Even if you’re doing everything you can to keep your home or business pest-free, one small mistake (or even just the time of year) can bring about an infestation so quickly, that you won’t know what hit you until it’s too late. If that sounds like something that could happen to you, then it’s time to call in the professionals. Here are some key signs that pest control services may be necessary for Katy TX and the surrounding areas
Bed Bugs
Many people discover bed bugs when they wake up with itchy welts on their bodies. Bed bugs are parasitic creatures that live off of blood. They usually feed on human hosts but can feed on animals or even other insects (such as fleas). Bed bug bites typically appear in groups of three and tend to be red and swollen. There is a risk for an anaphylactic shock if you have an allergic reaction to their bites, so consult your doctor immediately if you experience any severe allergic reactions after being bitten by bed bugs. Bed bug infestations can be treated with pesticides. However, there is no way to get rid of them completely unless you discard all of your furniture and clean everything thoroughly and completely before putting it back into your home.
Mice & Rats
Mice and rats are common pests in houses, barns, and warehouses. Mice can squeeze through spaces as small as 3/8 of an inch wide, while rats have been known to gnaw through materials as tough as concrete. They can chew electrical wires and steal food from your cupboards—not good for your health or your business. The best way to keep these rodents out is by sealing any gaps or cracks that they might use to get inside; check windows, doors, ductwork, foundations, and plumbing penetrations like water heaters or air conditioners.
Termites
Some of their favorite places are between wall studs and in wall voids. These holes can be easy to miss so it’s best to have a pest control professional check for termites if you live in areas with active infestations. If you do find some, seek out professional help as soon as possible. Termites can cause significant damage without ever being noticed. Even small infestations, left untreated, can quickly spread into dangerous problems. Typically, it is best to use an exterminator in Katy Texas that specializes in pest control because they know how to get rid of them properly.
Carpet Beetles
Since carpet beetles are so tiny, you won’t necessarily notice them until they’ve already left damage in their wake. Carpet beetles tend to infest items that have been undisturbed for years, like old books or woolen clothing. The good news is that these hardy bugs aren’t disease-carrying pests—they just make your life slightly more difficult when you find them in your kitchen and pantry. If you have dry food items, in particular, it might be time to hire an exterminator with experience handling these bugs. For wet foods and other infested items, read our tips on how to get rid of carpet beetles.
Rodents
Rats and mice have a keen sense of smell, so they can sniff out food and water in your home. Even small amounts of food scattered on surfaces or in the garbage will attract rats and mice. If you have fruit trees, berries are often irresistible to these creatures. To keep rats and mice away from your home, you should remove all sources of food around it. Also, take measures against infestation by sealing up holes through which rodents might enter your house. A rat-proof trash can is also helpful, as well as using steel wool with petroleum jelly when making repairs to walls or holes where rats might enter or hide.
Spiders
When you see only one or two ants, they probably aren’t even looking for food. They might be scouting your home out in search of good nesting ground. If you find a few ants here and there throughout your home, it’s safe to say you’re experiencing some minor ant activity—but it doesn’t necessarily mean that pest control is required yet. Just wait until you start finding huge nests or discover entire colonies throughout your home; these are signs that you have an infestation on your hands, and professional services may be required.
Cockroaches
These creatures are among nature’s most resilient and insidious. Cockroaches typically live in warm, humid areas like kitchens and basements, where they can enter your home from neighboring units or sewer lines. Unfortunately, cockroaches can spread salmonella through their waste—and when you see one, there are likely many more hiding behind walls and in cabinets. They reproduce quickly and will eat just about anything—including, once inside your home, books bound with glue made from roach poop.
Ants
The small, hard-working, and fast-moving ant is an important pest to control. Aside from being able to pick up and move just about anything—including foods—ants are also very attracted to sweet things. If you have sweets in your kitchen, ants will likely show up sooner rather than later. While ants can cause quite a ruckus when they march through your kitchen countertops, they can also bring other insects into your home with them. Ants are often carriers of even larger pests such as cockroaches and spiders. So, for those who live in residential areas with wooded backyards, getting rid of ants can be a boon for controlling other types of bugs that aren’t as cute or funny as these critters seem like at first glance.
Roaches
One of your biggest indicators that you have a pest problem is the appearance of cockroaches. If you see cockroaches in your home, there likely are many more and they’re all over your house. This can be very disturbing, especially since roaches can spread diseases and toxins as they travel around looking for food. Although most people think of roaches as being creepy crawlies, they’re good at hiding. So don’t just look on surfaces, check under sinks and behind appliances—your kitchen is probably crawling with cockroaches.
