Small, tiny bugs in house are a common issue for homeowners and renters. Fruit flies, fungus gnats, beetles, roaches, fleas, booklice, termites, springtails, and other bug species are found in homes all over the U.S. and are attracted to food and moisture. These pests usually lay eggs in damp and humid areas around the house and are more attracted to homes that are a mess, have cracks in the wall, and have inadequate ventilation. We're going to walk you through how to identify different types of bugs in a house, the causes of an infestation, as well as prevention and control tips.
Common Types of Tiny Bugs Found in Homes
Due to their small size and somewhat similar qualities, the bugs found in a house can be pretty difficult to identify, For example, tiny brown bugs in the kitchen can be completely different from the small, black insects in the bathroom.
However, here's how you can figure out exactly what tiny bugs in house are:
- Drain flies: these insects start out as tiny black worms and are found around plumbing, sinks, or drains because of the moisture in these environments. Also known as moth flies, these hairy insects have wings and will be found in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. The slime in drains is where the adult drain flies lay eggs and what the larvae eat.
- Fruit flies: small, dark pests that are found buzzing around kitchens, sink drains, garbage disposals, and other areas around the house where there's food are known as fruit flies. Fruit flies are attracted to overripe fruits, rotting vegetables, and fermented drinks like beer and wine.
- Gnats: you may want to also learn how to remove gnats, dark flies that are found in damp environments like bathrooms and laundry rooms. Though also found near food, unlike fruit flies, gnats don't lay their eggs in food and aren't attracted to fermented beverages.
- Carpet beetles: these are tiny, round insects that will either be black, white, brown, or yellow. When cleaning, you might have located these bugs in the upholstered furniture, rugs, wool throws, or other house items made out of natural fibers. These pests can also be found in kitchen and food storage areas where they'll eat animal or pet food and cereal.
- Caterpillars: during the larval stage of moths and butterflies, these bugs are known as caterpillars. Caterpillars are usually green or brown and are found in gardens, house plant soil, on the exterior walls of your house, corners of rooms, between window screens, and even the gap between window panes.
- Booklice: booklice populations are wingless insects that are found in bathrooms and laundry rooms. Learn how to make your own mold and mildew remover to get rid of these pests' food sources.
- Springtails: these small, jumping insects are found near bathtubs, drains, the basement, or other moist environments.
Understanding the different habits and preferences of these tiny bugs can help you identify them as well.
Causes of Infestations
Tiny bugs in house or apartment spaces can be caused by food and moisture, a messy or dirty home, and the architecture of a living space:
- Open doors and windows are usually how bugs in into houses, especially during the warmer months.
- Bugs will also find their way into homes through cracks in the wall, holes in the roof, or gaps in the flooring.
- Contaminated food, garbage, and other items brought into your home can also be why there's an infestation.
- Dampness caused by irrigation leaks or high humidity can encourage the widespread of springtails, booklice, and silverfish.
- A dirty, messy, and cluttered home is extremely attractive to bugs. If your bathroom or pantry has inadequate sanitation, they make the perfect breeding grounds for tiny bugs.
- Poorly ventilated areas mean stagnant air and the space is instantly more attractive to pests.
- Areas of the house where dust accumulates can also attract tiny bugs in house. Debris and dust in any area of the house are where some bugs make their home thrive.
Now that you know the different conditions that attract tiny bugs in house, you can move on to learning how to control pest populations and prevent infestation.
Prevention and Control
To prevent bugs from invading your house or control the bugs that have already found their way in, there are some measures you can take:
- Proper sanitation and regular cleaning can keep your house free of dust, debris, food, and moisture sources. Use a vacuum cleaner and the proper cleaning products for different areas of your home.
- Sealing potential entry points properly may include caulking or weather-stripping your windows and doors.
- Keep moisture levels around the house under control by cleaning up spills, fixing leaks, opening windows, and using a fan or dehumidifier as needed.
- Properly store away food in airtight containers or plastic bags to avoid attracting pests.
- Do research on the plants you bring into your home so that you're not unintentionally inviting pests in too like, creeping fig indoor.
- Maintain your garden and dispose of trash properly on a regular basis.
In addition to regularly inspecting your house for bugs, these tips will help you keep your home pest-free.
Natural and Non-toxic Methods to Control Tiny Bugs
The different natural and non-toxic methods you can choose from to control tiny bugs in house include:
- Essential oils: use peppermint or eucalyptus oil in a spray, or a diffuser, or apply it on a cotton ball and place it in the room you found bugs as a natural insect repellant.
- Sticky traps: you can buy sticky trap products from a home improvement store or grocery and simply place them in the usual bug hiding spots. To make a sticky trap more effective, use a food source or pheromones to attract insects. Also, opt for traps with bright colors because they're more attractive to bugs!
- Vacuuming: using a vacuum cleaner to physically remove bugs from an area is also effective and non-toxic.
- Lady bugs: you can invite natural predators like ladybugs into your home or out in your garden to eat other bugs.
- Beneficial fungus: homeowners can use certain types of fungi to attract and control tiny bug populations. For example, the fungus Beauvaria Bassiana can be used to control caterpillar populations.
These methods can be used to safely get rid of tiny bugs in house without the use of chemical products.
Chemical Products and Professional Pest Control
If natural remedies didn't work or if the infestation is out of hand, you can use chemical solutions instead:
- Traps: this pest control method includes sticky traps, glue traps, light traps, and bait traps.
- Pesticides: this chemical item can be bought as a liquid, powder, spray, or bait and is used to repel or kill insects. When using this type of pest control method, it is important to read product instructions and safety precautions well.
- Professional pest control: of course, calling a professional exterminator is an effective way to get rid of bugs in a house.
The best method to get rid of tiny bugs in house depends on your preference, the size of the infestation, and what kind of best you're dealing with.
Bottom Line: Tiny Bugs in House
Tiny bugs in house or apartment rooms are common and can happen to anyone as these bugs find their way into your home through open doors, windows, cracks in the wall, gaps in the floor, contaminated food, or other items. Before dealing with the infestation inside your home, you need to understand that each bug looks different, has certain habits, and will thrive in various areas of the house.
You'll also need to remember that having a messy, cluttered home, potential entryways, food or water sources, and poor ventilation are probably what attracted the bugs in the first place. When you're trying to solve a bug problem, you can do so with natural remedies or chemical products as long as you follow instructions for your own safety. If all else fails, consult an expert and avail of professional pest control services.
Tiny Bugs in House FAQs
What are the usual tiny bugs in house?
The usual tiny bugs in house include fruit flies, gnats, booklice, springtails, caterpillars, drain flies, and carpet beetles.
How can I tell what kind of little bug is in my house?
You can tell what kind of tiny bugs are in your house by their physical characteristics, habits, and where it's living or thriving.
How can I avoid and control a home invasion of microscopic insects?
Keep the home clean, well-ventilated, and seal any gaps or fissures in the walls to prevent and manage infestations.
What traits and actions do the usual small bugs found in houses exhibit?
Some traits or actions include the fact that fruit flies are drawn to overripe fruit, rotting vegetables, and fermented beverages in the kitchen while gnats are drawn to moisture in drains and other areas of the house. Booklice are usually found in areas where there's mold and mildew which means you'll find them in laundry rooms and bathrooms.
What are some ways to eradicate tiny pests from the home?
Some ways to get rid of tiny bugs in house include natural remedies, chemical products, or paying for a professional exterminator.
Are there any homemade or natural solutions for little bug infestations?
Yes, there are all-natural DIY repellants made out of essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus that can help with bug infestations.
How do small bugs affect food?
Food that's been stored away and infested by bugs can be inedible. Food preparation areas can be considered unsanitary if there are bugs flying or crawling around.
