general information

  1. Hackberry Gall Psyllids

    Are you seeing a large number of small "jumping" insects gathering on your siding, windows or front doors? If you have hackberry trees in your yard or Austin neighborhood these are likely "hackberry psyllids." They resemble miniature cicadas and are particularly abundant in late summer and fall, especially on warm days. The insects are attracted to lights at night and, at about 3/16" long, are sma…Read More

  2. What’s That Bug?

    Wondering what that bug is in your bathroom, living room, kitchen or patio? If you didn't already stomp it into the next dimension, we can help. We often get calls from Austin residents with vague descriptions of bugs. Some favorite terms used to describe them include "gross", "ewww" and "what-the-heck-is-this-thing??". And while interesting, none of those words or sounds help us identify the pest…Read More

  3. Winter Bugs In Austin?

    If you're new to Austin (or even if you're not) you may be wondering what bugs are present during the "colder" months here. And while we introduced our "Austin Pest Guide" a couple weeks back to answer the question "What kind of bugs are there in Austin?", the next question we're tackling is "when" are the bugs most active in Austin. Summer. Alright, thanks for reading. Ok, just kidding — mostly…Read More

  4. What Kind of Bugs Live In Austin?

    Since 2010, Austin has been the fastest growing city in the United States, and is adding over 5,000 people per month on average including both births and migrations. An unofficial recent estimate puts the city population above 1,000,000 — the 11th U.S. city over one million. Before new residents arrive from out of town, they usually search for the best neighborhoods and schools. But what they pr…Read More

  5. WOOD ANTS: HOW TO TREAT CARPENTER AND ACROBAT ANTS

    As Austin temperatures rise, we get more calls about ants crawling on people’s homes. These are typically wood boring ants such as carpenter ants or acrobat ants. These ants do not eat wood like termites do, so structural damage is usually minimal, but they can be tough to deal with if left untreated. If left alone for too long, they can show up inside the home. Swarming Wood Ants Are you seeing…Read More

  6. Right Now is a Great Time to Apply Nematodes!

    If you suspect that your yard may be infested with fleas, beneficial nematodes are a good choice for control. They are microscopic worms that are broadcast into the soil. They feed on flea larvae and can also help with fire ants, white flies, grubs among other undesirable lawn pests. If you pull white socks over your ankles and walk around the yard for a few minutes you should be able to see fleas…Read More

  7. When Is The Ideal Time for Fire Ant Baiting?

    Fire ant baits are an effective, low toxicity option for dealing with fire ants, but they need to be applied under the correct conditions. The bait should be applied when the ground is dry and the fire ants are foraging. We want the ants to take a viable amount of bait in the first couple of hours after application while it is fresh. The ideal soil temperature is between 70-95 degrees at 1” belo…Read More

  8. Spartan Mosquito Eradicator

    Finally, a promising non toxic mosquito control product! The Spartan Mosquito Eradicator is a uniquely effective, long-lasting, continuous mosquito control product. Spartan Mosquito Eradicators do not require batteries or electricity, just water! Just fill the tube with water and hang a couple at the perimeter of the area in need of eradication. The active ingredients are attractive to mosquitoes …Read More

  9. Easy and Safe Do It Yourself Flea Treatments

    Whether or not you are aware of fleas in your home, regularly vacuum and launder areas where your pet rests. If you have a major flea problem, wash and/or treat your pet and follow the steps below. Locate heavily infested areas (usually areas where the pet rests) and concentrate cleaning there. Wash pet with shampoo(doesn’t have to be medicated) Wash throw rugs and pet bedding. Vacuum upholstere…Read More

  10. House Geckos

    House geckos are often found in the yard or on the home. They are beneficial because they eat pests, including cockroaches. Most people don’t mind having them on the home but do not like it when they find one inside. The best way to keep them out is to seal cracks around windows/doors with caulk and handle other potential entry points. These reptiles lay eggs and lose their tail as a defense mec…Read More