Other Pests

Common Other Pests We Treat

Earwigs

Earwigs are small, nocturnal insects known for their pincers and tendency to hide in damp, dark areas. While they don’t typically pose a direct threat to humans, they can become a nuisance when they enter homes in large numbers, especially during the warmer months.

Their name comes from an old myth that they crawl into human ears to lay eggs in the brain. While they like to hide in small crevices, this narrative is completely false.

Silverfish

These small, wingless insects thrive in humid environments and are often found in bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. Silverfish don’t bite or spread disease, but they do feed on paper, glue, and fabrics, making them a concern for stored items, such as books and clothing. They are nocturnal, fast-moving, and can live up to three years.

Boxelder Bugs

Boxelder bugs are most noticeable in the fall when they gather on sunny exterior walls and try to move indoors for warmth. Though they don’t cause structural damage, they can stain surfaces and become a persistent annoyance. They typically feed on tree sap, primarily from box elder, maple, and ash trees.

Pill Bugs & Sow Bugs

These pests are often mistaken for insects, but they’re actually crustaceans. They are attracted to moisture and commonly found in crawl spaces, basements, and around foundations. While they are harmless to humans and rarely damage healthy plants, they can become an annoyance.

Carpet Beetles

Carpet beetles can damage natural fibers, such as wool, silk, and leather. Their larvae are especially destructive, feeding on carpets, clothing, and upholstery. Controlling carpet beetles can be complex and requires long-term service measures. Regular maintenance and sometimes intensive treatments are required. Please ask us about removing these annoying pests.

Billbugs

Billbugs and white grubs hang out in turf grass in parts of Idaho. Both insects feed below ground and damage roots or the growing crown area of plants. Infestations also may attract predators, such as skunks and raccoons, that dig and damage lawns in search of the insects.

Centipedes & Millipedes

These multi-legged pests are typically found in damp areas, such as under trash, grass clippings, mulch, rotting firewood, or leaf litter. Centipedes can move quickly and may bite if disturbed, while millipedes are harmless but can become a nuisance in large numbers.

Centipedes often capture flies, cockroaches, and other household pests.

Fleas

Fleas are tiny, wingless, reddish-brown parasites that feed on the blood of mammals and birds, including pets and humans. They thrive in warm, humid conditions, often infesting homes, pet bedding, and carpets. They can cause red, itchy bumps on the skin and spread diseases like cat scratch fever.

Crickets

Crickets are closely related to grasshoppers. They have powerful hind legs for jumping and long antennae for sensing the environment. They prefer to live in damp environments and feed on decaying matter. They find mates by chirping, so finding them is often easy.

Keep Your Home Pest-Free

Controlling pests in and around your home requires knowledge, tools, and the right skillset to effectively and safely get the job done. Gem State Pest Solutions knows the pests in our area better than anyone else in the industry. We offer free services between regular maintenance applications to ensure you don’t have to wait for a solution if a problem arises.

Call our team in Southeast Idaho to discuss your pest control needs, and we’re sure to impress.