Top 10 Common Household Pests In New Jersey
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New Jersey may be known for its boardwalks, bagels, and bustling cities, but it’s also home to a less welcome cast of characters—household pests. From sneaky ants to unwelcome rodents, these invaders can cause major headaches for homeowners. Whether you live in a cozy Cape May cottage or a sprawling home in the suburbs of Bergen County, knowing which pests are likely to show up and how to handle them can save you stress, time, and money.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the top 10 most common household pests in New Jersey, their signs, the risks they pose, and—most importantly—how to kick them out for good. If you’ve ever asked, “What pests should I watch out for in NJ?” or “What’s causing that scratching in the walls?”—you’re in the right place.
Ants (Especially Carpenter Ants)
Ants are small, but their presence signals a big issue. While sugar ants and pavement ants are annoying, carpenter ants can silently tunnel through your home’s wooden structures, weakening them from the inside out.
Common Entry Points:
- Cracks in the foundation
- Gaps in window frames
- Moist wood around the home
Why they’re a problem: Ants are the most reported pest problem in NJ homes. Carpenter ants are particularly damaging—they don’t just invade; they chew through wood, threatening your home’s structure.
Signs of infestation:
- Sawdust-like frass
- Hollow-sounding wood
- Ant trails in kitchens and bathrooms
Pro tip: Don’t just spray and pray. Find the nest. Look near moisture-damaged wood, baseboards, and window sills.
Stat to know: Ants account for over 30% of pest control calls in the northeastern U.S.
Cockroaches (Including German and American Roaches)
Cockroaches in NJ are more than just gross—they’re resilient survivors and potential health hazards. They spread salmonella, E. coli, and allergens that trigger asthma—especially in children.
Signs You Have Them:
- Egg casings (oothecae) behind appliances
- Smear marks on walls
- Musty, oily odor
Why they’re a nightmare: These resilient invaders carry disease-causing bacteria and allergens. In NJ, both German cockroaches (small, fast, indoor-loving) and American cockroaches (large, reddish-brown) are common.
Where they hide:
- Behind appliances
- Under sinks
- In basements
Frequently asked: “Do cockroaches mean my house is dirty?” Not necessarily. Even clean homes can attract roaches through cracks, grocery bags, or neighbors in multi-family dwellings.
Rodents aren’t just a winter problem in NJ—they're year-round intruders. They carry diseases, ruin insulation, chew wires, and multiply at lightning speed.
Entry Points:
- Gaps around dryer vents
- Open garage doors
- Cracks in the foundation
Why they’re dangerous: Rodents can chew electrical wires (fire risk), ruin insulation, and contaminate food. Mice can squeeze through holes the size of a dime.
Signs of trouble:
- Droppings in drawers, pantries
- Scratching noises at night
- Grease marks along baseboards
Fast fix: Seal all entry points with steel wool and caulking. Set traps in high-activity zones.
Did you know? One pair of mice can produce 200 offspring in just four months.
Subterranean termites are the most destructive in NJ. They feed 24/7 and often remain invisible until damage is severe.
Risk Zones:
- Homes with wooden porches, decks, and crawlspaces
- Structures near soil or mulch beds
- Properties with poor drainage
Why they’re destructive: Termites cause over $5 billion in damage annually in the U.S.—and NJ is in a high-risk zone.
Telltale signs:
- Mud tubes on foundation walls
- Swarming near light sources
- Soft or hollow-sounding wood
What NJ homeowners ask: “How do I know if it’s termites or ants?”
Look at the wings. Termites have uniform wings; ant wings are uneven.
Most NJ spiders are harmless—but that doesn’t stop them from being terrifying. Common types include cellar spiders, house spiders, and wolf spiders.
Why they’re unwelcome: While most spiders in NJ are harmless, the black widow and brown recluse (rare but possible) can deliver venomous bites.
Common types:
- House spiders
- Cellar spiders (daddy longlegs)
- Wolf spiders
Where they hide: Dark, undisturbed areas like basements, crawl spaces, and behind furniture.
Key insight: Spiders often follow
other pests—they feed on bugs like ants and flies. So a spider problem might mean another pest issue.
Silverfish are ancient pests that feed on sugar, starch, and glue. They thrive in NJ’s humid areas—especially in older homes with damp basements.
Why they’re a nuisance: These silvery, wriggly bugs love moisture and feed on paper, glue, and fabrics, damaging books and clothing.
Where you’ll find them:
- Under sinks
- In attics
- Behind wallpaper
Quick tip: Use dehumidifiers and seal paper storage.
NJ homeowners ask: “Are silverfish dangerous?”
Not to humans—but they can ruin your belongings.
Stink Bugs
Brown marmorated stink bugs invade NJ homes in fall to overwinter. While not harmful, they release a foul odor when crushed or threatened.
Why they’re gross: They don’t bite or damage structures, but their smell is infamous. NJ homes experience infestations especially in late summer and fall.
Signs:
- Clusters on windows
- Buzzing around lights
- Foul odor when crushed
Prevention: Seal windows and doors before fall. Vacuum them up (don’t squish!).
Aggressive and territorial, wasps and hornets are a top summer threat in NJ. Their stings are painful and can cause allergic reactions.
Where Nests Form:
- Eaves and soffits
- Tree branches
- Inside attics or sheds
Why they’re scary: Stings hurt—and can be life-threatening for those with allergies. Nests often appear in eaves, attics, or shrubs.
Most common in NJ:
- Yellowjackets
- Paper wasps
- Bald-faced hornets
Warning sign: Increased activity near siding or outdoor lighting.
Don’t DIY: Professional removal is strongly recommended.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are the most psychologically disturbing pest in NJ. They hide in mattresses, furniture, and even electrical outlets—coming out only to feed on you while you sleep.
How They Spread:
- Hotels
- Public transportation
- Used furniture
Why they’re hard to detect: These nocturnal pests hide in mattresses and furniture and feed on human blood—leaving itchy bites and stress behind.
Symptoms of infestation:
- Blood spots on sheets
- Musty odor
- Bites in a line or cluster
Fast fact: Bed bugs can survive months without feeding, making them tough to eliminate without professional help.
House Centipedes
Why they freak people out: With their long legs and fast movements, they seem scarier than they are. Fortunately, they eat other pests, including spiders and roaches.
Where they lurk:
- Bathrooms
- Basements
- Laundry rooms
NJ Myth Buster: “Are centipedes dangerous?”
Nope—just ugly. Still, if you’re seeing many, you might have a moisture or bug problem they’re feeding on.
Knowing what’s lurking behind your walls—or scuttling across your floor—is half the battle. From carpenter ants gnawing at your beams to bed bugs disturbing your sleep, the pests in New Jersey are persistent and diverse. But the good news is that with awareness, prevention, and fast action, you can protect your home and sanity.
When in doubt, always consult a licensed pest professional for inspections or treatment options. The sooner you act, the safer and more peaceful your home will be.
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