What Are the Most Common Pests in Minneapolis?
Minnesota is home to a plethora of pests. But these are the top five most common pests that cause problems in Minneapolis homes:
1. Mice & Rats
Rodents are a year-round problem, but they’re especially aggressive in fall and winter when temperatures drop. House mice and Norway rats are the most common culprits in the Minneapolis area. These pests can squeeze through tiny cracks, nest inside insulation or walls, and contaminate food and surfaces.
- Droppings in cabinets, drawers, or near food
- Scratching sounds in walls or ceilings
- Gnawed wires or food packaging
2. Cockroaches
Cockroaches are one of the most dreaded pests (and for good reason). The German cockroach is the most common in Minnesota homes, especially in multifamily buildings or older properties. These insects multiply quickly and are tough to eliminate without professional help.
Signs of a cockroach infestation:
- Droppings that resemble coffee grounds
- Musty, oily odor
- Shed skins or egg cases in dark areas
3. Ants
Minnesota’s shifting seasons bring all kinds of ant activity. Two of the most common household invaders are:
- Carpenter ants are known for tunneling through damp or decaying wood
- Pavement ants are small ants often seen trailing across kitchen counters or sidewalks
- Wood shavings (a sign of carpenter ants)
- Long trails of ants near baseboards, sinks, or food
4. Bed Bugs
Despite popular belief, bed bugs aren’t just found in hotels. In Minneapolis, they remain an issue in apartments, homes, and even office settings. They are small, elusive, and feed on human blood while you sleep. Infestations grow fast. DIY solutions rarely work long term.
- Tiny rust-colored stains on sheets or mattresses
- Bites in rows or clusters
- Live bugs or translucent skins near the bed frame
5. Boxelder Bugs
Boxelder bugs are one of the most common household invaders in the Twin Cities, especially in the fall. These black-and-red bugs gather in huge numbers on sunlit sides of homes and often squeeze inside through gaps in siding, windows, or doors.
While they don’t bite or cause structural damage, they’re a major nuisance. Boxelder bugs can stain walls or curtains with their droppings.
Signs of a boxelder bug problem:
- Large groups clustering on the exterior of your home in fall
- Bugs emerging indoors during warm winter days
- Stains on curtains, walls, or window sills
How to Keep Minnesota Bugs Out of Your House
You can’t control the seasons, but you can do your part to protect your home:
- Seal cracks in your foundation and gaps around windows and doors. These are common entry points for insects and rodents.
- Reduce excess moisture by fixing leaks and using dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements and bathrooms.
- Store food in sealed containers and clean up crumbs or spills quickly.
- Keep firewood, leaves, and other debris away from your home’s foundation.
For total peace of mind, schedule a pest inspection with Plunkett’s! We offer seasonal services as well as year-round protection.
Don’t Let Your Home Be the Land of 10,000 Pests. Call Plunkett’s.
Plunkett’s has been protecting homes across the Midwest for over 100 years. We’re proud to offer Minneapolis pest control that’s fast, effective, and tailored to local pests. Whether you're dealing with a current infestation or want year-round protection, we’re here to help. Schedule your pest control service today!
