OrganicPest Control

Roaches

Cockroaches love your home for the same reasons you do—because it supplies food, water and shelter. These pests inhabit even the cleanest homes and can transmit diseases. Roaches reproduce quickly, so when you see one roach, there are probably many others you aren’t seeing.

Ants

Several species of ants here in Austin can cause a problem in our houses and yards, but the type which impacts us the most are fire ants. Fire ant bites can produce intense itching and discomfort and can be dangerous for those with an allergy. Other ant species common in our area impact us by transmitting disease, feeding on moist wood in and around our homes, destroying our grass, chewing on electronics and hanging out in our kitchens and bathrooms helping themselves to our water, pet food and small food particles.

Spiders

Unfortunately, you can find both the venomous spider species in Texas here in Central Texas: the black widow and the brown recluse. Although spiders mostly keep to themselves, they are quite common, so you’ll want to make sure to take steps to protect your family from an accidental encounter with these creatures.

Scorpions

Although there are no poisonous scorpion species found in Texas, some people experience an allergic reaction to this pest’s venom, and their bite can be quite painful. The most common type of scorpion in Austin, the striped bark scorpion, hides in crevices, woodpiles, near entryways, in dark or damp places and under rocks during the day and feeds at night.

Mosquitoes

Going outside most times of year here in Austin means dealing with mosquitoes. We can all agree that these biting pests are annoying, but we may not often think about the other serious health risks mosquitoes pose. With a confirmed case of Zika here in Travis County, balancing the urgency of keeping your family safe with the powerful chemicals in mosquito control treatments can be a challenge.

Termites

For such small insects, termites can do a significant amount of structural damage to your home. Subterranean termites live in underground colonies with up to one million members and depend on the cellulose in wood to survive. Because they tunnel through the ground to your home’s foundation, you may not see signs of a termite infestation until a significant amount of damage has already been done.

Rodents and Wildlife

Not all pests are insects, and not all are small. Rats, mice, raccoons and opossums can chew on wiring, nest in your crawl spaces, destroy your garden, get into your trash and generally create a mess. When they have done their damage, these animals often leave behind droppings which can contaminate your surfaces and help spread illness. Different animals require different tactics. Taking a thoughtful approach will ensure that you can continue to enjoy your outdoor spaces without having to worry about a run-in with one of these uninvited guests.