Collage of common New England pests

Insect Identification Guide

Not sure what pest you're dealing with? Use our guide to identify common insects and rodents found in New England homes and businesses.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter Ants

Large black or red-and-black ants, typically 1/4 to 1/2 inch long. They don't eat wood but excavate it to build nests, causing significant structural damage over time. Look for sawdust-like frass near wooden structures.

Signs to look for:

  • Sawdust piles near wood
  • Rustling sounds in walls
  • Large ants near wood structures
Spring through Fall
Wasps & Yellow Jackets

Wasps & Yellow Jackets

Yellow jackets are 1/2 inch long with bright yellow and black banding. They build papery nests in eaves, attics, and underground. Aggressive when disturbed — do not attempt removal without professional help.

Signs to look for:

  • Papery nests on eaves or in ground
  • Increased wasp activity near food
  • Buzzing near entry points
Late Spring through Fall
Honey Bees

Honey Bees

Fuzzy, golden-brown bees about 3/4 inch long. Generally docile unless provoked. They build wax combs in wall voids and attics. Important pollinators — we recommend live removal when possible.

Signs to look for:

  • Wax or honey smell from walls
  • Bees entering wall gaps
  • Visible honeycomb
Spring through Summer
Mice & House Mice

Mice & House Mice

Small gray or brown rodents, 2–4 inches long with a long tail. They enter homes through gaps as small as a dime. Mice contaminate food, chew wiring, and can spread disease. Signs include droppings, gnaw marks, and nesting material.

Signs to look for:

  • Small dark droppings
  • Gnaw marks on food packaging
  • Scratching sounds at night
Year-round, especially Fall/Winter
Spiders

Spiders

Most New England spiders are harmless, but infestations indicate other pest activity (their food source). Common species include cellar spiders, wolf spiders, and house spiders. Brown recluse and black widow are rare but possible.

Signs to look for:

  • Webs in corners and basements
  • Egg sacs in undisturbed areas
  • Increased spider sightings
Late Summer through Fall
Moths

Moths

Several moth species invade New England homes. Pantry moths infest stored grains and dried foods, while clothes moths damage wool, fur, and natural fabrics. Indian meal moths are among the most common pantry pests in the region.

Signs to look for:

  • Webbing or larvae in dry food storage
  • Small holes in wool or natural fabrics
  • Adult moths flying near lights at night
Year-round indoors
Stink Bugs

Stink Bugs

The brown marmorated stink bug is an invasive species that invades homes in large numbers seeking warmth in fall and winter. They release a foul odor when disturbed or crushed. While not harmful to humans, large infestations can be a serious nuisance.

Signs to look for:

  • Shield-shaped brown bugs on walls or windows
  • Foul odor when bugs are disturbed
  • Large numbers congregating on sunny exterior walls in fall
Fall through Spring (overwintering)

Identified Your Pest?

Our licensed technicians will confirm the identification and recommend the most effective treatment. Contact us for a free inspection.

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