Types of house bugs: A guide to common insects found indoors

Several types of bugs cause problems for homeowners. From ants and roaches to spiders, bed bugs, and more, we'll examine their behaviors, characteristics, and the damage they can potentially cause. Being able to identify the pest that’s invaded your home can help you figure out precisely what you're up against.

Identifying common types of household bugs

Identifying different types of household bugs allows homeowners to understand the potential threats these pests pose and can help them determine the most effective methods for eliminating or controlling them and when to call in the experts.

Knowing the types of bugs present in your home also enables you to take proactive steps to prevent future infestations. By addressing underlying factors that attract or sustain these pests, you can minimize the risk of recurring problems.

Ants

Ants are, without a doubt, one of the most frequently spotted household pests. Depending on the species, they can cause varying degrees of damage. These social insects communicate via pheromones, meaning if one is spotted, more are likely present or on their way. Typically, worker ants forage for food to sustain their colonies, often entering homes in search of nourishment.

Carpenter ants tunnel through wood and pose a significant threat to the structure of homes. Like other ant species, they’re difficult to control. Identifying and addressing ant infestations promptly is crucial to prevent extensive damage and often requires professional intervention.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are common household bugs that live in areas where garbage, waste, and germs are prevalent. They are most commonly found in kitchens or bathrooms, where they can easily access food and moisture.

How cockroaches access your home can depend on the species. For example, American cockroaches and Oriental cockroaches often access homes through plumbing, while German cockroaches are almost always brought into homes accidentally. These pests reproduce extremely fast, so if you spot them in your home, it's time to call a professional for roach control.

Spiders

It's not uncommon for spiders to find their way into your home. While most spiders in your house are likely to be relatively harmless, a few species — like the black widow and brown recluse — can be harmful to people.

There are two types of spiders: web-building spiders and hunting spiders. Web-building spiders, like the black widow, build spider webs to catch their prey. Hunting spiders, like the brown recluse, chase down their prey. Contact Terminix for effective spider control solutions if you spot signs of spider activity around your home, like webs in corners, live spiders, or spider eggs.

Silverfish

Silverfish are small, silver-colored insects that commonly invade homes, but luckily, they aren't harmful to humans. These common house bugs feed on fungal molds and other organic materials, as well as glue and book bindings.

Silverfish like moisture and humidity. These household bugs are frequently found in bathrooms and kitchens, but you may also spot them in laundry rooms, garages, cabinets, attics, and crawl spaces. To prevent silverfish from damaging items around your home, contact us for silverfish control today.

Fleas

If you have a dog or cat, you may have encountered fleas. Fleas are tiny, reddish-brown, wingless insects with shiny bodies covered in microscopic hair. They can't fly, but they can jump long distances.

Fleas will hitch a ride on anything that moves, including pets and people. When you spot a single flea, it often suggests there are plenty more. Because of their small size, flat shape, and super-powered exoskeleton, it can be challenging to kill them without the help of a professional.

Bed bugs

Bed bugs are small, flat, oval-shaped, reddish-brown insects that are often difficult to spot until it's too late. This house bug can be found in cracks and crevices, mattress seams, sheets, furniture, electrical outlet plates, behind baseboards, and even in picture frames.

Bed bugs feed on the blood of humans and animals, typically while they are asleep. Because of this, their presence can have psychological effects due to the stress and anxiety they cause. If you spot any bed bugs around your home, contact Terminix for professional bed bug control. We can help eliminate bed bugs at every life stage and prevent them from returning.

Termites

Termites vary in color from white to brown to black, depending on their species and caste. The scariest thing about termites isn't what they look like — it's the damage they can cause to homes. Termites are often called "silent destroyers" because they can eat through the wood in your house without you even knowing it.

There are a few species of termites, and unless you're a termite control professional, it’s challenging to know which one you have. Terminix technicians can identify the termite species and create a termite control solution tailored to your situation.

Flies

Flies are attracted to decaying organic matter, garbage, and food residues. House flies, fruit flies, and drain flies are frequently found indoors. These household bugs often hide in dark, moist areas such as drains, garbage bins, and around food sources. Our technicians can help eliminate flies by identifying and eliminating breeding sites and implementing preventive measures.

Moths

Moths are attracted to food sources such as grains, cereals, flour, pet food, and natural fibers like wool, silk, and cotton. Common types of moths found in houses include clothes moths and pantry moths. These household bugs often hide in dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, attics, basements, and pantries. Terminix technicians can help identify and eliminate moth breeding sites and develop effective moth control plans for your home.

Why am I getting so many bugs in my house?

Bugs typically enter homes searching for food, water, and shelter. You can help prevent bugs from being drawn to your home by eliminating common attractants, including:

• Open food containers
• Crumbs
• Spills
• Standing water or moisture
• Organic waste
• Fermented foods

Additionally, certain types of bugs may be drawn to specific indoor environmental conditions, such as warmth, darkness, or humidity. Outdoor lighting can also attract common house bugs, which may allow them to inadvertently find their way into your residence through open doors or windows.

Preventing and removing bugs from your home

You can help prevent common household insects from entering your home in several ways:

1. Seal entry points: Inspect your home for any cracks or gaps in windows, doors, and walls, and seal them.


2. Clean regularly: Keep your home clean and free of food crumbs, spills, and clutter.


3. Proper storage: Store food in airtight containers and keep trash bins tightly sealed.


4. Repair screens: Check window and door screens for tears or holes. Repair or replace them as needed to keep bugs out.


5. Reduce moisture: Address any leaks or moisture issues in your home, as damp environments can attract pests like ants, roaches, and silverfish.

However, the best way to prevent bugs from entering your home is by utilizing a professional pest control company. PestFree365¹ and PestFree365+², Terminix’s exclusive year-round preventive pest programs, can help shield your home and family from many common house bugs. The earlier you start treating an infestation, the easier it is to get it under control. Explore our pest control plans to see which one best suits your needs!

¹ Coverage includes: "House" Ants, Bird Mites, Indoor Ticks, Cockroaches, Carpet Beetles, Fabric Moths, Overwintering Insects, Ground Beetles, Centipedes, Crickets, Earwigs, Firebrats, Millipedes, Clover Mites, Pillbugs/Sowbugs, Psocids, Scorpions, Silverfish, Wasps, Springtails, Spiders, Stored Product Beetles, Stored Product Moths, Mice, and Rats.

² Coverage includes all pests covered under the PestFree365 plan plus: Black Widow Spiders, Brown Recluse Spiders, Voles (interior only), Bed Bugs, Fleas (interior only), Bumble Bees, Carpenter Bees, Solitary Ground Bees, Yellowjackets, Hornets, Baldfaced Hornets, Crazy Ants, Carpenter Ants, and Fire Ants.