We’re now in spring, which means flowers are blooming, and allergies are making life miserable for many people. It also means pests are coming out in Texas.
Pests love warmer weather, so they will become more apparent in your garden, flower bed, and even your home. These pests can cause a lot of damage to plants as well as structures inside your home. They can also cause allergies, asthma, and other illnesses.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep pest populations under control. Here’s a look at the common pests to expect in Texas this spring, how you can do your part to control them, and how Stride Pest Control can help.
Why Do Pests Come Out in Spring?
Spring is a good time for pests to emerge due to the following:
- Warmer weather.
- Increased food availability.
- Breeding season.
- Moisture.
As temperatures rise in the spring, many pests become more active. The warmth provides them with the energy they need to move around and reproduce.
Spring is a time when plants start to bloom, providing pests with more food sources. This abundance of food can attract pests to residential areas and agricultural fields.
Spring is typically the breeding season for many pests. Warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours trigger their reproductive instincts, leading to increased mating activity.
Spring often brings rain showers and increased humidity, creating ideal conditions for many pests to survive, reproduce, and thrive.
Common Pests in Texas
Texas’ warm, humid weather makes it attractive to many pests, including the following:
- Mosquitoes.
- Termites.
- Ants.
- Cockroaches.
- Spiders.
- Rodents.
- Fleas and ticks.
- Bees and wasps.
Mosquitoes are a pest that almost everyone seems to find rather annoying. Mosquitoes are actually found in Texas year-round but are more prevalent in the spring and summer. They are most active at dusk and dawn. They reproduce by laying eggs in stagnant water. Mosquitoes can carry diseases such as malaria, Zika virus, and West Nile virus.
Spring is the peak season for termite activity in Texas. Subterranean termites swarm during this time and can cause significant damage to wooden structures.
Many species of ants, including fire ants, Argentine ants, and carpenter ants, become more active in the spring. They can invade homes in search of food and shelter.
Cockroaches thrive in warm and humid conditions, making Texas an ideal habitat for them. They can spread diseases and trigger allergies.
While spiders are generally beneficial because they prey on other pests, some species like black widows and brown recluse spiders can pose a threat to humans with their venomous bites.
Rats and mice are active year-round, but they may become more problematic in the spring as they search for food and shelter. They can cause damage to property and spread diseases.
These pests become more active in the spring, especially if there are pets in the household. They can transmit diseases to both humans and animals.
Spring is when bees and wasps start building nests and become more active. While bees are essential for pollination, some species of wasps can be aggressive and pose a threat to your family.
How to Prevent Pests in Your Garden
You may like fruits and vegetables, but so do insects. Here are some steps you can take to prevent them:
- Resistant plant varieties.
- Healthy soil.
- Crop rotation.
- Physical barriers.
- Good hygiene.
Opt for plant varieties that are naturally resistant to common pests in your area. This can significantly reduce the likelihood of pest infestations.
Maintain healthy soil by regularly adding compost and organic matter. Healthy soil promotes strong plant growth, making them more resistant to pests.
Rotate your crops each season to prevent the buildup of pests that target specific plants. This disrupts the pests’ life cycles and reduces their numbers.
Use physical barriers such as row covers, netting, and fences to prevent pests from accessing your plants.
Remove plant debris, fallen fruits, and weeds regularly to eliminate hiding places for pests.
How to Prevent Pests in Your Home
Keep insects and rodents out of your living space with these tips:
- Keep your home clean.
- Store food properly.
- Dispose of garbage properly.
- Seal entry points.
- Maintain your yard.
Regularly clean your living spaces, including floors, countertops, and other surfaces. Pests are attracted to food crumbs and spills, so wiping down surfaces and promptly cleaning up spills can deter them.
Keep food in sealed containers made of glass or plastic to prevent pests from accessing it. This includes dry goods like grains, cereals, and pet food.
Make sure your garbage bins have tight-fitting lids and take out the trash regularly.
Inspect your home for any cracks, gaps, or holes that pests could use to enter. Seal these openings with caulk or weatherstripping.
Trim bushes and trees away from the house and keep grass and vegetation well-maintained. Pests like rodents and insects can use overgrown vegetation as hiding spots and pathways into your home.
Get Peace of Mind
When pests infiltrate inside and outside your home, it can be a stressful experience. What do you do now? How do you keep yourself and your family safe?
Our Round Rock pest control experts are here to provide you with the peace of mind you need. We understand you have enough to worry about. You may have tried many products on the market, but to no avail.
To get rid of pests once and for all, you must first understand the most common types of pests, what works best when eliminating them, and how we can help. Contact our Austin pest control company and we’ll deal with all your pest concerns so you can enjoy your home and yard once again.
Contact Us Today
Texas is home to many pests in the spring, although bugs and rodents can be a problem any time of the year. No worries! The team at Stride Pest Control can handle them all, whether it’s winter, spring, summer, or fall.
We understand you have more important things to do, so call us and let us handle your pest woes. To schedule a free consultation, fill out the online form or call (512) 777-1339 (Austin) or (512) 254-8185 (Round Rock).
