The Most Common Pests in Southern Indiana Homes & How to Spot Them Early

Living in Southern Indiana means enjoying beautiful seasons, green countryside, and historic neighborhoods—but it also means sharing space with some pesky, uninvited guests. From sneaky mice to stubborn bed bugs, certain pests are especially common in our region. Learning how to identify early signs of an infestation can help you protect your home before the problem becomes costly or hazardous.

At Yikes Pest Control, we believe prevention is just as important as treatment. Here’s what homeowners should know.

1. Mice

Mice are among the most common household invaders in Southern Indiana. They enter homes seeking food, warmth, and shelter—especially during fall and winter.

Early Signs of Mice

• Tiny black droppings (often found in cabinets, drawers, pantries, or along walls)

• Gnaw marks on food containers, wiring, or wood

• Scratching sounds in walls or ceilings

• Nesting material like shredded paper or insulation

• Greasy rub marks along baseboards

Why It’s a Problem

Mice reproduce quickly, contaminate food, and can cause electrical damage by chewing wires. They’re also known to spread bacteria.

2. Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are becoming increasingly common, especially in college towns and high-travel areas of Southern Indiana. Because they’re small and excellent at hiding, early detection is key.

Early Signs of Bed Bugs

• Small, itchy bites in clusters or lines

• Tiny rust-colored spots on bedding or mattresses

• Shed skins or eggs near mattress seams

• A sweet, musty odor in severe infestations

Why It’s a Problem

Bed bugs spread fast and can be challenging to eliminate without professional treatment. They don’t indicate poor cleanliness—but they do require quick action.

3. German Roaches

German cockroaches are the most common roach species found in local homes, especially multi-unit buildings. They move in through grocery bags, used furniture, or neighboring apartments.

Early Signs of German Roaches

• Small, tan roaches hiding in kitchens and bathrooms

• Pepper-like droppings in cupboards or around appliances

• Musty odor as populations grow

• Egg cases (oval, brown capsules)

Why It’s a Problem

German roaches carry bacteria, trigger allergies, and multiply rapidly. DIY treatments often scatter them without eliminating the nest.

4. Ants

Ants invade homes year-round in search of food, especially sweets and proteins. Carpenter ants are particularly concerning because they burrow into wood.

Early Signs of Ants

• Ant trails across floors, walls, or countertops

• Small sawdust piles (carpenter ant activity)

• Ant mounds around the foundation

Why It’s a Problem

While most ants are mainly a nuisance, carpenter ants can weaken wood structures—and infestations only grow without treatment.

5. Spiders

Southern Indiana is home to many harmless spiders, but dangerous species like brown recluses can also be found indoors.

Early Signs of Spiders

• Webs in corners, storage areas, garages, or basements

• Sudden increase in insects (their food source)

Why It’s a Problem

Most spiders help control other insects, but venomous species pose safety risks and need prompt attention.

6. Termites

Although termites are less obvious than other pests, they’re one of the most destructive. Southern Indiana’s warm, humid climate provides ideal conditions for colonies.

Early Signs of Termites

• Mud tubes on foundation walls

• Discarded wings near windows or doors

• Soft, hollow-sounding wood

• Peeling paint that looks like water damage

Why It’s a Problem

Termites cause structural damage that can cost thousands if not detected early.

How to Prevent Pest Problems

• Seal cracks and gaps around foundations and doors

• Store food in airtight containers

• Reduce clutter to eliminate hiding places

• Fix plumbing leaks and reduce moisture

• Clean kitchen surfaces regularly

• Schedule routine inspections

Prevention helps—but once pests move in, they can be tough to remove alone.

When to Call a Professional

If you spot multiple early signs, hear scratching in the walls, or see pests repeatedly, it’s time to bring in experts. Pest infestations grow quickly—and the sooner you act, the easier they are to eliminate.

Yikes! Pests? We Can Fix That.

Yikes Pest Control is your local, dependable solution for pest problems in Southern Indiana. Whether you’re dealing with mice in the walls, bed bugs in the bedroom, roaches in the kitchen, or ants marching across your countertops, our trained team can identify the issue, eliminate it at the source, and help prevent future outbreaks.