• Most households naturally suffer some overlap with the outside world. In particular, the proliferation of various bugs causes considerable stress to homeowners. The vast majority of common house bugs are safe and harmless. Their intrusion is an unwelcome inconvenience, but rarely do they cause damage to the house or its inhabitants. Learning to recognize these critters can help demystify them and cause less stress.
  
  

Rolly Polly

• Almost everyone is familiar with the tiny hard-shelled bug that literally rolls up into a little ball when threatened. They are often called "rolly polly" bugs, but also go by the names of "pill bugs" or "sow bugs." They are not usually as feared as other bugs, but their presence can still be bothersome. Rolly polly bugs generally seek moisture and household damage associated with it. Their bodies require moisture to survive. When found, these bugs often suggest water problems in walls or beneath floors. A moisture meter can easily confirm the presence of water in these areas. While the bugs are a nuisance, their presence may be a vital sign of further damage to a house. Rolly polly bugs will usually disappear once a moisture problem is treated. They also prefer the outdoors in warmer weather, so their intrusion in a house is cyclical, with winter often the worst season for the rolly polly.
  
  

Centipedes

• The common house centipede is a particularly intimidating creature, despite its harmlessness. They can grow up to 10 centimeters long and usually have long antennae and legs. They crawl quickly over walls and floors and may cause much disruption for the unassuming house guest. However, centipedes could be the lesser problem. They tend to feed on other house bugs. Their presence is usually associated with an absence of other critters. They do not bite humans and are generally effective at keeping other bugs away from the home. While exterminators can control a centipede population, you may be exterminating the exterminators themselves. Additionally, these bugs are rarely seen during the day and may exist in a house without much notice.
  
  

House Spiders

• Few homeowners have never experienced the common house spiders. These critters come in a wide variety, and all are generally harmless. However, spiders do bite. They often leave marks on the skin which eventually itch until healed. The problem with house spiders is amplified by people's fear of spiders. While harmless, the stress of house spiders can be debilitating for some individuals. Like the common house centipede, house spiders help reduce the population of other bug species. It is generally unwise to attempt the complete extermination of spiders, as this could result in an introduction of many other bug species.