
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. Â
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.Â
Signs of Household Pests and How to Fight ThemÂ
Here’s how to spot the signs and take control of 10 of the most common household pests.Â
1. TermitesÂ
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.Â
Signs of InfestationÂ
- Mud tubes on walls or wood beamsÂ
- Hollow-sounding or blistering woodÂ
- Discarded wings near windowsillsÂ
- Piles of termite droppings (frass)Â
- Tight-fitting doors or windows that used to open easilyÂ
Ways to Deal with ItÂ
- Eliminate moisture sourcesÂ
- Store wood and mulch away from the homeÂ
- Use termite bait systems or liquid soil treatmentsÂ
- Schedule regular inspectionsÂ
- Contact professional pest control servicesÂ
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.Â
Signs of InfestationÂ
- Small flies hovering near ripe fruit or trash binsÂ
- Larvae in overripe produce or drainsÂ
- Sudden spike in fly sightings, especially in warm, moist areasÂ
Ways to Deal with ItÂ
- Dispose of overripe produce and wipe down surfacesÂ
- Clean drains and garbage disposals with boiling water or vinegarÂ
- Set up vinegar and dish soap trapsÂ
- Refrigerate fruits and vegetablesÂ
3. Cockroaches

Cockroaches are hardy, disease-carrying house pests that thrive in warm, dark, and moist environments.Â
Signs of InfestationÂ
- Droppings that look like coffee grounds or black pepperÂ
- Egg cases in cracks Â
- Oily, musty odorÂ
- Smear marks on walls Â
- Live roaches seen at night or during the day (a sign of severe infestation)Â
Ways to Deal with ItÂ
- Eliminate food crumbs and water leaksÂ
- Seal cracksÂ
- Use roach baits, traps, or gel treatmentsÂ
- Vacuum regularly behind appliances and furnitureÂ
- Call pest control for large infestationsÂ
4. Bed BugsÂ
Bed bugs are blood-sucking insects that hide in mattresses and furniture. They spread quickly and are difficult to eliminate.Â
Signs of InfestationÂ
- Red, itchy bites in a clusterÂ
- Small blood stains on sheets or pillowcasesÂ
- Sweet, musty odorÂ
- Live bugs in bed frames or furnitureÂ
Ways to Deal with ItÂ
- Wash and heat-dry all bedding and clothingÂ
- Vacuum thoroughly and dispose of vacuum bags immediatelyÂ
- Use heat treatment Â
- Contact a pest control expertÂ
5. Ants
Ants are social insects that invade homes in search of food. Some, such as carpenter ants, can also damage wooden structures.Â
Signs of InfestationÂ
- Trails of ants leading to foodÂ
- Mounds of soil in lawnsÂ
- Presence of winged ants indoorsÂ
- Food packaging showing signs of tamperingÂ
Ways to Deal with ItÂ
- Seal food in airtight containersÂ
- Spray vinegar or lemon juice to disrupt scent trailsÂ
- Seal cracks and gaps around windows and doorsÂ
- Call a professional for persistent ant problemsÂ
6. Spiders
Spiders are generally harmless, but their webs and sudden appearances can be unsettling indoors.Â
Signs of InfestationÂ
- Webs in corners, basements, and ceilingsÂ
- Increased presence of insects (spiders’ prey)Â
- Frequent spider sightings, especially near windowsÂ
Ways to Deal with ItÂ
- Vacuum webs and egg sacs regularlyÂ
- Declutter storage areas and garagesÂ
- Use indoor-safe insecticidesÂ
- Reduce outdoor lighting that attracts bugsÂ
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.Â
Signs of InfestationÂ
- Clusters of beetles around windows or light fixturesÂ
- Yellowish stains on curtains or walls from secretionsÂ
- Musty odor when squishedÂ
- Visible beetles in sunny indoor areasÂ
Ways to Deal with ItÂ
- Vacuum beetles regularlyÂ
- Install door sweepsÂ
- Use light traps in sunroomsÂ
- Apply insecticidal dust in wall voidsÂ
- Consult pest control for recurring issuesÂ
8. MosquitoesÂ
Mosquitoes are flying pests known for their itchy bites and ability to spread diseases such as malaria and dengue fever.Â
Signs of InfestationÂ
- Persistent buzzing and frequent bites indoors or on patiosÂ
- Standing water in plant saucers or birdbathsÂ
- Mosquito larvae visible in stagnant waterÂ
- Clusters of mosquitoes near doors, decks, or water sourcesÂ
Ways to Deal with ItÂ
- Eliminate standing water every few daysÂ
- Install screens on windows and doorsÂ
- Apply EPA-approved repellentsÂ
- Consider mosquito-repellent plants like citronella and basilÂ
9. WaspsÂ
Wasps are stinging insects that build paper nests and can become aggressive if disturbed, especially during late summer.Â
Signs of InfestationÂ
- Visible nests under eaves, in sheds, or in treesÂ
- Wasps flying to and from a specific locationÂ
- Buzzing sounds around windows or ventsÂ
- Aggressive behavior around food or sugary drinksÂ
Ways to Deal with ItÂ
- Avoid disturbing nests, wasps can swarmÂ
- Use decoy wasp nests or insecticide spraysÂ
- Seal openings in siding, attics, and decksÂ
- Keep outdoor food and drinks coveredÂ
- Call pest control for safe nest removalÂ
10. Earwigs
Earwigs are nocturnal insects with pincers on their rear end. Though not dangerous, they’re unsettling and can damage garden plants.Â
Signs of InfestationÂ
- Live earwigs found in bathrooms, kitchens, or basementsÂ
- Damage to leaves and petals in gardensÂ
- Clusters under flowerpots or damp areasÂ
- Moist debris or leaf litter near foundationsÂ
Ways to Deal with ItÂ
- Reduce moisture and fix leaky faucetsÂ
- Keep mulch and soil at a distance from the houseÂ
- Use rolled-up newspapers or cardboard as trapsÂ
- Apply insecticidal spraysÂ
- Seal entry points around doors and windowsÂ
Protect Your Property with Proactive Pest ControlÂ
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. Â
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.Â
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Learn more about how we can help. Customized solutions for large portfolios!