Category: Pest Control Tips

Sam Speaks: What the heck is an Exclusion in regards to Pest Control?

Learn "What the heck is an exclusion?" by the owner of Pest Control Houston company Gulf Coast Exterminators, Sam Sanford. Jump to article »

Gulf Coast Exterminators Provides the Most Effective Pest Control Exclusion in your Local Houston Neighborhood

Get Affordable and Effective Pest Control Exclusion Services from Pest Control Houston company Gulf Coast Exterminators. Help is a call away: (281) 449-7404.

Pest Control Exclusion Defined

In this installment of "Sam Speaks" we have Sam Sanford the former president of the Greater Houston Pest Control Association and owner of Gulf Coast Exterminators sharing in-depth answers to these questions regarding exclusion: "What the heck is an exclusion?", "what is pest control exclusion", "what is rodent exclusion?", "what is a residential exclusion in pest control" and last but not least "what pest can you control by exclusion tactics?"

Sam Sanford, owner of Gulf Coast Exterminators

Sam (pictured above) is a veteran in the pest control industry and shares his expertise & successful experience answering pest control questions, sharing insightful advice on pest control strategies & more.

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What is Pest Control Exclusion?

If you have ever had an issue with rodents, birds, or bats getting inside your home, you may have been told that you need exclusion pest control. So, what exactly is an exclusion in regards to pest control?

An exclusion is the process of locating entry points for many different size pests and then sealing, or excluding, the property to prevent re-entry.

Pest Control Exclusion by our Technican Victor of Gulf Coast Exterminators

What Kind of Pests Are Exclusions Typically Used For?

Exclusions are used for anything from raccoons, skunks, birds, bats, rodents, and even snakes.

It may sound simple, but it usually takes an experienced technician several hours to properly seal the average property. Of course, every property is different and the number of entry points, and the time it will take to properly exclude, will differ for each.

Video: Gulf Coast Exterminators Effectively Performs Pest Control Exclusion

Gulf Coast Exterminators performs reasonably priced & highly effective pest control exclusion In Houston & surrounding areas to prevent nuisance animals from entering your home like in the video below.

Is Pest Control Exclusion Necessary?

Is exclusion necessary? The short answer is YES!

If you have a breach where critters are traveling in and out of your home at will, you have a long-term problem. We have seen many situations where people have opted for the simple fix of trapping or baits only. This is a temporary fix. You may eliminate the current uninvited occupant(s), but each season the problem can re-occur. Your home has been identified as a warm and safe place by these pests, and new generations will continue to attempt to dwell there.

There are multiple types of exclusions depending on the pest that you are trying to prevent entering your home. Each type of pest (rats, mice, squirrels, opossums, raccoons, birds, bats) requires different size entry points and prefers different entry locations on the home.

Most people are unaware that rodents can climb straight up the brick on the side of their home, so excluding entry points that are low to the ground may be only half of the required exclusion.

An exclusion is usually completed with a variety of materials from expanding foam to copper mesh. Our expert exclusion technicians are excellent at making sure the work will look clean and professional. In most situations, unless you know what you are looking for, the evidence of the exclusion cannot be seen.

Before you can exclude your home, let your pest control exclusion technician go through the process of removing the uninvited guest. You don’t want to trap a raccoon in your attic! Rodents can do a lot of damage to your home if they become desperate to escape.

Each species is going to require a different amount of time and techniques to remove them. Trust our pest control exclusion technicians and trust our process.

Once the home has been excluded, we will provide an annual warranty for the work our exclusion technician has provided. Each year we will come inspect and repair any areas that may be potential breaches in your exclusion.

Hire Gulf Coast Exterminators for the Most Effective & Affordable Pest Control Exclusion in Houston Texas

Gulf Coast Exterminators has over 2 decades of experience performing thorough Pest Control Exclusion to effectively remove nuisance animals from homes in your local Houston neighborhood.

The first step is calling us to schedule a NO OBLIGATION inspection and quote. For more information, and to schedule an inspection for your Houston home, contact Gulf Coast Exterminators today!

Licensed & Insured Pest Control Exclusion Experts Serving Houston

We at Gulf Coast Exterminators are fully licensed and insured and use only environmentally safe chemicals that won’t hurt the earth or your family.

Pest Control Service Plans

Save big with our pest control service plans!

Gulf Coast Exterminators Provides The Best Houston Pest Control with 30-plus Years History of Experience.

Pest Control Houston company Gulf Coast Exterminators serves over 60 areas and provides affordable, effective service with flexible scheduling, warranties and affordable yet effective Pest Control Service Plans (quarterly programs).

Gulf Coast Exterminators is locally owned and operated in Houston since 1991 by Sam Sanford who is the former president of the Greater Houston Pest Control Association.

Sam Sanford, owner of Gulf Coast Exterminators

Sam served the Greater Houston Pest Control Association since 1991 with leadership positions such as Secretary (2011), Treasurer (2012), Vice President (2013), President (2014) and Chairman of the Board (2015). We are a part of these pest control organizations: Building Owners and Managers Association International, Texas Professional Real Estate Inspectors Association and the National Pest Management Association.

We have insured, bonded, background checked clean-cut technicians who are well versed in customer service and experienced in all forms of pest control. Each member of our staff is licensed and regulated by the Texas Department of Agriculture Structural Pest Control service. Our Pest Control technicians constantly receive ongoing and extensive training with a combination of monthly in-house training as well as semi-annual third-party training to remain proficient in the latest and most efficient Pest Control techniques available.

Our popular pest control services in Houston are termite control, termite inspection, bed bug treatment, flea control and rodent control. We serve over 60 service areas in Houston for pest control, most popular are Conroe Pest Control, Kingwood Pest Control, Pest Control Sugar Land & Pest Control Katy TX.

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Call us at (281)-449-7404 or use our contact form to contact us for your free pest inspection as well as for service.

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Learn "How Termites Get in Your Houston Home" by Termite Control Houston company Gulf Coast Exterminators. Jump to article »

Termites are a popular Houston pest Gulf Coast Exterminators gets service calls for. Call us today at (281) 449-7404 and let us help solve your termite problem with our successful & affordable Termite Control services.

Types of Termites in Houston That Get into Homes

There are over 2,000 known species of termites.

Of those 2,000, there are three major types – the subterranean termite, the drywood termite and the dampwood termite. The most invasive of these groups are the Eastern subterranean termite, Southeast drywood termite and Pacific dampwood termite.

Subterranean termites tend to be the most destructive. Dampwood termites, on the other hand, tend to leave homes alone, unless there is a substantial amount of water.

How Houston Subterranean Termites Get in Your Houston Home

Subterranean termites build their colonies underground. From their colony, they create tunnels that lead up to, and even into, your home.

They tend to enter from the ground level, or just below. However, they can also construct mud tubes along the exterior walls of your home in order to get in.

Mud tubes allow for their tunnels to maintain an ideal environment, warm and humid, that shelter the termites from the outside elements.

Subterranean termites mainly enter your home through wood to ground contact.

This could be any number of areas, such as a doorframe, steps to a deck or porch, deck beams or support beams of any kind. But this is not the only way that they can get in.

Subterranean termites can often enter through cracks in your foundation, or even cracks in brick (which is why brick homes, or homes of other materials that are not wood-based, are just as much at risk for infestation). Because termites are so small, they can make their way in through the tiniest of cracks, which can often go unnoticed.

At Pest Control Houston Gulf Coast Exterminators, our termite control and prevention of subterranean termites focuses mainly upon areas that could lead to potential trouble, and addressing them appropriately. This could be anything, such as water pooling around your foundation, creating the moisture that these termites crave.

During a termite inspection, we monitor these trouble spots for signs of activity. Termite treatment may also include the use of termite monitoring stations, which can confirm termite activity and be used to treat the infestation, spraying a liquid treatment around your home or even treating the wood directly.

How Houston Drywood Termites Get in Your Houston Home

Drywood termites infest your home a little bit differently than subterranean termites. A drywood termite infestation generally begins when the termites swarm in the spring. Once the spring arrives, some of the workers of a colony shed their skin and enter an alate stage.

In this stage, they develop wings. The alate termites then leave their current colony to go off in search of a mate, and a new home.

Once they have found both, they shed their wings and become the king and queen, and start their own, brand new colony. It only takes a couple of years to grow a colony large enough to do serious damage to your Houston home.

Because the alate termites fly, they can enter your home on any level. They can come in through doors, windows, or even attic vents.

If there are cracks or holes in your roof, they will find them. At the same time, they can enter through foundation cracks or holes in the brick.

Because of this reason, prevention for termites in your Houston home can be a bit more difficult. You need to perform regular maintenance to the wood of your home, making sure that is in good condition.

Along with regular home maintenance, we can help you to be proactive in your termite control and prevention efforts with termite treatment around your home. This can include liquid soil treatments as well as wood treatments.

With our highly-trained experts, we can help you to defend your home from an expensive termite infestation.

What are Termites?

Termites are destructive little insects. Every year, they cause millions of dollars’ worth of damage throughout the United States.

Unfortunately, because termites work inside the walls of your home, it can be difficult to know that they are there until it is too late. Understanding how you get termites in your Houston home in the first place is essential to their prevention.

Pest Control Houston Gulf Coast Exterminators is Houston’s answer to termite infestations. Not only can we help you with your termite control and termite treatment needs, we can also help you to understand how termites get into your home, and help you to prevent them from getting in.

Termites are incredibly small insects, ranging between ¼ to ½ inches in size. They have soft bodies that vary in color from white to light brown, and straight antennae.

Termites are social insects, living in colonies numbering well into the thousands. The colony is divided into three classes – the king and queen, soldiers and workers.

The king and queen are the highest of the social order, and are responsible for populating the colony. Soldiers defend the colony from attackers.

Workers are the largest group, and have the biggest workload. They build tunnels, feed the colony and take care of the eggs.

Houston Termite Habitat

Termites require food, water and shelter in order to survive. Their food of choice is cellulose, which is derived from plants, mainly wood.

Termites tend to feast on dead plants and trees, but they will eat other materials as well, such as drywall or plastics. They are frequently referred to as the "silent destroyer," because they can eat their way through your walls, floorboards and any other wooden structures in your home entirely undetected, until it is too late

Termites can mainly be found in dead or dying trees, lumber or logs left outdoors, underground and, of course, in the home. However, just because your home’s exterior is made of brick, or some other material that is not wood, does not mean that you are immune to a termite infestation. Subterranean termites can be found all throughout the United States, including Texas.

They need to have contact with the ground in order to survive. In fact, their colonies are usually located underground, with tunnels leading up to, and into, their food source (which could very well be your home!).

Drywood termites, as well as dampwood termites, are more common in the southern states. Drywood termites don’t require any contact with the ground, and are able to get all of the moisture they need from their food.

They often build their colonies right into the wood of your home. In some instances, there may be multiple colonies in one structure.

Dampwood termites, on the other hand, require a significant amount of moisture in order to survive. They prefer dead and decaying wood, such as tree stumps and limbs.

They are rarely found in the home, unless you are experiencing a plumbing leak or have suffered a flood and have lingering water.

Why Call Pest Control Houston Gulf Coast Exterminators For Termite Control And Inspection?

Termites are a unique pest, unlike any other common household pest you may come across in Houston. Simply spraying a store-bought insecticide around your home is not going to solve your termite control problem.

In order to completely rid your home of termites and prevent them from coming back, you need the help of the experts at Pest Control Houston Gulf Coast Exterminators. Our extensive knowledge and training gives us the advantage when it comes to identifying your species of termite and locating the colony.

We have access to top of the line tools, the best chemicals and the most effective methods for termite treatment, which not only rids your home of termites, but helps you to save a significant amount of money in the long run.

Don’t let termites sneak into, and destroy, your Austin, Texas home.

Pest Control Houston Gulf Coast Exterminators can inform you of the best ways to prevent termites from getting in. Contact us to schedule your termite inspection today!

Termite Resources & Information

Here are more information and resources about termites online with in-depth information, news and case studies:

• Termite information and facts by Texas Department of Agriculture
  
• All About Termites: Their Biology, Behavior and more
• Formosan Subterranean Termite In-depth Information
  
• Termites: How to Identify and Control Them
• Drywood Termite information by University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Termites: How to Identify and Control Them

Learn "How To Find Signs of Termites in Your Houston Home" by Termite Control Houston company Gulf Coast Exterminators. Jump to article »

Termites are a popular Houston pest Gulf Coast Exterminators gets service calls for. Call us today at (281) 449-7404 and let us help solve your termite problem with our successful & affordable Termite Control services.

Why Finding Signs of Termites in Your Houston Home are Important

As a homeowner in Houston, Texas, you have a lot to worry about – yard maintenance, home repairs, weather conditions. Another thing you have to worry about is a termite infestation.

Termites are considered to be one of the biggest threats to your home, beating out heavy winds, flooding and fires. Every year, they cost millions, even billions of dollars’ worth of damage across the United States. Knowing how to identify termites in Houston and signs of their presence within your home, along with preventative measures that you can take to keep them out, are key to keeping your home, and your family safe.

Swarms of Winged Insects or Discarded Wings

In the spring, subterranean termites swarm. Several workers within a colony shed their skin and develop wings, entering an alate stage.

During this stage, the alate termites leave their current colony and go out in search of a mate and a new home. When they have found their mate, and their new home, they discard their wings and seal themselves inside, becoming the king and queen of a new colony.

Drywood termites swarm as well, however, their swarming period is more unpredictable. Finding swarms of winged insects near your home, or finding discarded wings on the ground is a huge sign that it’s time to call Pest Control Houston Gulf Coast Exterminators for a termite inspection.

Cracks in Paint or Foundation

Termites are incredibly small, and can therefore fit into extremely small spaces, smaller than the thickness of a dime. Subterranean termites get into your home most often through wood to ground contact.

This can be anything, including a doorframe, porch steps, or deck support beams. They can also get in through the tiniest of cracks in your foundation.

Swarming drywood termites can get in at any level of the home, from the foundation all the way up to the roof. If there are any cracks in the siding near your roof, windows or vents, even if they are almost invisible upon initial inspection, termites in Houston will be able to find their way in.

During a termite inspection, we will check your home for cracks at common entry points, and help you take the necessary measures to seal them up tight.

Termite Mud Tubes

Termites require a certain level of heat and humidity to thrive. Because subterranean termites do not build their homes in your house, they need a way to safely get from the colony to their chosen entryway.

In order to do this, and maintain their ideal environment, the subterranean termites construct mud tubes. They can often be found on the side of your home, or on the foundation, and protect the termites from the elements.

Sometimes, when you break open a mud tube, you may find that there is no activity. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you don’t have a problem. Termites often abandon a mud tube when it proves ineffective for locating food.

When you find mud tubes, with or without termite activity, it’s time to call Pest Control Houston Gulf Coast Exterminators for termite treatment.

Termite Video: Termite Mud Tubes

Termite Frass

Frass is another word for termite droppings. Subterranean termites use their frass in the construction of their tunnels, so you may not notice this sign if your Houston home if you have this particular type of termite.

However, drywood termites do not use their frass in tunnel construction. As a result, you may come across wood colored pellets, or even a powdery substance, near where the termites are infesting. It can occur inside or outside of your home.

Hollow Sounding Wood

Termites prefer dark, humid environments. For this reason, they favor working on the inside of wood, instead of the exterior.

Because of this, termites can go undetected for quite some time, slowly working their way through the wooden structures of your home. When you look at your walls, ceilings and floorboards, everything looks fine.

However, if you rap on an area of wood that once was solid, and it suddenly sounds hollow, it’s a pretty good indication that you might have a termite problem, and it’s time to call Pest Control Houston Gulf Coast Exterminators for termite control.

What are Termites?

Termites are small, soft bodied, insects, only ¼ to ½ inches big. They range in color from white to light brown.

They look similar to ants, except that their waists are straight (rather than pinched) and they have straight, rather than bent, antennae. Termites live in colonies that number well into the thousands, and are divided into one of three different classes.

The first, and smallest class, consists of only the king and queen. These two termites are slightly larger and darker than the rest of termites, and are responsible for populating the colony.

The second class of termites consists of the soldiers. These termites are responsible for defending the colony from predators. The last, and largest class, is the workers.

The worker termites are responsible for creating the tunnels, gathering food and taking care of the eggs before they hatch. These pests thrive on a cellulose based diet, which can be found in plants, trees, and, of course, wood.

They require this food source, water, and shelter in order to survive. Termites can often be found in dead trees, lumber, logs harvested for firewood, and the wooden structures of your home. But do not think that if your home has a stone or brick exterior that you are safe from attack. They can sneak in a variety of different ways, from cracks in your foundation to the vents in your attic.

And once they are inside, they can be difficult to detect, often until it is too late.

Types of Termites in Houston

There are over 2,000 different species of termites. Of those 2,000, there are three major types – subterranean termites, drywood termites and dampwood termites.

Each of these termites have different needs in terms of an ideal habitat. Termite control relies heavily on knowing what makes a perfect habitat, and knowing how to prevent your home from falling victim to termite invasion.

Subterranean termites can be found all over the United States, with the exception of Alaska. They require contact with the ground in order to survive.They build their colonies underground, and create tunnels that lead up to, and even into, their food of choice.

Both drywood termites and dampwood termites are more commonly found in the southern states. Drywood termites, unlike subterranean termites, do not require contact with the ground.They gather all the moisture they need from their food source. As such, they tend to build their homes directly in the wood.  In some instances, there can be multiple colonies in the same structure.

Dampwood termites require a lot of water in order to survive.For this reason, they are more likely to be found in dead and decaying trees (stumps, limbs).They are less likely to be found in the home, unless you have suffered serious water damage, such as a flood, that has not been properly cleaned up.

Why Pest Control Houston Gulf Coast Exterminators for Termite Control?

Dealing with termites in your Houston home is nothing like dealing with any other household pests. You can’t just lay down traps or spray any common insecticide that you can find at your local store. These just won’t work. When it comes to termites, you need a professional. Pest Control Houston Gulf Coast Exterminators are your Houston termite experts. We come to your home with the latest equipment, safe and effective chemicals and the knowledge of how to place termite treatment around your home to get rid of your termite issues, and prevent them from returning.

Knowing the signs of termites is essential to keeping your home safe from expensive repairs. After a thorough inspection, we can confirm termite activity, identify the species, and therefore take the most effective route for termite treatment. If you notice any signs of termite activity, Contact Pest Control Houston Gulf Coast Exterminators to schedule your termite inspection today!

Termite Resources & Information

Here are more information and resources about termites online with in-depth information, news and case studies:

• All About Termites: Their Biology, Behavior and more
• Formosan Subterranean Termite In-depth Information
• Termites: How to Identify and Control Them
• Termite information and facts by Texas Department of Agriculture
  
• Drywood Termite information by University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Termites: How to Identify and Control Them

Learn "How to Protect Your Houston Home Against Termites" by Termite Control Houston company Gulf Coast Exterminators. Jump to article »

Termites are a popular Houston pest Gulf Coast Exterminators gets service calls for. Call us today at (281) 449-7404 and let us help solve your termite problem with our successful & affordable Termite Control services.

Why Protecting Your Houston Home Against Termites is Important

Your Houston home is your safe haven. It protects you and your family from the elements, providing you with a comfortable shelter. But when a termite infestation strikes, your home is put at risk.

Just as you rely upon your home to keep you protected, your home relies on you to keep it protected. There are steps that you can take to prevent your home against a termite infestation.

Watch Wood to Ground Contact

Most termites, subterranean termites in particular, get into your home via wood to ground contact. This can be in a variety of different ways – doorframes, porch steps, deck support rails.

Direct wood to ground contact provides termites with unfettered easy access to food and moisture, along with shelter and access to hidden entry points of your home, such as cracks in siding. Even if your home is made of brick, you still need to take this precaution.

Any wood on your home, such as siding, doorframes and window frames, should be at least six inches above ground level. In order to keep wood out of contact with the ground, you may need to pull back the soil or mulch from the foundation of your home.

Steps, beams or posts that are embedded into concrete are often at risk for invasion because the wood goes through the concrete and makes contact with the earth underground. Therefore, it is important to make sure your steps or support beams are placed on a concrete base.

Even if your home is outfitted with pressure treated wood, be sure to eliminate wood to ground contact. Just because the wood is pressure treated, it doesn’t mean that it is termite-proof.Termites can still get in through the cut ends or cracks, or even build mud tubes on the surface.

Eliminate Moisture Around Foundation

Moisture is one of the key elements that termites need in order to survive. If the ground around your home is consistently wet, you may quickly find yourself a termite target.

For successful termite control and prevention, make sure that you take steps to eliminate the possibility of moisture pooling around your home’s foundation. Make sure that your gutters are clean and properly functioning.

You should also make sure that your gutters and splash guards are working correctly, so that water can be diverted away from the foundation of your home. Leaks – pipes, air conditioning faucets – should be repaired.

If your property is not sloped so that water can drain away from your home, have tiles and drains installed to prevent moisture buildup.

Humidity Control

Crawl spaces under your home are a prime target for termites in Houston.This is because crawl spaces can quickly become humid, creating an ideal environment.

In order to assist in keeping humidity at bay, crawl spaces are equipped with vents. But these vents won’t do you any good if they are blocked up.

Make sure to regularly clean your vents of dirt, leaves and any other debris that may have accumulated. Also, trim back bushes that might be blocking them.

You can even go one step further in controlling the humidity inside your crawlspace by placing a cover over the ground, which then acts as a vapor barrier, and prevents moisture from accumulating.

Move Wood Away from Your House

A termite’s diet consists of cellulose. Cellulose makes up plants, including wood.

If you have any lumber or firewood stacked up against your home or in your crawlspace, you are not only providing a food source for termites, you are also providing them with a way into the wooden structures of your home. Cardboard boxes and newspapers can also act as a beacon and beckon termites to stop by and make themselves at home.

Even if you have a liquid termite treatment around your home, these piles provide an easy bridge, and allow termites to pass right over, unharmed. Store wood away from your home.

For the most effective termite control, you should also consider removing any tree stumps and roots that are near your home, as these often provide a perfect environment for hungry termites in need of a home.

Limit Mulch for Gardening

Mulch is a popular tool for gardening. When placed in flower beds, it helps to retain moisture, which means you don’t need to water as frequently.

It also helps your gardens to look nice. And certain types of mulch can keep away pests that would otherwise destroy your flowers.

However, mulch does not deter termites. In fact, using too much of it can actually attract them.

While the mulch does not provide a viable food source, it does provide the termites with something else they need: moisture. If you want to use mulch in your garden, make sure that you are careful with it.

You don’t need to lay down a thick layer. Two to three inches is often sufficient.

You should also make sure that the mulch does not come into contact with wooden siding, doorframes or window frames.

What are Termites?

Termites are small insects. They have soft bodies, and are only about ¼ to ½ inches big.

Ranging in color from white to light brown, they have a similar appearance to ants. Two major differences between termites and ants, however, are their waist (termites are straight-bodied, while ants have a pinched waist) and their antennae (a termite’s antennae are straight while an ant’s antennae are bent).

Termites are social, and live in large colonies. The population is divided into three classes. The king and queen populate the colony. Soldiers defend the colony.

Workers make tunnels, gather food and care for the eggs. A termite’s main food source is cellulose, which is derived from plant materials.

This can be in the form a tree stump, tree limbs or the wooden structures within your home. Even homes with a brick exterior can still face an infestation if there is wood touching your home.

They work undercover, eating away at the wood from the inside, and cause millions of dollars’ worth of damage across the United States every year.

Professional and Effective Termite Control Houston Company Gulf Coast Exterminators

Termites are tricky insects, and unlike any other household pest you might come across. You can take all of the steps necessary to protect your home and still end up with an infestation.

In order to fully protect your home and everyone inside, you should call in the termite control experts:Pest Control Houston Gulf Coast Exterminators. We have extensive knowledge and training on how to locate potential trouble spots in your home and help you take the measures necessary to eliminate them.

And, in the event that a termite inspection shows an infestation in your home, we will take care of it right away. We can identify the species of termite within your home and locate the source of the colony.

With the assistance of top of the line tools, the most effective termiticides and the best methods of application, we can get rid of your infestation and protect your home from reinvasion, allowing you to reclaim your home.

Being proactive, and taking the steps necessary to prevent a termite infestation will not only keep your home safe, it can also save you potentially thousands of dollars in repairs.

If you need help protecting your home, or suspect that you have a termite infestation, contact Pest Control Houston Gulf Coast Exterminators today and schedule your termite inspection!

Termite Resources & Information

Here are more information and resources about termites online with in-depth information, news and case studies:

• Termite information and facts by Texas Department of Agriculture
  
• All About Termites: Their Biology, Behavior and more
• Formosan Subterranean Termite In-depth Information
  
• Termites: How to Identify and Control Them
• Drywood Termite information by University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Termites: How to Identify and Control Them

Learn "Signs of Termites along with Facts, Information and Help" by Termite Control Houston company Gulf Coast Exterminators. Jump to article »

Termites are a popular Houston pest Gulf Coast Exterminators gets service calls for. Call us today at (281) 449-7404 and let us help solve your termite problem with our successful & affordable Termite Control services.

Noticing Signs of Termites Reduces Home Destruction

Termites can completely destroy a home in two years.

Termite Video: Signs Of Termites Causing An Infestation

In the video below, you will witness a large sign of termites, a large infestation.

Initial Signs Of Termite Activity

Unfortunately, by the time the average homeowner notices the signs of termites, the damage is already extensive. If you suspect you have a termite infestation, it’s important to get informed as soon as possible, before the damage gets worse.

One of the first signs of termites in your house are lines of dirt or mud around your house. These mud lines are sometimes referred to as ‘mud tubes’ and allow the termites to get from their nest to the wood they eat.

While there are other ways for termites to get in and out of your house, these tubes are a favorite of subterranean termites. If you destroy the lines and they come back, it’s a definite sign of termites.

Termite Movement and Swarms

Not all termites crawl through the ground. In fact, when a group of termites gets too big, they create swarmers, which are flying termites.

These swarmers will come out when it’s wet and warm. You might have noticed them flying around lights and thought nothing of it, because they are often mistaken for other types of flying insects.

However, if you notice large groups of swarmers, you more than likely have a large colony of termites already on your premises.

Termite Video: Termite Swarmers, Known As Flying Termites

In the video below, you will witness a common sign of termites, Swarmers.

Swarmers are termites that leave the nest when there are too many of them in one location and they need to find mates and create their own colony. This is a natural part of a termites’ life cycle and is a sign that they’ve settled in your home.

A sign of termites creating a new colony in your home, is if you notice discarded wings. When termites have found mates and a good supply of wood, they drop their wings and begin building a new colony.

To do this, they need to shed their wings. So, if you notice these wings, you might want to have a professional come check your home.

Termite Video: Signs Of Termites, Termite Mud Tubes

In this video below, you will see that signs of termites are indicated by mud tubes.

Signs of Termites Eating

Termites don’t just eat wood. Their powerful jaws make them the perfect gnawing machines.

They can eat through plaster, wires, and linoleum. If there are termites eating your floors, you’ll notice bubbles in the linoleum or floor boards that seem squeakier than usual.

Of course, these aren’t always a sign of termite infestation, but if you’ve noticed multiple signs and puckering floors, it may be a sign you have termites.

Wood and Signs of Termites

The most obvious signs of termites is destroyed wood. You’ll begin to see holes in your wood and piles of what looks like sawdust around wooden frames.

If you hit the areas that you think are damaged, you’ll hear a hollow sound. If the damage is extreme, when you hit or apply pressure to the area, it might crumble.

When you pull back the wood, you might find the termites eating away or signs they’ve been there, like tunnels and nests.

Termite Video: Termites Devouring Wood

In the video below, you will witness a common sign of termites, which is wood eaten by termites.

Termite Inspection Houston Experts Ready To Help

As a Houston homeowner, you have other worries without adding termite infestations to the mix. When you see signs of termites, act fast! Protect your home and well-being with Gulf Coast Exterminators expert termite control services!

If you’re afraid you see signs of termites and an infestation, the best thing to do is call the Houston termite control experts Gulf Coast Exterminators. We provide termite inspections in Houston and surrounding areas.

We at Gulf Coast Exterminators believe that a preventative approach is a way to ensure the that termite control problems never happen again. We have an affordable and highly effective maintenance program you should sign up for. This program has a 90 day warranty where if any problem arises, we take care of it without any additional out of pocket expenses.

Contact us at (281) 449-7404 to see how we can help you with your termite control in Houston. You can schedule your free, no-obligation termite inspection and find out first-hand what makes us the best termite control company of choice in Houston and surrounding areas.

Recent Termite Control Review/Testimonial

Here’s what a recent customer, Robert S. in Houston, TX, had to say about our termite control. He says:

"I highly recommend Gulf Coast Exterminators for termite inspection and control. This company saved me thousands of dollars for sure! You quickly gave me a phone call after emailing you a couple pictures of the termite problem I am having. You let me know what type of termite I had and I was able to schedule a termite inspection when you called. When your termite control technician Rey promptly came out, he explained what my options were. Rey looked and was a total professional, personable and helpful answering questions. I got everything taken care of working with your company and have the assurance of the included 1 year warranty."

Termite Control Testimonial & Review Video by Gulf Coast Exterminators Customer Sally P.

Pest Control Testimonial & Review Video Gulf Coast Exterminators Customer Timothy W.

Customer Timothy W. in Kingwood Texas shares his experience with our pest control services.

Learn how "Houston Flea Control Experts Get Rid of Fleas in Homes" by Pest Control Houston company Gulf Coast Exterminators. Jump to article »

Gulf Coast Exterminators is an affordable and 5 star rated Pest Control Company in Houston. Call us today at (281) 449-7404 and let us help solve your pest problems with our successful & affordable Pest Control Houston services.

The Signifigance of Getting Rid of Fleas

Fleas in all places, especially here in Houston, TX are a huge problem that can be embarrassing. Why embarrassing? Because its assumed if you have fleas, you keep a dirty house or don’t look after your pets, which is not the case.

Video: How To Check Your Dog And Cats For Fleas

Fleas are horrible in that they are not just pests, they spread disease. Fleas can make your life very miserable.

If you don’t get rid of fleas in homes, your home will become very uncomfortable and unsafe to live in. Houston Flea Control Experts Gulf Coast Exterminators has an effective process that eliminates fleas effectively and quickly from your home.

Our Houston flea control service helps customers as fast and painless as possible. We give information on how to get ready for our flea treatment services.

With this information, our flea control technicians can promptly arrive for your flea inspection and treat the flea infestation effectively in your home.

Fleas In Homes, Not Just From Pets

People with pets are not the only ones with flea problems. Your landscape’s condition can bring along fleas to survive in areas without pets.

Sandy soil, moist sand and dense foliage providing shade are beneficial flea breeding sites. Please beware of areas with wild animals as a large amount of them are flea carriers.

Fleas can also jump from a wandering animal to a new person or pet. Houston Flea Control Experts Gulf Coast Exterminators have technicians who identify flea problems speedily, create effective solutions giving quick results and be less invasive in treatment as humanely possible. We use health conscious and earth friendly flea control solutions that make your treated living environment non-toxic.

Fleas, Health And Your Pet

Pets that roam outdoors should be inspected for fleas on a regular basis, at least weekly. Check this video of a veterinary inspection for fleas. It’s relatively simply if you look closely.

Pets with flea problems that go untreated can experience flea allergy dermatitis, an horrible condition that affects their skin and causes major discomfort. This can also lead to other skin infections. In addition, fleas can transmit tapeworm or plague to your pets. Puppies and kittens may develop anemia from flea bites as well.

Fleas, Health And Humans

Fleas are known to infect humans with many pathogens and diseases. Read a few below:

• Fleas can cause psychological and emotion problems. This happens when victims feel isolated, embarrassed and agitated from being infested.
• Some humans are allergic to flea bites. This allergic reaction of fleas may cause persistent itching, dermatitis, skin discoloration and dermatitis.
• Typhus and plague can be transmitted by fleas.
• flea bites can cause sores and bring in other infections like staph.
• Pets, stray animals, and livestock being eaten by fleas can transmit tapeworms to humans.

Houston Flea Control Company Gulf Coast Exterminators, are committed to a healthy approach in reducing pests. We combine customer communication, effectiveness and health conscious treatment to remove fleas.

Flea Prevention For Home, Dogs, Cats & Humans

Fleas can sometimes be prevented from infesting your home.

• A Houston homes front and back yard should be free of clutter. Moisture should be removed from soil in the shade or soil removed.
• Garbage cans should be kept a good distance from the house.
• Regularly checking your dogs and cats for fleas helps from brining them inside. Also applying flea treatment like Front Line Plus or Advantage, is a great start.
• Bedding and clothing may need to be washed or dry-cleaned weekly. Pet bedding especially, as this area can harbor fleas and their eggs.

Vacuuming weekly in your home helps. Change vacuum bags or containers right away if you even think fleas are caught inside. The proper way to clean the vacuum bags or containers should be done. To do so, place the cup or vacuum bag contents into a plastic bag, tie it up tightly and place it in garbage out of the house.

Video: Cat Infested With Fleas

Flea Treatment For Home, Dogs, Cats & Humans

Top rated Houston Flea Control Company, Gulf Coast Exterminators, has a process for flea treatment for your home and all inside and out that is effective and easy to follow:

• We offer a free consultation addressing our flea control strategy for you. We want you to understand everything what we’ll do before we treat your home.
• We provide flea inspections to assess the your flea problem in your home.
• Our strategy for Houston flea control is applying Insect Growth Regulators (IGR) in our treatment. This prevents baby fleas from turning into adults and stops the breeding of fleas.
• If we perform flea control inside and outside your home, we offer a 60 day guarantee.
• Our flea control is earth friendly and humane.
• Yard treatment for fleas helps prevent them from infesting your landscape and entering home.
• We offer a maintenance program that comes with a 90 day warranty. This is highly recommended especially where conditions exist that may cause a re-infestation.

Video: Dog Infested With Fleas Not Allergic To Flea Bites

What Are Houston Fleas?

Houston fleas are bloodsucking insects with the scientific name of Siphonaptera. A flea is about an 16th of an inch in size, yet, they can jump 7 inches high! That is far enough to bite your legs! While crawling up your legs, a flea can find a suitable spot to feed on you or your pets.

If suitable conditions are met, fleas will spend their entire life on your pet. Yes, your dogs or cats can scratch them off, but will jump back on them.

Flea eggs fall off their host after being laid. That is a reason pet beds are commonly the main infestation site. Flea eggs fall off your pet getting in and out of their sleeping area. Fleas also breed on the host organism.

Video: All About Fleas And Their Life-cycle

The Best Flea Control Treatment To Rid Your Home Of Fleas

Without a professional flea control company on your side, taking care of a flea infestation can be nearly hopeless. The reason is because fleas can be in various parts of your home & no matter the steps you take to do it yourself, you can miss all their locations.

Effective results from flea control requires a dedicated approach by Gulf Coast Exterminators with careful attention to preventative measures.

Gulf Coast Exterminators Houston flea control treatment programs include:

1) Initial Flea Control Treatment: We will treat where the fleas are breeding along with surrounding areas to eliminate the flea infestation and hazards they pose.

2) Ongoing Flea Control Warranty: Our flea control professionals will provide a thorough flea control warranty if you let us treat both inside and outside your home. This provides you with added relief and a timeframe that if any more fleas pop up, we will take care of it at no extra cost.

Houston Home Flea Prevention With Maintenance Program

We at Gulf Coast Exterminators believe that a preventative approach is a way to ensure the that flea control problems never happen again. We have an affordable and highly effective maintenance program you should sign up for.

This program has a 90 day warranty where if any problem arises, we take care of it without any additional out of pocket expenses.

Don’t Wait. Eliminate Your Houston Home Flea Infestation ASAP!

As a Houston homeowner, you have other worries without adding flea infestations to the mix. Protect your home and well-being with Gulf Coast Exterminators expert flea control services!

Contact us at (281) 449-7404 to see how we can help you with flea control in Houston.

You can schedule your free, no-obligation pest inspection and find out first-hand what makes us the best flea control company of choice in Houston and surrounding areas.

Houston Flea Control 5 Star Professionals

Gulf Coast Exterminators is the Houston company to call for all your flea control and flea removal needs. With deep knowledge and over 10 years of successful service performing flea control, we have trained and certified technicians that always deliver.

After accessing your situation, we will tell you the steps we will take to get rid of the fleas on your property. It is recommended to use our pest control maintenance program that comes with a 90 day warranty to ensure fleas don’t have a chance to come back.

Flea control in Houston is a passion for us and we are eager to help you.

Flea Control Treatment and Prevention Services in Houston

We are well known for our services as a Houston flea control company. Our experts will offer the best possible approach to rid your property of fleas.

Don’t let the fleas in your home feel comfortable to do as they please. Let us, Gulf Coast Exterminators, the experienced and most effective flea control professionals in Houston, Texas, handle your flea problems.

At the affordable rates we offer, you shouldn’t expose yourself to the possibility of diseases and harm flies bring. Contact us and get the best Houston flea control today!

Contact Houston Flea Control Experts

At Gulf Coast Exterminators, we are very effective in flea control, we operate in very high standards and we are also cost effective. These are the reasons Gulf Coast Exterminators is the flea control company of choice in Houston, Texas for over 10 years.

We appreciate your time reading about “Steps To Rid Your Home & Pets of Fleas” and our flea control services in Houston and surrounding areas. Contact us to effectively remove fleas from your place of business or residence.

Learn “Houston Flea Control Tips For Home and Pets” by Pest Control Houston company Gulf Coast Exterminators. Jump to article »

Gulf Coast Exterminators is an affordable and 5 star rated Pest Control Company in Houston. Call us today at (281) 449-7404 and let us help solve your pest problems with our successful & affordable Pest Control Houston services.

Steps To Rid Your Home of Fleas

Houston home owners, if you’ve noticed fleas in your residence, skin or pet, it’s time to take the right measures to fight back against these pests.

An effective step to take is vacuuming your residence on a constant basis.

Video: Fleas Trapped In Vacuum

Vacuuming can trap and kill fleas quickly. If you have a fabric or furniture attachment for your vacuum, make sure to use it on drapes, bedding, chairs and couches to ensure that no fleas have invaded these spaces.

Be sure to wash any and all bedding and fabrics in your washing machine with the hottest water setting when you notice any signs of flea activity. This process will instantly kill the fleas and eggs, disrupting their ability to reproduce.

Note that this will not remove the fleas that may be in your home entirely, but it will slow down your flea infestation. If you notice fleas on your carpeting, a steam cleaner should be used on every area of the carpeting to destroy fleas on contact.

You can see so far that heat is very good at killing fleas. Though there are foggers and sprays to kill off and prevent fleas, many of them are ineffective and could cause harm to not just humans but pets as well.

These products are toxic, so if you still want to use them, be sure to use safety precautions and follow directions closely. To show how toxic they can be, most flea control foggers need to be left for 24 hours.

No pet or human should be in the home 24-48 hours after being used.

Flea Control For Dogs And Cats

Signs that your pet is being affected by fleas are rampant itching and or irritated skin. A way to reduce fleas to your pets are to keep your grass short in your yard while they are outside.

You can consult with a veterinarian for the best medications to treat your pet’s skin and stop fleas from living on them. This will prevent them from entering your Houston home from riding on your pet from the outside.

Video: Cat Infested With Fleas

Veterinarians can also share flea shampoos to bathe your pet with. Another item they can recommend are pet collars to help with flea control.

Video: Dog Infested With Fleas Not Allergic To Flea Bites

The Best Flea Control Treatment To Rid Your Home Of Fleas

Without a professional flea control company on your side, taking care of a flea infestation can be nearly hopeless. The reason is because fleas can be in various parts of your home & no matter the steps you take to do it yourself, you can miss all their locations.

Effective results from flea control requires a dedicated approach by Gulf Coast Exterminators with careful attention to preventative measures.

Gulf Coast Exterminators Houston flea control treatment programs include:

1) Initial Flea Control Treatment: We will treat where the fleas are breeding along with surrounding areas to eliminate the flea infestation and hazards they pose.

2) Ongoing Flea Control Warranty: Our flea control professionals will provide a thorough flea control warranty if you let us treat both inside and outside your home. This provides you with added relief and a timeframe that if any more fleas pop up, we will take care of it at no extra cost.

Houston Flea Prevention With Maintenance Program

We at Gulf Coast Exterminators believe that a preventative approach is a way to ensure the that flea control problems never happen again. We have an affordable and highly effective maintenance program you should sign up for. This program has a 90 day warranty where if any problem arises, we take care of it without any additional out of pocket expenses.

Don’t Wait. Eliminate Your Houston Flea Infestation ASAP!

As a Houston homeowner, you have other worries without adding flea infestations to the mix. Protect your home and wellbeing with Gulf Coast Exterminators expert flea control services!

Contact us at (281)-449-7404 to see how we can help you with flea control in Houston.

You can schedule your free, no-obligation pest inspection and find out first-hand what makes us the best flea control company of choice in Houston and surrounding areas.

Houston Flea Control Top-Rated Professionals

Gulf Coast Exterminators is the Houston company to call for all your flea control and flea removal needs. With deep knowledge and over 10 years of successful service performing flea control, we have trained and certified technicians that always deliver.

After accessing your situation, we will tell you the steps we will take to get rid of the fleas on your property. It is recommended to use our pest control maintenance program that comes with a 90 day warranty to ensure fleas don’t have a chance to come back.

Flea control in Houston is a passion for us and we are eager to help you.

Flea Control Treatment and Prevention Services in Houston

We are well known for our services as a Houston flea control company. Our experts will offer the best possible approach to rid your property of fleas.

Don’t let the fleas in your home feel comfortable to do as they please. Let us, Gulf Coast Exterminators, the experienced and most effective flea control professionals in Houston, Texas, handle your flea problems.

At the affordable rates we offer, you shouldn’t expose yourself to the possibility of diseases and harm flies bring. Contact us and get the best Houston flea control today!

Flea Control Effectiveness

At Gulf Coast Exterminators, we are very effective in flea control, we operate in very high standards and we are also cost effective. These are the reasons Gulf Coast Exterminators is the flea control company of choice in Houston, Texas for over 10 years.

We appreciate your time reading about “Steps To Rid Your Home & Pets of Fleas” and our flea control services in Houston and surrounding areas. Contact us to effectively remove fleas from your place of business or residence.

Learn how "Houston Fly Control Effectively Prevents Diseases" by Pest Control Houston company Gulf Coast Exterminators. Jump to article »

Gulf Coast Exterminators is an affordable and 5 star rated Pest Control Company in Houston. Call us today at (281) 449-7404 and let us help solve your pest problems with our successful & affordable Pest Control Houston services.

The Signifigance of Fly Control to Prevent Disease

Pests are species that harm human beings and their properties. They bring about a host of diseases and destruction to property.

Video: Fly infestation

Common house pests include rats, cockroaches, mosquitoes and flies. These creatures try to survive around humans by infesting our homes into suitable places for them to live and breed.

In order to live a healthy life, we must eradicate these pests. A specific pest to focus on in this article, is the fly.

Flies are insects with highly evolved eye systems that look like several polarized glass pieces fused together. These help flies move quickly and see things from a far.

There are three major types of flies in Houston, Bottle Flies, House flies, and Phorid Flies.

How Flies in Houston Spread Disease

House flies consume rotting carbon based material as food. They use their saliva to break it down and ingest it.

Being small in size, flies tend to land on feces, garbage and rotten food. These objects are normally the homes of germs, viruses and other pathogens.

Once the fly lands on them and eat them, it only takes milliseconds for the transference of disease to begin once they land on you or surfaces in your home.

Being winged creatures, flies quickly move through the air to find a new areas to land and to collect food, or worst yet, lay their eggs. As Flies move around, they tend to land on our bodies, clothes, things and our food.

Once we consume such food contaminated by flies, or if our bodies have open wounds which have been contaminated by fly contact, we end up getting sick.

Illnesses Houston Flies Cause

A host of different illnesses are transmitted by flies. This include diarrhea, cholera, dysentery and other diseases. The fly can also carry deadly pathogens that cause tuberculosis and salmonella poisoning. Once a fly finds an area suitable for mating and breeding, the problem of having this pest around begins. If a male finds decomposing exposed items to feed on, chances are a female will soon come by to reproduce. Once reproduction happens. The flies begin to release eggs which may grow into a swarm.

Video: What Happens When A Fly Lands On Your Food

Houston Fly Control and Removal

As most pests, control of flies would entail the eradication of their living and breeding spaces. Proper sanitation and hygiene is important to keep an infestation of flies from entering one’s premises.

After using our fly removal services and to keep flies from returning, you must start cleaning all the nooks and crannies. Remove all places where flies tend to migrate in such as uncovered garbage bins, pet litter boxes and decomposing items.

Make sure to cover trash and keep toilet lid closed. Sanitize your living space by using cleaning formulas that have chlorine or peroxide.

Disinfect spaces, containers, plates and utensils. Remember that keeping flies and disease away, requires a clean space.

When you have cleaned all the possible spaces where flies would be attracted to nest, it is time to make sure that flies cannot re-enter your Houston home or place of business. Fix door and window screens and always remember to cover your food when not being eaten if left out.

To keep your customers, loved ones and family members safe, you must always keep them away from harm and disease. Simple tasks such as keeping your residence or place of business clean, can make the difference of keeping flies away.

Houston Fly Control Top-Rated Professionals

Gulf Coast Exterminators is the Houston company to call for all your fly control and fly removal needs. With deep knowledge and over 10 years of successful service performing fly control, we have trained and certified technicians that always deliver.

After accessing your situation, we will tell you the steps we will take to get rid of the flies on your property. It is recommended to use our pest control maintenance program that comes with a 90 day warranty to ensure flies don’t have a chance to come back.

Fly control in Houston is a passion for us and we are eager to help you.

Fly Control Treatment and Prevention Services in Houston

We are well known for our services as a Houston fly control company. Our experts will offer the best possible approach to rid your property of flies and other winged bugs.

Your home or work place could become the next settlement for flies. Let us, Gulf Coast Exterminators, the experienced and most effective fly control professionals in Houston, Texas, handle your fly problems.

At the affordable rates we offer, you shouldn’t expose yourself to the possibility of diseases and harm flies bring.

Fly Control Effectiveness

At Gulf Coast Exterminators, we are very effective in fly control, we operate in very high standards and we are also cost effective. These are the reasons Gulf Coast Exterminators is the fly control company of choice in Houston, Texas for over 10 years.

We appreciate your time reading about our fly control services in Houston and surrounding areas. Contact us to effectively remove flies from your place of business or residence.