When we think about pests, most of us picture ants marching through the kitchen or a mouse scurrying across the floor. But the truth is, some of the worst hidden pests are the ones that stay out of sight, hiding behind walls, under appliances, or in dark corners of your home.
Here are four pests you might not realize could be living in your house right now and why you don’t want them sticking around.
1. Silverfish
These tiny, silvery-grey insects are fast and sneaky. You’ll usually find them in damp, dark places like bathrooms, basements, or under kitchen sinks. They love moisture and can go unnoticed for a long time.
Silverfish eat paper, glue, fabric, and even some foods. If you notice holes in books, wallpaper peeling, or tiny yellow stains on clothes or papers, silverfish might be to blame.
How to help prevent them? Keep your home dry and well-ventilated. Fix any leaks, use a dehumidifier in damp areas, and seal up food and paper storage.
2. Spiders
Most spiders aren’t dangerous, but that doesn’t mean you want them as housemates. Spiders love quiet, undisturbed areas like corners of closets, under furniture, in garages, basements, or crawlspaces. If you’re seeing webs or the occasional eight-legged visitor, there’s likely more hiding out of view.
What makes spiders tricky is that they feed on other pests, so if they’re sticking around, that could be a sign of another infestation (like ants or flies). And in some rare cases, certain spiders can bite if they feel threatened.
How to help prevent them? Keep your home clean and clutter-free. Vacuum corners regularly and seal any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, or the foundation where they could sneak in.
3. Cockroaches
Cockroaches are among the most dreaded pests for a reason. They’re tough, fast breeders, and love hiding in warm, dark, and moist areas, behind fridges, under stoves, inside cabinets, or even inside walls.
Even if you only see one roach, there’s a good chance there are more. They’re mostly active at night, and during the day, they stay hidden. Roaches can carry bacteria and allergens, making them a health risk, especially in homes with kids or people with asthma.
How to help prevent them? Keep food sealed, clean up crumbs and spills quickly, take out the trash often, and fix leaky pipes or drips. And if you see signs like droppings, egg cases, or musty smells, it’s time to call in the pros.
4. Pharaoh Ants
These tiny, yellowish ants are some of the most frustrating to deal with. They’re small, spread quickly, and can set up nests just about anywhere, inside walls, under floorboards, and even inside electrical outlets.
Pharaoh ants are tricky because they “bud” when threatened, meaning one colony can split into many, making the problem worse if you try to spray them yourself. They’re also known to spread bacteria, which is especially concerning in kitchens or anywhere food is stored.
How to help prevent them? Don’t leave food out, clean often, and avoid using sprays. Contact your local pest control specialist to properly bait and treat the infestation.
Don’t Let Hidden Pests Take Over Your Home
Just because you don’t see pests doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Many of the most annoying and harmful pests are experts at staying hidden until the damage is already done.
That’s why it’s important to stay ahead of them with regular checks, smart prevention steps, and help from people who know exactly where to look.
Phantom Pest Control Can Help! Even in Hard-to-Reach Places
At Phantom Pest Control, we help homeowners across Vancouver find and get rid of pests, even the sneaky ones hiding deep inside walls, under floors, or in crawlspaces.
Our experienced team uses targeted treatments to safely and effectively eliminate silverfish, spiders, cockroaches, ants, and more. If something’s creeping, crawling, or hiding in your home, Phantom Pest Control knows how to find it and stop it from coming back.
