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Common Household Pests
Learn about the most common pests, how to identify them, and when to call a professional.
Termites
Termites cause an estimated $5 billion in property damage across the United States every year, making them the most economically destructive pest in the country. What makes termites especially dangerous is their ability to feed on your home's wooden structure for years without any visible signs. There are three main types of termites found in U.S. homes. Subterranean termites are the most common and destructive — they live in underground colonies that can contain over one million workers and build mud tubes to reach wood above ground. Drywood termites live entirely inside the wood they consume and are most common in coastal and southern states. Dampwood termites prefer moist, decaying wood and are less common in homes but can be found in the Pacific Northwest. A mature subterranean colony can consume roughly one foot of a 2x4 board per year. While that may sound slow, most homes have multiple entry points and infestations often go undetected for 3-5 years. By the time visible damage appears — sagging floors, hollow-sounding walls, or bubbling paint — significant structural compromise may have already occurred. Termites are most active during spring swarming season, when winged reproductive termites emerge to start new colonies. Finding discarded wings near windows or doors is often the first sign homeowners notice. Unlike carpenter ants, termites actually consume the wood rather than just excavating it for nesting. Most homeowners insurance policies explicitly exclude termite damage, classifying it as preventable through regular inspection. This makes annual termite inspections ($75-$150) one of the most important investments a homeowner can make, particularly in high-risk states across the Southeast, Gulf Coast, and Pacific regions.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are among the most resilient pests on Earth, having survived for over 300 million years. In American homes, they represent both a serious nuisance and a genuine health hazard. The EPA identifies cockroach allergens as a significant trigger for asthma, particularly in children — studies show that cockroach allergens are present in 63% of U.S. homes. The two most common species in U.S. homes are the German cockroach and the American cockroach. German cockroaches are small (about half an inch), tan with two dark stripes behind the head, and are the primary indoor species. They reproduce extremely fast — a single female can produce up to 400 offspring in her lifetime. They prefer kitchens and bathrooms and are most commonly introduced through grocery bags, packages, and secondhand items. American cockroaches are much larger (1.5-2 inches), reddish-brown, and often called "water bugs" or "palmetto bugs." They prefer basements, crawl spaces, and sewer systems. While less likely to infest kitchen areas, they can enter homes through drains and foundation cracks. Cockroaches are nocturnal — if you see them during daylight hours, it typically means the infestation is severe enough that hiding spots are overcrowded. They carry bacteria including Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus, contaminating food and surfaces they contact. Their droppings, shed skins, and saliva all contain proteins that trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks. A critical factor in cockroach control is that over-the-counter aerosol sprays often make the problem worse. Sprays scatter cockroaches to new areas of the home and create pesticide-resistant populations. Gel bait and boric acid, properly applied by professionals, are far more effective because cockroaches carry the bait back to the colony.
Ants
Ants are the most common household pest in America, with over 700 species found across the country. While most ant species are simply a nuisance, two types deserve serious attention: carpenter ants, which can cause significant structural damage, and fire ants, which deliver painful venomous stings. The species you are most likely to encounter indoors include odorous house ants (tiny, dark brown, emit a coconut-like smell when crushed), pavement ants (small, dark, common in kitchens), Argentine ants (light brown, form massive super-colonies), and carpenter ants (large, black, excavate wood for nesting). Identifying the species matters because treatment approaches differ significantly. Carpenter ants are often confused with termites because both are associated with wood damage. The key difference is that carpenter ants do not eat wood — they excavate galleries for nesting and leave behind piles of sawdust-like frass. They prefer moist or damaged wood and are most active at night. A carpenter ant colony can contain 10,000-50,000 workers and cause substantial structural damage over several years. One of the most common mistakes homeowners make with ants is killing the visible workers without addressing the colony. Ants leave invisible pheromone trails that guide other workers to food sources. Wiping down surfaces with vinegar disrupts the trail temporarily, but the colony will send new scouts within hours. Effective treatment requires baits that workers carry back to the queen. Fire ants, predominantly found in southern states, build large mounds in yards and deliver stings that cause painful, pus-filled blisters. For people with allergies, fire ant stings can trigger anaphylaxis. Fire ant colonies can contain 100,000-500,000 workers and are extremely difficult to eliminate without professional mound treatments.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs have made a dramatic resurgence across the United States over the past two decades, affecting every type of dwelling from budget motels to luxury apartments. These small, flat, reddish-brown insects feed exclusively on blood — primarily human — and are most active between 2 AM and 5 AM while their hosts sleep. Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed (4-5mm) and can be seen with the naked eye. They are expert hitchhikers, spreading through luggage, clothing, used furniture, and even office buildings. Bed bugs have nothing to do with cleanliness — they have been found in five-star hotels, hospitals, movie theaters, and public transit. A single female bed bug can lay 200-500 eggs in her lifetime, and eggs hatch in 6-10 days. This means a small introduction can become a serious infestation within weeks. Bed bugs can survive up to a year without feeding, making them extremely difficult to starve out by simply vacating a room. Bed bug bites typically appear in lines or clusters of 3-5 on exposed skin — arms, neck, face, and shoulders. While bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases, the bites cause itching, allergic reactions in some people, and significant psychological distress. Many people develop insomnia, anxiety, and stress from bed bug infestations. DIY treatment of bed bugs is extremely difficult and often counterproductive. Over-the-counter bug bombs and foggers are specifically warned against — they scatter bugs to new rooms and create resistant populations. Professional heat treatment (raising room temperature to 120°F+ for several hours) is considered the most effective single-treatment approach, achieving near-complete elimination in one visit. Chemical treatments by licensed professionals are less expensive but typically require 2-3 follow-up visits.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths worldwide than any other animal, and while the risk in the United States is lower than in tropical regions, they remain a genuine public health concern. In the continental U.S., mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus (approximately 2,000 cases reported annually), Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), and in southern border states, occasional cases of Zika virus and dengue fever. There are over 200 species of mosquitoes in the United States, but two genera cause most residential problems. Aedes mosquitoes (including the Asian tiger mosquito) are aggressive daytime biters, have distinctive black-and-white striped legs, and can transmit Zika and dengue. Culex mosquitoes are the primary carriers of West Nile virus and are most active at dawn and dusk. Mosquitoes require standing water to breed, and they need surprisingly little — a bottle cap full of water is enough for a female to lay 100-200 eggs. Common breeding sites that homeowners overlook include clogged gutters, plant saucers, tire swings, children's toys left outside, birdbaths, and even puddles that persist for more than a week. A single neglected rain barrel can produce thousands of mosquitoes per week. Female mosquitoes locate hosts primarily through carbon dioxide detection — they can sense CO2 from over 150 feet away. They are also attracted to body heat, lactic acid in sweat, and dark clothing. This is why some people seem to attract mosquitoes more than others. Professional barrier spray treatments using bifenthrin or similar residual insecticides can reduce mosquito activity by 75-90% for 2-3 weeks. These treatments work best as part of a regular program during peak season (typically April through October). However, even the best treatments will be undermined if standing water breeding sites are not eliminated on your property and, ideally, on neighboring properties as well.
Rodents
Mice and rats are among the most destructive pests that can invade a home. Beyond contaminating food and spreading disease, rodents gnaw on electrical wiring — a documented cause of house fires. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that rodent-damaged wiring is responsible for thousands of structural fires each year in the United States. The two most common residential rodent species are the house mouse (Mus musculus) and the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus). House mice are small (2-4 inches body length), gray-brown, and incredibly agile — they can squeeze through gaps as small as 1/4 inch, roughly the diameter of a pencil. Norway rats are much larger (7-10 inches body length), brown, and prefer ground-level or below-ground habitation like basements and crawl spaces. Roof rats (Rattus rattus), more common in coastal and southern states, are slender, excellent climbers, and typically infest attics and upper floors. Rodent reproduction is alarming. A single pair of mice can produce 5-10 litters per year with 6-8 pups each. In theory, a pair of mice can give rise to thousands of descendants in a single year if left unchecked. This is why early detection and swift action are critical. Rodents carry and transmit over 35 diseases, including hantavirus (spread through droppings and urine), salmonella (through food contamination), leptospirosis, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM). Their droppings, urine, and nesting materials can contaminate insulation, ductwork, and stored items. Effective rodent control requires a two-part approach: elimination (trapping or baiting to remove the existing population) and exclusion (sealing all entry points to prevent re-entry). Simply trapping mice without sealing gaps is a temporary fix — new rodents will enter through the same openings. Professional exclusion services inspect the entire building envelope and seal every gap larger than 1/4 inch with steel wool, hardware cloth, or expanding foam.
Spiders
Spiders are among the most feared household pests, but the vast majority of the 3,000+ species found in North America are completely harmless to humans — and many are actually beneficial, feeding on mosquitoes, flies, and other nuisance insects. Understanding which spiders are dangerous and which are helpful is key to making smart decisions about spider management in your home. Only two spider species in the United States pose significant medical risks. The brown recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) is found primarily in the South-Central and Midwestern states (from Texas to Georgia, north to Iowa). It has a violin-shaped marking on its back, six eyes arranged in three pairs (most spiders have eight eyes), and uniform tan-to-brown coloring. Brown recluse bites can cause necrotic tissue damage that requires medical attention. The black widow (Latrodectus species) is found nationwide and is identifiable by its shiny black body with a red hourglass marking on the underside. Black widow venom is neurotoxic and can cause muscle pain, nausea, and difficulty breathing, though fatalities are extremely rare with modern medical treatment. Common harmless house spiders include cellar spiders ("daddy long legs" with thin legs and small bodies), jumping spiders (compact, curious, excellent pest controllers), wolf spiders (large, brown, fast-moving ground hunters), and cobweb spiders (build messy webs in corners). These species are generally more beneficial than harmful. An important principle of spider management is that a large spider population usually indicates a larger insect problem. Spiders go where the food is. If you are seeing many spiders indoors, it typically means there is a significant population of insects (ants, flies, moths, beetles) that is attracting and sustaining them. Addressing the underlying insect problem will naturally reduce spider numbers. For homes in brown recluse or black widow territory, professional perimeter treatments using residual insecticides can create a barrier that reduces spider entry. Glue traps placed along baseboards and in closets are an effective monitoring tool and can help gauge the severity of a spider population.
Wasps & Hornets
Wasps and hornets are stinging insects that can pose serious safety risks when they build nests on or near homes. Unlike honey bees, which can sting only once, wasps and hornets can sting repeatedly and will aggressively defend their nests when they feel threatened. According to the CDC, stinging insects cause an average of 62 deaths per year in the United States, primarily due to anaphylactic reactions in allergic individuals. The most common species encountered around homes include paper wasps, yellow jackets, and bald-faced hornets. Paper wasps build distinctive open, umbrella-shaped nests under eaves, porch ceilings, and deck railings. They are generally less aggressive than other species and will usually only sting if their nest is directly disturbed. Yellow jackets are the most aggressive common species — they nest in the ground, in wall voids, and in other enclosed spaces. They are strongly attracted to food and sugary drinks, making them a persistent problem at outdoor gatherings. Bald-faced hornets build large, enclosed paper nests in trees and shrubs. Their nests can house 400-700 workers by late summer. Wasp and hornet nests follow a predictable seasonal cycle. Queens emerge from winter hibernation in early spring and build small starter nests alone. These early-season nests (golf ball size or smaller) are the easiest and safest to remove. Throughout the summer, the colony grows rapidly. By August and September, nests reach their maximum size and the colony is at peak aggression — this is when most stings occur. In fall, the colony dies off except for newly mated queens, which find sheltered spots to overwinter. Approximately 2 million Americans are allergic to stinging insect venom. For these individuals, a single sting can trigger anaphylaxis — a life-threatening allergic reaction requiring immediate epinephrine injection and emergency medical care. Anyone who has experienced swelling beyond the sting site, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or hives after a sting should carry an EpiPen and consult an allergist. For small, accessible nests found early in the season, commercial wasp sprays that shoot 15-20 feet can be effective when applied at dusk (when most wasps are inside and less active). For larger nests, nests in wall voids, or nests in high locations, always hire a licensed pest control professional. Never attempt to burn, flood, or seal a wasp nest — these methods are dangerous and often ineffective.
Fleas
Fleas are tiny, wingless parasites that feed on the blood of mammals and birds, and they are among the most common pest problems for pet-owning households in America. The cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) is responsible for the vast majority of flea infestations in U.S. homes — affecting dogs, cats, and humans alike despite its name. An adult flea is only about 1-2mm long, dark reddish-brown, and laterally flattened, allowing it to move easily through animal fur. Fleas are extraordinary jumpers, capable of leaping up to 150 times their own body length — the equivalent of a human jumping over a 75-story building. This ability allows them to quickly transfer between hosts and from carpets to furniture. The flea lifecycle is key to understanding why infestations are so persistent. Adult fleas on your pet represent only about 5% of the total population. The remaining 95% exists as eggs, larvae, and pupae embedded in carpets, furniture, pet bedding, and floor cracks. Flea eggs are smooth and fall off pets onto surfaces throughout the home. Larvae feed on organic debris and adult flea feces (dried blood) deep in carpet fibers. The pupal stage is encased in a sticky cocoon that is nearly impervious to insecticides and can remain dormant for up to 12 months, hatching only when it detects vibration, warmth, or CO2 from a nearby host. Beyond the intense itching their bites cause, fleas pose real health risks. They can transmit tapeworms to pets and humans, cause flea allergy dermatitis (the most common skin disease in domestic dogs and cats), and in rare cases transmit murine typhus and even plague bacteria (Yersinia pestis) in the southwestern United States. Heavy infestations can cause anemia in puppies, kittens, and elderly pets. Effective flea control requires a three-pronged approach: treat all pets simultaneously with veterinarian-approved products, treat the indoor environment (vacuuming plus insecticide or IGR), and treat outdoor areas where pets rest. Skipping any one of these steps will result in reinfestation.
Ticks
Ticks are blood-feeding arachnids that pose the greatest vector-borne disease threat in the United States. The CDC estimates that approximately 476,000 Americans are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease each year, making it the most common vector-borne illness in the country. Beyond Lyme, ticks transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, Powassan virus, and alpha-gal syndrome (red meat allergy). The most medically significant species include the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis, also called the deer tick), which transmits Lyme disease and is found throughout the eastern and north-central U.S.; the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), which transmits Rocky Mountain spotted fever and is found east of the Rocky Mountains; the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum), which is aggressive, found throughout the Southeast and expanding northward, and linked to alpha-gal syndrome; and the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), the only species that can complete its entire lifecycle indoors. Tick lifecycles span 2-3 years across four stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Nymphal ticks, barely the size of a poppy seed, are responsible for the majority of Lyme disease transmissions because they are extremely difficult to detect on the body. A tick must typically be attached for 36-48 hours to transmit the Lyme disease bacterium (Borrelia burgdorferi), which is why prompt daily tick checks are so important. Ticks do not jump or fly — they use a behavior called questing, where they climb to the tips of grass blades and low vegetation and extend their front legs to latch onto passing hosts. They are most commonly encountered along woodland edges, in tall grass, leaf litter, and overgrown areas. For residential properties, professional tick control focuses on perimeter treatments along woodland borders, targeted applications in shaded and moist areas, and habitat modification. Reducing leaf litter, maintaining mowed borders between yards and wooded areas, and creating gravel or wood chip barriers can significantly reduce tick populations on a property.
Silverfish
Silverfish are primitive, wingless insects that have remained virtually unchanged for over 400 million years — predating even dinosaurs. These teardrop-shaped, silver-scaled insects are 12-19mm long with three long tail-like appendages and two long antennae. They are nocturnal, extremely fast runners, and prefer dark, humid environments with relative humidity above 75%. Silverfish feed on starches, sugars, and cellulose-based materials. Their diet includes book bindings, wallpaper paste, photographs, documents, cotton and linen fabrics, cereal, flour, and even the glue on postage stamps and cardboard boxes. They can also feed on dead insects, leather, and synthetic fabrics. This broad diet makes them a genuine threat to libraries, archives, stored clothing, and important documents. A female silverfish lays 1-3 eggs per day in cracks and crevices, depositing roughly 100 eggs over her lifetime. Silverfish develop slowly — taking 3-4 months to reach adulthood — but they are exceptionally long-lived for an insect, surviving 3-8 years. This longevity means that even a small population sustains itself over years if conditions are favorable. Silverfish thrive in bathrooms, basements, attics, kitchens, and laundry rooms — anywhere with consistent moisture. They are often found behind baseboards, in wall voids, under sinks, inside stored boxes, and between book pages. Because they are nocturnal and avoid light, infestations can grow unnoticed for months or years. A closely related species, the firebrat (Thermobia domestica), prefers warmer environments (above 90 degrees F) and is commonly found near furnaces, ovens, and hot water heaters. Both species cause similar damage and are treated with the same methods. Silverfish do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases, so their danger level is low from a health perspective. However, the property damage they cause — particularly to irreplaceable items like photographs, family documents, and book collections — can be significant over time.
Centipedes
House centipedes are among the most startling-looking pests homeowners encounter, with their elongated bodies, 15 pairs of long, banded legs, and remarkably fast movement — they can run up to 1.3 feet per second. Despite their alarming appearance, house centipedes (Scutigera coleoptrata) are actually beneficial predators that feed on cockroaches, spiders, silverfish, carpet beetles, bed bugs, and other household pests. House centipedes are typically 1-1.5 inches long with a yellowish-gray body and three dark dorsal stripes. Unlike outdoor centipedes (which can grow much larger), house centipedes have adapted to indoor environments and are commonly found in basements, bathrooms, closets, and crawl spaces. They require high humidity to survive, as their exoskeletons lack the waxy coating that prevents water loss in most insects. While house centipedes can technically bite if handled, their jaws rarely penetrate human skin, and bites are extremely rare. When they do occur, the effect is comparable to a mild bee sting and resolves quickly. They are not considered medically significant. The key insight about centipedes is that they are indicator pests. A large centipede population in your home almost certainly means there is a substantial population of other pests for them to feed on. If you are seeing centipedes regularly, there is likely an underlying issue with moisture, structural entry points, or another pest infestation. Outdoor centipede species in the United States include the larger soil centipedes and stone centipedes, which occasionally wander indoors through foundation cracks. In the southern states, the Texas redheaded centipede (Scolopendra heros) can reach 6-8 inches and delivers a painful, medically significant bite that causes localized swelling and pain lasting several hours. Managing house centipedes is best accomplished by addressing the conditions that attract them: reducing indoor humidity, sealing entry points, and eliminating the prey insects they feed on. Direct chemical treatment is rarely necessary and often counterproductive, since centipedes help control other pest populations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about pest control services and costs.
How much does pest control cost?
Pest control costs vary by pest type and treatment needed. Average costs range from $80 for ant treatments to $2,500+ for termite remediation. Most general treatments fall between $150-$400 per visit.
How often should I schedule pest control?
For preventive maintenance, quarterly treatments (every 3 months) are recommended. Homes in humid climates or with previous infestations may benefit from bi-monthly service.
Are pest control chemicals safe for pets and children?
Licensed pest control professionals use EPA-registered products and follow safety protocols. Most treatments are safe once dried. Always inform your exterminator about pets and children so they can select appropriate products.
What are the signs I need professional pest control?
Call a professional if you see droppings, hear scratching in walls, notice wood damage, find discarded wings, experience recurring pest sightings, or discover nests on your property.
Can I do pest control myself?
DIY pest control works for minor issues like occasional ant trails or individual spiders. However, infestations of termites, bed bugs, rodents, or cockroaches typically require professional treatment for effective elimination.
How do I choose a pest control company?
Look for licensed and insured companies with good reviews. Ask about their treatment methods, guarantees, and their inspection options. Get quotes from at least 2-3 companies before deciding.
What is the most common pest in American homes?
Ants are the most common household pest in the United States, followed by cockroaches, spiders, and rodents. The specific pests you encounter depend heavily on your geographic location and climate.
Do pest control companies offer inspections?
Many pest control companies offer initial inspections, especially for termites. During the inspection, a technician will assess your property and recommend treatment options with pricing.