Pest Control Houston TX - Silverfish Control in Houston …

Silverfish in Houston

Silverfish are common in Houston's climate.

The Silverfish…Not A Fish After All!

Silverfish are also known as bristletails or firebrats –

They have scales and a name that contains the word “fish”, but they are definitely not something that you would consider eating! 

Typically soft bodied, adult silverfish  are silvery to brown in color and will grow up to ¾ of an inch long.  Houston pest control  experts say that silverfish cannot fly as they do not have wings, but they are fast running critters. 

They have a recognizable flattened top to bottom body and are oval shaped with their ends tapering off like a carrot.  Their two long antennae and three long tail projections help guide their way as they quickly run around your home.

Silverfish do not sting or bite humans or pets, but instead are considered to be a nuisance pest.  They prefer to dine on starch type foods, but will resort to wallpaper glue, books, or fabrics if they are hungry. 

You will often find silverfish hiding in bookcases, in closets, behind baseboards, or around doors and windows.  The presence of silverfish during the day is an indicator of a serious infestation problem within your home or business.

Houston pest professionals say that good sanitation procedures can help keep silverfish infestations down, but won’t fully eliminate these pesky creatures.  Here are a few helpful tips:

  • Remove newspapers, old books, magazines and fabric or store these items in plastic bins.
  • Clean closets on a regular basis to keep harborage areas down.
  • Inspect items coming into your home, especially if they are used or have been in storage areas.
  • Silverfish need moisture to thrive so keep humidity as low as possible.

Because of their small size, their tendency to hide during daytime hours, and their preference of eating paper, glue, and fabrics, often times silverfish infestations are large and very difficult to locate within a home or business. 

Experienced pest control companies in Houston  can find and eliminate silverfish infestations before they overtake your structure.

Give the pros at Protex Pest Control a call today!  We can help – guaranteed.

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX - Ant Control Houston

 

Large Fire Ant

Some Ants Stings are Painful

All creatures in nature serve a purpose…with the exception of bed bugs! There doesn’t seem to be any real reason for the existence of those little vampires.

I digress…ants are important species in nature. They are nature’s scavengers. Depending on the species, they help break down dead trees, dead insects and dead animals. Outdoors, it won’t take long for food products to be discovered and devoured by a variety of different ant species.

They have amazing physical strength and an ability to work together with the greatest of ease for the good of the colony. These master engineers of the environment are respected when they keep their habits in the natural world. The trouble arises when they decide to invade and/or build their nests in human environments.

Ants invading your home or business can be an annoying occurrence for Texas residents. Many residents seek help from a Houston pest control professional after months of using do-it-yourself pesticides.

Once ants gain a stronghold on your home or business, they can be difficult to treat. Ants often have their nesting sites outdoors. Once nests become large, they will expand their nests by setting up sub-colonies.

Often time’s homeowners see ants on their driveway, walkway, decks, siding, in planters, etc. and use topical sprays in hopes of killing the ant nests. This strategy will kill the ants that you see on the surface, but it will not kill the ants that are in the nests nearby.

Those ants will often detect danger and split up to set up sub-colonies, thereby expanding their nests causing more of a problem. Sub-colonies can be in another location underground or within a nearby structure. Wall voids, roofing, sofits, gutters, under floors, behind cabinets and under concrete slabs are common places where you will find additional ant colonies.

Pest control companies in Houston report that unless you uncover the nesting site and kill the queen, any attempts at killing the ants will be futile.

Don’t make the mistake of trying to treat invading ants on your own. Proper identification of the invading ant species by a Houston pest control expert is required for full eradication of an ant colony.

We can help – give our ant control experts a call today.

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston Tx — Rat Control Houston

Rat Control in Houston is considered essential. But no rat control in this Indian "Rat Temple" where rats are holy creatures - all 20,000+ of them!

For most people in the world, the thought of rats running amock is stomach turning.

Known to carry a variety of different diseases, pest control companies in Houston say that residents in the United States consider rats to be a real nightmare when they are in a home or business.

However, in some parts of the world the story is quite different. In a silver and gold decorated temple in India, 20,000+ rats have been allowed to roam the marble floors freely since the early 1900’s. These rats are considered to be holy animals.

Hindu visitors and curious tourists travel from around the world for a chance to see the free-wheeling rats. In a completely strange twist by Western standards, eating food or drinking water that has been sampled by one of the rats is considered to be a blessing.

Of course, in the United States,  most people do not have anything positive to say about rats, nor are they happy about them roaming around their home or business. Rats are one of the most detested rodents and serious structural pests.

And because of the dangers rats pose to humans, Protex Pest Control suggests that you contact a Houston pest control expert to quickly get any rat infestation under control.

Rats Are Hazardous to Your Health.

Throughout human history, rat infestations have been dangerous for a variety of reasons.

Rats and their fleas were responsible for spreading diseases like the Bubonic Plague which has spread several times over in the past few hundred years. Since its initial discovery, it is estimated that the Plague was responsible for killing over 200 million people around the world.

More commonly, rats may spread diseases such as leptorpirosis, rat bite fever, typhus, and Salmellosis by folks eating or drinking food or water contaminated by rat droppings or urine.

Rats Are Destructive.

Rats are destructive creatures to have in your home or business. Their razor sharp incisors are in constant need of trimming, so they gnaw on most anything in sight. Electrical wires often fall prey to rat infestations which can lead to fires from exposed wires.

Rats are willing to chew their way into most anything and destroy property in their search of a good tidbit of food. Rat damage may also occur as they gnaw their way into a structure simply to make new nesting sites.

Annually, businesses end up discarding millions of dollars worth of food and crops due to food contamination of rat urine and droppings.

Lack of Rat Control is Bad for Business.

Nationwide many business are cited or shut down by the health department due to evidence of rat activity. Some stories make it to the media and result in negative reviews and  publicity — and lost business.

How Do You Get Rid of Rats–Treatment and Prevention…

You can help prevent rat problems by:

• Minimizing any attractive nesting sites on your property such as yard debris and stored piles of lumber, bricks or other clutter.

• Aviod leaving cat and dog food and water outside overnight. Know that feeding birds can attract and encourage rats to nest on your property for the handy food source.

• Seal up openings 1/2 inch or larger around potential entry points around doors, soffits, roof line intersections and a/c and other utility lines to help exclude rats.

• Try snap traps and/or glue boards if you want to try to deal with rats yourself.  Yet rats are highly suspicious and cautious by nature and may aviod the traps. Rat baits can be effective but can be potentially hazardous to pets and children if not handled and placed properly.

• Your best bet may be to hire a trained pro to prevent and eliminate rats in a safe and effective manner.

Don’t let a pair of rats turn into 20, 200 or beyond!

Our Houston pest control professionals will be able to get rid of your rats before they become a huge problem for your home or business.

For a free, no-obligation quote to eliminate or prevent rats, mice or rodent problems, call 281-440-5355 or 281-370-4772 today.

Or if you prefer, you can use the Free Quick Quote form to your right.

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX – Fly Pest Control …

Houston Flies contaminate food.

Fly in the Soup - Not a ideal protein source nor a good appetizer!

Fly control in Houston can be challenging as the source of the fly problem is often unclear.

So a question people often ask is, “Where are all these flies coming from?

The answer depends on the type of fly. Here are some of the common places where different kinds of flies breed…

Overripe fruits — Fruit Flies:

Friut Flies love overripe fruit.

Houston Fruit Flies always seem to get to my bannanas before I do!

Fruit flies (“vinegar flies”) are strongly attracted to rotting or fermenting scents. Overripe or rotting fruits and vegetables, drain pans under refrigerators, gunky mops, and unrinsed recyclable bottles and cans are common breeding places.

Drains — Drain Flies: Drain flies lay their eggs on the insides of slimy floor and sink drains and in similar situations. The larvae spend their entire lives feeding on the gunk there.

Animal droppings — House Fly:

Houston House Flies often breed in your yard.

Houston House Flies usually fly inside as you enter your home.

Pet poo – this is a common breeding place for filth flies (the house fly is one of these). Daily removal of pet droppings is key to eliminating or reducing and controlling house fly activity.

Damp soil — Fungus Gnats:

Fungus gnats often get into house plants.

Houston Fungus gnats are tiny black flies that that often feed on the fungi in overwatered house plants. Picture credit: Univ. of MD.

Fungus gnats breed in the damp soil of potted plants, and in any other soil that is high in organic material and constantly moist.

Earthworms – Cluster Fly: Cluster fly larvae feed inside the bodies of earthworms. If there are large populations of earthworms nearby (for instance, a nearby park with large lawns), cluster flies sometimes enter buildings in early fall looking for a place to overwinter.

Dead animal carcasses — Blow Flies:

Blow flies are common in Houston.

Blow Flies in Houston appear shortly after rodents or other animals have died.

Blow flies are attracted to dead bodies and are a common breeding place for these and certain other flies.

Garbage – Various Fly Species: Dumpsters, garbage cans, and trash compactors—Many kinds of flies breed in damp garbage (tight-fitting lids and at least weekly removal are key), as well as the crud that can accumulate in the bottom of these containers.

Houston Fly Maggots turn into cacoons.

Fly Maggots Develop into Fly Cacoons (red-brown) before hatching into adult flies.

What’s the solution for fly control in Houston?

Fly control in Houston requires finding the source.

Fly swatters can help control flies - but you're likely to need more that just that.

The first step in effective fly control is to identify the kind of fly species you have a problem with. This will provide clues on where to look for the source of the fly breeding grounds.

Sanitation is critical in reducing and removing prime breeding sites.

Keeping flies out with screening, weatherstripping, caulking and other exclusion techniques is important for long term fly management and control.

In commercial settings especially in food handling establishments, additional measures must often be implemented. This may include using fly light traps, air doors, and insecticide applications.

No single technique will control all fly infestations. Good, effective fly management often requires an integrated approach of correct fly identification, inspecting for breeding sites and entry points, and sanitation and exclusion measures. And the judicious use of focused pesticide applications.

If you need help with pest control Houston fly problems or any Houston pest control problem, we can help. Phone us today at 281-370-4772 or 281-440-5355. Or fill in the Free Quick Quote form above.

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX — Cockroach Control Houston

Cockroaches Chowing Down

American Cockroach Enjoying a Kitchen Snack.

Things You Might Not Know About Houston Cockroaches:

Houston pest control professionals say that cockroaches are one of the most hated pests in Texas as well as in other parts of the United States.

Although recent bed bug infestations are driving people batty in Texas,  cockroaches are still leading the charge overall as the creepiest of all insects!

→ Here are 13 interesting cockroach facts that help keep them alive and well in American society…

Many species of cockroaches only mate one time but are then pregnant for life. Known for their prolific breeding, depending on the species and environment in which they live, cockroach egg capsules are created anywhere from 4 to 70 days.

Here in Houston cockroaches are especially prolific due to our humid, semi-tropical climate.

Egg capsules contain multiple cockroach babies anxious to join their relatives who can be hiding in your walls, cabinets, floorboards, and appliances. The constant breeding cycle translates into rapid and massive infestations for any home or business.

Houston pest control professionals say that cockroaches can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes! This is why using store bought bug bombs are not effective at killing the majority of cockroaches that exist within a structure. Once cockroaches detect the poison in the air, they take a deep breath and run for cover for safe, cleaner air!

Cockroaches can live for an entire week without their head! This creepy, yet intriguing bug, only dies because it can’t drink any water without it’s head!

Cockroaches are typically nocturnal and rest for about 75% of the day. If you see them during the daytime hours, it’s a good indication that you have a serious infestation on your hands. Some people believe that for every one cockroach that you do see, there are hundreds of  cockroaches that you don’t see hiding in cabinets, walls, and other choice places.

Many people believe that the American cockroach arrived in North America during the slave trading years. The giant American cockroach is also called a “water bug” but there is no clear evidence as to why it gained that name.

Cockroaches  can easily survive without eating for a month, but deprive them of water for a week and they will be dead! But eliminating water access is impossible in homes and businesses as water is in every sink drain and comode.

You can never sneak up on a cockroach. They have a nerve that runs from their head to their tail that will alert them of impending danger.

German Cockroaches

German Cockroaches - The most prolific cockroach in Houston and the U.S. Just one egg hatches to 40 new roaches in only one month!

Cockroaches have reflexes that are faster than humans, which allow them to run like the dickens, and give them the ability to swim with great ease. They do have some difficulty coming up for air though because they breathe through their sides, not their noses. Weird!

If you see a “white cockroach”, don’t be afraid…it’s not a ghost roach! It’s just a cockroach that has outgrown its external skeleton and has shed its skin. No worries, it will be back to its normal ugly color as the new shell hardens in about 8 hours — unless you whack it with a shoe first!

Cockroaches do seem to have one useful purpose for humans…if you have a stinging wound, you can crush a cockroach and apply the bug to the wound to relieve the pain. Not many likely takers for that remedy though!

If you have ever had a cockroach infestation and chased the buggers around your home trying to kill them with a shoe, you know how fast they can run. Good luck trying to catch the critters, they can scurry away at up to three miles per hour! Very fast for that size creature.

This is totally wild, but cockroaches have been used in condiments, sauces and also as appetizers…not likely in the United States. In some parts of the world…people fry them up and eat them too!

For centuries, many cultures have used cockroaches for medicinal reasons to cure inflammation, urinary tract infections, indigestions, and other physical disorders.

Cockroaches are very adaptable with their food choices. They will eat any crumb of food left behind by us humans, especially starchy and protein based food types.

The lack of normal food sources is not a problem for the resourceful cockroach community as they will turn their feasting to glue, paper, leather, clothing, toothpaste, soap, hair, or even dead cockroaches or their own droppings.

No matter the type of cockroach species  that has invaded your home or business, you will require the help of a Houston pest control expert to fully eradicate the filthy pests.

For expert treatment, control and prevention of all types of cockroach species -  American cockoaches, German roaches, Smokey Brown cockroaches – contact Protex Pest Control today.

8TRE6C5MEFFZ  1621

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX — Bed Bug Control Houston …

Numerous Bed Bug Bites

Bed Bug Bites on Woman's Back and Buttocks

As a bed bug bites, it injects an anesthetic agent to prevent their bite victim from feeling any pain.

Their saliva contains an anticoagulant that allows the blood to flow with ease. The majority of people never feel the pinch of a bed bug bite, but some people do awake when the critters are crawling on them.

Bed bug bites can be tricky to pin-point because they can take as long as 10 days to appear, so it is not uncommon for the bites to be mistaken for another type of flea or mosquito bite wound.

In most instances, the more times a person have been bitten by a bed bug, the less time it takes for the bite marks to appear. Bed bug bite rashes can last for days or weeks depending upon the allergic reaction that a person is having.

At times, over the counter cortisone and antihistamine based products work to curtail the itching and burning symptoms, while at other times, people may experience serious allergic reactions that could require immediate medical care. The itching associated with bed bug bites can cause open wounds that lead to secondary infections.

A recent study by Canadian researchers was conducted whereas a small sampling of bed bugs was collected from patients at a hospital. The bed bugs were examined and found to have methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE).

Bed bug infestations have long since been thought to be a nuisance pest, not a serious health threat for humans. Researchers are concerned with their findings as both types of bacteria’s that were found on the collected bed bugs are drug resistant. Studies are ongoing in Canada and the United States.

Pest control companies in Houston recommend that you look for other signs of bed bugs in your home on a regular basis to avoid the reproduction and spreading of these creepy bloodsuckers throughout your home.

If you think you have bed bugs it’s important to immediately contact a licensed pest control professional for a bed bug inspection.

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston Texas — Bed Bug Bites …

Bed Bugs Bite Houstonians

Bed Bug Bites Often Leave Red Itchy Welts

Hungry bed bugs have arrived in Houston TX –

“Sleep tight…don’t let the bed bugs bite”…we’ve all heard the old nursery rhyme…i.e.…warning…but what does it really mean for modern day society?

Should we worry about bed bugs in our homes, hotels, or at our neighbor’s homes? Are bed bugs lurking in retail stores, movie theaters or schools? Am I at risk for picking up bed bugs when I travel? The answer to all of these questions is a resounding YES!

Bed bugs are an important subject to educate yourself about as these bloodsucking critters have infiltrated both homes and businesses throughout Texas and in other parts of the United States.

Their relentless attacks make them one of the worst pests for pests control experts to encounter as their elusive behavior allows them to burrow into a variety of places making them difficult to eradicate.

Pest control companies in Houston say that bed bug bites are nothing to laugh about. Most industry experts believe that they are not dangerous unless you develop a severe allergic reaction to the critters, but they can be annoying to deal with none-the-less. Many folks have experienced stress to the point of losing sleep over their presence. Diagnosing bed bug bites can be difficult in comparison to other types of bloodsucking insect bite wounds.

It is estimated that about 50% of humans suffer the allergic reaction associated with bed bug bites. The bite reactions vary as much as people do.

Typical symptoms are welts and swelling that are itchier than a mosquito bite, and often times a rash will appear in their wake. Some folks don’t have a physical reaction to bed bug bites at all and don’t realize they are actually a host for bed bugs.

Many people experience bed bug bites in a pattern of three, often referred to as “breakfast, lunch, and dinner”, but bed bugs will bite in clusters or randomly on your body as well.

Depending on the level of infestation, you could have bed bug bites on any area of your body. Exposed skin is their target zone. People most often encounter bed bug bites on their face, neck, back, hands, arms, shoulders and legs.

Please check back soon for the conclusion:  Bed Bug Bites in Houston Part 2.

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX – Africanized Bee Control …

Bees in Tree Limbs

Bees in tree limbs looking for more permanent home site.

Africanized Bees are active in Houston Texas –

Pest control companies in Houston report that Africanized honey bees , otherwise known as Africanized bees, and killer bees were imported to the United States by Brazilian scientists in 1956.

Their original goal was to breed the African bees with the honey bees so that the new breed would become better adapted to the South American tropics. The accidental escape of the bees that were in quarantine in 1957 began breeding with the Brazilian bees which resided locally.

It did not take long for the new and more aggressive bee species to expand their ranges traveling over 200 miles per year in South and Central America. The Africanized honey bees began their invasion of North America around the year 2000.

Honey bees are pretty docile creatures in comparison to other types of flying insects with stingers. Africanized bees are extremely aggressive creatures. They will viciously attack any person or animal that accidentally ventures into their territory, often times for no apparent reason.

These bees use a variety of nesting areas such as sheds, porches, attics, utility boxes, hollow trees, attics, garbage cans, and even abandoned vehicles. So coming upon their nesting site could be quite an easy and unsuspecting event for both humans and pets.

Once Africanized bees become agitated, they will swarm and can attack in mass numbers, often chasing their offenders for up to a quarter of a mile! Africanized bees can be found in Texas including the Houston area, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and California and they show no sign of slowing down their northward expansion.

Because bee stings can cause serious allergic reactions in many people, it’s important to avoid them at all times. Some people experience anaphylactic shock from bee stings which is an extremely serious condition. Anaphylactic shock can cause swelling of the tongue, throat, restricted air flow, and sometimes fatality.

Any swarms of bees or nests that you find on your property should be left alone and instead treated by a Houston pest control expert  like Protex Pest Control.

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX – Powder Post Beetles Control …

Powder Post Beetles Damaged Wood. - W. Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org.

Powder Post Beetles in Houston –

Continued from Powder Post Beetles Damage Houston Homes Part1

After emerging, the average female will lay about 15 to 50 eggs over a one week span of time, choosing to lay the eggs on or below the cracks and crevices of bare unfinished wood surfaces.

The eggs will take up to three weeks to hatch, and then the young larvae will begin to bore deeper into the wood where they will continue to cause extensive damage. The tiny eggs are translucent, deeply embedded in the wood pores, and about 1 mm in length. After the larvae stage, they reach the pupae stage.

The entire lifecycle can vary from six months to four years depending on varying conditions. Houston pest control experts say that the pupae stage is when the most damage occurs to wood pieces.

Lyctid powder post beetles rarely infest wood that is older than 5 years, which places new structures and furniture at great risk. Imported tropical woods are more susceptible to attacks because of poor storage. Soft woods, such as pine, which are typically used for studs, joists, rafters and structural framing, are usually avoided by the Lyctid powder post beetle.

Anabiid powder post beetles have many of the same habits and characteristics as the Lyctid powder post beetle, but the Anabiid beetles will attack both hardwoods and softwoods alike.

You can find these Anabiid beetles in the same locations as the Lyctics powder post beetles as well as in joists, studs, subflooring, beams, and other structural timbers. Moist wood creates favorable conditions for the Anabiid beetle. Like with the Lyctics powder post beetles, infestations do develop slowly, but can easily spread throughout a structure and into various wood furniture.

Powder post beetles can be built into the home with construction using infested wood. They also can be brought into the home with the purchase of  infested new or used furniture.

Because powder post beetles infest household furniture, they are often transported with people as they move from place to place, sometimes thousands of miles from their origination point. Infestations require patience to find and can be time consuming to eradicate.

Pest control companies in Houston will be able to provide you will accurate advice and treatment for these critters with a voracious appetite for all things made of wood.

Call Protex Pest Control today to learn about a treatment plan to get rid of these bugs once and for all!

For more info on pest control Houston area pests, visit our Home page.

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX – Powder Post Beetles Control …

Powder Post Beetles

Powder Post Beetles Exit Holes and "Baby Powder" Kickout. - W. Cranshaw, Colo State U, Bugwood.org

Powder post beetle control, treatment, and identification –

Wood destroying pests can be quite troublesome for many Texas home and business homeowners.

Pest control companies in Houston report that next to the voracious appetite of the pesky termite, the powder post beetle is a pest that must be avoided where possible and treated promptly if discovered.

There are two common families of powder post beetles to be most concerned about. These destructive pests are in the Lyctidae and the Anabiidae families.

Unlike the dreaded termite which will typically attack rotting tree stumps, damaged wood, firewood, or dry rotted wood, the Lyctid powder post beetle has a taste for more expensive wood substances. The Lyctid powder post beetles only attack wood manufactured from hardwoods.

These destructive beetles find hickory, walnut, oak, and ash a tasty treat. You can find these types of powder post beetles in hardwood flooring, wood paneling, window and door frames, furniture, molding, and even plywood.

Lyctid powder post beetles are common throughout the United States and here in the Houston area. These wood destroying beetles range in size from 2mm to 7 mm in length. They are elongated, flattened, and typically brown or reddish-brown, but can sometimes be black in color.

Most people do not ever see these destructive and elusive pests. Instead home or business owners might notice a fine flour like powder near the infestation site and/or a variety of circular holes that burrow deep within in the infested wood.

Pest control companies in Houston report that Lyctid powder post beetles live hidden deep within the wood surface, destroying the interior of the wood substance. Once they become adults they bore holes to emerge from the wood to mate in April to July.

Adult Lyctid powder post beetles are nocturnal. They spend their days hiding in cracks and crevices, and their nights flying towards lights and mating. An adult’s lifespan is 1 to 3 months.

Please check back soon for the conclusion -  Powder Post Beetles Damage Houston Homes Part 2.

For more info on pest control houston services, visit our home page.

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX – Carpenter Ant Control …

Carpenter Ants in Houston TX.

Carpenter Ants Damage Houston Homes

Carpenter Ants in Houston TX –

Pest control companies in Houston report that ant infestations can be difficult to control once they have invaded your home or business.

Without the help of a Houston pest control professional, Texas residents who are suffering from a carpenter ant infestation could endure serious structural damages and expensive home or business repair costs.

There are fourteen different species of carpenter ants that can be found in Texas. The black carpenter ant is the largest species of carpenter ant in Texas. You will find this ant mostly in outdoor wooded areas.

Outdoors, carpenter ants can be found nesting in tree stumps, dead tree parts, tree roots, fences, landscape timbers, and firewood piles. Carpenter ants feed on dead and living insects, and the sweet liquid produced by aphids and scale insects.

There are two indoor species of carpenter ants that are most commonly found in Texas. These large worker ants range in size from ¼ inch to ½ inch and are dull red bodied with black abdomens. Like all ant colonies, carpenter ants are social insects. Indoors, carpenter ants feed on meats and sweets.

Carpenter ants will infest a structure indoors and live in the cracks and crevices of between structural timbers. Sometimes carpenter ants also pick non-wood areas to nest in including hollow toliet lids, hollows of pull down window shades, and hollow doors.

Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood; instead they form nesting galleries within the confines of the wood, often living undetected.

Carpenter ant damage occurs as the ants enlarge their nesting caves to make more room for their growing colony. Carpenter ants prefer moist, decaying dry-rotted wood, but will also attack healthy wood to form their nesting galleries.

Houston pest control professionals say that piles of sawdust-like wood shavings, and dead colony members that accumulate near exit holes, are a clear indication of a carpenter ant infestation. Nests are often well hidden inside of wall voids, attics, ceilings, subfloors, doors, fascia boards, and roofing materials.

Once established indoors, it’s not uncommon for the resourceful carpenter ant to set up satellite colonies in other locations within the structure.

Controlling carpenter ants requires a combination of efforts. The best way to control carpenter ant infestations is to locate and destroy the nests, eliminate the moisture they need, and remove conducive conditions that may attract carpenter ants.

Protex Pest Control can provide you will expert carpenter ant eradication services. Contact us today!

Re: Pest Control Houston TX – Carpenter Ant Control.

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX – Houston Head Lice Control …

Head Lice Nit Removal

Houston Head Lice - Combing Out Parasitic Lice Nits.

When You Least Expect It, Lice Will Get You –

Continuing from Houston Head Lice Are Looking for You Part 1

It only takes approximately 12 days for a nymph (baby) louse to reach maturity and become an adult and begin reproducing.

Adult lice can each lay from 4 to 10 eggs per day, so it’s easy to see how quickly head lice infestations can get out of hand.

The most common symptoms associated with having a head lice infestation is itching, especially at the nape of the neck and in the area behind the ears.

There are a number of pharmaceutical remedies sold in the United States to treat head lice infestations. There are lice killing shampoos, gels, foams, and sprays that are used to try to rid the victim of the tiny vampires.

Because some head lice have become resistant to over-the-counter products (or they have been misapplied), some people choose to try homeopathic remedies instead of pharmaceutical methods. Vinegar, olive oil, Vaseline, mayonnaise, tea tree oil are commonly used treatments.

Whatever products and techniques are employed they must be thorough and often require repeat treatments  within a short period of time to rid head lice from all the family members.

Pest control companies in Houston report that head lice infestations are not dangerous and they are not known to spread any diseases, but they are highly contagious and can be quite annoying to deal with.

Their bites can cause the scalp to become itchy and inflamed, which may lead to secondary infection. People with lice may also complain of the feeling of movement or tickling on their heads.

Pets are not typically affected by head lice infestations, but lice are opportunistic creatures. Lice will not hesitate to use Fido or Fluffy as a means of gaining quick access to human hosts by hitching a ride from location to location on their body.

Houston pest control experts say that although head lice cannot survive for long periods of time without a human host, any head lice infestation must be treated aggressively because of their propensity to quickly lay eggs and spread from person to person.

When a person has head lice, aggressive treatment must commence within the home environment in conjunction with treating the individual person in order to overcome these blood thirsty pests.

Houston pest control exterminators are Not involved in treatment of head lice as treatment is limited to persons directly and the cleaning of their personal items like combs, brushes, hats, pillows, and hair accessories.

General premise pesticide applications will Not effect head lice populations.

Contact your family doctor, pharmacist or other medical professionals for the latest in head lice products and control techniques.

Re: Pest Control Houston TX – Houston Head Lice Control

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX – Houston Head Lice Control …

Head Lice

Houston Head Lice - Frequent School Visitor

When you least expect it, lice will get you…

Anyone who has ever had the unfortunate experience of dealing with head lice can attest to the fact that they are terrible bloodsucking pests to encounter.

There are no known statistics kept on head lice infestations within the United States as many parents do not seek medical treatment and instead opt to treat the troublesome pest at home.

The CDC estimates several million children (mostly under 12 years old) and adults are infested with head lice each year in the U.S.  And millions are spent annually on head lice treatment remedies to get rid of troublesome head lice.

Pest control companies in Houston report that head lice are small insects that live on the top of the head, surviving solely on the blood of humans. Lice are wingless and cannot fly or jump, instead they crawl from person to person.

Lice are spread easily by having close contact with other people who are infected with the parasite. Children tend to be the most susceptible to being infected with head lice as they spend more time in close proximity of other children who could be harboring the bugs.

Head lice can also be found in a person’s eyelashes and eyebrows. In addition to close contact, a person can become infected with head lice by sharing hats, combs, brushes, headbands, clothing, or the bedding of a person who has lice.

Contrary to what some people believe, having head lice does not mean that a person has poor hygiene. Head lice actually prefer a clean head, rather than a dirty head!

Once lice have infected the head, they quickly begin to lay tiny eggs on the roots of the hair. The eggs are white and look like flakes of dandruff, but instead of being flaky, they are firmly attached to the hair roots by a waterproof sticky glue-like substance which cannot be washed away by typical shampoo and water.

After the lice have hatched (approximately 10 days), the empty eggshells that are left behind are called “nits.” Egg and nit removal is time consuming and requires the use of a metal fine-toothed head lice comb.

Please check back soon for the conclusion: Houston Head Lice Are Looking For You Part 2.

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX – Mole Control Houston

Mole Control in Houston Area

Moles can make a mess of your Houston area yard.

Houston pest control experts  report a high volume of mole activity this summer in many areas throughout Houston, Texas.

There are several species running amuck throughout the state, but the most common mole causing trouble for Texas home and business owners is the Eastern Mole.

The Eastern Mole is a small brown-furred rodent that spends the majority of its life living underground. Despite the small size of the mole, it has proven to be a formidable and destructive pest to gardens, landscapes, lawns, along crop rows, and even golf courses.

While searching for their favorite meal source, a mole is able to tunnel at speeds of 15 feet per hour! The presence of moles is very recognizable by the raised excavation mounds and feeding tunnels that often seem to appear overnight.

The main mole runway is about 2 inches in diameter and about 18 inches below the surface. The massive network of interconnecting tunnels that one mole creates can be found as deep as 30 inches below the surface.

Moles are solitary critters, except during mating season. Amid their waking hours, they are on the constant hunt for food and can consume 66% of its body weight in 18 hours. Moles feast on earthworms, grubs, beetles, spiders, centipedes, insect larvae and pupae, and some vegetation too.

Out of desperation to save expensive landscaping, lawns, and garden areas, many Houston, Texas homeowners have tried different remedies to try to rid their land of these pesky creatures.

Here are some things that people have tried that do NOT work on mole elimination. It should be noted that some are dangerous methods and will also hurt the environment.

Do-it-yourself mole control methods NOT recommended –

• Gasoline

• Mothballs

• Engine Oil

• Drain Cleaner

• Human Hair

• Broken Glass

• Chocolate Covered Laxatives

• Windmills

• Sonic Devices

Experienced pest control companies in Houston are able to help keep your mole problems under control in a manner safe to people, pets and the environment.

For expert mole eradication services, contact Protex Pest Control today!

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX – Leafcutter Ants …

Leafcutter Ants in Houston

Leafcutter Ants Defoliate Houston Plants

Continuing from Leafcutter Ants Part 1

Leafcutter ants are unique because they feed on fungus within their nest which they cultivate from the vegetation that is cut and gathered from the larger worker ants.

Grass and leaf clippings are the preferred vegetation sources. Once the vegetation is brought back to their underground nest, the leafcutter ants inject the fragments with a fungal secretion (their saliva and feces) which then transforms the plant segments into a nutritious mushroom form.

A warning chemical will be secreted from the fungi if the leafcutter ant introduces a leaf that is toxic to the nest.

Because of their ability to tend to every need of the colony, Houston leafcutter ants are known to consume more vegetation than any other animal group. Their ability to change once poisonous plants into a nutritious meal has enabled Houston leafcutter ant colonies to thrive around homes and business mainly in North Harris county and Montgomery county, TX.

Pest control companies in Houston report that leafcutter ant colonies typically have more females than males, most of which are sterile. These pests work hard at creating their colonies and it is not uncommon to find a leafcutter ant colony reaching underground depths of over nineteen feet.

A mature colony of leafcutter ants can boast over eight million of these destructive ant pests so it’s easy to see why you should contact a Houston pest control expert for help in treating this troublesome pest.

Take a look at these Leafcutter videos from the Currie Lab Department of Bacteriology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. They show the amazing intelligence and perseverance of the fungus growing leafcutter ant.

This same type of ant intelligence is also exhibited in fire ants, little black ants, Pharaoh Ants, and Carpenter ants as well.

Whether you find ants to be fascinating or an annoying pest, Protex Pest Control,  Houston pest control experts, will be able to properly identify what type of ant has invaded your home or landscaping, and will be able to provide swift eradication.

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX – Ant Control

Leafcutter Ant

Leafcutter Ants Damage Houston Area Landscapes

Leafcutter ants (leafcutting or leaf-cutter ants) are one of the more than ten thousand known ant species around the world, most of which can be found in tropical forest areas.

Ants are common insects that are found throughout the entire United States. And, of course, here the sub-tropical Houston area is home to many ant species that often require services of a professional  pest control Houston area exterminator.

Most ant species are considered to be social insects, each with their own unique capabilities. Houston pest control experts report that depending on the type of ant species, you will find structured ant nest communities in trees, in ground-level mounds, or underground.

Ants are often confused with the wood-destroying termite. Three easy ways to distinguish the difference between ant and termite is the body shape, the antennae and the wings of the flying members.

- Ants have a segmented body and termites more of a straight cigar-shaped body.

- Ants have straight antennae and termites have elbowed antennae.

- Flying ants have flared wings and flying termites have rounded, overlapping wings.

If you’re not certain about the pest identification, call on the services of a Houston ant control professional to be on the safe side.

Anyone who has watched ants for even a short period of time could attest to their incredible ability to communicate with each other, their seemingly never ending physical strength, and their eagerness to work for the good of the colony.

Leafcutter ants are an interesting, even fascinating ant species, unless you have a massive colony sitting outside of your backdoor!

Houston pest control experts believe that leaf-cutter ants have been in existence for over fifty million years.  There are thirty nine different species of leafcutter ants. Like other types of ant species, leaf-cutter ants can be brown, black or reddish in color.

They operate an advanced social caste system in which each member of the colony has specific responsibilities according to their size.

Within the leafcutter colony there are: defenders, gardeners, leaf-cutters, foragers, and those that take care of the young. The tiniest of ants even have a job within the leafcutter colony, as they ride the backs of the worker ants and will defend those they ride from carnivorous flies.

Within the leafcutter ant community, larger worker ants spend their time cutting leaf fragments, while smaller workers guard the larger worker.

Once the leaf fragments are ready to transport to the nest, the smaller worker will carry loads of cut leaves that can weigh up to twelve times their body weight. After the leaf fragments are delivered to the nest, smaller ants slice the fragments into tiny pieces.

Leafcutter ants have proven to be a serious agricultural pest within the United States, causing billions of dollars of damages each year to crops and landscaping.

Residential and commercial properties alike under siege from these ants have suffered substantial damage with stripped foliage within just a few days.

Please check back soon for the conclusion: Leafcutter Ants - Menacing Pest, Part 2.

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment
Stripped Bark Scorpions Houston Area

Stripped Bark Scorpions - Photo Sam Houston

Pest Control Houston TX – Scorpion Control

The great State of Texas is known for the wide variety of critters that roam around homes and businesses. While some pests are considered an annoying nuisance, others like scorpions produce venom that is used to attack its prey or to defend itself when it feels threatened.

Houston Texas pest control professionals report that there are 1,500 species of scorpions worldwide, and twenty known species of scorpions can be found in Texas.

Scorpions are a formidable pest that most Houstonians dread encountering. These critters typically grow to about 2-3/8 inches in length and can vary in color from light to dark.

The most common species in the Houston area is the Stripped Bark Scorpion. They are mostly located in parts of far northern Harris county and Montgomery county. Although scorpions could be transported elsewhere hiding out in a moving box for example.

Scorpions mate during the spring, early summer, and fall. All scorpions are born live after an estimated eight month gestation period. Litter sizes range from 13 to 41 babies, with the average brood being 31!

Once the baby scorpions are born, they climb on their mother’s back and remain there until their first molt. Once their first molt occurs, they disperse to lead independent lives. Some species of scorpions will live up to 25 years, but the average scorpion lives from three to eight years.

Just as people vary, the reaction to the sting of a scorpion will vary. Some people report slight a sensation similar to a bee sting, while others have painful burning, itching, swelling, numbness, and discoloration at the sting site that can last for days.

For those that are allergic to their neurotoxin, the resulting sting can result in an adverse or severe allergic reaction. Anyone who has been stung by a scorpion should be watched closely for anaphylaxis shock. Fortunately, there are no native scorpions in Houston Texas area that are considered to be deadly to humans.

Scorpions do not burrow and are active foragers. They are excellent climbers and Texas pest control experts often find these bothersome creatures infesting attics throughout Texas. Watch for scorpion activity at night as they remain hidden during the daytime hours.

Nothing will scare the kiddies more, or adults for that matter, than pulling back the sheets and finding a scorpion ready for battle! –

You can help keep scorpions out of your home by having regular perimeter pest control treatments from Protex Pest Control. Initial scorpion control involves treatment of many areas of scorpion harborage such as attics, wall voids and various entry points.

For more info give the scorpion experts at Protex Pest Control a call today!

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX – Termite Control in Houston…

Texas Termite Control experts confirm that the Eastern subterranean termite is the most common termite and broadly distributed species within the United States.

Termites are a widespread problem throughout Texas and especially here in the Houston area. It is estimated that one out of every five homes is infested with these wood destroying creatures.

Termites are responsible for causing millions of dollars of damage each year to homes and businesses throughout the United States.

The Eastern subterranean termite has a voracious appetite for common building materials including the most widely used construction studs and timber used in Houston – Southern pine.

Termites devour the interior of wood sources leaving only a waffered shell with the hard layers left behind.  Inside these hollowed out sections, the termites pack moist soil, which is essential to their survival.

A termite colony is made up of the queen, king, winged reproductives, soldiers and worker termites. Each member of the family has a different job to perform and all are dependent upon each other for the colony to survive.

Termite Queen - Photo by Dress/TAMU

Queen/King – The sole purpose of the queen is to lay eggs and she is extremely large in comparison to her off-spring.

She will lay more than 2000 eggs per day and can live beyond 25 years. The king and queen reside in the central chamber of the nest and are well protected and cared for in by the worker termites.

Worker & Soldier Termites - Photo H A Turney/TAMU

Workers – The workers make up the largest part of the Eastern subterranean termite colony. They are soft bodied and creamy translucent colored.

They construct the tunnels, tend to the queen, king, and nymphs, feed the soldiers, repair and enlarge the colony, groom each other, gather the food, and are responsible for causing damage to wood.

Worker termites are blind, sterile, have a life span of two years, and work 24 /7.

Soldiers – Soldier termites defend the colony from their enemy…ants. Soldiers are orange colored and have an armored head with pinchers which are used to crush ants.

Termite Swarmer - Photo J. Hamer/TAMU

Winged Reproductives – Also known as “swarmers” or “alates”, male and female winged reproductives will swarm during daylight hours.

Poor flyers and swept by the wind, swarmers that find a mate will release their wings, burrow underground, and become the queen and king of a new termite family. Swarming occurs when a mature nest is well established and a warning that pest control services are needed.

If you find termites, it’s imperative that you not disturb them. A Texas pest control expert will be able to correctly identify which species of destructive termite is attacking your home or business so that a proper termite control program can be formulated.

Termite Inspections Can Help Prevent Costly Repairs

Termite activity and termite damage is often hidden. That’s why an annual termite inspection is a wise investment to help protect your greatest asset. After all, the best time to stop termites is — before they get established in your home.

Posted in Termite Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston, TX    Termite Control Houston

Termites Love Your Tasty Home

No one knowingly hangs a sign on their front door saying: “Termites Welcome Here!” But — Unfortunately, most Houston homes have conditions that practically beg termites to invade.

One of those “welcome” signs for termites is excess moisture in the structure. This is a common problem — one study found that 88% of all homes have one or more moisture problems.

Some common problems the study found include: improperly drained air conditioners and downspouts, leaks in the roof, windows, and gutters, poor drainage around the foundation, and sprinklers spraying water onto the side of homes.

Excess moisture attracts termites and many other wood-destroying pests, so fix these today. Don’t invite termites to move in!

Here are some important steps to take to discourage these home-destroying pests.

Do not allow shrubs or vines to even partially block any air vents.

Make sure no wood in and around your home is directly contacting the soil. Termites can invade wooden fences, trellises, and flower planters too, and then use these hidden routes to enter your home.

Remove pieces of wood, roots, and cardboard buried or lying on the soil.

Keep wood piles  away from homes and garages and ideally off the ground on racks designed for wood piles.

Have us professionally inspect all potential termite problem areas on a regular basis ( at least once per year), and treat if needed.

We can save you money by catching an infestation early, before extensive damage is done, and our inspections and treatments can help prevent termites from ever getting started in your home.

Remember — the best time to stop termites is before they get in! Phone us today for your termite check-up.

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston, TX     Ant Pest Control

Ant Control in Houston

Ant Control - More Than a Shoe Required!

As ant experts, we notice interesting things about ants.

For instance, they are no respecter of property — they invade homes of all sides equally, and they infest every neighborhood in Houston.  They are so common a problem that nationwide they are the #1 pest listed in Gallup polls.

And ants rank #1 as the biggest pest overall in Houston, TX as well. You can be sure that every day, ants are either invading your home or trying to.

The first ants that march into a home are the “scouts” looking for food, water, or a nesting place. Once they find what they are looking for, they go back  to their colony, laying down a scent trail as they go so other ants  can more quickly find their way.

Depending on the species of ant, they may prefer sweets, or proteins like meat and grease. Some ants eat both, and they may switch their food preferences — one day they may be attracted to sweets, and another day they may ignore sweets and go after proteins.

Whenever possible, refuse to provide ants food and water. Clean up crumbs, grease, and liquid spills. Occasionally rinse out your kitchen garbage container, even if you use garbage bags. Place open food in sealed containers.

Some ant species would like to move their entire colony indoors, they may nest in the oddest places. but favorite areas are behind walls and baseboards, beneath floors, in the soil of potted plants, and in other hidden areas.

Some ant species are more than just pests  — some can bite or sting and others like carpenter ants can chew wood to carve out a nest damaging your home in the process.

As the Houston area ant experts, we effectively control these common and persistent invaders. If you know someone who suffers from these pests, please tell them about our professional and courteous services!

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX — Millipede Pest Control…

Millipedes can invade Houston homes in incredible numbers.

Millipedes are Major Creepy Crawlies.

Houston millipedes or “thousand leggers” are brown/black wormy little creatures about 1 to 1 1/2 inches long with many legs.

They are slow crawlers yet can crawl around and cover from a few inches to several feet per minute. During rest millipeds tend to curl up. They’re most active at night.

Most often miillipedes prefer being outdoors under and around leaf litter, mulch and moist decaying matter.

Sometimes, however, millipedes do migrate indoors and become a real nuisance. Invasions may range from light, infrequent activity to massive and seemingly non-stop movement.

Weather changes or extremes may cause millipedes to move about seeking moisture or to escape rising ground water or heavy rains which can push them into structures and dwellings. Once indoors, they often may crawl up walls, across ceilings and fall off onto the floor.

Epidemic populations in the Houston area do occur every few years and this heavy activity can persist for several weeks especially in the more wooded areas around town.

Millipede species in Houston do not bite and are not a health hazard but they are bothersome and messy. And crushed millipedes can stain and produce quite a foul odor.

Residual spray treatment indoors will usually kill millipedes within 5-6 hours of contacting the control product. But since millipedes cannot tolerate a dry indoor environment for long, they often end up curling up and dying from dehydration alone usually within a day or two regardless of indoor treatment.

The most effective approach for millipede control is removing/reducing as much as practical outdoor breeding areas such as leaf litter, clutter, compost heaps, rotting firewood and overly moist areas. Water lawns in the AM and don’t over water.

If activity does not clear up in a few days,  you may want to consider millipede treatment. A spray and granular band treatment application around the perimeter of the structure can be made to reduce activity. A repeat booster application in 10-14 days may be necessary in cases of heavy invasion due to hatch cycles and during natural migration and seasonal mating movement.

Even with thorough treatment, some millipedes may make it indoors before dying off as safe products do not provide instant kill. Frequent vacumming will help remove millipedes indoors during  migration periods.

Protex Pest Control technicians are experts in Houston millipede control. We can help – Give us a call today!

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX – Springtail pest control…

Springtails Invade Houston Homes

Springtails - Tiny Houston Home Invader

Springtails are an occasional Houston pest control challenge.

Springtails are sometimes initially mistaken for specs of dirt.

However, placing your finger right behind them will cause these “specs” to jump or spring forward.

Springtails are teeny tiny (about 1-2 mm long) and a common, mostly soil dwelling insect. They widely populate the U.S. including the Houston, Texas area.

Outdoors they inhabit the soil mainly but can be found in  vegetation matter and under and around potted plants.  Springtails can become a pest intruder indoors where they chiefly migrate to humid areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and basements.

Damp areas of buildings and areas experiencing mold attract more springtail activity. Invasions can range from slight numbers to huge infestations and from temporary to persistent pest activity.

Springtails

Springtails - Notice the "Spring" Tail

Apperance: Springtails are very small white-gray insect pests measuring between 1/32 – 1/8″ in length. They are wingless with a humpback body and long antenna. Springtails are so-called because of their ability to spring forward in the air using their unique forked appendage.

Biology: Springtails go through a simple metamorphosis molting 5-10 times to reach adulthood. Time span from egg to adult usually occurs within 2-3 months but may take up to a couple of years under less than favorable conditions.

Populations outside can mount to enormous numbers of over 50,000 in one cubic foot of soil. More than 19 species of springtails have been identified as invaders of buildings and homes.

Habits: Springtails do not bite and cause no damage or harm to person or property. But their presence is a good indicator of very humid, moist conditions when found indoors and investigation should be made for moisture problems and mold.

Springtails move inside Houston area homes and buildings seeking moisture most often due to dry outdoor conditions. They are naturally attracted to light as well as moisture. Their diet includes feeding on mold, fungi, algae and decay plant matter.

Controlling Houston Springtails: Since springtails are attracted to moisture and fungus, areas indoors should be inspected for plumbing and roof leaks and the causes of damp areas possibly supporting springtail infestations.

Reducing or removing leaf litter outdoors and drying out moist yard areas as much as practical will aid in discouraging buildup of exterior populations which may lead to interior invasion.

Persistent or heavy interior invasions may require professional intervention of a Houston pest control exterminator for both exterior and interior treatment for effective springtail control.

Protex Pest Control is experienced in springtail removal in Houston area homes. Give us a call today for expert springtail control.

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX – Pest Control Myths Busted…

Pest Control Houston TX

Pest Control Myths Dispelled

False information is often shared so frequently that we eventually believe it is true. Here are 4 pest control myths we have recently heard around Houston that we want to correct.

Myth #1: Only dirty homes need pest control. While it is true that some homes that have clutter and messes have more than there share of problems, even clean homes can have pests.

We’ve gone into some of the cleanest homes possible and found serious pest problems. Pests crawl or fly in from outdoors, or they are unknowingly brought in on furniture, in infested food packages, and many other ways. That’s just the world we live in.

Remember, pests can (and do) affect all of us, and there is no reason to be embarrassed. Instead, call a local Houston pest control expert to get the pests out and keep them out with regular pest control service.

Myth #2: Rats and mice avoid water. Actually, norway (black) rats are excellent swimmers. They are sometimes carried long distances in floods or by rivers. They can swim across ditches and through sewer water — whatever it takes. Even mice can stay afloat for many hours.

Myth #3: Rats eat rodenticide, get thirsty and go outside to die. Even some long-time rat exterminators believe this and spread this myth. Fact is there is no scientific evidence that proves this is the case.

If anything, the rat control products don’t produce excessive thirst but may cause rats to experience breathing difficulties as most rat control materials are blood thinners. This could cause a rat to move around trying to get more air and end up outdoors. Maybe – but don’t count on it – no evidence there either.

Rats simply die where ever they take their last step — hopefully outdoors!

Myth #4: To get rid of bed bugs just throw out the mattress. Forget it! Yes, bed bugs are most likely to hide in a mattress, box springs, and bed frame, but they can be hiding in many other cracks and crevices in a room.

Throwing out the mattress means that 1) you’ve just harmed someone else, who may pick up the mattress for use and now must deal with bed bugs, and 2) most likely you’ll still have bed bugs, but now you’ll need to pay for bed bug control plus buy a new mattress.

Bed bugs need to be controlled by a pest control professional — don’t waste precious time and money trying to do it yourself. Call our bed bug experts today.

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX –   Termite Colonies Larger …

Termites in Houston

Termite Control - Houston Texas has Termites Big Time.

…………For a long time it was thought that the average subterranean termite colony contained about 250,000 termites. In phenomenal situations these colonies might have as many as one million individuals, it was thought.

But in the last dozen years or more, new research has shown that we were drastically underestimating termite colony sizes. Dr. Grace has evidence that colonies can consist of up to 3.2 million termites.

These were estimates done in Canada, where you would expect termite colonies to be smaller than warmer areas. Working in Florida, Dr. Su has shown that some native U.S. subterranean termite colonies actually reach 5 million termites!

Why is termite colony size important? Larger colonies can cause greater damage in a shorter period of time than smaller colonies, and they can be eating wood in a larger area–perhaps in several neighboring homes all at once.

A large colony of 3.2 million termites can consume over 1 1/2 pounds of wood every day, and they are able to find and infest unprotected wood in an area covering 2 1/2 acres!

Formosan termites, which are spreading every year, have even larger and more destructive mature colonies, ranging from 2 to 10 million individuals.

They can tunnel an amazing 110 yards–the length of a football field! Formosan termites can cause significant damage to a home in just 6 months, and have been know to actually take down a home in as little as two years.

Termites are very active here in the Houston, TX area –

When was your home last inspected for termites?

Call today for termite inspection and expert Houston termite control.


Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston, TX:   Pantry Pests

Houston Pest Control - Indian Meal Moth

Indian Meal Moth: Common Houston Pantry Pest

Pet food is a common source of insect pests.

Scientist surveyed eight retail pet stores in Kansas for insect pests during a seven month period, and collected an amazing 30 species and over 41,000 insects.

The insects were most often concentrated near bulk food bins, in stockrooms, and on shelves holding wild bird seed and food for small animals.

When pest food is brought home it should be considered a potential source of pests. These pests then infest and contaminate human and other pet foods if they can break into the packaging.

Flour Beetles in Dog Food

Always inspect pet food before you bring it home.

Besides looking for beetles, moths, and small caterpillars, check for holes in bags or boxes where insects may be emerging.

Look for tears or gaps where moths and beetles could get through the packaging and infest the food, and webbing produced by caterpillars of moths.

If these pests sneak in despite your diligence, here’s what you can do:

  1. Inspect all packaged foods for infestation and discard any infested products into a tightly sealed bag and place immediately in the outdoor garbage.
  2. If you’re short on time and/or energy to inspect, you might want to inspect only the more expensive products and throw out the rest. Save pest-free products in tightly sealed containers.
  3. The infested shelves and floor areas need a light pest treatment to cracks and crevices to contact hidden activity and provide a residual. Sticky traps especially with sex pheromones for beetles and moths can help lure and capture wayward adults.
  4. Remember, SOS (seek out the sources). Check all the folds and crevices of ALL opened AND unopened packages as well. Find all the sources and your problem disappears. Miss one little infested package and the problem will rebound.

If you need help to rid your home of these annoying pests, just give us a call.

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control, Houston TX:    Perimeter Pest Control…

Every day, 24/7, pests are trying to invade our Houston area homes and businesses. Not only do they find food and moisture inside, but also a more comfortable climate, plus many ideal places to nest and multiply.

These “uninvited guests” may cause damage and require us to clean more often. They also can create significant health hazards by stinging and biting, spreading diseases, and contributing to asthma problems.

That’s the reason our perimeter treatments are so important. They help provide a protective “shield” or barrier that stops many pests before they ever enter your home. By professionally treating around the outside of your foundation, and in other key outdoor areas, we can help control and stop many kinds of pests right there–outdoors.

Pests like ants, cockroaches, spiders, earwigs, crickets, and centipedes are some of the pests that are controlled or stopped by perimeter pest control treatments. These pests usually breed outdoors and crawl in through cracks and crevices.

Some invaders can thrive and multiply indoors, but others may migrate inside, only to eventually die in large numbers, because it’s too dry , or there’s no food. Often these dead bugs attract scavengers that eat dead bugs and go on to destroy or contaminate other things in the building.

Our valuable perimeter pest control treatments are just one of the important tools we use to enable our customers to enjoy the benefits of a pest-free home!

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control, Houston, TX:  Mice & Rat Control…

Mice & Rats Infest Houston Attics & Garages

Rats and mice are serious pests year ’round, yet our phones ring even more for help as the weather turns cold.

This is the time when the weather begins to change in the Houston area and rodents more actively invade buildings looking for a cozier place to spend the fall and winter months.

It’s no problem for these pests to slip indoors. Even grown mice can squeeze through holes only 3/8″ wide. If they can get their head in, they can get the rest of their body through. Most adult rats can squeeze through a gap the size of your thumb, and young rats can get in through even smaller openings.

One way these pests get indoors and pass between rooms are the gaps around utility pipes and wires. They can also easily slip through hidden spaces under many exterior doors.

Once indoors, they reproduce prolifically. One female mouse can mother up to 50 mice in just one year. A new born female mouse is ready to begin mothering her own at just 55 days old. Without control, the mice population in one year could explode to over 500 mice!

Mice and rats not only can carry a great many diseases themselves, they also carry ticks and other parasites that can transmit diseases to humans when they bite us.

They eat our foods and contaminate it, cause property damage with their gnawing and can start fires chewing on electrical wiring. And they’re a known source for allergens.

If you or someone you know has a mice or rat concern, let them know they can call on us to get rid of them. Don’t take chances with these serious invaders.

Posted in Rat Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston, TX:  Bed Bugs…

Bed Bugs Are in Houston TX

 

Across the country, the bed bug problem continues to increase.

The situation in New York City is one example of what is happening in many areas – including our Houston area.

A New Daily News-Marist poll revealed that one person in 10 in New York City has had bed bugs in their homes – twice as many as last year. Put another way, the poll suggests that 800,000 people in the city have had these bloodsuckers crawling around in their sheets!

It’s just not homes that are infested but people are reporting bed bugs in their workplace too. They’ve been even discovered recently in places like upscale clothing stores, health clubs, judge’s chambers and movie theaters.

The number of calls to the city’s hot-line shot up 33% last year. The city recently provided $500,000 in anti-bed bug funds and is considering naming a special bed bug “czar” to combat this modern-day plague.

Part of the reason for the rapid spread of bed bugs in New York, and everywhere, is that these bugs can easily “hitchhike” on people’s clothes, in gym bags, pocketbooks, etc., without a person knowing they are there.

Often the first indications of an infestation are welts or bite marks, but about 20% of us don’t show a reaction to bed bug bites.

Bed bug control is time-consuming and requires a thorough knowledge of these pests, as well as the proper materials to control them. Some people have tried to control bed bugs themselves, but this rarely works.

Don’t wait while the bugs spread to other rooms and your friends – call us to do it right.

Posted in Bed Bugs Bedbugs | Leave a comment

Welcome to The Protex Pest Control Blog.  Check back for pest control news and information coming soon.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment