The Most Common Pests in Texas
Pests throughout Southeast Texas come in many shapes and sizes. Many cause harm to physical structures and a significant number can spread disease or harm people in other ways. We at GuardTech want to help educate you on local common pests and can help rid your home, business or property of them safely.
Ants
Ants are social insects that live in colonies. They usually live outdoors, but will enter structures for food and shelter. By the year 2000, ants replaced cockroaches as the most difficult insect to control in structures. With the biology and habits of many ant species being different, treatment and control methods may vary.
Cockroaches
Although cockroaches are not social insects, they commonly occcur in groups. Cockroaches are among the most common pests of houses and commercial structures. Not only are they a nuisance, but they are also known to carry many common disease pathogens, as well as causing allergies in many people.
Spiders
Many species of spiders are considered household pests. All spiders are predators and feed mainly on other insects. There are two spider groups that are considered dangerous to man, the widow and the recluse spiders.
Fleas
Fleas are one of the more important pests, not only because of the discomfort of their bites, but they can also transmit several diseases such as plague and typhus.
Termites
Termites are social insects that live in colonies that are generally located in the ground or in wood. They feed on cellulose from wood and wood by-products. Termites can cause great structural damage, putting your home at risk. If you suspect you have termites, let us treat them with our termite control services.
Bed Bugs
The bed bug is a blood-feeding insect that primarily attacks humans and is generally found in the areas of sleeping beds. Although mostly eliminated in the United States after World War II, they have made a significant resurgence in recent years. If you're dealing with bed bugs, let us help with our bed bug control services!
Rodents
Rats and mice can be serious pests. Not only do they have a habit of biting, but they eat or contaminate foods, damage or destroy materials, and transmit disease.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes can be very serious pests. They not only have a habit of biting, but they are important vectors of numerous human diseases such as the West Nile virus, malaria, yellow fever, dengue, and encephalitis.
Silverfish
Silverfish are considered to be a fabric or paper pest and can be found almost anywhere in a home. They eat and damage a wide variety of materials found in a home.
Wasps & Bees
Wasps and bees are for the most part a beneficial insects. However, with the proximity of their nests to humans, the danger of bites and stings can be high.
Earwigs
Earwigs are nocturnal insects that like moist shady places. They feed on dead plants and/or insects. They can enter structures through cracks and crevices and are attracted to lights.
Bats
Bats are nocturnal, flying mammals that inhabit dark, secluded places. They feed mainly on insects and/or fruit. They are very beneficial but can also be a nuisance when they roost in your home or business. Bats are considered a health concern due to the fact some are infected with rabies and bat feces (guano) can be harmful to those with weakened immune systems.
Opossums
Opossums are nocturnal and are the only marsupial native to the United States. They are omnivores which means they eat almost anything. They are considered a nuisance because they invade our living spaces, dig through trash and eat pet food.
Raccoons
Raccoons are nocturnal and extremely adaptive animals. They traditionally prefer wooded areas with fresh water and ample food sources but adapt to other surroundings and make dens in our living spaces. Raccoons are nuisance pests because of their ability to invade our living areas and are a cause for health concern because they are carriers of rabies.
Snakes
There are many different species of venomous and nonvenomous snakes in our local area. Each snake species has varying color patterns and behaviors.