What Bug Is in My House? Take This Quick Pest Quiz

1. Where did you first notice the bug?

Kitchen, pantry, counter, or near food Bedroom, mattress, couch, or bedding Bathroom, sink, shower, basement, or damp room Closet, carpet, rug, stored clothes, or fabrics On pets, clothing, or after being outside Flying around fruit, trash, sinks, windows, or lights

2. How does the bug move?

Crawls in a line or trail Jumps quickly Flies Runs very fast Moves slowly or seems attached to skin/clothing Hides quickly when disturbed

3. What does it look like?

Tiny and black or dark brown Small, oval, brown, or reddish-brown Fuzzy, striped, worm-like, or larva-looking Long body with many legs Small flying insect or gnat-like bug Looks like a spider or has long legs

4. What signs are you seeing?

Itchy bites, especially after sleeping or sitting Pets scratching or bugs found on pets Dark spots, stains, or droppings Bugs near crumbs, sugar, pet food, rice, flour, or stored food Bugs around overripe fruit, trash, drains, damp areas, or sticky spills Damage to clothes, rugs, wool, or stored fabrics

5. When do you notice them most?

Mostly at night Around sunset, evening, or after rain During the day near food In quiet storage areas or closets Around fruit, trash, sinks, drains, or damp rooms

6. How many are you seeing?

Just one or two A trail or line of many bugs Several flying bugs They keep coming back I keep finding larvae, skins, or small bugs in fabrics

7. About how big is the bug?

Very tiny, like a speck or pinhead Small, about apple seed size Small flying insect or gnat size Longer and thin-bodied Bigger than a tiny insect, easy to see from a distance

8. What body shape does it seem to have?

Insect-like body with 6 legs Spider-like or 8-legged Many legs or a long crawling body Winged, fuzzy, moth-like, or fly-like Larva-like, worm-like, fuzzy, or hairy

9. Is there moisture, food, or another attractant nearby?

Yes, near drains, sinks, bathrooms, trash, fruit, or damp areas Mostly near food, crumbs, rice, flour, pantry items, or pet food Mostly near beds, couches, carpets, or fabrics Mostly after being outside or around the yard I am not sure

10. Did anything happen before you noticed the bugs?

Recent travel, hotel stay, or used furniture Pets were outside, scratching, or recently treated for fleas/ticks New groceries, pet food, bird seed, flour, rice, or pantry items Overripe fruit, trash, leak, humidity, rain, clogged drain, or damp room More time outside, yard work, open windows, or warmer weather Stored clothes, rugs, blankets, wool, or fabric boxes were disturbed