10 Tiny Creatures That Could Be Hiding Under Your Outdoor Rugs

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A well placed outdoor rug is magical, isn’t it? This gives any patio or deck a cozy haven to sip your morning coffee or to relax after a long day. Yes, we love the quaintness of these little spaces, but there is a chance that others not so invited guests are making themselves at home under your rugs. If your rug is by plants, or gets a little damp after the rain, tiny creatures might just think your rug is hiding place heaven.

Not all of the critters slithering under your outdoor rug are deadly — or even easy to see. Most of them don’t even know they’re crashing your backyard sanctuary. Knowing who they are and what they’re up to is good so you can decide if they need an eviction notice or harmless pass.

Spiders

If there’s anything that’s a poster critter for hidden spots, it’s the spider, and your outdoor rug is no exception. Whether it is the harmless garden variety or the occasional wolf spider, they’re attracted to the dark, cozy space under rugs. They’re not there to scare you, they’re normally just out there hunting down little bugs. You see a web, it’s like their sign for ‘Home Sweet Home’. Most spiders in the U.S. are harmless, but be careful, some, such as the black widow, can be dangerous if disturbed.

Ants

Ants love a good picnic and if they find crumbs or spills on or near your outdoor rug, they may decide to make your rug their home. In particular, pavement ants often burrow under rugs on hard surfaces. Some species like the warmth and protection the rug gives them, it’s not just about food. If you want to keep your rug less appealing for these tiny visitors, keeping it clean can help.

Centipedes

Centipedes are kind of the ninjas of the bug world – they have lots of legs and they move real quick. They’re nocturnal and will hide under outdoor rugs during the day to escape the heat. They’re not out to get you, so don’t worry. Moreover, as centipedes are natural pests controllers, they eat other bugs such as cockroaches and termites.

Silverfish

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If you see small silvery creatures that scoot out of sight if you pick up your rug, you have silverfish. Outdoor rugs are a potential hiding spot for these ancient looking insects, if they stay damp, as they love moist environments. They won’t hurt you, but if they get inside, they will chew on paper or fabric.

Beetles

Beetles will be attracted to outdoor rugs, especially in wooded or leafy areas. Some beetles are harmless, such as ladybugs, but others will make themselves a nuisance by nibbling on nearby plants or even moving into your home. Keep them away by a good shake of the rug every now and then.

Crickets

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You may have heard the chirps during summer nights, but did you know that crickets could be hiding under your rug during the day? Usually they’re not there to annoy you, they’re there to hide from predators. Fun fact: Artificial lights attract crickets, as one study discovered, so if your patio has string lights, they might be an open invitation to crickets.

Pillbugs

Pillbugs, or rolypolies are the gentle recyclers of the bug world. The love damp and dark places, so outdoor rugs are prime real estate for them if there’s moisture underneath. They are harmless to us and even beneficial, because they break down decaying organic material.

Millipedes

While centipedes are faster, millipedes are slower but would also use your rug as a hiding spot. These critters like it moist and are more likely to show themselves after rain. They’re not harmful, but might surprise you if you catch them off guard.

Earwigs

If you think earwigs are out to pinch you, you probably just think so because of their menace-looking pincers. They’re nocturnal and will hide under outdoor rugs during the day. Usually, these are insects that feed on decaying matter or little pests, and are more of a clean up crew than a threat.

Frogs

Not all creatures under your rug are insects! Sometimes, frogs will take advantage of outdoor rugs as a temporary hiding place, though this only occurs if the rug is near a water source. Though they’re harmless and even helpful (eats pests), their sudden hop is startling if you’re not expecting it.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.