Follow These Steps Quickly If You See This Bug
When it comes to bugs, we’re seriously outnumbered. We always have been—and we always will be. While there are around 7.7 billion humans on planet Earth, there is an estimated 10 quintillion (that’s 10,000,000,000,000,000,000) bugs living amongst us.
For the most part, many of these bugs don’t bother us. But when they begin infringing upon the places where we live and hang out, then we start to think of them as “pests”—and pests are a problem.
That’s why we’ve rounded up 25 of the most common household and outdoor pests in US. We want you to be able to identify, prevent, and control pests that could be bugging you.
1. Centipedes
Centipedes, sometimes called “house centipedes”, are a form of a myriapod, a distant cousin to “insects.” Centipede means “hundred feet.”
While this pest can bite, it rarely does. That being said, we know you don’t want this creepy-crawly around your house as it gives most homeowners an unsettled feeling.
Identification Facts：
Brown/tan color
Elongated body
Dozens of legs
Prevention Tips：
Centipedes are predators and feed on other insects. Removing pests from interiors can really help.
Remove clutter. Centipedes love hiding spaces.
Seal cracks and entryways.
Centipedes require a highly humid environment and will seek out basements and humid spots. Addressing a humidity problem can naturally prevent centipedes.
2. Silverfish
Silverfish is another pest that has been around for a really long time! They are thought to be the oldest insects in the world.
These ancient pests are most active at night, which can be frustrating for homeowners. Though they aren’t harmful to humans (unless you’re allergic),
Silverfish will give you the heebie jeebies if one crawls across your sink as you’re brushing your teeth; Or even worse, sneaks out while you’re getting into bed.
Identification Facts：
Shiny gray or silver in color
½ inch to an inch long
Carrot-shaped body with no wings
Prevention Tips:
Limit their food source by cleaning up crumbs, spills, and sealing food.
Vacuum carpets regularly to address crumbs.
Remove excess moisture by addressing humidity, which Silverfish tend to be attracted to.
3. Springtails
Often mistaken for fleas both in size and appearance, Springtails get their name from their spring-loaded structure, called the furcula.
Springtails are mostly a nuisance pest. They do not cause damage or harm.
Still, as with any pest, finding them in and around your home, especially in large numbers, can be unsettling.
Identification Facts：
These insects are tiny ranging around 0.25 to 6 mm.
These pests “jump” like fleas, which is why they are often mistaken for them.
Unlike fleas, which have a flat and hard body, Springtails are more rounded with a soft body.
Prevention Tips：
Be aware these pests often come in during dry weather or after a heavy rain. They do see out moisture, dampness, and humidity so addressing a moisture issue can help prevent them.
Springtails are attracted to light.
4. Earwigs
The myth behind the name for Earwigs is honestly what nightmares are made of.
The name comes from an old European myth that this insect will crawl into people’s ears to lay eggs in their brain. It’s completely untrue, but a horrifying thought nonetheless!
In reality, Earwigs are mostly harmless besides being gross to look at. However, they will use their pincers on humans if they feel threatened.
Identification Facts：
A slender brown insect
Features two antennae, six legs, and three body parts
Tell-tale pincers on the end of the abdomen
Prevention Tips：
This is yet another insect that loves a humid, moist environment so addressing a humidity problem in your house may help keep them away.
They’re generally attracted to topsoil outside of the home. Keep mulch, dead leaves, and other vegetation away from your home’s foundation.
Seal cracks, gaps, and holes where Earwigs can enter your home.
5. Pillbugs
Pillbugs sometimes referred to as “rollie pollies” are crustaceans that are adapted to living fully on land. They can roll themselves into a tight ball when disturbed.
Pillbugs do not bite or spread disease but they are considered a nuisance pest indoors. The sight of a Pillbug inside may mean there is an infestation outside.
Identification Facts：
Wingless, oval, and slightly elongated (or can roll into a round ball)
Dark brown to black
Around ¾ inch in size
Prevention Tips：
This is yet another insect that loves a humid, moist environment so removing piles of grass clippings and leaves around the property will prevent them from infesting these areas. Similarly, store firewood off the ground and away from your home.
Make sure that basements, crawlspaces, and attics are well-ventilated.
Vacuum regularly.
6. Spiders
Spiders are one of the most feared or at least disliked of pests.
While they have a very valuable purpose in nature (capturing other unwanted pests like mosquitoes), they do give a lot of people the “heebie jeebie” feeling when found in their home where they eat and sleep.
After all, one spider can easily turn into a dozen or more if they decide to lay eggs in your home.
Identification Facts：
We know there’s a good chance we don’t have to tell you how to identify a spider. These creatures are known for their eight legs, making them an “arachnid,” not an insect.
In terms of spider types, the most common that we see in PA include Garden Spiders, Hobo Spiders, Grass Spiders, and Wolf Spiders. The latter is a larger-sized spider (ranging from a half-inch to two inches) and generally hairy. While they look scary, Wolf Spiders are non-aggressive and rarely bite humans.
Prevention Tips：
First and foremost, you’ll want to do what you can to keep spiders out of your home in the first place. Keep branches trimmed and away from the house. Seal up cracks and other entry points.
Spiders are master hiders and once inside your home, really do not want to be found. One of the best ways to discourage spiders is to keep your home as neat and tidy as possible. Of course, we know that’s not always simple. You’re most likely to find spiders in faraway corners in the basement or anywhere else they feel they can stay hidden.
Recognize that other pests are likely drawing spiders in. If you have a porch light on all of the time and that’s naturally attracting flying insects, there’s a good chance that spiders are lurking nearby too.
7. Boxelder Bugs
This bug is primarily found near Boxelder trees, hence its name. They're also known to inhabit certain Maple trees.
These pests become a nuisance when they enter structures (such as your home, shed, or garage) to overwinter.
You’re most likely to see them in the spring as they leave their overwintering site to return outdoors.
Homeowners are often shocked at how many they can find at that time as the number often seems overwhelming.
Identification Facts：
Black with red or orange markings
Flattened and elongated oval body
Around a ½ inch in size
Prevention Tips：
Repair holes in windows and door screens.
Seal cracks and other entry points.
Trim your Boxelder trees regularly.
8. Stink Bugs
With a name like “Stink Bug,” this is a pest you probably don’t want lurking about our home.
Stink Bugs get their name from the fact that they emit a foul-smelling odor when they feel threatened. This is a smell that can linger for hours and be difficult to get rid of.
While they are primarily a nuisance pest, their look and smell make them quite unpleasant. Stink Bugs can also invade in large numbers.
Identification Facts:
Brown in color
Looks as though it is carrying an armored shield on its back
Around ⅝ inches in size
Prevention Tips:
Address entry points by sealing cracks around windows, doors, and siding.
Stink Bugs may also enter through chimneys, electrical outlets, ceiling light fixture openings, or skylights. Seal up any cracks or openings in these areas.
Reduce moisture sites as they prefer humidity.
9. German Cockroaches
There are around 4,000 species of cockroaches in total in the world, with 70 found commonly in the United States.
The German Cockroach is one of the more common species and is often found in PA.
Unfortunately, German Cockroaches are not just a nuisance pest but have also been linked to disease transmission.
Identification Facts:
Flat and oval in shape
6 legs
Ranging in size from ½ inch to ⅝ inches
Light brown or tan in color and distinguished by two dark stripes
Prevention Tips:
In general, cockroaches hang around food sources so keeping counters, floors, cupboards and all other food surfaces as clean as possible is important.
Vacuum frequently to keep crumbs cleaned up.
Dispose of garbage regularly.
Recognize that cockroaches can “hitch a ride” into even the cleanest homes in grocery bags and cardboard boxes. They are always looking for a way in.
10. American Cockroaches
The American Cockroach is another common pest in PA. It is the largest of the house-infesting cockroaches measuring as large as 2 inches!
In general, Cockroaches are some of the most resilient pests in the world and therefore difficult for homeowners to get rid of on their own.
American Cockroaches leave behind droppings that are often mistakenly identified as mouse droppings.
A professional pest control expert will know the difference. American Cockroaches are filthy pests that can pose a health threat due to their ability to spread bacteria and human pathogens.
Identification Facts：
Oval-shaped and up to 2 inches in length
6 legs
Reddish-brown in color witty yellowish figure-8 pattern on the head
Prevention Tips：
All cockroaches will hang around food sources so keeping crumbs and spills cleaned up is important. Store food in air-tight containers and even avoid leaving pet food out.
Vacuum regularly to keep all crumbs off the floors.
Inspect packages and groceries upon bringing them in.
11. Oriental Cockroaches
These pests are sometimes referred to as “black beetle cockroaches” given their somewhat similar appearance to a beetle. They have a smooth, dark body.
Oftentimes, homeowners are alerted to a problem with Oriental Cockroaches from their musty smell.
Like other types of roaches, Oriental Cockroaches are dangerous to have in your home due to their ability to carry bacteria, viruses, and parasites on their bodies.
Identification Facts:
Shiny black in color (somewhat resembling a beetle)
Oval-shaped with 6 legs
Around 1 inch long
Prevention Tips:
Again, sanitation is key. All cockroaches will hang around food sources so keeping crumbs and spills cleaned up is important. Store food in air-tight containers and even avoid leaving pet food out.
Prevent moisture build-up with a dehumidifier since roaches like moist spaces.
Seal up entry points from the exterior.
12. Puss caterpillar
One of the most venomous caterpillars in the U.S., the puss can be found feasting on foliage in states between New Jersey and Florida and as far west as Texas. Most encounters typically occur when the caterpillar accidentally falls out of a tree or when people are removing leaves from around their home.
However, beneath its hairy surface are poisonous barbs that pack a powerful sting, which can result in days and even weeks of pain.
Puss Caterpillars can be found most often in the fall and spring, when people are spending time outdoors.
Identification Facts:
Have a gray or brown coloration
They may have black-and-white markings on their bodies
About 1 inch long
Prevention Tips:
Spray your yard with Supreme IT every 3 months to keep their population in check, especially in the Spring and Fall seasons when their appearance is more likely.
Another preventative measure you can do is avoid planting species of plants that the Puss Caterpillar likes to eat.
13. Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance pest. Because of their ability to carry dangerous diseases like Zika and West Nile Virus, they are a legitimate threat.
Unfortunately, Mosquitoes are a major concern in PA due to our often rainy weather. Rainy weather can make mosquito breeding prevalent as mosquitoes lay their eggs on stagnant water in puddles and often in gutters.
Identification Facts:
Small heads, large eyes, and ranging in color from gray/brown to black with white, green, or blue markings
Often identified by their “bites.” Mosquitoes have long beak-like, sucking mouthparts that they use to feed on blood.
Prevention Tips:
Get rid of areas of stagnant water to prevent breeding sites. Empty kiddie pools, overturn buckets and wheelbarrows left in the yard, and clean gutters.
Keep the yard neat and tidy. Mosquitoes love overgrowth as hiding spots.
Implement an effective Mosquito Control program that will keep these pests away in the first place.
14. Fleas
Fleas are another common pest that may be of particular concern if you have pets.
Yard Fleas often catch a ride from a creature like a rabbit or a mouse and end up in residential lawns.
From there, they will be in search of their next blood meal, which is very likely to end up being your pet.
Identification Facts:
Fleas are tiny, usually measuring between 1 to 3 mm in length. Therefore, most people don’t realize they have a flea problem until there is a full-blown infestation.
You may spot your pet’s symptoms before seeing any fleas. These include lots of scratching, licking, and biting of their fur.
Once fleas come inside of your home (on your pet’s fur), you may see them hopping on drapery, carpets, and furniture.
Prevention Tips:
For one, even if you are having your yard treated for flea prevention, you’ll still want to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations to protect your pet with any medication they advise. After all, your pets could still pick up fleas from another location (even if your yard is protected).
The best way to prevent fleas from hanging around your yard is to implement professional control. This is superior to any DIY products that might be sold at the local hardware store or big box store.
15. Ticks
Tick-borne infections are on the rise across the United States so this is a pest that you cannot take lightly.
The most common tick-related infection is Lyme Disease, though they can transmit other diseases, as well.
Ticks can commonly be found in residential backyards, particularly in tall brush or grassy areas or spots where the yard intersects with woods or fields.
Identification Facts:
There are many species of ticks but the most common in PA are the American Dog Tick, the Black-Legged Tick, the Lone Star Tick, and the Groundhog Tick. Black-Legged Ticks are carriers of Lyme Disease.
Most Ticks have pear-shaped bodies and become engorged with blood when they feed.
Ticks have 8 legs.
Prevention Tips:
Maintain regularly mowed grass since ticks prefer tall grass.
If you have areas on your property where ticks commonly hide and feed on rodents (such as grassy or wooded areas), wear long sleeves and pants when working in these areas.
Regularly check for ticks when coming indoors.
While there are DIY products for tick prevention, the best way to keep these pests away is professional control.
Eliminate rodent habitats.
16. Odorous House Ants
Of the various pest species out there, ants are one of the most common! They’re found everywhere in the world—except for Antarctica, which is slightly ironic given its name.
Odorous House Ants get their name from the smelly odor they emit when crushed and the fact that they are commonly found inside of peoples’ homes. They can be one of the most difficult ant species to address because just one colony can have multiple queens.
Image Source: Odorous House Ant
Identification Facts：
Dark brown to shiny black in color
Around ⅛ inch long
Very strong odor when crushed
Prevention Tips：
Wipe up anywhere that food debris may linger (counters, cupboards, under ovens, in the sink, and any other surfaces) as ants love feasting on tiny crumbs or spills.
Seal up any cracks or crevices where ants commonly find their way inside.
Trim back shrubs and trees that are close to the house, which Odorous House Ants will use as an entry point.
17. Pavement Ants
These ants get their name due to the fact that they tend to hang out around sidewalks, patios, and other hardscape areas.
Of course, because they live so close to homes, Pavement Ants commonly find their way inside, too.
One of the biggest challenges with these ants is that their tiny size makes them likely to sneak their way inside through even the smallest cracks in search of food.
Identification Facts:
Light-brown or black
Striations or “lines” found on the head and thorax
Around ⅛ inch long
Prevention Tips：
Like Odorous Ants, these ants are likely to seek food. Wipe up anywhere that food debris may linger (counters, cupboards, under ovens, in the sink, and any other surfaces) as ants love feasting on tiny crumbs or spills
Seal up any cracks or crevices where ants commonly find their way inside.
Be prepared during times of extreme moisture or drought when these ants are more likely to come indoors in search of dry ground or water.
18. Carpenter Ants
Carpenter Ants are particularly unsettling due to their size and the fact that they can do a lot of damage.
Their name is derived from their nest-building habits. Carpenter ants excavate wood to form tunnels.
Even though Carpenter Ants are large, they can be difficult to spot due to their ability to hide. The first sign of a Carpenter Ant problem is often their destruction (the sawdust they leave behind while building).
Identification Facts：
These ants are black.
They range from ⅜ to ½ inch long
They leave behind sawdust in their nest-building path
Prevention Tips：
Cut back tree limbs or branches that can serve as “bridges” to your home.
Check your firewood as Carpenter Ants love to nest there. Keep woodpiles far from the home.
Seal all cracks and gaps in your home’s exterior.
19. Carpenter Bees
This particular species of bees are large and can therefore be frightening to people, but it is not typically aggressive.
Only the females possess stingers. Carpenter Bees get their name because they burrow into wood.
But the fact that they can cause holes in your deck or other wooden structures around your property is what makes them a major pest.
Identification Facts：
Carpenter Bees have a fuzzy yellow and black front end and dark, shiny backend.
Carpenter Bees are best identified (and separated from bumblebees, which they are commonly confused with) by the damage they cause. They can leave behind sawdust in the wake of their damage.
Prevention Tips：
Fill holes in any wood in the exterior of your home as these will automatically attract Carpenter Bees.
Don’t allow the wood to become wood damaged, as water-damaged wood also attracts Carpenter Bees.
20. Paper Wasps
Paper Wasps get their name because of the fact that they build their nests from paper (which they make from chewing up wood and vegetation).
Although this stinging insect is not overly aggressive, it will sting if they feel threatened. Paper Wasps often build nests from the soffits of homes or other structures such as playsets.
Identification Facts：
Around ¾ inches to 1 inch long
Brownish-black with red or yellow markings
Builds nests on high structures
Prevention Tips：
Food supplies from trash cans, sugary drinks, or even hummingbird feeders can attract wasps to your property so keep these cleaned or put away.
Wasps often utilize rotting tree bark, old fencing, or water-damaged wood from decks to build their best material so fix or remove old wood.
Block off areas wasps can get into such as filling holes in the deck, fixing and sealing old fences, and replacing damaged siding.
21. Yellowjackets
Yellowjackets are a type of wasp. They live in colonies of up to 4,000 workers. Unfortunately, they also tend to hang around where humans do.
They love human food and are likely to keep pestering you if you’re trying to enjoy a meal outside.
Yellowjackets often construct their nests near homes and aren’t afraid to be highly aggressive.
Identification Facts：
They are known for their black and yellow stripes.
Yellowjackets have a distinctive, segmented body with a thin waist.
They have a side-to-side flight pattern ahead of their landing.
Prevention Tips：
Because Yellowjackets love human food, practice good sanitation habits. Keep garbage cans closed and be alert to Yellowjackets when eating outside.
Some Yellowjackets nest in the ground so fill in any rodent holes that might seem like an easy spot to take cover. Be aware of a possible threat while mowing.
22. Hornets
Hornets are a subset of wasps. They are known to build their nests in enclosed spaces. This might mean in the ground or could also mean an attic, garage, under roofs, treetops, or within hollow tree trunks.
They sometimes also build nests directly on a tree branch. Their nests can become quite large (size of a basketball) in a short time.
A hornet sting can be deadly as they release more venom per sting than any other stinging insect.
Image Source: Bald-Faced Hornet Nest
Identification Facts：
Thin waist between the thorax and abdomen
Larger than other stinging insects (around 1 inch or even longer)
Most hornets are black and white or black, brown, and yellow.
Prevention Tips：
Hornets love sweets and sugars so clean up food spills and keep trash can lids sealed tightly.
Have a professional remove old nests so that hornets are not encouraged to return.
23. Cicada Killers
If you’ve seen one of these, you’d know! Cicada killers are terrifying to most people given their sheer size. This type of wasp is larger than one inch.
These insects come out during the summer and (as their name implies) feed on cicadas.
Cicada Killers can produce painful stings (though they rarely bother people). Even so, their sheer size is quite alarming to most homeowners and many people find their holes in the ground to be a nuisance.
Identification Facts：
Black with some yellow markings or stripes
Brown wings
Solitary ground dwellers
Prevention Tips：
Making sure your lawn is well-taken care of is said to be one of the best ways to prevent Cicada Killers from nesting. They tend to prefer unhealthy, sparse lawns.
24. Millipedes
Millipedes are not poisonous and do not bite—though they can secrete a toxin that can be irritating to the skin if touched.
These pests are arthropods and said to be some of the oldest creatures to walk on land.
Despite being harmless, they are not pleasant to look at and homeowners do not like having these creepy crawlies around their home.
Identification Facts：
Brownish colored, Long and slender - looks a lot like worms with legs
Segmented with two pairs of legs per segment
Hangs out in basements, crawlspaces, and garages
Prevention Tips:
Seal cracks, gaps, windows, and crevices where these pests can make their way in.
Reduce moisture and humidity as these pests favor a moist environment.
Remove clutter since these pests like to “hide.”
25. Crickets
When crickets invade the home they can be a noisy nuisance that can also cause potential damage. Crickets tend to be drawn to warm, moist environments within structures.
Chewed fabric is a sign of a house cricket infestation. When indoors, they can chew on everything from clothing to carpet to drapery. Crickets can also lay eggs inside your home causing a true infestation.
Identification Facts:
Adult crickets are usually light yellowish to brown in color.
Crickets have thread-like antennae that are often longer than their body.
Sometimes cricket noises (they are known for their loud chirping) or damage (chewed fabric) are identified ahead of the actual crickets.
Prevention Tips:
Prevent future infestations by reducing areas of moisture in and around the home.
Mow the lawn, keep plant beds tidy, and move firewood piles away from the home, to prevent hiding spots for crickets.
Seal possible entry points, including cracks around windows and door frames.
