KATY, Texas – As excited as we are to cool off from the Texas heat, Fall has not bought us some cooler temperatures -- but some other pesky problems to and around our homes.
Cooler temps is the perfect time when rodents and pests begin looking for a warm place to feed, nest and breed.
And if you call H-Town home, the chances are high that those little pests will invade your space.
According to a study in 2023, Houston ranked No. 20 out of 50 among 2023′s most ‘’rattiest” cities in the U.S.
As someone who lives in the Katy and Cinco Ranch area, one of the maintenances of having a home is having an exterminator.
According to my exterminator at Bulwark, the Katy area, Fulshear and Cinco Ranch are experiencing an influx of rodent activity due to construction along the Grand Parkway. They said due to the construction, many rodent nests are being destroyed and they are looking for a new home, aka ... your home.
To avoid rodents and prevent exposure to diseases they may carry, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people should make sure entrances to their homes or businesses are sealed, garbage is disposed in tightly covered bins, and pet and bird food is removed from yards.
A few to be on the lookout for
Rats and mice: Rodents will begin looking to find food, water and shelter. Once they are established inside the home, rats and mice can transmit disease, contaminate food and, over time, cause substantial damage to your eaves, electrical wiring and even the inside of your vehicles, according to the CDC.
Roaches: Did you know that, even in the cleanest conditions, roaches can find their way into the most difficult-to-reach spaces? They’re often searching for dark, damp places, and once there, they reproduce quickly. Because they can survive off just about any kind of organic matter, they can be a challenge to get rid of. They are also carriers of diseases like salmonella.
Spiders: They are always an issue in these parts, and no house is immune to them. And while they can perform their own kind of pest control inside your home, the biggest concern when it comes to spiders is that, should you get bitten by a black widow or brown recluse, it may require a trip to the doctor.
Keeping them away
So, how do you keep your home and the surrounding areas clear of pests and rodents? There are a few things you can do to help, according to the professionals:
- Seal all food, including pet food, in tightly sealed containers.
- Wipe down stovetops, tabletops, kitchen and bathroom counters, appliances and coffee tables after use.
- Sweep, mop and vacuum regularly.
- Regularly empty trash bins into receptacles outdoors, especially before going to bed.
- Clear dishes and put them in the dishwasher shortly after use.
- Repair any leaking sinks or faucets.
- Empty out pet food and water bowls at night.
- Keep general clutter to a minimum.
Professionals who know
While all of these efforts may help, the best way to be sure you won’t see pests and rodents roaming into your home is by letting the professionals handle it.