New Home, New Bugs: Insects To Look Out For When Moving

If you're moving to a new house this summer, you may encounter more than new neighbors. A new property might mean new bugs — including some that you may not have dealt with in your old living space.

Here are a few tips to help you identify five common house pests.

1. Earwigs

While the superstition that this bug might crawl into your ear may keep you up at night, you can let out a sigh of relief to know that it’s merely an old wives’ tale with no scientific backing. These six-legged insects can be identified by their gnarly pincers located at the back of their abdomen and elongated, flat bodies that vary in color from pale brown to reddish or black. And while not all earwig species can fly, the ones that do thankfully can only do so in short bursts.

2. Millipedes

Despite its name translating to “a thousand feet,” most millipede species have fewer than a hundred legs. This insect has a cylindrically shaped body that is often brown or darker in color and can be spotted rolled up in a spiral shape when disturbed. Not to be confused with a centipede, which resembles a small snake with legs, millipedes have a closer comparison to a harmless worm.

3. Silverfish

If you’ve spotted something with a teardrop-shaped body, three distinct bristle-like appendages protruding from its lower half, and antennas the same length as its body, you may have encountered a silverfish. These pests are commonly brown-colored with silvery-metallic scales and move in a fish-like motion, hence the name. You can spot these silvery bugs hanging out in damp, moist areas such as bathrooms, basements, and attics.        

4. Weevils

Commonly identified by their tell-tale long snouts, weevils belong to the beetle family. With over 3,300 different kinds of weevils in North America, ranging in size from 3mm to 10mm, these tiny insects can get into your stored pantry products and lay eggs that spoil your products. While these pests are harmless, by the time you spot weevils in your home, there’s likely already an infestation that will require professional-grade help to eradicate.

5. Termites

These pests cause billions of dollars in structural damage every year, so it’s important to know how to identify an infestation. If you’re not familiar with termites, you may confuse these pests with flying ants that look similar. You can recognize termites by their straight antennas, similar-sized paired wings, and a thick, straight waist. In comparison, flying ants have bent antennas, different-sized wings, and a distinct bent waist.

Don’t wait to call for assistance

If you spot a problem with unfamiliar bugs in your new home, give Stark Exterminators a call today. We’ll get your pests under control so you don’t have to.