Blog

  1. Mosquito Update – Control Options!

    We came across this article from a few years ago which has relevant tips and great advice on how to control mosquitoes! While it's been a bit hotter and sunnier now, the recent rains could mean another burst of mosquito activity around Austin. The solution isn't to cover your yard in dangerous sprays that can drift all over and hurt other, helpful insects but to instead control the source. This in…Read More

  2. Can You Seal Out Bugs?

    Is it possible to "pest proof" a house? Exhibit A: New homes with everything still sealed up well are likely to get fewer bugs than an older pier-and-beam house that may have gaps and openings all over. Exhibit B: Most bugs can crawl through millimeter-sized openings. For example an American roach can squeeze through just 3mm — about the size of two stacked pennies. Scorpions reportedly can get …Read More

  3. Why Do I Have Bugs?

    Austin homeowners sometimes call us and say "I have bugs, but it doesn't make sense because we're really clean," to which we point out "Ok, but what about that bag of potato chips you left on the counter last night?" Just kidding. We don't judge. While we do say that cleanliness is important (thanks, Mom!), we also let people know that you can have a spotless home without even a crumb lying around…Read More

  4. Fire Ant Decapitating Flies?

    Fire ants may be the official pest of Texas. For over a century now they have invaded ranches, yards, campgrounds and they even march into homes. They swarm, bite, sting and inflict pain, allergic reactions, itches and even make you dance like a maniac and shake your legs after you step on a mound. Long story short, they are terrible. But what if you could get revenge on fire ants without using an…Read More

  5. BTI for Mosquito Control

    Mosquitoes seem to be particularly bad this year but there are products you can put in your yard that really work! BTI is an excellent, safe example. BTI is an abbreviation for Bacillus Thuringiensis subspecies Israelensis. It's a natural bacterium found in the soil and has toxins that only target mosquito larvae (as well as blackfly and fungus gnat). BTI has no toxicity to people and is even appr…Read More

  6. Light Strings and Ants – Highway to the Danger Zone?

    Light strings are pretty, popular and a perfect way to get wood ants onto your home! Wood ants include carpenter and acrobat ants. These are larger than sugar or fire ants, and have nests in trees, stumps, logs, rotting wood and other wood that is higher moisture and softer. Unlike fire ants they typically crawl high up on surfaces. This can include your home! Basically they will move from those o…Read More

  7. Fleas in the Summer

    Fleas can be a year-round issue but in the summer it can get even tougher! People (and their pets) are more active with traveling, going outdoors, pets being kenneled or visiting other areas and fleas could be picked up and brought back. Plus some other animals become more active which can bring fleas into your yard or area without you knowing it. The good news is that not all signs of fleas on yo…Read More

  8. Is It A Mouse or a … Cockroach?

    Did you know it can sometimes be difficult to tell mice and cockroaches apart ... when looking at just their droppings? You can file this article under "things you didn't expect to read today." But it's true. Many customers call in when they see droppings around their house and think they are mice droppings. But the American roach (the big suckers that come in from outside) can leave similar size …Read More

  9. Flies and Gnats

    We've gotten a lot of calls about flies and gnats and other winged annoyances zipping around people's houses. The first thing to do with these is to look for the source! They thrive on organic material so check to see if you have some nearby. If that stays there, even if you swat or spray or just swear at them, they'll still come around. That source could be anything from a small decaying animal l…Read More

  10. Fire Ants In Austin

    Fire ants are as "Austin" as great barbecue and live music but not nearly as beloved. Unfortunately, they are here to stay. But they can be controlled! So you don't have to live with them in your yard. After all the rain Austin has had recently, you may start seeing fire ant mounds pop up in your yard. These piles can show up after wet periods because the ants build them to help regulate the moist…Read More