Tired of battling fire ants in your backyard or finding cockroaches in your kitchen? You’re not alone – every Texas homeowner knows all too well about keeping pests at bay.

But who should we blame for such an unwanted issue? Definitely the state’s climate. It creates an ideal environment for troublesome bugs. No wonder two-thirds of eastern Texas is currently infested by fire ants. But don’t worry (not yet), as there’s obviously a solution to all this nuisance, and that is pest control.

From the relentless fire ants invading your lawn to the sneaky termites that threaten your home’s structure, the challenge is diverse. The worst part is that these unwanted guests are too persistent. So, nothing can work better than having them under control with pest control and inspections.

However, there could be more to these solutions…

In this blog, we will talk about the most common bugs in Texas that could be intruding on your home and share some tips on how you can prevent and manage these unwelcome guests. Once you understand these pests and implement effective strategies, you can protect your home and have a pest-free living space.

Common Bugs in Texas and How to Get Rid of Them

When you choose to live in Texas, you also unintentionally end up signing up for dealing with pests. From cockroaches to termites, there are different house bugs that can make their way to your Texas home. Let’s have a look at how to get rid of bugs in Texas and some of the most common ones found in the state.

Carpet Beetles

These are small, fabric insects that are often attracted to dark areas where they would be left undisturbed. You can find these in areas like, closets and attics, where they will be feeding on different items like clothing, carpeting, and furniture.

Primarily, carpet beetles are active in the spring, you can find these in your homes year-round. To get rid of carpet beetles, you need to first identify their hiding spot and then thoroughly clean the area. Also, treating your home with an insecticide will be better. This will remove them altogether.

Tip: Regularly vacuum and dust your home to prevent an infestation. Don’t miss out the areas where carpet beetles are likely to congregate.

Cockroaches

These are the most common ones. Yes, they are unsightly, but they also carry different diseases and might trigger allergies in your family members. Usually, they’re active at night – looking out for food. These prefer to hide in humid, dark areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

It is very important to catch cockroaches early as they breed quite fast. So, if you don’t catch and treat them early, the infestation can become quite severe. German Cockroaches are also found in different Texas homes. They hide in drier areas like inside electrical appliances or attics.

Another type of cockroaches you might find in your home is Wood Roaches. These are outdoor roaches that could be taking refuge in your garden or yard.

Cockroaches are very tough to kill, and this is what makes them one of the most dangerous house pests. They can contaminate food and spread diseases through bacteria, making them a serious threat to public health. So, the best way to get rid of cockroaches in your Texas home is to hire a professional pest control services.

Tip: Don’t forget to seal any cracks that might be their way to enter your home and remove any food sources they could be attracted to.

Termites

These are the small, wood-destroying insects that could be found in the urban and rural areas. Most termites are active during the spring and summer months.

In Texas, the two worst termites are destructive Formosan termites and dry-wood termites.

Formosan termites are also known as “super termites,” that are particularly destructive and aggressive in nature. Plus, they breed rapidly, spread quickly, and can cause extensive damage to your Texas home. Yes, they’re subterranean termites, but they are larger than the regular ones.

On the other hand, dry-wood termites also cause severe damage to the structural wood of your Texas home. These termites invade your home by flying in, and if left unchecked, your home’s entire structure can collapse. To handle these termites, it is better to schedule a WDO inspection and eliminate these with professional help. If you’re thinking of DIY, that won’t be as effective, so it is better not to try your luck there.

Termites are not harmful to humans, but they can cause significant damage to your home if you don’t pay attention. These nasty intruders feed on paper, wood, and other cellulose materials that can quickly lead to extensive structural damage.

So, if you suspect termite infestation in your home, it is better to contact a pest control professional ASAP. They will properly assess your home’s situation and recommend the best way to handle the termite issue.

Millipedes

The last time you heard about millipedes was during your school’s science lecture. Right? But these thin, long insects could have also made their way into your Texas home. They are often found in dark, damp areas like crawlspaces and basements. Sometimes, they enter homes through cracks and small openings.

These little (unwanted) guests are attracted by dampness and food, so you might find them in your kitchens and bathrooms. Also, heavy rains in the state also give them a way to get indoors as they are always searching for drier conditions. Not only this, but in dry weather, they also get inside the house, searching for cooler temperatures and water.

Millipedes are not harmful to humans, but they could be a nuisance if they invade your home in large numbers. So, to get rid of millipedes, you shall remove every food source they could be attracted to. Don’t forget to reduce the moisture in your home. You can do this by fixing the leaks (if there are any) and increasing ventilation. Lastly, you can also use traps or pesticides to kill them.

Silverfish

These are the wingless, small insects and their silvery-grey color is what has driven their name. You can often find these in damp areas of your Texas home, like kitchens and bathrooms.

These pests could be a major nuisance as they feed on clothing, paper, and other fabrics. Besides this, they can also cause major damage to your home (if left unchecked).

Silverfish breed fast and, getting rid of these is no less of a challenge. So, it is better to take preventive steps to hold them from making their way to your home in the first place.

How can you do this?

• Seal any gaps and cracks in your home’s exterior
• Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture in your home
• Regularly vacuum and dust your home

Even after doing all of this, if you end up finding silverfish in your home, then it is time to call a pest control specialist for the rescue.

Conclusion

While living in Texas, you face a constant challenge in dealing with pests. Given the state’s warm and humid climate, this challenge gets tough day by day, as these bugs get an ideal environment to thrive. From notorious fire ants to the elusive termites, each pest brings in its own set of issues. And to deal with it all, you need to play smart.

The current big bugs causing concern in Texas include the destructive Formosan termites, which are notorious for their rapid spread and significant damage, and the resilient cockroaches, known for their ability to thrive in many indoor environments.

Addressing these problems involves following preventive measures, such as sealing entry points and reducing moisture, along with professional pest control services for more severe infestations. By staying informed about these common pests and implementing effective strategies, you can safeguard your home from becoming overrun by these unwelcome guests. Remember, the key to a pest-free home lies in proactive prevention and timely intervention.

Are pests or termites troubling you? Don’t let these unwelcome guests damage your home. GreenWorks Inspections offers thorough Pest and Termite Inspection services designed to keep your property safe and pest-free. Our expert team uses advanced techniques to identify and address infestations before they become major issues.