Austin is a beautiful city but unfortunately, it is not immune to pests. There are many critters that call this gorgeous area of Texas home and when they invade, they become a real nuisance. It is important that all homeowners know the most common pest problems to look for in Austin, so they can treat an infestation as soon as it starts. It is also crucial that all homeowners know how to prevent these pests from infesting in the first place, so they never have to deal with the aftermath.
Common Pests in Austin
There are many different species of pests that live in Austin, but some of them are more common than others. These include:
- Fire ants
- Fleas and ticks
- Mosquitoes, which can transmit several diseases
- Rodents, such as mice and rats
- Spiders, including the black widow spider and the brown recluse
- Wood-eating insects, including termites, carpenter ants, and powder post beetles
- Bed bugs
Any time you are dealing with any of the above pests, it is important to speak to an Austin pest control company that can deal with the problem for you safely and effectively. In the meantime, there are some prevention tactics that are very useful when trying to ensure these pests never invade your space in the first place.
Clean Up
Pests do not enter a home or yard in search of dirt, but they will find some basic life necessities such as food and shelter in unkempt spaces. Ignoring the cleaning duties around your home will put you at great risk for a pest infestation. Cockroaches and ants are attracted to any food you leave out, while rodents will use any garbage or clutter as materials for building their nest. Other critters, such as spiders, will use clutter and dirty areas to find shelter.
To prevent an infestation, a regular deep-cleaning of your home is necessary. Some of the important aspects to pay special attention to include:
- Move appliances and furniture so you can clean behind, beneath, and around them fully, while also looking for evidence of pests, such as droppings.
- Keep storage areas and closets tidy.
- Using sanitary wipes, clean surfaces and dust regularly.
- Vacuum carpeting and rugs every week.
- Keep cabinets and pantries clear of crumbs.
- Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink or on the counter overnight.
- Store garbage in containers that are tightly sealed.
- Keep pet food in containers that are tightly-sealed and off the ground.
The above tips will not only deter pests from entering your home, but they will also help you identify an infestation more quickly, so you can deal with it as soon as possible.
Clean Your Outdoor Space
Of course, pests come from the outside and so, it is important to ensure your outdoor space does not attract bugs, either. Start by cleaning up any food or garbage left from eating outside, and clean the grill if it has been used recently. These items will attract any number of pests to your yard, which not only has the potential to make your yard inhabitable, but also increases the chances of those pests making their way inside.
Mowing your grass regularly will also help keep pests out of your yard. Bugs such as mosquitos love to take shelter in deep grass, where it is cooler, so keeping it trimmed can help take away shelter for these pests. Also keep the lawn and other areas of the yard free from tires, boxes, and toys. These items can act as a rain bucket and when water collects inside of them, they become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Empty any bird baths, kiddie pools, and other items that may contain standing water, as well.
If you store firewood or compost outside, make sure it is at least 20 feet away from the structure of the home. Firewood particularly is very attractive to destructive pests such as termites, as is mulch, which should also not be too close to the home. Also make sure that bushes, branches, and shrubbery are not touching the home. This type of vegetation will act as a bridge for certain pests, especially rodents and other wildlife, that want to find a way into your home.
Make All Necessary Repairs
Of course, one of the best ways to prevent pests from getting inside your home is to make it more difficult for them to actually do it. Making repairs regularly to your home can seal off entry points for pests and help ensure they cannot get inside.
Perform a full inspection of the exterior of your home and look for gaps and holes pests may use to get inside. Remember to check around the windows, doors, foundation, utilities, wiring, and vents looking for any small gaps or cracks and seal them when they are found. Caulk is often all that is needed, but some areas may require a professional to seal them. Repairing these areas will also reduce the moisture and humidity levels, which will also deter pests.
Work with an Austin Pest Control Company
It is not uncommon for people to call a pest control company when they already have a problem. However, working with an Austin pest control company even before an infestation develops is also very helpful. These professionals will have the necessary solutions that will prevent pests from invading your yard or home, and can help you better understand what types of pests you may be dealing with in your area.
Call Our Experts for Pest Control in Austin Today
Austin is home to many pests, but that does not mean you have to invite them into yours. At Stride Pest Control, our Austin pest control experts can help with everything from pest prevention to eradication, and we provide same-day service because we know pest problems must be tackled immediately. If you have developed a pest problem, call us today at (512) 777-1339 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.