California Insect Identification: How to Spot Most Common Bugs at Home

1. Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small, oval-shaped insects that typically range in color from light tan to deep red. They can grow up to 7mm in length but are typically smaller than that. Bed bugs have flat bodies and are wingless, which makes them easy to distinguish from other bugs.

They are typically found in warm, humid environments such as hotels, motels, residential properties, and other places where people sleep. Bed bugs can be difficult to detect, as they often hide in seams and crevices during the daytime, not to mention they are too small for the naked eye.

2. Bees

Bees, alongside wasps and hornets, are distinguished from other insects by their three body segments: the head, thorax, and abdomen. They also have two pairs of wings and a pair of antennae. The heads of bees are typically black or brown, while the thorax and abdomen are often covered in stripes of yellow, orange, or red. They also have hairy bodies, which can make them look quite imposing.

There are over 20,000 different species of bees worldwide — 1,600 are found in California. As pollinators, they all play a vital role in our ecosystem. Bees, however, can sting, which they use to defend themselves and their nests. Though bee stings deliver no serious complications, they can be quite painful. So if you see them, do not disturb them, or it’s best to call a bee control expert to have the hive extracted or moved to a bee sanctuary.

3. Silverfish

Silverfish are small, silvery-white wingless insects with tapered heads. They have two long antennae and three pairs of legs. Silverfish are nocturnal and feed on a variety of foods. They can be found in moist environments, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. 

While they are not known to cause any serious diseases, they can contaminate food with their feces and saliva, which can lead to allergic reactions in some people. Additionally, silverfish can be a nuisance because they eat a variety of foods, including starch, sugar, and protein, as well as household items like clothes, paper, and books.

4. Cockroaches

Several different species of cockroach can be found in California. They vary in size, from less than an inch to over 2 inches long. They are typically dark brown or black in color. Roaches have a flattened body, six legs, and two antennae. They also have a pair of wings, but these are usually not used for flying. They only fly when they feel threatened.

Like silverfish, roaches are nocturnal. They are also drawn to food and moisture and can often be found in kitchens and bathrooms. Cockroaches are omnivorous scavengers and will eat anything they can find, including rotting food, feces, and even other insects.

5. Termites

Termites are small, soft-bodied insects that live in colonies, often mistaken for ants. They are differentiated by their straight waist, and they have straight antennae, as opposed to the elbowed antennae of ants. Termites are usually larger and have broader heads than ants. They also have wings, which ants lack.

Termites are not known to spread diseases harmful to humans, but they may cause allergic reactions to some people, whether through their saliva or droppings. It’s important to know that termites are one of the few insects that eat wood, which can lead to extensive damage to homes and other structures. On average, California homeowners pay $3,000 to repair termite-initiated damage.

Learn more about the different types of termites and which one is eating your house.

6. Crickets

Crickets are well known for their loud chirping at night, which is used to attract mates. They range in color from light brown to black and typically have a greenish hue. But, they can be easily identified by their long antennae, dropped abdomen, and long, thin hind legs. Crickets are generally about 1 inch long but can grow up to 2 inches long.

They love to eat leaves and can often be found in gardens or fields. Crickets usually only bite humans if they feel threatened, and even then their bites are not harmful. Nevertheless, having crickets around your house chirping loudly every night can be a cause of a disturbance to your family.

7. Earwigs

Earwigs are easily recognizable by their elongated body and a pair of pincers or forceps at the end of their abdomens. They range in color from brown to reddish-brown, and some have stripes or bands on their bodies. Earwigs typically measure 0.2-2 inches long but can grow up to 3 inches long.

Earwigs are nocturnal, and they typically reside in moist environments like gardens and basements. They’re also very good climbers, so they may be found scaling walls or ceilings. Earwigs are scavengers and will eat anything they can find, including other insects. They’re also known to damage crops and plants.

Because of their intimidating pincers, earwigs might look harmful to humans. However, they are not. Still, earwigs have to be removed from your home as they can eat any of your stored food.

8. Ticks

Ticks are small creatures that measure 3-7mm long. They have a hard, flat body that is covered in bristles, and they typically display a reddish-brown color. Ticks are among the most common types of biting insects found in California. You can find them in animals and even human hair.

Ticks are ectoparasites, which means that they live on the outside of their host’s body. They attach themselves to animals or people by embedding their mouthparts into the skin. Once attached, they will suck blood from their host until they are full. Ticks can be quite irritating and cause a great deal of discomfort due to itchiness, especially if they are not removed quickly.

9. Wasps

Wasps are identifiable by their narrow waist and two pairs of wings. They can range in color from black to yellow, and some species have brightly colored stripes.

All wasps are predators — they feed on a variety of insects. They also scavenge for food and will eat anything that is available. Wasps are social creatures living in colonies that can contain anywhere from a few dozen to a few thousand individuals. They build nests out of mud, paper, or chewed-up wood. 

The behavior of wasps can vary depending on the species. Some species are known to be aggressive and will attack anything that they perceive as a threat. In some cases, they can cause serious injury or even death. Others are more passive and will only sting humans or animals if they are directly threatened. When you see wasps, it’s best to seek professional help to have them removed from your property.

10. Moths

Moths come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but all moths have large wings. The wings of a moth can be either covered in scales or covered in hairs,  ranging in color from black to white, while some species have brightly colored markings.

Moths are nocturnal creatures, and they are most active at night. They are attracted to light, so you can usually find them swarming your lights at home. Moths are herbivores, and they feed on a variety of plants. Some moths are known to eat the leaves of trees, while others are known to eat flowers. That said, moths are generally harmless creatures.

11. Fleas

Fleas are tiny parasites measuring 1-3mm, and therefore they can fit into the smallest of spaces and can be difficult to see with the naked eye. They have a hard body shell that protects them from being crushed, and they can jump up to 18 inches in height, so it’s so easy for them to find a new host.

Fleas are not picky eaters. They will feed on any blood that is available, commonly from cats, dogs, and even humans. Fleas can be a nuisance to both humans and animals, and they can cause a variety of health problems. They cause skin rashes, hair loss, and allergic reactions. They can also transmit various diseases to humans and animals, including plague and typhus. When you see fleas at home, get pest control help immediately.