The 7of the Most Common Pests in Evansville, IN — And How to Keep Them Out of Your Home

If you live in Evansville, you already know we get a little bit of every season — and unfortunately, that means we also get a parade of pests marching through our homes like they own the place. Warm, humid summers mixed with mild winters and the proximity to the Ohio River create the perfect environment for bugs and rodents to thrive year-round. As a veteran-owned local business, Yikes Pest Control helps homeowners across Evansville, Newburgh, Chandler, and surrounding areas stay pest-free, and we see the same offenders show up again and again. Below are the top seven pests that cause problems for local homeowners — and what you can do to keep them out.

1. Ants

Ants are one of the most common household pests in Evansville thanks to our humidity and warm climate. Carpenter ants, odorous house ants, and pavement ants often find their way inside searching for food or moisture. Homeowners usually spot long trails of ants in kitchens and bathrooms, or in the case of carpenter ants, small piles of sawdust-like debris.

The best prevention steps include keeping food sealed, wiping surfaces clean, addressing moisture problems like leaks or damp basements, and sealing cracks around windows and doors. Trimming shrubs and tree branches that touch the home can also help reduce ant access points.

If ants are getting out of hand, you can learn more about treatment options on our General Pest Control page.

2. Termites

Evansville’s moisture-rich soil makes it one of the higher-risk areas for termite activity in Indiana. Termites can cause serious structural damage before you ever notice signs of a problem. Homeowners should look for mud tubes along the foundation, hollow-sounding wood, discarded wings near windows, or swarmers appearing in the spring.

Prevention includes keeping mulch several inches away from your foundation, improving drainage, avoiding firewood storage against the home, and scheduling an annual inspection. For more details on how we handle termite issues, visit our Termite Control page.

3. Mosquitoes

Thanks to the river, retention ponds, and backyard moisture, mosquitoes thrive throughout Evansville. Besides being annoying, they can also transmit diseases, making them one pest you don’t want hanging around your outdoor spaces.

Reduce mosquito populations by eliminating standing water in gutters, buckets, toys, and planters. Keep your grass trimmed and consider running fans in outdoor seating areas since mosquitoes are weak fliers. For consistent relief, check out our Mosquito Treatment service.

4. Spiders

Indiana is home to plenty of spiders — from harmless house spiders to wolf spiders and the occasional brown recluse. Spiders often appear in basements, garages, attics, or anywhere clutter or moisture gives them a safe place to hide.

Minimize spider activity by reducing indoor clutter, vacuuming webs regularly, sealing entry points, and switching outdoor lights to yellow bulbs, which attract fewer insects (spider food). If spiders are becoming too common, our Pest Control service page explains how we address them safely.

5. Cockroaches

Cockroaches thrive in warm, humid environments and are especially drawn to kitchens, bathrooms, and areas with food or water. Signs include pepper-like droppings, a musty odor, nighttime activity, and shed skins or egg casings.

To prevent cockroaches, keep trash sealed, fix leaky plumbing, store food in airtight containers, and avoid leaving dishes out overnight. Persistent infestations are best handled by professionals — our Pest Control page has more details.

6. Rodents (Mice & Rats)

Rodents enter homes in search of warmth or food, especially during seasonal changes. Crawl spaces, attics, garages, and basements are prime areas where rodents hide or nest. Signs include scratching noises, droppings, chewed packaging, and small holes near the foundation or siding.

Prevent rodents by sealing openings larger than a dime, reducing clutter, storing pet food in sealed containers, and trimming vegetation away from the roofline. If you suspect rodent activity, you can contact us directly through our Contact page to schedule a rodent inspection.

7. Stinging Insects

Wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets are active in Evansville from late spring through fall. They often build nests in eaves, attics, sheds, deck railings, and playground equipment, making them a risk for painful stings.

Inspect your home’s exterior regularly, especially under eaves and around decks. Keep garbage bins sealed tightly, and avoid DIY removal of large nests — these insects can be aggressive when threatened. Professional removal is always the safer option.

Evansville Pest Prevention Checklist

To reduce most pest issues year-round, keep this checklist handy:

• Fix moisture issues (this is the #1 attractor of pests in Evansville)

• Keep shrubs and tree branches trimmed away from the home

• Seal cracks, gaps, and entry points around windows and doors

• Store food properly in sealed containers

• Keep gutters clear and properly draining

• Reduce clutter in basements, garages, and spare rooms

• Schedule routine inspections with local professionals

  
  

When to Call a Professional

If you’re seeing recurring ants, signs of termites, an increase in spiders, evidence of rodents, a mosquito invasion, or active wasp nests — that’s a great time to call in a professional. Yikes Pest Control is proud to serve Evansville, Newburgh, Chandler, Boonville, and all surrounding areas with safe, effective, and affordable pest solutions. We’re veteran-owned, locally operated, and committed to protecting your home and family.

Call or text 812-604-7206, or schedule directly at yikespest.com. We’re here to help you reclaim your home and enjoy pest-free living again.