Crawling Pests: Identification & Control Guide

By the Clark Pest Entomology Team | Last Updated: December 2, 2025

Key Takeaways

Crawling pests fall into three main threats: Wood Destroyers (Termites, Carpenter Ants), Health Risks (Cockroaches, Ticks), and Nuisance Pests (Earwigs, Silverfish). Accurate identification is critical—mistaking a Termite for an Ant can lead to costly structural damage.

Quick answer: Not sure what just scurried under your fridge? California homes are common targets for ants, spiders, and cockroaches seeking water. Use the icons below to find your specific pest, or scroll down for our "Ant vs. Termite" visual guide.

Crawling Pests

Please click on one of the following types of crawling pests for more information.
These are common pests which Clark Pest Control can help you get rid of.

Carpenter Ant

Ants

9 Different Types

Varied Carpet beetle

Beetles

1 Type

Cockroach_Oriental

Cockroaches

3 Different Types

Earwig

Earwigs

1 Type

Pillbug

Pillbugs

1 Type

Silverfish

Silverfish and Firebrats

2 Different Types

Cellar Spider

Spiders

4 Different Types

Subterranean-Termite

Termites

3 Different Types

Tick_WesternBlacklegged

Ticks

1 Type

Bed Bug

True Bugs

1 Type

Visual ID: Is it an Ant or a Termite?

This is the most expensive mistake homeowners make. Flying ants are annoying; Termite swarmers are destructive. Know the difference.

Ant (Pinched Waist)

Ant (Nuisance): Pinched "wasp" waist. Bent (elbowed) antennae. Front wings longer than back wings.

Photo: Sam Kieschnick (CC BY 4.0)

Termite Swarmer (Thick Waist)

Termite (Destroyer): Thick, straight waist. Straight antennae. All four wings are equal length.

Photo: Ken-ichi Ueda (CC BY 4.0)

Know Your Enemy: 3 Types of Crawling Pests

1. Wood Destroying Pests

Termites, Carpenter Ants, Powderpost Beetles. These pests eat or hollow out the structural wood of your home.
Risk: High. Expensive structural repairs.

2. Disease Vectors

Cockroaches, Ticks, Rodents. These pests carry bacteria (Salmonella, E. coli) or transmit diseases (Lyme disease) to humans and pets.
Risk: High. Health hazards.

3. Nuisance Pests

Earwigs, Silverfish, Pillbugs. They are gross and may damage paper/fabric, but they don't bite humans or destroy houses.
Risk: Low. Annoyance and minor property damage.

 

Watch: The Bugs in Your Home

Discover the diversity of arthropods living indoors in this fascinating educational clip.

Video: Untamed Science

Clark's Expert Insight

"Most crawling pests are entering your home for one reason: Water. If you have a sudden invasion of ants, earwigs, or roaches, check your exterior. Is a sprinkler hitting the foundation? Is a hose dripping? Fix the moisture, and you solve 50% of the pest problem."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which crawling pests are dangerous? ▶
Black Widow Spiders and Ticks are the most medically significant pests in California. Cockroaches are also dangerous because they spread asthma-triggering allergens and bacteria like Salmonella.
Do I need to treat for earwigs or pillbugs? ▶
Usually, no. These are "occasional invaders" that wander in seeking moisture. They die quickly indoors. Sealing cracks and reducing moisture is often enough to stop them without heavy pesticides.
What kills all crawling bugs? ▶
There is no "silver bullet." Ants require bait (so they take poison back to the queen), while roaches may require growth regulators. General perimeter sprays help, but identifying the specific pest is key to total elimination.

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