Are bed bugs common in Houston?
Houston has ranked as one of the top cities with the most bed bug treatments and cases in previous industry reports. Renters or homeowners facing a bed bug problem should reference the resources provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services, and hire one of Houston’s top-rated bed bug exterminators to treat the problem.
How much does an exterminator cost in Houston?
The top exterminators in Houston have different prices for their services, but you might find some who have estimated costs that are as low as $50 to $75. However, you should expect this price to change depending on your situation. For example, the treatment you require will impact the price you pay — termite control and bed bug extermination are significantly more expensive than general pest control. Another factor is the severity of the infestation.
For more information, read “How much does an exterminator cost?”
Please note: All cost estimates are accurate at time of writing and are subject to change. For the most accurate, up-to-date cost estimates for your specific project, get free estimates from pros near you.
How do I choose a pest control company in Houston?
Conduct an online search to view the best exterminators in Houston. Compare pest control company reviews to gauge a company’s level of expertise, customer care and value. Exterminator reviews may also contain valuable before and after photos.
You’ll also want to make sure you choose a reputable company with the proper credentials. Pest control companies in Houston are required to have a license to operate, according to the Texas Department of Agriculture.
After nailing down the top pest control companies in Houston, it’s time to start asking for free estimates. Receiving an estimate of how much pest control services will cost you can help ensure you’re getting the best deal.
What kind of pests and bugs are in Houston?
Cockroaches, mosquitoes, termites, bed bugs, rodents, fleas, ticks, spiders, scorpions and ants are examples of the types of pests you may encounter in Houston.
Get in touch with Houston’s top exterminators and get rid of your pest problem today. They can also help you prevent pests from invading your home.
What are the signs of pests in your home?
Signs of pest infestations vary by the type of pest. Here are a few signs to watch out for when it comes to some of the most common pests:
- Ants: Stray ants walking around or large numbers congregating, wood shavings, ants emerging from hidden crevices, ant nests
- Rats or mice: Droppings, chewed objects and wires, scampering noises, holes in walls and floors
- Cockroaches: Cylindrical droppings, brown smear marks, live cockroaches
- Fleas: Small and dark spots on your pet’s skin, your pet starts scratching excessively, pepper-like “flea dirt” in bedding, carpet or furniture
- Bed bugs: Droppings in the seams of your mattress, rusty/reddish stains on bed sheets, bites on your skin
- Termites: Mud tubes, wood-scented droppings, small holes in walls, peeling or bubbling paint, wood damage
- Bees or wasps: Excessive number of bees and wasps, dark patches on the walls or ceilings, and papery nests or hives under roof eaves, behind shutters, on balconies or in garden sheds
If you notice any of these signs in your house, contact the best exterminators near you.
How often should pest control be done?
This depends on several factors, including:
- The type of pest
- The severity of the invasion
- Your home’s characteristics
- The quality of the pest control company’s work
In some cases, you might require pest control services three to four times a year. Or, you might need services monthly or every few months.
Talk to the best exterminators near you to get an idea of what type of service you need — and how many times you’ll need follow-up treatments.
How do you get rid of termites?
The best way to get rid of termites is to act fast. Termites are a problem that will only get worse — and no matter how much you want them to, they usually don’t magically move out on their own. There are three main types of termites: drywood, dampwood and subterranean. Drywood and dampwood termites sneak through cracks in your exterior paint, nail holes, and gaps near windows and other openings and begin to eat through your wood. Subterranean termites enter your house from the ground up by creating mud tunnels. In all cases, they survive by eating the wood of your house. The type of termites you have can steer the treatment plan.
Methods of termite extermination include fumigation, use of pesticides, and use of natural elements that are poisonous to the bugs. The extent of your termite infestation will help determine the treatment method. If you have drywood or dampwood termites that have infiltrated all aspects of the wood in your home, the pest control pro may recommend enclosing the whole house in a tent and gassing the termites via fumigation. If you have subterranean termites, often the entire footprint of the home must be treated by drilling liquid treatments into the slab or foundation of the home to exterminate the colonies. In any case, once you see signs of termites, it’s time to take action and call a pest pro.
How much does it cost to get rid of cockroaches?
Cockroaches are not only ugly, they are difficult to get rid of. Quick and resilient, they can be hard to get rid of without professional help once they have inhabited a house. Nationally, the average range for cockroach pest control cost is $80-$130. Extermination professionals typically provide a free estimate to determine the extent of the infestation. They’ll check for the main sources of the bugs, identify bug access and entry points into your home, and determine the best method for elimination. There are a variety of cockroach extermination tools including gel baits and traps, pesticide foggers, desiccants (which dry out the cockroaches), neurotoxins, and other pesticides. Pest control costs can also cover preventive measures like regular spraying and trap maintenance. Some regions of the country are much more prone to cockroach problems than others, so pest control costs may need to be part of your quarterly budget. Cockroaches love dark, humid, and warm areas and water sources, so place traps near your washer and dryer and under your sinks.
Do I need to leave the house for pest control?
It depends on the type of pest control service you require. Your exterminator can often tell you beforehand which products they’ll be using and where they’ll be applying it.
If the pest control company will be applying toxic chemicals, limit your exposure, according to the National Pesticide Information Center. For example, consider leaving your house during application and ventilate your home thoroughly when you return. And always keep your pets and their supplies away from the applied pesticides.
Talk to pest control companies near you for advice on what you should do while they’re treating your home for pests.
How do you get rid of ants?
The best way to get rid of ants is to hire an ant exterminator near you. The exterminator can also help you find the source of the problem that’s drawing ants into your home.
After they’re done treating your home, you can invest in ant baits to keep infestations at bay. It’s also important to take preventative steps to avoid ants.
For example, always clean up crumbs and wipe down surfaces to eliminate potential food sources. Regularly take out the trash, fix leaky pipes, store your food in sealed containers and seal cracks near your kitchen cabinets.
Here are more tips on how to get rid of ants (for good).