General Pest Control Services

Common Pests in Austin

Texas is home to many different types of pests, but there are some that are more common than others. These are as follows:

• Millipedes
• Centipedes
• Crickets
• Cockroaches
• Earwigs
• Scorpions
• Silverfish
• Spiders
• Mosquitoes
• Hornets and wasps
• Fleas
• Ticks
• Chiggers
• Termites
• Bed bugs

When any of the above pests make their way into a home, they are not only a real nuisance, but many can also pose a danger to a person’s health. Once pests have made their way inside, it is important to identify the type of pest you are dealing with, and to understand the truth about how to get rid of them.

Myths About Pest Control

There are many myths out there about pest control in Texas. Some have come from television shows and movies, while others have simply stemmed from half-truths. Believing these myths can greatly hinder your pest control efforts, so it is important to know what they are, as well as the real truth behind them.

• Wasps will only sting when provoked: Most people have heard that if they do not mess with a wasp or hornet, the stinging insect will leave them alone. Unfortunately, that is not true. Wasps and hornets will swarm and sting any time they perceive a threat is nearby. That threat could be something as simple as walking too close to the nest. Any time you spot a nest near your home, it is important to speak to a professional Austin pest control company that can remove it for you safely.
• Bugs like dirty homes: Pests are generally very dirty creatures, but they do not enter homes because they, too, are dirty. Pests only go inside when they are looking for food, shelter, or water. The cleanliness of a home has nothing to do with whether a pest will enter into it or not. Keeping your home clean can help prevent pests because much of the food and water they are seeking will be cleaned up. However, it is not a guarantee that your home will be pest-free. Likewise, seeing a cockroach or other pest in your home does not necessarily mean your home is dirty.
• Mosquitoes are only a problem at dawn and dusk: It is true that some species of mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. Unfortunately, as long as there is food available, mosquitoes are active at all hours of the day, so prevention techniques are important.
• Bug zappers are effective in treating mosquitoes: Many people in Texas have bug zappers in their yard that are intended to kill mosquitoes. However, they simply do not work. Bug zappers rely on ultraviolet (UV) light to attract mosquitoes to it, but these pests are not attracted to this type of light. Even worse, these devices can actually spread viruses and bacteria as the pests are killed.
• Termites only damage wood: It is true that termites chew through wood to get the glucose that is found within it. This does not necessarily mean though, that they cannot cause damage to other types of structures. Termites will crawl over brick and concrete to get to the wooden beams used to build a home, which can cause significant damage to these materials.
• If you do not see pests, you do not have a problem: Many pests go undetected for a long time, particularly carpenter ants and termites, which largely stay within the walls of a home. It is important to know the common signs of a pest infestation so these critters do not cause significant damage and so the pest problem can be treated right away.

Understanding the myths behind pest control will go a long way when trying to control a pest problem. Perhaps the biggest myth people believe is that they can get rid of pests on their own, when it is always advised to allow a professional Austin pest control company to deal with these critters.

Tips for Choosing a Pest Control Company

Making the decision to allow a professional pest control company to get rid of your problem is a great first step, but you also have to make sure you choose the right one. Below are some tips you can follow to help ensure you do.

• Licensed and insured: There are very strict licensing and insurance requirements for pest control companies in Texas. Make sure any pest control company you are considering has the proper licenses and insurance so you know you are working with a reputable company, and that you will not be held liable if anything happens on your property.
• Experience: Any pest control company you are considering working with should have the necessary experience with the specific pest you are dealing with. They should be able to answer all of your questions and provide you with any information you may need before or after treatment.
• Free quote: You should not have to pay just to determine how much a pest control solution will cost you. A reputable Austin pest control company will visit your property and inspect it before providing a plan tailored to your space, as well as a free quote.

Call Us for General Pest Control Today

Whether you are dealing with bed bugs, termites, or other critters, at Stride Pest Control, we can provide the general pest control measures you need. We will determine how the pests are getting into your home or yard, and take the necessary steps to get rid of the problem. Call us today at (512) 777-1339 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our experts.