Tag Archives: Houston Pest Control

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 
 

Infographic: How To Spot a Brown Recluse

Brown Recluse Infographic

Houston Brown Recluse Control

The most feared pest in the Houston area is the Brown Recluse spider. Don’t let this spider ruin your way of life. If you are seeing Brown Recluse spiders in or near your home, get Houston Brown Recluse 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
 

8 Ways to Avoid Termite Destruction

Termites In BarkEvery year termites wreak havoc among homeowners. These pesky critters will literally eat your home away. Termites feed off of organic matter such as wood. Considering most homes and buildings are made of at least some wood, termites tend to cause lots of structural damage; an average of about $5 billion per year in the U.S. The following tips can really put you one step ahead of these “silent destroyers.”

1. Remove Moisture

Termites thrive is moist environments. Keeping all sources of water to a minimum would greatly affect the survival of termites. Things like nearby water faucets and leaky pipes can really help termites survive near your home and should be properly fixed.

2. Reduce Direct Soil and Wood Contact

Having direct contact between the wooden parts of your home with the soil would give termites an all-access pass to your home. Termites, like most other bugs, live in the soil and forage for food. Having soil and wood in direct contact increases the risks that termites will find your home for lunch.

3. Fix Cracks, Openings, and Holes

Just like any other bug or unwanted intruder, having exposed cracks and holes into your home can let the termites in. Make sure any remotely thin openings or cracks in the foundation are properly sealed and fixed.

4. Don’t Store Wood or Mulch Nearby

Wood is a termite’s favorite meal, so storing it in the backyard can attract the critters. Piles of wood can easily gather moisture and having them close to the home will draw in the buggers. Mulch, which is meant to conserve moisture, can obviously also be very dangerous to keep nearby.

5. Remove Shrubs and Grass

Keeping the home free of grass and plant life will also help keep termites away. Sometimes plants like to cuddle up close to our homes, but these plants produce moisture, which will likely draw in the termites.

Termites Emerging From Wood6. Ventilation

Keeping your home ventilated will help reduce moisture. Good air circulation will help maintain the buildup of moisture to a minimum.

7. Use Chemically Treated Wood or Timber That’s Naturally Resistant

When building a new home or making additions, it is always a good idea to look into some termite resistant materials to use. Some woods can be chemically treated to ward off those predatory termites.

8. Have Home Inspected Regularly

The best way to guarantee that your home is free of termites is to have a professional inspect your home regularly. Termites are “silent destroyers”, and before you know it your home could be crumbling to the ground. Having a professional rule out the presence of these critters is the best option for maintaining your home free of termites.

Houston Termite 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 

Author Bio: is a journalism student and blogger for Bulwark Exterminating, an industry leader in providing high quality termite control service. When I’m not playing with my two adorable nieces, I’m on the tennis court chasing that little green ball around.

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
 

 

Houston Roach Commercial

The Mark III armor as featured in the 2008 fil... 

Wondering what that funny and slightly disturbing roach commercial was that aired before your movie at a Houston Cinemark? We have it here!

Summer Movie Madness 

Last weekend was a huge box office weekend. “Iron Man 3” debuted with an astonishing $174.1 million in domestic sales, and squeaked out $680 million globally. Wow! It was the second largest debut of all time, behind last summer’s “The Avengers.” The debut of “Iron Man 3” also meant that the summer movie season has finally arrived much to our enjoyment.

I am personally looking forward to a few of these summer movies myself: “The Hangover 3,” “Man of Steel,” “Fast and Furious 6,” and “World War Z.”

Debut Of Houston Roach Commercial 

With all of these summer movies kicking into full gear, the pest professionals at Bulwark Exterminating launched a new commercial entitled “Roaches Eat Toothpaste.” The one minute ad, which will play before your movies in a few select Houston area theaters, hopes to inform Houston residents about the growing roach problem in the city.

The Houston roach commercial shows an adult cockroach slurping down gobs of white toothpaste. Yes, revolting as it sounds, roaches frequently dine on toothpaste; as well as hair, blood, toenails, and dog doo. Watch the roach commercial yourself:

Houston Roach Commercial: Roaches Eat Toothpaste

 

 

 

See The Houston Roach Video In These Select Theaters 

Cinemark Tinseltown 17 and XD
1600 Lake Robbins Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 362-4340
cinemark.com
 
Cinemark Theater
1030 West Grand Parkway North
Katy, TX 77449
(281) 371-6008
cinemark.com

Roach Control 

While the “Roaches Eat Toothpaste” commercial was good for a laugh, having roaches infest your Houston home is no laughing matter. These cockroaches can spread diseases like polio, typhoid fever, leprosy, and bubonic plaque. Cockroaches also shed their body parts which can lead to asthma and other breathing problems. On top of all these problems cockroaches can cause, they also emit an unpleasant odor that will make your house stink. Yuck!

If you are seeing cockroaches in and around your Houston, TX home, get professional roach control.

Roach Control In 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 
 

 

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