It’s been one hot summer. Months of record high temperatures have brought waves of intense heat, leaving much of the Southwestern United States in severe and extreme drought.
Such hot and dry conditions often send pests on a mission to find water, which unfortunately sends them into our homes and living spaces. These conditions have caused ants in particular to be a major problem this year for homeowners, along with spiders, scorpions, and hornets.
In Texas, where exceptional drought covers more than 75 percent of the state, the Rasberry Crazy Ant has been rapidly increasing its range throughout the southeast region with the intent on making our homes and yards an ant hill. This invasive species is seeking water and food sources and continues to multiply, spreading through everyday activities such as garbage disposal or the transfer of infested materials.
These tiny pests have already wrecked havoc in cities like Houston, causing a greater problem than simply being an annoyance. While these creepy crawlers are not known to bite, they have a tendency to nest in air conditioning vents, washer and dryer outs and other electric equipment, potentially causing costly structural and electrical damage to homes and other buildings.
To help keep a home free of these pesky critters, a good tip is to limit standing water inside and around the house—including sinks, flower pots, bird baths, and rain gutters.
Protect your home by sealing cracks and repairing leaky lines. Watch out for the first signs of invasions, and treat the problem before it gets out of control.
Don’t fall victim of pests. National Inspect and Protect Week is just a couple weeks away, so stay tuned to Debug the Myths, for more tips and information about controlling pests in your home environment. Contact us if you have any questions about pest problems in your region.
