The Alvin Pest Control, LLC Blog

Our customers at Alvin Pest Control are always asking us about stinging insects. Their questions include how to tell them apart, how to avoid them and what to do if they’re stung. With that in mind, here are the facts about insects that sting. What Are They? Stinging insects are those insects that are venomous and have the ability to inject that venom into a prey or threat through a stinger or other body part. The venom is meant to paralyze or even kill prey and discourage predators and other threats. Interestingly, only the females of bees and wasps sting. Their stinger is actually a type of ovipositor, an organ that would usually allow for the passage of eggs. But ants and even the caterpillars of some moths can sting. Are They Beneficial? Insects that sting are often amazingly beneficial to life on the planet. Bees are such important pollinators that many crops...

You may not have a rodent problem right now, but that does not mean that you can’t have a rodent infestation in the future. Pest control plays an important role in not only getting rid of pests in your home, but also in preventing pests from getting back into your home in the future.  If you reside in Alvin, Houston or the Galveston area, here are a few tips on rodent prevention for your home.  Clean Up Food Sources Rodents come into our homes for shelter and food. All they need is a few crumbs of food on a floor or counter to give them enough incentive to stay. One of the best ways that you can keep rodents out of your house is by cleaning up and getting rid of their food sources.  Make sure that you clean your kitchen counters and floors after every meal. Wipe down your counters...

The thought of finding a tick attached to your loved one, pet, or yourself is unnerving. With so much going on in the world today, thinking about ticks seems far down on the priority list. However, don’t underestimate the danger ticks can bring. They carry a variety of serious diseases, and their ill-effects can be debilitating and lifelong. Protect yourself and your family by learning about the importance of checking for ticks. Understanding Common Threats The following two conditions have been linked to tick bites for years. Many have suffered and even lost their lives due to these hazards: Lyme disease is an inflammatory condition that initially causes flu-like symptoms of chills, fever, and headaches. The more severe effects manifest themselves years later, including arthritic, neurological, and cardiac disorders. These effects have all been traced back to the microscopic bacteria carried by ticks. In extreme cases, the damage can be fatal. ...

The arrival of summer means that it’s time to soak up the sun and enjoy the great outdoors. Unfortunately, it’s also the prime time of year for many pests to come out. Texas is no exception when it comes to the presence of pesky bugs. Read about the most common insects you can expect to see in the summer. Mosquitoes Mosquitoes are most known for their relentless biting that leaves behind itchy, red bumps. Unfortunately, they can also carry and transmit dangerous diseases and viruses. Mosquitoes thrive in humid environments and are most active at dusk and dawn. Along with applying mosquito spray, you can help minimize bites by wearing long-sleeved clothing and avoiding areas with standing water. House Flies While house flies may seem less harmful than other pests, their rapid reproduction rate makes these insects a nuisance. In the worst of cases, they can carry diseases and transmit them...

There might be nothing scarier to a homeowner than the threat of termites. These little pests can infest your home and, if not checked in time, do serious damage. While most homeowners are well aware of termites and the damage they can bring, many forget that there is another insect out there that also attacks the wood in your home: carpenter ants. While these might not be as destructive as termites, they can still cause major damage to a home if left untreated. The question, then, is how does a homeowner tell the difference? Below are some helpful tips that can help someone make an informed decision. Appearance Carpenter ants and termites have, at first glance, a similar appearance. They resemble what someone might refer to as an “ant with wings.” Both of these bugs are ant-shaped, and they both have wings. In this case, the main difference is the size...

With the warm springtime weather rolling in and with summer almost here, this is the time of year when we catch pests, insects, and all sorts of critters trying to invade our homes. One of the most common invasive insect species that many people deal with during this time of year are ants. Today, we are going to give you an overview of why ants get into your home, how they usually get in, and some simple ways that you can prevent ants from invading your home. Why Ants Invade Your Home One thing that we can all confirm about ants is that they love sweets. This is why kitchens tend to be the primary point of your home that ants like to invade. With that, ants are always on the move, searching for food and water. Since our kitchen is the most common area that they can find both, they’ll...

Ants are tiny magicians. They appear out of nowhere and then disappear again. Ants cost you plenty in contaminated food, damage, traps, and sprays. They also rob you of your peace of mind. How are ants getting into your house? Check the following common entry points for clues. Look outside To know how ants are getting into your home, go outside. Examine your yard, mulch, landscape timbers and firewood for nests or colonies. As soon as ants emerge from their hiding places, they are on the hunt for necessities found in your home: food, shelter, and water. Once a nest or hiding place is located, look for lines of ants that will reveal their paths of entry. Search for cracks or gaps in the seams of your home that may serve as entryways. Inspect Attached Areas Next, inspect the basement, crawl spaces, and garage. Using a flashlight, look around dripping water...

The first step in securing your home from pests is an inspection. While there may be apparent signs of pest infestation, an inspection is necessary in order to safely determine what pest control methods are needed. At the minimum, you need to have an inspection once a year. This helps you to get a baseline idea of where you’re at when it comes to pests. If your area is more susceptible to pests, then you will want to have it done more often. For example, if your home has a history of termite infestation, then you may want to have it every six months. Why Have A Pest Inspection Having your home inspected will save you money by giving you information about what’s happening. You will know what pests are present as well as any damage that has happened. A proper inspection gives you an idea of which areas to look...

Many people who have BBQs in their backyards enjoy them so much they would like to invite the entire town. However, there are certain kinds of guests that no one wants at a BBQ, yet which always seem to be inviting themselves: Insects. Pests like flies and mosquitoes can quickly turn a fun event into a hassle as people try to swat them off of their bodies and their plates. As annoying as bugs are at a BBQ, there are many easy methods of keeping them away. Keep these tips in mind when you’re preparing for your next BBQ party. Use the Charcoal One of the easiest ways to keep ants away from your BBQ is by using charcoal. All you have to do is take a few pieces out of the bag, crush them into a powder, and spread it around the perimeter of you and your guests. Ants won't...

The very word ‘skunk’ has become synonymous for something foul-smelling, and for good reason. Skunks are mammals that are able to secret an odor so powerful it can deter a bear, and they can accurately spray this sulfuric smelling liquid over fifteen feet. Furthermore, it’s so strong that you can detect it for up to five miles. If you’ve been sprayed by a skunk, you’ll quickly find out why these animals are so notorious. You’ll also want to do anything you can to remove the smell as quickly as possible. Not to worry though, there is a treatment. Here is how to eliminate skunk odors and how to avoid another attack. Skunk Smell Treatment The terrible odor is the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks about a skunk, however, the smell can be remedied. The best way to take care of skunk spray odor is by combining one...

Extreme winter temperatures are a natural deterrent for pests, causing a decrease in their population. This is the perfect time to prepare for the onslaught of bugs and insects that will swarm during the beginning of spring. The following are some steps that you can take to prevent an invasion of pests from overtaking your business or your yard and home. Prepare Your Home Smaller bugs and insects search for ways to make an entrance into your home or business. This can be easily prevented by sealing cracks and holes throughout the foundation the building. Try to avoid leaving food out for an extended period of time, including garbage cans. Pests will be attracted to the smell like magnets. Protect your valuable items against humidity and dust, because this will also serve as an attraction. Bugs and insects are drawn to areas with high levels of moisture. Areas like a garage...

Remember the adage, “A man’s home is his castle”? Bring this saying into modern times, and it can still be said that any homeowner wants to feel safe and secure at home. Just as a castle was guarded and equipped with barriers to keep out enemies, your home must be fortified against all types of raiders, including the six-and-eight legged varieties. You need the same level of forethought, action, and surveillance to be sure that your home is properly protected. Consider these three main methods to fortify any home against insects and pests. Keeping Pests Out The best offense is a good defense. To develop an effective line of defense against tiny invaders, you must think like the enemy. Take a tour around your property to see where you might unwittingly be inviting the culprits into your home. Move plants away from your foundation. Trim shrubs and trees so that they...

What many people consider to be the most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner! Everyone has their own way of enjoying the holidays with their loved ones. You may have a tradition of making delicious desserts or putting up decorations. But have you ever thought that the holiday traditions you take part in may be attracting or bringing in unwanted pests into your home? Here are some common holiday traditions that attract the most pests. Pumpkin Do you have your home ready for October festivities yet? One of the most popular decorations for Halloween is the pumpkin. It can be painted, carved or simply left alone for a nice added touch in your home or on your front porch. However, one thing you don’t want from a pumpkin is for it to attract pests. Pumpkins that are off the vine and uncarved can generally hold up between...

With autumn comes the cool tranquility of colorful arrangements of leaves, pumpkins and the knowledge that many of the pests that plague us during the spring and summer will soon be dying. The onset of fall may rid us of several types of nuisance pests, but one we can’t sleep on is the bed bug. When is Bed Bug Season? Bed bugs are more active and travel better in the spring and summer, but does this mean bed bugs die off in the fall and winter? Unfortunately, they do not. In fact, most bed bug infestations are discovered in the fall. Bed bugs do a lot of travelling during the summer while people vacation in potentially infested hotel rooms. While they may spread at a high rate during the summer, bed bugs often go unnoticed for a few months. Bed bugs are tiny and it’s unlikely you are going to see...

In Texas, we have around 900 species of spiders. Finding them in your home can be very frightening and distressing. Most spiders are considered venomous, but only a few, such as the black widow and the brown recluse, normally cause serious health problems. Common Reactions to Spider Bites Usually, you will not notice when a spider bites you. A red bump may appear at the location of the bite. Most people do not have any reactions. For those who have allergic reactions or sensitivity to insect bites or stings, symptoms are more likely. Here are some of the more common effects of spider bites: Swelling and redness Skin discoloration Pain and tenderness Fever and headache Stiff joints and muscle aches Other less common symptoms include hives, nausea and anxiety. When deciding to seek medical treatment, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Spider bites can lead to infection as...

Silverfish are a species of insects which are not commonly brought up during conversations about pest control, despite being extremely common. Because not very many people have even heard of these pests, it can be difficult for them to recognize the signs of a silverfish infestation, or understand how silverfish can damage their property. To help you stay on your guard, here is a brief description of silverfish and some way to know if you have them in your house. What are Silverfish? Silverfish are actually pretty interesting creatures. They have roamed the earth long before the dinosaurs, and some scientists estimate that they are around 400 million years old! An impressive track-record. Despite their appearance, they are fortunately not directly harmful to humans. Some people may be allergic to the skin they molt, but otherwise they don’t bite and rarely carry germs. What they do harm, however, is property. Silverfish...

If you are a homeowner, then it is very likely that at one time or another, you will experience a pest infestation in your home. Perhaps you feel as though it isn’t a big deal and that you could handle it easily on your own with items bought from the grocery store. Before trying do-it-yourself pest control treatments, read on for more information about why it is important to contact a professional pest control company when you have a pest issue. DIY Sometimes Is Not Enough While do-it-yourself pest control can be effective for a short amount of time, it tends to not be effective for the long term. You may feel as though you can save more time and money by trying to do home remedies or do-it-yourself solutions. However, you can save yourself future hassles and potentially save more money if your pest issue is handled correctly the first...

Termites have been on earth far longer than humans have been and, chances are, they will still be here long after we are gone. They may be small - they are even smaller than average ants - but together in large groups they can cause major damage. Some experts estimate that they cause as much as five billion dollars in property damage in the United States each year. Termites wreak havoc because they survive by eating the cellulose found in dead plant material, and so they love chomping away at your home’s walls and support beams. If left unchecked, termite colonies can cause damage that is not just unsightly, but that is dangerous as well. How to Identify a Termite Problem Often, the destruction that termites are doing in your home is hidden, and you may not even know you have termites until something collapses. This is scary to think about,...

Squirrels might be cute when hanging upside down from your bird feeder trying to get the seeds or corn, but a nest of squirrels living in the attic or walls of your home is a whole other matter. Welcome to the world of nuisance wildlife. Many animals want your home to be their home, as they escape the winter cold or the summer heat. Nuisance wildlife and humans do not co-exist well in the home. Trapped animals can feel threatened and become aggressive, and these animals can also present disease and other dangers to your family. Types of Nuisance Wildlife Squirrels are common in our region of Texas and are known for invading homes in search of a warm nesting place. These pests frequently find a way into your attic, where they can chew through and damage electrical wiring. Bats are also common in Texas. All bats love dark, secluded and...

Bugs have been around for millions of years, so they have been swift to develop a sense of human dependency considering that we involuntarily provide them with food and shelter regularly. From cockroaches to ants, there are a wide variety of bugs that discreetly use our homes as a place to eat, live and lay their eggs. To help keep bed bugs at bay, here are three fundamental techniques that you should try to follow as closely as possible. Clean Regularly Bugs are attracted to food, so be sure to clean and vacuum the home on a regular basis so that bugs aren’t able to sense any. When keeping the kitchen clean, don’t leave out any dirty dishes, close any opened snack bags and keep garbage bins closed. As soon as bugs such as ants notice there is food around, they will start to look for it around your home. With...