When people think of household pests that cause damage, they often picture termites or carpenter ants—and for good reason. But they’re far from the only insects that can harm your home.
Many homeowners don’t realize that a wide range of bugs can threaten structures, belongings, and even health. Being aware of these hidden threats can help you spot problems early and prevent costly repairs down the road.
Here are ten bugs you might not expect to be damaging your home.
1. Powderpost Beetles
Powderpost beetles are wood-boring insects whose larvae tunnel through hardwoods like oak, ash, or maple. Over time, they reduce wood to a fine, talc-like powder.
While they’re not as famous as termites, they can cause serious damage to flooring, trim, furniture, and even structural beams if left unchecked. Infestations often go unnoticed until you see small exit holes and piles of fine dust.
2. Silverfish
Silverfish are known for their silvery, wriggling bodies, but many people don’t realize how destructive they can be indoors. They feed on starchy materials and proteins, damaging books, wallpaper, cardboard boxes, clothing, and even photographs.
A silverfish infestation in your library or storage area can ruin valuable papers and heirlooms over time.
3. Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees may look like bumblebees, but they nest by tunneling into unfinished wood. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood but excavate tunnels to lay eggs.
Their nesting behavior weakens decks, fences, eaves, and wooden siding. Over the years, multiple generations of carpenter bees can create extensive damage to exposed wood surfaces.
4. Clothes Moths
Clothes moths do more than eat old sweaters. Their larvae feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, fur, and even feathers.
They can destroy clothing, carpets, upholstery, and even taxidermy mounts. Infestations often go unnoticed because they prefer dark, undisturbed areas like closets and attics.
5. Pantry Moths
Pantry moths, or Indian meal moths, infest dry goods like flour, rice, cereals, and pet food. While they don’t harm the structure of your home, they can ruin large quantities of stored food.
Their larvae leave behind silk webbing and droppings in food containers, making infestations both wasteful and unappetizing.
6. Carpenter Ants
Unlike most ants, carpenter ants don’t just invade your kitchen—they excavate wood to build nests. They don’t eat wood like termites but tunnel through it, weakening structural beams and framing.
Carpenter ant damage can be severe over time, especially in damp or decaying wood around windows, doors, and crawl spaces.
7. Earwigs
Earwigs are primarily outdoor pests but can become a problem indoors in damp basements and bathrooms. While they don’t bore into wood like termites or beetles, large numbers can damage houseplants, seedlings, and even soft materials like wallpaper if they hide behind it.
Their presence indoors is also a sign of excessive moisture, which can lead to mold or other pest infestations.
8. Wood-Boring Weevils
Wood-boring weevils are small beetles whose larvae infest damp or decaying wood. Unlike some wood pests that prefer dry hardwood, these beetles target moist timbers in crawl spaces, basements, or poorly ventilated attics.
Their tunneling accelerates decay in already compromised wood, creating structural vulnerabilities.
9. Booklice
Booklice are tiny insects that thrive in high-humidity environments. They feed on mold, fungi, and starchy materials in books, wallpaper paste, and stored food products.
While they don’t chew through solid wood, they can damage paper goods and indicate moisture problems that can lead to more serious pest infestations.
10. Termite Soldiers and Workers
Of course, termites are the best-known wood-destroyers, but it’s worth emphasizing that not all termites behave the same. Soldiers protect the colony, while workers do the actual damage—chewing silently through wood framing, floors, and furniture.
Even a small termite infestation can compromise your home’s structural integrity over time. Regular inspections are essential in areas where termites are common.
Final Thoughts
While termites and carpenter ants get most of the attention, these ten pests show that many insects can damage your home in subtle, often overlooked ways.
Preventing infestations starts with awareness. Keep an eye out for signs of damage, reduce moisture and clutter, seal entry points, and store food properly. For persistent or large infestations, professional pest control can help you protect your investment and avoid costly repairs.
Your home is your most important asset—don’t let hidden pests undermine it from within.
Got Insects, Wildlife, or Pests?
If you think that you have a wildlife or pest infestation problem, don't hesitate to reach out to Wildlife x Team International by calling us at 855-WILDLIFE or by visiting www.wildlifexteam.com for more information.