How to get rid of bugs in your house

Updated on October 11th, 2024

Within a home, there could be as many as 100 species of insects, according to a study published in Scientific Reports. The study also reveals that many of these insects are filtered from the outdoors, and surprisingly, factors like house tidiness and pesticide use have little impact on their diversity. No home is impervious to bugs, but once you accept this reality, you can take steps to protect your home and manage pests effectively.

Note: Wintertime provides a great opportunity to proactively prepare for an increase in insects during warmer months.

We will guide you through the six most common locations that harbor insects, detailing the specific pests associated with each area and recommending Dr. Killigan’s products for immediate action and prevention. This approach ensures you have the necessary information and solutions to address pest issues in each part of your house comprehensively.

1. Kitchens: The bug buffet

Think your kitchen is just for you? Think again—it's a banquet hall for pests, ready to feast on every crumb. With constant access to food and moisture, it’s the perfect spot for pests like pantry moths, cockroaches, ants and flies to thrive.

Note: For more about common kitchen bugs, read Six most common bugs in your kitchen.

• Pantry moths are expert stowaways, particularly in grains, cereals and pet food. Did you know their larvae can even chew through plastic packaging. Check out unexpected places they hide in Beyond breadcrumbs: 7 unexpected places you might find pantry moths and how to keep them out.
• Cockroaches crave water and crumbs. They’ve even been found carrying microbes, connecting indoor and outdoor ecosystems. Learn more about their scavenging habits in What do cockroaches eat?
• Ants are sweet-tooth invaders that leave a pheromone trail for others to follow, creating those persistent lines of ants you often see. These tiny soldiers march in seeking moisture, especially during dry weather. Conquer them with tips from Ants, ants everywhere: Here's what to know and where to turn. 
• Flies feast on your garbage and can lay up to 500 eggs at a time. They’re more than just a nuisance—flies are notorious for transferring bacteria from the outdoors to your kitchen countertops. Find out why they're a bigger threat than you think in Is a fly landing on my food really that bad?

To effectively rid your kitchen of pests and keep them away, use Six Feet Under for immediate relief against cockroaches and ants, and Dust to Dust for long-lasting protection. The Fly Inn is an excellent choice for managing flies. For pantry moths, Pantry Moth Traps provide targeted control. 

2. Bathrooms: A steamy sanctuary for pests

Your bathroom might be clean, but its warmth and humidity roll out the welcome mat for bugs. While you can't fully eliminate moisture or close off pipes, these warm, humid spaces offer the perfect environment for pests. Cockroaches, silverfish and ants are particularly attracted to these conditions, making bathrooms a prime spot for infestations.

• Cockroaches are drawn to leaky faucets, damp mats and condensation. Ever wonder why they thrive in such damp areas? Their flat bodies allow them to slip into the tightest crevices, seeking moisture to survive. Learn how to outsmart them in How to get rid of cockroaches.
• Silverfish thrive in humidity and feed on starchy toiletries. They can live for months without food, making them persistent pests. Discover more in How to get rid of silverfish.
• Ants are lured by the consistent water supply, often trailing along pipes. Some species can even swim! Get rid of them with tips from How to get rid of ants.

To maintain a pest-free bathroom, use Six Feet Under for prompt and lasting protection. 

3. Bedrooms: Where pests meet pillows

The bedroom should be a place of rest, but pests like bed bugs, fleas and clothes moths might be lurking. A messy or cluttered bedroom gives these invaders plenty of hiding spots, making it essential to keep your space clean and organized. Here’s a closer look at these bedroom-dwelling pests:

• Bed bugs are sneaky night feeders that can go unnoticed for weeks. They often hitch rides on luggage, laundry or second-hand furniture. Surprisingly, even overnight guests can unknowingly bring them into your home. Bed bugs are expert hiders, often stowing away in mattress seams or cracks in bed frames. Learn more in What bugs look like bed bugs?
• Clothes moths favor dark closets and quietly nibble on natural fibers like wool, silk and other animal-based fibers. They’re attracted to stored, undisturbed clothing. Unravel their mystery in Where do clothing moths live?
• Fleas and ticks thrive in domestic environments, especially if you have pets. Fleas can leap over 100 times their body length, while ticks latch onto their hosts for days, feeding as they cling on. These pests can hide in your bedding, making them tough to spot until they start biting. Fleas are known for their quick, temporary bites, while ticks stay attached longer, posing a greater risk. Find out more in How long can fleas live in carpet? Dr. Killigan's unveils the truth and Do all ticks carry Lyme disease?

To keep bugs out of your bedroom, use Dust to Dust for comprehensive, long-lasting protection against bed bugs and fleas. To keep moths away from your clothing, employ Clothing Moth Traps.

4. Basement & attic: Hidden bug havens

Hidden from view and rarely disturbed, your basement is a perfect hideaway for critters, thriving in the dark corners you rarely visit. These hidden spaces shield pests from human activity and the elements, making them ideal for infestations. Between the clutter, stored belongings and insulation, it’s no wonder insects like clothing moths, cockroaches and spiders feel right at home. Keep an eye out—these pests can thrive undetected in the corners and crevices, only revealing their presence after they've caused damage.

• Clothing moths love dark, undisturbed areas like attics and basements, where their larvae can feast on natural fibers unnoticed. Did you know they can digest keratin, the protein in wool? Unravel more mysteries in Do clothing moths actually eat clothes?
• Cockroaches thrive in cluttered, low-traffic areas and can go for a month without food. They hide in basements, feeding on small scraps and remaining out of sight for long periods. These pests are masters of survival. Learn more about their habits in Common cockroaches and where you'll find them.
• Spiders spin their webs in the cool, damp spaces of attics and basements. Some can survive for months without food, making them persistent hunters. Guard your space with tips from How to protect your home from spiders.

To keep bugs away from your basement and attic, deploy Dust to Dust for enduring protection against spiders and cockroaches in these seldom-visited areas. Additionally, set up  Clothing Moth Traps to monitor and prevent moth infestations.

5. Garage: A bug hideaway

Your garage may not be part of your living space, but it can be a favorite spot for pests to settle in. From spiders to birdseed moths (aka pantry moths), garages often provide a quiet, cluttered haven. Some even say spiders at garage entrances help catch other insects, but keeping your garage organized and sealing gaps is crucial for stopping these bugs from moving into your home.

• Spiders thrive in garages, weaving webs in the quiet corners behind storage boxes and seasonal gear. One reason they stick around in these low-traffic areas is their remarkable ability to survive for months without food. They patiently wait for prey to wander into their web, making these spots perfect hunting grounds. So, while they might seem stationary, they're just biding their time for their next meal. Learn more about the types of spiders that might be lurking in your garage in Which spiders are living in my home?
• Birdseed moths (also known as pantry moths) are often attracted to garages where birdseed and pet food are stored, leading to significant infestations. They lay eggs in grains and seeds, damaging unprotected dry goods. Regular inspection and proper storage are key, as even small tears in packaging can invite these sneaky pests. For more tips on managing them, check out How to get rid of birdseed moths.

To effectively manage pests in your garage, apply Barricade Spray around the perimeter for a strong, long-lasting barrier against insects. For added protection, use Dust to Dust along the interior baseboards

6. Outdoor areas: Nature's pest playground

Your outdoor spaces—whether it’s the patio, garden or poolside—are a haven for pests, thanks to the plentiful water, food and shelter. These areas are prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes and wasps, making it crucial to stay vigilant.

• Mosquitoes thrive in standing water and can lay eggs in even the smallest puddles, including birdbaths and plant saucers. Interestingly, some mosquito species’ eggs can survive for months in dry conditions, waiting for the right moment to hatch. Keeping your yard free from stagnant water is key to stopping them before they multiply. For more strategies, see Keeping mosquitoes away from your home.
• Wasps, attracted to food and sugary drinks, can quickly become aggressive if their nests are disturbed. Interestingly, wasps release alarm pheromones when threatened, which can rally other colony members and cause a swarm. They’re essential pollinators, but their stings are no fun. Learn how to deter them in How to get rid of wasps.

To keep your outdoor areas free of mosquitoes and wasps, Six Feet Under offers an effective kill-on-contact solution for immediate pest control. For targeting wasp nests, the Insect Buster can be used with an insecticidal powder to safely and effectively manage these threats.

What can I do to get rid of bugs in my house?

Bugs invading your home—whether it’s the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or garage—can feel inevitable, but there’s a solution for every room. At Dr. Killigan’s, we specialize in safe, non-toxic pest control remedies designed to target pests wherever they lurk. From pantry moths in your kitchen to spiders in your garage, our products offer powerful protection without the harmful chemicals. Ready to kick bugs out of every corner of your home? Discover our expert solutions and say goodbye to unwelcome intruders for good.

• Six Feet Under Plant-Powered Insect Spray is our most popular on-contact insect killer spray that will dispose of a wide variety of insects. It is made with a mixture of three oils—soybean, clove and cinnamon—and is safe to use around pets, children and food.
• Six Feet Under Barricade Household Insect Insect Kit is the world’s most effective eco-insecticide that offers up to 90 days of powerful protection against over 50 types of insects—including ants, roaches and ticks. Using a plant-based, mechanical-kill method, Barricade penetrates insect exoskeletons to prevent immunity, ensuring long-lasting defense.
• Clothing Moth Traps, trusted by The Smithsonian Institution and 100,000+ households, are pheromone traps that are the leading solution to get rid of clothes moths once and for all.
• Pantry Moth Traps are highly effective traps that halt the breeding cycles of various food moths including Indian meal moths, almond moths and Mediterranean flour moths by preventing females from laying eggs. This disruption stops larvae from hatching and damaging your food. Our traps feature a powerful pheromone infused directly into the non-toxic glue, ensuring ease of use and a sleek, discreet design that blends seamlessly into your pantry decor.
• The Fly Inn Flying Insect Trap is an elegantly designed trap that attracts flying insects with its open-top access, and securely traps them against its sticky inner walls, concealing the catch from sight and keeping your windows clean and clear of dead insects. Perfect for maintaining both aesthetics and effectiveness in your home.
• The Insect Buster Bulb Duster: A bulb designed to disperse Dust to Dust Plant-Powered Insect Powder. It is sturdy, easy to aim and easy to store with Dust to Dust inside of it.
• Dust to Dust Plant-Powered Insect Powder: A non-toxic and non-poisonous powder insecticide known to be safe for humans and has kill times up to 50% faster than diatomaceous earth.