Other Common Insects

Common Insect Facts

Bugs and insects that are common around your home and property become unwanted houseguests when outside conditions are too hot or too cold for them to survive, if they find food indoors, or if they are attracted inside by lights in your house at night.

These pests are usually not able to live inside for long, maybe a few days or weeks. But they can still cause issues for you, depending on what the kind of insect it is and where exactly they are in your home. Some of the most common insects that make their way into your home, garage, or shed are boxelder beetles, elm leaf beetles, ladybugs, pillbugs, centipedes, millipedes, earwigs, and silverfish.

Common Insect Bites

Some common insects, like the house centipede, are venomous to their insect prey. Though house centipedes rarely bite humans, they may bite if handled. The majority of common insects are not poisonous and do not bite. They also don’t pose much of a threat to plants in your home. They like moisture and you’ll usually find them near leaking water in or outside your home.

Common Insect Infestation

Most common insects, like centipedes, millipedes, and earwigs, will invade your home as the weather gets colder. They might seek refuge in your walls, basement, or attic. If a season has been particularly wet, you’ll see an increase in numbers as well. Some insects, like the centipede, prey on smaller bugs like spiders and cockroaches, and may be attracted into your home if they find these other pests inside.

Types of Common Insects

Common Insect Identification

Boxelder Beetles

Boxelder Beetles are about 1/2 inch long with black bodies and orange or red markings.

Pillbugs

Kids might categorize them as one of those creepy-crawlies they usually find in the backyard. Pillbugs are technically crustaceans. Pillbugs range in size from1/4-inch to 5/8-inch in length. They have a grayish shell that looks like armor.  

Centipedes & Millipedes

Millipedes have only one pair of legs per segment of their body, while centipedes usually have multiple pairs of legs on each segment. Millipedes look more like worms while centipedes have long, feathery-looking legs. Centipedes run extremely fast. 

Earwigs

Earwigs have very distinct pincers at the ends of their bodies which are used to defend against predators or catch prey. A pinch from an earwig is basically harmless to people. They may lightly pinch you if handled. They range in size from 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch long and have dark brown or reddish bodies.

Common Insects in the Home & Garden

Keeping these insects out of your home begins with maintaining the exterior of your house. Clear away leaf debris and trim any overhanging tree branches or encroaching bushes. Avoid having areas with excess moisture by fixing leaky water hoses and poorly grated landscaping. Clean out gutters and seal cracks and crevices with silicone. Create a border of stones or gravel beginning at the base of the foundation that is 18 inches wide to separate landscaping from the house and prevent pests from getting inside. All of these practices will help eliminate shelter for these pests and they will be less likely to sneak inside your home. 

Other Common Insects

Stink Bugs

Clover Mites

Crickets

mayflies              

Bat Bugs

Silverfish & Firebrats

Springtails