What are These Things/Bugs That Keep Sticking to My Walls?

Have you noticed an unusual presence of creepy-crawlies sticking to your walls? Don't worry; you're not alone! These pesky visitors could be a variety of common household pests. Here's a detailed overview of the possible culprits and how you can deal with them.

Common Household Pests You May Encounter

Fruit Flies

Fruit flies are tiny insects that are often the result of overripe fruits and vegetables left in your kitchen. These small bugs are known to swarm around food sources and may end up on your walls due to their inclination to fly towards light sources.

Spider Mites

Spider mites, despite their spider-like appearance, are not actually spiders. Instead, they are teeny-tiny pests often found on indoor plants. They can leave fine webs and may stick to walls near these plants. If you notice fine webbing and tiny pests sticking to your walls, spider mites are a likely culprit.

Stink Bugs

Stink bugs, known for their shield-like shape, are common sights on walls, particularly during the fall, as they look for shelter indoors. These insects are often attracted to warmer areas of the house, making walls a prime location for them.

Ladybugs

During the fall, ladybugs can enter homes in large numbers in search of a warm place to hibernate. They are frequently spotted on walls, as these areas provide the warmest environment during cooler months.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are often seen on walls, especially if there is a nest nearby or if they are foraging for food. These ants can create significant damage to wooden structures, so it's important to address any infestations promptly.

Clothes Moths

Likewise, clothes moths may be found near fabrics, even on walls, as they seek nesting areas. Their presence can be a sign of undetected infestations or deteriorating fabrics.

A Not-Insect but Pattened Appearance: Millipedes

One peculiar creature that may be mistaken for an insect is the millipede, often referred to as the 'thousand-legged' worm. Despite its name, a millipede doesn't have a thousand legs. Instead, it has two pairs of legs in each body segment, which can result in a total of 1000 legs or up to 1300 in some cases. Centipedes, on the other hand, have one pair of larger legs per segment, and they are generally more venomous. Both millipedes and centipedes are common during the rainy season, particularly in humid environments.

Other Wall-Sticking Insects: Case-Bearing Caterpillars and Bagworms

Case-Bearing Caterpillars

These caterpillars are often found in your home, especially in areas of old spider webs and dead insects. They have a tendency to create cases from these materials, attaching them to walls and ceilings as they feed on the resources around them.

Bagworms

Bagworms, often mistaken for millipedes, are another notable presence that might be found stuck to walls. They create protective cases made from twigs, plant fibers, and other materials, which they can attach to your walls.

Identifying and Dealing with Pesky Insects

To determine the exact type of bug causing the issue, consider their size, color, and behavior. Small, shiny bugs that leave tiny droppings or fine webbing on walls are likely fruit flies or spider mites. Larger, shield-shaped insects in the fall are most likely stink bugs. For millipedes and centipedes, the key features are their segmented bodies and multiple legs.

If the insects have a significant impact on your home or quality of life, it's advisable to consult a professional pest control service. They can help identify the type of insects and provide effective treatment options to ensure your home remains pest-free.