Pests invade homes for a variety of reasons including food, water and shelter. Clutter gives them hiding spots and holes and cracks provide entry points into the home.
Peak pest season runs from May to July, but Texas’ warm weather means the threat of bugs year-round. Look for companies that offer inspection, exclusion, proofing and eco-friendly Integrated Pest Management solutions for ants, bedbugs, centipedes, cockroaches, fleas, mosquitoes, rodents and termites.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are one of the most common pests, and they’re also among the hardest to eliminate. These insects thrive in dark, humid environments and can multiply quickly, so a small infestation can easily become out of control without the proper Pest Control in Dallas TX methods. A single female cockroach can lay hundreds of eggs, and each egg can hatch in as little as one month. A licensed professional stays ahead of cockroach breeding by visiting your home regularly to use both interior and exterior control measures.
The most common cockroaches infesting homes are American, German, and Oriental cockroaches. These insects are all capable of spreading diseases that can pose health risks to you and your family. They typically contaminate food and surfaces in residential spaces with the bacteria, parasites, and human pathogens they carry with them. These contaminants can cause diseases such as dysentery, gastroenteritis, cholera, and E. coli. They can also aggravate allergies and asthma, especially in young children.
If you think you have a cockroach problem, check for chew marks in books and leather furniture, droppings that look like ground coffee, and the odor of rotting food or feces. You may also be able to spot roaches hiding under sinks, in toilet bowls, or in garbage cans. Cockroaches lay their eggs in oval-shaped capsules called oothecae that are light tan to dark brown. The oothecae of Oriental and American cockroaches are long and have a dark band, while the oothecae of German cockroaches are narrow and light tan.
Inside homes, cockroaches are most often found in pantries with abundant food sources and plenty of places to hide. They can also enter through cracks in the foundation, vents, and open doors or windows. They’re frequently transported to homes or businesses by food deliveries, used appliances and furniture, bags, cardboard boxes, and potted plants.
To keep cockroaches out, regularly take out the trash and store food in sealed containers. Wipe down countertops and other kitchen surfaces and vacuum and sweep frequently. Seal leaky pipes and install drain covers to prevent water build up in your basement or crawl spaces.
Bed Bugs
The last thing anyone wants is itchy bed bug bites that keep you from sleeping well. These bloodsucking pests were virtually eradicated from the United States after World War II, but they are back with a vengeance and have become the source of stress and insomnia for many homeowners. They are also a serious health risk. Bed bugs can carry bacteria that can cause heart problems and other serious health issues.
These pests are tiny and masters of hiding. They can live for months without feeding and are virtually impossible to remove with vacuuming or similar methods. A professional inspection is the only way to determine whether there is a serious infestation in your home.
It is common to see the pests in urban areas, but they are spreading to suburban areas as well. They can hitch rides on international flights, and they are most likely to be brought into homes by people who have traveled or lived in places where the pests are endemic. They are also a problem in schools, churches, hospitals, and other public places.
While they are not known to spread disease, they can make your sleep uncomfortable and can result in itchy welts that resemble mosquito bites. In addition, they can lead to sleep deprivation and mood swings. Some people have no reaction to the bites, but others can develop a severe allergic reaction that requires medical attention.
They are very difficult to eliminate, and a single bite can be enough to trigger a painful allergic reaction. Preventing them is the best solution. Use encasements to cover your mattress and box springs and keep the encasements clean. Keep your bedroom and other rooms free of clutter, as these pests love to hide in small spaces.
You can also use heat treatments to kill the bugs. One method involves putting furniture, such as mattresses and box springs, into a special tent that is heated with steam. Another method is to use high heat on baseboards, wall hangings, and other places that the pests can hide. These heat treatments are more effective than chemical sprays and have the added benefit of not damaging electronics and wiring.
Rodents
Rodents are a common cause of pest infestations. They damage property and can introduce harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites into the home. Their droppings can contaminate food and cause respiratory problems. Rodents also destroy gardens, crops and eat away at the bark of trees and hedges. They can chew on electrical wires, causing fires and can even gnaw their way into the attic where they sabotage insulation.
The most common household rodents are mice and rats. Both have long, thin bodies that are covered in dark-brown to black fur with a lighter color underneath and large ears, pointed noses and scaly tails longer than their body. Both mice and rats carry diseases that can be passed on to humans and pets. They can also contaminate food, causing it to spoil and become inedible, as well as inflict a painful bite.
Mice and rats don’t enter homes by walking through the front door; they usually get inside by chewing through a hole or crack in a wall, roof or vent. If you see signs of rodents in your home, you should call a professional Pest Control in Dallas TX right away.
It’s possible to prevent a rodent infestation from occurring in the first place. Remove potential shelters from your garden or yard by clearing brush and piles of debris. Don’t leave pet food or crumbs out and keep counters clean. Store foods in airtight containers and in the refrigerator.
Squirrels are another common nuisance on residential properties. They often infest attics and will chew through gutter lines, roofs, vents and eaves to gain entry into the house. They can also sabotage insulation by chewing on it and smashing it. Squirrels should always be dealt with by a qualified wildlife control specialist.
The concepts for preventing and controlling rodents are similar to those of cockroaches and bed bugs. However, mouse prevention and exclusion strategies differ slightly because of their size. In general, bait stations should be placed outside along current (or potential) rodent pathways and anchored to the ground to prevent children and pets from accessing them.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are a nuisance pest that can spread diseases, including dengue, chikungunya and west nile virus. They are members of the genus Culicidae and closely resemble crane flies, gnats and midges. Female mosquitoes feed on the blood of mammals and birds to support their reproductive needs, while male mosquitoes feed on plant sap.
In addition to causing annoying bites, mosquitoes also carry serious pathogens like malaria, yellow fever, dengue and West Nile virus that can cause severe illness and even death. State and local government agencies serve on the front lines of protection by monitoring and identifying possible outbreaks, conducting outreach programs and managing mosquito control.
The most effective way to prevent mosquitoes is by eliminating pools of standing water around your home and property. This includes removing or covering containers such as flower pots, toys, cans and jars, empty bird baths, discarded tires, and clogged rain gutters. You should also drain swimming pools, clean ponds and fountains, and turn over or cap your garbage cans and barrels for the winter.
In addition, you should wear long pants and socks when outdoors during dusk and after dark and use insect repellents that contain DEET or other EPA-recommended ingredients. Insect repellents are available in a variety of forms that can be applied to clothing and skin and provide short-term protection.
The best way to protect your Dallas home and family from mosquitoes is to work with a qualified Pest Control in Dallas TX that can deliver comprehensive services. Tactical Pest Services offers a wide range of pest control treatments and prevention measures for your residential property. The company also offers ongoing pest management plans to keep the bugs at bay throughout the year. These plans are affordable and flexible to fit the needs of your household. The team will create a customized plan for your property that targets the specific pests you want to eliminate. The company has been in business for more than 10 years and is licensed by the Texas Department of Agriculture. They are also accredited by the Better Business Bureau. For more information, visit their website.