Why Do I Have Bugs in My House?

Many homeowners are disconcerted to find bugs flying around their homes or crawling on the floor. Some insects fly in through the front door while others find their way in through small cracks and crevices. Properly identifying the types of bugs in your home is key to eliminating them and preventing an infestation.

Flying pests typically enter our homes when we go in and out our doors. House flies are common indoor pests, especially if homeowners have animals such as cattle and horses. House flies breed rapidly, laying their eggs in manure and garbage cans. Tears in window screens and cracks in door jambs can also let flies into our homes. Flies often feed on scraps of food found in our kitchens. House flies can spread intestinal diseases such as dysentery and diarrhea, states the University of Florida, IFAS Extension.

Bed bugs often come into our homes in contaminated furniture, in luggage and on used toys. These rusty-colored insects hide during the day in mattresses, box springs, piles of clothes and underneath beds. Bed bugs survive by feeding on the blood of humans and animals. These insects can't fly, but can move quickly throughout the house. Furniture such as couches are favorite places for bed bugs to hide. Bed bugs bite their victims at night, causing red swollen bite sites. People who have heavy infestations of bed bugs often experience intense itching that causes difficulty sleeping.

Cockroaches are found in every state in the United States, entering our homes through windows, doors and small cracks in the foundation. Cockroaches are often known as water bugs or palmetto bugs and they cause damage to books and clothing and can spread disease. Most large cockroaches, such as the American cockroach, are carried into our homes in grocery bags or on our clothing. Asian cockroaches are attracted to porch lights and enter when we go in and out of our doors. Most cockroaches hide in dark places during the day and come out at night to feed.

Regular inspection of book bags, grocery bags and lunch containers will help you spot insects in your home. Regular vacuuming will remove skin casts and insect feces that can cause adverse health effects. Inspect your mattress, box springs and under your bed for signs of insects such as bed bugs. Placing an encasement on your mattress and box springs can help reduce insect infestations. Avoid having piles of clothing or cardboard boxes in your home, as this provides insects with a place to breed and hide. Heavy insect infestations often require a professional exterminator to eliminate pests.