We all know the bugs we should avoid and that could cause problems in our homes: black widow and brown recluse spiders, termites, and carpenter ants, among others. Not only do these bugs give us the heebie-jeebies, but they can also damage our home and our health.
Depending on where you live in the country, there are different bugs to be aware of, although some are universally a problem across the US.
There are plenty of house bugs that can also wreak havoc on our homes. Read on to learn more about these harmful bugs and when you need to call an exterminator.
1. Honeybees
Honeybees are extremely important to our ecosystem, but with one caveat: we need them outside not inside. Outside, honeybees pollinate plants and produce products like honey, beeswax, venom, and propolis, which are used for medicinal and nutritional purposes.
The problem with honeybees is when they decide to take up residence in our homes. They can enter through the tiniest of holes in your siding or under the eaves of your roof. When they enter your home and build a hive, they can damage your walls and eventually the hive and the honey inside will get so heavy that your drywall can collapse.
This home in New Jersey has 30,000 bees and 40lbs of honey inside its walls. Removing honeybees is a job for a professional beekeeper who will remove the bees and the hive and relocate them.
2. Powderpost Beetles
Powderpost beetles aren’t as destructive as termites, but they definitely give termites a run for their money. The name “powderpost” applies to several different species of beetles. The beetles lay their eggs in the wood pores and when they hatch, they feed on the wood, leaving a fine layer of dust behind.
Powderpost beetles feed on wood that hasn’t been sealed or painted, such as floor joists and wall studs. They especially like hardwoods, like walnut, bamboo, hickory, ash, and oak.
3. Carpet Beetles
Carpet beetles are small oval-shaped beetles that like to feed on carpets, fabrics (like curtains or furniture), furs, food, and taxidermied animals. You can find them in your home but they also like warehouses and museums, where they can get access to food.
Adult carpet beetles get into your home by flying in through open doors or windows and then lay their eggs on fabrics. They can also enter your home on fabric items, such as bedding, used furniture, second-hand clothing, etc., similar to how bedbugs can get into your home. When they lay their eggs, the larvae feed on your fabric items.
4. Silverfish
If you’ve ever noticed a strange-looking bug that seems to move quickly around your bathroom, scooting under the woodwork when you turn the light on, you’ve likely seen a silverfish. Silverfish are primitive pests and don’t have wings.
They like grains, like oats, wheat, and flour, and can chew through cardboard boxes in your pantry. They thrive in warm, dark places with high humidity, which is why you often find them in your bathroom.
5. Cockroaches
Even if your house is immaculately clean, you still might notice a cockroach or two. They can get into your home easily through cracks or open doors and windows. While they are present all over the country, they are much more common in southern states, where you find huge cockroaches known as palmetto bugs.
They carry disease and bacteria and leave behind their droppings which contaminate your home. They also like to chew through fabric and paper, so they can destroy furniture and wallpaper if the infestation is large.
The best way to keep them away is to regularly spray for them outside and work to prevent them inside. You can use store-bought ant and roach spray or make your own out of water and liquid fabric softener.
6. Moths
You might think moths are just annoying, but they can actually cause significant damage in your home. Like the carpet beetles, they like fabrics. If they fly into your home through an open door or window, they can eat holes through clothes in your closets and attics, blankets, curtains, and sweaters.
They often find clothing or fabrics that are stored and go undetected for months. They can cause a lot of damage during this time, so using mothballs when storing clothes in closets and attics is important. If you want a more natural solution, dried lavender can also repel moths.
7. Fleas
Most people think of fleas and pets, but in reality, fleas can be a nuisance to humans too. While most fleas will enter your home on your pets, especially cats and dogs, they can easily make their way to the humans in the home too. They feed on blood and like warm-blooded mammals, so when fleas are making the jump to humans, there is a good chance there is a large infestation in your home.
These are just some of the dangerous bugs that might be lurking in your home. Learn all about insects to make sure you can identify any signs of infestation in your home.
Get Rid of These House Bugs ASAP
House bugs aren’t only gross, they can be dangerous to your home and your health. If you suspect that you have a bug problem, you should research ways to get rid of the pests or call an exterminator. For large infestations and certain bugs, you need to call in the pros.
If you found this article useful (albeit a bit disconcerting!), be sure to check out some of our others.
