fire ants

  1. Long-Lasting Fire Ant Control

    During the winter, fire ants are far less active. Even if you have a mound, it is likely the ants are further underground and not actively foraging. Risks for bites at this time are reduced, as even stepping on a mound -- while never recommended -- will not result in the typical swarming behavior. Ants will surface, but are typically slower and fewer in number. But as spring arrives, it is a good …Read More

  2. Insects in Austin, TX

    Hundreds of people are moving to Austin to join our large population ... of bugs. People often research neighborhoods, schools and cultural attractions but a city's insect levels and activity may not be included in that pre-move investigation. We published a detailed Austin insect list previously, but here is a quick primer of pests our customers often encounter in their Austin homes: American Roa…Read More

  3. Ants In The Home

    There are dozens of ant varieties around Austin and Central Texas. Usually ants and humans co-exist relatively peacefully, but when these tiny crawlers show up indoors, all bets are off. Ants can quickly go from a few "here and there" to "where are these &*@#'s coming from and why are there so many of them??!" As anyone who has left out a greasy morsel or a sugary crumb can tell you, ants can …Read More

  4. Ants with Wings

    When temperatures warm up during spring and summer around Austin, the chances of seeing winged "swarmer" ants becomes more likely. Swarmers are ants that leave an established colony to breed. When they swarm can vary, but according to the "Insects in the City" blog they get a sense of when to leave a colony and swarm based on multiple factors — including weather and wind conditions, day length a…Read More

  5. Do You Need a Pest Control Contract?

    Pest control has a long history, longer than you may realize. Ancient Sumerians are considered the first to use "chemical" pest control means, employing sulfur mixtures as insecticides. Shortly after, the first Sumerian Pest Control salesperson knocked on a door and mentioned they'd have some technicians in the neighborhood and if you just sign up here for a yearly pest service ... Ok, maybe not q…Read More

  6. Fire Ants Still?

    Even though temperatures are cooling, we're still getting quite a few calls for fire ants. Many people associate treating fire ants with summer activities and being outdoors, but fall is actually a great time to focus on fire ants. In fact, now is the ideal time because it will keep them in lower numbers over the winter and into spring, making it easier to handle them down the road. According to T…Read More

  7. 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

  8. Fire Ants In And Around Austin

    It’s getting hotter and drier in Central Texas and this means more fire ants! Most people are staying at home and in their yards this summer, so it’s a great time to treat fire ants to ensure your outdoor areas are safe for your family and pets. About Fire Ants There are a few different species of fire ants around Texas and Austin but regardless of the type, they can be a painful nuisance if y…Read More

  9. 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

  10. 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