Common Household Pests and How to Avoid Them

Protecting your home from common house pests helps maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable space. By identifying common household pests early, you can prevent structural damage, health risks, and costly repairs.  

This guide will help you recognize the most frequent house pests and show you how to get rid of them before they take over your living space. 

Signs of Household Pests and How to Fight Them 

Here’s how to spot the signs and take control of 10 of the most common household pests. 

1. Termites 

Termites are silent destroyers that feed on wood and cellulose materials, causing thousands of dollars in structural damage before you’re even aware they’re there. 

Signs of Infestation 

• Mud tubes on walls or wood beams 
• Hollow-sounding or blistering wood 
• Discarded wings near windowsills 
• Piles of termite droppings (frass) 
• Tight-fitting doors or windows that used to open easily 

Ways to Deal with It 

• Eliminate moisture sources 
• Store wood and mulch away from the home 
• Use termite bait systems or liquid soil treatments 
• Schedule regular inspections 
• Contact professional pest control services 

2. Fruit Flies

Fruit flies are tiny, fast-breeding pests that are found around fermenting fruit and organic matter. These common house bugs often appear in kitchens and pantries. 

Signs of Infestation 

• Small flies hovering near ripe fruit or trash bins 
• Larvae in overripe produce or drains 
• Sudden spike in fly sightings, especially in warm, moist areas 

Ways to Deal with It 

• Dispose of overripe produce and wipe down surfaces 
• Clean drains and garbage disposals with boiling water or vinegar 
• Set up vinegar and dish soap traps 
• Refrigerate fruits and vegetables 

3. Cockroaches

Cockroaches are hardy, disease-carrying house pests that thrive in warm, dark, and moist environments. 

Signs of Infestation 

• Droppings that look like coffee grounds or black pepper 
• Egg cases in cracks  
• Oily, musty odor 
• Smear marks on walls  
• Live roaches seen at night or during the day (a sign of severe infestation) 

Ways to Deal with It 

• Eliminate food crumbs and water leaks 
• Seal cracks 
• Use roach baits, traps, or gel treatments 
• Vacuum regularly behind appliances and furniture 
• Call pest control for large infestations 

4. Bed Bugs 

Bed bugs are blood-sucking insects that hide in mattresses and furniture. They spread quickly and are difficult to eliminate. 

Signs of Infestation 

• Red, itchy bites in a cluster 
• Small blood stains on sheets or pillowcases 
• Sweet, musty odor 
• Live bugs in bed frames or furniture 

Ways to Deal with It 

• Wash and heat-dry all bedding and clothing 
• Vacuum thoroughly and dispose of vacuum bags immediately 
• Use heat treatment  
• Contact a pest control expert 

5. Ants

Ants are social insects that invade homes in search of food. Some, such as carpenter ants, can also damage wooden structures. 

Signs of Infestation 

• Trails of ants leading to food 
• Mounds of soil in lawns 
• Presence of winged ants indoors 
• Food packaging showing signs of tampering 

Ways to Deal with It 

• Seal food in airtight containers 
• Spray vinegar or lemon juice to disrupt scent trails 
• Seal cracks and gaps around windows and doors 
• Call a professional for persistent ant problems 

6. Spiders

Spiders are generally harmless, but their webs and sudden appearances can be unsettling indoors. 

Signs of Infestation 

• Webs in corners, basements, and ceilings 
• Increased presence of insects (spiders’ prey) 
• Frequent spider sightings, especially near windows 

Ways to Deal with It 

• Vacuum webs and egg sacs regularly 
• Declutter storage areas and garages 
• Use indoor-safe insecticides 
• Reduce outdoor lighting that attracts bugs 

7. Lady Beetles

Though often mistaken for harmless ladybugs, these beetles can invade homes in large numbers, especially in fall, and leave behind stains and odors. 

Signs of Infestation 

• Clusters of beetles around windows or light fixtures 
• Yellowish stains on curtains or walls from secretions 
• Musty odor when squished 
• Visible beetles in sunny indoor areas 

Ways to Deal with It 

• Vacuum beetles regularly 
• Install door sweeps 
• Use light traps in sunrooms 
• Apply insecticidal dust in wall voids 
• Consult pest control for recurring issues 

8. Mosquitoes 

Mosquitoes are flying pests known for their itchy bites and ability to spread diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. 

Signs of Infestation 

• Persistent buzzing and frequent bites indoors or on patios 
• Standing water in plant saucers or birdbaths 
• Mosquito larvae visible in stagnant water 
• Clusters of mosquitoes near doors, decks, or water sources 

Ways to Deal with It 

• Eliminate standing water every few days 
• Install screens on windows and doors 
• Apply EPA-approved repellents 
• Consider mosquito-repellent plants like citronella and basil 

9. Wasps 

Wasps are stinging insects that build paper nests and can become aggressive if disturbed, especially during late summer. 

Signs of Infestation 

• Visible nests under eaves, in sheds, or in trees 
• Wasps flying to and from a specific location 
• Buzzing sounds around windows or vents 
• Aggressive behavior around food or sugary drinks 

Ways to Deal with It 

• Avoid disturbing nests, wasps can swarm 
• Use decoy wasp nests or insecticide sprays 
• Seal openings in siding, attics, and decks 
• Keep outdoor food and drinks covered 
• Call pest control for safe nest removal 

10. Earwigs

Earwigs are nocturnal insects with pincers on their rear end. Though not dangerous, they’re unsettling and can damage garden plants. 

Signs of Infestation 

• Live earwigs found in bathrooms, kitchens, or basements 
• Damage to leaves and petals in gardens 
• Clusters under flowerpots or damp areas 
• Moist debris or leaf litter near foundations 

Ways to Deal with It 

• Reduce moisture and fix leaky faucets 
• Keep mulch and soil at a distance from the house 
• Use rolled-up newspapers or cardboard as traps 
• Apply insecticidal sprays 
• Seal entry points around doors and windows 

Protect Your Property with Proactive Pest Control 

Staying ahead of pest problems is essential to protecting your rental investment and your residents’ comfort. At BFPM Inc., we take proactive steps to identify and address common house bugs before they become costly issues. Our experienced team handles everything from routine inspections to coordinating professional pest control, so your properties stay clean, safe, and resident ready.  

With our expert management, you can focus on growing your portfolio while taking care of the details. Trust BFPM Inc. to help you maintain pest-free properties and deliver a higher standard of living for your residents.