may be attracted to your home, but the main reason is that they seek food, water, and shelter.
Depending on the type of pest you’re dealing with, they may also reproduce, potentially introducing large amounts of other bugs into your home. For example, ants and cockroaches release pheromones for mating that attract other pests to your home once inside.
To avoid bugs entering your home, try to clean regularly and avoid leaving food out for insects to feed on. Certain pests are also attracted to damp environments, so it’s a good idea to fix any leaking pipes or cracks in the windows to prevent bugs from getting in.
We’ve listed several ways to prevent a pest infestation. However, it’s important to know what pest you are dealing with to prevent and treat them. So here are eleven common house bugs you might encounter in your home if you don’t keep it clean.
11 Common House Bugs: How to Identify Them
1. Ants
Ants are common household pests that can be found in every state across the US.
The most common types of ants that infest homes are carpenter ants, as they are known to chew through wood to create tunnels to crawl through. Carpenter ants have three distinct body regions and are typically black or reddish in color.
Carpenter ants are not harmful to humans or pets, but they could be destructive to any home they enter. Other common household ants include pavement ants and fire ants, the latter of which are aggressive and often sting humans who come into contact with them.
2. Termites
Termites are some of the most destructive house bugs, and they cause billions of dollars worth of property damage each year. Termites can be identified by their long, oval bodies and white to light brown coloring.
They measure between ¼ and ½ of an inch, with the kings and queens typically being larger. While termites may bite or sting humans, they are not known to carry diseases.
Treating termites is notoriously difficult. Therefore, professional assistance is always recommended.
3. Cockroaches
Cockroaches are some of the most feared household pests and for a good reason. Unfortunately, getting rid of cockroaches can be extremely difficult, as they breed quickly and are excellent at hiding.
While there are 69 cockroach species in North America, the most common ones found in homes are German cockroaches. German cockroaches are light brown in color and have two parallel stripes on their backs.
Cockroaches are considered dangerous to humans, as they carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans simply by breathing the same air.
4. Beetles
Beetles are another common type of house bug, though they are relatively harmless. Beetles typically make their way into homes by hitching a ride on something that is being brought inside, like grocery bags or laundry. Beetles are typically oval-shaped and range in color depending on the specific type.
5. Lady Bugs
Ladybugs are usually attracted to warm and safe places, making your home the perfect refuge for them. Lady bugs are easily recognizable, with tiny red bodies and wings. They often have black dots on their bodies but can also be solid red in color.
Luckily, ladybugs are not harmful to humans and are docile in nature. Plus, getting rid of ladybugs is fairly easy.
6. Stink Bugs
Stink bugs are another household pest that has a distinct look, with their shield-shaped bodies and speckled brown pattern. Stink bugs are harmless to humans but may cause an allergic reaction for some people with the allergens they give off; however, this is rare. Like many other hose bugs, stink bugs usually enter a residence in the colder months to seek shelter.
7. Silverfish
Despite their creepy appearance, silverfish are not known to bite humans and do not carry diseases. Silverfish can be identified by their silvery, light gray color, and “fish-like” movements, as well as two large antennae. If you see a silverfish, there is a good chance there are many more living in your home, as they reproduce quickly and can infest in large numbers.
8. Spiders
Spiders are another common household pest you may run into, and the different species can vary in how dangerous they are to humans. Some of the most common house spiders are wolf spiders, black widow spiders, and cellar spiders. While wolf spiders are generally harmless and don’t bite unless provoked, black widows can be aggressive when threatened and have an extremely poisonous venom that is about 15 times stronger than that of a rattlesnake.
9. Pincher Bugs
Pincher bugs, often known as Earwigs, are a common type of house bug that may find their way inside your home. Pincher bugs can be easily identified by their large pincers and thin, dark brown bodies. While pincher bugs may be able to leave red marks on your skin from their pincers, they are not strong enough to break skin and do not carry diseases.
10. Crickets
Crickets are another bug that can accidentally end up in your home by latching onto clothing or making their way in through open windows and doors. While crickets are a larger insect and are commonly mistaken for cockroaches, they aren’t known to be dangerous to humans and are more of a nuisance pest due to their vocal nature.
11. Centipedes
If you see centipedes in your home, there is a chance you may have other pests as well. Centipedes typically enter homes to feed on cockroaches and spiders, and are often lured in by these pests. Centipedes have flattened or rounded heads and have one pair of legs per body segment, with the number of body segments varying depending on the species. While centipedes do not pose a serious threat to humans, their bites can cause mild pain and swelling.
If you are dealing with a pest infestation, do not hesitate to reach out to a professional. The Pest Rangers’ residential Home Protection Plan guards against several different species of pests, including all of the ones listed above. We also offer emergency services with quick turnarounds to treat an infestation when it arises.
FAQs
How can I identify what type of bug I found?
If you find a bug in your home and aren’t sure what it is, try to trap it if you’re able to, or take a clear picture for reference. It is always best to contact a pest control expert at the first sign of any infestation, as they will be able to determine what kind of pest you’re dealing with and take the proper steps to treat the problem.
Do bugs come in clean houses?
No matter how clean your house is, bugs will often still find a way in. As mentioned earlier, the main things a bug is looking for are food and water. If they do not find those resources in your home, they will not feel as inclined to stick around.
What bugs are harmful and dangerous?
Certain types of spiders, such as the black widow, as well as cockroaches and some ants, can be harmful to humans and pets. If you suspect you may be dealing with a pest infestation, contact a trusted pest control expert right away to assess and treat the situation.
[wpforms id=”1017″ title=”true” description=”true”]