From Jump Scares to Nightmares: These Pests Know How to Frighten Homeowners

NPMA analysis identifies the pests behind surprise encounters, sleepless nights and bedtime dread

FAIRFAX, Va. (October 26, 2026) – Forget ghosts and goblins. This Halloween, some of the biggest scares may already be hiding inside the home. A new analysis of public opinion surrounding household pests from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) found that spiders spark surprise scares, rodents keep people up at night and kitchens are where pests are least welcome.

“The fear factor is different for every pest,” said Dr. Jim Fredericks, senior vice president of public affairs at NPMA. “Some deliver an immediate jump scare, while others create lingering anxiety because they can stay hidden from view. Taking preventive steps early can help keep a pest sighting from turning into a real-life horror story.”

After analyzing more than 15 million U.S.-based online discussions related to common household pests, NPMA identified several standout findings:

·      The Jump Scare: Spiders accounted for nearly 32% of the extremely unsettling pest-related conversation analyzed, more than any other pest. Online discussions frequently centered on surprise sightings, finding them unexpectedly in personal spaces and uncertainty about where they might be hiding.

·      The Sleep Thief: When conversations turned to sleep-disrupting pests, rodents dominated the discussion, accounting for 60% of related conversation. Scratching behind walls, nighttime activity and concerns about contamination were common themes, with many reactions tied to the anxiety of hearing rodent activity without knowing exactly where the pests were.

·      Where Pest Encounters Hit Hardest: Kitchens generated nearly two-thirds of the strongest “worst spot” reactions across the conversations analyzed. Discussions frequently reflected concerns about food safety, cleanliness and contamination in one of the home's most important spaces.

“Simple steps such as sealing cracks and gaps, reducing excess moisture, storing food properly and eliminating clutter can help make homes less attractive to pests,” added Fredericks. “For persistent pest activity or signs of an infestation, partnering with a licensed pest control professional remains the most effective way to protect your home and family.”

For more information about common pests, prevention tips and to find a qualified pest control professional, visit PestWorld.org.

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About the Analysis
NPMA conducted an analysis of public opinion using askpolly, drawing on more than 15.2 million U.S.-based people discussing these topics online between Sept. 15, 2025, and Sept. 14, 2026, across X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, Bluesky, TikTok, Mastodon and Threads. Findings reflect aggregate conversation trends and themes identified within the publicly available data analyzed.