Pest problems can sneak up on any homeowner, but some rooms are magnets for specific unwelcome guests. Join us as we journey through your home, room by room, uncovering the common household pest problems that lurk in every corner. From the attic to the basement, we’ll discover what might be bugging you and how to keep those pests at bay.
Attic
New England attics are a hotspot for a variety of pests year-round.
- Common pest problems include rodents like mice and squirrels, who seek shelter from the cold.
- Bats are also frequent invaders, roosting in warm, dark spaces.
- In warmer months, carpenter ants and cluster flies can be common, nesting in wood structures and entering attics to escape the heat.
- Additionally, raccoons and birds may enter through damaged vents or loose shingles.
Bedrooms
Several pests are drawn to bedrooms for warmth, food sources and the abundance of hiding spots.
- Bed bugs hide in mattresses, bed frames and headboards, feeding on human blood at night and leaving itchy bites.
- Clothes moths are notorious for targeting natural fabrics like wool, leaving small holes in clothing, carpets and linens.
- Other occasional bedroom pests include carpet beetles, which can damage fabrics, and spiders, who seek shelter in corners and under furniture.
- Got a teen prone to leaving plates of dried food under the bed and dirty clothes on the floor? Ants, flies, mice and more will thank them!
Bathrooms
Moisture-loving pests are drawn to bathrooms.
- Silverfish feed on materials like paper, glue and fabrics, often hiding in damp, dark corners.
- Cockroaches, particularly German cockroaches, are drawn to bathrooms for warmth and water sources, spreading allergens as they roam.
- Drain flies breed in sink and tub drains where organic matter accumulates, becoming a nuisance in bathrooms with slow or infrequently used drains.
Deck
Many pests that are active in the warmer months are drawn to wooden structures.
- Carpenter bees bore into wood decks to create nests, leaving behind small holes and sawdust piles that weaken wood over time.
- Wasps, particularly paper wasps and yellow jackets, build nests under deck railings, in crevices, or beneath deck floors, becoming territorial and aggressive if disturbed.
- Ants, especially carpenter ants, may also invade, drawn to wood and any food remnants left behind from outdoor dining.
Hallways & Stairwells
These interior spaces often offer cooler, darker areas for pests to hide.
- Spiders are drawn to these areas for the shelter and vantage points they offer, creating webs in corners and along baseboards.
- Ants, especially during warmer months, may trail through hallways in search of food, often attracted to crumbs or spills.
- Hallways and stairwells with humidity issues can also attract silverfish and centipedes seeking moisture.
Garage
Garages are a popular spot for various pests year-round due to often easy access to refuge from the elements.
- Mice seek out garages for warmth and shelter, often nesting in stored boxes or along walls.
- Spiders are attracted by the ample nooks and crannies, building webs to catch insects.
- Carpenter ants are also common, especially if the garage has wooden structures or moisture issues, as they bore into damp wood.
- Pests like crickets and ground beetles may wander in, drawn by garage lights or warmth in colder months.
Home Office
Pests will take advantage of quiet spaces and available food or warmth in home offices.
- Silverfish, which thrive in humidity, may be drawn to your office, nibbling on paper, glue or book bindings in areas with moisture issues.
- Ants are drawn to food crumbs or sugary items left near desks, particularly in warmer months.
- Occasionally, mice may also venture in, especially if food or soft nesting materials are nearby.
Living & Family Room
These areas, with their cozy environments, provide an inviting space for various pests.
- Spiders find plenty of hiding spots in corners, behind furniture and in window frames, where they build webs to catch insects.
- Carpet beetles pose a threat to textiles, feeding on natural fibers found in carpets, upholstery and clothing.
- Mice may also sneak in, drawn by warmth, cozy nesting materials and potential food sources.
Kitchen & Pantry
These areas are particularly vulnerable due to abundant food sources and moisture, making them hotspots for various pests.
- Ants are frequently drawn to food spills and crumbs, forming trails to sources of sugar or grease.
- Cockroaches, especially German cockroaches, thrive in warm, moist environments, often hiding in cabinets and under sinks, where they can contaminate food and surfaces.
- Pantry pests, including Indian meal moths and flour weevils, invade stored food items, laying eggs in grains, cereals and dried goods, leading to contamination and waste.
Basement
The combination of humidity and darkness makes basements an inviting space for numerous pests.
- Silverfish thrive in damp, dark environments, feeding on paper, glue and fabrics, and are often found in boxes or storage items.
- Termites, particularly subterranean termites, can cause significant damage by tunneling through wooden structures and beams.
- Spiders, attracted by the presence of other insects, commonly build webs in corners and along walls.
- Additionally, mice may invade basements in search of food and shelter, often nesting in clutter or insulation.
Preventing Common Household Pest Problems
When it comes to your home’s vulnerability to pests, some factors are within your control, others not so much. For instance, you can’t always choose your home’s location or age, but you can tackle the biggest defenses: exclusion and sanitation.
First, you want to eliminate as many of the ways pests can gain access to your home as you can. Since pests can be very small, this can be a big job, but it’s one worth undertaking. Second, since all pests need access to food and water, you want to reduce the likelihood they’ll find any in your home by keeping it clean and tidy and quickly addressing leaks and damage.
Finally, partner with a pest control company you can count on to address small problems before they become huge headaches. Our technicians are experts in the field who can accurately identify pest issues, recommend and implement effective treatment plans, and teach you how to help prevent recurrences. In addition, our Multi-Pest Plan provides year-round protection for common household pest problems in New England, including carpenter ants, bees and wasps, spiders, mice and more. Reach out to learn more.