The worst place to discover a bug problem is in your own backyard. And if you live in Northeast PA, Southeast PA, or the Lehigh Valley, you already know our region has its fair share of unwelcome pests.
From urban pests like cockroaches and bed bugs that thrive in Allentown to wood-dwelling creatures like termites and carpenter ants that attack homes all across the Poconos, it’s important to know what pests you’re up against.
Some local bugs may be annoying and messy, while others can cause you thousands in property damage or carry dangerous diseases like Lyme disease and West Nile virus.
Luzerne County, Northampton, the Lehigh Valley, and the surrounding areas share a similar pest profile, which means homeowners from Wilkes-Barre to Easton face many of the same invaders.
The best way to combat these pests is to stay ahead of the game. Here’s a breakdown of the top nine local insects in NEPA, SEPA, and the Lehigh Valley, and how to control them.
1. Termites
These tiny, social insects live in colonies and feast on wood. Termites are creamy-white, wingless insects that range from ⅛ to ¼ of an inch long.
They are not always wingless, however; during mating season, they will swarm and lose their wings shortly after. There are several species of termite, but they all typically live in, on, or around wood.
Don’t let their size fool you. These tiny insects can cause up to 5 billion dollars in damage yearly with their massive colonies.
If you happen to spot shredded wings, exoskeletons, or wood damage, you may want to seek out a pest control expert. Termites are difficult to spot and even harder to get rid of, depending on the size of the infestation. To stop them from getting in, simply do yearly maintenance on your home, and keep piled wood at least 200 feet from your home.
2. Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are excellent hitchhiking pests. These bloodsuckers search for a host, and once they find one, they hide out until dark to feed.
These pests are found anywhere people gather. Usually, they can be picked up during travel when you encounter someone or someplace that has them.
Bed bugs are small, ¼ inch bugs that are oval-shaped and flat from top to bottom. Once in your home, they will hide anywhere: cracks, walls, floors, furniture, you name it. They burrow in and make themselves cozy.
Bed bugs are nocturnal; it’s easier for them to feed at night. When they do bite a host, they can leave welts and marks behind. However, if you aren’t looking for it, it can be difficult to tell if you have an infestation.
Check any possible hiding spots, bedding, sheets, and your mattress. When you travel, re-pack items in a sealed bag and throw them in the dryer immediately. Bed bugs can also be notoriously difficult to get rid of. Depending on the size of your infestation, it may be wise to seek out professional help.
3. Mosquitoes
Small, annoying, and deadly, mosquitoes can be found just about anywhere. They breed in standing water, and females need a blood meal before they lay their eggs. Unfortunately for us, mammals are the blood meal, and mosquitoes can carry many possible deadly diseases.
This insect typically thrives in the warm months around Luzerne County and tends to come out at night.
To keep these potentially dangerous pests away from your home, simply clear the area of any standing water. Check for puddles, birdbaths, clogged gutters, or even garden tools; water can pool just about anywhere.
Once a mosquito finds a good place, it tends to stick around that area. The key is keeping your property dry.
4. Ticks
Another hitchhiking parasite, ticks, are a huge problem in Luzerne County. Coming in a variety of species, these blood-suckers feed on vertebrate animals. Much like mosquitoes, they can transfer some pretty deadly diseases, notably Lyme Disease.
Typically, ticks are found in areas with heavy brush or overgrowth, like forests, meadows, and fields. They transfer to animals or people by hanging off branches, long grasses, or shrubs.
The main way to avoid this pest is to cover up when hiking or gardening. Additionally, using repellents with DEET in them is a good idea.
Keep your yard trim and clean; since ticks thrive in overgrown areas, they will be less likely to find their way into your backyard if you keep the verge trimmed. Also, tamed foliage will be less of a draw to other animals who may also carry ticks.
5. Gypsy Moths
Unlike the previous entries, the gypsy moth is not native to Luzerne County. They are an invasive species and especially dangerous to trees and shrubs.
While an appetite for greenery may not seem like an issue when in caterpillar form, gypsy moths can eat over 300 plant species. Newly hatched caterpillars are black and hairy, and over time, they turn a mottled yellow-grey and have five pairs of blue dots on their backs.
After becoming moths, the males are brown, with dark brown marks, and they have a 1 ½ inch wingspan.
Conversely, females are nearly all white with a dark, saw-toothed pattern on their 2-inch wings.
To get rid of gypsy moths, know the quarantines of your area. You should notify the Federal and State agricultural offices if you see any egg masses on your property, often found on trees, lawn furniture, fences, or house siding.
6. Cockroaches
Cockroaches can be found anywhere, often found in kitchens, basements, and other areas in the home with easy access to a food/water source. These pests prefer dark, damp areas, and they can be found hiding out under sinks or machines like washers or refrigerators.
They may only be about 1 ¼ inches long, but these shiver-inspiring creatures can leave some pretty nasty diseases in their wake, ie, salmonella. The most common cockroach species are Oriental, American, German, and brown-banded.
Like most evasive pests, cockroaches can be tricky to get rid of. The key is to keep your property clean and tidy. Cockroaches can thrive on a small amount of food or water, so the best way to keep them out is to keep up with your property maintenance. Don’t give them a place to feed or hide.
7. Spotted Lanternfly
While it hasn’t officially hit Luzerne County, residents are strongly cautioned against this invasive species, which has already made its way to neighboring counties. Much like the Gypsy Moth, Spotted Lanternflies are not native to the area.
They feed off the sap and leave gaping wounds, exposing their host trees to other dangers. The Spotted Lanternfly starts as an egg sack, and when it hatches, it releases small black nymphs with white spots. As they mature, they turn red, and eventually, they take on a moth-like form with colored and spotted wings.
Much like the gypsy moths, any encounter with these insects must be handled with caution. If you discover the Spotted Lanternfly in any form, contact your federal or state agricultural department for proper disposal methods.
8. Asian Lady Beetle
When winter breaks, these little stowaways come out. The Asian Lady Beetle is an overwintering pest.
While they aren’t exactly harmful, they can be incredibly irritating. Though they look like ladybugs, do not be fooled.
These bugs bite, and they also leave behind a foul-smelling yellow liquid. These insects are often identified by their yellow, orange, or red shells, which may or may not have black spots. They also have a small “m” on their tiny heads.
Like some of the other entries on this list of Luzerne County pests, the Asian Lady Beetle is an invasive species. However, they are much easier to deal with. You can simply vacuum them up and dispose of them.
Be sure to clean out the area where you found them; these insects are drawn to their scent. If you want to avoid any revisits, remove all traces of them.
9. Paper Wasp
Less dangerous than a mosquito and more vicious than an Asian Lady Beetle, Paper Wasps can be found nesting around homes or structures. They range from about ¾ of an inch to 1 inch long and are often reddish-orange, dark brown, or black in color.
The paper wasp is not as aggressive as their yellowjacket or hornet counterparts; it will only attack when threatened. Of course, the stings are quite dangerous and painful, especially if you have allergies.
To keep them away, rid your property of standing water and close any areas they may want to make a nest. Since paper wasp stings can be very painful and deadly, it’s recommended you contact a professional to remove the nest.
The best way to defend your Luzerne County home from potential threats is to know the enemies in your local area. To prevent any possible infestation, luck favors the prepared. If you do find yourself struggling with an infestation, do not hesitate to contact your local pest specialist. Protect your home and your family and keep pests out for good.
FAQs
How do I know if I have a termite problem in Pennsylvania?
Signs include hollow-sounding wood, mud tubes along foundations, discarded wings, and bubbling paint. Since termites cause billions in damage annually, early detection is crucial.
Are ticks really a big issue in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania consistently ranks among the states with the highest Lyme disease cases. Ticks thrive in wooded, grassy areas that are common in NEPA and the Lehigh Valley. Regular yard maintenance and repellents are essential for prevention.
What should I do if I see a spotted lanternfly?
The spotted lanternfly is an invasive species that is spreading rapidly in SEPA and Lehigh Valley counties. Residents are urged to kill them on sight and report sightings to the PA Department of
How do I prevent mosquitoes from breeding in my yard?
Remove standing water from gutters, birdbaths, and containers. In Lehigh Valley neighborhoods, even small puddles after summer storms can become breeding sites within days.
