Pest Control Houston TX – Carpenter Bees Control

Carpenter Bee Drilling Hole in Wood.

Carpenter Bee Drilling Hole Damaging Wood.

Best Way to Tell If You Have Carpenter Bees in Houston –

Carpenter bees are often times confused with bumble bees because of their similar body shape and colors.

These two types of bees however are quite different with the exception that they both collect pollen and nectar. Bumble bees are docile bees that make their nests in the ground. They don’t typically sting unless one decides that holding them would be a good idea.

Male Carpenter Bees

Male carpenter bees  are territorial and will approach any person or animal that crosses their path. Their flight pattern straight into the face of a person is a way that they show intimidation.

There’s no need to fear these bees, despite the stare down that they will exhibit, because they don’t have the capability to sting.

Female Carpenter Bees

Female carpenter bees are not often seen but their presence is easily noticed. Piles of sawdust on the ground or deck will let you know that they have made your home their home.

Female carpenter bees spend their time drilling perfect holes into wood sources so that they can create a gallery to place their eggs for the next generation of bees.

Carpenter Bees In Houston Are Big Boys

Carpenter Bees In Houston Are Big Boys

During the spring and early summer, carpenter bee activity is high as the females drill through different types of wood sources. Unpainted wood is the favored nesting site for carpenter bees, but they will take up residence in painted wood if need be.

In addition to making the nest and mating, the females collect pollen and nectar from nearby plants for their special nectar and pollen concoction that the baby bees will feed upon.

Sometime in the early fall, the new carpenter bees will emerge from the nesting site. The baby carpenter bees will then have their fill of pollen and nectar from nearby flowers before they return to the nest to overwinter.

The following spring, the next generation of carpenter bees will emerge and the carpenter bee cycle begins once again.

Carpenter Bee Damage

Left alone, a carpenter bee has been known to drill its gallery up to ten feet within a structure. With each year that follows, the galleries become problematic as the carpenter bees continue to drill deeper into wood.

It is not uncommon for many females to share the same entrance hole with many gallery off-shoots. As times goes on, the wood structure will weaken.

In addition to eradication, it is important to properly seal the holes so that other carpenter bees or unwanted pests do not take over the places where the bees once lived.

Carpenter Bee Treatment

A Houston pest control expert like Protex Pest Control will be able to identify carpenter bee nesting sites and eliminate the bees.

For bee treatment, or pest & termite control in Houston –

Call Protex Pest Control today >

Houston Pest Control / Kingwood – 281-440-5355

Spring Pest Control / The Woodlands – 281- 370-4772

Conroe Pest Control / Montgomery – 936-273-0505

Cypress Pest Control / Tomball – 281-370-4772

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX – Wasp Control

Yellow Jacket Nest Houston - Protex Pest Control

Houston Yellow Jackets Can Attack in Mass With Painfull Stings.

Avoid Disturbing Houston Wasp Nests —

There are many different species of wasps that live throughout Texas.

Wasps are considered to be beneficial creatures in nature due to their ability to kill other insects that destroy crops.

Wasps do however pose a problem for humans and pets alike as their potent venom can be life threatening to anyone that is allergic to their painful sting.

As with other types of creatures in nature, some types of wasps are more aggressive than other types of wasps. Here is some information to help distinguish the difference between wasps…

Yellow Jackets:

These wasps have a bad reputation for being mean and aggressive…and for good reason…they are!

It does not take much to stir up a nest of yellow jackets. Usually yellow jackets will nest underground in an abandoned rodent burrow but sometimes the queen will begin the nest in an old log, a bush, a tree, or hanging from a soffit, etc.

Because they are typically well hidden, it is easy for humans and pets to happen upon yellow jackets and suddenly be attacked by hundreds of angry wasps. Yellow jackets can be angered by children playing in the yard a good distance away from their nest or lawn equipment being used on the opposite end of the yard.

Once wasps are in frenzy, they have been known to chase their intended victim for 2 miles delivering as many stings as possible. Unlike the honey bee, the yellow jacket is able to sting repeatedly without dying.

Paper Wasps:

Paper wasps, such as red wasps. build strong intricate nests that are made of saliva and chewed wood. Paper wasps are small wasps that are beneficial in that they consume caterpillars and other plant harming insects.

So in a limited way they may be good wasps to have near a vegetable garden. Males do not have stingers, but females will sting repeatedly if they are disturbed.

Cicada Killers:

Cicada killers will arrive in July and August. They are large black and yellow wasps that can sting repeatedly if they are provoked. Although they can fly around and appear quite aggressive they don’t often attack,

Cicada killers are not social wasps like other species of wasps. They make their solitary nest site by burrowing a hole in soil.

Wasps of all varieties can pose a hazard to those who are allergic to their venom. Knocking down a wasp nest and using store bought wasp spray will not likely reach deep inside of the nest where the majority of the wasps exist.

And in the case of yellow jackets that are underground, store bought wasp spray is useless.

It is always best to call a pest control company in Houston for professional help with all types of wasp removal.

For wasp treatment, or general pest control in the Houston area –

Call Protex Pest Control today >

Houston Pest Control / Kingwood – 281-440-5355

Spring Pest Control / The Woodlands – 281- 370-4772

Conroe Pest Control / Montgomery – 936-273-0505

Cypress Pest Control / Tomball – 281-370-4772

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX — Rover Ant Control

Rover Ants Houston - Protex Pest Control

Rover Ants - An Increasing Pest Problem in Houston TX Photo Credit: texasinvasives.org

Rover Ants Roving Around and Inside Houston Homes —

Rover ants were first discovered in the United States during the 1970’s.

Not native to the United States, these ants are believed to originate from Argentina.

Rover ants have proven to be a pest that is difficult for consumers to control report pest control companies in Houston .

Often mistaken for little black ants because of their similar look and size, rover ant infestations have several different characteristics.

Unlike little black ants that create a nesting site that is usually easy to locate, rover ants can travel a great distance from their nesting area and can be located in a wide variety of places.

Outside you will find rover ants living in mulched planters, gutters, up trees, under pavement, under stones, and in rotting wood. Inside, rover ant infestations tend to be found in bathroom and kitchen areas especially where water damage has occurred.

To the naked eye, rover ants appear to look like little black ants as they are dark in color and about 1/16 of an inch long, just as a little black ant is.

It takes a microscope to realize that rover ants only possess one node between their thorax and their abdomen instead of the two nodes that the little black ants have.

Like some other ant species, rover ants produce winged reproductives that set out to develop a new colony. Just like with other ant species, reproductive are larger than worker ants.

There is only one queen rover ant in each colony, but many colonies are able to co-exist in close proximity which is one of the reasons why this species of ant is so difficult to control report Houston pest control professionals.

Many Texas residents find that rover ants initially respond well to initial treatment, but they are quick to re-infest a building or surrounding property.

Because of their ability to infest a property with ease and speed, it is important to nip rover ant infestations in the bud as soon as they appear.

A pest control company in Houston like Protex Pest Control will be able to properly identify rover ant populations so that proper eradication can occur.

For rover ant inspection, ant treatment, or general pest control in the Houston area –

Call Protex Pest Control today >

Houston Pest Control / Kingwood – 281-440-5355

Spring Pest Control / The Woodlands – 281- 370-4772

Conroe Pest Control / Montgomery – 936-273-0505

Cypress Pest Control / Tomball – 281-370-4772

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX – Bed Bug Control

Bed Bugs Control Houston - Protex Pest Control

Bed Bug Control in Houston is a Growing Problem

Learn 6 Myths and Facts About Bed Bugs in Houston —

Houston pest control experts know first-hand that there is good and bad information that is floating around the internet, the newspapers, and other sources of media regarding bed bugs .

It can be difficult for the average consumer to know what information is correct and how to respond to these tenacious bloodsucking pests.

Here are some common misconceptions and facts about bed bugs…

Myth: If a person is not bitten by bed bugs, they do not have bed bugs.

Fact: Studies have shown that less than 50% of people who are bitten by bed bugs have a reaction to the saliva that is injected into the skin. People who do not have a reaction do not typically know that they have bed bugs until the infestation is raging out-of-control.

Myth: Bed bugs only occur in flea-bag motels or low-income housing type buildings.

Fact: Bed bugs know no socio-economic boundaries. Five star hotels, flea bag motels, and homeless shelters have all been subjected to the wrath of bed bugs.

Myth: Bed bugs are a sign that a person is dirty.

Fact: Bed bugs have been around for millions of years. They do not care if a person is dirty or clean, only that they are breathing and have blood to drink. They do prefer to hide in areas with clutter though.

Myth: Bed bugs can only be found in places where people sleep.

Fact: Despite their name, bed bugs will hide in any crack or crevice near where a human sleeps. Look for them behind headboards, baseboards, pictures, mirrors, curtains, in bedding, in and under electronics, in or under nightstands and dressers, and in electrical outlets and switches.

Myth: Bed bugs only bite humans.

Fact: Bed bugs prefer to dine on human blood, but if none is available a nearby animal will suffice.

Myth: Bed bugs are easy to self-treat.

Fact: Throughout the United States, pest control professionals attest that bed bugs are the most difficult pest to eradicate in all types of locations.

The best way to rid your home or business of bed bugs is to hire a pest control professional with experience in bed bug eradication like Protex Pest Control.

For bed bug inspection, bed bug treatment, or general pest control in the Houston area –

Call Protex Pest Control today >

Kingwood / Houston Pest Control – 281-440-5355

The Woodlands / Spring Pest Control – 281- 370-4772

Montgomery / Conroe Pest Control – 936-273-0505

Tomball / Cypress Pest Control – 281-370-4772

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX — Termite Control

Termite Control in Houston TX

Termite Swarms Are a Termite Warning Sign -- But Sometimes There Are No Signs --

Termite Swarmers…What To Watch Out For and What to Do

The Termite Colony…

Subterranean termites initially create their colonies underground.

Termites are considered to be social insects and have a caste system. The queen termite is a massive egg laying machine. She never leaves the nest, is tended to by worker termites, and lays approximately 2,000 eggs each day report pest control companies in Houston .

In addition to the queen and king, a termite colony has soldiers, workers, and winged reproductives (Also known as flying alates or “swarmers”).

By the way, the swarmers look vastly different from the other members of the colony. Swarmers have black/brown bodies with wings and the other members are wingless with mostly white to white cream bodies.

Left undisturbed, after a few years a termite colony will eventually become overcrowded. The overcrowding combined with warmer springtime weather as well as a warm rain shower triggers the winged reproductives to leave the nest in a mass exodus called “swarming”.

Termite Swarmers in Houston

When termites swarm, it’s not surprising that home or business owners often miss out on the spectacle as flights typically occur between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm when people are at work.

The swarm of winged reproductives will leave the nest hoping to find a mate during their flight. Termites, however, are not good flyers so they do rely on the wind to carry them to their new destination. Thankfully, some termites won’t find mates, but many will.

Once they do the new couple will drop to the ground, drop their wings and dig into the soil together. This will then be the site of a new termite nesting spot.

Often times Houston residents find piles of dead reproductives next to their home, near a crack in a walkway or driveway, near a bush or tree stump, or below an exterior window sill. A pile of dead winged termites is a clear indication that a termite infestation is present nearby.

Houston home or business owners may also find dead winged reproductives indoors. When swarming occurs indoors, termites will head towards the windows in an effort to make their way outdoors. Trapped indoors they dehydrate and die.

But any swarming indoors is a clear indication that there is a termite colony with the destructive workers located within the wall, flooring, or other location.

Overlooking Termites

Although many folks have noticed evidence of termite swarmers before, they didn’t recognize them as termites at the time and may have thought they were just some type of flying ant or other bug. Save any suspect bugs that resemble termites for professional identification.

Sometimes termites can be actively working indoors yet choose to swarm outdoors only. In these cases it means you will not have their swarming as a warning sign of termite infestation.

Termite Inspection, Termite Treatment, and Termite Control

Termites  are considered to be the most destructive pest in the United States.  Termite damage and treatment costs exceed $5 Billion each year. And the Houston area is a hot bed for termite activity.

Termites are so dangerous because their activity is often hidden and can go undetected until substantial damage has been done. Termites can infest your home with no obvious signs of swarming. So getting your home or business inspected for termites at least once a year is a wise choice.

The Houston termite control experts at Protex Pest Control can provide you peace of mind with a professional termite inspection. And if needed, provide a termite treatment for remediation or prevention and stop termites dead in their tracks.

Remember – the cheapest time to stop termites is early on – ideally  before they get in…

For termite inspection, termite treatment, or general Houston pest control –

Call Protex Pest Control today >

Kingwood / Houston Pest Control – 281-440-5355

The Woodlands / Spring Pest Control – 281- 370-4772

Montgomery / Conroe Pest Control – 936-273-0505

Tomball / Cypress Pest Control – 281-370-4772

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX — Bugs in Your Food

Weevil Pest Control - Protex Pest Control Houston

Pest Control for Weevils and other Pantry Pests Involves Finding All Infested Sources and Treating Storage Areas.

Eat Any Bugs Lately?

Eating insects may be a delicacy in some countries throughout the world, but not so much in the United States.

Have you ever wondered how many bugs you might have eaten accidentally in your lifetime? Although not typically intentional, most people have consumed a bug or two, or maybe more, at some point in time.

Many insects like to consume the same types of foods that humans do. Some insects that infest food sources, such as cockroaches and ants, are easy to spot.

Others could be lurking deep within the confines of dry food products, nibbling away in silence. These common household insect invaders are called “pantry pests” .

There are many different ones that are bothersome to homeowners in Texas, all of which need to be addressed by a Houston pest control expert.

Common pantry pests that homeowners encounter are:

• red flour beetles

• Indian meal moths

• sawtooth grain beetles

• cigarette and drugstore beetles

• granary, rice and maize weevils

• spider beetles

• confused flour beetle

• bean weevil

• dermestid beetles

Pantry pests thrive during all times of the year in Houston because we keep our homes at a perfect temperature for their continuous reproduction.

Homeowners often report to pest control companies in Houston that they have found insects in opened packages of food.

Yet certain types of pantry pests are able to chew through cardboard, foil and plastic packaging to gain access to their desired food target, so closed foods are also at risk.

In most cases, pantry pests are brought into a home from another infested location (i.e…grocery store, warehouse, or pet food store), as opposed to coming in from the outdoors.

To guard against pantry pest invasions, you should look for holes in all types of dry goods packaging before you bring them into your home. Closely look for worm-like critters (larvae), moths, or beetles.

Cooking seasoning packets can also house pantry pests. It is recommended that you do not store seasoning packets for more than six months in order to keep pantry pests away.

Discard any infested products in outdoor trash. Safest policy is – when in doubt, throw it out.

Although ingestion of pantry pests are not considered usually harmful, most folks would prefer to skip that particular protein source!

Pantry pests can be controlled by hiring a Houston pest control expert like Protex Pest Control. Call us today for pantry pest control or general pest services >

Kingwood / Houston Pest Control – 281-440-5355

The Woodlands / Spring Pest Control – 281- 370-4772

Montgomery / Conroe Pest Control – 936-273-0505

Tomball / Cypress Pest Control – 281-370-4772

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX – Houston Bug Bites

Bug Bites or Allergy Pimples?

Houston Bug Bites? No - Picture is Allergy Pimples.

Could That Be A Bug Bite Or Am I Imagining It?

Spend any time outdoors and it would not be uncommon to receive some bites on skin that is exposed report Houston pest control experts.

There are not many types of insects that seek humans out in order to survive. There is however several different types of insects that live outdoors that will bite humans if given the chance.

Those include fleas , ticks, mosquitoes, black flies, thrips, and chiggers and types of microscopic mites.

At times, when reaching into small spaces, a person could even be bitten by a spider and not realize that they have been bitten until they are suffering the effects caused by the venom of the spider.

When insects or mites bite, they will often leave swollen, red, itchy bite marks where the bite wound occurred. In most cases, the bite marks and itching will occur quickly, but sometimes it can take days for the bite wound to become problematic.

Humans serve as a primary host to only a few types of insects and mites. Problem insects that can be found in a home include bed bugs, fleas, lice (head, pubic, or body), and scabies mites (Human itch mite).

People may also be bitten by bird mites which are also known as rat mites, mice mites, rodent mites, and nest mites. These tiny creatures are parasitic to birds and rodents, but once their food source is eliminated, any remaining mites may turn to humans or pets as a food source.

Dust mites are known to inhabit beds and pillows throughout the world. These microscopic pests live by the millions but they do not bite humans. Instead they consume the skin that is shed by humans.

Dust mites can be controlled by regular vacuuming of mattresses and the surrounding area and regular washing of pillowing, blankets and sheets in hot soapy water.

Whether indoors or outdoors, identifying what type of insect is biting can be a frustrating experience.

Experienced pest control companies in Houston have the knowledge to help identify nearly all types of pests from a good specimen so that the proper approach and eradication procedures can be determined when necessary.

When the biting insects are available for ID, associating the bite marks with the insect may be fairly easy and accurate.  But when no insects can be found that bite humans, consultation with a doctor to evaluate the irritated marks may be needed.

It should be kept in mind that few doctors are experts at insect bite ID but may provide a good educated guess. And doctors may offer other possible explanations for the irritation or biting sensation that may be unrelated to insects.

Some mysterious insect bite sensations sometimes turn out to be caused by many other things such as static electricity, medication reaction, or environmental or food allergies.

For biting insect problems or general Houston pest control –

Call Protex Pest Control today >

Kingwood / Houston Pest Control – 281-440-5355

The Woodlands / Spring Pest Control – 281- 370-4772

Montgomery / Conroe Pest Control – 936-273-0505

Tomball / Cypress Pest Control – 281-370-4772

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX Ants – Roaches – Pest Facts


Pest Control Houston TX

Houston Pests Fascinating? Maybe -- Maybe Not --


Do You Know these Facts About Houston Pests?

Insects can be especially fascinating if that is your field of study or if you are a professional  Houston pest control company.

However, insects that invade your home or business are likely just considered to be PESTS!

Most people do not want bugs running amuck in their homes…and for good reason –

Besides having a fear of these home invaders, some pests can bring along dangers that must be avoided.

Here are some interesting facts about some of the pests that you may encounter in Texas…

Fire Ants

• Flooding in Texas may be bad for some insects, but not for fire ants. These ants link themselves together as a colony making a make-shift lifeboat. They travel where the water takes them and re-establish their colony in their newly deposited location.

• Fire ants cause over $750 million dollars in damages each year to American crops, livestock, households, and food products.

• A large colony of red fire ants is so powerful that it is able to sting and sometimes kill livestock. Humans often suffer an allergic reaction to their sting as well and may need immediate medical attention.

Cockroaches

• Most pests prefer to eat sweets, but in a pinch, a hungry cockroach will eat just about anything it encounters. Glue, toothpaste, hair, soap, book bindings, and leather are only some of the things that cockroaches find to be a tasty treat!

Cockroaches can live for weeks without food, but take away their water supply and they are dead within a week.

• Cockroaches can survive for a week or two without its head. It dies when it dehydrates or when mold takes over its body.

Carpenter Ants

• The carpenter ant is destructive, but it does not eat wood like termites do. Instead these pests carve through wood sources to create their nests and galleries for their young.

• The favorite food of carpenter ants is the honeydew that they receive from aphids. As a trade-off, carpenter ants will feed and protect aphids so they can receive this sugary treat.

• Carpenter ants are the largest species of ant in the United States. Some carpenter ants can grow up to an inch in length.

Although interesting to some, when insects invade your Texas home or business you need the help of a Houston pest control expert —

Call on Protex Pest Control for professional pest control services:

Kingwood / Houston Pest Control – 281-440-5355

The Woodlands / Spring Pest Control – 281- 370-4772

Montgomery / Conroe Pest Control – 936-273-0505

Tomball / Cypress Pest Control – 281-370-4772

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX — Booklice Control

Houston Booklice Feeding on a Cracker.

Booklice…Annoying Houston Pest!

Booklice is the common name for a tiny insect called psocids.

Despite their name, “booklice”,  are not a louse, nor do they bite humans or animals. Booklice do not transmit any diseases.

Booklice are annoying, however, as they can live abundantly in Texas homes report Houston pest control experts.

Most species of booklice that are found indoors do not have wings.

Adult booklice can be translucent white, gray, or brown in color. They resemble the size of head lice being about 1/16 of an inch long. They have six legs of which the back two are longer than the front four.

These common household pests do not jump or fly, but they are able to run very quickly.

Booklice thrive in environments that are high in humidity as they are attracted to areas where mold grows. Although they will not damage fabric or wood, you can find them living in furniture.

Book lice are attracted to grains or other stored food products.  They can be found infesting cereals, flour, grain, grits, or other types of pantry goodies. These pests become especially abundant during the warm humid summer months.

Since booklice will readily feed on microscopic mold growth, they can often be found in abundance around plants by windows or in or around window sills where dampness occurs.

Booklice receive their name because they are often found among the pages and bindings of old books.

They are common pests in libraries, warehouses that store old records and paper, and warehouses with cardboard boxes.

Office buildings, accounting and billing offices, or other locations that store an abundance of papers or records can provide a prime breeding site for these pests.

Home bookcases and book collections can be a handy target for book lice.

Although booklice do not cause immediate damage to property, they are a nuisance as they will multiply into great numbers in a short period of time.

Since booklice feed primarily on mold growth, it’s important to discover and correct any moisture problems, otherwise mold will continue to grow and booklice activity will persist.

Fans may need to be employed to help dry out some areas and possibly a dehumidifier employed for a time period to help dry the air. Reducing the relative humidity below 50% will help dehydrate and kill off booklice.

Hiring a pest control company in Houston for focused pest control treatment will help to safely eliminate these pests in exposed areas.

However, several re-applications may be needed until the moisture is eliminated and the mold growth is arrested and drys out.

In most cases it is not considered on a benefit-cost basis to fumigate the whole building or drill and treat all the wall voids with a desiccant dust to provide immediate control.

For booklice control or general Houston pest control services, call Protex Pest Control today –

Kingwood / Houston Pest Control – 281-440-5355

The Woodlands / Spring Pest Control – 281- 370-4772

Montgomery / Conroe Pest Control – 936-273-0505

Tomball / Cypress Pest Control – 281-370-4772

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX — Cockroach Control


Cockroach Control - Allergy | Protex pest Control Houston

Cockroaches in Houston Can Trigger Allergies


Houston Cockroaches Can Stir Up More Than Anxiety —

Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of the year throughout the United States.

The colors of the leaves are changing to vibrant red, orange, and yellow and the dog-days of summer will soon enough become a distant memory.

Along with the crisp falling leaves many people notice an increase of allergens during the fall months.

Plant pollens, animals, dust, mold, and insect stings are what most people consider to be allergy triggers.

But for many home owners, there could be another hidden cause for the allergies that are plaguing your family say pest control companies in Houston .

Besides being known disease carriers, cockroaches have also been found to trigger allergies and asthma in many people.

Recent studies suggest that 78% to 98% of urban homes in the southern United States have evidence of cockroach activity either past or present.

Cockroaches in Houston thrive year-round in our semi-tropical climate. During the fall/winter months here, the cooler weather often chases cockroaches indoors to the warmth of our cozy homes.

Remember, it’s always summer indoors and cockroaches like to be comfortable, too.  Once indoors, they multiply extremely fast.

It is currently estimated that for every one cockroach that you DO see in your home, that there are many more cockroaches that you Do Not see. One roach egg laid today can produce up to 40 new roaches in just 30 days.

Cockroaches survive by hiding in or under cabinets, behind baseboards, under flooring, in food products, in closets, and behind appliances, etc.

It’s not possible to starve out cockroaches even with perfect housekeeping. They can survive on anything from soap to toothpaste to miniscule crumbs you can’t find.

The first cockroach allergies were reported when skin rashes appeared after roaches crawled across patients in 1943.

It was not until 1959 that skin tests confirmed that people are indeed allergic to cockroaches. Sometime in the 1970’s, researchers discovered people who were allergic to cockroaches also developed acute asthma attacks.

Children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to cockroach allergens and asthma attacks. Cockroach feces, saliva, and their body parts all contain the potentially dangerous allergens.

To keep your home safer from the dangers of invading cockroaches, it’s important to have ongoing protection in place by a licensed pest control expert like Protex Pest Control.

For cockroach control and general Houston pest control, call Protex Pest Control today –

Kingwood / Houston Pest Control – 281-440-5355

The Woodlands / Spring Pest Control – 281- 370-4772

Montgomery / Conroe Pest Control – 936-273-0505

Tomball / Cypress Pest Control – 281-370-4772

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX — Bed Bug Control

Bed Bug Bites | Protex Pest Control Houston

Bed Bug Bites on Woman's Back

Answers For Texas College Students About Bed Bugs –

With approximately 266 colleges and universities throughout the great state of Texas, and thousands of attendees, it stands to reason that at some point in time, bed bugs will rear their ugly heads in colleges report pest control companies in Houston .

Here are some commonly asked bed bugs questions and answers…

What do bed bugs look like?

Bed Bug Photo | Protex Pest Control Houston

Bed Bug Control is a Growing Concern in Colleges in Houston and throughout the U.S.

Adult bed bugs are brown in color.

Once they receive a blood meal they turn reddish in color. Nymph (younger bed bugs), are smaller in size and are light brown.

Once they feed, they will turn bright red and are easy to spot. Bed bug eggs are very difficult to see as they are very tiny and are whitish/translucent in color.

Who is susceptible to picking up bed bugs?

Everyone! Despite the fact that bed bugs do not jump or fly like other types of insects, they have evolved over the years into master hitchhikers. College students, even those who are not staying in a dorm or off-site campus apartment, are at risk of picking up bed bugs.

Where are bed bugs found on a college campus?

Because bed bugs are hitchhikers, they can be transmitted by humans from place to place. Any place that humans frequent can be subject to bed bugs. College classrooms, libraries, cafeterias, student lounges, dorms, computer labs, etc. can all serve as a nesting site for a wayward bed bug that is awaiting its next victim.

How can avoid bed bugs at college?

Knowing how to identify bed bugs is the first step in avoiding picking up the critters. Always keep book bags, purses, and laptop bags sealed shut and be on the lookout for the insects at all times.

If you believe you spotted bed bugs, save a sample for professional identification. Notify college administrators to your concern. Many colleges have adopted protocols for college bed bug situations that include inspection and appropriate treatments.

Should I try treating a bed bug infestation on my own?

No! A new study has proven that store bought bed bug sprays and foggers are not effective at killing bed bugs at any stage in their development. The only safe way of properly eradicating a bed bug infestation is to call in a professional.

For expert bed bug control and general Houston pest control , call Protex Pest Control today —

Kingwood / Houston Pest Control – 281-440-5355

The Woodlands / Spring Pest Control – 281- 370-4772

Montgomery / Conroe Pest Control – 936-273-0505

Tomball / Cypress Pest Control – 281-370-4772

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX — Crazy Ant Control

TexasA&MCrazyAnt | Protex Pest Control

Houston Crazy Ants Population Exploding

Rasberry Crazy Ants Driving You Bonkers?

Despite their interesting name, the Rasberry crazy ant is not particularly fond of eating raspberries.

And Raspberry crazy ants actually received their name from the gentleman (Tom Rasberry – not raspberry) who discovered the pesky exotic invaders in 2002 report Houston pest control experts.

The “crazy” part of their name likely comes from the fact that they do not act as other ant species do and once they invade a home or business, they display an erratic, aimless, excited meandering behavior.

Maybe they should be called crazy ants too because they tend to drive people crazy trying to eliminate them!

Since their invasion into the United States Rasberry crazy ants have been driving home and business owners mad once they have made their presence known.

Naturally, all ant invaders are annoying and unwelcome creatures when they make a nesting spot in your backyard. But once they move indoors, homeowners definitely want to defend their home sweet home with a vengeance. Yet, home and business owners are finding however, that the Rasberry crazy ants are the worst species of ant that they have ever encountered.

The Rasberry crazy ant does not burrow into wood like a carpenter ant does, nor does it build a nest underground like fire ants or other ants species do. Instead, they form nests inside of objects and under anything on the ground or patio from under leaf litter to stored items to yard debris.

And these ants are for some strange reason attracted to electronic equipment. There are countless reports of these crazy ants pouring into computers, televisions, stereos, appliances, transformers, air conditioning units, and other electrical devices.

Once they are inside, there is no easy getting them out and they may quickly disable electrical equipment.

Rasberry crazy ants have driven songbirds and wildlife from the ground and trees as they infest landscaping. These invasive creatures will even drive red ants away.

When given the choice of having red ants or Rasberry crazy ants as an outdoor pest, many Houston homeowners choose red ants! While the Rasberry crazy ant is a very invasive pest, it does not have a stinger, yet it can bite but rarely bites people.

Unfortunately, in the Houston area, the rasberry crazy ant populations will continue to grow rapidly as these ants have an incredible reproductive capacity.

Studies have shown, and many homeowners have discovered that over-the-counter pesticides do not work on Rasberry crazy ants. For more info, visit this link to Texas A & M University

These ants are a serious pest invader which requires the help of a Houston pest control expert.

Protex Pest Control can professionally treat your home or business for all types of annoying ants and pests including the relentless Rasberry Crazy Ant.

Crazy ant control does require special products, a series of treatments, and some patience, but substantial relief and control is absolutely possible for our crazy ants in Houston.

For expert ant control services in Houston, call Protex Pest Control today –

Kingwood / Houston Pest Control – 281-440-5355

The Woodlands / Spring Pest Control – 281- 370-4772

Montgomery / Conroe Pest Control – 936-273-0505

Tomball / Cypress Pest Control – 281-370-4772

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX – Wasp Control Houston

Red or Mahogony Wasp Houston - Protex Pest Control

Red or Mahogony Wasps Are Common in Houston

Watch Out For Houston Wasps and Hornets —

Pest control companies in Houston say that hornets and wasps are an important part of our ecosystem, but they are troublesome pests to have zipping around your garden, yard, doors and windows.

Having a wasp or hornet nest in your eve, in a tree, in the ground, or under the railing on the deck can diminish the enjoyment of your fun in the sun.

For many people, these insects not only pack a powerful sting when irritated, they also can pose a serious health hazard.

Allergic reactions to wasp, hornet and bee stings send more people seeking treatment in emergency rooms across the United States than any other type of injury. In fact, hundreds of people die in the United States each year due to the allergic reactions from the stings of these insects.

Houston pest control experts report that wasps are well known for their aggressive behavior. You should never chase or swat at a wasp or hornet to try to kill them as they will quickly turn their need to flee into fight and you will be stung.

Additionally, wasp nests can contain thousands of members, making them a formidable and very dangerous opponent.

Yellow Jacket Wasp Nest | Protex Pest Control Houston

Yellow Jackets are Aggressive Houston Wasps

Yellow jackets are most commonly found in the ground, but can also be under landscape timbers, in a wall void, or in a rock wall.

Yellow jackets are very aggressive and will quickly attack if they feel threatened. The female yellow jacket does the stinging, males do not. Pest insects don’t stand a chance against the rapid flight pattern of this predator.

Paper wasps are the least aggressive type of wasp. You’ll find their umbrella-shaped nest under eaves and ledges. Paper wasps gain their name by the paper like nests that they construct out of finely chewed wood fragments and salivary secretions.

Although paper wasps like the red or Mahogany wasp tend to be less aggressive, if they feel threatened they can render seriously painful stings.

Hornet Nest in Tree | Protex Pest Control Houston

Hornet Nest Treatment is a Dangerous Job even for Professionals.

Hornets build their nest in trees, bushes, or alongside of buildings. Like yellow jackets, hornets are known for their aggressive behavior when disturbed.

Hornet nests are very dangerous to remove because each nest can contain thousands of hornets.

Wasps and hornets are unpredictable creatures. Houston pest control experts agree that nests should always be eliminated in a specific manner and treated with great care.

For expert hornet removal and wasp control services in Houston, contact Protex Pest Control —

Kingwood / Houston Pest Control – 281-440-5355

The Woodlands / Spring Pest Control – 281- 370-4772

Montgomery / Conroe Pest Control – 936-273-0505

Tomball / Cypress Pest Control – 281-370-4772

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX – Mosquito Control Houston

Feeding Mosquito

Mosquitoes in Houston Cause West Nile Virus Concern.

West Nile Virus Hits Houston as Mosquitoe Population Grows –

Maybe what they say is true…everything IS bigger in Texas!

The recent major outbreak of West Nile Virus that has hit the State of Texas has taken residents by surprise.

Previous years of drought conditions, coupled with recent rainy conditions have proven to be the perfect environment for these bloodthirsty pests report pest control mosquitoes companies in Houston.

Mosquitoes eggs can lie in dried mud, empty river beds or on the shores of ponds or lakes, completely unnoticed. Many areas throughout Texas have what is considered to be “the perfect storm” of mosquito habitat and weather conditions which has allowed millions of mosquitoes to come to life, seemingly out of nowhere.

It quickly became apparent how bad the mosquito problem is in Texas as residents in many counties started becoming ill after being bitten by mosquitoes. Testing by officials has confirmed that West Nile Virus was the cause of many illnesses.

According to CNN Health on August 19, 2012 , the CDC has reported 693 cases of West Nile Virus in 32 states so far. Additionally, the virus has claimed at least 26 deaths.

Many people who contract West Nile Virus do not become ill. For those that do, initially the virus appears to mimic symptoms like the flu.

In a short period of time, some people with the virus become more ill. Recovery time can be considerable with the average time about 60 days. Some people even die.

As a result of the extreme amount of mosquitoes that are plaguing the residents in the Dallas area, officials have decided to commence with aerial spraying. The spraying is supposed to target the bloodthirsty pests and should not harm beneficial insects such as the honeybees and butterflies.

In the last few days, Houston has begun some night time aerial broadcast mosquitoe treatments mostly in the more heavily wooded north parts of Houston.

Mosquitoes have proven to be dangerous creatures in Texas this year. So take precautions to avoid outside as much as possible between dawn to dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

Wear mosquitoe repellants with deet when going out at night or visiting wooded areas during the daytime. Minimize standing water on your property as it takes only a capful to breed hundreds of mosquitoes.

If you are having trouble with Houston mosquitoes, or would like to schedule preventive treatments, call Protex Pest Control today.

For expert mosquitoe control services in Houston, contact Protex Pest Control:

Kingwood / Houston Pest Control – 281-440-5355

The Woodlands / Spring Pest Control – 281- 370-4772

Montgomery / Conroe Pest Control – 936-273-0505

Tomball / Cypress Pest Control – 281-370-4772

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX Bed Bug Control

Bed Bug by Rice for Size Comparison. Notice two small bed bug eggs lower right.

Don’t Let Bed Bugs Hitch a Ride During Your Travels —

Houston pest control professionals report that bed bug infestations  are on the rise in Texas and in other areas throughout the United States.

These tiny bloodsucking creatures have been around for centuries and were nearly eradicated in the United States in the 1940’s with the help of powerful pesticides such as DDT.

Many scientists believe that the 1970’s ban of DDT, the current lack of education about the bugs, and the ease of global travel has brought bed bug infestations back to life with a vengeance.

Pest control companies in Houston say that it’s quite easy to pick up bed bugs in most any place that you frequent. Bed bugs are sneaky and like to hide in tiny cracks and crevices and upholstered items.

Despite their name, you won’t always find them in a bed. Bed bugs can get transported via luggage, purses, backpacks, used furniture and even within some one’s clothing.  So, there are numerous ways they can be relocated and spread to unsuspecting locations.

Many office buildings, buses, airplanes, schools, hospitals, libraries, retail stores, college dorms, courthouses, theaters, and jails have had trouble with bed bugs over the past few years.

Bed bugs cross all socio-economic lines. Sanitation is not a contributing factor in the presence of bed bugs. They do not eat anything but blood as a food source.

Because of the constant change-over of guests, bed bug infestations have been a huge problem in hotels throughout the United States and abroad. Here are some tips to help you avoid bed bugs in hotels while you travel…

Bed Bug Travel Tips:

Immediately upon arrival, place your luggage in the bathtub. Bed bugs have claws that are used to grab rough surfaces so they are not able to crawl on slick surfaces.

Inspect all areas of the hotel room. (Pack a flashlight) Look for bed bugs, fecal matter, or their skins along floorboards, baseboards, in curtains, in nightstands, in dressers, behind the headboard, behind pictures, under lamps, and the entire bed…all the way down to the mattress.

Houston pest control professionals say that you should vacate the room and report your findings to management if you locate any evidence of bed bugs while you are traveling.

For expert bed bug eradication services in Houston, contact Protex Pest Control:

Kingwood / Houston Pest Control – 281-440-5355

The Woodlands / Spring Pest Control – 281- 370-4772

Montgomery / Conroe Pest Control – 936-273-0505

Tomball / Cypress Pest Control – 281-370-4772

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX – Tick Control

Tick Control in Houston TX - www.protexpest.com

Engorged Tick Feeding on Dog.

Avoid American Dog Ticks in Houston —

Houston pest control experts state that ticks are bad news not only because they’re bloodsucking creatures but, more importantly, because they can potentially cause serious heath concerns.

Ticks are hungry parasites that carry pathogens and diseases that are harmful to both humans and pets.

The American Dog Tick , otherwise known as the wood tick, has proven to be a problematic pest for people living in Texas.

Unlike the Deer Tick (a.k.a. the Blacklegged Tick), the American Dog Tick does not transmit Lyme disease but it is a vector of the pathogens that cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia. It can even cause canine tick paralysis.

American Dog Ticks are much larger than Deer Ticks by comparison. Adult male ticks are pale brown to grayish in color and are about 1.5 to 5 mm long. Females are even larger with sizes ranging from 2.5 to 7 mm long. Females are dark brown and have a cream colored dorsal shield.

Once a female American Dog Tick has a blood meal, her body can become an enormous 15 mm long and be up to 10 mm wide.

American Dog Ticks need three hosts in order to reach adulthood:

1. Once the larva hatches, these bloodsuckers will wait on the ground or in vegetation for the first small mammal that crosses their path. A mouse, vole, chipmunk, squirrel, etc. serve as the perfect American Dog Tick transportation vehicle.

2. After a four day blood drink-fest, the larva drops off its host and then molts before hopping back on a larger mammal such as a deer, or medium sized mammal. It again feeds, drops off the mammal, and molts.

3. After this is done, the nymph is then an adult tick. Its next host must be a larger target such as a dog, cow, or horse. Male adult ticks do not feed, but instead find a female to mate with while she is feeding.

Once the female is finished feeding, both ticks will drop off of their host so that she can lay her tick eggs (up to 4,000) in the soil.

Development – egg to egg – can be completed in three months, but each stage is remarkably resistant to starvation and the life cycle can be prolonged for up to two years. Unfed adults can live for 2-3 years allowing a liberal time-frame to find a passing victim.

Tips to Avoid Ticks in Houston:

Ticks like harboring around overgrown vegetation and wooded areas where they can launch onto or attach to passers by who visit infested areas. Keeping the lawn and foliage trimmed helps reduce favorite tick nesting sites on your property.

If you’re venturing into wooded, brushy areas, it’s best to wear long sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into your socks. Treating your clothes and skin with repellents can help avoid attachment.

When returning home from a visit to tick suspect areas, inspect your clothes carefully and as a precaution, you might want to toss them immediately into the wash.

If you do get a tick attached to you, remove it carefully so the head is not broken off and left embedded in the skin.

Treatment and Tick Control in Houston:

Successful tick treatment usually requires a three prong attack.:

1. Indoor treatment (requires more intensive treatment than fleas as ticks are often high up as well as on the floor level)

2. Outdoor treatment ( treatment focus especially to the taller foliage)

3. Treatment of dogs (if any).  Ask your Vet about the most effective pet products for remedial tick treatment and for preventive care.

Protex Pest Control can help you minimize the chances of contracting dangerous diseases and irritating  bites from American Dog Ticks by providing year-round pest control treatments to your residence.

For more information on tick control or to schedule pest control service, phone:

Kingwood / Houston Pest Control – 281-440-5355

The Woodlands / Spring Pest Control – 281- 370-4772

Montgomery / Conroe Pest Control – 936-273-0505

Tomball / Cypress Pest Control – 281-370-4772

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX Termite Control

Swarming Termites Houston TX

Winged termites emerge from subterranean nests to mate and start new colonies.

Termites love Houston homes — Are they dining on yours?

Termites are sneaky little pests!  Right under your very nose they will grow their army of insects into the millions waiting for the perfect opportunity to make their way to your home.

Termites can enter a structure through a crack or crevice as small as 1/64th of an inch. Because of their elusive behavior and tiny size, termites will often be able to nibble away at any structure that contains wood (which means all types of structures) without anyone even noticing that they are present.

Pest control companies in Houston say that often by the time a homeowner detects the presence of a termite infestation; termites are typically well-established and have caused harm to the structure that they have infested.

The eastern subterranean termites can be found in the southern states, throughout the eastern parts of the United States, as well as the Midwest.  These formidable pests build their massive nests underground with mud tunnels that connect to above ground food sources.

Termites are responsible for most of the damage to structures throughout Houston, Texas as well as other areas in the nation.

Year around, but especially during spring and summer, Houston pest control experts advise homeowners to keep a watchful eye out for termite swarms and the presence of mud tubes around the home or business.

Ants can sometimes build simular looking tubes up foundations but their tubing on close inspection is grainy as opposed to the termite’s smooth surface. Also, ant tubing often falls apart easily while termite tubing is firm. Breaking the tubing will often reveal some insects.

Ants have defined segmented body parts – head, abdomen and thorax but a termite’s body is cigar shaped without the pinched waist. There are other differences in the antenaes and the winged members of reproductive ants verses termite alates. Termite pros can help with an accurate identification of the insects.

Pest control companies in Houston can help you avoid the wrath of these silent destroyers by providing annual inspections and providing preventive termite treatments to protect your home or business.

Our pest control technicians are well-versed in termite behavior and biology, and detecting termite entry points.  They will be able to properly identify the signs of termite activity and will be able to devise a specific plan for prevention and control.

Don’t let your largest investment be damaged by termites! 

> Contact Protex Pest Control today for a safety termite inspection–

Pest Control Kingwood / Houston — 281-440-5355

Pest Control Spring / The Woodlands — 281-370-4772

Pest Control Conroe / Montgomery — 936-273-0505

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX — Bed Bug Control

Bed Bugs Houston

Bed Bug Problems Grow in Houston

Lawsuit Erupts Due to Houston Bed Bugs —

Bed bugs continue to make their appearance in cities both large and small across the United States report Houston pest control experts.

Widespread media coverage in the US warns consumers to be on high alert for the bloodthirsty pests when traveling. In recent years, even retail stores, movie theaters, doctors’ offices, and hospitals have battled the tiny little vampires.

Bed bugs are a scourge that nobody expects to receive when they buy or rent furniture. This however is exactly what a Houston woman is claiming occurred when she attempted to furnish her new apartment building.

Reported by My Fox Houston on May 21, 2012 , a woman claims that the furniture she rented from a Houston furniture company arrived with some unwanted houseguests…bed bugs!

According to her claims, the very day that the furniture arrived, the family began to receive painful itching bite marks. An investigation of the furniture revealed bed bugs crawling under the cushions of the couch.

A call to the rental company and promises to spray the furniture with “something better than raid”, made the woman believe that her pest problem would be gone. What she found was that the bed bugs did not die after the treatment procedure.

She demanded an immediate removal of the infested goods, but despite their removal, the short stay of the infested furniture resulted in the entire apartment being infested.

According to reports, because of the bed bug bites, the family has endured, hives, blisters, itching, welts, aching, dizziness, fevers, nausea, and has been diagnosed with scabies. Her young child has also endured several asthma attacks due to the pests.

With no help, acknowledgement, or apology from the rental company, the family has filed a lawsuit for damages within the Houston District Court.

Bed bug infestations are a serious matter, which can cause serious complications for some people report pest control companies in Houston. Check out our website to find out more information about bed bugs .

For more information on our pest control services, reach us at —

Kingwood / Houston Pest Control – 281-440-5355

Spring / The Woodlands Pest Control – 281-370-4772

Montgomery / Conroe Pest Control – 936-273-0505

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment
Stripped Bark Scorpion

Stripped Bark Scorpions are creatures of the night.

Pest Control Houston TX — Scorpion treatment

How To Help Prevent Scorpion Stings in Houston —

Like other areas in the United States, the state of Texas has a wide variety of pests that are bothersome to humans report pest control companies in Houston .

The near year-round warm temperatures make living conditions suitable for many different species of insects that would otherwise die off in other parts of the United States.

Scorpions are one pest that Texas residents do not relish coming across. According to Houston pest control experts, the most commonly found species in Texas is the striped bark scorpion.

Despite their relatively small size (only 2 ½ inches), both young and old scorpions will pack a powerful punch when they happen to deliver their painful sting.

Fortunately, our native Houston scorpion’s stings are not usually considered super dangerous. But the stings are painful and similar to a bee or wasp sting.  Children and the elderly may experience greater reactions to scorpion stings.

Scorpions are nocturnal creatures that spend their daytime hours in hiding. They consume spiders, small insects, centipedes, earthworms and other scorpions that cross their path.

Despite having many eyes, their eyesight is not reliable. Instead they rely on their sense of touch and exquisite hearing to capture their prey. Once they are in battle, their powerful pinchers and painful stinger prove to be deadly to prey.

To avoid scorpion encounters and painful stings you should:

  • Tap your shoes on the ground and shake them out to make sure that a scorpion has not made a home in them overnight.
  • Give your clothing a quick shake before dressing each day.
  • Turn garden gloves inside out or shake carefully to make sure that they are scorpion free.
  • When gardening, watch for scorpions under rocks, in cracks and crevices, or in burrows in the soil.

Most importantly, have a pest control company in Houston perform regular perimeter treatments of your property to help prevent scorpion enty into your home.

Visit our website to see the wide variety of pests that we provide extermination services for . Our experienced technicians will be able to identify your problem pests and find a solution to help you live pest free.

For quicker answers or to schedule service, call for —

Kingwood / Houston pest control – 281-440-5355

Spring / Woodlands pest control – 281-370-4772

Conroe / Montgomery pest control – 936-273-0505

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX – Little Black Ants Control

Little Black Ants often invade Houston and Spring TX kitchens and bathrooms.

The Little Black Ant – A Big Houston Problem…

The little black ant  is a pesky Houston ant. These ants are commonly found in wooded areas with nests in trees, stumps, brick or debris/wood piles or around logs.

You will also find little black ant nests in the cracks in cement, in lawns, circling structures and in open areas. Little black ants can be black, jet black or dark brown in color.

It is easy to spot little black ants as they are frequently seen foraging in trails along the sides of foundation walls and on sidewalks. Their tiny size (1/32 -1/8 inch) allows them easy access through any crack or crevice in a structure.

The little black ant is a common household invader in Texas report pest control companies in Houston . Once indoors they are known to set up their colony inside of wall voids, in wooden items, or in the area between the carpet and the walls. Little Black Ants are often noticed indoors as they trail about kitchen or bathroom counter tops.

They have a hunger for a wide variety of food substances, but meat (insects – dead or alive) is a favorite food choice. Being omnivorous, these annoying pests will eat meat, bread, sweets, fruits, vegetables, grease, and often plant secretions especially honeydew on plants.

An indoor invasion of little black ants is very annoying as the ant colony typically contains about 2,000 ants that are active both day and night.

The little black ant colony can have two are more queens and the population ranges from moderate to large. These ants have unevenly rounded bodies with no spines. They have a stinger, but it is so tiny that it is mostly ineffective and they pose no threat as a stinging or biting ant.

At the onset of the mating season, both the queens and the males do have wings. After mating occurs, the females will shed their wings and the males will die off.

Because of their small size and nesting prowess, it is best to hire a Houston pest control  professional which can provide effective relief options for little black ant infestations as well as other pest problems.

For expert pest control services, Call Protex Pest Control today —

Houston-Kingwood Pest Control – 281-440-5355 

Pest Control Woodlands or Pest Control Spring TX – 281-370-4772

Visit www.protexpest.com for more pest info.

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX — Fire Ant Control

Houston Fire Ants - Protex Pest Control

Houston Fire Ants -- You don't want these in your home or up your leg!

Fire Ants Turn Up The Heat In Houston

Why are fire ants called fire ants? Anyone ever experiencing fire ant stings can tell you stings feel like a mini injection of fire!

Where do fire ants come from? Like the hundreds of other invasive pests that have taken up residence in various parts America, fire ants are not native to the United States.

Pest control companies in Houston say that it is believed that these pests likely arrived in the US around the 1930’s via the port of Mobile, Alabama. Originating in South America, red and black fire ants have been spreading like wildfire since they hit America’s shoreline.

Red imported fire ants now infest more than the eastern two thirds of the state of Texas including Houston and some parts of the west.

Entomologists do not believe that full eradication throughout the state of these invasive pests is possible, but controlling them near your living environment is achievable.

Texas entomologists report being besieged with erroneous pest control advice about home remedies that supposedly kill fire ant colonies.

In an effort to find out if various proposed home treatments are effective or not, the Texas AgriLife Extension Service conducted their own non-chemical test studies according to a fire ant report published on March 7, 2011.

Here is a sampling of some of the studies that were suggested and completed…

• Pouring 2 cups of club soda down the center of a fire ant mound. Results: No ants died. But, there was “impressive bubbling action.”

• One cup of coffee grounds over the fire ant mound. Results: No ants died after 30 days of observation.

• One tablespoon of ground cinnamon sprinkled on the fire ant mound. Results: More fire ant activity in the 30 days of observation.

The overwhelming results from the test studies were that these home fire ant treatments have proven ineffective at killing these invasive pests.

The best way to control fire ant colonies is by carefully using commercial pesticides. Hiring an experienced Houston pest control  expert with proven experience in dealing with the invasive pest is your key to successfully eliminating them.

Protex Pest Control is able to accurately treat fire ant mounds and provide a protective barrier around your home so that foraging fire ants do not make their way indoors.

We can also apply a special fire ant control material  to your yard to help protect against new mounds for one full year! Guaranteed.

Help protect your family and pets from painful and dangerous fire ants — 

Call us today for details or to schedule service – 281-370-4772 or 281 440-5355.

Visit our site @ protexpest.com for more pest info.

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX – Mosquito Control

Feeding Mosquito

Mosquitos in Houston are a big problem nearly year 'round.

Mosquitos Have Been A Houston Pest Control Problem For Decades —

Mosquito  troubles are not new to the Houston area, and in fact they have been an big ongoing problem for many years.

The Schenectady Gazette reported on August 27, 1964 that Houston residents were under serious attack by the bloodthirsty pests.

According to the report, “thousands of residents worked to eradicate female mosquitos blamed for 216 suspected cases of encephalitis – sleeping sickness- since May 12,” where 18 deaths from the disease had already occurred. At that time, other areas in Texas were not faring well against the pests either.

Fast forward to 2012 and add in the threat of West Nile Virus to the mix, and you can see why Houston residents have a potentially dangerous pest that is honing in on their flesh!

Here’s some tips to help eliminate mosquitos around your home:

• Make certain that all standing water is eliminated outdoors as it will provide a breeding ground for mosquito larvae. Make certain to empty all buckets, toys, old tires, watering cans, trash cans, wheel barrows, etc..

The water in bird baths, kiddie pools, pet water bowls, and the like should be emptied a couple of times per week to eliminate the possibility of mosquitos multiplying by laying eggs in the standing water.

• Keeping grass cut short will help eliminate places for mosquitos to hide.

• Keep gutters free of debris will eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.

• Fill ruts and holes in the yard that can gather water when it rains.

• Keep your yard free of leaves. Mosquitos will take advantage of the cup-like shape of leaves and will lay their eggs in the water that gathers in the leaves accordingly.

Experienced Pest control companies in Houston  will be able to help keep mosquitos at bay.

Having regular pest control treatments where the perimeter foilage of your property and other resting/breeding areas receives treatment is an important step in keeping mosquitos suppressed.

Take back your home and patio from hungry mosquitoes! Call today and get on our mosquito treatment plan to minimize biting mosquitos around your place.

Call now > 281-370-4772 or 281-440-5355 —

Or visit us at www.protexpest.com for more pest control info.

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX — Termite Control in Houston

Termite damage is often hidden.

Termites damage your home from the inside out -- often leaving only a shell.

 Are termites playing hide and seek in your Houston home?

Termites  are sneaky little pests!

Right under your very nose they will grow their army of insects into the millions waiting for the perfect opportunity to make their way to your home. Termites can enter a structure through a crack or crevice as small as 1/64th of an inch.

Because of their elusive behavior and tiny size, termites will often be able to nibble away at any structure that contains wood (which means all types of structures) without anyone even noticing that they are present.

Pest control companies in Houston  say that by the time a homeowner detects the presence of a termite infestation; termites are typically well-established and have caused harm to the structure that they have infested.

The eastern subterranean termites can be found in the southern states including Houston, throughout the eastern parts of the United States, as well as the Midwest. These formidable pests build their massive nests underground with mud tunnels that connect to above ground food sources.

They are responsible for most of the insect damage to structures throughout Texas as well as most other areas in the nation. As the springtime approaches, Houston pest control experts advise homeowners to keep a watchful eye out for termite swarms and the presence of mud tubes around the home or business.

Houston pest control companies can help you avoid the wrath of these silent destroyers by providing annual inspections and providing preventive treatments to protect your home or business.

Our pest control technicians are well-versed in termite behavior and biology, and detecting termite entry points. They will be able to properly identify the signs of termite activity and will be able to devise a specific plan for prevention and control.

Don’t let your largest investment be damaged by termites! —

Contact Protex Pest Control today for a safety termite inspection. Call 281-370-4772 or 281-440-5355. www.protexpest.com

Posted in Pest Control | Leave a comment

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 — Roach Control

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
Termite Control in Houston - Protex Pest Control

Houston Is Heavily Infested With Termites

Pest Control Houston TXTermite 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.

Protex Termite Control Houston

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.

Termite Control - Protex Pest Control Houston

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 Swarmers in Houston - Protex Termite Control

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 Houston - Protex Pest Control

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.

For termite inspection, termite control, or general pest control in the Houston area –

Call Protex Pest Control today >

Kingwood / Houston Pest Control – 281-440-5355

The Woodlands / Spring Pest Control – 281- 370-4772

Montgomery / Conroe Pest Control – 936-273-0505

Tomball / Cypress Pest Control – 281-370-4772

For more termite control information see:

Termite Swarmers in Houston

Are You Encouraging Termites?

Posted in Termite Control | Leave a comment

Pest Control Houston TX – Termite Control Houston

Termites Love Wood Siding - Protex Pest Control Houston

Termites Love To Devour Tasty Siding

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.

Call Protex Pest Control today at >

Kingwood / Houston Pest Control – 281-440-5355

The Woodlands / Spring Pest Control – 281- 370-4772

Montgomery / Conroe Pest Control – 936-273-0505

Tomball / Cypress Pest Control – 281-370-4772

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 Control

Bed Bugs Houston

Bed Bug Problems Grow in Houston

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.

For bed bug inspection, bed bug treatment, or general pest control in the Houston area –

Call Protex Pest Control today >

Kingwood / Houston Pest Control – 281-440-5355

The Woodlands / Spring Pest Control – 281- 370-4772

Montgomery / Conroe Pest Control – 936-273-0505

Tomball / Cypress Pest Control – 281-370-4772

For more bed bug information see:

Houston Bed Bug Facts and Fictions

Houston Bug Bite or Am I Imagining It?

Travel Tips To Avoid Bed Bugs

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