Pest group
Household Insects
Ants, roaches, bed bugs and the other insects that move indoors for food, water and warmth.
Identify at a glance
Size, key marks and where each household insects pest shows up first, with the threat level and the first step to take.
| Pest | Threat | Size and key marks | Where to look | First step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ants | Moderate | 1/16 to 1/2 inch (1.5–13 mm). Narrow "waist", elbowed antennae; black, brown or red. | Kitchens, bathrooms, wall voids, lawn mounds, damp or rotting wood | Wipe up crumbs and sticky spills the same day |
| Bed Bugs | Moderate | About 3/16 inch (5 mm), apple-seed size. Flat, oval, reddish-brown; swell and redden after feeding. | Mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, headboards, sofa joints | Inspect hotel beds and keep luggage off the floor |
| Cockroaches | High | 1/2 to 2 inches (13–50 mm). Flat, oval, fast-running; long antennae; brown to black. | Under sinks, behind fridges and stoves, drains, basements | Fix dripping taps and dry sinks overnight |
| Termites | High | 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6–13 mm); swarmers longer with wings. Soft, pale workers; swarmers dark with two pairs of equal wings. | Foundations, crawl spaces, wooden structures in contact with soil | Keep mulch and soil away from siding |
| Fleas | Moderate | 1/16 to 1/8 inch (1.5–3 mm). Tiny, dark reddish-brown, flattened side to side; jump. | On pets, pet bedding, carpets, rugs, shaded yard areas | Keep every pet on a vet-approved flea preventive |
| Flies | Moderate | 1/16 to 1/4 inch (1.5–6 mm). One pair of wings; fruit flies tan with red eyes, drain flies fuzzy and moth-like. | Kitchens, fruit bowls, drains, garbage cans, compost | Refrigerate ripe produce |
| Moths | Moderate | 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6–13 mm) wingspan-length adults. Pantry moths: two-toned wings; clothes moths: small, golden-buff. | Pantries (grains, flour, nuts, bird seed); closets with wool and silk | Store dry foods in airtight glass or plastic containers |
| Carpet Beetles | Moderate | 1/16 to 1/8 inch (2–3 mm) adults. Round, patterned adults; bristly, striped larvae. | Carpet edges, closets, under furniture, stored wool and feathers | Vacuum edges, vents and under furniture |
| Silverfish | Low | 1/2 to 3/4 inch (12–19 mm). Wingless, carrot-shaped, silver scales; three tail bristles. | Bathrooms, basements, attics, bookshelves, damp storage | Run a dehumidifier to keep humidity below about 50% |
| Mites | Moderate | Under 1/64 inch (0.2–0.5 mm), barely visible. Dust mites invisible to the eye; spider mites tiny dots with fine webbing. | Bedding, upholstery and carpets (dust mites); undersides of plant leaves (spider mites) | Wash bedding weekly at 130°F (54°C) or hotter |
When to call a professional
- AntsCarpenter ants keep returning to the same wood
- Bed BugsBugs are found in more than one room
- CockroachesGerman cockroaches persist after 2 to 3 weeks of baiting
- TermitesAny sign of active termites in the structure
- FleasFleas persist after treating pets, home and yard for 4 to 6 weeks
- FliesFlies keep emerging from a floor drain or wall with no clear source
- MothsClothes moths damage valuable textiles or carpets despite cleaning
- Carpet BeetlesDamage to antique rugs, taxidermy or collections
- SilverfishDamage to documents, books or artwork
- MitesPersistent allergy or asthma symptoms (see a doctor or allergist)
Latest household insects guides
Fleas · Products
5 Best Flea Sprays for Home and Pets (2026)
Bed Bugs · Products
Best Bed Bug Traps and Encasements (2026)
Bed Bugs · Removal
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs (2026 Guide)
Carpet Beetles · Removal
How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles (2026 Guide)
Fleas · Removal
How to Get Rid of Fleas in the House (2026 Guide)
Flies · Removal
How to Get Rid of Flies in the House (2026 Guide)
Other pest groups
- Bees & WaspsNests under eaves, in walls and in the ground: when to leave them, when to act and how to stay safe.
- Spiders & CrawlersSpiders, scorpions, ticks and the many-legged crawlers found in basements and yards.
- Rodents & ShrewsMice, rats, squirrels and their relatives: signs, traps, exclusion and cleanup.
- Lawn & Garden PestsDiggers and grazers that tunnel lawns, raid vegetable beds and undermine foundations.
- WildlifeRaccoons, 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 (photo 2), Oliver Ren, Discott, Michael Wunderli, Irina Petrova, Mvuijlst, Luis Fernández García, Syrio, Gilles San Martin from Namur, Belgium, Amazon product photo, Arnoldius, Sam Thomas and Sanjay Acharya for sharing these beautiful photographs and helping bring this guide to life.