The University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program (UC IPM) has released its list of the most frequently viewed pests on its Pest Notes web pages for 2025. The ranking highlights common pests affecting homes and gardens across California, reflecting the issues residents most often seek help with.
Topping the list were carpet beetles, which have consistently ranked among the top five in recent years. According to UC IPM, “Immature carpet beetles feed on natural fibers such as wool, silk, or furs. The adults may be brought into the home on cut flowers or when they fly in through open doors, windows, or holes in screens. Regular cleaning of rugs, upholstered furniture and can prevent infestations or reduce damage.”
Fungus gnats came in second place. These small flies often infest soil and potting mix in houseplants. UC IPM states: “Fungus gnats are small flies that often infest soil and potting mix. They can be a common problem in overwatered houseplants with larvae, or immatures, damaging roots and stunting plant growth when present in large numbers.”
Whiteflies secured the third spot on the list. Though not true flies, these tiny insects are commonly found on leaf undersides where they feed on plant fluids. As described by UC IPM: “Whiteflies are not actual flies but are tiny insects that are often found on the underside of leaves, feeding on the phloem of many different plants. Some species can cause significant loss in vegetable gardens; other species found in fruit trees are less damaging. Both adult and immature whiteflies also attack houseplants.”
Springtails ranked fourth among top pest searches for 2025. These insect-like creatures live in soil but may enter homes seeking moisture: “These creatures are small, jumping, insect-like creatures that live in soil but can invade homes looking for moisture. You might see them near kitchen sinks and bathtubs, as well as in the soil of indoor houseplants.”
Thrips rounded out the top five pests for 2025. They can affect both outdoor plants and houseplants by feeding on cell contents: “These tiny insects sometimes found on houseplants…suck out the cell contents, leaving a discolored speckling on leaves or stunting plant growth.”
Other pests making up this year’s top ten include spider mites—often thriving during dry conditions—aphids that rapidly build up populations across many types of vegetation, scale insects appearing as small scabs on plant surfaces, clothes moths known for damaging fabric items while hiding from view, and peach leaf curl disease impacting peach and nectarine trees primarily after leaf drop.
UC IPM provides detailed management guidelines for each pest through their Pest Notes series available online.
