PURDUE EXTENSION ENTOMOLOGY · INDOOR INSECTS
Indoor Insects
Insects, arachnids, and small invertebrates that turn up indoors. Identification, habitat, and management for the species most frequently encountered.
8Groups
20Species
Focus
Browse by group
Each group includes the species most likely to be encountered.
Ants
Formicidae
Social hymenopterans nesting indoors and outdoors. Identification often hinges on petiole, antennal segments, and odor.
4 species→
Cockroaches
Blattodea
Nocturnal scavengers found near food, moisture, and harborage. Pronotal markings and size separate the common indoor species.
3 species→
Bed Bugs & Kin
Cimicidae
Obligate blood-feeders associated with sleeping areas. Size, color, and harborage location guide field identification.
2 species→
Stored-Product Pests
Coleoptera & Lepidoptera
Beetles and moths that infest grains, flour, and dry goods. Larval damage is often the first signal.
2 species→
Flies & Gnats
Diptera
Drain, fruit, fungus, and house flies share habits but differ sharply in venation, size, and breeding substrate.
2 species→
Spiders
Araneae
Most indoor spiders are harmless. Two medically significant species in Indiana require careful, calm identification.
3 species→
Wasps & Bees
Vespidae & Apidae
Nest architecture and color pattern carry most of the diagnostic weight when specimens are not in hand.
2 species→
Silverfish & Booklice
Zygentoma & Psocodea
Small, soft-bodied pests of paper, starch, and damp materials. Often the first sign of moisture problems.
2 species→