Moving to Austin? What Bugs Can You Expect to See?

Are you planning to move to Austin? Congrats! You've made an excellent choice. Austin is a vibrant city full of art, music, culture, and of course, plenty of delicious food. But you should also be aware that when you move there, you might share your home with some less-than-desirable roommates - bugs! In this article, we'll talk about some of the common bugs you can expect to encounter in the Austin area and what you can do to prevent or minimize their presence.

What Kind of Bugs Live in Austin?

Living in Austin can bring a wide variety of bugs into your home. Different types of insects are drawn to warm climates like Texas, so you should expect to see ants, cockroaches, spiders, and other types of pests. Some of the most common types that live in Austin include:

Ants

Fire ants and carpenter ants are two of the most common ant species in the area. Fire ants are very aggressive and can cause painful stings. Carpenter ants, on the other hand, prefer to nest in wood and build large colonies.

Cockroaches

Austin has more than its fair share of cockroaches - both indoor and outdoor varieties. They thrive in warm climates like Austin. They're a nuisance because they spread diseases and contaminate food.

Mosquitoes and Other Flying Insects

Texas summers can be filled with annoying flying insects such as mosquitoes, gnats, and horseflies. The best way to reduce the number of these pests is to avoid standing water and wear protective clothing when you’re outdoors.

Spiders

Spiders are abundant in Austin, especially during the summer months. Most of the spiders that you'll find in the area are harmless, including Daddy Long Legs, Wolf Spiders, and Jumping Spiders. If you do encounter a venomous spider such as a Black Widow or a Brown Recluse, it’s best to contact an exterminator for help in identifying and eliminating the pest.

Scorpions

Though they’re not as common as other pests, scorpions can still be found in some areas of Austin. Most scorpions are harmless, but it’s still important to exercise caution if you come across one - some species of scorpions can deliver a painful sting.

Beetles and Other Large Insects

Austin is home to a variety of larger insects such as palo verde beetles and Texas leafcutting bees. Palo verde beetles can reach lengths of up to 2 inches and have bright green bodies that make them easy to spot. Leafcutting bees are beneficial insects that help pollinate plants, but they may still “buzz-bomb” people when they feel threatened or disturbed.

How Can I Prevent Bugs from Entering My Home?

The best way to prevent bugs from entering your home is by doing some preventative measures to make your home less attractive to them. Here are some tips on how you can keep bugs away:

●       Seal cracks and crevices around windows and doors – Make sure you check for any gaps around windows or doors where pests may be able to enter your home. Seal any openings with caulk or weather-stripping to make it harder for them to get in.

●       Keep food stored properly – Make sure all food is stored in airtight containers or sealed packages, as this makes it hard for pests to get access to them. Additionally, try to clean up any spills or crumbs as soon as possible, as this can attract cockroaches or ants looking for a meal.

●       Remove any standing water – Standing water is like a beacon for mosquitos so make sure there isn't any stagnant water around your home where they could breed. This includes checking for clogged gutters or leaks from your bathroom or kitchen fixtures.

●       Keep plants away from your home – Insects love moisture, so keep any plants away from your home's foundation as far as possible, as this will make it harder for them to get inside. Additionally, keep bushes trimmed and ensure there aren't any branches hanging close to your windows, as insects often use them as a bridge into your home.

●       Use screens – Install screens on all windows and doors to stop flying insects from getting into your home. Make sure the screens are properly fitted and regularly inspect for any holes or tears as this will let flies through easily.

What Should I Do If I See a Pest Inside My Home?

No one likes pests! Nobody wants to share their home with creepy crawling critters. If you find yourself with an infestation of pests inside your home, there are several steps you can take to get rid of them. Here's what you need to know:

●      Ants: To get rid of ants, start by cleaning up any food particles or crumbs you find in the kitchen and dining areas. Store food in sealed containers and outside of the house if possible. You can also try using ant baits or traps to help prevent ants from entering your house. If these methods don't solve your problem, call an exterminator for more help.

●      Spiders: To stop spiders from coming into your home, start by sealing off any cracks or crevices that they could use as entry points. You can also install fly screens on windows and doors, and use insecticides or spider traps to keep them away.

●      Cockroaches: To get rid of cockroaches, start by cleaning up food scraps and throwing away open containers of food. You should also seal off cracks and crevices around your home to prevent them from entering again. You may need to call an exterminator for more serious infestations.

Conclusion

Moving to Austin might seem like a scary prospect thanks to all the bugs, but with the right preventative measures, you can rest assured they won't become too much of an issue. By sealing up any cracks around windows or doors, storing food properly, removing any standing water around your home, keeping plants away from the foundation, and using screens on windows and doors, you can keep most pests at bay without much effort at all. Of course, if you do see one inside, then don't hesitate to call in an exterminator, as this will ensure that the problem doesn't become worse than it has to be. So go ahead and enjoy everything that Austin has to offer without worrying too much about invading pests!