The weather is warming up in Texas, which means we’ll be spending more time outdoors. Unfortunately, something else will also be spending more time outside: bugs. Pests are out throughout the state all year long, but springtime brings out more and more insects.
In many cases, the bugs are under control. However, an infestation can occur, requiring expert pest control. Keep your yard and home under control. Here are some common pests you can expect to see this spring.
Aphids
Aphids are one of the first pests you may see in the spring. They move slowly but can quickly infest your garden, damaging fruits and vegetables. They are often found in a group and while they are short-lived — living just one month — they reproduce quickly. In fact, many female aphids are born pregnant.
Cabbage Loopers
Cabbage loopers are light green caterpillars from the white cabbage moth. With more Texas residents growing fresh vegetables, cabbage loopers have been out in full force. They eat members of the cole family, which include cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and kale.
You will notice cabbage loopers leaving small holes in the leaves of your plants. Your best defense against them is to pull up any remains from your cole crops and compost or discard them at the end of the growing seasons. This helps prevent cabbage loopers from hiding out in your garden over the winter.
Ants
We’ve all seen large groups of ants at some point, whether at our homes or somewhere else. Ants are social creatures that live in colonies. If you find them inside or outside your home, you can usually follow their trail back to their nest and destroy it. Fire ants, carpenter ants, and pharaoh ants are common in Texas.
Scorpions
Scorpions hibernate in the winter and come out as the weather warms up in the springtime. Scorpions can hide in shoes and areas of the house. Scorpions are aggressive insects that can cause painful stings. If you notice them in or around your home, seek professional extermination help right away.
Bagworms
If you live near cedars or other evergreen trees, you may see spindle-shaped cocoons hanging on the branches. They are about 2 inches long and made from dead leaves. Those cocoons are the webbed casings of bagworms, the caterpillars of a family of moths. Bagworms have the ability to engulf and kill an evergreen tree. Large infestations may require removing whole sections of a tree or cutting down a seriously infected tree.
Contact Us Today
As temperatures warm up, pests become more numerous outdoors. The experts at Stride Pest Control can assess your situation and get rid of bugs and rodents quickly so you can enjoy your yard once again.
At Stride Pest Control, we are equipped to provide your home and yard with the appropriate pest control measures you need. Whether it’s winter, spring, summer, or fall, we do it all. It all starts with a free inspection. Schedule one today by filling out the online form or calling (512) 515-3635 (Austin) or (210) 940-3902 (San Antonio).
