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Some people think that all bugs are weird. But there are bugs out there that are weirder than others. If you see a strange bug in your home, it likely came inside because being outside was too hard for them to handle. Once in your home, most of them won’t be able to survive prolonged periods. However, others might like their new place and may call your home theirs.
But what are the most common weird bugs you’re likely to encounter in Missouri? And if they’re trying to stay, how can you eliminate them?
Weird Bug Identification
Here are some of the most common bugs in St. Louis that might try and make their way into your home.
- Camel Cricket – This creepy-looking cricket is light to dark brown. They have a humpback (thus their name) and long, threadlike antenna that are longer than their body. They are typically found outdoors under mulch, woodpiles, stones, and other moist, cool areas. However, they like the indoors too. You might discover camel crickets in your utility room, basement, garage, and crawlspace. They are nocturnal leaping insects that will move indoors when the weather gets too hot and dry outside.
- House Centipede – House centipedes are not dangerous to humans, but they are one of the creepiest things you can see crawling around your home. They are a long, flattened arthropod with a grayish yellow body, 3 dark lines running lengthwise down its segmented body, and long, slender legs. House centipedes have 15 pairs of legs, with one pair on each segment. They prefer humid, damp areas like basements, attics, bathrooms, closets, and garages. They lay their eggs in the same damp places, behind baseboards, and under wood piles.
- Japanese Beetles – Adult Japanese beetles are about 1/2 inch long, metallic-green in color, with copper/brown wing covers. They begin to emerge from the ground in June to feed on plants. They feed in groups on leaves, flowers, and overripe fruit. They like specific plants such as Norway Maple, Japanese Maple, Roses, American Elm, English Elm, and others.
- Carpet Beetles – Carpet beetles, as their name suggests, sometimes infest carpets. Like clothes moths, carpet beetles feed on many other items composed of wool, felt, fur, silk, feathers, skins, and leather. In fact, the damage they cause is often mistaken for that of clothes moths. Adult carpet beetles feed on flower pollen and do not damage wool and other fabrics.
- Weevil – There are various species of weevils. They have a very hard-shelled oval-shaped body with a head that is prolonged into a snout. Some species enter buildings in the fall to spend the winter, while others enter in the spring to avoid unfavorable weather conditions.
- Boxelder Bug – These bugs are black, winged insects that have 3 red stripes which run lengthwise down their body. They have a bright red color under their wings. Boxelder bugs are commonly found on elm, maple, and boxelder trees. They naturally congregate on houses and structures, typically on the south side during warm days. They generally appear during the winter months in cracks and crevices in and around buildings, door and window frames, behind siding and soffits, woodpiles, etc.
How to Get Rid of Weird Bugs
Missouri is home to many types of pests, and none are welcome in your home or on your property. If you notice any weird bugs, contact Pest & Wildlife Solutions. Our team has over 35 years of experience as professional exterminators getting rid of pests for our clients.
Protecting your home from pests can be a challenge. Our licensed and certified exterminators are committed to providing our customers with complete pest control solutions.
