What’s That Bug? A Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying Common Household Pests
What’s That Bug? A Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying Common Household Pests
You see a shadow dart across the floor. A strange noise behind the wall. Tiny droppings in the cabinet. The signs are subtle at first — but they usually mean one thing: you’re not alone.
Pests are masters of staying hidden, but they leave behind clues. If you know what to look for, you can catch them early — before a few unwanted guests turn into a full-blown infestation.
Let’s break down the most common pests found in homes, how to identify them, and what they mean for your home’s safety and cleanliness.
1. Ants
What to Look For:
Long trails of ants near food or moisture
Small mounds of soil around baseboards or foundation
Clusters of tiny black or reddish-brown insects, especially in the kitchen
Where They Hide:
Under sinks, behind baseboards, inside pantry walls, or beneath flooring
What It Means:
Ants are almost always in search of food or water. Even a few crumbs or drops of moisture can bring an entire colony inside. If you’re seeing them regularly, it likely means they’ve already built a nest somewhere nearby.
2. Cockroaches
What to Look For:
Oval-shaped, reddish-brown or black insects that scatter when lights turn on
Musty, oily smell in enclosed areas
Tiny black droppings that look like coffee grounds or pepper
Egg cases (called oothecae) behind appliances or furniture
Where They Hide:
Warm, dark, humid areas — under sinks, behind the refrigerator, inside cabinets
What It Means:
Cockroaches aren’t just gross — they’re a health hazard. Their droppings and shed skin can trigger allergies and asthma, and they can carry bacteria across surfaces. If you see one, there are probably dozens more hiding.
3. Spiders
What to Look For:
Webs in corners of ceilings, basements, attics, or closets
A few live spiders, especially around windows, vents, or dark storage spaces
Where They Hide:
Undisturbed areas like basements, crawl spaces, closets, and under furniture
What It Means:
Most spiders are harmless — and actually help control other insect populations. However, their presence usually means there are plenty of insects around to feed on. More bugs = more spiders.
4. Mice and Rats
What to Look For:
Small droppings shaped like grains of rice
Scratching or rustling noises inside walls or ceilings
Chewed food packaging or electrical wires
Greasy rub marks along walls or baseboards
Where They Hide:
Wall voids, attics, basements, behind appliances, and inside storage boxes
What It Means:
Rodents enter homes in search of food and shelter, especially during colder months. They can squeeze through holes the size of a coin and multiply quickly. Beyond the health risks, they can cause serious structural damage.
5. Flies
What to Look For:
Houseflies, fruit flies, or drain flies hovering near windows, trash, or sinks
Clusters of small flies near drains or potted plants
Maggots near garbage bins or decaying organic matter
Where They Hide:
Trash areas, sink drains, compost bins, food waste containers
What It Means:
Flies thrive on organic matter — and reproduce quickly. If you see them indoors, it could indicate poor trash management, dirty drains, or even a dead animal in the walls.
6. Silverfish
What to Look For:
Tiny, shiny, silver insects that dart quickly
Feeding marks on books, wallpaper, cardboard, or clothing
Yellowish stains or small holes in paper and fabrics
Where They Hide:
Bathrooms, basements, attics, closets — anywhere dark and humid
What It Means:
Silverfish feed on starches and sugars, and they love moisture. Their presence may indicate excess humidity or leaky plumbing.
7. Termites
What to Look For:
Hollow-sounding wood or blistering paint
Tiny holes in drywall or wood
Discarded wings near windowsills
Mud tubes along foundation walls
Where They Hide:
Inside walls, under floors, in crawl spaces or wooden furniture
What It Means:
Termites can cause thousands of dollars in structural damage — often before you even know they’re there. Swarming usually happens in spring or late summer. If you suspect termites, don’t wait. Call a professional immediately.
8. Bed Bugs
What to Look For:
Small, rust-colored bugs in mattress seams or furniture cracks
Tiny blood stains on sheets or pillows
Itchy, red bites — usually in clusters or lines
Where They Hide:
Mattresses, headboards, luggage, upholstered furniture, wall cracks
What It Means:
Bed bugs don’t care how clean your home is. They hitch rides on clothing, backpacks, and suitcases. If you find them, act quickly. They spread fast and are difficult to eliminate without professional help.
9. Centipedes and Millipedes
What to Look For:
Long, segmented bodies with many legs
Quick movement along baseboards or walls
Found curled up near moisture sources
Where They Hide:
Basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms — anywhere dark and damp
What It Means:
They’re usually harmless to humans but can be alarming in appearance. Their presence often signals a larger moisture problem or excess humidity in the home.
10. Pantry Pests
What to Look For:
Small beetles, moths, or larvae in flour, rice, cereal, or pet food
Webbing inside food containers or shelves
Unusual smells from dry goods
Where They Hide:
Pantries, cabinets, dry food packaging
What It Means:
Pantry pests often arrive through contaminated goods. Once inside, they multiply and contaminate other foods quickly. Thorough cleaning and disposal of affected items is key.
What to Do if You Spot a Pest
Don’t Ignore It – If you see a single pest, assume there are more. Take action early.
Clean Thoroughly – Eliminate food, water, and shelter sources.
Seal Entry Points – Close up cracks, crevices, and gaps around your home.
Reduce Moisture – Use dehumidifiers, fix leaks, and ventilate damp areas.
Call a Professional – Some infestations are too serious for DIY. Don’t wait too long to bring in expert help.
Know the Signs, Take Control
You don’t need to be an entomologist to defend your home — just an observant homeowner. By learning to identify what’s creeping, crawling, or scurrying around your space, you can catch pest problems before they escalate.
Because once you ask, “What’s that bug?”, it’s already time to take action.
