Texas is known for its music, food, and landscape. Texas also attracts many household pests and garden pests, and many Texas residents suffer from pest infestations.
(Family pest control)
)To enhance your quality of life, learn about common household pests in Texas and ways to control them.
Common Household Pests in Texas
Ants
About 200 species of ants live in Texas. Most ant species are harmless, and certain ants can pose a significant threat to a home.
Carpenter Ants: Carpenter ants are large, black, and shiny. If your home is constructed of wood, be sure to watch out for this ant. Carpenter ants can damage wood and form tunnels within wooden structures.
Fire ants: Bites from fire ants can be very unpleasant. This ant is very small and dark red.
Rover Ants: This ant ranges in color from light yellow to dark brown. These ants do not harm humans but are numerous and difficult to control.
Termites
Texas is one of the most populated areas for termites. Termites are most likely to be found in humid areas. Termites often enter houses through cellars or basements. Termites may have invaded your home if the following signs are present in your home.
Peeling paint or sagging drywall.
Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
Sticky windows and doors.
Rodents
There are more than 60 species of rodents native to Texas, but not everyone poses a threat to your home.
(rodent)
Four main types of rodents can damage your home: house mice, deer mice, Norway rats, and roof rats.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches can cause serious problems in your life. Not only do they look disgusting, but they can also spread diseases to you and your family. If you see a cockroach in your home, it means that there are many cockroaches already hiding in the corners of your house. You most often find these black pests in pantries, cabinets, trash cans, open cans, and kitchens.
If you spot a cockroach, you should act quickly! Cockroaches spread bacteria and parasites and reproduce quickly!
Mosquitoes
Texas is known for its extremely high mosquito population. In the fall, you will be grilling, picnicking, and doing other activities with friends and family. This means you'll need to spend some time outdoors, and you'll be at risk for mosquito bites.
Bedbugs
Bed bugs are a common pest in Texas. This pest is often found in areas where people gather. Bedbugs are parasites that like to feed on human blood. This pest is about the size of an apple seed and reproduces quickly.
Fleas
If you have pets in your home, such as cats or dogs, you are more likely to have fleas in your house. Fleas can parasitize the body of a cat or dog. You should regularly deworm your pets to prevent fleas from invading your home.
Spiders
Although spiders can look scary, most are beneficial insects. A spider's main food is insects. If you have spiders around, they can help you fight off pests like mosquitoes, cockroaches, and flies.
A small percentage of spiders are pests. Common spider pests in Texas are brown widow spiders and black widow spiders. Black widow spiders are highly venomous and must be eliminated as soon as they are found. Brown widow spiders usually hide in dark places.
How to control household pests?
Clean regularly
Regularly clean your floors with a vacuum cleaner or other tools to get rid of dust mites, fleas, bedbugs, and other pests.
Seal entrances
Check for cracks or crevices in your home. Double-check windows, doors, and ducts. Seal these gaps using tools such as sealing strips and caulking.
Organize your belongings
You can use items such as storage bags and boxes to organize your household items.
(clean the house)
If you keep supplies such as weed whackers and bicycles outside, you can use a portable storage shed.
Store food properly
Pests such as ants and cockroaches are sensitive to the smell of food. You should store food in airtight containers or the refrigerator.
Solve the moisture problem
Moist areas attract pests such as ants and cockroaches. Check for plumbing leaks in your home and make sure bathrooms and basements are well-ventilated. You should use a dehumidifier if necessary.
Use screens
You can install screens on your windows. During the summer months, screens can keep mosquitoes and other pests from entering the house.
More control methods
If preventive measures don't help you with pests, you should take other measures such as traps and insecticides.
Common garden pests in Texas
Stink bugs
This pest will nibble on your fruits and vegetables. Stink bugs are brown or green in appearance. Late summer and fall are the peak times for stink bugs to appear.
Squash bugs
Squash bugs feed on pumpkins, cucumbers, and watermelons. This pest looks a lot like a stink bug but is much longer. Squash bugs harm plants by sucking their juices.
Caterpillars
Texas gardens are full of caterpillars. Caterpillars usually feed on plant leaves.
(Insect Perched on White Leaf)
If you find signs of caterpillars, you should take immediate action to avoid further damage.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are white insects with wings. This pest often appears on leaves in clusters. Whiteflies suck plant sap and cause plants to turn yellow or even wilt.
How to control garden pests in Texas?
Growing plants in a greenhouse
Plants in a backyard greenhouse are less likely to develop pests than in an outdoor garden. Greenhouses provide a barrier to keep pests out. You should choose a greenhouse with multiple vents or viewing windows. This type of greenhouse makes it easier for your plants to get plenty of air and for you to observe them.
Use organic pest control methods
Pesticides kill pests and are also harmful to plants and humans. The best way to kill pests is to use organic methods such as insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Introduce beneficial insects
You can prevent pests by introducing beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewing bugs to your garden. These insects prey on pests.
Keep your garden clean
You should always check the growth of the plants in your garden and keep it neat and organized. Regularly clean your garden of debris and weeds to avoid pests.
Conclusion
Many insects live in Texas, especially in the summer and fall. Your house and garden are exposed to the threat of pests. These pesky bugs not only reduce your quality of life but also pose a threat to your health. As soon as you notice signs of pests, make sure you take immediate action to avoid further damage.
