The Austin area is among the country’s fastest-growing metro regions. Anyone who spends time here understands why: It’s a vibrant, economically diverse city with a unique local culture and plenty of natural amenities. Unfortunately, the area’s pests seem to like it just as much as its human residents. If you’re new to Austin, take some time to learn about the creepy, crawly and occasionally dangerous critters that also call the region home.
Wasps and Other Stinging Insects
Several species of wasp are endemic to the Austin area. The most visually stunning of these is the Cicada killer, a 1.5-inch beast that can kill a tarantula with its venom. The area also harbors several varieties of paper wasps. These smaller creatures aren’t as scary to look at, but their stings can be dangerous for children and those who have a sensitivity to venom. Meanwhile, fire ants like to create colonies near structures and inflict painful stings on bare feet and ankles.
Beware of the Spiders
Two species of venomous spiders call Austin home: the black widow and the brown recluse. While these creatures don’t go out of their way to find human victims, they’ll attack when disturbed. Although the black widow is easy to identify by its telltale body markings, the smaller brown recluse resembles other spiders and can easily evade detection.
Cockroaches!
Like many other regions of the country, Austin harbors endemic populations of the American cockroach. This ubiquitous pest loves to find its way into area homes and make a mess of kitchens, trash rooms and other parts of the house. While they don’t bite or sting, cockroaches can contaminate human and pet food with harmful bacteria. They also produce foul-smelling secretions.
Structural Pests
Austin’s pests aren’t just annoying. In many cases, they can cause serious financial harm for local homeowners. For starters, carpenter ants use structural wood to build extensive colonies within the walls and foundations of local homes. Termites can be even worse: They actually consume the wood they eat, leaving gaping holes and weak spots that can cause serious damage over time. To make matters worse, several species of wood-boring beetles live in central Texas. Many homeowners mistake the activity of these lesser-known critters for that of termites or ants.
Pest Control in Austin: Not for Amateurs Anymore
We wish we could say with certainty that these are the only pests to be found in the Austin area, but that just isn’t true. We’re always hearing new complaints from local homeowners and business owners who face novel threats from insects, rodents and arachnids. If you’re new to the area, you shouldn’t take all this commotion as a sign to hit the road. Instead, contact one of our pest control specialists at ABC Home & Commercial Services in Austin discuss your home’s pest control needs. You can also schedule a free estimate online.