Tag Archives: Bulwark Exterminating

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

Happy Thanksgiving From Bulwark Exterminating

Thanksgiving Reflections

This time of year gives all of us an opportunity to reflect on the many things we are grateful for. While you’re visiting with friends and family, eating way too much turkey and pie, and watching football, take a moment and give reflect on your blessing. Give thanks.

I’m grateful for all the loved ones I have in my life; my wife, and my daughter especially. I’m grateful for all the liberties I enjoy while living in the greatest country in the world. Even the city of Houston offers many things to be grateful for.

Things We’re Thankful For in Houston

Houston, Texas offers many things to be grateful for. From Houston’s House of Blues, to Houston’s many other fine restaurants, the city has it all. I’m grateful for Houston’s beautiful weather, the Water Wall, the Children’s Museum of Houston, Miller Outdoor Theater, and the Houston Zoo.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, safe, and pest free Thanksgiving! It’s during this time of year we find it easiest to put things into perspective, and count all of our many amazing blessings. This year Bulwark Pest Control is appreciative of all our customers and all our fantastic employees that make our company so successful.

What are you and your loved ones thankful for this year?

Have a Pest Free Thanksgiving

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

Fall Pest Control Tips

English: A fall tree in the SW area of the cit...

English: A fall tree in the SW area of the city of Houston (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Fall Pest Invaders

As the cooler autumn and cold winter weather begins to arrive, many families are keeping warm in their cozy houses and homes. Not surprisingly, many common pests have the exact same idea. The problem is, their summer shelter is not warm enough to withstand the winter elements, so they want to move into the sanctuary; of a human dwelling. A homeowner’s only hope against the relentless invasion of common pests, like ants, spiders and rodents, is to seal-off any window and door cracks/holes, that might allow pest invaders to enter to the dwelling or structure.

DIY Pest Control Tips

The most likely points of entry for the invading pests are a building’s many windows and doors. If you leave your door or windows open, make certain that they are fitted with a proper screen that does not have any holes, cuts or tears. While you are inspecting the interior and exterior of your home, look for spots of light shining through cracks, and use your hand to feel for air movement. If you happen to discover problematic areas, seal the cracks around any windows and door frames with caulking or foam, and generously apply weather-stripping and sweeps to seal the moving parts of the door. These simple DIY pest control and home improvement strategies will help avoid unintentionally inviting an insect or bug control problem, into your home.

Glue Traps

Aside from the tiny pests like ants and spiders trying to invade your home, rodents such as rats and mice often become a pest problem for property and home owners; in the autumn and winter months. These unwanted house guests can easily find their way through a hole, not too much bigger than a dime. Once inside your home, rodents can quickly multiply and create a serious pest control problem. Therefore, as an added precaution and increased level of protection, it is highly recommended that homeowners place glue traps in the attic and other popular invasion areas. These sticky traps are able to grab both rodents and insect problems that cross them. So, if pests do happen to invade parts of your home, building or dwelling, you will know what you are up against before a serious invasion begins.

Houston Pest Control

Use these preventative measures to help ensure your home will be best free this fall and winter. If you are still seeing ants, spiders, rats, mice, or other pests, contact a pest control professional.

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 Few Facts About Cockroaches

cockroach - The Infiltrator !!! :)

A Few Facts:

Cockroaches love the warm weather. Summer just happens to be the roach’s preferred season. They flourish in high temperatures. Once the temperatures dip lower than 50 degrees, these coldblooded pests will either die or go into hibernation. As the temperature warms up again, the roaches go back to feeding and breeding.

Cockroaches will eat almost anything, except poison. Taste hairs on the cockroaches’ head let it sample food first. Anything that tastes like poison is quickly discarded. Here are a few favorite roach dishes:

  • Sugary sweets
  • Hair
  • Salty snacks
  • Finger nails
  • Meats
  • Glue
  • Cheeses
  • Leather
  • Book bindings
  • Wood
  • Dead insects
  • Blood
  • Doggie doo

Cockroaches don’t discriminate. Regardless of who a person is, what they do for a living, where they live, or how immaculate their home is, cockroaches can be an issue. Roaches will enter your home through any crack or crevice they can find.

Cockroaches are killed off by eye wash. Boric acid, the antiseptic powder used in eye washes, is very successful in killing a roach. Cockroaches don’t distinguish boric acid as a poison, so they will scurry right on through it. The poison will adhere to their legs and antennae, and the roach will ingest it while cleaning itself. Within a few days, the roach will die.

Cockroaches cannot swim. While the roach’s waterproof outside layer enables it to float, they cannot swim. So contrary to popular belief, cockroaches do not come up household drains from the sewer—water in the traps will keep them out. If a home is left empty for an extended period of time, or a drain is not used for awhile, the traps can dry out and let roaches come through.

Cockroaches eat toothpaste.

How to Control Cockroaches

It’s been well established that cockroaches are very hearty insects that will eat about anything. They also spread several different diseases and carry over 40 different types of bacteria. You do not want them in your home. If you are a Houston resident, and having an issue with roaches in your home, contact a local pest control professional today!

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
www.terminix.com

Swarming Bees Attack Houston Women Killing Her Dog

Imagine walking your dog on a late September afternoon and suddenly being attacked by a swarm of agitated bees. That’s exactly what happened to a Houston woman last Wednesday. Unfortunately, the bee stings were not the worse sting she’d experience that day as her five year old mixed breed dog named Bella died as a result.

Swarming Bees

The 42 year old woman, Agathe Bourgogne, spent each day walking her rescue dog near Cambridge Glen Condos on Cambridge in Houston. Bella was said to be a very loyal and friendly dog that wouldn’t run into the street without her master. While on their daily walk, Bella went over to sniff a tree when she was suddenly attacked by a swarm of angry bees that had been disturbed by lawnmower earlier in the day.

Bourgone was stung seven times on her face, in her ears, and on her arms as she tried to rescue Bella who also suffered 14 bee stings in the face. The dog was rushed to the vet, but it was too late. Bella passed away shortly after arriving.

Beehives

Bee Swarm

Bee Swarm (Photo credit: heidigoseek)

It has not been determined if the bees were Africanized. The bees were in the process of building a hive in an underground water meter. Bees like to build their hives inside any opening they can find. They were able to gain access to the underground water meter through a small opening in the top.

With much relief to all the residents that live nearby, the bees were removed by a Houston pest control company before they could hurt anybody else. Still though, the damage has been done… A heartbroken Agathe Bourgogne lost one of her best friends in Bella. For the complete story, click here.

Bee Problems?

If you do experience a bee problem, call a Houston pest control professional or bee removal company. Bee removal is often more costly, but instead of killing of the bee population the bees will be safely removed and relocated. A pest control company, on the other hand, may merely exterminate the bees and their colonies. Due to the way bees carry pollen on their bodies, dust pesticides are very successful at quickly eliminating bee problems.

Houston Pest Control

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

Houston Bee Removal

Budget Bee Removal
1029 Texas 6
Houston, TX 77079
(713) 551-6320
budgetbeecontrol.com

Bee Keep
5836 Sampley Way
Houston, TX 77092
(832) 867-5057

Bayou City Bees
6028 Rawlings Road
Houston, TX 77057
(713) 392-3414
bayoucitybees.com