Residential Pests and Weather’s Impact on Control
ATX Pest Podcast: Episode 18 – Weather-Related Pest Activity on the Rise
Welcome to Episode 18 of the ATX Pest Podcast! Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s been on everyone’s minds: the surge in pest activity due to recent weather changes. After a busy few weeks, I felt it was time to address the growing concerns many of you have about pest populations in our area.
Why Are Pest Populations Surging?
This year, we experienced significant rainfall and storms, including the residual effects from hurricanes along the coast. This led to flooding and increased moisture in the environment, creating ideal conditions for pests to thrive. While we had a milder start to the season, a recent string of weeks with temperatures soaring above 100 degrees has dried things out. As a result, pests are becoming more active, seeking food, water, and shelter.
Common Pests This Season
In recent weeks, we’ve seen an increase in calls regarding:
Scorpions: Initially, these were the primary concern, but their numbers have fluctuated.
Earwigs: Many homeowners have reported unexpected earwig sightings.
Ants: As expected, ant activity is on the rise.
American Cockroaches: Also known as water bugs or palmetto bugs, these have become a top concern in the past two weeks.
Understanding Pest Behavior
As the weather continues to dry out, pests are seeking out moisture sources. This is especially true for common household invaders like earwigs and crickets, which thrive in moist conditions. When they find moisture indoors, their populations can rapidly increase. It’s essential to recognize that pests are not just entering your home at random; they are drawn in by the conditions they find there.
The Importance of Home Maintenance
A critical aspect of pest control is ensuring your home is sealed properly. This is why we’re excited to announce the introduction of high-quality door seals at EvoFoam Pest Control. These seals are designed to withstand pest intrusion, particularly from rodents, and will not be chewed through thanks to their durable metal construction.
How Pests Enter Your Home
With temperatures outside hitting the 90s and beyond, pests are naturally attracted to the cooler environment inside your home. If there are gaps around doors and windows, they’ll find their way in. This is where our door seals come into play, creating a barrier to help keep pests out.
The Role of Professional Inspections
Often, homeowners will notice pests in areas like kitchens and bathrooms, leading them to believe they’re coming up through drains. In reality, these pests may have fallen into sinks or bathtubs while searching for moisture. Regular inspections can identify underlying issues, such as humidity or moisture problems that contribute to pest activity.
For instance, one of our recent inspections revealed that a homeowner was experiencing a significant American cockroach problem due to moisture issues related to construction damage. Our technician identified the source of moisture and recommended installing a dehumidifier, which should greatly alleviate the problem.
Why Choose a Knowledgeable Pest Control Provider?
It’s crucial to partner with a pest control service that provides thorough inspections and advice. At EvoFoam Pest Control, we believe in educating our clients about pest management strategies and the importance of maintaining a pest-free environment. We conduct comprehensive inspections that assess your home’s vulnerability to pests and recommend appropriate solutions.
Frequency of Service
When it comes to pest control, understanding your needs is vital. If you find that quarterly services aren’t meeting your expectations, consider discussing increased frequency with your provider. Your tolerance for pest activity may be lower than what a standard quarterly service can address.
Conclusion
In summary, the recent weather has played a significant role in the rise of pest activity in our area. If you’re experiencing issues, remember that effective pest control starts with understanding the root causes and taking proactive steps to mitigate them.
If you have questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at EvoFoam Pest Control at 512-588-2998. Mention this podcast for a special discount! Thank you for tuning in, and we look forward to helping you keep your home pest-free.
https://cns.utexas.edu/news/features/what-will-extreme-weather-events-mean-texass-favorite-bugs
