Nuisance Pests

These pests don’t always cause structural damage or carry disease, but they invade homes, become overwhelming, and are just plain annoying.

1. Boxelder Bugs

• Size: 1/2 inch long.
  
  

• Color: Black with red-orange lines on back.
  
  

• Behavior: Swarm homes in fall seeking warmth.
  
  

• Hiding Spots: Sunny siding, attic, windows, behind siding or trim.
  
  

2. Asian Lady Beetles (Not Ladybugs)

• Size: 1/4 inch.
  
  

• Color: Orange to red with or without black spots; black "M" shape on head.
  
  

• Behavior: Swarm indoors in fall, emit a foul smell, may bite.
  
  

• Hiding Spots: Cracks, wall voids, window frames, attics.
  
  

3. Stink Bugs (Brown Marmorated)

• Size: 1/2 to 3/4 inch.
  
  

• Color: Brown/gray with shield shape and white bands on antennae.
  
  

• Behavior: Fly clumsily, release odor when squished.
  
  

• Hiding Spots: Inside walls, behind baseboards, under appliances.
  
  

4. Earwigs

• Size: 1/2 to 1 inch.
  
  

• Color: Dark brown with pincers.
  
  

• Behavior: Active at night, attracted to moisture.
  
  

• Hiding Spots: Basements, under sinks, mulch, leaf litter.
  
  

5. Centipedes (House Centipedes)

• Size: 1 to 1.5 inches.
  
  

• Color: Tan with long legs.
  
  

• Behavior: Fast-moving predators; scary but helpful (they eat other pests).
  
  

• Hiding Spots: Damp places — bathrooms, basements, under boxes.
  
  

6. Millipedes

• Size: 1–2 inches, cylindrical.
  
  

• Color: Brown or black.
  
  

• Behavior: Harmless, curl up when disturbed.
  
  

• Hiding Spots: Basements, under mulch or leaf piles, crawlspaces.
  
  

7. Silverfish

• Size: 1/2 to 3/4 inch.
  
  

• Color: Silver, fish-shaped with long antennae.
  
  

• Behavior: Damage paper, glue, wallpaper.
  
  

• Hiding Spots: Bathrooms, attics, bookshelves, closets.
  
  

🛡️ PREVENTION TIPS

Seal Entry Points

Caulk around windows, doors, utility lines, vents.

Install Screens

Fix damaged screens, install door sweeps.

Dehumidify

Use dehumidifiers in basements, crawlspaces, and bathrooms.

Yard Maintenance

Remove mulch piles, leaf litter, trim vegetation near siding.

Lighting

Use yellow outdoor bulbs to reduce attraction at night.

🔥 HOW TO GET RID OF NUISANCE PESTS

🪟 For Boxelder Bugs, Stink Bugs, and Asian Lady Beetles:

• Vacuum live bugs (don’t crush them indoors).
  
  

• Seal exterior cracks and add door sweeps.
  
  

• Spray barrier treatment: Insecticide labeled for perimeter control (fall timing is key).
  
  

• Dust wall voids if large swarms are entering (Delta Dust or diatomaceous earth).
  
  

🚿 For Silverfish, Millipedes, Centipedes, and Earwigs:

• Reduce moisture: Fix leaks, ventilate, run dehumidifiers.
  
  

• Boric acid or DE powder in cracks and behind baseboards.
  
  

• Sticky traps: Good for silverfish and centipedes.
  
  

• Perimeter granules or sprays: For outdoor moisture-loving bugs.
  
  

🧼 NATURAL PREVENTION TIPS

• Essential oils: Peppermint, clove, and citrus oils deter stink bugs, lady beetles, and silverfish.
  
  

• Soap and water: A spray bottle with dish soap and water kills boxelder bugs and stink bugs on contact.
  
  

• Vinegar spray: Mild deterrent for ants and beetles along entry points.
  
  

🛑 WHEN TO CALL A PRO

• Recurring infestations every season.
  
  

• If bugs are getting into wall voids or attics.
  
  

• You see thousands swarming windows or siding.
  
  

• You're seeing bugs in sensitive areas like medical or food-prep spaces.