The Most Common Bugs Found in Houston and How to Prevent Them

The bustling and vibrant metropolis of Houston stands out as a diverse and delightful location that has so much to offer. However, among its many offerings, there is one that you may not find very appealing: bugs. 

From tiny ants to giant cockroaches, Houston bugs are a big nuisance for homeowners. These creepy crawlers are more than capable of just destroying your peace of mind; they may attack your property and cause health complications. Proper understanding enables you to maintain control over these pesky pests. 

This blog explores the common Houston bugs attacking homes and proven strategies to defend against their attacks.

Common Bugs In Texas Homes

Bugs have been around for millions of years and have been invading human homes for thousands of years. They are unwelcome guests and are almost universally despised. It is impossible to keep your home 100% bug-free. They invariably find a way to sneak in. But with some measures, you can keep them at bay. Want to know how? Keep reading!

Here's a list of some common bugs you must know if you live in Houston, and how to raise your guards to resist their advances.

Cockroaches

One of the most infamous Houston bugs is the cockroach. They possess such resilience that enables them to endure weeks without food or water. Houston's hot and humid climate provides an ideal breeding ground for these tough cookies. Besides their creepy reputation, cockroaches are germ carriers and can spread diseases, including Salmonella and E. coli.

Prevention Tips

• Seal all potential access points, such as doors, windows, and other possible entry points.

• Roaches are drawn to trash because they love to eat leftover food and discarded stuff. Maintain regular kitchen cleaning routines and proper and quick garbage disposal.

• Cockroach baits and other traps should be placed in dark and moist areas, such as beneath sinks and in cabinets, to capture and kill them. To quell them, use insecticides in their hideouts, like gutters and basements.

Ants

Ants regularly infest Texas houses during the summer season and are a common sight in many homes. They are drawn to food and sugary substances. The carpenter ant, in particular, causes serious threats to buildings' structure as it creates nests in wood. 

Prevention Tips

• Remove leftover food from tables and cabinets and store it in airtight jars. 

• Tiny openings in your home might serve as a point of entry for ants, just as they do for cockroaches. Use caulk to close openings at home entrances and window frames.

• The strategic placement of ant bait in areas where they are likely to gather will help draw them toward it and destroy them.

Termites

Termites are some of the most destructive Houston bugs. The wood-eating pests silently ravage your home structure to such a severe extent that it can even collapse. The problem is that you might not discover their presence until it is too late. Termites cause US$5 billion worth of damage to property and furniture every year in the United States.

Prevention Tips

• Conduct professional termite inspections in your home at least once a year. Early discovery will cause less damage, and it is easier to fix.

• Termites are attracted to wood; therefore, make sure to store mulch and firewood away from the foundation.

• The moisture-loving termites would be repelled if you have a functional drainage system and there are no water leaks. Take care of damp and dark spaces in your home. Don't let them invite termites. 

Mosquitoes

Besides causing considerable annoyance and unrest, mosquitoes are also carriers of some deadly diseases. West Nile Virus and Zika infections are serious health conditions. Mosquitoes also cause malaria, although it is not endemic to the US. Another rising concern is Dengue Fever, caused by mosquitoes. Its incidence is growing in the country. Houston has an ideal habitat for mosquito growth because its climate remains warm and humid.

Prevention Tips

• Standing water is a mosquito's breeding ground. Don't let water accumulate in flower pots, bird baths, and other areas. Blocked gutters also cause water accumulation, spurring mosquito reproduction.

• Make it a habit to use insect repellents when outdoors. Mosquitoes are mostly active during dawn and dusk.

• Proper screens should be installed on all home windows and doors to block mosquitoes from entering the indoors.

Spiders

Spiders have a horrifying reputation, which is slightly unfair, as the majority of them pose no real danger. Houston bugs like the Brown Recluse and Black Widow Spider are venomous and are a serious risk to your health. Households need to adopt preventive measures against spiders because these intruders must not dwell in homes.

Prevention Tips

• There's a reason spider webs are shown in haunted houses in the movies. Spiders love cluttered spaces for building webs. Regularly clean corners, basements, and attics to discourage spider webs.

• Similar to other pests, spiders enter homes through spaces between walls and openings that allow them to access the building. To prevent their access inside, apply weatherproof seals at every possible entry point.

• Use natural spider repellents, including peppermint oil and vinegar, to prevent spiders from entering your house.

Fleas

Small yet powerful, fleas cause significant discomfort to people. Pets attract fleas, and these animals bring them inside. Fleas cause skin irritation, itching, and other serious ailments like plague, tapeworm infection, and flea-borne typhus.

Prevention Tips

• Keep your pets clean and well-groomed. If they show signs of itching, take them to the vet. Bathing them regularly also helps. 

• Use flea-preventive products, including spot treatments and collars, to keep them away.

• Keep your home clean, wash your pet's bedding regularly, and vacuum hard-to-reach areas using specialized nozzles to prevent flea growth.

How To Get Rid Of Bugs In Texas

Dealing with Houston bugs can be frustrating. You can effectively minimize the chances of an infestation through routine home cleaning, proper sealing of entry points, and other protective strategies. Hire professional pest control services whenever a serious bug problem arises. The professionals evaluate the infestation level before delivering specific pest treatments while sharing long-term pest control recommendations.

Conclusion

Houston bugs are a common part of life in this city, but with the right approach, you can keep them from causing diseases in your home. Learning how different pests behave alongside implementing prevention measures will create a substantial impact on reducing their infestations.

Get expert advice whenever a pest problem is getting out of hand. Bryan & Bryan Inspections is fully qualified to take care of different Houston bugs in your home and recommend preventive measures. Our experts offer in-depth inspections and recommend solutions that protect your property from unwanted creatures.

Call Bryan & Bryan Inspections today and keep your home safe from Houston bugs.