Types of Pests Found in Homes

 

Homeowners often deal with unwanted guests—pests that invade spaces looking for food, shelter, and water. These pests can spread disease, cause property damage, and disrupt your daily life. Understanding the types of pests found in homes helps you take early action, protect your health, and avoid expensive repairs.

This article breaks down the most common pest categories, how to identify them, and what attracts them into your living spaces.

1. Insect Pests

Ants

Ants are one of the most frequent indoor pests. They enter homes through tiny cracks, especially in search of sugary or greasy foods. You may notice them in kitchens, pantries, or around sinks. Common types include carpenter ants, odorous house ants, and pavement ants. Carpenter ants, in particular, are concerning because they can damage wood structures.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are not only unsettling—they also carry bacteria that can spread through your home. The most common indoor species are the German cockroach and American cockroach. They hide in dark, moist areas like under sinks, behind appliances, and in drains. Signs of infestation include droppings, shed skins, and a musty odor.

Termites

Termites are silent destroyers. They feed on wood and often go unnoticed until major structural damage is done. Subterranean termites are the most common in the U.S. Watch for mud tubes on walls or foundations, hollow-sounding wood, or discarded wings near windowsills.

Flies

Houseflies and fruit flies are common in kitchens and garbage areas. They can contaminate food and spread germs. Keeping surfaces clean and trash sealed is key to prevention. Drain flies may also appear around sinks if there’s organic buildup in your pipes.

Silverfish

Silverfish are small, silvery insects that move quickly and avoid light. They thrive in humid environments and feed on paper, fabric, glue, and starchy materials. Look for them in bathrooms, basements, or storage boxes.

2. Rodent Pests

Mice

House mice enter homes through small gaps and breed quickly once inside. They chew on wires, furniture, and food containers. Signs of their presence include droppings, gnawed materials, and scratching noises behind walls.

Rats

Norway rats and roof rats are common home invaders. They are larger than mice and often nest in basements, attics, or crawlspaces. Rats can spread disease, contaminate food, and chew through insulation and wiring.

Squirrels

Though usually outdoor animals, squirrels may enter attics or chimneys in colder months. They cause damage by gnawing on wood and wiring and can leave behind urine and droppings that attract other pests.

3. Pantry Pests

Weevils and Grain Beetles

These pests infest dry goods such as rice, flour, cereal, and pasta. They’re often brought into the home through infested food packaging. Signs include small bugs in food containers and fine powder at the bottom of packages.

Indian Meal Moths

Meal moths are drawn to grains and pet food. Adults are often seen flying near cupboards, while larvae feed inside packaging. Discarding infested food and deep-cleaning shelves helps control these pests.

4. Occasional Invaders

Spiders

Most household spiders are harmless, but some—like the brown recluse or black widow—pose health risks. They usually hide in dark corners, basements, or garages and feed on other insects. Regular cleaning reduces their hiding places.

Centipedes and Millipedes

These arthropods are usually found in basements, bathrooms, and under sinks. While not dangerous, their presence often signals high moisture levels or other insect activity.

Stink Bugs and Boxelder Bugs

These seasonal pests enter homes in the fall to overwinter. While they don’t cause structural damage or health issues, they can be a nuisance, especially when crushed, as they release foul odors.

5. Moisture-Related Pests

Fungus Gnats

Fungus gnats are small flying insects often found near houseplants. They thrive in damp soil and lay their eggs in organic matter. Reducing watering and improving soil drainage helps control them.

Springtails

Springtails are tiny jumping insects found in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, or near leaky pipes. Though harmless, their presence often signals excess moisture or mold growth.

Warning Signs of a Pest Problem

Knowing the early signs you need a pest inspection can save you time and money. Common indicators include:

• Droppings near food or along walls
  
  
• Gnawed materials (wires, boxes, furniture)
  
  
• Strange smells in attics or under sinks
  
  
• Sounds in the walls, especially at night
  
  
• Grease marks or trails along baseboards
  
  

Don’t ignore these clues. Some pests hide in plain sight, and infestations can grow quickly.

Where Pests Like to Hide Indoors

Pests often prefer hidden, quiet spaces with moisture or food access. Key spots include:

• Behind kitchen appliances
  
  
• Under bathroom sinks
  
  
• Inside wall voids
  
  
• Attics and basements
  
  
• Crawlspaces and garage corners
  
  
• Pantries and food storage areas
  
  

Learning these hiding places helps detect problems early and target treatment effectively.

Health and Safety Risks

Some pests, like rodents and cockroaches, carry pathogens that can cause asthma, allergies, or more serious diseases. Others, like termites, create safety hazards by weakening structures. Even pests like pantry beetles can spoil food and lead to costly waste.

Professional pest control addresses the root of the problem, prevents future infestations, and ensures your home remains safe and healthy.

When to Call a Pest Control Specialist

If you notice more than one warning sign, suspect an infestation, or are unsure of the types of pests found in homes, it’s time for a professional inspection. Licensed experts in pest control in Reno, NV, can identify the pest, find entry points, and recommend tailored solutions based on your home’s layout and needs.

Attempting DIY treatments without proper identification can waste time and money, and in some cases, make the issue worse.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the types of pests found in homes is the first step to prevention. From ants and roaches to rodents and moths, each pest presents unique risks and challenges. Regular cleaning, moisture control, and routine inspections reduce your chances of infestation. When in doubt, call ecoPest Management for a thorough pest assessment and treatment plan.

Your home is your space—keeping it pest-free starts with awareness and early action.