What Are These Tiny Crawling Bugs in my House!?

They say that every creature has its place in the world. While scientifically, that may be true, we as humans are still mortified when some of these tiny creatures invade our living space.

If you’ve asked yourself, what are these tiny crawling bugs in my house, look no further. This is a list of the most common small bugs you may find making their way into your home.

Bed Bugs

Oh, the horror. Even the mere mention of bed bugs is enough to send one running for the hills. But they are more common than you think in the average dwelling.

These wingless bugs have small, flat, oval-shaped bodies. They are usually brown in color and tend to measure between 4 to 5 mm. They move relatively slowly, and you can see them with the naked eye, ranging from the size of the head of a pin to an apple seed.

Bed bugs are transported by humans, usually in our personal belongings, such as luggage, gym bags or purses, and items kept in sleeping areas, such as blankets and pillows. They are more than happy to hitchhike a ride with you back to your home.

Will Bed Bugs Go Away On Their Own?

Probably not. It takes just one fertile female to cause an infestation. Each female can produce between 200-500 eggs during her lifetime and lay eggs several times a week.

They are commonly seen in the seams of mattresses or box springs. It is often their excrement that is noticed first; brown to black stains on fabric or linens.

You may even see blood stains from where they may have been crushed. Because of their small size, controlling an infestation of bed bugs is extremely difficult.

Should I Call An Exterminator For Bed Bugs?

Yes. No one should have to suffer through a bed bug infestation. A licensed exterminator should be called immediately to prevent the problem from getting even more out of hand. 

Ants

Ants. We are all familiar with these pesky creatures that show up unannounced to the party. What you are likely seeing is worker ants, wingless females that gather food to feed the larvae.

These unwanted guests don’t just invade picnics; they will invade anywhere there is food. And that includes in the home. Most often, poor sanitation is the primary cause. Dirty dishes left in the sink, crumbs on the floor, and food residue left on countertops are primary food sources for ants.

Ants leave an invisible pheromone trail, which essentially invites their friends once they have located a food source. 

Will Ants Go Away On Their Own?

I wouldn’t count on it. Colonies of ants can reach upwards of 500,000, and they reproduce quickly. They can nest anywhere in the home and easily get inside through minuscule cracks in the walls or floors.

They also carry bacteria on their bodies, which spreads across countertops and throughout pantries.

Should I Call An Exterminator For Ants?

If you want them gone, then yes. A colony of ants can live a long time, with workers living up to 7 years and the queen living more than twice that!

While you can buy do it yourself ant killer over the counter, these treatments only kill the ants you can see. You will need a professional exterminator to treat all areas and destroy the nests to prevent them from coming back. And it will greatly depend on the type of ant you have, as they require different treatments. 

German Cockroaches

If you think you have cockroaches, chances are you have German cockroaches. These are the smallest and most common cockroaches found on the planet. At 1/2 inch to 5/8 of an inch, they are most often associated with restaurants, hotels, nursing homes, and other facilities.

They have light brown to tan coloring with two parallel stripes on their back. While they have wings, they don’t usually fly. Instead, you will see them scampering across surfaces in the light.

But you may also be able to identify them through their droppings, which appear as small, pepper-like dots left on countertops or drawers. You may even notice the stains left by fecal matter, as it appears as dark spots around the openings in walls. 

Will German Cockroaches Go Away On Their Own?

No. In fact, they have been linked to outbreaks of illness in people. Aside from spreading bacteria and parasitic worms, they carry several other types of human pathogens.

German cockroaches can also cause allergic reactions and make asthma symptoms worse, especially in children. They also reproduce quickly, with the average development being about 100 days. Females only need to mate once to reproduce. 

Should I Call An Exterminator For German Cockroaches?

It’s vital. Over-the-counter methods have proven ineffective. These creatures are very good at hiding, making their eggs almost immune to do it yourself methods. Without the help of an exterminator, fighting a battle with cockroaches will prove a no-win situation. 

Silverfish

You pull a book from the shelf at the library and open it, only to have several tiny silver bugs appear. Gross! Silverfish have been around for 100 million years….before dinosaurs roamed the earth! And yet, they are still around.

Tiny, shiny grey bugs, the silverfish is anywhere from a 1/2 an inch to an inch long. Silverfish like most climates but prefer to dwell in dark areas like basements or attics.

They are especially fond of paper, so they are often found in boxes stored in sheds or garages or old books. They find their way into our homes through foundation cracks or gaps around doors.

We often transport them when bringing home cardboard boxes or containers. 

Will Silverfish Go Away On Their Own?

Chances are, once they have made a home in your living space, silverfish are there to stay. And they will ruin your belongings by eating through everything from boxes to books to clothing.

While they don’t carry diseases, they shed their skins, leaving them throughout your home. This can cause allergic reactions in some people, adding to the frustration of having them living in your home. 

Should I Call An Exterminator For Silverfish?

Silverfish can be difficult to control, particularly in houses that have wooden shingles. Shingles are prone to mold, which is on the menu for the silverfish, and this is often where they hang out.

It’s very hard to treat an infestation in your home’s roof because it’s challenging to reach all the areas. And most of the over-the-counter treatment isn’t adequate for treatment. Because it can be such a problem, it is best to reach out to a trained exterminator to take care of your silverfish problem. 

Fleas

The common flea. Tiny and reddish-brown, the flea is about 2.5mm long and has long been a problem amongst humans and animals.

The most common infestations are from our pets, as the flea attaches itself to the fur and will gladly make its home there. Because fleas need blood to survive, they will often go from host to host, looking for food. And that includes people. 

Will Fleas Go Away On Their Own?

Seldom. And they can leave the people and animals they bite with several swollen marks. They can also cause allergic reactions and transmit diseases.

The flea was primarily responsible for the transmission of the Black Plague! And today, the number of illnesses caused by fleas has grown considerably. 

Should I Call An Exterminator For Fleas?

Absolutely. The worst thing about a flea infestation is the time and effort it takes to remove it. Not only do infected animals need to be treated, but the surrounding areas as well.

It is essential to have a trained professional do a thorough inspection in your home and treat all the areas that fleas are present. 

To learn more about these bugs click on the links below:
Ants
Cockroaches
Silverfish