Creepy Crawlers or Just Misunderstood?
Even though Halloween décor is packed away, you might still spot a few real-life crawlers around the house. Luckily, most of them aren’t nearly as scary as they look.
Some insects look unnerving or move in strange ways but that doesn’t mean they’re dangerous. In fact, many of the “creepiest” pests you might find in your home are either harmless or helpful.
Let’s shine a flashlight on the ones that deserve a little less fear—and a lot more understanding.
Earwigs
- The Myth: They crawl into your ears while you sleep.
- The truth: Nope! That old tale is just that—a myth. Earwigs are harmless scavengers.
- Fun fact: Their pincers look intimidating, but they mostly use them for defense or mating rituals.
House Centipedes
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The myth: They’re poisonous and aggressive.
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The truth: They’re shy and helpful predators that eat other pests like cockroaches and silverfish.
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Bonus: If you can tolerate their appearance, they’re natural pest control.
Stink Bugs
- The myth: They spread disease or damage your home.
- The truth: They’re harmless and just a bit… pungent when squished.
- Tip: Use a vacuum or gently relocate them instead of squashing.
Cellar Spiders (aka “Daddy Long Legs”)
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The myth: They have the most venomous bite, but their fangs are too small to pierce skin.
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The truth: That’s internet legend—they’re not dangerous and don’t bite humans at all.
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Why they’re helpful: They eat other pests, including mosquitoes and flies.
Crickets
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The myth: They’re just noisy nuisances.
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The truth: Crickets don’t bite or damage homes, and their chirping is often a sign of healthy soil and humidity.
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Still: A sudden indoor cricket chorus can signal gaps or moisture issues worth checking out.
Pill Bugs (“Roly-Polies”)
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The myth: They’re insects that cause damage.
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The truth: They’re actually crustaceans—and completely harmless.
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Role: They help break down organic material and are considered beneficial in gardens.
Don’t Fear the Bugs — Just Stay Informed
Moral of the story? It’s easy to mistake creepy for dangerous—but most of these pests are more helpful than harmful. That said, if you’re seeing more than a few or aren’t sure what’s moving around your home, it never hurts to check in with the pros. Want to learn more about these pests (or others)? Visit our EcoPro Pest Library for quick facts, photos, and expert tips.
Still not sure what’s creeping around your home? Contact EcoPro Termite & Pest for a pest ID and prevention plan that works!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why am I seeing more bugs inside as the weather gets colder?
As temperatures drop, many insects slow down or seek warmth. Your home provides steady temperatures, shelter, and sometimes access to food sources, making it a comfortable refuge for harmless fall pests. - How can I tell the difference between harmless insects and pests that need treatment?
Most harmless insects don’t cause damage, don’t bite or sting, and typically appear occasionally rather than in large numbers. If you’re seeing dozens of bugs, noticing damage, or can’t identify what you’re dealing with, it’s best to schedule a professional inspection. - Are these “creep crawlers” dangerous for pets?
Most of the insects in this article—earwigs, pill bugs, crickets, cellar spiders—are not harmful to pets. That said, if your pet is eating a lot of bugs or showing signs of irritation, it’s worth having your home checked for other pest issues. - Why do some bugs suddenly appear in big groups?
Temperature changes, moisture levels, and light can all draw insects to certain areas. Large gatherings often indicate a structural gap, moisture issue, or food source attracting them—not necessarily that the insects themselves are dangerous.