Common Pest Problems In Houston

Like many cities around Texas, pests in Houston are able to remain active throughout the year, which is why it is so important to take a proactive approach to pest control. The most common pests in Houston are cockroaches, mosquitoes, mice, and termites. These pests range from plain old nuisances to downright destructive. It is so much easier to have a year-round pest control plan in place protecting your home than to have to deal with the aftermath of an illness or damage due to these pests. 

Cockroaches

There are several different types of cockroaches found in the Houston area. They all have varying shades of brown coloring and beetle-like bodies with wings. Cockroaches like to hang out in trash, sewers, animal carcasses and excrement. They pick up viruses and diseases on their bodies and carry them into areas where they can be passed on to you. Try to prevent cockroaches by sealing up holes and cracks in your home, including where utility wires come into the house. Be sure to rid your home of any unnecessary moisture. 

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes have thin bodies and legs and small wings that can carry them far and a poky long nose that is their weapon of choice. Mosquitoes can carry illnesses such as Zika virus, malaria, and West Nile virus that are transmitted to humans through their bites and can make people very sick and can even cause death. To prevent mosquitoes, keep your yard free from standing water and moist debris that mosquitoes like to breed in.  Also try planting grasses and flowers that mosquitoes don’t like such as lemongrass, citronella, marigolds, lavender, and basil – most anything that gives off a strong odor.

Mice

Mice are small rodents that are usually brown to grey in color and fist size or smaller. When mice enter your home, they can and they will leave their droppings wherever they go, which can contaminate your food and transmit disease. Mice also like to gnaw and can destroy stored belongings and more. Keeping mice out can be tricky. However, you can try to seal up your home of any cracks and openings. They can fit into a hole as small as a dime. Eliminate any easily accessible food sources too, as usually when they come in a home that is what they are looking for.

Termites

Termites survive by feeding on wood, and a colony can do a tremendous amount of damage. Termites can be found in swarming colonies outside your home and can easily enter through cracks. They prefer moisture, so any damp wood is the perfect home for them. Termite prevention is difficult on your own. The most important thing you can do is keep your home sealed well and dry. Remove any unnecessary damp wood and yard debris from around your home.  If you find termites, you will likely need the help of a trained professional.

A year-round pest control plan from Modern Pest Control is your best bet for preventing all these damaging pests from harming your Houston home. Call for an estimate and determine the best prevention plan that suits the pest problem you are facing and get the peace of mind that comes when you know your home is free of pests.