Tag Archives: Ant

Houston Ant Control

Houston AntsThe fast paced city of Houston is packed with nearly 2.2 million people. With such an enormous population Houston, is much like a crowed ant colony.  The good news is that the population of ants can be controlled to ensure they won’t infest the home. The bad news is that once ants reach the home, they are much harder to control.

What types of ants are in Houston? 

Houston is home to a variety different types of the ants. Some of the more popular ants that live in Houston are: Carpenter ants, Black Crazy ants, Fire ants, Ghost ants, Little Black ants, Pharaoh ants, and the Thief ants. All of theses ants will have a different habitat but can pose a huge problem on the home, and its residents when the ants do infest.

Where will Houston ants be found? 

On the outside of the home, ants can be found all over the property. Some of the main areas ants will be found are under rocks, walking stones, logs, in the pavement cracks, gardens, decks, and just in the lawn. On the inside of home ants can be found in pantries, around windows, bathrooms, bedrooms, garages, by cat and dog food bowls, and inside the walls of the home.

 What can be done to control the ants? 

To completely control the ants, an ant control specialist can come to the home and treat for them.  To do a full ant treatment, the ant control specialist will need to treat both the inside and the outside of the home. On the outside, the specialist will need to power spray the foundation of the home, treat the windows and doors, and bait any ant colonies. On the inside of the home, the specialist should treat the windows, doors, bait any places where the ants are continually seen, and an in-wall treatment should be done. An in-wall treatment will exterminate any ants living inside the walls of the home.

How to prevent ants from infesting the home? 

Keeping a good strong barrier around the home, year round, will prevent ants from ever invading the home. This is done by power spraying around the foundation of the home and treating the windows and doors. The plants are where the ants will get a constant water supply and need to be treated as well. To treat this area granules are used. The granules will soak down to the ants and help exterminate any ants trying to get water.

Look for good reviewed ant control companies online.  

There are hundreds of ant control companies in Houston, and it can be difficult to pick a good one. To help save time, look online for a good ant control company. When online, there will be reviews that will say how well the treatments work, how will the company’s costumer service is, and how fast it takes the company to get to the home. Some good online reviews sites are: Better Business Bureau, Yelp, Google, and Family Own Pest Control. Picking the right ant control company first will save money and headache in the long run.

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  

Pest Word Search: What Pest Did You Find?

In Houston, it’s really easy to find pests inside your home (unless of course you’ve hired the pest management professionals of Bulwark Exterminating); especially the disgusting and disease carrying cockroach.

What may prove to be a little tougher challenge, is finding all the pests in the “pest test” word search puzzle that has been going around Facebook all summer.

Haven’t seen it?

We’ll here you go:

The Pest Test Word Search

Word Seach of Pests

How’d you do?

Could you find all the pests hidden within? Hint: The pests are bugs, ant, scorpion, wasp,  roach, fly, bedbugs, lice, termite, gnat, spider, flea, and centipede.

What pest did you see first?

Over 10,000 people commented the first pest that they found in the puzzle, as the social media piece made its way around Facebook. Want to know how your find stacks up against the others who also searched for the pests? Look no further than the following infographic:

Pest Word Search Infographic– What Pest Did You Find?

 

Pest Infographic

Thomas Ballantyne

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
 

 

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

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

Can You Control Raspberry Ants in Houston?

Foraging ants (Eciton drepanophara)

Foraging ants (Eciton drepanophara) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The crazy Raspberry ant is very pervasive and can cause many problems. They can displace other ants, insects, and wildlife. They can cause factory systems to shut down. They can contaminate water sources. They have even cause a few traffic problems when shorting out stop lights. They are indeed a nuisance pest.

Can Houston Exterminators get rid of raspberry ants?

Per a local new station, “Raspberry ants are uncontrollable.” The ants invade by the thousands. Treating yourself may provide temporary relief, but they keep coming back. One man reports that he sprays and every night he finds thousands of more dead ants. They just keep coming. They are attracted to your water supply, sugar, and climate controlled shelter. If they get in they will quickly multiply producing thousands of more ants every day. As they spread, they leave pheromones that attract more of their kind. Yes, its not a pretty sight and yes they are difficult to get rid of.

Seth, Bulwark Manager in Houston, Says He Can Do It.

While the raspberry ant isn’t an easy job to take on, it is something that can be controlled. “We have hundreds of successful cases of controlling these difficult ants, right here in Houston. It’s not easy, but with the right product and a dedicated team it can be done.” Bulwark isn’t the only pest control company that would disagree with the reporters stance on controlling raspberry crazy ants. There are other Houston exterminators that have successfully tackled the raspberry ant problem. “It would be a lie to say that others can’t do it. But I can only speak for my own track record.”

Houston Ant Control for Raspberry Ants

You can identify raspberry ants by their spastic walk. They almost look like they are dancing or having convulsions. Crazy is a very good description of them. But not to confuse other black crazy ants with the raspberry ant. Regular crazy ants have longer legs than the raspberry ant. The best treatment plan applies products that will slowly kill of the colony. If you kill of the colony too quickly then you will never get the queen or queens, raspberry ants have more than one queen. Killing off the queens is key to successful Houston ant control.

Crazy Ants Moving Through Out Texas

Raspberry ants may have started in Houston of the docks of a few ships, but they have spread across the state and state lines. Currently, Raspberry ant problems are being found in Georgetown and Round Rock. They are spreading and as a whole, they are probably impossible to control and contain at this point.

Need Houston Ant Control?

Call Bulwark Exterminating.

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


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Ants in amber, found on Mombasa Island, on dis...

Ants in amber, found on Mombasa Island, on display at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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