Finding tiny black worms or bugs crawling around your house can be unsettling. While many small black bugs are harmless, seeing them scurrying across floors and countertops is never a pleasant experience. If you’ve noticed tiny black worm-like pests in your home, don’t panic—there are several effective methods for getting rid of them and preventing future infestations.
In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about identifying removing, and preventing tiny black worms and bugs from invading your house.
What Are These Tiny Black Bugs?
Small black worms or bugs that show up in homes can belong to a few common pest species:
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Drain flies: Also known as moth flies, drain flies are small, fuzzy, moth-like bugs about 1-5 mm long. They are often seen flying around sinks and tubs where they breed in drainage pipes, sewers, and very moist organic matter.
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Fruit flies: These tiny flies about 2-3 mm long infest overripe fruit and vegetables. They breed rapidly in drains, garbage disposals, empty bottles and cans, trash bins, and floors where organic waste has built up.
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Fungus gnats: These delicate dark flies with long legs are attracted to moist organic soil and decaying plant matter. They become a nuisance when they emerge indoors from overwatered houseplants and entryways.
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Millipedes While not insects, some small black millipedes with worm-like bodies invade homes seeking moisture and can leave behind an unpleasant odor.
Figuring out which of these pests you’re dealing with will help guide the best removal methods. Check areas around drains, pipes, plants, and trash to find their source.
Effective Ways To Remove and Kill Tiny Black Bugs
If you discover an infestation of small black worms or insects in your house, there are several effective DIY methods to get rid of them:
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Use a vacuum cleaner: A simple way to remove and kill tiny black bugs is by vacuuming areas where you see them congregating. Use the hose attachment to thoroughly vacuum cracks, crevices, drains, crawl spaces, along baseboards, behind appliances, and under furniture where pests may be hiding. Vacuuming picks up adult insects while removing eggs and larvae in debris. Immediately empty the vacuum contents into an outdoor trash bin after use.
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Apply insecticidal spray: For quick control, apply an over-the-counter insecticidal spray labeled for indoor use, such as those containing pyrethrins. Spray insecticides directly on bugs to kill adults on contact. Also treat areas where they are emerging like drains, pipes, potted plants, and soil. Be sure to read and follow all safety instructions when using insecticides. Avoid spraying onto food surfaces and utensils. Ventilate treated areas after use.
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Use adhesive traps: Sticky glue traps and fly paper tape can help catch adult pests. Place traps along walls, under cabinets, and anywhere you’ve spotted the bugs. For flightless millipedes, put traps around floor perimeters. Check traps frequently and replace until infestations are under control.
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Apply boric acid powder: Boric acid is an effective natural pesticide that can kill small insects through ingestion and contact. Lightly dust a fine layer in concealed areas like cracks, crevices, wall voids, under appliances, behind baseboards, and in other places bugs may hide. The fine powder sticks to their bodies, causing dehydration and death within days.
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Pour boiling water down drains: If drain or fruit flies are emerging from drain pipes, pour a kettle full of boiling water directly into affected drains. This will instantly scald larvae and eggs lurking in the scum. Follow up by scrubbing the pipes with a drain brush. You can also use a bacterial foaming drain cleaner weekly to clear out organic buildup.
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Clean up moisture and decaying matter: Eliminate breeding sites by keeping drains free of sludge buildup, drying out moist areas, removing trash promptly, and clearing decaying plant matter from pots and gardens. Fix any plumbing leaks contributing to moisture. Store ripe produce in sealed containers. Clean countertops, floors, and appliances thoroughly to remove sugary spills, crumbs, and other debris.
Prevent Tiny Black Bugs From Coming Back
Once you’ve succeeded in removing an infestation, there are several key steps to take in order to keep tiny black insects and worms out of your house in the future:
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Pour boiling water down bathroom and kitchen drains weekly to eliminate scum where drain flies breed.
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Install fine mesh screens over vents, drains, windows, and doors to block entry points.
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Clear gutters and direct downspouts and drainage away from your home’s foundation.
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Remove piles of compost, leaves, firewood, and other moist organic matter near your home’s perimeter.
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Fix leaky plumbing and water damage that allows moisture into walls, basements, or crawlspaces.
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Clean all drains weekly with soap and hot water to remove scummy buildup.
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Allow potted plant soil to dry out between waterings and repot plants into clean containers every few years.
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Take out trash and recycling daily. Rinse cans and bottles before recycling.
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Keep kitchen and bath areas clean and dry. Wipe up spills right away.
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Use dehumidifiers and fans to keep basements and crawlspaces dry.
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Fill small cracks and openings in walls, moldings, and cabinets where bugs can enter.
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Treat indoor plants and surrounding soil monthly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
With diligent sanitation and pest-proofing tactics, you can keep tiny black crawling insects and worms out of your home for good. Get into the habit of cleaning and drying damp areas, removing organic waste promptly, and sealing up pest entry points. Follow up with traps and targeted treatments at the first signs of bugs to prevent infestations from developing.
When To Call An Exterminator About Tiny Black Bugs
While small black fly and worm invasions can often be controlled with thorough DIY methods, it may be time to call a professional pest control company if:
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Infestations last longer than 2-3 weeks despite intensive cleaning and treatments.
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You live in a multi-family building where pests may be moving between units.
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You notice stains or structural damage from excessive moisture contributing to bugs.
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Drain pipes are leaking or damaged, causing persistent drain fly issues.
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There are large piles of compost or extensive landscaping right against the home’s exterior.
Licensed exterminators have industrial-strength products and methods to fully eliminate heavy infestations. They can also identify and remedy conditions in a home’s structure that allow pests to thrive.
In some cases, major plumbing repairs and moisture remediation may be required to get a severe bug problem fully under control. The investment is well worth it for long-term elimination of annoying and potentially unhealthy pests.
The Takeaway On Removing Tiny Black Bugs and Worms
Don’t let small black crawling insects and worms ruin the clean, comfortable environment in your home. With consistent drain cleaning, prompt organic waste removal, moisture control, and pest-proofing tactics, you can get rid of existing infestations and prevent new ones from developing.
Implement targeted treatments at the first signs of bugs like vacuuming, drain treatments, natural insecticides, traps, and commercial pesticide sprays. Call in professional pest control reinforcement if DIY options repeatedly fail.
Taking action to get rid of tiny black pests and keeping them out for good provides lasting peace of mind. You and your family will be able to enjoy your living spaces again, free of bothersome bugs darting through the air or worms wriggling across floors.
What Kinds of Millipedes Are in Miami, FL?
There are about 12,000(!) species of millipedes in the world and about 50 are found in Florida. If you’re talking about the most common millipede species in Miami, there are three.
The most common millipede in Miami is the North American millipede, also called the “rust millipede” and the “iron millipede.” This species has a dark brown body with deep red stripes.
Other common millipedes in Miami are the Florida ivory millipede and the yellow-banded millipede. The yellow-banded millipede is often called the “bumblebee millipede” and can release the irritating substance we mentioned, but monkeys in the Miami-Dade Zoo have been found rubbing these millipedes on their fur, using the secretion as an insect repellent.
Why as an insect repellent? An ingredient found in millipede secretion has actually been used in pest control products. This means millipedes aren’t just nature’s garbage disposal, they’re actually considered a form of nature’s pest control!
So millipedes aren’t *all* bad, but they are annoying. And creepy, and gross. Let’s go over some more common FAQs we get from customers about millipedes.
Customers often ask us if millipedes bite, or if millipedes can hurt you. The short answer is no, they will not bite, and they will not hurt you. While they can look a little scary, especially if you’ve never seen one, they’re not harmful to humans.
With this in mind, it is still not recommended to just pick up a millipede with your bare hands or poke it with a stick like it’s an alien – even though they look like aliens.
Why shouldn’t you pick up a millipede if they’re harmless? If they feel threatened, millipedes can release a substance that can be irritating to the skin, and painful in the eyes. So if you do touch or pick up a millipede, avoid rubbing your eyes and make sure you wash your hands after.
Centipedes, on the other hand, will bite and sting, so it’s important to understand the key differences between centipedes and millipedes. Luckily, they look vastly different.
Millipedes have two sets of legs per body segment, which are directly under their bodies. Centipedes only have one pair of legs per body segment on the sides of their bodies. So if you see a creature that looks like it could be a centipede or a millipede, can you distinctly see the legs sticking out? If so, it’s a centipede. If the legs are hidden underneath the body, it’s a millipede.
One more key difference is that millipedes are much more cryptic than centipedes. They tend to move slowly, hide from humans, and curl up in a little ball. They’re shy creatures and in truth, they’re just minding their own business and don’t want to bother you.
Centipedes move much faster and don’t hide quite like millipedes. They’re common in nature, which is why the most common centipede “victims” are gardeners.
What Do Millipedes Eat?
Millipedes are detritivores, also known as decomposers. What’s in their diet? Dead. They eat dead leaves, dead wood, and dead organisms. As long as it’s dead, they love it and they’ll eat it. This makes them important in the ecosystem; they’re basically living garbage disposals.
Since millipedes are decomposers, they are attracted to any dead, decaying matter. In your yard, this could include dead leaves on the ground, dead or dying plants and trees, or dead insects.
They prefer to be outdoors, but infestations in homes are also common, especially in cases of bad weather. If they get inside, millipedes will flock to dark, moist areas of your home such as attics or crawl spaces.
How To Get Rid Of Black Shower Worms (Only 3 Steps!)
FAQ
What is a tiny black bug that looks like a worm?
The most Common species of millipedes are usually brown or black in color, but there are also some species that are orange or red. Millipedes are usually 1 to 2 inches long with worm-like bodies that are divided into many segments, each containing two pairs of legs.
What are the tiny little worms in my house?
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Carpet Beetles:Larvae are often hairy and can cause damage to carpets, rugs, and other textiles.
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Clothes Moths:Their larvae are white and can be found in closets, drawers, and other storage areas, feeding on natural fibers like wool and cashmere.
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Larvae are often found in kitchens and food storage areas, feeding on grains and dry goods.
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Millipedes:These are segmented, worm-like creatures with many legs and can enter homes through cracks and gaps, especially in the fall.
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Their larvae are tiny and white and can be found near houseplants, feeding on decaying plant matter.
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While typically found in soil, they can sometimes be found indoors, especially in damp areas.
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These are microscopic worms and can be beneficial, feeding on other pests.
Why do I have black millipedes in my house?
They prefer to be outdoors, but infestations in homes are also common, especially in cases of bad weather. If they get inside, millipedes will flock to dark, moist areas of your home such as attics or crawl spaces.