Pest Control Info
Paluxy, TX

Striped Bark Scorpions have tan bodies with 2 almost black parallel stripes on their backs. They can grow up to 3 inches in length and have the classic scorpion pincers and stinger tails. These scorpions live somewhat nocturnal lives in order to avoid the heat of the day. They nest in shaded hiding places such as beneath rocks, in wood piles, and under logs. They eat insects such as butterflies, cockroaches, spiders, and beetles. Make your home an undesirable dwelling place by removing ground cover and sealing potential entry points.

Aedes mosquitoes are black in color with white accents predominantly on the legs. Commonly known as “ankle biters”, the females will bite human ankles in order to get the blood needed for reproduction. Aedes mosquitoes also consume plant nectar and do not fly long distances. Living in or around homes can provide the mosquitoes with food, shelter, and the ability to lay eggs. Even the slightest amount of water can be used to lay mosquito eggs. The lifespan of an Aedes mosquito can be around two weeks, with the female laying eggs around three times.

Formosan termites are a type of insect that are known for causing damage to buildings and other structures. They are originally from Southeast Asia, but have been introduced to other parts of the world, including Texas. Formosan termites are small and flat, and they like to eat wood and other materials that contain cellulose at a rapid pace. They live in large groups called colonies, and some colonies can have millions of termites. Formosan termites are most commonly found in warm and humid places, especially near the coast.

Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are dark brown in color with light yellow outlining the sides of their body. Males grow to be about 1 inch, while females only reach about 3/4 of an inch in size. They predominantly nest in hollowed out trees or in wood piles. Their diet consists of decaying organic matter and sugary substances. To deter these cockroaches, regularly rake up fallen leaves, collect fruit on the ground from fruit trees and discard scrap wood.

Pogonomyrmex barbatus, or the Red Harvester ant, are a reddish brown color and distinguishable by their large square heads and lack of spine. They reach about 7 millimeters in size and nest deep down in soil exposed to sunlight. Their diet consists largely of seeds which they mash together to form a bread-like substance. They also eat animal feces and occasionally other insects.

Roof rats have long bodies covered in soft brown fur. They have light colored bellies and long skinny tails. A mature roof rat’s body can reach up to 8 inches in length with their tail measuring up to an additional 10 inches. They prefer to nest in areas of such as attics, ceilings, and behind walls. Roof rats are food hoarders by nature and seek out fruit, nuts, and seeds to transport back to their nest. Seal any cracks in foundations or siding, repair gaps in doorways, and screen windows to prevent them from coming inside your Paluxy, TX home.

Brown recluse are about 3/8ths of an inch in size and are distinguishable by their pale brown color and violin-shaped marking near the base of their head. The name recluse comes from their penchant for spinning webs in dark, remote, and abandoned areas. Their venom is considered harmful to humans and bite sites will gradually turn into a large blister possibly developing into an ulcer. If bitten by a recluse, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Red Wasps, known for their distinctive rusty red colored bodies and black wings, can grow up to 1 inch in size. They are social wasps that construct large paper nests capable of sustaining up to 5000 individuals. Nests in Paluxy are typically found in hollow trees and roof overhangs. Red Wasps are attracted to sweet foods, flowers, and bright colors, but their diet is predominantly composed of caterpillars.

Ixodes scapularis, commonly known as Deer Ticks, are a species of tick that exhibit a reddish-brown coloration with a hard, black exoskeleton, and can grow up to 3 millimeters in length. These ticks are notorious for their ability to transmit Lyme disease, a debilitating bacterial infection. Deer Ticks are known to lurk in tall grass and brushy areas of Paluxy, TX, waiting for a suitable host to walk by, at which point they attach themselves and begin feeding until fully engorged.