With the season of emerging pests here, your yard is coming to life and not just your vegetation. You may notice a few pesky critters roaming around your yard and even find them invading your home. Throughout the year different types of pests are a problem here in Texas. Generally, the most common pests during Spring are Cockroaches (both the American and German cockroaches), Ants, Mosquitoes, Roof rats, Scorpions and Stinging Insects. A-Tex Pest Management will share some basic information about these common springtime pests and how to protect your home from their invasion.
American & German Cockroaches
The two most common species of roach found invading Texas homes during the spring are the American and German cockroach. Both species can squeeze through tight spaces to gain access to human structures. These two species are very aggressive all year long. However, springtime is mating season and those who didn’t make it indoors during the winter took refuge under rocks, debris, and other areas that would provide them shelter. With the warming temperatures, these roaches will come out of hiding and look for mates. The light from our homes will draw roaches closer to them, especially with the promise of food. The scent of other cockroaches will also encourage them to invade your home. Both species of roaches can multiply very quickly which is why it is important to prevent them from invading your home or business.
Spring Time Ants
There are a number of ant species in Texas. Depending on the species, there are those who hibernate during the winter and summertime to avoid the extreme temperatures of those seasons. One such species is the Fire Ant. Other species may remain active all year-long such as crazy ants and pavement ants. Spring is a busy season for all species of ants since there is an abundance of foraging options. However, they will be drawn into homes if they pick up the scent of food. Most ants love sweet or fatty foods. Some of the most common species of ants found invading Texas homes are Pharaoh ants, carpenter ants, and even fire ants. Even though many people fear fire ants due to the size and the fact they can pose certain problems to human health, the worst is the carpenter ants. They are just as destructive as termites and can cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to a single home.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes thrive in hot and humid climates, which is why they have taken up residency here in Texas. There are a number of species of mosquitoes that are found in Texas. Many mosquito species are known to harbor viruses and diseases that can become life-threatening to humans and pets. It is recommended to keep mosquito repellents around the home or use mosquito traps to reduce the mosquito population.
Roof Rats
Springtime is roof rat season. This is when they become most active. Even though roof rats can reproduce all throughout the year, springtime is when they are the most reproductive and will look for suitable nesting sites. This is usually your home and attic space. It’s important to ensure that these rats don’t invade your home, or they will leave behind urine, feces, and damage all-around your home.
Scorpions
There are a number of species of scorpions in Texas. One of the most commonly seen inside homes is the Striped Bark Scorpion. Scorpions hibernate during the winter and emerge during the spring and are very hungry. They will hunt for food by night and look for dark places to hide during the day. It is well known in Texas that one should shake their shoes and boots before putting them on since they love crawling into them. Most scorpion species found in America don’t possess life-threatening venom. Nonetheless, most people will have to endure the numbing pain for a day or two. However, for those with an allergic reaction to scorpion stings, it can prove a bigger problem.
Stinging Insects Such as Bees & Wasps
Texas is home to many bee species including honey bees and bumblebees, which can both dole out a painful sting to humans. Most people experience swelling and redness for a few hours but if you are unlucky enough to be allergic, bee stings can be deadly. In addition to bees, we also have many different wasp species, including paper wasps, mud daubers, and yellow jackets. Most wasps can and will sting, but yellow jackets are particularly aggressive. Again, most stings cause pain and swelling unless you have an allergy to wasp stings in which case you should seek medical attention right away. It is best to avoid stinging insects and their hives or nests and call out a professional pest control company to arrange beehive relocation or wasp nest extermination.
Professional Pest Control & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park, Texas
A-Tex Pest Management is able to help protect your home this spring from all of these springtime pests. If you need help with cockroaches, ants, mosquitoes, rats, scorpions or stinging insects, along with any other pest, contact A-Tex Pest Management today!