General Crawling Insect Control

What are general crawling insects, and why do they keep entering homes?

General crawling insects are common household pests that typically live and nest outdoors and enter homes in search of food, moisture, or shelter. In Southern Maryland and Northern Virginia, seasonal weather changes, moisture conditions, and small exterior access points around foundations often increase crawling insect activity indoors. Most recurring issues are caused by exterior nesting pressure rather than problems inside the home.

Common Crawling Insects Homeowners Encounter

“General crawling insects” is a category used to describe several common household pests that behave similarly and are often driven indoors by the same exterior conditions.

• Ants (non-carpenter)

• Spiders (non-dangerous species)

• Centipedes and millipedes

• Crickets

• Earwigs

• Silverfish

• Sow bugs and pill bugs

Although these insects are different species, they typically enter homes for the same reasons: moisture, shelter, and access. That’s why effective crawling insect control focuses on correcting exterior conditions rather than treating each insect individually inside the home.

Why Crawling Insect Problems Keep Coming Back

Most crawling insect issues persist because the real causes are never corrected.

Common reasons include:

• Moist soil or mulch near the foundation

• Dense landscaping or leaf buildup

• Small gaps around doors, windows, or utility lines

• Seasonal weather changes that drive insects indoors

• Treatments that focus only on the inside of the home

When these conditions remain, insects continue to enter — even after treatment.

Why Inside Spraying Usually Isn’t the Solution

Spraying inside the home may temporarily reduce visible insects, but it rarely stops the source of the problem.

That’s because:

• Crawling insects live and nest outside, not indoors

• Indoor treatments don’t address entry points

• New insects replace the ones that were removed

Long-term control requires reducing exterior pressure, not chasing insects once they’re already inside.

The Planet Friendly Approach to Crawling Insect Control

Our approach is outside-first and inspection-driven, designed to reduce insect activity before it enters your home.

We focus on:

• Inspecting exterior conditions around the foundation

• Identifying moisture, habitat, and access points

• Applying targeted treatments only where needed

• Adjusting protection based on seasonal insect pressure

This method results in fewer indoor treatments and more consistent, long-term control.

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Is Crawling Insect Control Safe for Families and Pets?

Yes. Our treatments are designed to be family- and pet-conscious by design.

By focusing on exterior applications and using targeted products only where necessary, we minimize exposure inside the home while effectively reducing insect activity.

Do I Need a Plan for Crawling Insects?

Many homeowners choose ongoing protection because crawling insect pressure changes throughout the year.

A pest control plan may be a good fit if:

• Insects return after rain or seasonal changes

• You’ve needed treatment more than once

• You want prevention instead of repeated service calls

If you’re unsure, an inspection helps determine whether a one-time service or ongoing protection makes the most sense.

When Crawling Insects Require More Specific Treatment

In some cases, recurring crawling insect activity may require a more targeted approach. Certain pests, such as ants, spiders, or moisture-driven insects, can benefit from species-specific inspection and treatment strategies.

If inspection shows a particular pest is responsible for ongoing activity, targeted service options may provide better long-term results.

General crawling insects commonly enter homes from exterior nesting areas and environmental conditions. In Southern Maryland and Northern Virginia, seasonal changes, moisture, and foundation access points often drive insects indoors. Outside-first, inspection-driven pest control focuses on reducing exterior pressure to prevent crawling insects from entering the home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crawling Insects