Category Archives: Pest Control in Houston

Top 3 Pests In Houston

I was fortunate enough to sit down with one of the pest management professionals at Bulwark Exterminating in Houston a few days ago, and get some much needed advice about some of the pests in the area.

One of the questions I really was interested in getting an answer too was, “What are the most common pests in the Houston area you guys get call about?”

Here are the top three pests in Houston:

3. Crazy Ants

Ants on raspberries

If I was to ask what the most called about pests are in Houston a couple years ago, the Crazy ant would not have even made the top ten. This ant, also referred to as the Rasberry Crazy ant or the Tawny Crazy ant, is a virtual newcomer to Houston. Even though this ant is relatively new to the area, it is taken over in huge numbers; pushing out other species of ant.

The reason Bulwark get’s so many calls about Crazy ants is that they will literally go everywhere. They invade homes, attracted to electrical impulses of our electronics and appliances. Once inside, they’ll nest in walls, and will damage electrical equipment by swarming inside. This behavior in known to cause air conditioners, and other electrical equipment to short out and fail. The result? Expensive repairs. Its because of this reason, homeowners get professional Houston ant control; before Crazy ant problems escalate.

Learn more about Houston Fire ants being driven out by Crazy ants. 

2. Fire Ants

Fire Ant Face

It’s hard to argue with the Fire ant being number two on the list of most common called about pests in Houston… Their stings are miserable! Fire ants make it really hard to send your kids out in the back yard to play. When your kids’ curiosity sets in, they’re going to disturb one of the fire ant mounds… It may even be by accident. Upon doing so, the colony of Fire ants will come spilling out of the mound, ready to defend their nest by stinging! When they sting, they grab tight with their pinchers and continuously sting with their abdomen in a circular motion. Multiply this a dozen times, and you have a very painful and unfortunate situation on your hands. Ouch!

When you see those huge ant mounds in your backyard, it’s time to enlist the services of a Houston Fire ant control professional.

Learn more about Houston residents battling Fire ants. 

1. Cockroaches

Cockroach

The hot and humid Houston weather, combined with the moderate winters, make ideal breeding conditions for cockroaches. Their sheer numbers are almost incomparable to almost any other major U.S. city. The mass quantities of cockroaches in Houston make them the number one most frequent pest in Houston.

Cockroaches are bugs of the night, scurrying around in the darkness looking for food and water. They are not fussy eaters at all, eating whatever organic substance they can find inside your home. Roaches are reported to spread some 33 different kinds of bacteria, diseases, worms and parasites. Professional Houston roach control is needed to eliminate them from your home.

Houston Pest Control 

If you are tired of battling Crazy ants, Fire ants, cockroaches, or any other type of pest; it’s time to call an exterminator!

Bulwark Exterminating
10900 Brittmoore Park Drive
Houston, TX 77041
(281) 668-4930
bulwarkpestcontrol.com 
 
AAAnimal Pro: Wildlife Control
8280 Golf Green Circle
Houston, TX 77036
(832) 248- 7804
houstonwildlifepatrol.com 
 
Terminix
16155 Park Row, Suite 190
Houston, TX 77084
(832) 460-3698
terminix.com 
 

It’s National Cheese Pizza Day!

Happy National Cheese Pizza Day everyone. We hope that if you haven’t had pizza for lunch, then you’ll still consider it for dinner. On top of that, did you know that Houston’s Dolce Vita Pizzeria & Enoteca. Good job, Houston!

See the full list here, then get on down to Dolce Vita Pizzeria and celebrate with some of the best known pizza slices in the country.

Dolce Vita Pizzeria & Enoteca is nationally known for its culinary blend of wines and rustic pizza flavors.

500 Westheimer Rd.
Houston, TX 77006
713-520-8222
www.DolceVitaHouston.com

Houston Fire Ants Driven Out By ‘Crazy’ Ant Species

Ant_Biting_Skin

Rasberry Crazy Ants Driving Out Fire Ants In Houston

Most of us in Houston are very familiar with the wretched Red Imported Fire ants. They make huge mounds on our property, and one painful sting from this pesky ant will be a constant reminder to keep your distance.

Over the last few years, Houston residents have been noticing a different species of ant; a species that some are calling far worse than the fire ant. I’m talking about the Rasberry (not raspberry) Crazy ant, and it’s beginning to displace fire ants in many areas in Houston.

Areas in Houston infested with Crazy ants have very few fire ants present. The reason being is that the Rasberry Crazy ants are an extremely invasive species that out-compete all other species of ant found in Houston.

Ants on raspberriesCrazy Ants vs. Fire Ants: Why Are Crazy Ants So Bad?

Rasberry Crazy ants are so bad, and so destructive, many residents are clamoring to get the fire ants back!

Crazy ants quickly outnumber other ant species because they multiply in even larger numbers. They are also difficult to control since they don’t eat the same poison baits as fire ants do.

Fire ants are in many ways very polite compared to crazy ants. When fire ants move into in your yard, they’ll form mounds and stay there. The Fire ants will only interact with you if you bother them or step on their unmistakable mounds.

Rasberry Crazy ants, on the other hand, “go everywhere,” invading homes and nesting in walls and crawlspaces, even damaging electrical equipment by swarming inside appliances. These ants are attracted to electrical impulses, chewing through electric insulation; they cause stop lights, air conditions, and other electrical equipment to short circuit. After being drawn into electrical equipment, they can easily cause shortages. Such actions often result in expensive repairs that inflict Houston homeowners.

On a positive note, Crazy ants don’t inflict painful stings like the Red Imported Fire Ants do.

Learn more about pest control methods for Fire Ants

Rasberry Crazy Ants

Imported from Brazil and Argentina in the 1930’s, the Rasberry Crazy ant has been infesting the Southeastern United States ever since. They are named after Tom Rasberry, the exterminator in Houston who discovered them. They are sometimes referred to as Tawny ants, but most people prefer the moniker “Crazy” because the ant’s erratic and non-linear movements.

Rasberry Crazy ants range in size from 1/16-1/8 inches long. They have slender bodies with long legs, and long antenna. They are reddish-brown in color, and are covered with fuzz. This fuzz makes the ant appear less glossy then other species of ant; and lead many to define the ant as “hairy.”

Ant Control In Houston, TX

Whether you are dealing with the painful stinging Red Imported Fire ant, or the destructive Rasberry Crazy ant; professional Houston Ant Control can help you with all of your ant problems. Ant control professionals in Houston are up to date on of the latest and most effective ant control methods and techniques to help Houston residents live ant free. Call today!

Bulwark Exterminating
10900 Brittmoore Park Drive
Houston, TX 77041
(281) 668-4930
bulwarkpestcontrol.com 
AAAnimal Pro: Wildlife Control
8280 Golf Green Circle
Houston, TX 77036
(832) 248- 7804
houstonwildlifepatrol.com 
Terminix
16155 Park Row, Suite 190
Houston, TX 77084
(832) 460-3698
terminix.com
 

 

Freakish Football Sized Snails Invade Houston

 

Freakish Football Sized Snails Invade Houston, TX

A giant African snail has been found right here in Houston, TX. Someone who lives on Twin Circle drive in the Briar Forrest area found on in their garden. After the snail that was spotted, it happened to get away and nobody knows where it went. Don’t ask me how it got away… it’s not like snails are fast. These snails have local residents, and scientists, worried. Where there is one snail, there will likely be many, many more.

The giant African land snail reproduces very rapidly. They can lay as many as 100 eggs a month, so it’s likely there are more like the one found on Twin Circle Drive came from. Parts of Florida are also currently under attack, with these freakish snails being found by the thousands.

These snails are about eight inches in length, and four inches in diameter. The biggest ones found are reported to be about the size of a football.

Giant African Land Snail Escapes

Giant African Land Snail Escapes (Photo credit: sarflondondunc)

Giant African Snails Are Destructive

These giant African snails are quite a site, but scientists warn about the damage they can inflict to both humans and to property. These massive snails will make hole in the stucco and plaster on your home. If you run over one of them with your car, its shell can blow out your tire. They also feed on 500 different types of Houston plants, destroying your beautiful landscaping.

Giant African Snails Carry Deadly Disease

In addition to being destructive to your property, these gigantic African snails also carry a deadly disease that causes life-threatening meningitis. This parasitic disease can cause a lot of harm to humans, and sometimes even cause death. People are being warned not to touch them. You can get very sick if you do handle them. Most kids would look at a big snail like this and want to touch it. Neighbors and Houston residents need to be warned to stay away from these massive snails.

Pest Control In Houston, TX

If you are a Houston, TX resident and are seeing giant African land snails on your property, keep your distance and get professional Houston pest control.

Bulwark Exterminating
10900 Brittmoore Park Drive
Houston, TX 77041
(281) 668-4930
bulwarkpestcontrol.com
 
AAAnimal Pro: Wildlife Control
8280 Golf Green Circle
Houston, TX 77036
(832) 248- 7804
houstonwildlifepatrol.com
 
Terminix
16155 Park Row, Suite 190
Houston, TX 77084
(832) 460-3698
terminix.com
 

The Rasberry Ant: A Houston Original

Rasberry Ant

Rasberry Ant

The Crazy Rasberry ant (not to be confused with raspberry) was discovered in Houston, TX by exterminator Tom Rasberry. Since the ant’s discovery in 2002, the Rasberry ant has spread to 24 different counties in the state of Texas; and to other states across the South. The ants prefer the moisture, warmth, and humidity of the coast.

Characteristics Of Rasberry Ants

Rasberry ants, sometimes referred to as Tawny crazy ants, range in size from 1/16-1/8 inches long. They have slender bodies with long legs, and long antenna. They are reddish-brown in color, and are covered with fuzz. This fuzz makes the ant appear less glossy then other species of ant; and lead many to define the ant as “hairy.”

The Crazy Rasberry ant is a type of Crazy ant, that is well know for its rapid erratic movements. They do not move linearly like other ant species. If you were to watch the ant crawl, you might think it was lost or confused. This behavior is why the ant is labeled as “crazy.”

Why Rasberry Ants Are Harmful

Rasberry ants cause harm, both physical and economic, in several different ways. Large numbers of Rasberry ants cause short circuits, electrical equipment failure, and clog switching mechanisms. In some cases the ants have caused several thousand dollars in damage and remedial costs.

There’s another characteristic that makes Rasberry ants dangerous. The death of a Rasberry ant will cause it to release a chemical pheromone that summons other Rasberry ants to attack the threat. One exterminator said “… if a hundred-thousand are killed, millions more will attack.” Trying to exterminate these ants on your own can have hazardous consequences.

Rasberry Ant Control in Houston

In infested areas, large numbers of Rasberry ants have caused great aggravation to residents and homeowners. Infestations make it uncomfortable for residents to enjoy time in their yards. These pesky ants need to be dealt with.

Products that are effective in the treatment of Rasberry ants are not readily available to the public. If you believe your house or property is infested with these ants, call a professional pest control provider.

Pest Control Houston

Bulwark Exterminating
10900 Brittmoore Park Drive
Houston, TX 77041
(281) 668-4930
bulwarkpestcontrol.com
 
AAAnimal Pro: Wildlife Control
8280 Golf Green Circle
Houston, TX 77036
(832) 248- 7804
houstonwildlifepatrol.com
 
Terminix
16155 Park Row, Suite 190
Houston, TX 77084
(832) 460-3698
terminix.com
 

Houston Residents Battling Fire Ants

fire_ant_worker1

fire_ant_worker1 (Photo credit: bart_drees)

If you live anywhere in the Houston, TX area you have likely had an unfortunate encounter with the Red Imported Fire ant. These ants have the reputation of being one of the worst pests in Texas, and rightfully so. In terms of human health, property damage, and environmental damage; no other pest can match the malevolence of these property pests… And Houston residents know it!

Houston Fire Ants

Residents of Houston, and surrounding areas, have been battling Red Imported Fire ants since their arrival in the late 1930’s. Their population has spread tremendously; so much in fact that certain areas in Texas have reported some 200 Fire Ant mounds per acre. That’s a scary thought considering one fire ant mount can house more than 250,000 ants a piece.

Another scary thought is that stings from these ants have been responsible for some 100+ deaths. Most of these deaths occur when someone who is stung has insect allergies. Painful fire ant stings can send a victim into anaphylactic shock. A sting victim will experience pain, swelling, itching, redness, dizziness, disorientation, and vomiting.

As you can imagine, these ants can create a major pest control problem for homeowners and local residents. Bulwark Pest Control technicians report that Fire Ants are one of the most frequently called about pests in the Houston, Texas area.

The Impact Of Fire Ants In Texas

Fire ant nest

Fire ant nest (Photo credit: Martin LaBar (going on hiatus))

If their stings weren’t serious enough, Fire Ants can also cause severe property and agricultural damage. Fire Ant mounds can measure several feet in diameter and reach eight feet deep into the soil. This building activity has damaged plant roots, lead to the loss of crops, and interfered with agricultural cultivation.

On top of it all, Red Imported Fire ants are also attracted to electrical wiring and equipment. They are known for creeping into the electrical wiring of stop lights and shorting them out. This activity is the leading cause of traffic light malfunctions in Texas.

In the state of Texas, Red Imported Fire ants cause more than $140 million in damage each year.

The FDA estimates more than $5 billion is spent annually on medical treatment, damage, and control in Fire Ant infested areas.

Ant Control For Fire Ants

Red Imported Fire ant infestations are very challenging to completely eliminate. A one time treatment from an exterminator, or a do-it-yourself pest control method, will only break up the ants into smaller colonies as they wait out the effects of the pesticide. Controlling Fire Ant populations takes consistent effort, and ant control strategies, from a professional who has experience in treating these malevolent insects.

Houston Ant Control

Bulwark Exterminating
10900 Brittmoore Park Drive
Houston, TX 77041
(281) 668-4930
bulwarkpestcontrol.com
 
AAAnimal Pro: Wildlife Control
8280 Golf Green Circle
Houston, TX 77036
(832) 248- 7804
houstonwildlifepatrol.com
 
Terminix
16155 Park Row, Suite 190
Houston, TX 77084
(832) 460-3698
terminix.com

Roach Bits- Valentine’s Day Edition

 

Roach Control Houston, TX

Bulwark Exterminating
10900 Brittmoore Park Drive
Houston, TX 77041
(281) 668-4930
bulwarkpestcontrol.com
 
AAAnimal Pro: Wildlife Control
8280 Golf Green Circle
Houston, TX 77036
(832) 248- 7804
houstonwildlifepatrol.com
 
Terminix
16155 Park Row, Suite 190
Houston, TX 77084
(832) 460-3698
terminix.com

 

A Texas Sized Stink Bug Invasion

English: Brown marmorated stink bug

English: Brown marmorated stink bug (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Stink Bugs Invading Texas

If you live in Texas, there’s no doubt you’ve become well acquainted with a relatively new pest invader; a stinky invader at that. The brown marmorated stink bug arrived in Texas about ten years ago, causing damage to your homes and gardens. Since their initial arrival, they have become more and more frequent; infesting areas of Texas by the thousands. Stink bugs have also proven to be a threat to the economic well being of fruit and vegetable farmers. This has led the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to label this smelly pest as the country’s top invasive pest.

Stink Bugs

There are several types of stink bugs found in Texas, but the most frequently seen and most invasive, is the brown marmorated stinkbug. These stinky pests measure about ½ inch long, and are shaped like a shield. They are brown in color, and have black and white triangles around their body. If you squash or disturb these pests, the will emit a rank odor.

How To Identify A Stink Bug

Controlling Stink Bugs

USDA scientists and researchers promise Texas residents that help is on the way. They are continually looking for ways to control the stink bug population studying the pheromones they release. They are evaluating potential attractants for use in commercial traps, and have actually identified a specific aggressive pheromone that attracts other stinkbugs. Until the traps are available  your best bet to control these pesky bugs is to employ the services of a pest control professional.

Bulwark Pest Control’s Efraen Garcia has been busy trying to keep these invasive pests out of people’s homes:

Invasive insect could raise a stink

Houston Pest Control

Bulwark Exterminating
10900 Brittmoore Park Drive
Houston, TX 77041
(281) 668-4930
bulwarkpestcontrol.com
 
AAAnimal Pro: Wildlife Control
8280 Golf Green Circle
Houston, TX 77036
(832) 248- 7804
houstonwildlifepatrol.com
 
Terminix
16155 Park Row, Suite 190
Houston, TX 77084
(832) 460-3698
terminix.com

Best Of Kudzu: Bulwark Exterminating Houston

Bulwark Exterminating Recognized As Best Houston Pest Control By Kudzu

Bulwark Exterminating got some very flattering news this month. Their Houston, Texas branch was named “Best of Kudzu” for best Houston pest and animal control, based on votes by Kudzu users.

Kudzu users have spoken, and have awarded the Best of 2012 based on thousands of your votes. Businesses competed across more than 30 service categories including home improvement, healthcare, legal, financial services, auto repair and more.

Here is the list of the “best Houston pest and animal control” according to Kudzu:

http://www.kudzu.com/best/houston/pest-animal-control

Kudzu

It has recently been reported that over 80 percent of customers will do online research before making a purchase. Customer review sites help assist in this research by enabling customers to rate the products and services of the businesses they utilize. Kudzu.com is one such customer review site.

Kudzu users can rate a company’s value, service, quality, and overall experience with stars, ranging one to five. If a company is providing excellent products, customer service, and value to the consumer (like Bulwark Pest Control does), customers can let the world know about it. Conversely, customers can also let the world know about poor service or products they receive.

Bulwark Exterminating Reviews On Kudzu

I recently purchased a home in a subdivision where there is a lot of construction. I was concerned with the spider problem which other service provided had warned was difficult to get rid of. Bulwark came in and in a matter of weeks the spiders were gone. Vincent did a great job of treating our home. We are very satisfied customers.

- Sandra G.
11/8/2012

As always, Phillip Harris was our technician from Bulwark for our regular service. Having the same tech is wonderful! He knows about my sons red ant allergy, is familiar with my house and past concerns, and is just an overall friendly serviceman. I would highly recommend using Bulwark and I would suggest requesting Phillip Harris.

- Morrowz
6/14/2012

James Foster is the best. I like that Bulwark sends out the same technician for every service. James knows what my concerns are and fixes the problem… But usually there isn’t one. They are that good. I’ve been with Bulwark for years and have never been disappointed in their service. Thank you Bulwark and you rock James!

- Amanda
11/28/2012

You can read all of Bulwark Exterminating’s reviews for their Houston, TX branch by clicking here.

Houston Pest Control

If you are looking for pest control in Houston, TX, why not go with the best? Take, Kudzu’s advice, and give Bulwark Exterminating a call… After all, Bulwark was just named “Best Pest Control in Houston!”

Bulwark Exterminating
10900 Brittmoore Park Drive
Houston, TX 77041
(281) 668-4930
bulwarkpestcontrol.com

 

Merry Christmas From Pest Control Houston

Houston Galleria Christmas Tree

So Much To Do Before Christmas

In just a couple short weeks, Christmas will be here! Are you ready? This time of year we all get so busy. We juggle the Christmas shopping, making travel plans, hanging the outdoor Christmas lights, decorating the tree, and baking those delicious Christmas cookies. Among all of this hustle and bustle, it is easy to forget about the pest control. Unwanted pests can completely ruin an otherwise enjoyable holiday season.

Having A Pest Free Christmas

Houston Pest control professionals can help you have a pest free Christmas. Many offer ant control, rodent control, and spider control. Enrollment in these pest treatment programs will not only eradicate these bothersome pests, but keep them from ever returning to your property.

If you live in the Houston, TX area, and are having trouble with Raspberry ants, Fire ants, or spiders like the Black Widow or the Brown Recluses; call a Houston pest control expert before your Christmas guests get here! Don’t let those pesky ants carry away your Christmas dinner!

Merry Christmas

May you and yours have a very merry and pest free Christmas! May your holidays be overflowing with joy, and your 2013 be filled with many great and prosperous things.

Houston Pest Control Companies:

Bulwark Exterminating
10900 Brittmoore Park Drive
Houston, TX 77041
(281) 668-4930
bulwarkpestcontrol.com

AAAnimal Pro: Wildlife Control
8280 Golf Green Circle
Houston, TX 77036
(832) 248- 7804
houstonwildlifepatrol.com

Terminix
16155 Park Row, Suite 190
Houston, TX 77084
(832) 460-3698
terminix.com