Flying & Jumping Pests: Identification & Control GuideBy the Clark Pest Entomology Team | Last Updated: December 2, 2025 Key TakeawaysFlying and jumping pests fall into three main categories: Stinging (Wasps, Bees), Biting (Fleas, Mosquitoes), and Nuisance (Flies, Moths, Crickets). Identifying the behavior is the first step to control. Warning: If you see "flying ants" inside your home, verify they aren't termite swarmers, which can cause structural damage.Quick answer: Not all airborne bugs are the same. Some, like mosquitoes and fleas, are seeking a blood meal. Others, like wasps and bees, are defending a nest. And some, like pantry moths and fruit flies, are just after your food. Use the icons below to find your specific pest, or scroll down for our identification guide.
Quick Navigation Visual ID: Jumper vs. FlyerPest Categories (Biting vs. Stinging)Watch: Bite vs. Sting SafetyFrequently Asked QuestionsVisual ID: Is it a Jumper or a Flyer?Two of the most common complaints we receive are about pests that attack from the air (Wasps) or from the carpet (Fleas). Knowing the difference helps you treat the right area.The Jumper: Cat FleaTiny, dark, and wingless. They jump onto ankles and pets to bite.Photo: Katja ZSM via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 The Flyer: Paper WaspYellow and black with a pinched waist. Builds hanging paper nests.Photo: Alvesgaspar via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Know Your Enemy: 3 Types of Aerial PestsIdentifying the behavior tells you how to solve the problem.1. Stinging Insects (The Defenders)Wasps, Bees, Hornets. These pests generally won't bother you unless you get near their nest. They sting to defend their colony. Risk: Painful stings, allergic reactions.2. Biting Insects (The Hunters)Mosquitoes, Fleas. These pests actively seek you out for a blood meal. They track you by your body heat and CO2 breath. Risk: Itchy welts, disease transmission (West Nile, Typhus).3. Nuisance Insects (The Scavengers)Flies, Moths, Springtails. They don't bite or sting, but they infest your food, drains, and fabrics. Risk: Food contamination, damaged clothing. Watch: Insect Bite & Sting SafetyUnderstanding whether you are dealing with a mouth or a stinger is key to treatment. Learn the difference in this quick guide.Video: GotSafetyClark's Expert Insight"The most common mistake we see? Confusing Flying Ants with Termites. If you see a swarm of insects inside your home near a window, check the waist. If it's pinched, it's an ant. If it's thick and straight, it's likely a termite. Call us immediately for a professional ID."Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)What are the tiny jumping bugs in my house? ▶ If they are black or brown and biting your ankles, they are likely Fleas. If they are tiny, gray, and found near moisture (sinks, tubs) but do not bite, they are likely Springtails. Springtails are nuisance pests attracted to humidity. Is it a flying ant or a termite? ▶ Look at the body and wings. Flying Ants have a pinched "wasp" waist and bent antennae. Termites have a straight, thick waist and straight antennae. Also, termite wings are all the same length, while ants have longer front wings. How do I stop gnats and fruit flies? ▶ Sanitation is key. For Fruit Flies, remove overripe produce and take out the trash. For Fungus Gnats, stop overwatering your indoor plants. For Drain Flies, clean the organic slime out of your sink and shower drains. Are moths harmful to my house? ▶ They can be. Pantry Moths (Indianmeal Moths) infest dried goods like flour and cereal. Clothes Moths feed on natural fibers like wool and silk. While they don't bite humans, they destroy expensive food and fabrics. Serving California and Northern NevadaFrom the Central Valley to the high desert, our local technicians are ready to help. Find your local Clark branch here. Get a Free Inspection