Common Household Pests Identification Guide

This free guide is provided by St Matthews Exterminating, your local Pest Control team serving Louisville and the surrounding area. Below is everything you need to know — and if you'd rather just talk to a person, call us at (833) 889-8250 for a free, no-obligation assessment.

Knowing what you're dealing with is the first step to getting rid of it. Here are the household pests homeowners encounter most, and why each matters.

Ants

Trails in kitchens and along baseboards usually mean a nearby colony. Some species nest in walls or damage wood. Sealing food and entry points helps, but persistent trails call for treatment of the source.

Cockroaches

Active at night and drawn to moisture and food. They spread bacteria and trigger allergies and asthma. Seeing one in daylight often signals a larger hidden population.

Rodents

Droppings, gnaw marks, and scratching in walls point to mice or rats. They contaminate food, chew wiring (a fire risk), and reproduce quickly — fast action matters.

Spiders, wasps & stinging insects

Most spiders are harmless, but some bites need care. Wasp and hornet nests near entries pose a stinging risk and should be removed professionally.

Bed bugs

Small reddish-brown insects that hide in mattress seams and furniture. Itchy bite lines and tiny blood spots on sheets are telltale signs. They're notoriously hard to eliminate without professional treatment.

When to call a professional

Call a pro when you see repeated activity, signs of nesting, droppings, or any infestation that returns after DIY attempts. A professional identifies the species, finds the source, and treats safely around children and pets.

Talk to a local Pest Control pro

Every home is different. For honest advice or a free quote in Louisville, reach out to St Matthews Exterminating at (833) 889-8250 — we're glad to help.