15 Annoying Pests That Could Be Lurking in Your House

A quiet thump in the wall. A fleeting glimpse of movement in the corner of your eye. These subtle signs could indicate a more unsettling truth: your home may be harboring unwelcome guests. Hidden just beyond sight, a variety of pests may have established themselves within your walls, creating a hidden network of activity. Swipe through 15 of the most disruptive invaders, from insidious insects to scurrying rodents, and identify these unwanted co-habitants to reclaim your domestic tranquility.

Cockroaches

Among the most adaptable pests on the planet, cockroaches prefer dark, warm, and humid environments to nest, including wall cavities. As nocturnal creatures, cockroaches can be seen scurrying for cover at night when you turn on the lights, spreading diseases, contaminating food, and triggering allergies. They leave unpleasant odors and stains behind.

Fleas

Fleas usually enter your home on pets, wildlife, clothing, or shoes. Once inside, they can quickly infest carpets, upholstery, bedding, other soft furnishings, and cracks and crevices in floors and walls. These parasitic insects feed on mammal’s blood, including humans and pets.

Spiders

Although most spiders are harmless and beneficial predators that feed on insects, some species can harm humans with venomous bites. They can also create unsightly webs and cause fear or discomfort for those with arachnophobia. Spiders seek out dark, secluded areas like wall voids, basements, or attics.

Snakes

Snakes enter your home through tiny openings in the foundation, around doors or windows, or vents and pipes. They seek shelter in wall voids, basements, or crawl spaces, and they can be alarming, especially if they are venomous. They can also attract rodents, which they prey upon.

Silverfish

While silverfish don’t pose significant health risks to humans, they can damage paper goods, clothing, and other household items. They love starchy substances like glue and book bindings. They prefer moisture and enter walls through gaps around plumbing fixtures or cracks in the foundation.

Moths

Look for signs of moth activity, such as holes or damage to clothing or fabric items. You may also notice cocoons or webbing in affected areas. Moths can enter your home through open doors or windows, on clothing, furniture, or other items brought inside.

Mice and Rats

Mice and rats easily squeeze themselves through tiny openings. Gaps around pipes and vents provide ample entry points for these rodents. Traps and baits can effectively remove existing mice and rats, but addressing the entry points is essential to prevent future infestations.

Termites

You might be dealing with a termite infestation if you notice hollow-sounding wood, discarded termite wings, and mud tubes along the foundation or walls. These pests usually get into your house with infested timber, soil, or even mulch, and they enter your walls through tiny cracks, seeking out cellulose-rich materials to feed on.

Ants

You might not be aware of the presence of ants, but they can be living in your house for years, searching for food, water, or shelter, often exploiting tiny cracks or gaps in your walls to gain entry. They can also establish large colonies within your walls, making them challenging to eradicate.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers, often entering homes on luggage, clothing, or used furniture. Their bites result in itchy welts and allergic reactions, and infestations can also lead to sleep disturbances and psychological distress for those affected. Look for blood spots on bedding, shed skins, and tiny black fecal spots near hiding spots.

Wasps

Wasps build nests in sheltered areas like wall voids. Most wasps are just a nuisance, but some species, like yellow jackets, can become aggressive if their nest is disturbed, posing a stinging hazard. If you discover a nest within your walls, contact a professional service to remove it safely.

Centipedes

This species of nocturnal predator preys on insects and other arthropods, hiding in cracks in your walls and plumbing fixtures. They indicate the presence of other pests, such as spiders, ants, or cockroaches, which they eat.

Raccoons

Raccoons are skilled climbers, entering your home by scaling downspouts, trees, or fences. These animals cause extensive damage to your home by tearing up insulation, ripping apart ductwork, and even chewing through electrical wiring. They can also create messes with their droppings and urine, leading to unpleasant odors and potential health hazards.

Squirrels

Squirrels are agile climbers and hide within walls and crawl spaces. They chew on electrical wires, insulation, and structural components, causing property damage and increasing fire risks. You might be dealing with a squirrel infestation if you notice scratching in the walls and visible damage to exterior siding or roofing materials.

Earwigs

A nocturnal insect, earwigs prefer dark, damp environments, so your walls are the perfect habitat for them. Earwigs may feed on plant materials in gardens or potted plants, causing damage to the foliage. To eliminate earwig hiding spots, you can remove debris and organic matter from your home.