The Alvin Pest Control, LLC Blog

When it comes to pests in your home, you may wonder if you're able to get rid of them yourself. You may not want to spend the money and investment to bring in a professional, but it is often the best course of action. Whether or not you should bring in a professional really depends on the kind of pest and the extent of the infestation. When to call in a professional to handle your pests If you have termites Termites are hard to handle on your own. Their colonies and infestations are hard to find and they can cause damage to structures even before you realize that you have a problem. At the first sign of termites or mud colonies near the foundation of your house, make sure to call a professional. Professionals are able to recommend treatment and also keep them from coming back. If you have wasps Wasps...

Is everything bigger in Texas? Based on the size of the following insects, this popular phrase definitely proves to be true. Let’s take a look at the largest bugs in the state. Tarantula Hawk Measuring out at around two inches in length, tarantula hawks are some of the largest wasps in the world. Known for having an incredibly powerful sting, these giant wasps can take down a tarantula in mere seconds. Although tarantula hawks are definitely scary bugs, they don’t usually attack humans. Unsurprisingly, provoking a tarantula hawk makes you far more likely to get stung. Giant Water Bug Because of their sheer size and gruesome-looking claws, giant water bugs have a quite intimidating appearance. Understandably, they tend to trigger a great deal of fear. Insect-liquefying venom enables a giant water bug to transform its prey into mush. The good news is that giant water bugs spend most of their time...

Silverfish don't inflict as much damage as termites or carpenter ants, but they can cause significant harm. These small, creepy insects often invade attics, kitchens and bathrooms. Their unusual diet may result in repair bills or time-consuming projects. Wallpaper If your house has wallpaper, these bugs might consume the paste that attaches this material to the walls. This behavior could cause your wallpaper to peel. Silverfish may also stain the paper with a yellowish fluid. Insulation When this pest takes up residence in an attic or wall, it will eat the insulation's paper lining. This coating exists to prevent condensation from forming. Consequently, silverfish may eventually cause mold to develop in your walls. Fabrics These insects can damage many types of carpets, rugs and curtains. Most materials are vulnerable to silverfish. They eat silk, wool, linen and cotton. Additionally, this pest devours rayon because it contains cellulose. Silverfish tend to harm...

The autumn months can be pleasant, and many people will enjoy this season by having outdoor picnics or barbecues. This is a great way to spend time with family and friends, but this can also attract several types of outdoor ants as well. When you understand the different species of ants, you can take effective measures to deal with their colonies. Identifying Ants in Autumn Correct identification of ants is an important part of any comprehensive ant control plan. There are several techniques used to identify the particular species of ant that is infesting your area. The first method is the close examination of the color on the body of the ant. The most common colors are red, black and brown. Sometimes, the colors will tell you about the behavior of other ants in the area. For example, biting ants usually have a different color on their body segments than the...

Business owners face a unique regulatory environment when it comes to pest control. It is very important to understand the differences between pest control for businesses and residential properties before making a decision based on your particular requirements. Business owners need to protect their reputation, which can become compromised in the event of a pest infestation. This can reduce the amount of profits, and it can even lead to the closing of the business in some cases. Common Pest Control Issues For Business Owners Our services and informational content is designed to assist business owners who need to make decisions about pest control in a timely and efficient manner. Our service professionals are always prompt, and they are fully informed about the different methods for business pest control in your area. Save money and time by considering these top issues for business owners: We investigate the entire property to determine the...

If you are like other people who are excited about summer, you plan many events and make the most of each day. You could have travel plans so that you can visit friends or family, or you might want to take an unbeatable vacation. No matter what you would like to do, getting the most from your summer requires you to learn about bed bugs and how you can keep them away. Unless you have a plan in place, bed bugs can strike without warning and make you feel hopeless, and the best way to safeguard yourself and your home is to prevent them from getting inside. Read Online Reviews Going somewhere that already has bed bugs is one of the top ways you can bring them back into your home, so you must check online reviews before you visit a restaurant, theatre or hotel, which will help prevent unwanted surprises....

If you see ants in and around your home, you might wonder how you can tell what type of ant you have. There are more than 16,000 species of ants in the U.S. However, there are substantially fewer ant species that are found in Houston, Galveston and the rest of the Gulf region and even fewer that are known to infest homes and businesses. It is important for you to correctly identify the ant species with which you are dealing so that you can use the appropriate treatment methods for them. Fire Ants Fire ants are especially problematic because of the dangers that they present to humans and animals alike. These ants are red ants that bite. If you are bitten by fire ants, you will feel a burning and stinging sensation. These ants inject an alkaloid venom that can cause serious reactions in people. They establish nests in sunny, warm...

If your goal is to protect your home from the unthinkable so that you won't face costly repair or replacement costs, don't overlook the red flags of a termite infestation. When these pests get into your home, they can cause a lot of damage without warning, and you can't afford to let them catch you off guard. Many people are shocked when they see how much trouble termites can cause, but you can avoid that situation when you arm yourself with the right information. Discarded Wings An overcrowded termite colony will send flying swarmers out to find a new place to infest, and you could end up on the wrong side of an invasion if you are not careful. The good news, however, is that you can spot discarded wings when swarmers are trying to take over your home. They usually shed their wings near common entry points, so you might...

A study by University of North Dakota researchers shows that the mosquito species Aedes vexans, which is native to North America, can transmit Zika virus.I contracted Zika in late July 2016 in the Commonwealth of Dominica (small island in the Caribbean).  At the time I was in Dominica I took pictures of the mosquito I was being bit by (see below). I sent the pics off to confirm but never got an ID. The reason I did was that the entire time I was in the country I never saw a Aedes -  aegyti or alobopictus (striped) mosquito (these mosquitos at the time were the only known carriers of the Zika Virus). So study now confirms that there is another species transmitting this virus. My belief is that the mosquitos in Dominica were Aedes vexans. What does this mean to us? This breed of mosquito has the ability to have a much...

Zika Virus & Mosquitos 4 Things You Need To Know By: Jackie L. Thornton Associate Certified Entomologist The Zika Virus is a rare mosquito-borne disease that has made its way to the United States. Because of the disturbing images of what this pathogen can do to newborn infants, it has certainly piqued our interest. I have compiled a list of 4 things that may help understand a little more about this disease. The perspective of this article comes from a 35 year pest professional and an Associate Certified Entomologist, not from a medical field perspective. 1. The Mosquitos that transmit this virus are already here in the U.S. Yes, the most common carriers of this virus are the Asian Tiger Mosquito (aedes albopictus) and the Yellow Fever Mosquito (aedes aegypti) . These are of our more “daytime” fresh-water mosquitos and they are infamous for also carrying the virus for Dengue & Yellow fever and Chikungunya viruses to name a few. 2. What...

Bats at 70′ vertical.   Yes, bats are on the move and in full swing! We recently did a bat exclusion at the Brazoria County courthouse.