Independent guides — we are not an exterminator. If someone has trouble breathing after a sting, call 911. Safety basics

Pest index

What is your pest?

Pick the pest to see how to identify it, how to get rid of it and when to call a professional.

Household Insects

Group overview

Ants, roaches, bed bugs and the other insects that move indoors for food, water and warmth.

Bees & Wasps

Group overview

Nests under eaves, in walls and in the ground: when to leave them, when to act and how to stay safe.

Spiders & Crawlers

Group overview

Spiders, scorpions, ticks and the many-legged crawlers found in basements and yards.

Rodents & Shrews

Group overview

Mice, rats, squirrels and their relatives: signs, traps, exclusion and cleanup.

Lawn & Garden Pests

Group overview

Diggers and grazers that tunnel lawns, raid vegetable beds and undermine foundations.

Raccoons, skunks, bats, snakes and birds: humane removal, repellents and the laws that apply.

Photo credits

Thank you to Nahushraj, Content Providers: CDC/ Harvard University, Dr. Gary Alpe, Oliver Ren, Discott, Michael Wunderli, Irina Petrova, Mvuijlst, Luis Fernández García, Syrio, Gilles San Martin from Namur, Belgium, Alvesgaspar, Ryan Hodnett, Ahunt and Charles J. Sharp for sharing these beautiful photographs and helping bring this guide to life.

Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Public domain · CC BY-SA 3.0 · CC BY 2.0 · CC BY 4.0 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · CC0