The Most Common Household Pests in Wilmington, NC and How to Get Rid of Them

Wilmington, North Carolina, is known for its charm, coastal beauty, and laid-back lifestyle. But for all the sunshine and sea breezes, Wilmington’s humid climate also makes it a hotspot for household pests. From tiny invaders in your pantry to larger critters scurrying through your crawl space, pests in the Wilmington area are a year-round concern for homeowners.

If you’ve been noticing unwelcome visitors in your home, here’s a guide to the most common pests in Wilmington—and what you can do about them.

1. Ants (Fire Ants and Argentine Ants)

Ants are one of the most persistent pest problems in Wilmington. Fire ants, in particular, pose a risk in yards and gardens with their painful stings and aggressive behavior. Meanwhile, Argentine ants form massive colonies and often invade homes in search of food and water.

Signs of Ant Activity in Wilmington:

• Small piles of dirt or sand near entry points
• Long lines of ants traveling along baseboards or countertops
• Ant nests near the foundation or in flowerbeds

How to Prevent Them:

• Seal cracks and gaps around windows and doors
• Keep food in airtight containers
• Remove standing water and moisture sources

For large or recurring infestations, professional ant control treatment is the most effective long-term solution.

2. Cockroaches (German and American)

Cockroaches thrive in Wilmington’s warm, moist environment. German cockroaches are the most common indoors, while American cockroaches are larger and often enter from outside.

Why They're a Problem:

• Carry bacteria and allergens
• Reproduce rapidly
• Often hide in kitchens, bathrooms, and behind appliances

How to Prevent Them:

• Fix leaky pipes and eliminate excess moisture
• Keep counters, sinks, and floors clean
• Empty trash regularly and store food securely

3. Rodents (Mice and Rats)

Mice and rats are expert climbers and can enter homes through holes as small as a dime. In Wilmington, they often enter attics, garages, and basements during cooler months—or anytime they’re in search of food.

Warning Signs:

• Droppings in cabinets or along baseboards
• Scratching sounds in walls or ceilings
• Chewed wires, insulation, or food packaging

Rodent Prevention Tips:

• Seal entry points with steel wool or caulk
• Store pet food in sealed containers
• Schedule a professional inspection if you suspect activity

4. Spiders and Silverfish

Coastal homes are often plagued by moisture-loving pests like spiders and silverfish. Though most spiders in Wilmington are harmless, their presence can still be unsettling. Silverfish, meanwhile, love dark, damp areas like bathrooms, closets, and attics.

Control Strategies:

• Use dehumidifiers in basements and crawl spaces
• Vacuum regularly and reduce clutter
• Seal up cracks and crevices in baseboards and walls

5. When to Call a Professional

DIY methods may offer short-term relief, but recurring pest issues often indicate a larger problem that requires professional expertise. At Pest & Termite Consultants, we provide safe, science-based pest control services tailored to the Wilmington area’s unique conditions.

We offer treatments for:

• Ants, cockroaches, spiders, and silverfish
• Rodents and wildlife exclusion
• Mosquito and stinging insect control
• Moisture-related pest problems

Local Help You Can Count On

If you’re a homeowner in Wilmington or the surrounding coastal areas, we’re here to help you take back control of your home.

📞 Call (910) 707-3830 or schedule a service online

Learn more about our home pest control services in Wilmington, NC and see how we can help you stay pest-free all year long.

We proudly serve Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Leland, Hampstead, Wrightsville Beach, and nearby communities.