What bugs destroy houses?

Check out this list of the top eight wood-destroying bugs you should be on the watch out for (and say goodbye to).
  • Formosan Subterranean Termite. ...
  • Asian Subterranean Termite. ...
  • West Indian Drywood Termite. ...
  • Carpenter Ants. ...
  • Carpenter Bees. ...
  • Bark Beetles. ...
  • Powderpost Beetles. ...
  • Old House Borers.


What insects cause the most damage to homes?

5 Pests That Can Cause the Most Damage to Your Home
  • Ants.
  • Cockroaches.
  • Termites.
  • Rodents.
  • Honeybees.
  • Keeping Pests Away from Your Home.


What insects destroy houses?

The Top 10 House Pests That Can Damage Your Home
  • Termites. Termites are number one for a reason – they can cause some serious damage. ...
  • Bed Bugs. Bed bugs are a tough pest. ...
  • Ants. There are several types of ants. ...
  • Bees. ...
  • Squirrels. ...
  • Rats and Mice. ...
  • Roaches. ...
  • Fruit Flies.


What is the hardest bug infestation to get rid of?

The three most difficult pests to exterminate are:
  • Termites.
  • Bed Bugs.
  • Cockroaches.


What kind of bug makes holes in walls?

Holes and cavities within walls can indicate the presence of termites. Walls are particularly susceptible to termite damage for a number of reasons: they are accessible from the ground, and their surface area is considerable.


10 Worst Bug Infested Houses



What bug eats through drywall?

Drywall, also called sheetrock, is used for walls and ceilings in homes. It is made of panels of plaster enclosed on both sides with thick sheets of paperboard. Since drywall is partially made of cellulose, termites can readily feed on the paper in drywall and cause damage.

What are the first signs of termites?

5 Signs of a Termite Infestation
  • Stuck Windows or Doors. Do you have a window or door that recently feels stuck, or suddenly became much harder to open or close? ...
  • Damage under Paint or Wallpaper. ...
  • Termite Swarmers & Discarded Wings. ...
  • Mud Tubes. ...
  • Termite Droppings.


How do I keep bugs out of my house permanently?

1. Eliminate Water and Food Sources
  1. Keep your kitchen counters and floors clean of crumbs.
  2. Store food in sealed containers.
  3. Regularly remove the garbage from your home.
  4. Rinse out your recyclables like plastic bottles and food containers.
  5. Avoid leaving dishes in the sink.
  6. Fix leaks and clean up spills as soon as possible.


How do I permanently get rid of bugs in my house?

Easy Ways to Get Rid of Stubborn Insects from Your Kitchen
  1. Neem for 200 Insect Species. ...
  2. Peppermint to Kill Insects and Spiders. ...
  3. Coffee Grounds for Stubborn Pests. ...
  4. Apple Cider Vinegar to Drive Moths and Drain Flies Away. ...
  5. Lavender for Fleas. ...
  6. Onion + Baking Soda for Cockroaches. ...
  7. Cinnamon to Kill Ants.


Can you completely bug proof your house?

Entomologists have been saying for years it's not possible to have a completely bug-proof home; now there are numbers to back that up. Scientists carefully collected all the arthropods (insects, spiders, mites, and crustaceans, among others) they found in 50 homes in North Carolina.

What kind of bugs should I worry about in my house?

Common Household Bugs in North America
  • Ants. Getty. According to the National Pest Management Association, ants are the biggest nuisance within American households. ...
  • Cockroaches. Getty. ...
  • Termites. Getty. ...
  • Flies. Getty. ...
  • Spiders. Getty. ...
  • Mosquitos. Getty. ...
  • Bees or Wasps. Getty.


How do you know if your house is infested?

8 Telltale Signs of Bug Infestation
  1. Bites. Getting bug bites after spending time outdoors, especially in the summer, is normal. ...
  2. Live Bugs. This is an obvious one. ...
  3. Dead Bugs. ...
  4. Droppings. ...
  5. Bad Odors. ...
  6. Tracks and Markings. ...
  7. Unexplained Noises. ...
  8. Damage to Your Home and Plants.


What insects can chew wood and destroy a house?

TERMITES. Termites cause more structural damage in the United States than any other insect. Subterranean species are the most destructive. They're found throughout the United States, but the Southeast and California have the heaviest infestations and sustain the most damage.

What is the number one household pest?

Termites are one of the U.S.'s most destructive pests with the average damage caused to a home between $7,000-$8,000 – and it's not covered by most house insurance policies!


How often should a house be pest sprayed?

When it comes to regularly scheduled pest control, we suggest having your home treated once a quarter or every two to three months.

What smell will keep bugs away?

Those most closely associated with repellency are citronella oil, eucalyptus oil, and catnip oil, but others include clove oil, patchouli, peppermint, and geranium.

What naturally keeps bugs away?

Lemongrass, citrus, peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, citronella, catnip, and lavender oils all possess properties that repel bugs. The oils can be used individually or combined to make a simple anti-bug potion. Mix about 1 cup of water with 25-30 total drops of oil into a small spray bottle.


What keeps bugs away overnight?

Citronella candles or citronella oil burners are a great way to repell insects. Citronella is a naturally occurring insect and animal repellent that works by masking scents that are attractive to insects.

Do bugs like clean houses?

With that being said, it's never a bad idea to keep the premises as clean as possible. Pests like cockroaches, rodents and ants seek out places where they can easily find food, and homes that aren't swept, vacuumed and scrubbed down regularly attract them like moths to a flame.

Why are there suddenly so many bugs in my house?

All types of pests seek food, warmth, shelter, and water. Cracks, crevices, and entry points in your home offer an opportunity to escape the outdoors. Box elder beetles, western conifer seed bugs, stink bugs, and cluster flies are a few common pests that can suddenly show up inside your home.


Do higher floors have less bugs?

Next time you climb the stairs, remember that insects, too, prefer lower levels. Survey findings revealed that as floor numbers increase, fewer types of insects thrive. Larger rooms, especially on the ground floor (or even below ground), harbored more insect diversity.

How long before termites destroy a house?

Although nobody knows for sure how long it takes for drywood termites to cause damage to structures, some pest control professionals estimate that drywood termite infestations can take as long as three to eight years to cause extensive damage in homes.

What kills termites instantly?

What chemical kills termites? There are two main chemicals used to kill termites—fipronil and hexaflumuron. Fipronil is the specially designed chemical used as an active ingredient in many different liquid termiticides. In high enough concentrations, it can kill termites on contact.


How fast can termites destroy a house?

With about 2 million termites working in the right condition they can cause significant damage within the first few months. A home can be totally destroyed in a year or two.

How do you know if bugs are in your walls?

You might often hear scratching on the walls, gnawing, squeaking, or scurrying. Larger bugs might also be heard if you listen closely. Holes and gnaw marks: Small holes in the walls and floors, or holes in or around the property are a giveaway of a possible infestation.