Lesser-Known Household Pests That Could Be Lurking Right Now in Burien

Uncommon Household Pests Lurking in Your Home

When you think about pests, ants and mice probably come to mind. But what about the sneaky pests you don’t see? In Burien, the damp climate and cozy homes provide the perfect hiding places for lesser-known intruders. These pests may not be on your radar, but they can still do damage, trigger allergies, or contaminate your food. In this post, we’ll explore seven under-the-radar pests that might be sharing your space right now. And if you spot any signs of these uninvited guests, calling in Burien pest control experts could be the best next step to protect your home.

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1. Silverfish

Silverfish are small, silver-gray insects that wriggle like fish, hence the name. They thrive in humid areas like bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms.

While they don’t bite or sting, silverfish feed on:

• Paper and cardboard
• Wallpaper glue
• Starchy pantry items like oats or flour
• Natural fabrics like cotton and linen

A silverfish infestation might start small, but over time they can ruin books, photos, and clothing. If you’ve seen one dart across the floor, there may be many more hiding nearby.

2. Carpet Beetles

These tiny, round bugs are often mistaken for harmless lint or fuzz. But don’t be fooled. Carpet beetle larvae feed on natural fibers like:

• Wool and silk
• Leather upholstery
• Fur and feathers
• Even dead insects or animal hair

They often nest in dark corners, closets, under furniture, or inside air vents. If you notice tiny holes in clothing or shed skins near baseboards, carpet beetles might be the culprits.

3. Booklice

Despite the name, booklice aren’t lice and don’t bite humans. These tiny, pale insects love humidity and feed on mold and mildew that grow in:

• Books and paper products
• Wallpaper and drywall
• Stored grains and cereals

Because they’re drawn to moisture, booklice can be a sign of hidden water damage or poor ventilation. Reducing indoor humidity with a dehumidifier can help, but a large infestation may require expert treatment.

4. Powderpost Beetles

These beetles can be just as destructive as termites. Powderpost beetles lay eggs in unfinished or old wood, and their larvae tunnel through it as they grow. Signs of infestation include:

• Small, round exit holes in wood
• Fine, powdery sawdust nearby
• Soft or hollow-sounding floorboards

If you’ve brought home antique furniture or construction lumber recently, keep an eye out. These pests can go unnoticed for years while silently damaging wood structures in your home.

5. Spider Beetles

Spider beetles look like tiny spiders with humped backs and long legs. They’re commonly found in:

• Cereal boxes
• Dried fruit containers
• Rice and flour bags
• Animal food bins

They thrive in dark storage areas and can contaminate your food with their droppings. Regularly inspect dry goods and store them in airtight containers to keep these pests at bay.

6. Earwigs

Earwigs (or "pincher bugs") may look scarier than they are, but they can still be a nuisance. They're drawn to:

• Damp bathrooms
• Leaky basements
• Under sinks or outdoor planters

Though they rarely pinch humans, they can damage plants and invade kitchens in large numbers. To keep them out, fix any leaks, improve ventilation, and seal foundation cracks.

7. Sowbugs

Sowbugs (often confused with pillbugs or “roly-polies”) don’t bite or sting—but their presence signals excess moisture. You’ll likely find them:

• Crawling along basement walls
• Behind boxes in garages
• In laundry rooms or near floor drains

While they don’t harm your home, they can be unsettling in large numbers. Dry out affected areas and improve drainage to make your home less inviting.

Don’t Let the Unknown Catch You Off Guard

Even if your Burien home looks clean and pest-free, some of these lesser-known pests may still be hiding in quiet corners. The best defense is a combination of pest prevention and proactive action:

• Store food in sealed containers
• Reduce moisture with proper ventilation
• Inspect secondhand furniture and dry goods before bringing them indoors
• Schedule regular pest inspections

And when things get out of hand, Bamboo Pest Control is here to help. Our team knows exactly what to look for and how to treat even the sneakiest invaders. Contact us today and let’s keep your Burien home pest-free, inside and out.