What workarounds did people try for "How do I identify if these bugs are bed bugs?"?

Community members documented 306 workarounds: 1. Hiring a professional pest control service 2. Hiring professional pest control companies for monthly treatments 3. Using bed bug foggers and sprays 4. Placing traps 5. Cleaning all the time 6. Using over-the-counter bug killer sprays 7. Throwing out infested furniture 8. Treating the home and using white vinegar in the microwave to force them out 9. Using insecticidal dust like Delta dust, gel bait, or aerosol treatments 10. Throwing away infested appliances, furniture, and belongings 11. Breaking leases and moving out of infested buildings 12. opening a door to let the animal out 13. trapping and releasing the animal into a nearby park 14. using expanding foams and steel wool to seal entry points 15. calling pest control or a nuisance wildlife service 16. abandoning the property or walking away from the job as a technician 17. using DIY snap traps 18. hounding exterminators for refunds after failed service 19. burning down this cupboard 20. using a flamethrower 21. calling in the professionals 22. vacuuming them up and wiping down all the surfaces 23. using alpine wsg and advion gel 24. using napalm 25. Calling local pest control professionals for inspections and estimates 26. Getting multiple competing quotes and comparing warranties 27. Using indoor and outdoor pesticide treatments like Alpine WSG, Onslaught Fastcap, and Delta Dust 28. Placing glue boards to trap wandering spiders and monitor activity 29. Dusting cracks, crevices, wall voids, and attics with Cimexa or other insecticide dusts 30. Killing multiple spiders by hand daily 31. Using diatomaceous earth 32. Laying down glue boards 33. Applying specific residual insecticides like Onslaught Fastcap 34. Tearing down or completely rebuilding the affected structure 35. Moving to a new house 36. Removing abandoned nests manually 37. Coexisting with the insects if they are harmless 38. Sealing up small entrances, cracks, and holes 39. Gathering online verification from communities like Reddit to prove management wrong 40. Consulting external pest control experts or entomologists for confirmation 41. Threatening that ignoring the problem will cost management more money later 42. Using premade store-bought traps 43. Pouring boiling water and chemicals down the drains 44. Using clear fly tape on windows and glass doors 45. Making traps with wine, fruit juice, apple cider vinegar, and plastic wrap with poked holes 46. seal it up at night after they left 47. put some sort of barrier so that insects, bats and birds can't get in and nest under roof tiles 48. using wasp spray from hardware stores 49. applying dust insecticides at night 50. using expanding foaming spray and stabbing holes in the nest 51. Filing a pest control request with apartment management 52. Spraying the outside of the unit 53. vacuuming everyday and dumping the remains outside 54. using household flea and tick sprays 55. setting up traps and bowls with dish soap 56. Getting an inspection done by a professional company 57. Asking community members or professional technicians on online forums for visual identification 58. putting glue in a suspected entry hole in the carpet 59. Stopping wildlife feeding 60. Monitoring for signs of an indoor problem 61. Relying on house cats for pest management 62. Applying food-grade diatomaceous earth along baseboards and mattress seams 63. Using borate treatments directly in the wood for termites 64. Asking management companies about their specific treatment procedures 65. Looking for telltale signs like droppings and smears 66. Buying backup pesticide sprays online 67. Treating the pullout couch and inquiring about specific pesticide labels and treatment instructions 68. Putting sheets, plushies, and blankets in the dryer on high heat 69. Using lice shampoo daily 70. Calling other family members for help 71. putting clothes in vacuum sealed bags 72. leaving the apartment to stay elsewhere 73. inspecting the mattress and wood bed frame 74. Extra vacuuming 75. Running a dehumidifier 76. Trashing infested items 77. Using traps and sprays 78. Deep cleaning, mopping, and vacuuming on an almost daily basis 79. Never leaving dishes in the sink or dishwasher 80. Hiring wildlife removal professionals 81. Using scent sprays and repellents 82. Applying grub killer to the lawn 83. Setting up live traps with bait like marshmallows and peanut butter 84. Leaving a radio playing near the animal's den to drive it away with noise 85. Using fox urine 86. cleaning balconies 87. applying insecticide on windows and baseboards 88. vacuuming bedrooms 89. planning to call pest control 90. washing and drying bedding on high heat 91. vacuuming and planning to use a steamer 92. Waiting to see if fleas persist after fumigation before taking further action 93. Staying inside while treatments are applied externally 94. Relying on low-toxicity chemicals applied by professionals 95. Switching to alternative chemical formulations like Alpine WSG 96. Dropping dust treatments in favor of heavy glue trap deployment 97. Relocating large appliances like refrigerators during treatment 98. Washing all curtains and clothes 99. Vacuuming and spraying couches 100. Powdering and vacuuming floors under all furniture 101. Spraying baseboards 102. Giving the cat flea baths every other day 103. Dumping the vacuum outside 104. Hiring an exterminator 105. Isolating the cat at night 106. using natural pet-safe repellents 107. spraying spiders directly 108. lowering humidity 109. using glue boards placed under things 110. calling pest control back for follow-up questions 111. waiting through multiple rounds of chemical spraying 112. planning to clean belongings out individually to avoid total removal 113. considering whether to proceed with fumigation despite lack of storage space 114. Deep cleaning the kitchen 115. Searching for produce or standing water 116. Applying boric acid along corners in empty kitchen cabinets and edges of the floor 117. Using the kitchen as little as possible 118. Storing kitchen supplies in a pantry on grated shelves 119. swatting the flies manually 120. washing all sheets and clothing 121. bagging belongings in garbage bags in the garage 122. hiring a K9 inspection service 123. consulting a dermatologist 124. Vacuuming daily 125. Washing clothes and pet bedding on max heat 126. Spraying household pesticides weekly 127. Applying borax, salt, and food-grade diatomaceous earth to carpets 128. Steam cleaning carpets and mopping floors 129. Giving pets Capstar and washing them every three days 130. Using topical treatments like Frontier 131. Calling the exterminator for random indoor sprays when a live bug appears 132. Sweeping up the mouse and throwing it away 133. Submitting a service request for professional pest control 134. laying down poison 135. putting down mouse traps 136. buying bulk snap traps and sealing exterior holes with stainless steel mesh 137. Applying Tenacity herbicide over multiple weeks 138. Using a dethatching rake to pull up the matted grass 139. searching the mattress for dark spots 140. Throwing boiling water 141. Applying salt along the door 142. Switching to a bokashi compost system 143. Storing trash further away from the residence 144. Double bagging trash 145. Sprinkling diatomaceous earth around the perimeter and door gaps 146. Freezing perishables until trash day 147. Spraying bleach surface spray inside trash cans 148. Using tighter sealing bags 149. Hanging pest strips in confined spaces 150. Pulling everything out from under the bed to look for droppings or signs of pests 151. lighting smells they don't like 152. taking the bag and sweatshirt outside immediately 153. washing blankets and clothing 154. ordering bed bug bombs for the car and sticky traps for the room 155. Taking them out manually instead of killing them 156. spraying the area with the usual pest spray 157. ordering sticky traps and advion gel 158. planning to call an exterminator if DIY methods fail 159. Evaluating the species and behavior of the roaches, noting that larger ones are often outdoor occasional invaders while smaller German roaches indicate indoor hiding populations. 160. Applying horticulture oil or a pyrethroid pesticide every 20-30 days 161. Administering a root drench 162. taking apart and cleaning out kitchen sink pipes 163. cleaning underneath the sink and off the counters 164. emptying the trash and checking for nests 165. pouring boiling water down sinks 166. using a vinegar solution 167. setting up commercial traps 168. Giving the dog a flea bath 169. Washing sheets 170. Spraying home defense 171. vacuuming daily or every other day 172. using flea traps 173. living elsewhere temporarily to starve them out 174. Putting diatomaceous earth around the foundation and property 175. Planning to use sticky traps to locate where they are coming from 176. Reading the community sticky link for guidance 177. Maintaining with diatomaceous earth 178. Working on sealing the fan 179. Avoiding sleeping in infested rooms 180. Pulling out all the carpet 181. Using fogger treatments 182. Calling professional pest control like Orkin 183. Treating clothes with Permethrin 184. using vibrations and rat traps instead of poison to avoid dead rats in the walls 185. Treating the area with diatomaceous earth 186. Spraying the yard with Adams Plus Yard Spray 187. cleaning and vacuuming the room thoroughly 188. Calling CPS, DHS, and the police 189. Paying out of pocket for private exterminators 190. Storing personal belongings inside ziplock bags 191. Replacing ruined appliances and discarding personal collections 192. using bait and traps 193. scheduling an exterminator 194. Indoor and outdoor chemical spraying 195. Setting glue traps to monitor population 196. Using bug bombs in the garage, attic, and crawlspace 197. Dusting cracks, behind outlets, and light fixtures 198. Cleaning and vacuuming weekly, checking beds, and shaking towels 199. Spraying with horticultural oil 200. Applying systemic insecticides like Imidacloprid 201. Taking a twig sample to a local Cooperative Extension Service for species identification and tailored control recommendations 202. Calling in experts that do both cleanup and pest control 203. Getting a rat snake 204. Using a cat to keep up with interiors and garage 205. Sending the toddler to stay with grandparents to avoid bites 206. Using professional pest control services and industrial pesticide pellets 207. Throwing away infested personal belongings or supplies 208. Calling exterminators to treat the classroom 209. Contacting child protective services or school nurses for intervention 210. Using protective gear or having paraprofessionals assist with biohazards 211. Calling a cleaning company to gut the cabinets 212. Putting out glue boards behind appliances and in cabinets to check for ongoing activity before deep cleaning 213. spraying the ants directly with a contact killer 214. switching to different bait brands like Maxforce Quantum 215. moving bait stations closer to active trails and entry points 216. Calling pest control companies for an inspection 217. Setting an alarm for 3 am to turn on the lights and check the bed 218. Looking under mattress corners and checking for bite marks 219. Tossing out old mattresses, bed frames, and linens before moving 220. pouring white vinegar over surfaces 221. deep cleaning cabinets, fridge, and oven 222. removing trash and scrubbing walls and floors 223. running a dehumidifier to keep humidity around 45 percent 224. Using sticky traps to catch some of the mice 225. Setting up an indoor camera to locate entry points 226. Sealing holes and cracks 227. Filling outdoor entry spots with steel wool and rodent-proof expanding foam 228. Pouring hot water 229. Washing with bleach 230. Keeping the bathroom dry 231. using bug sprays around the house 232. using pet safe sprays on the dog 233. doing a deep clean of some of the areas in the house 234. Setting multiple different traps 235. Using home deterrents like pinesol and peppermint 236. Applying enzyme cleaner 237. Using mouse poison 238. Using cats 239. Hiring professional pest control for repeated sprays and dustings 240. Placing glue traps and bait stations 241. Ordering specific insecticides like Alpine WSG to handle treatment independently 242. switching to Advion ant gel 243. Setting mouse traps 244. Using poison 245. Disinfecting and cleaning constantly 246. setting traps 247. using plug-in noise deterrents 248. using poison in the past 249. Using glue traps under doors 250. Switching to snap traps 251. Using famous store-bought fumigation products in the house 252. Dousing them in home defense and putting some down the drain 253. Searching on Google for ideas 254. Vacuuming furniture regularly 255. Putting infested items in a plastic bag and letting them cook in the sun 256. Washing washable items in a washing machine on a gentle cycle with borax or baking soda and drying them on regular heat 257. using professional baiting products like Max Force and 375A 258. relying on the existing chemical barrier and monitoring 259. removing the timber or wood source 260. getting advice from a pest controller 261. sealing entry points behind the stove and small cracks 262. using pest-control companies for bait and traps 263. inspecting the apartment multiple times 264. considering removing kitchen cabinets and opening sheetrock 265. Talking to a pest control company about exterior treatments 266. Putting lime around the house 267. Using a propane mosquito trap 268. Quarantining the affected area of the living room 269. Using flea spray and carpet moth spray 270. Cleaning out the vacuum cleaner thoroughly 271. Setting out glue boards along walls, inside cabinets, and toe boards 272. Applying gel baits and Alpine WSG spray with an IGR 273. Using Windex for mass killing and peppermint scent repellent for prevention 274. Spraying Termidor SC around the outside of the home 275. putting up pheromone traps 276. hanging up poison 277. spraying the perimeters 278. Using ant baits and liquid bait drops like Terro or Amdro 279. Sprinkling cinnamon around problem areas 280. Applying perimeter ant sprays indoors and outdoors 281. Caulking gaps and sealing entry holes 282. setting out insect traps in affected rooms 283. Deep cleaning and searching under all furniture and appliances. 284. Setting out sticky traps and bait syringes to catch or kill unseen pests. 285. Calling professional pest exterminators. 286. Deep cleaning the kitchen and applying general roach treatments 287. Spraying outdoor trash bins with pest spray 288. Posting photos to online pest control forums for expert identification 289. Dumping a little vinegar into the AC drain pan. 290. Pouring bleach into sink drains and letting it sit overnight with a stopper. 291. Repotting recent houseplants with completely fresh soil. 292. Ensuring the AC unit has a 5 to 7 degree tilt towards the wall for proper drainage. 293. Knocking down small nests when spotted 294. Spraying the wasps and running away 295. Waiting for the cluster to disperse naturally 296. Making little close together dots instead of large continuous lines 297. Putting the gel in a small plastic folding ant tray or a bottle cap 298. Cleaning up and reapplying after a couple of days because the gel dries up quickly 299. pulling out appliances and checking cabinets for activity 300. calling a contracted pest control company to apply bait and interior treatment 301. Escalating complaints to higher authorities or chain of command 302. Buying inexpensive roach bait cartridges 303. Sprinkling boric acid near suspected nesting areas 304. posting photos to online forums for crowd-sourced identification 305. Posting photos to online forums for community identification and advice 306. posting photos to online forums for help with identification

How do I identify if these bugs are bed bugs?

Unknown household pests are frequently mistaken for bed bugs, causing immediate panic and uncertainty about whether an infestation is present. Even after professional treatments, lingering bugs make it difficult to determine if the remediation actually worked or if the infestation is continuing.

Overview

Last updated Nov 3, 2026

People affected128 accounts across 13 forums

Workarounds found306 items attempted

Community agreement4,140 total upvotes

What the numbers show

Counted from the threads quoted below. How we count

Most of it landed at once — the busiest month was September 2026, with 87 people.
This comes up 38.4× more often in r/Pestcontrol than across the site as a whole.

What people tried

Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.

306 items+ Contribute

Found another way around this?

Share your steps and trade-offs so fellow engineers don't have to reinvent the wheel. No account required.

1
Hiring a professional pest control service
5 people mentioned
Did this help you?
2
Hiring professional pest control companies for monthly treatments
2 people mentioned
Did this help you?
3
Using bed bug foggers and sprays
2 people mentioned
Did this help you?
4
Placing traps
2 people mentioned
Did this help you?
5
Cleaning all the time
2 people mentioned
Did this help you?
6
Using over-the-counter bug killer sprays
Did this help you?
7
Throwing out infested furniture
Did this help you?
8
Treating the home and using white vinegar in the microwave to force them out
Did this help you?
9
Using insecticidal dust like Delta dust, gel bait, or aerosol treatments
Did this help you?
10
Throwing away infested appliances, furniture, and belongings
Did this help you?
11
Breaking leases and moving out of infested buildings
Did this help you?
12
opening a door to let the animal out
Did this help you?
13
trapping and releasing the animal into a nearby park
Did this help you?
14
using expanding foams and steel wool to seal entry points
Did this help you?
15
calling pest control or a nuisance wildlife service
Did this help you?
16
abandoning the property or walking away from the job as a technician
Did this help you?
17
using DIY snap traps
Did this help you?
18
hounding exterminators for refunds after failed service
Did this help you?
19
burning down this cupboard
Did this help you?
20
using a flamethrower
Did this help you?
21
calling in the professionals
Did this help you?
22
vacuuming them up and wiping down all the surfaces
Did this help you?
23
using alpine wsg and advion gel
Did this help you?
24
using napalm
Did this help you?
25
Calling local pest control professionals for inspections and estimates
Did this help you?
26
Getting multiple competing quotes and comparing warranties
Did this help you?
27
Using indoor and outdoor pesticide treatments like Alpine WSG, Onslaught Fastcap, and Delta Dust
Did this help you?
28
Placing glue boards to trap wandering spiders and monitor activity
Did this help you?
29
Dusting cracks, crevices, wall voids, and attics with Cimexa or other insecticide dusts
Did this help you?
30
Killing multiple spiders by hand daily
Did this help you?
31
Using diatomaceous earth
Did this help you?
32
Laying down glue boards
Did this help you?
33
Applying specific residual insecticides like Onslaught Fastcap
Did this help you?
34
Tearing down or completely rebuilding the affected structure
Did this help you?
35
Moving to a new house
Did this help you?
36
Removing abandoned nests manually
Did this help you?
37
Coexisting with the insects if they are harmless
Did this help you?
38
Sealing up small entrances, cracks, and holes
Did this help you?
39
Gathering online verification from communities like Reddit to prove management wrong
Did this help you?
40
Consulting external pest control experts or entomologists for confirmation
Did this help you?
41
Threatening that ignoring the problem will cost management more money later
Did this help you?
42
Using premade store-bought traps
Did this help you?
43
Pouring boiling water and chemicals down the drains
Did this help you?
44
Using clear fly tape on windows and glass doors
Did this help you?
45
Making traps with wine, fruit juice, apple cider vinegar, and plastic wrap with poked holes
Did this help you?
46
seal it up at night after they left
Did this help you?
47
put some sort of barrier so that insects, bats and birds can't get in and nest under roof tiles
Did this help you?
48
using wasp spray from hardware stores
Did this help you?
49
applying dust insecticides at night
Did this help you?
50
using expanding foaming spray and stabbing holes in the nest
Did this help you?
51
Filing a pest control request with apartment management
Did this help you?
52
Spraying the outside of the unit
Did this help you?
53
vacuuming everyday and dumping the remains outside
Did this help you?
54
using household flea and tick sprays
Did this help you?
55
setting up traps and bowls with dish soap
Did this help you?
56
Getting an inspection done by a professional company
Did this help you?
57
Asking community members or professional technicians on online forums for visual identification
Did this help you?
58
putting glue in a suspected entry hole in the carpet
Did this help you?
59
Stopping wildlife feeding
Did this help you?
60
Monitoring for signs of an indoor problem
Did this help you?
61
Relying on house cats for pest management
Did this help you?
62
Applying food-grade diatomaceous earth along baseboards and mattress seams
Did this help you?
63
Using borate treatments directly in the wood for termites
Did this help you?
64
Asking management companies about their specific treatment procedures
Did this help you?
65
Looking for telltale signs like droppings and smears
Did this help you?
66
Buying backup pesticide sprays online
Did this help you?
67
Treating the pullout couch and inquiring about specific pesticide labels and treatment instructions
Did this help you?
68
Putting sheets, plushies, and blankets in the dryer on high heat
Did this help you?
69
Using lice shampoo daily
Did this help you?
70
Calling other family members for help
Did this help you?
71
putting clothes in vacuum sealed bags
Did this help you?
72
leaving the apartment to stay elsewhere
Did this help you?
73
inspecting the mattress and wood bed frame
Did this help you?
74
Extra vacuuming
Did this help you?
75
Running a dehumidifier
Did this help you?
76
Trashing infested items
Did this help you?
77
Using traps and sprays
Did this help you?
78
Deep cleaning, mopping, and vacuuming on an almost daily basis
Did this help you?
79
Never leaving dishes in the sink or dishwasher
Did this help you?
80
Hiring wildlife removal professionals
Did this help you?
81
Using scent sprays and repellents
Did this help you?
82
Applying grub killer to the lawn
Did this help you?
83
Setting up live traps with bait like marshmallows and peanut butter
Did this help you?
84
Leaving a radio playing near the animal's den to drive it away with noise
Did this help you?
85
Using fox urine
Did this help you?
86
cleaning balconies
Did this help you?
87
applying insecticide on windows and baseboards
Did this help you?
88
vacuuming bedrooms
Did this help you?
89
planning to call pest control
Did this help you?
90
washing and drying bedding on high heat
Did this help you?
91
vacuuming and planning to use a steamer
Did this help you?
92
Waiting to see if fleas persist after fumigation before taking further action
Did this help you?
93
Staying inside while treatments are applied externally
Did this help you?
94
Relying on low-toxicity chemicals applied by professionals
Did this help you?
95
Switching to alternative chemical formulations like Alpine WSG
Did this help you?
96
Dropping dust treatments in favor of heavy glue trap deployment
Did this help you?
97
Relocating large appliances like refrigerators during treatment
Did this help you?
98
Washing all curtains and clothes
Did this help you?
99
Vacuuming and spraying couches
Did this help you?
100
Powdering and vacuuming floors under all furniture
Did this help you?
101
Spraying baseboards
Did this help you?
102
Giving the cat flea baths every other day
Did this help you?
103
Dumping the vacuum outside
Did this help you?
104
Hiring an exterminator
Did this help you?
105
Isolating the cat at night
Did this help you?
106
using natural pet-safe repellents
Did this help you?
107
spraying spiders directly
Did this help you?
108
lowering humidity
Did this help you?
109
using glue boards placed under things
Did this help you?
110
calling pest control back for follow-up questions
Did this help you?
111
waiting through multiple rounds of chemical spraying
Did this help you?
112
planning to clean belongings out individually to avoid total removal
Did this help you?
113
considering whether to proceed with fumigation despite lack of storage space
Did this help you?
114
Deep cleaning the kitchen
Did this help you?
115
Searching for produce or standing water
Did this help you?
116
Applying boric acid along corners in empty kitchen cabinets and edges of the floor
Did this help you?
117
Using the kitchen as little as possible
Did this help you?
118
Storing kitchen supplies in a pantry on grated shelves
Did this help you?
119
swatting the flies manually
Did this help you?
120
washing all sheets and clothing
Did this help you?
121
bagging belongings in garbage bags in the garage
Did this help you?
122
hiring a K9 inspection service
Did this help you?
123
consulting a dermatologist
Did this help you?
124
Vacuuming daily
Did this help you?
125
Washing clothes and pet bedding on max heat
Did this help you?
126
Spraying household pesticides weekly
Did this help you?
127
Applying borax, salt, and food-grade diatomaceous earth to carpets
Did this help you?
128
Steam cleaning carpets and mopping floors
Did this help you?
129
Giving pets Capstar and washing them every three days
Did this help you?
130
Using topical treatments like Frontier
Did this help you?
131
Calling the exterminator for random indoor sprays when a live bug appears
Did this help you?
132
Sweeping up the mouse and throwing it away
Did this help you?
133
Submitting a service request for professional pest control
Did this help you?
134
laying down poison
Did this help you?
135
putting down mouse traps
Did this help you?
136
buying bulk snap traps and sealing exterior holes with stainless steel mesh
Did this help you?
137
Applying Tenacity herbicide over multiple weeks
Did this help you?
138
Using a dethatching rake to pull up the matted grass
Did this help you?
139
searching the mattress for dark spots
Did this help you?
140
Throwing boiling water
Did this help you?
141
Applying salt along the door
Did this help you?
142
Switching to a bokashi compost system
Did this help you?
143
Storing trash further away from the residence
Did this help you?
144
Double bagging trash
Did this help you?
145
Sprinkling diatomaceous earth around the perimeter and door gaps
Did this help you?
146
Freezing perishables until trash day
Did this help you?
147
Spraying bleach surface spray inside trash cans
Did this help you?
148
Using tighter sealing bags
Did this help you?
149
Hanging pest strips in confined spaces
Did this help you?
150
Pulling everything out from under the bed to look for droppings or signs of pests
Did this help you?
151
lighting smells they don't like
Did this help you?
152
taking the bag and sweatshirt outside immediately
Did this help you?
153
washing blankets and clothing
Did this help you?
154
ordering bed bug bombs for the car and sticky traps for the room
Did this help you?
155
Taking them out manually instead of killing them
Did this help you?
156
spraying the area with the usual pest spray
Did this help you?
157
ordering sticky traps and advion gel
Did this help you?
158
planning to call an exterminator if DIY methods fail
Did this help you?
159
Evaluating the species and behavior of the roaches, noting that larger ones are often outdoor occasional invaders while smaller German roaches indicate indoor hiding populations.
Did this help you?
160
Applying horticulture oil or a pyrethroid pesticide every 20-30 days
Did this help you?
161
Administering a root drench
Did this help you?
162
taking apart and cleaning out kitchen sink pipes
Did this help you?
163
cleaning underneath the sink and off the counters
Did this help you?
164
emptying the trash and checking for nests
Did this help you?
165
pouring boiling water down sinks
Did this help you?
166
using a vinegar solution
Did this help you?
167
setting up commercial traps
Did this help you?
168
Giving the dog a flea bath
Did this help you?
169
Washing sheets
Did this help you?
170
Spraying home defense
Did this help you?
171
vacuuming daily or every other day
Did this help you?
172
using flea traps
Did this help you?
173
living elsewhere temporarily to starve them out
Did this help you?
174
Putting diatomaceous earth around the foundation and property
Did this help you?
175
Planning to use sticky traps to locate where they are coming from
Did this help you?
176
Reading the community sticky link for guidance
Did this help you?
177
Maintaining with diatomaceous earth
Did this help you?
178
Working on sealing the fan
Did this help you?
179
Avoiding sleeping in infested rooms
Did this help you?
180
Pulling out all the carpet
Did this help you?
181
Using fogger treatments
Did this help you?
182
Calling professional pest control like Orkin
Did this help you?
183
Treating clothes with Permethrin
Did this help you?
184
using vibrations and rat traps instead of poison to avoid dead rats in the walls
Did this help you?
185
Treating the area with diatomaceous earth
Did this help you?
186
Spraying the yard with Adams Plus Yard Spray
Did this help you?
187
cleaning and vacuuming the room thoroughly
Did this help you?
188
Calling CPS, DHS, and the police
Did this help you?
189
Paying out of pocket for private exterminators
Did this help you?
190
Storing personal belongings inside ziplock bags
Did this help you?
191
Replacing ruined appliances and discarding personal collections
Did this help you?
192
using bait and traps
Did this help you?
193
scheduling an exterminator
Did this help you?
194
Indoor and outdoor chemical spraying
Did this help you?
195
Setting glue traps to monitor population
Did this help you?
196
Using bug bombs in the garage, attic, and crawlspace
Did this help you?
197
Dusting cracks, behind outlets, and light fixtures
Did this help you?
198
Cleaning and vacuuming weekly, checking beds, and shaking towels
Did this help you?
199
Spraying with horticultural oil
Did this help you?
200
Applying systemic insecticides like Imidacloprid
Did this help you?
201
Taking a twig sample to a local Cooperative Extension Service for species identification and tailored control recommendations
Did this help you?
202
Calling in experts that do both cleanup and pest control
Did this help you?
203
Getting a rat snake
Did this help you?
204
Using a cat to keep up with interiors and garage
Did this help you?
205
Sending the toddler to stay with grandparents to avoid bites
Did this help you?
206
Using professional pest control services and industrial pesticide pellets
Did this help you?
207
Throwing away infested personal belongings or supplies
Did this help you?
208
Calling exterminators to treat the classroom
Did this help you?
209
Contacting child protective services or school nurses for intervention
Did this help you?
210
Using protective gear or having paraprofessionals assist with biohazards
Did this help you?
211
Calling a cleaning company to gut the cabinets
Did this help you?
212
Putting out glue boards behind appliances and in cabinets to check for ongoing activity before deep cleaning
Did this help you?
213
spraying the ants directly with a contact killer
Did this help you?
214
switching to different bait brands like Maxforce Quantum
Did this help you?
215
moving bait stations closer to active trails and entry points
Did this help you?
216
Calling pest control companies for an inspection
Did this help you?
217
Setting an alarm for 3 am to turn on the lights and check the bed
Did this help you?
218
Looking under mattress corners and checking for bite marks
Did this help you?
219
Tossing out old mattresses, bed frames, and linens before moving
Did this help you?
220
pouring white vinegar over surfaces
Did this help you?
221
deep cleaning cabinets, fridge, and oven
Did this help you?
222
removing trash and scrubbing walls and floors
Did this help you?
223
running a dehumidifier to keep humidity around 45 percent
Did this help you?
224
Using sticky traps to catch some of the mice
Did this help you?
225
Setting up an indoor camera to locate entry points
Did this help you?
226
Sealing holes and cracks
Did this help you?
227
Filling outdoor entry spots with steel wool and rodent-proof expanding foam
Did this help you?
228
Pouring hot water
Did this help you?
229
Washing with bleach
Did this help you?
230
Keeping the bathroom dry
Did this help you?
231
using bug sprays around the house
Did this help you?
232
using pet safe sprays on the dog
Did this help you?
233
doing a deep clean of some of the areas in the house
Did this help you?
234
Setting multiple different traps
Did this help you?
235
Using home deterrents like pinesol and peppermint
Did this help you?
236
Applying enzyme cleaner
Did this help you?
237
Using mouse poison
Did this help you?
238
Using cats
Did this help you?
239
Hiring professional pest control for repeated sprays and dustings
Did this help you?
240
Placing glue traps and bait stations
Did this help you?
241
Ordering specific insecticides like Alpine WSG to handle treatment independently
Did this help you?
242
switching to Advion ant gel
Did this help you?
243
Setting mouse traps
Did this help you?
244
Using poison
Did this help you?
245
Disinfecting and cleaning constantly
Did this help you?
246
setting traps
Did this help you?
247
using plug-in noise deterrents
Did this help you?
248
using poison in the past
Did this help you?
249
Using glue traps under doors
Did this help you?
250
Switching to snap traps
Did this help you?
251
Using famous store-bought fumigation products in the house
Did this help you?
252
Dousing them in home defense and putting some down the drain
Did this help you?
253
Searching on Google for ideas
Did this help you?
254
Vacuuming furniture regularly
Did this help you?
255
Putting infested items in a plastic bag and letting them cook in the sun
Did this help you?
256
Washing washable items in a washing machine on a gentle cycle with borax or baking soda and drying them on regular heat
Did this help you?
257
using professional baiting products like Max Force and 375A
Did this help you?
258
relying on the existing chemical barrier and monitoring
Did this help you?
259
removing the timber or wood source
Did this help you?
260
getting advice from a pest controller
Did this help you?
261
sealing entry points behind the stove and small cracks
Did this help you?
262
using pest-control companies for bait and traps
Did this help you?
263
inspecting the apartment multiple times
Did this help you?
264
considering removing kitchen cabinets and opening sheetrock
Did this help you?
265
Talking to a pest control company about exterior treatments
Did this help you?
266
Putting lime around the house
Did this help you?
267
Using a propane mosquito trap
Did this help you?
268
Quarantining the affected area of the living room
Did this help you?
269
Using flea spray and carpet moth spray
Did this help you?
270
Cleaning out the vacuum cleaner thoroughly
Did this help you?
271
Setting out glue boards along walls, inside cabinets, and toe boards
Did this help you?
272
Applying gel baits and Alpine WSG spray with an IGR
Did this help you?
273
Using Windex for mass killing and peppermint scent repellent for prevention
Did this help you?
274
Spraying Termidor SC around the outside of the home
Did this help you?
275
putting up pheromone traps
Did this help you?
276
hanging up poison
Did this help you?
277
spraying the perimeters
Did this help you?
278
Using ant baits and liquid bait drops like Terro or Amdro
Did this help you?
279
Sprinkling cinnamon around problem areas
Did this help you?
280
Applying perimeter ant sprays indoors and outdoors
Did this help you?
281
Caulking gaps and sealing entry holes
Did this help you?
282
setting out insect traps in affected rooms
Did this help you?
283
Deep cleaning and searching under all furniture and appliances.
Did this help you?
284
Setting out sticky traps and bait syringes to catch or kill unseen pests.
Did this help you?
285
Calling professional pest exterminators.
Did this help you?
286
Deep cleaning the kitchen and applying general roach treatments
Did this help you?
287
Spraying outdoor trash bins with pest spray
Did this help you?
288
Posting photos to online pest control forums for expert identification
Did this help you?
289
Dumping a little vinegar into the AC drain pan.
Did this help you?
290
Pouring bleach into sink drains and letting it sit overnight with a stopper.
Did this help you?
291
Repotting recent houseplants with completely fresh soil.
Did this help you?
292
Ensuring the AC unit has a 5 to 7 degree tilt towards the wall for proper drainage.
Did this help you?
293
Knocking down small nests when spotted
Did this help you?
294
Spraying the wasps and running away
Did this help you?
295
Waiting for the cluster to disperse naturally
Did this help you?
296
Making little close together dots instead of large continuous lines
Did this help you?
297
Putting the gel in a small plastic folding ant tray or a bottle cap
Did this help you?
298
Cleaning up and reapplying after a couple of days because the gel dries up quickly
Did this help you?
299
pulling out appliances and checking cabinets for activity
Did this help you?
300
calling a contracted pest control company to apply bait and interior treatment
Did this help you?
301
Escalating complaints to higher authorities or chain of command
Did this help you?
302
Buying inexpensive roach bait cartridges
Did this help you?
303
Sprinkling boric acid near suspected nesting areas
Did this help you?
304
posting photos to online forums for crowd-sourced identification
Did this help you?
305
Posting photos to online forums for community identification and advice
Did this help you?
306
posting photos to online forums for help with identification
Did this help you?

Tried another approach not listed above?+ Share your workaround ↑

In their words

Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.

r/CleaningTips8 people · May 2026 – September 2026

“I’ve poured so many chemicals and gallons of boiling water down those that if anything has survived, it’s a mutated superfly with godlike powers”source ↗

999BusinessCard · r/CleaningTips · 1,515 upvotes

“Our bins are only removed once every two weeks. We found a bunch of little maggots around our kitchen backdoor and floor and after being COMPLETELY grossed out we cleaned the heck out of it.”source ↗

“The sneak in under our door. We have a baby.”source ↗

DovaBunny · r/CleaningTips · 402 upvotes

“wonder if it would work for clothes moths, they are making me nuts. I have the sticky traps with pheromones around the house but they aren't catching too many”source ↗

TigerB65 · r/CleaningTips · 113 upvotes

“To my horror, after applying detergent to the home I have been staying for the past 6 months, worms crawled out from the bottom of the shower screen! This is the first time I encountered this and I’m terrified.”source ↗

RandomChiyu · r/CleaningTips · 60 upvotes

“I was away for the weekend and forgot to take out the trash I came home to an INFESTATION of maggots they’re literally everywhere in my apartment”source ↗

“I had to step outside because I kept having panic attacks on panic attacks and crying so the situation wasn’t evolving in any way”source ↗

“Please I need help and clear steps to act on because I think I’m gonna die of disgust… I can’t think straight”source ↗

PurpleSnowwwhite · r/CleaningTips · 11 upvotes

“We had the same problem this year - a raccoon gets into our trash cans and breaks the bags open, tempting every fly within a mile to come through. The maggots crawled out of the can and snuck under our door to spawn a fly invasion in our house.”source ↗

ddavidbermann · r/CleaningTips · 1 upvotes

“I'm pouring white vinegar all over my kitchen... ...is that okay? I understand it has disinfectant properties, and I've read online that it may repel mice and roaches.”source ↗

“I'm procrastinating going BEHIND the oven because I KNOW it's going to be horrific, and it must be the last place where these mice are congregating.”source ↗

“Lmfao I feel like this apartment has had such a negative impact on my mental health and I need some external input!!”source ↗

reichanxx · r/CleaningTips

“I panic came to Reddit because I don’t know what to do.”source ↗

“how do I clean a mass of maggots? Not only outside. But inside as well. Vacuuming is NOT the answer, I found that out the hard way. I’m so disgusted and freaked out I don’t even know where to start”source ↗

“Never been through anything like this but I can say with certainty it’s the most horrifying thing I’ve ever witnessed.”source ↗

Jose_Jallapenno · r/CleaningTips

r/Teachers1 person · September 2026

“unzips his binder and Chromebook bag and all of a sudden DOZENS and I mean DOZENS of cockroaches come scurrying out all over the place in every which direction.”source ↗

“Now I can’t teach in my classroom, an exterminator is coming, and I’ve had the heebie jeebies ever since.”source ↗

“watching dozens of cockroaches pour out of a student’s stuff first thing in the morning might be my limit.”source ↗

TheGhostofChrisGrier · r/Teachers · 367 upvotes

r/Pestcontrol100 people · October 2025 – November 2026

“Please help me identify and please say they’re not bed bugs 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼 we live in western PA”source ↗

NeedTheDeets3000 · r/Pestcontrol · 196 upvotes

“Any advice for cockroaches living in electronics of microwave?”source ↗

“Last one i pulled apart, blasted with air to get them out, and microwave didn't turn back on.”source ↗

“Got new one and within days the roaches got in it.”source ↗

HiImRickry · r/Pestcontrol · 166 upvotes

“Heard it running thru the walls last night and just captured him this afternoon.”source ↗

cthom18 · r/Pestcontrol · 160 upvotes

“My mother in law's place. Short of burning down this cupboard or signing over the deed, what am I gonna do?”source ↗

“Removed all the food already. Don't think baits will cut it.”source ↗

CarrotFinancial8787 · r/Pestcontrol · 124 upvotes

“My wife and I recently started seeing piles of grout (at least we assume it’s the grout…) around the edge of our toilet.”source ↗

SlappysRevenge · r/Pestcontrol · 122 upvotes

“Indoor. We have a dog, too.”source ↗

“This trap is upstairs/second floor. We have lots of traps and this one's pretty new. They fill up. Thanks! :(”source ↗

Fabulous-Elk-8297 · r/Pestcontrol · 103 upvotes

“My garage is infested and I'm not sure what to do, if there even is anything. I have talked to local bug guys and they said they can't really guarantee results.”source ↗

“Every day I go in my garage it's not unusual to kill 5 to 7 of them in an hours time.”source ↗

“I have tried diatomaceous earth with no luck.”source ↗

just_someGui · r/Pestcontrol · 85 upvotes

“In the basement of my building I saw at least 3 of these on multiple occasions, these were the best photos I could take. I think they’re roaches, possibly German (though I don’t know well enough), and we’ve complained about them to the building before but they’re insisting they’re not.”source ↗

Warm-Presentation958 · r/Pestcontrol · 85 upvotes

“I found another one a month ago and called for inspection they said there is no bed bugs. I called for another inspection today and said I do have bed bugs”source ↗

Specialist_Dig9463 · r/Pestcontrol · 77 upvotes

“Damn I have serious PTSD from having these. Every time I scroll by a photo like this my heart starts racing and I feel instantly sweaty. Never knew a hell as bad as a german roach infestation.”source ↗

Neverwasalwaysam · r/Pestcontrol · 56 upvotes

“I'm sorry to say, but it's a bed bug. My fiancé and I are at the end of an infestation. After two treatments, we still see one or two bed bugs.”source ↗

Fancy_Campos12 · r/Pestcontrol · 38 upvotes

“Our building was infested from a tenant that moved in. Management refused to do anything so we threw shit out. Took important stuff and went through one by one sealed in boxes, broke our lease and left.”source ↗

Puzzled_Clue_2627 · r/Pestcontrol · 25 upvotes

“My dad said it was in my head, but we did full treatment anyways”source ↗

“I am at a complete loss.”source ↗

DJDANIELLEmusic · r/Pestcontrol · 24 upvotes

“My wife and I are from California originally, our experience with termites is different from what we’re seeing now, but I don’t think I’ve even heard of subterranean termites being a thing before.”source ↗

Honest_Radio8983 · r/Pestcontrol · 19 upvotes

“So I’ve noticed my memory foam was getting everywhere on my floor, and I looked under my pillow and seen this??”source ↗

ms_gruesome · r/Pestcontrol · 14 upvotes

“I opened my dishwasher the other day after a cycle and found this guy. I’m 90% sure it’s a german roach and am trying to determine the next step to assess the scope of the problem.”source ↗

stadler93 · r/Pestcontrol · 12 upvotes

“Today we saw a rat, not a big one, but a rat for sure. Do we need to call an exterminator to make sure we don’t have / get an infestation?”source ↗

PocketAces533 · r/Pestcontrol · 9 upvotes

“Vacuumed the bedrooms and put incesticide in some places near the floor and baseboard yet the population only collapsed for a few days before increasing again.”source ↗

AlexByLogic · r/Pestcontrol · 8 upvotes

“I have had a problem with a flying squirrels sneaking into my cabin, somewhere up by the fireplace chimney. They come out of the fireplace at night and zoom around the house.”source ↗

GaetanDugas · r/Pestcontrol · 7 upvotes

“Haven't seen any wasps for a few months and just noticed this wasp conference on the side of my house today.”source ↗

“I'm a little afraid to peak my head in there when I'm standing on a 12 foot ladder.”source ↗

SA_Streets · r/Pestcontrol · 7 upvotes

“How long until they go away? Am I doing this right?”source ↗

BGG498 · r/Pestcontrol · 6 upvotes

“For what it's worth we are on concrete, but in either case I'm hoping we're catching this early enough for the damage to not bee too significant.”source ↗

SlappysRevenge · r/Pestcontrol · 5 upvotes

“What if i don't find anything. I literally woke up probably 10 times the night after i found them and couldn't see anything”source ↗

Specialist_Dig9463 · r/Pestcontrol · 5 upvotes

“They ate my memory foam as well and left droppings on my bed. I was pissed.”source ↗

saby7825 · r/Pestcontrol · 4 upvotes

“Hi!! I have had several of these little things in my appartment since a few days ago, seems like babies and big ones (this one is one of the big ones)”source ↗

“I didn't want to kill them so I just took them out everytime, but I'm at 5/6 since maybe last week (and I never saw one in a year living in this apartment)”source ↗

“Any idea who they are and how to keep them out of my flat??”source ↗

elaikia · r/Pestcontrol · 4 upvotes

“Had new ductwork installed in attic and new carpet upstairs and seeing a lot more BR in traps and a few in my bed!!!”source ↗

“I hate to pay that much again for the bug bomb and I don’t like the chemical exposure but also equally hate the BR. What can I do??”source ↗

rosie_girly · r/Pestcontrol · 4 upvotes

“Basically, there's a rat infestation in my house.”source ↗

“She won't pay to get the house exterminated and i can't afford to either.”source ↗

“I dont work since she needs full time care so do any of you guys have any cost effective suggestions?”source ↗

Clear-Specialist-877 · r/Pestcontrol · 4 upvotes

“I have a really, really bad infestation.”source ↗

“We have dozens of rats, my cat has killed maybe 15-20 so far.”source ↗

“There are several holes to the outside I don't even know how to fill, and we have absolutely NO money.”source ↗

“I don't know where to even begin I feel so hopeless.”source ↗

plutomydude · r/Pestcontrol · 4 upvotes

“What is the best way to get rid of German cockroaches in 3 treatments , I am a pest tech located in Bakersfield and it feels like I have to treat German cockroaches more than normal , I use vendetta bait , gentrol ec3, suspend as my kill chem, and delta dust, I feel like I’m doing everything right it’s just they absolutely love to fight”source ↗

Remarkable-Quiet-298 · r/Pestcontrol · 3 upvotes

“What do I do? Bins are out. Nothing rotting (like potatoes which could have been the cause, we stock pile veg), we did have rats but it seems quiet lately, I don’t smell anything off.”source ↗

gubernaculum77 · r/Pestcontrol · 3 upvotes

“I'm talking HUNDREDS of bites.”source ↗

“the unknown is driving me crazier than the actual bites.”source ↗

“I've spent all week washing every sheet and every piece of clothing for a family of four and I'm still not done. I just want to know what to do here.”source ↗

InterviewValuable280 · r/Pestcontrol · 3 upvotes

“I found a single bed bug on my bag after work, I'm freaking out”source ↗

“I'm really freaking out because we had them like 10 years ago and they are horrible. I just need some advice.”source ↗

Federal_Ferret_ · r/Pestcontrol · 3 upvotes

“Our yard is broken up into three large sections. We have dogs but they can only get to one section. In the other two, we have a total of four ant hills with these big red guys, I THINK they’re red carpenter ants? They’ve infiltrated the dog yard and it is CRAWLING with them!”source ↗

“My dogs keep getting bit on their feet and I can’t even enjoy being outside because of them! I have no idea what to do.”source ↗

“We have feral cats, other wildlife, and a couple neighbors have dogs that roam so using baits/poisons really stresses me out so I prefer the safest most “natural” options”source ↗

“Please help me get my yard back!”source ↗

Oh-FiddleStix · r/Pestcontrol · 3 upvotes

“The ones I see are huge. During the summer I see them maybe once a month alive. More often they’re dead. They’re always huge though. Is it giving infestation?”source ↗

“I do live near a lot of trees and I see them outside at night a lot too.”source ↗

NewTwo7866 · r/Pestcontrol · 3 upvotes

“I love on long island and have found three cockroachs in my room which doesn't have any food garbage around. Are these coming in from outside or do I have a problem?”source ↗

DentalMilk9148 · r/Pestcontrol · 3 upvotes

“We had so many earwigs that we would walk into our fully finished (MI) basement and see 5-10 from where we were standing.”source ↗

“I want my family to enjoy the basement and I want them to be able to hang down there but the earwigs are so intense that my wife refuses to stay down there other than to do laundry and come back upstairs.”source ↗

DevelopmentFew5212 · r/Pestcontrol · 3 upvotes

“I have got a rat problem. I don't know how many there are ot if it's just one but it's ruining my stuff and making it smell.”source ↗

“I can't spend a lot on it as I am a college student living in a small room, with a big window I know it comes from.”source ↗

“The rat comes and goes. I have pushed it out many times but it just keeps coming back.”source ↗

Pale_Relationship861 · r/Pestcontrol · 2 upvotes

“I never actually saw any fleas, but after removing the carpet I started getting covered in bites that I strongly suspect are from fleas.”source ↗

“Would the Vikane fumigation have also killed any fleas or flea eggs that may have been in the house, or would we need an additional treatment?”source ↗

_beejazz · r/Pestcontrol · 2 upvotes

“How do I get rid of it?”source ↗

“They’re in my bathroom with an exterior wall.”source ↗

That_weirdhorsegirl · r/Pestcontrol · 2 upvotes

“I could honestly be sick right now just typing this.”source ↗

“We’ve never dealt with something like this before and I don’t really know what I’m doing.”source ↗

“This SUCKS.”source ↗

CourtroomBrown- · r/Pestcontrol · 2 upvotes

“Literally dozens, if not more covering feet and legs after less than 5 minutes in the house.”source ↗

“I’ve “fogged” it twice with different flea treatments and somehow they seem worse.”source ↗

mik_230 · r/Pestcontrol · 2 upvotes

“I was chilling on my bed then I realized "Oh shoot, I haven't swept and vacuum in a while!" So I vacuumed and swept but I saw like 3 sliverfish, 2 carpet beetle, and 3 centipedes!”source ↗

“Does that mean I have an infestation?”source ↗

“I just don't want bugs crawling up my leg at night.”source ↗

Wonderful_Celery7305 · r/Pestcontrol · 2 upvotes

“I’m going on year 3 of dealing with HER bug problem in MY house.”source ↗

“In 3 years, I’ve lost over $3,000 dealing with her problem.”source ↗

“I am beyond stressed. I don’t have the money to move. I don’t have the money for another exterminator. I’m literally living out of zip lock bags.. everything I own is in a zip lock bag.”source ↗

Interesting-Fall-435 · r/Pestcontrol · 2 upvotes

“Found this massive roach in my house, was wondering what kind it is? And looked all over found no signs of any else anywhere, is it possible it came in from outside or do I have a roach problem?”source ↗

Specialist-Sir-6024 · r/Pestcontrol · 2 upvotes

“My landlord let us sign a two year lease while all of the cabinets look like this. What can I do legally if he does not comply?”source ↗

whateonisit · r/Pestcontrol · 2 upvotes

“Our house is being bombarded with roaches, we dont even have a dirty/unsanitary house yet there are so many.”source ↗

“We do not have easy access to pest control, and we live in military housing so we cannot take any part of the house down or move things around to find where they are coming from/kill the family”source ↗

dreadful_dreadhead7 · r/Pestcontrol · 2 upvotes

“Bought my first house recently and noticed this yellow stuff around an exterior window frame.”source ↗

allthe6 · r/Pestcontrol · 2 upvotes

“Now I can say is my city is infested with rats so isn't my home because I don't have the money to care for it the elderly paid $800 to one exterminator who refuse to even come in the house”source ↗

“Then I paid another exterminator and I hounded them until they gave me my money back because they never did anything in the house either. Nobody would help me.”source ↗

No-Metal-5561 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“I am no expert but I think these are yellow jackets? Would double fisting the typical wasp spray from Lowes or Home Depot do the trick?”source ↗

DIY-exerciseGuy · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“That’s a big nest and yellow jackets are angry and aggressive.”source ↗

WildThings247 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“Man, I don’t know if it’s professionals answering, but I’d never use dust on an open nest like that.”source ↗

ozzy_thedog · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“I keep finding these centipede (?) larvae in my apartment and I don’t know how to get rid of them.”source ↗

“They keep showing up in my bed and shower.”source ↗

“I’ve already filed a pest control request with my apartment, but they said they can only spray the outside of the unit to prevent them from entering.”source ↗

eileenfroshie · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“I am currently dealing with fleas in my bedroom. I got them from work one day and been dealing with them since May. They went away but reappeared last month.”source ↗

Sufficient_Bed3750 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“This is the 4th time I found this type of bug. Located in Los Angeles. Found in the kitchen.”source ↗

No_Personality_5257 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“i need help there were so many ants in my room, i had the same problem years ago but they sort of just disappeared, now their back and i don’t know what to do”source ↗

Greedy_Drag_3115 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“recently we’ve been seeing roaches. Big ones and the smaller ones 😭 two of which were in MY CAR!”source ↗

“Last night I walked outside to go to my car and there were SIX of the big roaches swarming around my front door. I almost cried!”source ↗

“I don’t know what to do or where to start.”source ↗

Cheap_Werewolf_561 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“I'm searching for my second apartment and I'm very sensitive to roach issues.”source ↗

“I've read a number of horror stories of apartment tours where the apartment has been completely cleaned of evidence of pest issues before a tenant moves in”source ↗

Appropriate-Pay1699 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“I recently moved into a new apartment. Turns out it had fleas.”source ↗

“I’ve mainly noticed them in the living room where I’ve encountered 10 out of the 11 fleas and am sleeping on a pullout couch.”source ↗

“However, they insisted they only needed to spray the living room. Do you think that will be enough?”source ↗

supsupsupy · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“I had found bugs in my college dorm that look to be bed bugs or roaches.”source ↗

“my college housing is going back a fourth telling me different things. And then today I was told pest control came and found nothing.”source ↗

“I honestly don’t know what to do because I don’t want to stay there. I’m thinking of terminating my housing but does anyone know what I should do with my stuff?”source ↗

Naz1168 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“I just found out I have booklice. Great. Not really something I wish for at all.”source ↗

“I'm just very worried that it all is not to save!”source ↗

“I'm just trying to prepare for the battle but idk if there's anything I can do besides extra vacuuming?”source ↗

Nanominyo · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“Last week, I saw two gigantic black roaches and one brown guy with huge wings in my kitchen. I swiftly murdered them all but now fear that there’s more.”source ↗

“I’ve never dealt with this level of bug activity in my entire life, which has led me to being super OCD and never leaving dishes in the sink or dishwasher, and deep cleaning and mopping/vacuuming on an almost daily basis.”source ↗

One_Stop_Snake_Shop · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“What can I do throughout the week to feel safe after finding bed bugs but no infestation, and going through the treatments?”source ↗

“So far however for tonight, I have taken all the measures i can as I am very limited.”source ↗

“until then so I can get some sleep because it's been 24 hours awake... what can I do to stay safe?”source ↗

DJDANIELLEmusic · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“It’s in my backyard and I am in my first trimester.”source ↗

Bright-Climate990 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“Is it termite??? What types of treatments are likely needed? I am pregnant, should I stay away for a few days during and after the treatment?”source ↗

Bright-Climate990 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“Recently my cat was found to have fleas. We got him on Senergy which was prescribed by our vet, then absolutely nuked our house.”source ↗

“Cat is combed multiple times a day, and we still are pulling up to a dozen very energetic fleas off of him.”source ↗

“Please someone tell me I'm not crazy or let me know if there's anything I can do.”source ↗

Razgriz_G8492 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“Since I have moved in, a little over a year ago, I’ve been fighting bugs in general with spiders being the worst.”source ↗

“I’ve tried the whole natural pet safe stuff but after finding what I’m telling myself is a giant house spider (the fuzzy brown ones) I’m ready to go nuclear.”source ↗

“Unfortunately I’m working on a budget as I’m trying to remove myself from my current apartment, but all recommendations will be considered HEAVILY.”source ↗

Real-Quantity-7969 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“My roommate has a silverfish problem, they're in all their drawers, their bed, everything.”source ↗

“My other roommate doesnt want that because she's worried itll bring them into our kitchen and to be honest I am too.”source ↗

“They said theres nowhere else to put their things though. Do they really have to take everything out?”source ↗

tallelayuk · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“Trying to figure out where I should be looking for their breeding and feeding grounds any ideas?”source ↗

likestoplaygamesalso · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“after my first weekend, I had my first discovery of roaches in the house.”source ↗

“Though for a moment it looked like things might have been getting better, now it is clearly as bad if not worse.”source ↗

“So, I am seeking thoughts on how best to handle the treatment of this infestation.”source ↗

Physical-Search2786 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“About two months ago I noticed a single flea on my kitten (5 months old now.) I started vacuuming everything in the house, cleaning everything I could every day.”source ↗

“The fleas are now jumping onto me and my partner. He is bleeding from his legs now too. My cats are constantly scratching themselves. I am at a loss.”source ↗

“I feel like I have tried everything in my power. We have steam cleaned, used the salt and borax method, used Food D-Earth, and Vaccuumed every day for the past 2 months.”source ↗

“I cant afford anything anymore because all my money goes into flea products.”source ↗

breathingcockroach · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“A few months ago my superintendent plugged up some holes in the bathroom because I saw mice run in and out of it. Now I spot this one mouse yesterday night. It's slow and runs in an awkward manner.”source ↗

unaccountablemod · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“Since yesterday we have caught 8 mice. Sometimes we put down the trap and 15 mins later there is a mouse caught in the trap. Would this be normal or is there a greater chance that we have a very big mouse problem and we need to bring in a professional.”source ↗

Foxycat82 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“what do i do if this is clothes moths. it’s very early but i have to be honest i dont want to lose my nice sweaters and silks.”source ↗

“i have ocd regarding contamination and i feel very overwhelmed. also ive invested a lot of money in my wardrobe and am worried about it lasting.”source ↗

Independent_Sky1559 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“I'm extremely scared now I got a severe allergic reaction from it that I went to the emergency hospital.”source ↗

“I might get kicked out from house for this.”source ↗

“I can't afford moving nor buying a new bed or stuff. I'm literally crying now. Help!!!”source ↗

Lopsided-Bike-7009 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“Just went to prepare the trailer to take on a trip in a couple of weeks and found that rats have made the AC/heating system their own little personal highway.”source ↗

“AC is dripping into the RV and I found where the rats had chewed through the AC conduit.”source ↗

“We've placed traps, but I want those nasty things gone before we have someone look at it.”source ↗

Euphoric_Star_5338 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“I don’t know what to do.”source ↗

“I heard that if I see one that there’s more waiting. How do I get rid of the ones I can’t see ?”source ↗

CharityOnly4533 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“Fruit flies driving us crazy, cannot locate the source”source ↗

“I’m at my wits’ end here and am afraid to have meals in the kitchen.”source ↗

Monobrobe · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“I’ve noticed I’m having trouble breathing sometimes.”source ↗

“I’ve had bites around my ears and head. Also feel it on my ankles.”source ↗

hypnocookie12 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“every single time i go over there i have to pick them off of me.”source ↗

“i've been vacuuming every other day if not daily, I've put up flea traps, i've had professionals come over, i've been living with my mom hoping to starve them out but its been a month now”source ↗

“I am becoming deeply depressed living at home with my mom waiting for these fleas to go away and am starting to feel hopeless.”source ↗

Hollow2442 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“Is this normal for Northeast PA? I’m not sure what’s going on because I’m a very clean person.”source ↗

Sudo-Oden · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“all of us have seen these rats they’re not even scared of us, they just run right past us.”source ↗

“I’m terrified of them now idk why i just get so much anxiety and i hate it.”source ↗

“I love my job so much i don’t want to leave it but i can’t handle the rats and i usually hear them before i see them and it’s making me paranoid.”source ↗

“I can’t take it i think i need to quit.”source ↗

Great-Pension-8159 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“I have been at war with fleas for the past year.”source ↗

“My family or guest just get overrun by fleas when they walk by this area.”source ↗

“After treating the area for 4 weeks with diatomaceous earth, I am still seeing fleas rolling around in the white dust.”source ↗

“I don't know what to do.”source ↗

riskienights · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“i live with my mom and my sister and neither of them have reslly done anything extraordinary to help fix our situation.”source ↗

“i'm autistic and i really reallt cannot keep living like this and i'm scared it's going to push me over the edge”source ↗

“ive started hallucinating them, and every time i see a bug, no matter how happy i am i immediately havw a meltdown and fall into a depressive episode.”source ↗

Known_Temporary7172 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“my house is having a LOT of problems with fire ants coming inside and looking for water/shelter”source ↗

“she keeps getting bit and with the more recent bites, she's been breaking out in hives so she's staying with her grandparents”source ↗

“This honestly freaks me out a little as I'm 8 months pregnant”source ↗

CoastForeign1001 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“Ok it’s hard to not just spray them all, but I’ll let it go.”source ↗

BGG498 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“It’s a little shocking to see that many ants.”source ↗

BGG498 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“I'm dealing with mice infestation in my basement”source ↗

“Been trying to do everything i can because I don't have money for an exterminator....”source ↗

“I don't know what to do at this point ..... Help”source ↗

Federal-Target1507 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“Been dealing with the problem for over a year. Traps stopped working, cats can't get to the mice to kill them but know they're there. I just want them dead and gone.”source ↗

Prestigious-Paint903 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“I know we have a problem somewhere but we have no definitive answers to where they are coming from.”source ↗

“our pest control guy doesn’t think it’s a big problem because we only saw them upstairs but we now saw them downstairs in the kitchen.”source ↗

VirusSensitive2617 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“I had Terro on hand and already put it out the other day, but I just read ... and understand that Advion ant gel is the way to go. Should I pick up and toss the Terro bait containers or should I leave them out until I can get some Advion?”source ↗

maxaswell · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“Their kitchen stove, after using it, 2 hours later, there would be large mice droppings on it.”source ↗

“Theres mouse traps, poison but the mice literally feels like they've been accustomed to knowing all these traps and they avoid them.”source ↗

“Their mom cleans constantly but it's not enough.”source ↗

letsgetitna · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“No matter how much i clean they keep coming back. Should i just hire pest control?”source ↗

Odd_Impact_2757 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“I have a large Pharoah ant infestation that is coming up through our HVAC line from ground to furnace in a hallway closet.”source ↗

“Pest control used Max Force and 375A three days ago and not seeing any notable change in activity.”source ↗

“At my wits’ end and seeking any advice.”source ↗

Key-Vehicle-3314 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“Wondering if there's anything we can do here. Was looking at talking to a company to come out , but Wondering, with my location, are the bugs just inevitable?”source ↗

“House was fully renovated inside, basement finished. But basement has door to outside, we let dogs out, bugs are pretty much running in the door.”source ↗

“HUGE giant spiders, ants galore all in kitchen, can't even go in backyard without being attacked by mosquitoes, I've seen about 4 small roaches inside the house in diff areas.”source ↗

frankenboobehs · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“I'm losing my mind at the moment over these things. Literally left my hoover for 2 weeks and suddenly a patch of my carpet was gone when I moved it.”source ↗

“I've used flea spray and carpet moth spray but nothing is working. They keep spreading.”source ↗

“I can't afford a new carpet. No products are working. I don't know what to do. Please help!!”source ↗

TansehPlatypus · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“I have had waves of clothes moths in my apartment since I moved here last year.”source ↗

“They still appear in small waves about every three months, but I consider their numbers relatively under control. Just, never totally gone.”source ↗

“Knowing that this building has a moth problem is scaring me a lot, and I’m deciding whether or not to get a wool carpet. If it’s in a sun-lit, heavy-use area will they go for it? Is it worth the potential hell, even if I spray the hell out of it?”source ↗

honeyskipper · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“Could someone help identify what kind of fly this is? I’m having a hard time finding the source..”source ↗

afellowfeeling · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“Hard to say where I see the most, both the kitchen and the bathroom traps are pretty covered.”source ↗

afellowfeeling · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“I did some research and began treating as if it’s a possible German roach infestation, however I just learned of the Asian roach that has a very similar appearance.”source ↗

“Hoping someone could ID so I know what I’m dealing with and can proceed with an effective extermination.”source ↗

GiftedGarbage · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“First time seeing a bug like this - looks like a type of roach. Please tell em this isn’t a german roach.”source ↗

Duffingood · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“Jeeze……Is there a chance this could be isolated? Or does it always mean more?”source ↗

Duffingood · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“unfortunately our housing is very lousy and has never helped, so we dont really have high hopes for them.”source ↗

dreadful_dreadhead7 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“Found this in my basement. Have not seen any other ants inside or out. Is this a concern?”source ↗

resume_throwaway_629 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“A cluster were stuck to my wall above my sink, and a few were stuck to the curtain/drape.”source ↗

“So I'm trying to find out if these are pest related or no”source ↗

FruitNut221 · r/Pestcontrol · 1 upvotes

“I moved into a new place around 4.5 months ago.”source ↗

“2 months ago I saw a roach nymph in a bathtub.”source ↗

“Then a week later I had to leave for two weeks.”source ↗

“When I got back, I found 3-4 dead nymphs on the bathroom floor, and one adult on the bedroom floor which was unpleasant surprise since I never saw them in the bedroom previously.”source ↗

“I ama wondering if this is normal?”source ↗

CinnabonBinge · r/Pestcontrol

“Is it reasonable to expect NO BUGS??”source ↗

“Am I being crazy?”source ↗

“The frequency with which I still see bugs (dead & alive) is what’s making me upset.”source ↗

“What’s reasonable to expect after 3 years?”source ↗

tizzy-bear · r/Pestcontrol

“I’m not sure where these are coming from but I found 2 in 4 months.”source ↗

“I would like to know what I can do to make sure I don’t have these in my house.”source ↗

Sudo-Oden · r/Pestcontrol

“I don’t know how much longer I can deal with this. Very annoying and unsettling.”source ↗

One-Structure-2154 · r/Pestcontrol

“We're now trying to decide whether to have the termite activity around the electrical post treated with additional chemicals.”source ↗

“Would you treat the nearby termite activity, or rely on the existing barrier and monitoring?”source ↗

KpopDemonSlayer · r/Pestcontrol

“I applied the gel right by the entrance to underneath the oven and waited overnight and they did not stop coming like they normally do.”source ↗

“What should I do next?”source ↗

ParticularPitiful777 · r/Pestcontrol

r/Roofing1 person · February 2026

“My brother has a ranch in South America where the roof got infested with bats, mostly because he has tons of fruit trees too close to the property. They pooped so much that it rotted the wood and the ceiling caved in with like a thousand pounds of poop falling on my nephew's bed, he wasn't in the room but all his stuff got destroyed.”source ↗

PresenceLeft2074 · r/Roofing · 133 upvotes

r/homeowners6 people · September 2026 – October 2026

“Partner didn’t seem too concerned and has fumigated the house with a famous product, and while I haven’t had time to check if it’s worked, the lack of urgency has me worried, as if they’re bed bugs are a serious problem…”source ↗

palmtreeparfait · r/homeowners · 12 upvotes

“We have the works, I’m a child but my parents won’t help me do anything about this obvious issue.”source ↗

“I don’t have the time or funds with school and my minimum paying job.”source ↗

“it’s impacting my sleep and grades so I need to address it. I haven’t slept in my room for over a year and as of today won’t sleep in the basement.”source ↗

UnluckyMaincoon · r/homeowners · 7 upvotes

“My country doesn't have a culture of professional pest control services. Pretty much a DIY situation, I looked up to the internet on methods of pest control, first protected the essentials and food and then sprayed pesticide all over the place but damm these bugs are tough, What could be a permanent solution or prevention?”source ↗

IzumiNaraki · r/homeowners · 4 upvotes

“OMG I hate ants. I had that same issue last year and that terro stuff worked for me.”source ↗

ravae3 · r/homeowners · 3 upvotes

“Ants have been BAD this year. We have carpenter ants and wood siding and a 75 year old house and have our house sprayed quarterly. Have NEVER had an issue with the little ants in 15 years. We had them this year.”source ↗

iamnotchris · r/homeowners · 2 upvotes

“I saw one german roach 5 weeks ago in my bedroom.”source ↗

“It's been some kind of mental torture watching for signs of them.”source ↗

“I'm mostly making this post to ask if I should still be paranoid this long after.”source ↗

notnowkittenwhisk · r/homeowners

DIY Stack Exchange1 person · January 2026

“I found some kind of insect nest on my garage door. There were multiple like it in different sizes. Nothing was alive in them so I removed them, but now I wonder what animal it is, and what I could do to prevent those nests in the future?”source ↗

Michael Stum · DIY Stack Exchange · 9 upvotes

r/PropertyManagement1 person · October 2026

“I manage a small, older apartment complex and I’m dealing with a mouse problem in one unit that’s becoming very stressful.”source ↗

“The tenant initially had 15+ mice in about two weeks.”source ↗

“I’ve personally inspected the apartment multiple times, and maintenance has too, but we can’t find an obvious entry point.”source ↗

“The tenant is extremely upset and says the mice are causing panic attacks.”source ↗

Street-Weird-5438 · r/PropertyManagement · 5 upvotes

r/cats1 person · October 2026

“I very, unfortunately found a moth larvae infestation on my cats cave that usually sits underneath a chair.”source ↗

“I’m a new cat owner so I’m learning, I will absolutely be doing vacuuming once a week at least on all cat furniture now.”source ↗

burner5530 · r/cats · 4 upvotes

“I’m kind of spiraling I hate pests.”source ↗

burner5530 · r/cats · 2 upvotes

r/lawncare3 people · September 2026

“I'm in Northeast Ohio. Redoing my front lawn with aeration and overseeding. This stuff is infesting my lawn in certain areas. What is itcand how do I get rid of it?”source ↗

cleveland0616 · r/lawncare · 4 upvotes

“Looks kind of like the bentgrass I have. If it grows long by generally lays flat and ends up matted down, it probably is.”source ↗

“I've been using tenacity on it, but that takes a couple of applications at best and each takes a couple of weeks to take effect.”source ↗

Otherwise_Muffin_562 · r/lawncare · 1 upvotes

“Any ideas as to what this white substance is on the bushes and if it’s killing them.”source ↗

“No one locally seems to identify or test unless you join their yearly program.”source ↗

aceae7 · r/lawncare · 1 upvotes

r/HomeMaintenance3 people · September 2026 – October 2026

“I have been noticing the occasional roach for some time now. I only see one every few days and when I do I or my dog takes care of it.”source ↗

“I really really hate bugs and I don’t want to believe we have a roach problem because I don’t want to feel like I live in a dirty house.”source ↗

“Could this be an infestation? If so what are my next steps? If it’s not what else can I do to fully eliminate the problem??”source ↗

missworld775 · r/HomeMaintenance · 3 upvotes

“Hello, what is the best way to get rid of these ants? We just had so much rain and they are crawling all over my garage door area and on the side of the house.”source ↗

cherryblossom0909 · r/HomeMaintenance · 2 upvotes

“We have a rodent problem. Country home. Rats mostly some mice. Mostly in our crawl space.”source ↗

“Should I get the crawl space cleaned up then call in pest control or the opposite?”source ↗

BoringOrange678 · r/HomeMaintenance

r/Landscaping1 person · September 2026

“As you can see in this photo I have a heavy scale infestation on some of my skip laurels. This one is dying pretty quickly but I have some that have been thinning out gradually over the summer and those only show small signs of scale (nothing like this photo). What can I do to save these shrubs? I sprayed as much as I could with Bonide horticultural oil but it’s impossible to get all the branches. I also put down a systemic Imidacloprid 2F. Anything else that I can do?”source ↗

cfg181 · r/Landscaping · 1 upvotes

r/HomeImprovement1 person · September 2026

“I just bought a house and of course, the weekend we move in, we see - during the day - a huge skunk that was falling over every time it tried to take a step.”source ↗

“And the skunk smell was absolutely terrible last night 😐”source ↗

“I want to have a house warming party with our families at the end of the month and I can't do that with a terrible skunk smell coming from our shed.”source ↗

horigomemaya · r/HomeImprovement

r/hvacadvice1 person · October 2026

“Hello I've been dealing with a massive gnat problem and can't seem to find the source.”source ↗

“I am no HVAC person but I lifted the hood to check and I see pooled water at the bottom, alot of orange substance, and alot of dirt.”source ↗

“The unit is a 1 year old GE zoneline 9000 BTU heat pump, I'd just like to know is this normal?”source ↗

Thefl41artist · r/hvacadvice

Where this came up

DIY Stack Exchange r/cats r/CleaningTips r/HomeImprovement r/HomeMaintenance r/homeowners r/hvacadvice r/Landscaping r/lawncare r/Pestcontrol r/PropertyManagement r/Roofing r/Teachers ants anxiety apartment hunting apartment living bathroom maintenance bed bugs budget budget DIY budgeting bug identification classroom management cleaning cleaning tips clothing maintenance cockroaches diy extermination family family conflict financial hardship fleas gardening home improvement home maintenance homeownership household maintenance household management household pests housekeeping housing issues HVAC troubleshooting identification infestation insect identification insects job stress landlord disputes landlord tenant landlord tenant disputes landscaping lawn and garden lawn care mental health mice moving neighbors pest control pests pets plant care preventative maintenance professional services property damage property maintenance property management renting roaches roach infestation rodents roofing roommates safety school environment shrubs spiders teacher struggles tenant relations tenant rights termites travel waste disposal weed control wildlife removal workplace safety yard maintenance