Common Household Bugs and How to Identify Them

Common Household Bugs and How to Identify Them

Every home in Central Illinois plays host to a variety of insects and arthropods at some point. While some are harmless, others can cause damage, contaminate food, or pose health risks. Knowing how to identify common household bugs helps you determine whether you have a problem that needs professional attention.

Ants

Ants are among the most frequently encountered household pests. In Central Illinois, you are most likely to see pavement ants, odorous house ants, and carpenter ants. Small ants trailing across kitchen counters are usually foraging for food. Carpenter ants, which are larger and often black, may indicate a nesting problem in your walls or woodwork.

Spiders

Most household spiders are harmless and actually help control other insect populations. Common species include house spiders, cellar spiders, and wolf spiders. The brown recluse, which is found in Central Illinois, is the one species homeowners should be concerned about. Look for the violin-shaped marking on the front of the body.

Cockroaches

German cockroaches are the most common indoor cockroach species, typically found in kitchens and bathrooms. They are small, light brown, and reproduce rapidly. Seeing cockroaches during the day usually indicates a significant infestation.

Silverfish

These teardrop-shaped, silvery insects prefer damp environments and are often found in bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms. Silverfish feed on starchy materials like paper, wallpaper paste, and book bindings. While they do not pose health risks, they can damage stored items.

Centipedes

House centipedes are fast-moving, multi-legged arthropods that often startle homeowners. They are actually beneficial predators that feed on other household pests like spiders, cockroaches, and silverfish. Their presence may indicate that other pests are also in your home.

Earwigs

Earwigs are recognizable by the pincers at the end of their abdomen. They prefer moist environments and are often found in basements, bathrooms, and around foundation areas. Despite their intimidating appearance, earwigs are generally harmless to humans.

When to Call a Professional

If you are seeing large numbers of any household bug, or if you have identified pests that cause damage or health concerns, it is time to call a professional. Terminix provides comprehensive pest identification and treatment services throughout Central Illinois and Western Indiana. Contact us today for a free inspection.