From crickets and beetles to silverfish and springtails, there are many pests that only make their way indoors from time to time. These invaders may not always cause direct harm, but they can be unsettling when they appear in large groups and settle into hidden areas of your home.
Read on to discover more about the most common species you might encounter, what attracts them inside, where they tend to hide, and when it makes sense to call in our team for help.
Most of these occasional invaders live outdoors most of the time, but seasonal changes can push them inside. Shifts in temperature, food availability, or rising moisture levels often drive these pests to seek shelter. In the fall, many bugs move indoors to overwinter in protected areas, while others slip through entry points after heavy rain.
Though they rarely cause direct harm, these arthropod pests can appear in large numbers, creating stress for homeowners and business owners alike. Whether it’s an infestation or a couple of pests hiding in wall voids and crawlspaces, many of these pests can damage furnishings and can infest food. For commercial properties like food processing facilities, these pests can cause particularly serious issues. Our commercial pest control services can help protect facilities and reputations.
There are many types of occasional invaders. Below we break down a few of the most common occasional invaders found in residential properties.
Crickets are insects related to grasshoppers, best known for their chirping. Outdoors, they live in tall vegetation or near foundations. Indoors, they prefer warm areas such as kitchens, basements, or near heaters. Crickets can stain fabrics with droppings and feed on wool, cotton, and silk. While harmless to health, their noise and potential to damage fabrics make them a nuisance. Sealing crevices and reducing outdoor lighting can help discourage them, but professional treatment is recommended for persistent issues.
Ground beetles are predatory beetles that feed on smaller insects and can benefit gardens by reducing aphids. Ranging from about 1/16” to 1” in size and metallic black in color, they usually live beneath logs, rocks, or mulch outdoors. However, when drawn to lights, they can slip inside through cracks in foundations or window frames. Once indoors, they don’t damage property but can appear in large numbers. If you see more than a few, contact us to evaluate whether they are simply passing through or have become established around your home.
Notorious for being hardy creatures who can easily adapt to different climates and environments, Japanese beetles are one of the most damaging invasive species in the world. Japanese beetles in recent years have been showing up in gardens, on farms and devouring vegetation across North America.
Earwigs are relatively small insects ranging from ¼” to 1” long. They have elongated, flat bodies with pincers on their rear end - males have curved pincers and females have straight. Earwigs like warm, moist areas, so they are commonly found in bathrooms and laundry rooms. However, they are nocturnal and hide in crevices during the day to protect themselves. Earwigs might appear to be dangerous because of their pincers, but they are not poisonous to humans.
Millipedes are long, narrow insects that have two pairs of legs on each body segment. Varying weather elements can cause them to move indoors. Millipedes love damp areas and are usually found in basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. In these areas, they can group together in large numbers. However, they are harmless and will curl up when threatened.
The house centipede is fast-moving and easily recognized by its long legs. While a centipede can bite, its effect is usually no worse than a bee sting. They hide in damp places such as bathrooms, basements, and crawlspaces, where they prey on cockroaches, spiders, and other pests. Because they indicate underlying moisture and food sources, recurring centipede sightings suggest a larger pest issue.
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Boxelder bugs gather on sunny exterior walls in late summer before moving indoors to overwinter. They slip into attics, wall voids, and garages. While they don’t chew wood or fabrics, they leave behind red stains and release a foul odor when crushed. A vacuum cleaner is the safest way to remove them indoors. Sealing entry points and trimming vegetation near the home can help reduce populations.
Also called lady beetles, these insects are beneficial outdoors, where they feed on aphids and other pests. In the fall, though, ladybugs and Asian lady beetles (a separate but similar species) may gather in large numbers inside homes. Indoors, they follow scent trails, making it easy for them to spread from one spot to another. While they don’t threaten health, they can stain surfaces and become a real nuisance.
Silverfish are tiny insects, ranging anywhere from ½” to ¾” in size. They have a flattened body with a silvery look that resembles scales. They prefer warm, wet areas, and are often found in bathroom sinks and tubs, basements, and attics. Silverfish hibernate in protected areas and hide from humans, so their presence, and sometimes their damage, can go unnoticed. Silverfish can devour fabrics, paper, wallpaper, and books if left untreated.
Springtails get their name from the appendages beneath their abdomen. These tiny insects are found year-round and heavy rain can cause them to come indoors. They like damp environments and are often found around air conditioning condensate drain lines and pools with surrounding vegetation. Springtails do not cause damage, but are often mistaken for fleas. They are also not a threat to pets or humans.
Once inside, these pests seek protected harborage where they won’t be disturbed. Common areas include wall voids, attics, crawlspaces, basements, and behind appliances. Outdoors, they may gather under mulch, yard debris, or along exterior walls.
Sealing cracks in foundation walls, repairing damaged window frames, and controlling moisture indoors are key prevention steps. Reducing clutter and keeping firewood away from your home also helps limit their hiding places.
DIY methods like sealing entry points, reducing moisture, or removing pests with a vacuum cleaner can provide short-term relief. However, if the occasional invaders, such as sowbugs, pillbugs, clover mites, or cluster flies, keep showing up, it may be time for professional help.
At Ehrlich, our technicians can identify the pest, help treat the problem, and recommend preventive steps to protect your property. If you’re dealing with repeated infestations, our team can provide long-term residential pest control solutions tailored to your property. We won’t rest until your infestation is gone and you can have peace of mind.
Contact us today to learn more about our pest control services and how we can help protect your home from these pests year after year.
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