They say that everything is bigger in Texas and when it comes to some of its bugs, that holds true. Of course, cities such as San Antonio and Austin have many of the same types of creatures as other areas of the country. However, due to the southern location of the Lone Star State, there are some bugs found here that are not normally found in other states. Not only are some of these bugs bigger, but they are sometimes more dangerous, as well. For this reason, it is important to speak to a Texas pest control company any time a problem develops in your home.
Termites
Termites may not be any bigger in Texas than they are in other areas, but there are some types of these wood-eating insects that are more common here than in other areas. Subterranean termites are native to the state and these pests create their nests underground. As a result, the tunnels they create as they chew through wood often contain mud or dirt. Subterranean termites are quite picky eaters. They only eat the softwood in between the grains of wood and so, they follow the grains precisely.
Regardless of the type of termite that damages a home, they can completely destroy a structure. Termite colonies comprise up to one million of these critters, which is why they are able to cause $5 billion worth of damage every year. To get rid of termites and take your home back once and for all, you should always work with a San Antonio pest control company that can eliminate the problem for you.
Bed Bugs
People have become more aware of the problems bed bugs pose, as these critters have made a resurgence in recent years. However, these pests have been around for centuries. They are extremely hearty creatures, and can go as long as one year without food. It is no wonder they are so difficult to get rid of once an infestation has developed.
Bed bugs are not very large and measure approximately the same length as an apple seed. Due to the fact that they are so small, and that people do not always check for the presence of bed bugs, the first sign is usually the tell-tale red, itchy bites a person wakes up with. Bed bugs hide in the crevices of mattresses, box springs, couches, and other furniture. They come out only to feed, and then it is usually at night when the human host is asleep.
Unfortunately, many of the DIY methods people use to get rid of bed bugs do not work. Leaving the lights on will not result in bed bugs hiding out in furniture. They come out when a host is nearby, whether or not the lights are left on. Moving the infested furniture also does not work, as the bugs will simply move from one location to another.
Fire Ants
The actual fire ants in Texas are no bigger than they are in other parts of the country. However, it does not take much to realize that the sheer number of these pests in Texas is larger than in other states. Fire ants are an invasive species, and they spread throughout the entire state when they arrived here in the 1950s.
The sting of a fire ant is not particularly dangerous, with the exception of those that are allergic to the venom. Still, a sting from a fire ant is incredibly painful, and a person rarely suffers from just one. Fire ants can make a yard uninhabitable very quickly and a pest control company is usually required to get rid of the problem.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are incredibly annoying. They buzz around your head when you are just trying to enjoy your backyard, and their bites leave itchy red welts. Unfortunately, mosquitoes are much more than just a minor annoyance. They carry serious diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, the Zika virus, and more, and they transmit these to humans through their bite.
People in Texas are at risk of mosquito bites all year long, thanks to the beautiful climate of the state. Any time there is an infestation, even outside the home, it is important to speak to a pest control company that can get rid of the problem and keep your family safe.
Scorpions
If there is one pest that is a trademark of Texas, it is the scorpion. The most common species of scorpion in San Antonio and Austin is the striped bark scorpion, which is just over two inches in length. Fortunately, these scorpions are not poisonous and in fact, none of the scorpions in Texas are.
However, these pests can still deliver a very painful sting, particularly when they feel threatened. Scorpions are nocturnal by nature and they stay hidden away during the bulk of daytime hours. Due to the fact that they come out when people in the home are sleeping, it is not always easy to identify an infestation, particularly in the early stages.
Ticks
Ticks are one of the most common pests in San Antonio and Austin and like mosquitoes, they pose a threat year-round. Ticks live in bushy and wooded areas, waiting for a blood host to pass through that they can latch onto while they feed. Most people know that certain types of ticks can transmit Lyme disease to humans, but they also carry Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Stari. It is important to check yourself and your pets for ticks after spending time outside, so you can locate ticks and remove them immediately.
Call Us for Pest Control in Texas
If you are dealing with an infestation of the pests listed above, our San Antonio pest control experts at Stride Pest Control can provide the solution you need. Call us today at (210) 547-8410 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can deal with your pest problem quickly and safely.