Winter Critter Prevention Checklist

Cooler temperatures and shorter days means the critters of Texas will be looking for a warm place to stay during winter time.  With some proper preparation and exclusion work, you can avoid having unwanted guests during the holiday season.

1. Seal Entry Points

• Inspect Foundations: Check for cracks or gaps in your foundation and seal them with caulk or foam. Use copper mesh in weep holes, roofing gaps, or anywhere you’re trying to keep bugs out.
• Check Windows and Doors: Ensure all windows and doors close tightly; use weatherstripping or door sweeps if needed.  You can always add more and build it up slightly if you have big gaps to seal.  It’s also a bonus since it will help keep cold air out.
• Close Gaps: Look for gaps around pipes, vents, and cables entering your home. Seal with caulk or steel wool.  Remember that steel wool will rust within a few hours of moisture, so if it will be a visible area opt for stainless steel or another type of mesh or foam.
• Check Power/Cable Lines: Rats and squirrels can make their way from trees to your home by following the power lines to the roof.  Have them inspected periodically for gaps and cracks that may allow rodents into the attic.  Also check gable vents for proper mesh sealing and make sure there are no gaps in soffit vents, or soffits that are coming apart creating gaps.  Rats only need a gap the size of their head (3/4”) to fit their body through.

2. Maintain Your Yard

• Trim Vegetation: Cut back tree branches and shrubs that are close to the house, as they can provide pathways for critters.  Also look for broken or weak tree limbs that may fall during freezing weather.  A tree limb falling onto a roof means all the little varmints that live in that tree are on your roof now!
• Clear Debris: Remove piles of leaves, wood, or other debris that can harbor pests.  Blow or mow leaf piles so they do not provide shelter for bugs. 
• Keep Mulch Away: Maintain a distance between mulch and your foundation to reduce nesting spots.  Keep mulch light and avoid piling it higher than 4-6” so you don’t create moisture problems.
• Keep Firewood Away: Firewood should never be stored up against the house.  It should be at least 20-25 feet away to avoid all the wood destroying insects from infesting.  Even worse is when customers bring firewood into the living room for winter, bringing ants and termites along with it.  It is inconvenient but try to only bring in enough firewood for that day.

3. Store Food Properly

• Secure Pet Food: Store pet food in airtight containers and avoid leaving it out overnight.  I recommend customers keep pet food in hard plastic containers with strong lids year-round.  If you feed deer or other wild animals, it’s even more important to keep their food in super-sealed containers to keep raccoons and other scavengers from getting too close to your home.
• Seal Pantry Items: Use airtight containers for pantry staples and clean up spills promptly.
• Dispose of Waste: Keep outdoor trash cans tightly sealed and away from the house.

4. Create a Barrier

• Install Screens: Use fine mesh screens on vents and chimneys to prevent critters from entering.  Check the chimney flue to make sure it operates properly and will close all the way.  This helps keep cold air out and keep wild animals from entering.
• Check Gutters: Ensure gutters are clean and directing water away from your home to prevent moisture issues.  During ice storms gutters that are full of leaves and acorns will freeze and get really heavy and can let loose.  Ask me how I know!

5. Inspect and Maintain

• Regular Inspections: Routinely check your home for signs of pests, such as droppings or gnaw marks.  Use mesh around overhead garage doors since these doors usually do not seal very tightly.
• Check Storage Areas: Look in attics, basements, and garages for signs of pests or potential entry points.  Black lights are good for showing animal urine spots in those areas as well.  A cheap black light flashlight is a good tool to keep on hand.

6. Climate Control

• Adjust Temperature: Keep your home’s temperature consistent; extreme fluctuations can attract pests.
• Use Humidity Control: Use dehumidifiers in damp areas to reduce moisture levels, which can attract pests.

7. Educate Household Members

• Awareness Training: Teach family members to report any signs of pests or potential entry points immediately.  The colder it gets the more animals and pests will try to get inside.

8. Consider Professional Help

• Pest Inspection: If you suspect a significant pest issue, consider hiring a pest control professional for a thorough inspection and treatment plan.  You can also be proactive and have an inspection done before winter time, like you would with a heater check-up before the weather gets cold.

By following this checklist, you can significantly reduce the chances of winter critters finding their way into your home. Regular maintenance and vigilance are key to keeping pests at bay!  As always, give us a call if you need your house inspected.

If you want to get rid of ants in your house or ants in your pants we’ve got you covered!  Actually I’m not too sure about the ants in the pants though.  Ants are a very common household pests, and their presence can quickly turn from a nuisance to a significant infestation. While they play a vital role in the ecosystem, their intrusion into our homes can lead to various problems, including contamination of food and potential damage to property.   Some of them are just pests and make a mess!  In this article, we’ll explore effective methods for getting rid of ants in your house, preventive measures to keep them out, and how to manage an infestation sustainably.

Understanding Ant Behavior

Before diving into methods for elimination, it’s essential to understand why ants invade our homes. Ants are social insects that thrive in colonies, which can range from a few dozen to millions of individuals. They enter homes in search of food, water, and shelter, often following scent (pheromone) trails laid by other ants. Identifying the type of ant you’re dealing with can be beneficial, as different species may require different treatment strategies.

Common Household Ants

1. Sugar Ants: Attracted to sugary substances like sodas and usually wander the countertops.
2. Pavement Ants: Typically nest outside but may enter homes in search of food.
3. Odorous House Ants: Produce a distinctive odor when crushed and are often found near food sources.
4. Fire Ants: Known for their painful stings, they can be aggressive and need immediate attention.
5. Carpenter Ants: Wood-destroying ants that can cause structural damage to your house.

Step-by-Step Guide to Eliminate Ants

1. Identify the Source

The first step in controlling an ant infestation is to locate the source. Observe their movements to find where they’re entering your home. Look for trails and entry points such as cracks in walls, windows, weep holes, and doors. This will help you target your efforts more effectively.  Also check for tree limbs or shrubs touching the house providing access points for the ants.  If you need help with identification you can always email or text us a picture so we can help!

2. Clean Up Food Sources

Ants are attracted to food, so eliminating access to it is crucial:

• Seal Food: Store food in airtight containers and refrigerate perishables.
• Clean Spills and Crumbs: Wipe down countertops, tables, and floors regularly to remove any food residues.
• Take Out the Trash: Dispose of garbage regularly, ensuring that bins are sealed tightly.

3. Use Natural Deterrents

Before resorting to chemicals, try natural remedies to deter ants:

• Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it to entry points and trails. The strong smell disrupts their scent trails.  It can also be applied to drains to help eliminate breeding grounds for other insects like drain flies.
• Citrus Peels: Place citrus peels around entry points; ants dislike the smell of citrus.
• Essential Oils: Essential oils like peppermint or tea tree oil can be effective. Mix a few drops with water and spray it around the house.
• Diatomateous Earth: A powdery substance that can be applied around the house to cause silica-like cuts in the ants bodies causing them to dry out and perish.  Can be applied in a bead around entrances or the entire foundation.

4. Set Up Baits

If natural methods fail, consider using ant baits. These are often more effective than sprays because they target the entire colony:

• Choose the Right Bait: Different baits work for different species. Sugar-based baits work for sweet-toothed ants, while protein-based baits are more effective for those that prefer protein. Some ants change their tastes based on their needs for that season or time of year.
• Types of Baits: Generally gel baits are sweeter for ants coming in for sugar or moisture.  Granular baits are for ants coming after carbohydrate or grease food sources.  Some ants like carpenter ants tend to prefer granular baits almost all the time.
• Placement: Place baits near ant trails but away from children and pets. The ants will carry the bait back to their nest, ultimately killing the colony.  This usually takes a few weeks since most baits are slow-acting so the ant has time to return to the colony to share before it dies.

5. Seal Entry Points

Once you’ve started to eliminate the ants, focus on preventing future infestations:

• Seal Cracks and Crevices: Use caulk to seal any openings around doors, windows, and the foundation of your home.  Fine copper mesh can be applied to weep holes to keep ants from entering.  Check window drain holes also as that is a common entry point.
• Install Screens: Make sure windows and vents are equipped with screens to keep ants out.
• Maintain Your Yard: Keep plants and debris away from the foundation to reduce potential nesting sites.

6. Monitor and Maintain

After taking steps to eliminate the ants, it’s important to monitor the situation:

• Regular Inspections: Check areas where you previously noticed ants and inspect for any signs of new activity.
• Continue Cleaning: Maintain a clean environment to reduce attractants.
• Reapply Natural Deterrents: Regularly spray natural deterrents around potential entry points.

When to Call a Professional

If your efforts to eliminate ants are unsuccessful, or if you’re dealing with a severe infestation, it may be time to call in pest control professionals. They have access to more effective and longer lasting treatments and can provide a thorough inspection of your home to identify and eliminate the problem.  Most (but not all) of the ant problems I encounter can be remedied with one treatment.  Plus I have a truck full of all the goodies they like to eat and share with their colony!

Preventive Measures

To avoid future ant problems, consider implementing these preventive strategies:

• Regular Cleaning: Keep your kitchen and dining areas free of food debris.  Take trash out of the house regularly.
• Store Firewood Properly: If you have firewood, store it away from your home to reduce nesting sites for ants.
• Landscape Wisely: Avoid planting trees and shrubs too close to your home, as they can provide pathways for ants.
• Remove Attractants:  Cat food and hummingbird nectar will draw ants towards your house and should be kept as far away as possible.  I always recommend my customers hang hummingbird feeders on its own post in the yard instead of mounting them to the eaves of the house because they ants will always find them.

Getting rid of ants in your house requires a combination of observation, cleanliness, and strategic application of treatments. By understanding their behavior and taking proactive measures, you can effectively manage and prevent ant infestations. Whether you opt for natural remedies or professional help, persistence is key.  Be sure to give us a call if you need help eliminating your ants problems!

Subterranean termites are a formidable foe for homeowners, capable of causing significant damage to wooden structures and foundations. These pests thrive underground and can go unnoticed until the damage is severe. Fortunately, there are effective strategies to prevent these wood-destroying insects from invading your home. This article outlines practical steps you can take to protect your property from subterranean termites.

Understanding Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites live in colonies that can number in the millions. They build their nests in soil and require moisture to survive. Unlike other types of termites, such as drywood termites, subterranean termites typically enter homes from the ground up. They can travel through mud tubes, which they construct to maintain moisture while navigating between their nest and food sources.  If you break open these mud tubes, you will see small larva-looking workers traveling along in the tubes.

Prevention Strategies

1. Maintain a Dry Environment

Termites thrive in moist conditions. Keeping your home dry is one of the most effective prevention methods. Here are some steps to ensure your home remains moisture-free:

• Fix Leaks: Regularly inspect and repair leaks in plumbing, roofs, and basements. Ensure that gutters and downspouts are functioning properly to direct water away from the foundation.  Many times termites are found during bathroom remodels.  If bath traps are not sealed with concrete or tar and plumbing pipes leak, that will draw termites to the surface and they will find your wood framing.
• Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation in attics, crawl spaces, and basements to reduce humidity. Use fans or dehumidifiers if necessary.  Crawl spaces also should be as dry as possible.  While doing an inspection I found a water leak from a pipe just last week.  There is no telling how long it had been leaking.
• Drainage: Ensure proper drainage around your home’s foundation. Grade the soil to slope away from the house, preventing water accumulation.
• Seal Entry Points

Termites can enter your home through tiny openings. To minimize this risk, inspect your home for potential entry points:

• Cracks and Gaps: Seal cracks in the foundation, walls, and around windows and doors with caulk or expanding foam. Pay special attention to areas where utilities enter the home.  Termites have been known to tunnel up the drain pipes in crawl spaces or the grounding straps under pier and beam homes.  They can also enter weep holes on stone houses.
• Joints and Interfaces: Ensure that any joints between building materials are tightly sealed to prevent access. Another access point I have seen is when a slab is poured up against an existing slab for a room addition. This small gap that is usually filled with a wood expansion joint will lead to a future infestation because it is now hidden inside a wall.
• Termimesh is another preventative mesh product applied around plumbing penetrations during the home-building process that is effective in preventing termites from ever entering a structure.  It can be done in addition to a boric acid treatment for complete protection that will last a lifetime.
• Remove Wood-to-Ground Contact

Wood in direct contact with soil creates an easy access point for termites. Follow these guidelines to reduce the risk:

• Foundation Inspection: Ensure that wooden structures like decks, fences, and porch steps are at least six inches above ground level.  Also make sure landscape materials like rock and stone are not above the foundation.  This blocks weep holes and also buries the base of your wall underground where termites reside.
• Wood Storage: Store firewood, lumber, and other wooden materials at least 20 feet away from your home and elevate them off the ground.  Termites and other wood destroying insects will decompose the wood and eventually find more wood in the form of your house!
• Landscaping Considerations

Your landscaping choices can impact your home’s vulnerability to termites. Here are some landscaping tips:

• Mulch Management: Avoid using wood mulch directly against your foundation. Opt for alternatives like rubber mulch or stone.  Avoid over-mulching just like the example of bringing stone too high above the foundation.
• Tree Trimming: Keep trees and shrubs trimmed back from the home to reduce moisture accumulation and prevent easy access for termites.  This also allows for a better inspection for the technician that is looking for termite activity.
• Routine Inspections

Regular inspections are vital for early detection of termite activity. Here’s how to go about it:

• Professional Inspections: Hire a pest control professional for an annual termite inspection. They have the expertise to identify signs of infestations.  They can also distinguish between termites and ants, which some homeowners mistake for each other.
• DIY Checks: Periodically inspect your property for mud tubes, discarded wings, or damaged wood. Look for soft or hollow-sounding wood, which can indicate termite damage.  Mud tubes on drywall around plumbing pipes is also another sign of infestation.  I always encourage customers to look around their foundation for mud tubes periodically and I do more throrough inspections every year or two, and also check the foundation as I treat the perimeter.
• Use Termite-Resistant Materials

When building or renovating, consider using materials that are less attractive to termites:

• Concrete and Steel: Use concrete and steel for foundations, posts, and beams where possible.
• Pressure-Treated Wood: When using wood, opt for pressure-treated options that are less susceptible to termite attacks.
• Chemical Treatments

While prevention is key, some homeowners may choose to use chemical treatments to deter termites:

• Termiticides: Consult a pest control professional about applying termiticides around your home’s perimeter. These chemicals can create a barrier that termites cannot cross.  The treatment involves digging a small trench around the entire foundation then treating it with liquid termiticide.  These treatments will give you termite control for 5-7 years on average. Beware of pest control operators who use subpar products for a very cheap price! 

• Boric Acid: This is a less toxic option that can be used in certain areas. It acts as a stomach poison to termites when ingested.  Orthoboric acide is mixed with water to become a liquid form that is applied to wood framing during the construction process or remodeling.  It will also kill termites that try to tunnel over the treated wood.  The best part of this treatment is that is will last the lifetime of the wood as long as it is not exposed to moisture.

Conclusion

Preventing subterranean termites requires vigilance and proactive measures. By maintaining a dry environment, sealing entry points, managing landscaping, and conducting routine inspections, you can significantly reduce the risk of termite infestations. Consider professional assistance for inspections and treatments, and stay informed about the best practices for termite prevention. With these strategies in place, you can protect your home from the destructive forces of subterranean termites and ensure your property remains safe and sound.

Here are some common misconceptions about pest control that many people have:

1. One Treatment Is Enough: Many believe that a single treatment will eliminate a pest problem, but effective pest control often requires ongoing monitoring and multiple treatments.  Around Canyon Lake and New Braunfels the scorpions are so prevalent that one treatment does not even begin to eliminate or control them.  Sometimes monthly service is needed just to gain control of the high populations of certain insects and arthropods!
2. DIY Methods Are Always Effective: While DIY pest control can be helpful for minor issues, many infestations require professional intervention for effective resolution.  Certain pests like termites, German roaches, chiggers, fleas, ground hornets, and others require professional products and equipment.  Anyone can grab a can and go to spraying, but a professional knows where and how to apply products, as well as how to eliminate the issues.  Knowing the biology and life cycles of the pest is part of controlling them.
3. Pest Control Is Only for Infestations: Some think pest control is only necessary when there’s an obvious infestation, but preventive measures are equally important.  Trimming trees, shrubs and vegetation away from the foundation keeps certain pests from infesting in most instances. Many pests can be prevented just by using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques.  Exclusion, habitat modification, and excess moisture remediation are all super effective pest control strategies that can be implemented at any time whether there is an infestation or not.
4. All Pest Control Products Are Safe for Humans and Pets: Not all pest control products are safe; some can pose health risks if not used correctly. It’s crucial to read labels and follow instructions.  As a pest control operator, we are taught to not use the “safe” word.  When properly applied by a trained, licensed professional in accordance with the label, there is very little risk to the applicator and customer.  There are some very unsafe ingredients in pet shampoos and flea collars.
5. Pest Control Means Chemical Sprays: Many people believe pest control is solely about chemical pesticides. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) includes non-chemical methods, such as habitat modification and biological controls.  Fleas can be controlled with vacuuming frequently and bathing pets with dish soap, so a chemical application is not always needed.  Modifying the habitat is the most natural, eco-friendly way to control pests while maintaining safety, but not always possible.
6. Baits and Traps Are Ineffective: Some assume that traps and baits won’t work, but they can be very effective when used properly and in the right locations.  I like to use glue traps for catching scorpions as they enter a building.  These also catch spiders, pillbugs, centipedes, roaches, and whatever pests may be entering through the doors.  They can also be placed in hiding spots like closets where spiders dwell.  Baits are very effective for ants and roaches.
7. Pests Only Come Out at Night: While some pests are nocturnal, many, like ants and cockroaches, can be active during the day as well.  Wasps are only active during the daytime also.  Depending on the temperature I have seen scorpions out during the day and a few centipedes in garages or flower beds.
8. Using More Pesticide Equals Better Results: Many believe that using more pesticide will lead to better control, but this can be wasteful and potentially harmful. Proper application is key. The manufacturers test their products and determine the smallest amount needed to be lethal for the bugs it is designed for.  Even if you triple the concentration and over-apply, it will not be more effective than the recommended dose. The same goes for mixing products together thinking they will be more effective.  It usually makes no difference.
9. All Bugs Are Harmful: Not all insects are pests; many are beneficial for ecosystems and help control other pest populations.  In my opinion there are no harmful bugs or insects.  They are all here to be food for something or eat something.  Insects may pollinate, decompose, and do other nature cleaning tasks that help the environment.  They all have a place and we should try to keep the ecosystems as natural as possible with proper pest control techniques.
10. Once the Pests Are Gone, the Problem Is Solved: People often think that removing pests means they won’t return. Effective pest management involves identifying and addressing the conditions that allowed them to thrive in the first place.  Excess moisture, overgrown landscaping and environmental factors or even just homes getting older and leakier can lead to future infestations.  Pest control always has to be maintained if the results are to be long-term.  In a couple of months most pest populations can rebound and become an issue, so it’s never a permanent elimination.
11. Natural Remedies Are Always Safer: While some natural remedies can be effective, they can also have risks and may not be as effective as professional solutions.  I use a botanical product in my rotation for wasps.  It is very effective for wasps and is decent against other insects, but only lasts about 7 days.  Essential oils have risks for humans and animals, so always research and use caution when turning to them for DIY use.
12. Pest Control Is Only for Homes: Businesses, schools, and other public places also need pest control, but many people think it’s only a home issue.  Any place that people visit or live could potentially need pest control at some point.  Wasps can fly right?  That means they can invade anywhere on the planet!
13. Professional Pest Control Is Too Expensive: Many underestimate the value of professional services, believing they can handle issues themselves without realizing the long-term costs of untreated infestations.  Some customers have said they wasted a lot of money of products that did not work, did not work long enough, or did adequately eliminate their pests.  If cost is a concern most companies like us offer payments plans for quarterly service, so instead of paying for 4 services you spread the cost of those services out over 12 months so they are under $35 a month for most homes!
14. Pests Are Attracted to Dirty Environmments Only: While cleanliness helps, pests can invade even well-maintained spaces, as they seek food, water, and shelter.  If you have a home, then you can have pests.  They like super nice houses just like we do, they just show up without an invitation!  Anyone can get roaches at any time, from wet weather, coming in at night by the lights, or if they are brought in from a grocery store.
15. You Can’t Prevent Pests: Some people believe pest problems are unavoidable. However, with proper sanitation and preventive measures, many pest issues can be significantly reduced.  I have numerous customers who have had their scorpion issues almost completely resolved by sticking with their regular service plan.  Over time it just gets better and control is easier than in the beginning.  Give us a call and see for yourself!

Ground hornets, also known as yellowjackets of numerous species, are an aggressive wasp known for
their multiple and painful stings. Here in the Hill Country, they are typically more active during the
autumn months and begin foraging around October and November. Here are some fun facts and tips to
keep yourself safe this fall.

Appearance

One of the most common ground hornets in the Canyon Lake/Spring Branch area are the German
yellowjacket or German wasp as some people call it. One of the unique characteristics of the German
wasp is its ability to recognize individual faces, which is not common for insects. They have black
antennae, 3 pairs of yellow legs and symmetrical yellow spots on the head. Their abdomen has geometric
shapes with black and yellow spots.

They are often mistaken for honey bees, and are about 1⁄2” long.
Bees have more of a hovering flight pattern and do not seem to notice humans very much. Yellowjackets
will have a more direct flight pattern when they are foraging, like they are on a mission. Yellowjackets
are also smooth and not fuzzy like bees. Disturbance of a nest will cause them to release an attack
pheromone and begin to all pile out and come after whatever person or equipment is disturbing them.

Nesting Locations

I have found them in holes in trees, water meter boxes, retaining walls made out of railroad ties or stacked rocks, in exterior walls of houses, and even a big carton nest in some tall decorative grasses at the golf course at Canyon Lake years ago. I also went to treat after a septic tank installer dug one out of the
ground with his backhoe and got attacked. His equipment was left right where it was when he started
getting stung. If you see a bunch of them coming and going from a small hole somewhere, chances are
that they are yellowjackets. All the wasp spray in the world will not be a proper technique on eradicating
them.

What Attracts Them

Yellowjackets like sugary substances and proteins or sodas like most wasps and bees. Picnics and
cookouts are areas that could be a problem. I tend to see them by the trash cans at the gas station quite
often also, for the same reasons. They are not super aggressive when not guarding a nest, but you should
still take caution and remain calm without swatting at them. Bright colors and floral patterns are what
they are attracted to in nature, so wearing neutral colored clothes are outdoor festivities will decrease the
chances of them noticing you.

Prevention

Although you cannot prevent yellowjackets from existing and finding their nest can be difficult if they
aren’t swarming from it, you can be aware of your surroundings this time of year. When doing pest
control I always look for activity in stacked rocks and retaining walls. Weep holes that look like they
have paper hanging out of them can be signs on a hornet infestation. Take care when running loud
equipment like chainsaws or weedeaters since this is how lots of homeowners disturb a nest and get
attacked.

If you do find a nest just slowly get away from it without flailing your arms. However, if you
are being attacked, run as quickly as you can to safety. If any stingers are left on the skin scrape them off
with a credit card. Next, clean the affected areas with soap and water and apply an ice pack to sting
locations. Antihistamines will help reduce inflammation as well as NSAIDS like Asprin, Advil, or Tylenol.

For those with known allergies to insect stings, carrying an epinephrine auto-injector is crucial. Recognizing the signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat,
and rapid pulse, can save lives. If any of these symptoms occur, seek emergency medical help
immediately.

Professional Help

Unfortunately, most of my customers find ground hornets the hard way, by getting stung multiple times.
There are so many locations they could be nesting, it’s not practical to try and prevent them. If you do
find a nest that needs to be removed, Alternative Pest Control has the expertise and equipment to
eliminate those dangerous nests around your home. I have treated many many nests in my career as a
bugman! We usually make 2-3 trips to make sure there is no more activity.

Fruit flies are pesky, annoying and have health implications just like other fly species.  The common fruit fly, also known as a vinegar fly are known and identified by their red eyes.  Fruit flies show up in places with old perished, fermented food products like sewers, waste treatment plants, and containers with decaying food residue.  They carry bacteria to other foods and humans become sick after eating that food.  They are often found in commercial kitchens, home kitchens, bakeries, fruit shops and places with lots of sugary flavorings or soda drinks.

Interesting Facts

• Fruit flies only live about 30 days but a female can reproduce rapidly, laying up to 500 eggs.
• There are over 1500 species of Drosophila.
• They can exhibit social behaviors, like forming groups and communicating through chemical signals.
• They share about 60% of their genes with humans, which helps in studying genetics, developments, and diseases.
• Fruit flies have taste receptors on their feet, meaning they can taste food before they land on it!
• Fruit flies can metabolize alcohol and seem to prefer alcoholic environments, which can help with studies on addiction.

Causes

Fruit flies are active in warmer seasons and reproduce in large numbers.  They are present year round but not as active during cooler months.  They are attracted to ripened or fermented fruits or vegetables.  Pumpkins and tomatoes are prime culprits.  Bananas and mangoes are also one of the most common sources of infestations at home.  Once in the home, they will be attracted to sugary, bubbly drinks.

Prevention

• Check fruits and veggies for fly eggs or larva hidden in the products to avoid bringing them into your home. 
• Washing fruits as soon as they are brought in will help, and refrigerating foods will keep them from becoming infested. 
• Ripe foods should be eaten fresh and older foods should be stored in containers that are sealed.
•  Keeping sugary items dry and sealed will help.  Things like cornmeal, sucrose, grape sugar powder and yeast need to be in sealed containers.  The flies will be attracted to these items if they get wet or damp.
• Seal wine containers.  As stated above, fruit flies love the taste and smell of wine and other alcohols and will lay eggs near the mouth of the brewing containers.  Larva will hatch and fall into the brewing wine! 
• Keep the kitchen and utensils clean.  Clean cutting boards, fruit plates, cups and knives soon after each use.
• Empty the trash regularly and rinse cans or bottles with sugary residue or alcohol.
• Installing finer mesh screens on windows can also help.
• Replace old cleaning supplies like moldy or blackened sponges and mops, since they attract flies.

Solutions

Alcohol Trap – An empty wine bottle with just a little wine residue left makes a great fruit fly trap.  Keep one inch or less of wine in the bottom of the bottle.  They funnel-shape of the bottle traps the fruit flies and since there are no supports to cling to, they fall into the wine and drown.

Soda Trap – Pour a small amount of soda, beer, or apple cider in a container and cover with plastic film.  Poke holes in the film so the flies will enter to get to the liquid but will be hard for them to escape.

Sugar & Vinegar Trap – Mix a small amount of vinegar, sugar and dish detergent and stir evenly.  They are attracted to the sweet and sour smell of sugar and vinegar and the detergent kills them.

Fumigate the Room – Burning an orange peel or dried wormwood will repel fruit flies.

Plants With Strong Scents – Basil, pepper, lavender, clove, lemongrass and mints are offensive to fruit flies and placing these plants in front of windows and doors can help repel them.

Drain Treatments – Vinegar or boiling water down the drains in the kitchen and bathroom sinks will kill the fly eggs and larva that are in the drains.  There is also a good product call BioFoam that works well and keeping drains clean.

If you follow some of these tips and tricks fruit flies will no longer be a persistent problem in your home.  Feel free to give us a call or find us on social media if you need more solutions or advice in treating your own bug issues.  We’re here to help!

Mosquitoes can be a significant nuisance in the Texas hill country, making spending a time in your yard an awful experience. With proper preparation and management however, you can minimize their impact.

Preparation

Start by removing standing water around your property since mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Empty containers, fix any leaks, and ensure proper drainage. Keeping your yard well-maintained by trimming vegetation and mowing the lawn reduces mosquito resting places. Installing screens on windows and doors is essential to keep mosquitoes out of your home. Additionally, applying EPA-approved mosquito repellents to exposed skin and clothing can help protect you from bites.

Dealing with Mosquitoes

Using mosquito traps in areas with high mosquito activity can significantly reduce their numbers. Encouraging natural predators like bats and birds by providing suitable habitats is another effective strategy. Treat any standing water that cannot be removed with larvicides to kill mosquito larvae before they mature. When outdoors, especially during peak mosquito hours at dawn and dusk, wearing long sleeves and pants provides an extra layer of protection.

Professional Help

If mosquito problems persist despite your best efforts, consider hiring professional pest control services. Professionals can offer comprehensive solutions, including targeted treatments and ongoing maintenance, to help manage mosquito populations effectively.

By taking these proactive steps, you can reduce the mosquito population around your home, making your environment more comfortable and safer during the mosquito season in South Texas.

No matter how clean and well-maintained your home may be, pests have a knack for finding their way inside. New Braunfels residents can face pest invasions from fire ants, spiders, scorpions and more.

Understanding how these unwelcome guests make their way into your living spaces is crucial for effective pest prevention and maintaining a healthy environment. Here’s a breakdown of the common entry points and reasons pests might be turning your home into their new habitat.

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