10 Common Bugs Found In Houston Area
There are all kinds of bugs in the world – some great for the environment and others not so much. For people, however, insects and rodents are a nuisance that must be addressed. What are the 10 most common bugs people in Houston, Texas have to contend with?
Ants
Out of thousands of identified ant species, 250 of them are native to the state of Texas. Would you believe that only a minute number of those 250 are problematic? The most common ant species found in Texas include carpenter ants, fire ants, ghost ants, little black ants and Raspberry crazy ants. They, along with the others, can be found inside and outside buildings. The kind of damage your home experiences is dependent upon the ant species
Bed Bugs
Houston residents are battling a big problem with bed bugs. Since traveling from one place to another is easier to do, bed bugs have an easier time hitching a ride back home with you. They can get into clothing or a travel bag without you ever knowing it. Once in your home, getting rid of them is a real challenge.
Cockroaches
The two most common cockroaches in Houston are the American and German roaches. Since these bugs can eat much of anything, they are found in all kinds of places. The German cockroach is typically what homeowners have to contend with. The American cockroach is seen in utility tunnels and storm drains.
Fleas and Ticks
The hot, humid summer months leads to an increase in flea and tick exposure. However, Houston residents have to deal with them all year long. These insects and bugs can cause serious health problems in both animals and humans because they carry diseases and internal parasites.
Flies
Flies love food – any kind of food and tend to show up in your kitchen after getting in through an open door. They love unsanitary conditions, circling garbage cans, refrigerator drain pans, rotting scents, unrinsed cans, etc. They are problematic because they lay eggs inside these places and find a way inside buildings to eat.
Mice and Rats
The habitats of mice and rats vary – from homes to offices to storage facilities to warehouses. Anywhere they can find food and water, they will make a home in. They are problematic because they can cause a plethora of problems. They can chew on electrical wires, appliance water lines, carpet, wood, furniture and more. Food is easily contaminated by these rodents, and since they poop and pee anywhere – counter tops, pantry shelves, food containers, etc. – a home becomes unhealthy for residents to live in.
Scorpions
Texas is home to an array of scorpion species, moving easily from homes to businesses and vice versa. Most of the Texas scorpion species are not harmful to humans, but their sting will cause pain. Now, the stinging reaction is different for each person. Some people see it as a bee sting while others have a sensitivity to it. Those with a sensitivity may experience itching, swelling, burning, numbness and area discoloration.
Spiders
If you’re afraid of spiders, you don’t want to live in Houston. It’s home to all kinds of spider species including the jumping spider, brown recluse and black widow. Though spiders want to live inside, they don’t want to make their presence known. However, people who don’t know they have spiders in their homes may suffer from spider bites.
Houston, Texas is a very humid city, which allows these insects to make a home in most buildings. The only way to avoid spider bites is to keep the spiders from getting into a home and eliminating them immediately if they’re discovered.
Stinging Insects
Houston is also home to many stinging insects – bald-faced hornets, European hornets, mud daubers, paper wasps and yellow jackets, to name a few. These insects, once inside your home, will set up a nest and go looking for food. After winter, the queen comes out to look for another place to set up a nest. Most of them do not cause property damage, but if they feel the nest is being threatened, they will become aggressive.
Termites
According to experts, termites have caused damages to millions of U.S. homes, with homeowners spending thousands of dollars on repairs. The most common termite type in Texas in the subterranean termite and they will build a nest in homes.
Are you looking for the best pest control services in Houston? Visit Hartz Pest Control or call (713) 461-4866 today!
