The Ultimate Guide to 26 Household & Outdoor Pests in PA

When it comes to bugs, we’re seriously outnumbered. We always have been—and we always will be. While there are around 7.7 billion humans on planet Earth, there is an estimated 10 quintillion (that’s 10,000,000,000,000,000,000) bugs living amongst us. 

For the most part, many of these bugs don’t bother us. But when they begin infringing upon the places where we live and hang out, then we start to think of them as “pests”—and pests are a problem.

Of the numerous different insect species out in the world, there are certain ones that are more problematic here on our properties in Pennsylvania.

That’s why we’ve rounded up 26 of the most common household and outdoor pests in PA. We want you to be able to identify, prevent, and control pests that could be bugging you.

Table of Contents

(Click on any pest below to jump to that section.)

Identification Facts

• Dark brown to shiny black in color
• Around ⅛ inch long
• Very strong odor when crushed

Prevention Tips

• Wipe up anywhere that food debris may linger (counters, cupboards, under ovens, in the sink, and any other surfaces) as ants love feasting on tiny crumbs or spills.
• Seal up any cracks or crevices where ants commonly find their way inside.
• Trim back shrubs and trees that are close to the house, which Odorous House Ants will use as an entry point.

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Identification Facts

• Light-brown or black
• Striations or “lines” found on the head and thorax
• Around ⅛ inch long

Prevention Tips

• Like Odorous Ants, these ants are likely to seek food. Wipe up anywhere that food debris may linger (counters, cupboards, under ovens, in the sink, and any other surfaces) as ants love feasting on tiny crumbs or spills
• Seal up any cracks or crevices where ants commonly find their way inside.
• Be prepared during times of extreme moisture or drought when these ants are more likely to come indoors in search of dry ground or water.

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Identification Facts

• These ants are black.
• They range from ⅜ to ½ inch long
• They leave behind sawdust in their nest-building path

Prevention Tips

• Cut back tree limbs or branches that can serve as “bridges” to your home.
• Check your firewood as Carpenter Ants love to nest there. Keep woodpiles far from the home.
• Seal all cracks and gaps in your home’s exterior.

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Identification Facts

• We know there’s a good chance we don’t have to tell you how to identify a spider. These creatures are known for their eight legs, making them an “arachnid,” not an insect.
• In terms of spider types, the most common that we see in PA include Garden Spiders, Hobo Spiders, Grass Spiders, and Wolf Spiders. The latter is a larger-sized spider (ranging from a half-inch to two inches) and generally hairy. While they look scary, Wolf Spiders are non-aggressive and rarely bite humans.

Prevention Tips

• First and foremost, you’ll want to do what you can to keep spiders out of your home in the first place. Keep branches trimmed and away from the house. Seal up cracks and other entry points.
• Spiders are master hiders and once inside your home, really do not want to be found. One of the best ways to discourage spiders is to keep your home as neat and tidy as possible. Of course, we know that’s not always simple. You’re most likely to find spiders in faraway corners in the basement or anywhere else they feel they can stay hidden.
• Recognize that other pests are likely drawing spiders in. If you have a porch light on all of the time and that’s naturally attracting flying insects, there’s a good chance that spiders are lurking nearby too.

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Identification Facts

Carpenter Bees have a fuzzy yellow and black front end and dark, shiny backend.

Carpenter Bees are best identified (and separated from bumblebees, which they are commonly confused with) by the damage they cause. They can leave behind sawdust in the wake of their damage.

Prevention Tips

Fill holes in any wood in the exterior of your home as these will automatically attract Carpenter Bees.

Don’t allow the wood to become wood damaged, as water-damaged wood also attracts Carpenter Bees.

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Identification Facts

• Around ¾ inches to 1 inch long
• Brownish-black with red or yellow markings
• Builds nests on high structures

Prevention Tips

• Food supplies from trash cans, sugary drinks, or even hummingbird feeders can attract wasps to your property so keep these cleaned or put away.
• Wasps often utilize rotting tree bark, old fencing, or water-damaged wood from decks to build their best material so fix or remove old wood.
• Block off areas wasps can get into such as filling holes in the deck, fixing and sealing old fences, and replacing damaged siding.

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Identification Facts

• They are known for their black and yellow stripes.
• Yellowjackets have a distinctive, segmented body with a thin waist.
• They have a side-to-side flight pattern ahead of their landing.

Prevention Tips

• Because Yellowjackets love human food, practice good sanitation habits. Keep garbage cans closed and be alert to Yellowjackets when eating outside.
• Some Yellowjackets nest in the ground so fill in any rodent holes that might seem like an easy spot to take cover. Be aware of a possible threat while mowing.

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Identification Facts

• Thin waist between the thorax and abdomen
• Larger than other stinging insects (around 1 inch or even longer)
• Most hornets are black and white or black, brown, and yellow.

Prevention Tips

• Hornets love sweets and sugars so clean up food spills and keep trash can lids sealed tightly.
• Have a professional remove old nests so that hornets are not encouraged to return.

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Identification Facts

• Black with some yellow markings or stripes
• Brown wings
• Solitary ground dwellers

Prevention Tips

• Making sure your lawn is well-taken care of is said to be one of the best ways to prevent Cicada Killers from nesting. They tend to prefer unhealthy, sparse lawns.

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Identification Facts

• Brown/tan color
• Elongated body
• Dozens of legs

Prevention Tips

• Centipedes are predators and feed on other insects. Removing pests from interiors can really help. 
• Remove clutter. Centipedes love hiding spaces.
• Seal cracks and entryways.
• Centipedes require a highly humid environment and will seek out basements and humid spots. Addressing a humidity problem can naturally prevent centipedes.

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Identification Facts

Brownish colored

• Long and slender - looks a lot like worms with legs
• Segmented with two pairs of legs per segment
• Hangs out in basements, crawlspaces, and garages

Prevention Tips

• Seal cracks, gaps, windows, and crevices where these pests can make their way in.
• Reduce moisture and humidity as these pests favor a moist environment.
• Remove clutter since these pests like to “hide.”

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Identification Facts

• Shiny gray or silver in color
• ½ inch to an inch long
• Carrot-shaped body with no wings

Prevention Tips

• Limit their food source by cleaning up crumbs, spills, and sealing food.
• Vacuum carpets regularly to address crumbs.
• Remove excess moisture by addressing humidity, which Silverfish tend to be attracted to.

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Identification Facts

• These insects are tiny ranging around 0.25 to 6 mm.
• These pests “jump” like fleas, which is why they are often mistaken for them.
• Unlike fleas, which have a flat and hard body, Springtails are more rounded with a soft body.

Prevention Tips

• Be aware these pests often come in during dry weather or after a heavy rain. They do see out moisture, dampness, and humidity so addressing a moisture issue can help prevent them.
• Springtails are attracted to light.

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Identification Facts

• A slender brown insect
• Features two antennae, six legs, and three body parts
• Tell-tale pincers on the end of the abdomen

Prevention Tips

• This is yet another insect that loves a humid, moist environment so addressing a humidity problem in your house may help keep them away.
• They’re generally attracted to topsoil outside of the home. Keep mulch, dead leaves, and other vegetation away from your home’s foundation.
• Seal cracks, gaps, and holes where Earwigs can enter your home.

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Identification Facts

• Wingless, oval, and slightly elongated (or can roll into a round ball)
• Dark brown to black
• Around ¾ inch in size

Prevention Tips

• This is yet another insect that loves a humid, moist environment so removing piles of grass clippings and leaves around the property will prevent them from infesting these areas. Similarly, store firewood off the ground and away from your home.
• Make sure that basements, crawlspaces, and attics are well-ventilated.
• Vacuum regularly.

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Identification Facts

• Adult crickets are usually light yellowish to brown in color.
• Crickets have thread-like antennae that are often longer than their body.
• Sometimes cricket noises (they are known for their loud chirping) or damage (chewed fabric) are identified ahead of the actual crickets.

Prevention Tips

• Prevent future infestations by reducing areas of moisture in and around the home.
• Mow the lawn, keep plant beds tidy, and move firewood piles away from the home, to prevent hiding spots for crickets.
• Seal possible entry points, including cracks around windows and door frames.

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Identification Facts

• Black with red or orange markings
• Flattened and elongated oval body
• Around a ½ inch in size

Prevention Tips

• Repair holes in windows and door screens.
• Seal cracks and other entry points.
• Trim your Boxelder trees regularly.

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Identification Facts

• Brown in color
• Looks as though it is carrying an armored shield on its back
• Around ⅝ inches in size

Prevention Tips

• Address entry points by sealing cracks around windows, doors, and siding.
• Stink Bugs may also enter through chimneys, electrical outlets, ceiling light fixture openings, or skylights. Seal up any cracks or openings in these areas.
• Reduce moisture sites as they prefer humidity.

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Identification Facts

• Flat and oval in shape
• 6 legs
• Ranging in size from ½ inch to ⅝ inches
• Light brown or tan in color and distinguished by two dark stripes

Prevention Tips

• In general, cockroaches hang around food sources so keeping counters, floors, cupboards and all other food surfaces as clean as possible is important.
• Vacuum frequently to keep crumbs cleaned up.
• Dispose of garbage regularly.
• Recognize that cockroaches can “hitch a ride” into even the cleanest homes in grocery bags and cardboard boxes. They are always looking for a way in.

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Identification Facts

• Oval-shaped and up to 2 inches in length
• 6 legs
• Reddish-brown in color witty yellowish figure-8 pattern on the head

Prevention Tips

• All cockroaches will hang around food sources so keeping crumbs and spills cleaned up is important. Store food in air-tight containers and even avoid leaving pet food out.
• Vacuum regularly to keep all crumbs off the floors.
• Inspect packages and groceries upon bringing them in.

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Identification Facts

• Shiny black in color (somewhat resembling a beetle)
• Oval-shaped with 6 legs
• Around 1 inch long

Prevention Tips

• Again, sanitation is key. All cockroaches will hang around food sources so keeping crumbs and spills cleaned up is important. Store food in air-tight containers and even avoid leaving pet food out.
• Prevent moisture build-up with a dehumidifier since roaches like moist spaces.
• Seal up entry points from the exterior.

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Identification Facts

• You may be more likely to see signs of a mouse infestation ahead of actually seeing any mice. Mouse droppings are one of the first identifying factors that homeowners see.
• Gnawed plastic or furniture is another telltale sign of a mouse infestation.
• Also, look for tracks left behind by these scurrying creatures.

Prevention Tips

• Similar to other pests, a great way to prevent mice is to eliminate their food source by keeping a neat and tidy house. But like other pests, mice are likely to find the smallest of crumbs.
• Seal up entry points. Like other pests, mice are making their way inside from the outdoors.

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Identification Facts

• You are more likely to see vole holes and tunnels before you see any of these creatures.
• Voles mostly inhabit grassy areas but they will also travel to your garden or plant beds. If your plants are struggling, it is possible the roots may have been eaten by a vole (particularly if you know you have a vole problem).

Prevention Tips

• Mow your lawn regularly and properly.
• Eliminate weeds and groundcover as voles love this excess vegetation.
• Remove certain plant species, such as Junipers, if there is extensive damage.
• Check on your garden and plants regularly, aiming to identify problems early on.

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Identification Facts

• Small heads, large eyes, and ranging in color from gray/brown to black with white, green, or blue markings
• Often identified by their “bites.” Mosquitoes have long beak-like, sucking mouthparts that they use to feed on blood.

Prevention Tips

• Get rid of areas of stagnant water to prevent breeding sites. Empty kiddie pools, overturn buckets and wheelbarrows left in the yard, and clean gutters.
• Keep the yard neat and tidy. Mosquitoes love overgrowth as hiding spots.
• Implement an effective Mosquito Control program that will keep these pests away in the first place.

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Identification Facts

• Fleas are tiny, usually measuring between 1 to 3 mm in length. Therefore, most people don’t realize they have a flea problem until there is a full-blown infestation.
• You may spot your pet’s symptoms before seeing any fleas. These include lots of scratching, licking, and biting of their fur.
• Once fleas come inside of your home (on your pet’s fur), you may see them hopping on drapery, carpets, and furniture.

Prevention Tips

• For one, even if you are having your yard treated for flea prevention, you’ll still want to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations to protect your pet with any medication they advise. After all, your pets could still pick up fleas from another location (even if your yard is protected).
• The best way to prevent fleas from hanging around your yard is to implement professional control. This is superior to any DIY products that might be sold at the local hardware store or big box store.

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Identification Facts

• There are many species of ticks but the most common in PA are the American Dog Tick, the Black-Legged Tick, the Lone Star Tick, and the Groundhog Tick. Black-Legged Ticks are carriers of Lyme Disease.
• Most Ticks have pear-shaped bodies and become engorged with blood when they feed.
• Ticks have 8 legs.

Prevention Tips

• Maintain regularly mowed grass since ticks prefer tall grass.
• If you have areas on your property where ticks commonly hide and feed on rodents (such as grassy or wooded areas), wear long sleeves and pants when working in these areas.
• Regularly check for ticks when coming indoors.
• While there are DIY products for tick prevention, the best way to keep these pests away is professional control.
• Eliminate rodent habitats.

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