Common Backyard Pests and Insects

During the warmer months, flies are some of the most annoying backyard flying insects you'll encounter. These buzzing pests are attracted to garbage cans, pet waste, compost piles, and any food left outside. They can smell food from far away and will quickly gather around picnic areas and outdoor dining spaces.

Cockroaches aren't just indoor pests. They're also common backyard insects that love outdoor spaces. These tough bugs hide in mulch, under rocks, in woodpiles, and around garbage areas during the day. At night, they come out to search for food and water.

Ants are extremely common backyard insects that build colonies underground and in wood structures. While they're important for the ecosystem, large ant populations can become a nuisance. Fire ants can deliver painful stings, while carpenter ants can damage wooden structures like decks and sheds.

Spiders are beneficial backyard insects because they eat other bugs, but many people prefer to keep them at a distance. These eight-legged creatures build webs in corners, under eaves, in bushes, and around outdoor furniture. They're drawn to areas with lots of other insects since those are their food sources.

Mosquitoes are perhaps the most disliked of all backyard flying insects. These blood-sucking pests can ruin outdoor gatherings and carry diseases. Female mosquitoes need standing water to lay their eggs, so any water that sits for more than a few days can become a breeding ground.

Crickets are common backyard insects known for their loud chirping sounds at night. While their songs might seem charming at first, large populations can become quite noisy. These jumping bugs hide in tall grass, under rocks, and in garden areas during the day.

In some regions, scorpions are concerning backyard pests that hide under rocks, logs, and in dark crevices. These creatures come out at night to hunt for insects and spiders. While most scorpion stings aren't dangerous, they're painful and should be avoided.

Mice are small backyard pests that search for food, water, and shelter in outdoor spaces. They hide in tall grass, woodpiles, sheds, and dense vegetation. These rodents eat seeds, fruits, insects, and pet food left outside. They can even sometimes find their way into your home through small holes or openings around your house.

Rats are larger backyard pests that can cause significant problems. They're attracted to garbage, compost bins, pet food, and bird feeders. Rats are smart and adaptable, making them challenging to control once they establish territories in your yard.

Not only will rats and mice spread germs and disease, but they can also cause damage to your property by chewing through plastic, wire, and even wood.