Bugs and Tips

Common Spiders in North Texas: A Mom’s Guide to What’s Helpful, Harmless and Worth a Closer Look

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 20:09:17 GMT

Nothing turns an ordinary Tuesday into a full family investigation quite like a large spider sprinting across the living room.

Someone screams. Someone climbs onto the furniture. One child wants to keep it as a pet. Another child announces that there are probably “a million more” hiding in the walls.

And Mom? Mom is left holding a shoe, a mixing bowl or whatever spider containment equipment was within reach.

Before you put the house on the market, take a breath. Most spiders found in and around North Texas homes are harmless. They are predators that help control flies, mosquitoes, moths, roaches and other pests and spider bites are much less common than most people assume. In Texas, widow spiders and recluse spiders are the two groups considered medically significant.

That does not mean you need to welcome every spider into the guest room. It simply means that learning what you are looking at can help you respond appropriately instead of assuming every brown spider is a brown recluse.

Let’s meet some of the most common eight-legged neighbors in North Texas.

Common North Texas Spiders at a Glance

A “low” concern level does not mean children should handle the spider. It means the spider is not considered medically dangerous and would generally rather escape than bite.

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Why Are There Spiders Around My Home?

Spiders go where the food is.

Exterior lights attract moths, flies and other insects. Moist areas may support mosquitoes and small pests. Cracks around doors provide easy entry. Cluttered garages, attics and closets offer quiet hiding places.

When a home has plenty of insects, spiders see an all you can eat buffet with excellent shelter and no rent.

That is why successful spider management involves more than knocking down webs. Reducing the insects spiders eat, sealing entry points and removing hiding places usually provides better long-term results than chasing individual spiders with a vacuum attachment. ( Insects in the City )

Wolf Spiders: Big, Fast and Much Less Dangerous Than They Look

Wolf spiders are among the most common spiders in Texas lawns and backyards. They are usually brown, gray or black with stripes or mottled markings. Some are relatively small, while others appear impressively large when their legs are fully extended.

Unlike spiders that wait in webs, wolf spiders actively hunt their prey. They are especially active after dark and have excellent night vision. Their speed is useful for catching insects, although it is not especially comforting when one races across the garage floor at approximately the speed of a small sports car.

Wolf spiders commonly enter homes through gaps under doors. Their large size and quick movements can be alarming, but they are not aggressive and are generally not dangerous to people or pets. One wolf spider indoors usually means a wandering outdoor hunter took a wrong turn, not that it has moved the entire extended family into the pantry.

Female wolf spiders are also unusually attentive mothers. They carry their egg sacs with them, and after the spiderlings hatch, the babies climb onto their mother’s back until they are ready to hunt independently.

Yes, the moving brown spider covered in dozens of tiny dots is probably carrying babies.

No, discovering this fact after trying to sweep it is not anyone’s favorite surprise.

Mom’s takeaway: Wolf spiders look intimidating, but they are beneficial outdoor predators. A cup and stiff piece of paper can be used to move one outside when you are confident of the identification.

Jumping Spiders: The Curious Little Window Watchers

Jumping spiders are compact, alert-looking spiders with prominent forward facing eyes. Many are black or brown with white markings, although some have bright red, yellow, blue or metallic coloring.

These spiders do not build webs to catch prey. They use excellent eyesight to locate insects and then pounce. They are active during the day and are often found near windows, sunny walls, fences and patio areas. When they jump, they attach a silk safety line so they can dangle or climb back if the landing does not go according to plan.

Jumping spiders can seem surprisingly curious. One may turn and appear to watch you as you move. It is not plotting anything. It is simply a visually oriented hunter trying to decide whether you are relevant to its afternoon.

Jumping spiders are unlikely to bite unless they are trapped or handled. Their small size and daytime behavior can also make them an interesting spider for children to observe from a respectful distance.

Mom’s takeaway: This is one of the easiest spiders to tolerate outdoors. Think of it as a tiny pest-control employee with excellent eyesight and no understanding of personal space.

Orb-Weavers and Garden Spiders: The Backyard Web Designers

Orb Weavers build the classic circular spider web most of us drew as children. They come in many colors and shapes, from small spiny orb-weavers to the large black-and-yellow garden spider.

The black-and-yellow garden spider, Argiope aurantia, is common in Texas. The female can have a body more than an inch long, with legs that make her appear much larger. She often rests in the center of an impressive web decorated with a thick zigzag of silk. These spiders can capture and eat insects as large as grasshoppers.

Many orb-weavers repair or rebuild their webs regularly. Some even eat the old silk and recycle much of the material. Their webs may appear almost overnight between shrubs, porch columns or two objects positioned at exactly the height of a parent’s face.

Orb-weavers are harmless to people and rarely leave their webs. Their size and coloring can look dramatic, but they are far more interested in flying insects than in your family.

Mom’s takeaway: Leave an orb-weaver alone when its web is safely located in the garden. Move or remove the web when it blocks a doorway, walkway or play area. The spider will generally relocate or rebuild elsewhere.

Cellar Spiders: The Long-Legged Corner Residents

Cellar spiders are pale gray or tan spiders with small bodies and extremely long, delicate legs. They create loose, irregular webs in quiet areas such as garages, crawl spaces, utility rooms and ceiling corners.

When disturbed, a cellar spider may shake rapidly in its web. This creates a blur that can make the spider harder for predators to target and can make a person carrying a laundry basket leave the room much faster than originally planned.

Cellar spiders are sometimes called daddy longlegs, but that name causes confusion. True daddy longlegs, also called harvestmen, are arachnids but are not spiders. Harvestmen do not produce silk and do not have venom. Cellar spiders are true spiders, but they are not known to be harmful to people. The familiar claim that daddy longlegs are “the most venomous spiders in the world but cannot bite humans” is a myth.

Cellar spiders feed on small insects and may also capture other spiders. However, old webs collect dust and insect remains, so a growing collection can make an otherwise clean garage look as though Halloween decorations were installed several months early.

Mom’s takeaway: Cellar spiders are not a medical concern, but regular vacuuming will remove spiders, dusty webs and egg sacs from indoor spaces.

Grass Spiders: The Owners of Those Dew-Covered Lawn Webs

Have you ever stepped outside on a damp North Texas morning and noticed dozens of flat webs sparkling across the lawn?

Those webs often belong to grass spiders, a type of funnel-weaver.

Grass spiders are typically brown or gray with stripes near the front of the body and visible spinnerets at the end of the abdomen. They build a horizontal sheet of silk with a funnel-shaped retreat along one side. The spider waits inside the funnel, rushes out when an insect lands on the web and quickly retreats with its meal. ( University of Minnesota Extension )

Their webs are commonly found in grass, low shrubs, window wells, around foundations and near outdoor steps. Morning dew simply makes them easier to see.

Grass spiders are fast, but they are not aggressive or considered dangerous. They are outdoor pest predators doing exactly what we want them to do: eating insects before those insects make their way into the house.

Mom’s takeaway: Lawn webs do not usually require treatment. Concentrate on webs next to entrances, play equipment or heavily used patio areas rather than trying to eliminate every spider from the yard.

Southern House Spiders: The Brown Recluse Look-Alike

The southern house spider is also called a crevice weaver. It commonly lives in and around buildings, particularly in window frames, shutters, overhangs, barns and other sheltered structures.

Females are generally larger and darker, while males are tan to amber with slender bodies and long legs. Wandering males are frequently mistaken for brown recluse spiders because of their color and general shape. ( Urban Entomology Program )

A closer look reveals important differences. Southern house spiders are generally larger than brown recluses and have eight eyes clustered together. Brown recluses have six eyes arranged in three pairs. Southern house spiders also create distinctive, somewhat woolly webs that radiate from a crack or central retreat.

Southern house spiders are not known to have medically dangerous bites. They help capture flies, roaches, beetles and other insects around buildings, although their tangled webs can become unsightly. ( Ask IFAS - Powered by EDIS )

Mom’s takeaway: Do not identify a brown spider by color alone. Southern house spiders, wolf spiders and several other harmless species are routinely mistaken for brown recluses.

Black Widows: A Spider That Deserves Respect, Not Panic

Adult female black widows are typically glossy black with a rounded abdomen. The best-known identification mark is the red or reddish-orange hourglass on the underside of the abdomen. Males and immature widows may be smaller and have red, orange or white markings on their backs and sides.

Black widows build strong, irregular, sticky webs in protected locations. Around North Texas homes, that may include:

Woodpiles
Garages and sheds
Meter or utility boxes
Crawl spaces
Rain downspouts
Shrubbery
Outdoor furniture
Other quiet areas that are rarely disturbed

Widows are not roaming around looking for someone to bite. Bites generally happen when the spider is trapped, pressed against the skin or disturbed in its web.

Black widow venom affects the nervous system. A bite may initially feel like a pinprick, followed by redness and swelling. More serious symptoms can include muscle cramps or twitching, severe pain, abdominal pain, sweating, nausea, vomiting and changes in blood pressure. Children, older adults and people with certain health conditions may be at greater risk of serious effects.

Mom’s takeaway: Teach children not to reach blindly into woodpiles, utility boxes, storage areas or beneath outdoor furniture. Wear gloves while moving stored materials, and use a flashlight before placing your hands into dark spaces.

A suspected black widow bite warrants prompt medical guidance. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or seek urgent medical care for significant pain, muscle cramping, breathing difficulty or other concerning symptoms. ( Poison Control )

Brown Recluses: Important to Recognize and Commonly Misidentified

Brown recluse spiders range from tan to grayish brown and have long, slender legs without obvious spines. Adults often have a darker violin-shaped mark on the front portion of the body, but the “violin test” is not reliable by itself. Many harmless spiders have markings that can look violin-like, especially when viewed through the highly scientific process known as zooming in on a blurry phone photo.

A more reliable identifying feature is the eye arrangement. Brown recluses have six eyes arranged in three pairs, while most spiders have eight. Unfortunately, counting spider eyes is not the type of project most moms want to perform on the kitchen counter, so professional identification is often the safer choice.

Brown recluses are nocturnal hunting spiders. They do not use a large visible web to catch prey. During the day, they hide in dry, sheltered, rarely disturbed spaces, including:

Cardboard boxes
Closets
Attics
Crawl spaces
Garages and barns
Wall voids
Stored clothing
Firewood
Areas beneath boards, stones or debris

They are shy rather than aggressive. Bites typically occur when a spider becomes trapped against the skin, such as inside clothing, bedding, shoes or gloves, or when someone moves stored materials without protection.

A brown recluse bite may not be noticed immediately. The area can later become red, itchy, swollen or painful. In some cases, a blister or slow-healing lesion develops, and more serious reactions may include fever, chills or nausea. However, many skin infections and other medical conditions resemble alleged spider bites. Without seeing and correctly identifying the spider, it can be difficult to determine whether a lesion was caused by a brown recluse. ( Poison Control )

Mom’s takeaway: Do not assume that every unexplained red spot is a spider bite and do not ignore a worsening wound. Wash the area with soap and water, avoid scratching it and contact a healthcare professional or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance. ( Poison Control )

What Should You Do When You Find a Spider?

Start by deciding where the spider is and whether you can identify it safely.

A jumping spider on the patio and a suspected black widow beneath a child’s outdoor toy do not require the same response.

For a clearly harmless spider, place a cup or container over it, slide a firm sheet of paper underneath and release it outdoors. Do not handle a spider with bare hands unless you are certain it is harmless.

For a possible widow or recluse, keep children and pets away from the area. Take a clear photograph from a safe distance when possible. Do not risk a bite trying to capture a spider for identification.

When there are repeated sightings, sticky traps placed along walls and in quiet storage areas can help determine what is present and where activity is concentrated. Keep traps out of reach of children and pets. ( Insects in the City )

Seven Practical Ways to Reduce Spiders Around Your Home

1. Seal the easy entrances

Install or repair weather stripping around doors and windows. Seal gaps around pipes, utility lines and the foundation. Repair torn window and door screens.

2. Give the garage a clutter reset

Spiders appreciate stacks of cardboard boxes because they provide dark, protected crevices. Tape boxes closed or replace them with plastic containers that have tight-fitting lids.

3. Move firewood away from the house

Store firewood and construction materials away from exterior walls and above the ground when possible. Inspect pieces before carrying them indoors.

4. Trim plants touching the home

Shrubs and branches that rest against the structure create bridges for spiders and the insects they eat.

5. Reconsider exterior lighting

Bright outdoor lights attract flying insects, which attract spiders. Direct lights away from doors and windows, turn unnecessary lights off and consider bulbs that are less attractive to insects.

6. Vacuum webs and egg sacs

Vacuum along baseboards, beneath furniture, around windows and inside garage corners. Remove the vacuum contents promptly when spiders or egg sacs have been collected.

7. Address the spider buffet

Recurring spider activity often points to an abundant food supply. Reducing roaches, crickets, flies, mosquitoes and other insects makes the home less attractive to spiders over time.

When Should You Call a Pest-Control Professional?

Professional help may be appropriate when:

You repeatedly find black widows or suspected brown recluses.
Spiders are appearing in bedrooms, closets or children’s play areas.
Sticky traps collect several similar spiders.
Webs return quickly after removal.
You are seeing many spiders along with roaches, crickets or other insects.
The identification is uncertain.
You are uncomfortable inspecting attics, crawl spaces or storage areas safely.

Established brown recluse populations can be difficult to control and often require a combination of sanitation, monitoring, exclusion and carefully targeted treatment. Simply spraying the spider you happen to see does not address the hidden population or the insects supporting it. ( Insects in the City )

Frequently Asked Questions About North Texas Spiders

The Bottom Line

Most North Texas spiders are not dangerous. Wolf spiders, jumping spiders, orb-weavers, grass spiders, cellar spiders and southern house spiders may look unsettling, but they spend their time controlling insects and trying to avoid the humans who keep interrupting their workday.

Black Widows and Brown Recluses deserve more caution, particularly around children’s belongings, stored clothing, garages, woodpiles and other undisturbed spaces. The key is accurate identification, sensible prevention and knowing when the situation calls for professional help.

Moms already manage missing shoes, mysterious stains, last-minute school projects and snacks that were apparently “not cut the right way.”

You should not have to become the household arachnologist, too. ;)

Seeing more spiders than you are comfortable with? A Bug Guy Pest Services can identify the spiders around your North Texas home, look for the insect activity attracting them and recommend a practical plan to help keep them out of your family’s living spaces.

Stay safe out there!

Common Cockroach Species In North Texas

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 00:36:52 GMT

American Cockroach

If you've found a cockroach in your home, A Bug Guy Pest Services can help identify the species, determine whether it's an isolated visitor or a larger problem, and create a treatment plan designed specifically for your home.

Whether it's a single unexpected guest or a persistent infestation, we're here to help you take back your home with effective, long-lasting solutions.

Few pests make homeowners cringe quite like cockroaches. While they all have a similar appearance, not all roaches behave the same or require the same treatment. North Texas is home to several common species, and knowing which one you've found can help determine whether it's an occasional visitor or a sign of a larger problem.

The Giant One

If you've ever seen a roach the size of your thumb, chances are it was an American cockroach. Despite the name, they're common throughout Texas and are one of the largest cockroach species found in homes.

They typically live outdoors in sewer systems, storm drains, mulch beds, and around foundations where it's warm and damp. During periods of heavy rain, drought, or extreme heat, they often wander indoors in search of water.

What to know:

1 - 1½ inches long
Reddish-brown with a pale yellow marking behind the head
Usually found in garages, utility rooms, bathrooms, and crawl spaces
Seeing one occasionally doesn't always indicate an infestation

Smoky brown Cockroach

The Strong Flyer

Smoky brown cockroaches are dark, shiny, and surprisingly good fliers. They're attracted to lights at night and often enter homes through open doors, garages, attics, or roof vents.

These roaches prefer humid outdoor environments such as trees, wood piles, gutters, and landscaping, but they can become a nuisance if they begin moving indoors.

What to know:

About ¾ - 1 inches long
Uniform dark mahogany to black color
Excellent climbers and capable fliers
Most active during warm, humid weather

Oriental Cockroach

The Moisture Lover

Sometimes called "water bugs," Oriental cockroaches prefer cool, damp locations. They're slower than most other species and are commonly found around drains, crawl spaces, irrigation boxes, and areas with plumbing leaks.

Finding oriental cockroaches indoors often points to excess moisture that should be addressed.

What to know:

About 1 inch long
Dark brown to black
Slow-moving and unable to fly
Often associated with damp environments

Brown Banded Cockroach

The Hidden Invader

Unlike many other roaches, brown-banded cockroaches don't need much moisture. Instead, they prefer warm, dry locations and often hide high up in cabinets, closets, furniture, electronics, and behind picture frames.

They're less common than German cockroaches but can still become established inside homes.

What to know:

About ½ inch long
Light brown bands across the wings
Frequently found in upper cabinets and furniture
Can spread throughout an entire home

german Cockroach

The One You Don't Want

German cockroaches are the most common indoor infestation cockroach, and the one pest professionals take very seriously. They reproduce incredibly fast, hide in tiny cracks, and are masters at staying out of sight until their population has exploded.

Unlike outdoor species that occasionally wander inside, German cockroaches live almost exclusively indoors and thrive anywhere food, water, and shelter are available.

What to know:

About ½ inch long
Light brown with two dark stripes down the head and thorax
Commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and apartments
Even a few sightings can indicate hundreds more hiding nearby

Early treatment is critical. The sooner they're addressed, the easier (and less expensive) they are to eliminate.

wood Cockroach

The Accidental Visitor

Wood cockroaches spend their lives outdoors under bark, firewood, leaf litter, and decaying logs. They occasionally wander inside, especially if firewood is stored against the home or lights attract them at night.

Fortunately, they rarely survive indoors for long.

What to know:

Medium-sized and tan to brown
Often found near wooded areas
Doesn't reproduce indoors
Usually just an accidental visitor

Not Every Roach Means You Have an Infestation

Many North Texas cockroach species naturally live outdoors and occasionally find their way inside. A single American or Smoky brown cockroach after a heavy rain isn't necessarily cause for alarm.

German and brown-banded cockroaches are different. These species are indoor specialists, and seeing them often means there's an established population hiding out of sight.

If you're unsure what you've found, identifying the species is the first step toward choosing the right treatment. Different roaches require different strategies, and treating them all the same often leads to frustration—and more roaches.

Need Help Identifying a Cockroach?

Wasps in North Texas: Which Ones Should You Worry About?

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 18:52:03 GMT

If you've ever walked outside, heard a buzzing sound, and immediately questioned every life decision that brought you to that exact spot... you're not alone.

Wasps have a reputation for being the neighborhood bullies of the insect world. While some species are quick to defend their nests, others are surprisingly harmless and even beneficial. Knowing the difference can help you avoid unnecessary panic—and maybe save you from sprinting across the yard while your neighbors watch.

Here's a closer look at the most common wasps you'll find around North Texas.

Paper Wasps: The Neighborhood Architects

Paper wasps are one of the most common wasps homeowners encounter. They're named for the paper-like material they create by chewing wood fibers and mixing them with saliva to build their nests.

Their nests resemble upside-down umbrellas with exposed honeycomb cells and are often found under eaves, porch ceilings, fences, sheds, play equipment, and outdoor furniture.

What do they eat?

Paper wasps are actually beneficial predators. They feed caterpillars, flies, and other insects to their developing larvae while the adults enjoy nectar.

Are they aggressive?

Usually, no.

Paper wasps are generally calm when left alone, but they become very protective if someone gets too close to their nest. Accidentally bumping a nest while mowing or reaching under a porch railing can quickly turn into an unpleasant experience.

Hornets: Bigger Buzz, Bigger Attitude

Despite the name, what many Texans call "hornets" are often large aerial yellow jackets or other social wasps.

They build large enclosed paper nests that can hang from trees, shrubs, soffits, or occasionally inside wall voids.

Should you be concerned?

Yes.

Hornets are highly protective of their colonies and will aggressively defend their nest if they feel threatened. Their larger size and louder buzz make them especially intimidating, and for good reason.

If you discover an active hornet nest near your home or where people frequently walk, it's best to leave it alone and have it professionally removed.

Yellow Jackets: Tiny, Fast, and Surprisingly Feisty

If wasps had a reputation contest, yellow jackets would probably win "Most Likely to Ruin a Picnic."

Unlike paper wasps, yellow jackets often build nests underground, inside landscape voids, wall cavities, or other hidden locations.

What attracts them?

Almost everything.

Sugary drinks
Grilled meats
Pet food
Garbage
Fallen fruit

They're scavengers, which is why they seem to show up exactly when dinner is served.

Are they dangerous?

Yellow jackets are among the most aggressive stinging insects in North Texas.

Even worse, they can sting multiple times because their stingers don't remain behind like a honey bee's. Disturbing an underground colony while mowing the lawn is one of the most common ways homeowners receive multiple stings.

Cicada Killers: The Gentle Giants

At first glance, cicada killers can be alarming.

They're one of the largest wasps in Texas, sometimes reaching nearly two inches long. Fortunately, their appearance is much scarier than their personality.

What do they do?

Female cicada killers hunt cicadas, paralyze them, and place them in underground burrows as food for their developing young.

They're essentially nature's pest control for cicadas.

Will they sting?

Very rarely.

Females have stingers but are remarkably docile and usually ignore people unless handled.

Males, on the other hand, love to patrol territories and may fly directly toward people. The good news? They can't sting at all. They're basically all buzz and no business.

mud Daubers (dirt Daubers): The Quiet Builders

Mud daubers are among the most beneficial wasps around your home.

Instead of paper nests, they construct narrow tubes from mud on walls, garages, barns, and under eaves.

Why are they beneficial?

They hunt spiders—including black widows—and stock their mud nests with them to feed their larvae.

One mud dauber may remove dozens of spiders from around your property.

Should you leave them alone?

Generally, yes.

Mud daubers are extremely non-aggressive and rarely sting. In most situations, they're welcome guests that quietly help keep spider populations under control.

Should You Remove Every Wasp Nest?

Not necessarily.

Many wasps play an important role in controlling other insect populations and pollinating flowers.

However, nests become a concern when they're located:

Around entry doors
Under porches
Near playgrounds
Around pools
On patios
Near outdoor living areas
Anywhere children or pets frequently play

When wasps begin sharing your living space, it's time for them to find a new address.

How to Help Prevent Wasp Problems

While no home can be completely wasp-proof, a few simple habits go a long way.

Inspect eaves and porches regularly during spring.
Remove small nests before they become established (only if it can be done safely).
Keep trash cans tightly sealed.
Clean outdoor eating areas promptly.
Seal gaps that allow nesting inside structures.
Trim dense vegetation near the home.

Routine pest inspections can often catch new nests before they become large colonies.

When It's Time to Call a Professional

Attempting to remove a large wasp nest yourself can quickly become dangerous—especially with yellow jackets or hornets.

Professional treatment allows the nest to be removed safely while reducing the chance of repeated stings and helping prevent future nesting around your home.

At A Bug Guy Pest Services , we help homeowners identify the wasps around their property and recommend the safest, most effective solution. Whether it's an aggressive yellow jacket colony, a paper wasp nest under the eaves, or simply identifying which buzzing visitor you've found, we're here to help.

Because the only thing that should be creating a buzz around your home is your next backyard barbecue—not an angry swarm of wasps.

Need help with wasps around your home? Contact A Bug Guy Pest Services today for a free quote and let us help you reclaim your outdoor spaces.

Fire Ants: Tiny Warriors with a Fiery Bite

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 18:37:00 GMT

Fire ants: the name alone can send shivers down your spine if you've ever had the misfortune of stepping on a mound. These tiny creatures are more than just your average ant—they are fierce, fascinating, and sometimes, downright terrifying. But there’s a lot more to fire ants than their infamous sting. Let’s dive into the world of these little warriors and explore what makes them so unique.

Who Are the Fire Ants?

Fire ants belong to the genus *Solenopsis*, and there are over 200 species spread across the globe. The most notorious, however, is the red imported fire ant (*Solenopsis invicta*), native to South America but now widespread in the U.S. and other parts of the world. Known for their aggressive nature and painful stings, fire ants are not to be underestimated. But despite their bad reputation, these insects are quite remarkable.

Life in the Colony

Like other ants, fire ants live in colonies that can number in the hundreds of thousands. A typical fire ant colony has a strict hierarchy:
- The Queen: The most important member of the colony, the queen's primary role is to lay eggs—sometimes thousands a day! She can live for up to seven years, ensuring the colony's continuity. - The Workers: These sterile females do everything from foraging for food, tending to the queen, and defending the nest. They live short, busy lives, usually only a few months. - The Soldiers: Larger than the workers, these ants have one job—defend the colony from predators or invaders. They’re the ones you’re likely to meet if you accidentally disturb their mound. - The Drones: Male fire ants have a singular purpose: mate with the queen. Once their job is done, they die shortly after.
Fire ants are highly organized and efficient, working together to ensure the colony’s survival.

That Fiery Sting!

The one thing that sets fire ants apart from other ants is their sting, and it’s no joke. When a fire ant bites, it latches onto your skin and then injects venom through its stinger, leaving behind a burning sensation that can last for hours. The venom contains alkaloids, which cause the characteristic red bumps and even pustules that appear on the skin after being stung. Some people are allergic to fire ant stings, and in rare cases, these stings can cause severe allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis.
Fun fact: Fire ants don’t just sting once—they can sting repeatedly, making them even more formidable!

Fire Ants vs. the World

These ants are fierce fighters not only when defending their colony but also when taking over new territories. They are known to disrupt local ecosystems and outcompete native species wherever they invade. In the U.S., fire ants are considered a major agricultural pest, causing millions of dollars in damage annually to crops and livestock.
But it’s not all bad news. Fire ants also help control other pests, such as ticks and certain crop-destroying insects. This double-edged nature makes them both a friend and foe in many ecosystems.

Fire Ants on the Move

One of the most impressive traits of fire ants is their adaptability. They are excellent survivors, even in extreme conditions. During floods, fire ants have been known to create living rafts by linking together, allowing them to float on water until they find dry land. These ant rafts can survive for weeks, carrying the queen and young ants to safety. Their resilience and cooperation are truly remarkable!

How to Handle a Fire Ant Invasion

If you find fire ants in your yard, it's important to act fast. These ants can spread quickly and become a real problem. Here's what you can do:
1. Locate the Mounds: Fire ants build distinctive dome-shaped mounds, usually in sunny areas. These mounds can be deceptively small, but beneath the surface, the colony can extend deep underground. 2. Use Baits and Insecticides: There are specialized products designed to kill fire ant colonies. Baits are effective because worker ants carry the poisoned food back to the colony, eventually reaching the queen. 3. Call in the Pros: For severe infestations, professional pest control might be the best option.

Fire Ants: Tiny Engineers?

While fire ants are often viewed as pests, they are also incredibly resourceful. Their ability to build intricate tunnel systems and coordinate in such large numbers has inspired engineers and scientists. Studying fire ant colonies has helped researchers understand complex systems, from traffic flow to robotics, proving that even tiny creatures can teach us big lessons.

The Final Word

Love them or hate them, fire ants are some of nature’s most fascinating insects. They are a perfect example of how even the smallest creatures can have a massive impact on the world around them. So, the next time you see a fire ant mound, take a moment to marvel at the intricate society that lies beneath the surface—just make sure to keep your distance!
Stay Safe out There!

Cricket Control: Keeping the Chirps in Check

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 01:15:00 GMT

Crickets—while their night-time symphonies might be charming for a while, they can easily become unwanted guests when they decide to move into or around your home. These tiny insects, though mostly harmless, can quickly turn into a nuisance if they aren’t kept in check. But don’t worry! We have some tips so you can reclaim your space without losing your cool.

Meet the Culprit: crickets

Before we jump into how to control crickets, it’s good to know a bit about them. The most common indoor invader is the house cricket (Acheta domesticus). These little critters are attracted to warm, moist environments—think basements, kitchens, laundry rooms, or flower beds, sprinkler modules, leaky AC drains. Crickets love to chirp, especially the males who use that iconic sound to attract mates. Charming, right? Not when you’re trying to sleep.
Unfortunately, they can come in such large numbers that is impossible to walk outside without crunching on them. Yuck! Especially not fun if your leave the top off the convertible!

The Cricket Control Toolbox

There are plenty of ways to handle crickets, from natural solutions to more targeted approaches. Let’s break it down!
1. Seal the Deal: Block Their Entry
First things first—prevent crickets from coming inside by sealing cracks, gaps, and openings around doors, windows, and vents. Crickets are sneaky and can fit through the tiniest spaces. Think of this as closing down their backstage access to your house. Weatherstripping, caulk, and mesh screens are all great tools to stop these chirping invaders.
2. Dry it Out: Crickets Hate Dry Places
Crickets thrive in moisture, so reducing humidity in and around your home is key to making it less appealing to them. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements, and fix any leaks around pipes or faucets. Reduce watering or drip line frequency, fix AC leaks, and grade the soil to allow for better runoff. Not only will this make crickets uncomfortable, but it’ll also help with other pests like silverfish and centipedes. Bonus!
3. Turn Off the Lights
Crickets are attracted to bright lights—kind of like moths, but louder! Reducing outdoor lighting or switching to yellow, insect-resistant bulbs can help prevent crickets from gathering near doors and windows, making it less likely for them to come around.
4. Let Nature Handle It
There’s a natural army ready to take on your cricket problem—spiders, lizards, and birds all love to snack on crickets. If you have a healthy backyard ecosystem, these predators can help keep cricket populations under control. Just think of it as outsourcing pest control to Mother Nature.
5. Set a Trap: Bait ‘Em In
Sticky traps and DIY bait stations can also help manage cricket infestations. We've heard that you can make your own bait by mixing molasses with water and placing it in shallow containers where crickets are active. They’ll be attracted to the sweet smell but won’t be able to escape. Let us know if it works for you!
The Friendly Reminder: Crickets Aren’t All Bad!
Despite their noisy habits, crickets are actually beneficial to the environment. They help break down organic matter, aerate the soil, and serve as food for other animals. So, if you’re dealing with a cricket invasion, remember it’s not personal—they’re just trying to survive!

Calling in the Pros

If the crickets are still chirping away after your DIY efforts, it might be time to bring in the professionals. Pest control services can help you get rid of stubborn infestations and provide long-term solutions to prevent future cricket invasions.

Chirp-Free Living Is Possible!

With the right combination of prevention, natural remedies, and a little bit of patience, you can control crickets and enjoy your space without the constant chirping. So next time you hear that familiar sound in the middle of the night, take a deep breath—you’ve got this under control. Say goodbye to uninvited cricket concerts and hello to peaceful, quiet nights!

Stay safe out there!

What is That Annoying Bug?

Mon, 13 May 2024 23:34:00 GMT

In this article, we will lightly discuss a few insects that many people find highly annoying. Each of these has a rather distinct season and generally are best to be left alone unless it is affecting your ability to enjoy life. These insects are not dangerous to humans.
This list is organized in order of general emergence in north Texas. We thought about listing them in order of annoyance, but decided we didn’t want to rock that boat too much.
And a forewarning... if you are looking for highly technical information, this is not for you. This is intended to be a fun conversation with some pertinent information here and there.

CRANE FLIES

Who are they? Crane Flies are those long legged flying bugs in early spring that are everywhere.
What do they do? The larvae eat organic decaying matter. The adults do not eat anything.
Where do you find them? Almost everywhere outside, especially in tall grass and heavy shrubbery.
When do they emerge? March-April just before mosquitos really start.
How are they best treated? The best thing is to leave them be. Treating for them is often a waste of chemical and money. If it’s really bad, spraying the area will reduce their numbers significantly.
Why are they annoying? In large numbers, they will fly in short bursts as you walk through your lawn and bounce off you.

June Bugs

Who are they? The reddish brown beetles that end up on your porch in massive numbers in early summer.
What do they do? The larval stage (grubs) eat grasses and roots of weeds. The most common grasses they eat are Bermuda and St Augustine. The adults just annoy you.
Where do you find them? The grubs you can find under damaged grasses. The adults will be under lights mostly, hence your porch.
When do they emerge? June Bugs emerge in late May but mostly in June.
How are they best treated? If their numbers are over the top, a perimeter bait is likely best.
Why are they annoying? They will fly up and hit you in the forehead and it actually hurts a bit. Then they crunch under your feet as you walk.

Crickets

Who are they? They are the dark brown (usually) jumping insects that are out at night, attracted to light, and make a chirping sound akin to your own ears ringing after a concert.
What do they do? They feed on garden plants, dog food or chicken mash. Indoors they can damage clothing, carpets and the like.
Where do you find them? During the day you will find them in dry dark cracks and crevices, under a rock, or in a drain. At night, you will find them in your garden, on your porch or in your vehicle if it’s left open.
When do they emerge? They are in their highest numbers in late summer into fall.
How are they best treated? The best option is a perimeter bait. A targeting threshold spray will help keep them out of buildings.
Why are they annoying? They jump all over the place! In an open parking lot at night that is well lit, you may find your self dodging them on the way to your car. Their numbers can get very high.

When it comes to insects such as these, the best action is often no action at all. If you consider the residual effect of over treating for insects such as these it often is not worth the cost. Only in situations where it is really affecting the livelihood of your home or business should treatment be considered, and even then a multi stage approach should be taken.
Contact us if you need help with any of these insects or similar. We can advise on the best route forward whether that is modifying the environment, cleaning up debris, trimming the grass and foliage, or spraying in some manner.
Stay safe out there!

When You Don't Get What You Expect

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 13:00:00 GMT

This may seem a bit emotional and a deviation from our normal light-hearted approach. That is because it is what matters most in our industry… in our opinion.

Careless Applicator concern

As a pest control professional, there are a couple of things that irritate me about some of our competition. One is misleading marketing on what is effective and what works. The other hits closer to home and deals with the careless application that occurs.
I will provide an example through a customer that I serviced for a couple of years. During that time they did not experience many bugs at all. They had the occasional ant in the front room, but other than that it was pretty clear sailing. As they grew as a family, they needed to upsize so they moved to a larger house in the same neighborhood. Part of the purchase included a contract with another pest control company. You may know this company as the one that use the ports installed in many new homes built today.
After the contract expired, they were quick to call me directly. Why? It turned out hey had several spiders coming in the house, several webs developing around the house, and wasps beginning to take residence. They had a newborn at the time. The image you see is an image of one of the pests found at their home the same day I treated the home. This occurred in March.
They did not hesitate to reach out to show their gratefulness that this one was dead. This is their image in fact. They asked us to share it in hopes of saving other families..

What Makes a Bug Guy pest services Different

In the simplest terms, and most convenient definitions... We Care. A Bug Guy is Different because we care about what we do. We care about the safety of the chemicals we spray. We care about the development of our team. We care about the safety of our team. We care about the safety of your family. We care about the details of your home. We care about your ability to enjoy your environment. We care because we have a family and a business too, and we know that is the most important thing to you. We don't want anyone to have to experience the bite of a black widow, and as such, we do everything in our power to make sure they do not reside in your home.

Each company has its own value and service level. But know that when you hire us we are not just trying to make a buck. We are trying to protect you and your family from the pests that cause harm. This one was a black widow. This one can alter your life.
We hope to meet you soon. Stay safe out there!

Mosquitoes

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 19:56:00 GMT

Mosquito Season: How to Protect Your Home and Enjoy Your Yard Again

Few things can ruin a relaxing evening outside faster than the familiar sound of a mosquito buzzing near your ear. One minute you’re enjoying your patio, and the next you’re playing a game of “find the tiny flying vampire.”

Mosquitoes are more than just annoying pests. They can quickly turn your backyard into an uncomfortable space and may create health concerns for your family and pets. The good news? With the right approach, you can significantly reduce mosquito activity around your home.

Why Are Mosquitoes So Difficult to Control?

Mosquitoes are excellent at finding places to thrive. They don’t need a large pond or standing pool of water — even small amounts of water can become a breeding area.

Common mosquito breeding spots include:

Flower pots and plant saucers
Bird baths
Gutters with trapped water
Children’s toys left outside
Low areas in the yard that collect rainwater
Outdoor containers and decorations

A few days after rainfall can be enough time for mosquito populations to increase.

Why Mosquitoes Love Your Yard

Mosquitoes look for areas that provide moisture, shade, and protection from wind. Overgrown vegetation, dense landscaping, and areas that stay damp can create the perfect hiding spots.

During the warmer months, mosquito activity often increases because their life cycle speeds up in warm, humid conditions. That means a small mosquito problem can become a much bigger one quickly.

Simple Steps to Reduce Mosquitoes Around Your Home

While no yard can be completely mosquito-free, homeowners can make a big impact by reducing mosquito-friendly conditions:

Remove Standing Water

Walk your property regularly and eliminate anything that collects water. After storms, check areas where water may have gathered.

Maintain Landscaping

Trim overgrown plants and shrubs near outdoor living areas. This reduces places where mosquitoes rest during the day.

Protect Outdoor Living Spaces

If you enjoy spending time outside, targeted mosquito treatments can help reduce mosquito activity around patios, decks, and gathering areas.

Professional Mosquito Control: Targeting the Problem Where It Starts

Effective mosquito control is about more than spraying a yard and hoping for the best. A thorough approach focuses on reducing mosquito populations while creating a barrier around the areas your family uses most.

At A Bug Guy Pest Services, our mosquito solutions are designed around your home, your property, and your outdoor lifestyle. We focus on strategic treatments and prevention techniques to help you spend less time swatting mosquitoes and more time enjoying your yard.

Don’t Let Mosquitoes Take Over Your Backyard

Your outdoor space should be a place to relax — not a place where mosquitoes make the rules.

If mosquitoes are keeping you inside, contact A Bug Guy Pest Services for a free quote and learn how we can help protect your home.

Get a free quote today and take back your backyard.

Why We Do What We Do

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 16:04:00 GMT

It was once asked of me after leaving a ministry role, “Have you ever thought about pest control?” My answer was a resounding no. However after some thought, for many reasons, I decided to give it a go. I have learned many answers to why in this job, and some of those I will articulate here.

We Do pest control for our family

It is no secret that we are a business. I want to get this out of the way. We have four kids to provide for, as well as two adults. That makes meals pretty expensive. We aim to provide a roof over our heads, meals for each of us, clothing as needed, and some niceties along the way. We don’t pass on those costs to you, rather, we simply do the best job we can to ensure you will continue to use us for your pest control needs.

We Do pest control to protect your family

We do what we do because it is important. We want you to be able to enjoy your outdoors. We want you to not get swarmed by mosquitos, or watch as ants move up on your outdoor picnic. We want you to not worry about spiders inside biting you in the night. We don’t want your kids to see a wasp’s nest and have the thought “I wonder what would happen if…?” Ultimately, we want you to be safe in your environment. And we do this in a way that is also safe for you, your family, and your pets.

We Do Pest Control to Honor God

We are called to work the land and to "rule over every living creature that moves on the ground." If those creatures are a threat to us, we do what we need to do to protect ourselves form those creatures. Pest Control is no different. Fire Ants are no joke. Black widows and brown recluses can be life altering. An out of control wasp nest can put you in the hospital. Mosquitos can spread debilitating diseases. We aim to "rule over" these creatures in order to keep you safe in your environment.

We do it because we care

There really isn’t much more I need to say other than this: We know that consistency is key. THAT is why we do NOT do contracts. When you hire us, the same person will come to your house for as long as it is within our control. That person will learn your home, its hot spots, the challenges you have at your home. When it is a different person each time, then problems start to arise. We only look for the highly detailed to hire. As time goes on, you will find you start to question if you even need pest control any more because it will be so smooth, easy and pest free. We have experienced this. We have lived it. It is possible. Sometimes a service is skipped, and then it is remembered why we were hired in the first place. No house is too big. No house is too small. No business is disqualified.

We hope to see you soon. Stay safe out there.

What You Need to Know About Chiggers

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 23:18:00 GMT

What are chiggers?

Chiggers are an immature spider mite of a specific type that will latch on to warm animals that emit carbon dioxide. They prefer to be in warm moist areas which leads them to your ankles around your socks, behind your knees or in your armpits. They do bite humans, and leave some of their saliva behind which irritates the skin around it causing one of the most intense itches you can get.

Why do chiggers itch so bad?

Chiggers bites contain enzymes that cause the deterioration of skin. Your bodies defense to this deterioration is what itches so bad. It is among the most intense itching sensations you will ever experience. The good news is that, while intensely itchy, the sores will go away on their own within a few days. In my experience it has taken right at a week. The only time they get dangerous is when infection sets in due to too much scratching.

What can be done to cure the itch?

The first step is to wash any clothing you have been wearing and to soap the bites areas heavily. The chiggers generally fall off on their own once they are done feeding. From there you can get any over the counter itch creams which help, clear nail polish can help the itch as well. A paste made from crushed aspirin and warm tap water is another way to rid the discomfort according to Dr Miles H Bader.

How do I get rid of chiggers?

There are a couple of things to know about where they hang out first. They prefer shaded, cool, mOIst areas. This leads them to bushed areas, tall grass, under a good shade tree, you get the idea. It is important to treat the entire yard, but those areas are priority. Powdered sulfur, many pesticide sprays and many granules can do the job. Be sure to check the label to make sure they are covered and follow the instructions of that particular product for best results.
One of the best chemicals we have found to fight chiggers is Top Choice made by Bayer. It is marketed primarily for fire ants, but does a great job against these little nuisances too.

If you would like us to help out, let us know and we will be happy to resolve the issue for you. Click here to make that happen.
Stay safe out there!

How to Stop a Fly Infestation

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 16:45:00 GMT

What does it mean if you have a fly infestation?

A fly infestation can occur in most environments with little to no warning. It does not mean you don't clean. It does not mean that you don't manage your household or business. Sure, cleanliness and debris management both assist in preventing flies, but we have seen maggots covering the floor of the cleanest of homes on more than one occasion.

How do infestations start?

First, it is important to note that a female fly will lay from 50 to 100 eggs at a time, and will lay around 500 in her lifetime. That is a lot of flies and a lot of maggots. The eggs take about 12 hours to hatch into maggots, and the maggots take about 10 days to pass through its 3 larval stages on the way to becoming the next fly annoying you.
Let's say you decide to grill some steak on Memorial Day, as we Americans love to do. With that wonderful feast comes leftovers and trash. Whatever you don't give to the dog, is prime for a fly to lay its eggs. The flies lay their eggs in any organic decaying matter. So after you grill, you clean well, you take out the trash, and you even hose down the patio. However, one little piece of meat makes it into a corner. The female fly then lays her eggs in the meat, the maggots feed on the meat as they transform into flies. If the maggots run out of food, they will seek more crawling in different directions, giving the appearance that they are all over the floor. Not fun for anyone.

How do i stop the infestion?

Flies need the same things we do to survive. They need food, water and shelter. If you take away any one of the three altogether, they will go away. However that is easier said than done.
Food is the easiest to control. Water is going to be around, aside from a drought. Ensure any standing water has the ability to run off in a timely manner. Moss is a signal that you have too much moisture in an area. Shelter is abundant for them. Bushes are shelter and weep holes are examples of shelter. Let's talk more about food.
Their food is any organic decaying matter, so there are several things that can and need to be done. Since we all love bullet point points... here is a list in order of our recommendations homeowners can do to get rid of flies:

Walk the house inside and out and determine where the highest population is
Clean up debris and trash in and around the home such as piles of clothes, crumbs on a counter top, kids areas, leaves, etc.
Clean up any pet droppings outside
Clean the floors, baseboards, bathrooms and kitchen thoroughly including the nooks and crannies under a dishwasher for example
Work the land outside (churn mulch, deeply rake grassy areas, put down rocks or something similar in damp areas... not gravel)
Contact a pest professional, such as A Bug Guy, to help out

As far as treating flies: A licensed professionals approach to flies only goes so far. If the home is not kept, the flies will persist. Likewise, a pest control professional has little to no control as far as what goes on at your neighbors houses. Here are some options to treat for flies:

Use an effective pesticide in the yard, focusing on the infested areas.
Apply a granule to the yard that is labeled for flies.
Use a fly trap or a sticky trap (we don't like these due to the smell and the clean up required)
Use an aerosol bait to take the flies out.

What does a bug guy do for flies?

A Bug Guy has tried several approaches to treating for flies. Here are a few of the things we have done to successfully wrangle a fly issue.
For flies in the yard a backpack or hose end spray application is effective with the correct chemical. This will also help with several other pests in the yard.
For flies around the house a general house spray does the trick most of the time. The exceptions to this is when they hang out on the house, but are really somewhere else.
For flies in the house, business or around trashcans we love BASF's PT Alpine Pressurized Fly Bait. We have no affiliation with this product, but we have used this to successfully eradicate flies from a room with three hamster cages in it and it does a great job in restaurants. It smells a bit like WD40, but the smell does not linger long. It can be purchased form Amazon and proper use is required for effectiveness.

Final thoughts

Flies are annoying. Flies spread disease. Flies give us an icky feeling. They are no fun and we know that. When other companies tell you that nothing can really be done about flies, we are here to tell you there is. We can help.
Stay safe out there!

What type of ant is that?

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 16:02:00 GMT

the ants come marching one by one, hoorah, hoorah

There are many species of ants in our area. I'm going to cover a few of the most common ants we find on a regular basis. We aren't going to get super technical here, this is for quick reference. If you see any that are not listed here, reach out to us and we can still help.

Fire Ants

Also known as the imported fire ant, these guys are the most sinister to you and I. They hang out underground during winter, then in the spring they start springing up, especially after a rain. They can be viewed on the front page of our site. Being very territorial, they will fight anything that invades their nest, including other fire ants. Treat these by applying a granule evenly to the plot of land.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter Ants are the tank of all the ants (with one exception... the red velvet ant, but you won't see many of those). They move wood. They inhabit wood and make their nest there. This can be beneficial in a forested area where fallen branches abound, but in our homes they are not welcome. The tell tale sign is frass (looks like sawdust) they will leave on window sills or possible on the floor. Treat by finding the nest, usually in a tree.

Little black ants

We always called them sugar ants. These are the guys in the kitchen (or one of them). They nest outside under mulch, stone pavers, rocks, or in bushes. Occasionally they can get in the walls. They come in when it rains, or when there is no rain for a long time. Once they find a food source, the colony quickly comes after it. Treatment is granules around the house and/or a bait.

Crazy Ants

Yes, that's a thing. These ants we have seen in the North Dallas area increasingly over the last couple to three years. They are out in your garden. They are out in your flower beds. They do not have a centralized nest. Instead of a single file line, they form a highway. They are very quick to move and they do not fight with any other ant. They get along with everyone, and displace other ant species as they do it. Best treatment is quick treatment once identified (within seconds), and a granule in flower beds.

Now what?

There are dozens of ant species with 20 being native to Texas today. These four are the ones we see again and again, and most likely what you have is one of these. If you need help, as always, hit us up. We are here to help.

How Weather Affects What We Do

Sat, 28 Jan 2023 18:16:00 GMT

Weather Can and Will Affect Your Scheduled Time

In pest control weather determines much about what we do, when we do it, and how we go about it. If the weather is bad (for spray application) we at A Bug Guy will reschedule your appointment.
Read on to learn about why...

How Rain Affects Application

Rain is a problem because it prevents the application form drying in a timely manner. If the spray cannot dry, it cannot adhere, and it will run off into creeks and reivers weher we don't want it.
Light rain: The eaves on a house do a good job at keeping rain off the walls in a steady light rain, so applications in this situation can work.

wind... the unseen limiter

Wind, on the other hand, is a situation that is often overlooked. If you have ever tried to use a water hose in high winds, you will know what I am referring to. Many pesticides prohibit application when wind speeds are in excess of just 15 mph. This is due to the chemical, riding on the water, being blown far away from the application site. Wind can carry a mist several miles before it lands in an unknown location. This is not responsible application. Application in these conditions puts beneficial insects away from the application site at risk.

temperature considerations

Temperatures make a difference on what we spray. To be more specific, temperatures at both extremes make a difference. Freezing temperatures prevent water form flowing and it can also create pressure within our sprayer that may cause the seals to fail. Temperatures above 90 can cause the mixture to evaporate too quickly. This prevents the chemical from sticking properly leading to a shorter time of efficacy.

Our Solution

We make sure to only apply pesticides when weather conditions are ideal, or as close to ideal as is reasonable. We also use additives to slow evaporation when needed. This prevents you from having to call us back as often since the chemical is where it is supposed to be. If we see you to many times throughout the year, we are not doing a good enough job.

Stay safe out there!

Why Rodents Come Around in Winter

Sat, 28 Jan 2023 16:45:00 GMT

Rodents Don't Like the Cold

This is an image of what appears to be a house mouse or a roof rat. Regardless of the type of rodent pictured, we are here to talk about when these creatures come around. While they hang out all year in the same general areas, there is a time they come to check out our homes, businesses, or even automobiles.
That time is generally winter, or during any cold snap. They are in survival mode, just as we are. If we get cold, we do what we can to warm up. They do too. Some of the things they will commonly do are:

Nestle next to an Air Conditioning Unit
Curl up by Pool Equipment
Climb into a Car's Engine Bay
Get into a Wall
Hang out in a Corner of the Garage
Climb up to find an Entrance Along the Roofline

Why do they come inside?

They are in survival mode, just as we are. If we get cold, we do what we can to warm up. They do too. Some of the things they will commonly do are:

Nestle next to an Air Conditioning Unit
Curl up by Pool Equipment
Climb into a Car's Engine Bay
Get into a Wall
Hang out in a Corner of the Garage
Climb up to find an Entrance Along the Roofline

Waht can you do?

The good news is, there are things you can do to limit their activity around your property. You can seal any hole or gap larger than a quarter, you can put out rodent bait or traps, you can park your vehicle in a protected area, and you can seal the gaps around your garage door. That sounds like a lot of work, and quite honestly, as much as you do, there will still be gaps. It is how houses are built... they must be able to release moisture.

What we do

In our experience, the best thing to do is wait until you see signs of rodents before you do anything. There is no need to give them a reason to come to your house with bait if they are not already there. If they are, we prefer a slow acting bait that lures the rodent, and will take them out within about a week. This way, the bait does not transfer to domestic pets and if one of our pets gets ahold of it, there is a simple shot a veterinarian can administer to fix the problem.

Fire Ants Are Not A Friend

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 22:54:00 GMT

Fire Ants are No Joke

Don't step in their piles. It will hurt for days. In fact the video you saw when you came to the website is fire ants. Maybe that is why you are here.
If you have ever experienced the bites of the imported fire ant, you know what I am talking about. If you are NOT allergic, you will have welts at each bite spot for the better part of two weeks and the itch level is that of driving at mach two around the school drop off line. You get my point.
If you are allergic, well good luck. Seek medical attention.

fire ant mounds

Their mounds are easy to spot most of the time. They can build a mound that is 6 inches tall in a matter of hours, making them seem like they appeared instantly. You can spot treat them, and they will go away... but if you have, you also know they will pop up somewhere close in a couple of days. It's enough to make your head spin.
This is because their network of colonies sprawl across the ground underneath us, leaving us blind to their actual location. If you spot treat one mound, the queen redirects the colony to another safe location and they get to work.

How to Treat

The trick is to treat the entire premises evenly. You can use a product that last for about three months 4 times a year or hire a professional to apply a year long fire ant treatment that I have personally had clients say is magic. If you'd like more info, hit us up.