Introduction
When most people think of pest damage, they picture termites silently chewing through wooden beams. While termites are infamous for the destruction they cause, they’re not the only insects you need to worry about.
In reality, several types of insects can cause serious structural and property damage—to more than just wood. From ruining fabrics and insulation to eating through books, wallpaper, and food storage, these pests can quietly cause expensive destruction if left unchecked.
Here are 7 destructive insects every homeowner should know—and what to do if you suspect they’re hiding in your home.
1. Silverfish
What They Damage: Paper, books, wallpaper, clothing, and starchy foods
Silverfish are small, silvery insects that thrive in moist, dark places like bathrooms, basements, and attics. While they don’t bite or sting, they do feed on sugars, starches, and cellulose—making your books, old photos, wallpaper glue, and even pantry items prime targets.
Signs of Damage:
- Yellow stains or holes in papers and books
- Shredded wallpaper
- Live silverfish in sinks or tubs
Pro Tip: Seeing even one silverfish could mean many more are hiding behind baseboards or in wall voids.
2. Carpet Beetles
What They Damage: Wool, cotton, silk, leather, rugs, and furniture
Carpet beetle larvae (not adults) are the real culprits—they feed on natural fibers and can cause serious damage to clothing, upholstery, and carpets.
Signs of Damage:
- Threadbare spots on rugs or clothes
- Shed skins or tiny white larvae
- Holes in stored garments or blankets
If untreated, a carpet beetle infestation can destroy expensive furniture and sentimental belongings.
3. Powderpost Beetles
What They Damage: Hardwood floors, furniture, beams, and antiques
Often confused with termites, powderpost beetles lay eggs in bare, unfinished wood, and their larvae tunnel through it, creating fine, powdery frass (sawdust).
Signs of Damage:
- Tiny round holes in wood
- Fine powder near holes
- Creaking or weak floorboards
Like termites, they can weaken structures over time, especially in older homes or buildings with untreated wood.
4. Indian Meal Moths
What They Damage: Dry food items like flour, rice, cereal, nuts, pet food
These pantry pests can contaminate entire food storage areas by laying eggs in grain-based foods. The larvae feed on stored goods, leaving behind silk webbing and waste.
Signs of Damage:
- Moths flying in the kitchen
- Webbing in cereal or flour containers
- Unpleasant odor in stored food
Once they spread, you may need to discard everything in your pantry and sanitize thoroughly.
5. Termites
What They Damage: Wooden beams, floors, walls, furniture
Of course, we can’t skip termites. These silent destroyers cost billions in damage annually by feeding on cellulose in wood. Subterranean termites are particularly aggressive and difficult to detect.
Signs of Damage:
- Mud tubes on foundations or walls
- Soft, hollow-sounding wood
- Discarded wings near windows or doors
Termites can cause catastrophic structural damage before you ever see one.
6. Cockroaches
What They Damage: Paper products, fabrics, food packaging, electrical components
Cockroaches aren’t just gross—they chew on paper, glue, book bindings, and can even damage electronics by nesting inside them.
Signs of Damage:
- Chewed or shredded packaging
- Droppings that resemble black pepper
- A strong, musty odor
They also spread bacteria and allergens, making them a health and property threat all in one.
7. Ants (Specifically Carpenter Ants)
What They Damage: Wood, foam insulation, and wiring
Unlike termites, carpenter ants don’t eat wood—but they tunnel through it to build nests. They’re often found in damp or rotting wood and can weaken structures over time.
Signs of Damage:
- Sawdust piles (frass) near baseboards or windows
- Faint rustling inside walls
- Winged ants near windows
Carpenter ants often go undetected because their activity is inside the wood, not outside where you’d see it.
How These Insects Gain Access to Your Home
Most of these destructive pests enter through:
- Cracks around windows or doors
- Gaps in siding or utility lines
- Cardboard boxes and grocery bags
- Infested used furniture or rugs
Once inside, they seek quiet, undisturbed areas to feed and breed. That’s why infestations often start in attics, basements, behind appliances, or inside storage closets.
Why Professional Pest Control Is Essential
It’s tempting to grab a can of spray or set out a few traps—but surface-level solutions won’t stop infestations. Insects that damage your home usually live deep within structures and breed faster than DIY solutions can keep up.
At Elevate Pest Control, we offer:
- Thorough inspections to detect hidden insect activity
- Customized treatment plans that target specific pests and their nests
- Safe, effective solutions for families and pets
- Ongoing monitoring to prevent future damage
Whether you’re dealing with silverfish, beetles, termites, or something more unusual, we find the source—and stop the destruction.
Conclusion: Don’t Wait for the Damage to Show
By the time you spot damage from these insects, they’ve often been active for weeks or even months. The best way to protect your home is to stay proactive.
If you’ve seen chew marks, webbing, shed skins, or small holes—don’t ignore it.
Call Elevate Pest Control for a complete home inspection and protect your property from costly infestations.
