Need pest help? Save $50 on your first recurring service today with code GET50

What bug has four legs on each side and two pincers?

Question: What kind of bug likes to hang out in wet/damp areas and has four or more legs on each side with two long, crablike pincers? It's the size of a tick and has the body of a crab.

Answer: Without a specimen, it would be hard to give a proper identification of what you are seeing. But from your description, it may be a pseudoscorpion (order Pseudoscorpionida). A bad name for this animal, since it has no relation to scorpions!

Pseudoscorpions are arachnids, which are predators on mites and small insects. They will not bite people or pets. They live in wooded areas, and they are usually brought into homes on the fur of pets or the pant cuffs of people that have been in the woods.

When found indoors in large numbers it could be an indication of a sizable population of springtails, psocids (booklice), or other small insects. In this case, as psuedoscorpions are predators, the best approach to control is to take care of the food source. Once you contact us, a trained Orkin Specialist will be happy to come and conduct a thorough inspection of your home and, after a detailed assessment, recommend the best course of action to resolve the situation.

Related Questions

Orkin used the information above to also answer the following questions submitted by Orkin.com users:

Question: What is a little tiny (microsized) bug or insect that has claws and bites?

Ask Orkin

Get More Answers from Orkin

How to Control Ladybugs and Larvae Infestations

Q

Does your company offer a solution for getting rid of ladybugs?

What Do Bed Bugs and Eggs Look Like on Clothes?

Q

What do I do with the clothes?

How Long Does Ant Bait Take to Get Rid of Ants?

Q

Since my initial Orkin service one week ago, my ant problem has gotten worse. The ants are in the kitchen now, where initially they were not. What can be done to keep the ants at bay while waiting for extra service?

Can Bed Bugs Jump or Fly? | How do Bed Bugs Travel?

What is the cost for getting rid of ticks?

Q

What does Orkin charge to inspect a two-bedroom apartment?

How do I stop mice from getting inside the house?

Q

I have children and I'm curious how effective your services are for getting rid of mice once and for all.

What is the cost to get rid of wasps?

Q

How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Wasp Nest?

What should I look for when choosing a pest control company?

Q

What should I look for when choosing a pest control company/professional?

How do I keep spiders out of my home?

Q

How do I keep spiders out of my home?

Small worm coming out of the ceiling

Q

We have a small worm coming out of the ceiling. What is this thing?

Connect with Us

Our customer care team is available for you 24 hours a day.

877-819-5061

Find a Branch

Our local Pros are the pest experts in your area.

Get a Personalized Quote

We will help you find the right treatment plan for your home.

THE BEST IN PESTS.™

SERVICES

Pest ControlTermite ControlPrevent and Protect

PEST LIBRARY

Browse All Pests

© 2023 Orkin LLC

Terms of UsePrivacyAccessibility StatementCareers

Your Branch  

Call Now