Identify Your Pest: Crawling Insects

Updated: Jul 9

Identification: Small (1/16 to 1/8 inch), dark brown or black bodies with a distinct three-segment structure. Odorous house ants release a rotten, coconut-like smell when crushed.
Behavior and Signs: Travel indoors along defined foraging trails on countertops, baseboards, and sinks; prioritize sweet or greasy food sources.
Risk Factor: Do not cause structural damage or transmit major medical diseases, but rapidly contaminate food products and form massive, frustrating indoor colonies.
Resource: Washington State University Extension: Odorous House Ants or the University of California IPM: Ant Management Guidelines.

Identification: Oval, flat bodies with long antennae. German roaches are tan with two dark stripes; Oriental roaches are shiny black.
Behavior and Signs: Hide in dark, tight cracks near moisture; leave pepper-like droppings and musty odors.
Risk Factor: Trigger asthma and allergies; contaminate food with pathogens like E. coli.
Review the resource link below for photos with additional facts
Resource: University of California IPM: Cockroach Management

Identification: Cylindrical bodies, long antennae, and large hind legs modified for jumping.
Behavior and Signs: Distinctive, loud chirping at night; gather in warm, damp basements or crawlspaces.
Risk Factor: Nuisance pest; can chew and damage fabrics like wool and silk.
Review the resource link below for photos with additional facts
Resource: Iowa State University Extension: Crickets

Identification: Elongated, reddish-brown bodies with a prominent pair of forceps-like pincers at the tail.
Behavior and Signs: Hide under mulch, rocks, and doormats during the day; seek indoor moisture during dry spells.
Risk Factor: Primarily a garden nuisance; do not transmit diseases or bite humans.
Review the resource link below for photos with additional facts
Resource: Oregon State University Extension: Earwigs

Identification: Worm-like, segmented bodies with two pairs of legs per body segment; curl into a tight spiral when disturbed.
Behavior and Signs: Migrate in large numbers into basements after heavy rains; feed on decaying organic matter.
Risk Factor: Harmless to structures; some species secrete a mild fluid that can irritate skin.
Review the resource link below for photos with additional facts
Resource: Penn State Extension: Millipedes

Identification: Slate-gray, armored, oval bodies that roll completely into a ball when threatened.
Behavior and Signs: Found under potted plants, rocks, and damp debris; require high moisture to survive.
Risk Factor: Strictly a nuisance indoor pest; indicator of high moisture or wood rot nearby.
Review the resource link below for photos with additional facts
Resource: University of Minnesota Extension: Pillbugs

Identification: Shiny, silver-blue, carrot-shaped bodies with three long, tail-like appendages at the rear.
Behavior and Signs: Fast, fluid, fish-like movements; prefer humid bathrooms, basements, and bookcases.
Risk Factor: Feed on starch and glue; damage wallpaper, book bindings, and stored paper goods.
Review the resource link below for photos with additional facts
Resource: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Silverfish

Identification: Hard, shell-like forewings (elytra); sizes and colors vary wildly based on species.
Behavior and Signs: Irregular holes chewed in wool rugs, clothing, or dynamic infestations found in dry pantry goods.
Risk Factor: Destroy stored food products, taxidermy, natural fibers, and historical textiles.
Review the resource link below for photos with additional facts
Resource: USDA Agricultural Research Service