Pest Guide

BUG & INSECT Identification

NPMA’s Pest Guide: Our Comprehensive Rodent, Insect & Bug Identifier

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What Bug Is This?

Browse 90+ Bug, Insect, Rodent, Bird and Other Pest Identification Guides!

Have you ever found a pest in your house and wondered “what kind of bug is this?” Are you worried about what pests may be damaging your property? The identification of insects and other pests can be tricky. That’s why we produce our pest and insect identification guides! They're here to serve as a handy bug identifier, so you can be more knowledgeable of pests around you. This list of bugs and insects, plus other types of pests such as rodents and birds, contains hundreds of species - making it the most comprehensive bug and pest identifier online.

Identification Steps from Our Pest Control Experts

  • 1

    Note characteristics of the pest. This includes shape, size, color, number of legs, and whether it has wings and/or antennae. For rodents, consider size, color, length of nose, etc.

  • 2

    ​​​​​​​Click on the category that best resembles the pest characteristics you noted in step 1.

  • 3

    Compare the pest characteristics to the images of the various species, then click the species that most resembles the pest.

  • 4

    Read about the pest guide. Learn about the pest characteristics, habits, habitats, threats, signs of an infestation, and prevention and control measures. The pest photos serve as another method of pest, rodent, or insect identification.

  • 5

    Contact a licensed pest control professional. If you think you properly identified what kind of bug it is from our insect list, discuss eradication methods with a professional before trying to do it yourself. Some pest problems are better left to professional treatment.

  • 6

    ​​​​​​​If you are still unsure of the pest in question, visit additional bug identification guides in the same pest category. A pest control professional can also assist in identification. A pest control company will send out a technician who is equipped with the tools and resources to properly identify the pest.

More Pest Identification Resources

INTERACTIVE PEST IN THE HOUSE
Pest In The House
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This helpful pest control resource is full of information and facts on common household bugs. You’ll discover why pests are attracted to certain rooms, get expert advice on household bug identification, and find pest-proofing tips to keep pests out year-round.

Pest FAQs
Pest Problems By State
Pets & Pests Concerns

Identifying Common House Insects

Typical household bugs can vary greatly depending on where you live, but some of the most common house pests include ants, bed bugs, cockroaches, and flies, not to mention rodents. To determine what kind of pests you are dealing with, we recommend using our bug identifier above, as well as hiring a pest control professional.

Depending on the common house bug infestation you have, a pest control professional (also known as an exterminator) can provide you with a plan to eradicate these pests from your home and prevent future infestations. Use the pest and insect identification guide above to get started.

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