When it comes to pests, all are bad. Even one or two bugs can wreak havoc on your life. You shouldn’t have to share your home with ants, spiders, wasps, rodents, bedbugs, or other annoying creatures.
In Texas, everything is bigger. This includes everything from bigger bugs to bigger infestations. Having bugs in the home can be downright creepy, especially as we get closer to Halloween. Are the bugs in your home real or just Halloween decorations?
Here’s a look at some major infestations in the Lonestar State as well as some nasty-looking bugs you don’t want anywhere near your home.
Crickets Taking Over the State
There’s actually a current pest infestation in central Texas. Austin and the surrounding areas have been inundated with crickets after a ton of rain has fallen on the city. Crickets are attracted to moisture. Lights in homes, parking lots, and businesses are also an attractant.
The crickets are black field crickets, and they make their appearance in Texas every summer and fall. The abundance of insects may seem concerning, but this happens every year.
The adult crickets become especially abundant around homes and commercial buildings. They are typically found outdoors, but they often become abundant indoors, which makes them a pest. Fortunately, crickets are harmless pests that do not bite or cause illnesses, so it’s fine to handle them and put them outdoors if you find them in your home.
Bee Infestation
One of the biggest infestations in Texas involved bees. A family in Houston was stung multiple times by the thousands of bees living in their home. The bees were getting into the home through a tiny hole in the wall. They put up with the bees for two years because they didn’t have enough money to get them removed.
The man, woman, and their 2-year-old child finally said enough is enough and removed the walls in their home in 2010. The family had called the city of Houston and the fire department for help, but to no avail. They didn’t have enough money to pay the quote of $450.
Once the family tore down their walls, they harvested more than 200 pounds of honey. It is believed that the bees had been in the home for at least 10 years.
Worst Infestations to Have
Nobody wants to have insects in their home, but some pest infestations are worse than others. Here are some pests you want to avoid having in your home at all costs.
- Termites. Termites are very destructive. Once they get into your home, they will bore through wood and cause a lot of damage. They can compromise your home’s structural integrity and make it unsafe. These little pests cause billions of dollars in damage every year.
- Wasps. Wasps, hornets, and bees are all stinging insects that many are scared of, but wasps are the most aggressive and territorial. They often build nests around homes and are not afraid to sting anyone in their path, including young children. Wasps love to hang out in areas where there are a lot of insects, if you have a lot of bugs around, beware.
- Bedbugs. Bedbugs are known to travel, so if you have been on vacation lately, you might have brought home these nasty critters. They like to hide in beds and other furniture. They come out at night to suck your blood, leaving behind itchy bites and red spots. Bedbugs are notoriously hard to get rid of, so leave this task to the professionals. Also, if you have stayed at a hotel, be sure to check your suitcase before bringing it in the house.
- Pantry pests. Moths, beetles, and worms are nasty things to see in your food, but these pests are often found in kitchens. They love food that is stored in dark places. They can lay eggs and defecate in your food, causing contamination and serious illnesses. If you see one bug, you will likely need to throw out your food. These pantry pests often get into your home by latching onto food containers, so check your food before storage.
Creepy Bugs
Sometimes you don’t need a major infestation to be freaked out by a bug. Texas is home to some large, creepy insects that can give you nightmares. They include:
- Brown recluse. The brown recluse spider tends to keep to itself, but when it bites, it can be painful and lead to necrosis, or tissue death. Stay away from these large spiders.
- Asp caterpillar. The asp caterpillar may look cute and fuzzy to the untrained eye, but this bug packs a punch. It contains stinging venomous spines and if you touch them, it can result in immediate skin irritation as well as severe, radiating pain for several hours. These caterpillars can be found in oaks, elms, roses, and ivy, so be careful.
- Eastern velvet ant. The fuzzy-looking velvet ant is actually a type of wasp. These red and black insects are brightly colored. The females have no wings and look like ants. However, they are dangerous, causing extremely painful stings.
- Texas redheaded centipede. This creepy creature can reach up to 8 inches in length. It is a nocturnal predator that feeds mostly on other invertebrates. A bite usually causes sharp pain and swelling.
Contact Us Today
If you have even one pest in your home, it can be a scary situation. Insects and rodents breed quickly, and one pest can quickly become 100, 1,000, or more.
Your Halloween 2023 doesn’t have to be scary. Get rid of the spiders and other creepy crawlies with help from the team at Stride Pest Control. We use the best methods to eradicate infestations and make your home or business pest free. Schedule a free consultation today. Fill out the online form or call (512) 777-1339 (Austin) or (210) 547-8410 (San Antonio).
