Do you know what kinds of bugs are scurrying around your home right now? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably “no.” But knowing which pests are common in your area can help you better prepare to prevent an infestation.
Several common house bugs love to call the Lone Star State home, which can be a real nuisance. From tiny ants to big cockroaches, plenty of insects can make their way into your home, searching for food or shelter.
While most of these bugs are harmless, some can carry diseases or cause allergic reactions. So it’s important to know what kinds of bugs you might be dealing with and how to prevent them from coming into your home in the first place.
Common House Bugs In Texas
As any Texan knows, dealing with pests is an unfortunate reality. From cockroaches to centipedes, critters can make their way into your home. Here are some common house bugs in Texas and how to prevent them:
1. Carpet Beetles
Carpet beetles are one of the most common insects found in homes across Texas. These small, fabric insects are attracted to dark, undisturbed areas like closets and attics, where they can feed on various items, including carpeting, clothing, and furniture.
They are primarily active in the spring season but can be found year-round. To get rid of carpet beetles, it’s essential to identify where they are hiding and then clean the area thoroughly. You may also need to treat your home with an insecticide to remove them altogether.
The larvae of the carpet beetles are what damage the fabrics made out of animal matter. The adult beetles do not bite humans or pets or carry any diseases. They can be black or brown with whitish spots and are not tiny, so you can spot them quickly if they enter your home. Carpet beetles generally don’t pose a threat to humans, but it’s essential to be aware of them and take steps to prevent an infestation in your home.
Regularly vacuum and dust your home to prevent an infestation, especially in areas where carpet beetles are likely to congregate.
2. Cockroaches
Cockroaches are one of the most unwelcome house guests that you can have. They are unsightly, but they can also carry a variety of diseases and trigger allergies in some people. These pests are usually active at night and prefer to hide in dark, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
The breeding cycle is quite fast, and if you don’t catch them early, the infestation can become quite severe. German Cockroaches are also a problem in Texas homes. These roaches hide in drier areas like the attic or inside electrical appliances. Wood Roaches are outdoor roaches that can take refuge in your yard or garden.
The tough-to-kill nature of cockroaches makes them one of the most dangerous house pests. They spread disease-causing bacteria and can contaminate food, making them a serious threat to public health. If you see cockroaches in your home, it’s best to hire a professional pest controller to get rid of them.
This is especially true if the infestation is severe or if you see cockroaches often in different areas of your home.
Also, be sure to remove any food sources they’re attracted to and seal any cracks or crevices that they might be using to enter your home.
Also Read: The Guide to Cockroaches in Texas
3. Millipedes
Millipedes are long, thin insects that can often be found in damp, dark areas like basements and crawlspaces. They will sometimes enter homes through small openings or cracks.
Dampness and food attract millipedes, who will often hide in kitchens and bathrooms. Heavy rains can drive them indoors as they look for drier conditions, while dry weather may lead them inside searching for water and cooler temperatures.
Omnivores like millipedes will feast on dead insects and animals when the opportunity presents itself. They don’t pose a threat to humans or pets but can cause skin irritation if their toxins contact your skin. If the toxin gets into your eyes, you can expect severe itchiness, redness, pain, and swelling. Millipedes don’t carry any risks of infestation when they’re inside your home.
While they are not harmful to humans, they can be a nuisance if they find their way into your home in large numbers.
To get rid of millipedes, you’ll need to remove any food sources that they’re attracted to and reduce the moisture in your home by fixing any leaks or increasing ventilation. Furthermore, you can also use pesticides or traps to kill them.
4. Silverfish
Silverfish are small, wingless insects whose silvery-grey color gets their name. They are often found in damp areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
These pests can be a nuisance as they feed on paper, clothing, and other fabrics. Additionally, they can also cause damage to your home if left unchecked.
They breed fast and are challenging to get rid of, so it’s essential to take steps to prevent them from entering your home in the first place.
To keep silverfish out, seal any cracks or gaps in your home’s exterior. Additionally, you can use a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture in your home, which will make it less hospitable for these pests.
You should also regularly vacuum and dust your home to remove any food sources that silverfish may be attracted to. If you do find silverfish in your home, contact a pest control professional to get rid of them.
5. Termites
Termites are small, wood-destroying insects that can be found in both urban and rural areas. These pests are most active during the spring and summer months.
The two worst termites that Texas homes can have are the destructive Formosan termite (a type of subterranean termite) and dry-wood termite.
- Formosan termites, also known as “super termites,” are particularly aggressive and destructive termites. They spread quickly, breed rapidly, and can cause extensive damage to homes. They are larger than regular subterranean termites and will attack anything near their colony. They attack from underground.
- The drywood termite is another type of termite that can cause severe damage to the structural wood of homes in Texas. These termites invade homes by flying into your home and, if left unchecked, can cause the entire structure to collapse. Professional help should be sought to eliminate these termites as DIY methods will not be effective.
While they are not harmful to humans, termites can cause a lot of damage to your home if left unchecked. They feed on wood, paper, and other cellulose materials, which can quickly lead to extensive structural damage.
If you think you might have termites in your home, it’s essential to contact a pest control professional right away. They will be able to properly assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.
Also Read: The Guide to Termites in Texas
6. Centipedes
Centipedes are long, thin insects that have many legs. They are often found in dark, damp places like basements and crawl spaces.
The outdoor centipede is a beneficial insect that preys on pests like aphids and mealworms, which can damage plants. Indoor centipedes will hunt bugs such as crickets, roaches, silverfish, and earwigs. They do not carry any diseases and don’t bring any infestation risks.
They can bite you if you try to touch or poke them, but their first reaction is to hide in the nearest crevice when they encounter someone.
While they are not harmful to humans, centipedes can be a nuisance. They often enter homes searching for food, including other insects and even small rodents.
To get rid of centipedes in your home, start by sealing gaps and cracks on floors and walls. You can also use peppermint essential oils as a repellent spray. Centipedes hate the smell of peppermint and eucalyptus oils.
In addition, clean your home regularly and get rid of any other bugs present as this will remove their food source.
Killing them is generally not advised as they are harmless. When squashed, the liquids that come out of their bodies can attract other bugs like ants and roaches.
Common Little Black Bugs In Texas Homes
Some of the most common little black bugs in your Texas home are gnats, drain flies, chinch bugs, carpenter ants, and crickets. Each type of bug has its unique characteristics and may require a different eradication method.
1. Gnats
Gnats are small, winged insects that are often mistaken for mosquitoes. They breed in damp areas, and their larvae can usually be found in potted plants or other moist areas inside the home. To get rid of gnats, it is important to eliminate their breeding grounds by allowing potted plants to dry out completely between watering and fixing any leaks around the home.
Also, contacting a professional pest company will help as they have developed immunity to most insecticides.
2. Drain Flies And House Flies
Drain flies and house flies are often found in areas where there is garbage or other decaying matter. They breed in standing water, so it is important to ensure that all drains are clear of debris and flowing freely. To get rid of these bugs, you can use a fly swatter or an electronic fly trap. You can also contact a professional pest company for help with eradication.
3. Chinch Bugs
Chinch bugs are small, black bugs that feed on the sap of plants. They are most commonly found in lawns and gardens and can cause extensive damage to grass and other plants. They are difficult to control and can be a severe problem for homeowners. To get rid of chinch bugs, you can use a garden hose to spray them off of plants or contact a professional pest controller for help.
4. Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are another type of black bug found in Texas homes. These ants are attracted to wood and can cause damage to your home if they are not controlled.
Wood-boring carpenter ants present a serious risk to the furniture in your home by nesting inside it. They are challenging to eliminate from your home because they build multiple nests in different areas, which can be hard to spot.
If you have a carpenter ant problem, it is best to call a professional pest controller for assistance.
Also Read: Signs of Carpenter Ants in House
5. Crickets
Crickets are small, black insects that often invade homes in the fall. They can be a nuisance as they make a chirping sound and damage clothing and other fabric items.
Light is the main attractant for crickets to enter your home. They are primarily active at night and are attracted to light sources, such as from open doors and windows in your home.
Crickets can also be attracted to food stains on your bed sheets and other fabrics. They will chew through the fabric to get to the food, which can cause holes and damage the fabric.
Other potential attractants for crickets include socks, table sheets, and curtains or drapes. To get rid of crickets, you can use an insecticide or contact a professional pest company for help.
Bugs That Bite In Texas
The common pests that bite include:
1. Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are reddish-brown in color, oval in shape, and flat. Bed bugs can be found in cracks and crevices in furniture, bedding, and walls. They are often active at night and bite their victims while sleeping. Bed bug bites can cause itching, redness, and swelling. In some cases, they can also lead to skin infections.
2. Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are small, flying insects that suck the blood of humans and animals. They are dark gray or black with white stripes on their legs. Mosquitoes can be found near standing water, such as ponds and lakes. They are most active at dawn and dusk. Mosquito bites can cause itching, redness, and swelling. In some cases, they can also transmit diseases, such as malaria and the West Nile virus.
Also Read: Mosquito Repellant Plants in Texas
3. Biting Ticks
Ticks are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are often brown or black with a hard shell. Ticks can be found in tall grasses and woods. They are most active in the spring and summer months. Ticks can attach themselves to their victims and feed for several days. Tick bites can cause itching, redness, and swelling.
4. Biting Mites
Mites are tiny arthropods that are related to spiders and ticks. Mites usually live in humid or moist environments and can often be found in bird nests, mattresses, upholstered furniture, and carpeting. Mites can bite humans, leaving red, itchy welts on the skin. If you think a mite has bitten you, seek medical attention immediately.
Common House Bugs in Texas
| Image | Common House Bugs in Texas | Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
 | Roaches | Animalia |
| Ants | Animalia |
 | Spiders | Animalia |
 | Scorpions | Animalia |
 | Rats | Animalia |
 | Mice | Animalia |
 | Termites | Animalia |
 | Wasps | Animalia |
 | Mosquitoes | Animalia |
 | Bed Bugs | Animalia |
 | Fleas | Animalia |
 | Ticks | Animalia |
 | Chiggers | Animalia |
 | Crickets | Animalia |
 | Cicadas | Animalia |
 | Kissing bugs | Animalia |
 | Centipedes | Animalia |
 | Millipedes | Animalia |
 | Carpet Beetles | Animalia |
 | Silverfish | Animalia |
 | Gnats | Animalia |
| Drain Flies | Animalia |
| House Flies | Animalia |
| Chinch Bugs | Animalia |
FAQs
What Are These Tiny Bugs In My House?
There are many different types of tiny bugs that can infest your home. You can identify it from the list above. Be sure to contact a pest library for a free estimate, complete the form, and they’ll help with the obligation inspection and preferred date to clear.
How Do I Identify A Bug?
Use a magnifying glass to get a good look at the bug. If it is black and has six legs, it is most likely a beetle. If it is red or brown and has wings, it is probably a fly. If it is small and white, it could be an ant or a termite.
What Are These Tiny Black Bugs On My Window Sill?
These are called window mites or spider mites. They are very tiny creatures that live off the moisture in the air around your windows. They can be controlled by regularly cleaning your windowsills and frames with soapy water. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to suck them up.
What Do Window Mites Look Like?
Window mites are very small, black bugs that live on your windowsills. They are harmless but can be a nuisance. You can control them by vacuuming them up or using a damp cloth to wipe them away.
If you have any questions or concerns about getting rid of common house bugs in Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, or any other part of Texas, be sure to contact a professional pest control company like us for assistance.
