SILVERFISH   

     In Houston, one of our most frequent insect problems are silverfish.  They are  notorious in houses with wood shake shingles, and cleanliness plays little part in their control. Consequently, they have become known as the "rich mans cockroach."

    Silverfish tend to enter a dwelling through the shake shingles and breed in the attic. In search of food and water they are often observed on the top floor bathrooms, closets, and around baseboards. They feed on organic material often found behind baseboards, and at times they will feed on natural clothing.

    Control requires treatment of the attic, the roof, outside parameter, inside behind baseboards, under sinks, in recessed lighting, etc.  Maintenance in the Spring, Summer, and Fall entails outside perimeter  treatments to keep re-infestation from occurring.

    GERMAN ROACHES

    The German Cockroach is often a problem in residential homes, but they are a major problem in commercial restaurants ,food processing plants, and anywhere they find food, water and shelter. 

    This insect, along with termites and rodents, are the major reasons that pest control became a major service industry.

    German Roaches reproduce extremely rapidly.  They are usually introduced to a structure from another source in delivery boxes, bags etc, Once established they are difficult to control and usually require a monthly maintenance especially in restaurants where food is constantly delivered. They infest and feed on food and carry a variety of germs thus becoming a health hazard.

    .  Control methods have changed drastically with new technology.  Baits have replaced much of the fumigation and chemical applications and will work effectively providing good sanitation is included with the program.  Depending on the situation, we will often use a combination of baits and chemical to rapidly reduce the population, then just baits for maintenance.

    Books have been written on German Roaches and their control. There are hundreds of chemicals labeled for them, and nearly as many baits. We have provided links for more information below, or see Pest Products for more information.

ORIENTAL ROACHES (WATERBUGS)

    The Oriental cockroach A.K.A. "Waterbug" is a roach, but without the stigmatism of the German roach. They do not reproduce as rapidly, and are usually found around drains and water supplies. They are a problem during wet seasons.

    Control is not as difficult as with the German roach.  There is a bait especially for Waterbugs and is effective. Chemical control is also effective, and perimeter  quarterly treatments will achieve continuous control.

AMERICAN ROACHES

    American Roaches are large ugly roaches usually found in basements and outside in the summer. They are not a major health problem like Germans, nor do they reproduce as rapidly. Control is not difficult. Baits and chemicals are available, and continuous control can be achieved with parameter treatments quarterly.

    ANTS

    Ants are another common problem pest in residential and commercial properties. There are numerous varieties of pest ants not the least of which is the Carpenter Ant which deserves its own page. Fire ants are not a problem in Kansas City yet so they will not be discussed here, but we have provided a link to other sites devoted to them.

    The major nuisance ants in Texas include but not limited to Fire Ants, Harvester Ants, Pavement Ants, Little Black Ants, Odorous House Ants, Pharaoh Ants, and Black Tree Ants. (Obviously common names: see links for detailed information.)

    Nuisance ants are usually found in kitchens in search of food and water.  They are most commonly a problem in the Spring but can be found year round especially during drought or excessive rain. There are numerous baits available as well as chemicals but they are host specific so identification is essential for good control. Once the infestation is eradicated quarterly parameter treatments will keep them in check.

    CRICKETS

        There are several varieties of crickets in the Houston area.  Three of which often become a pest inside homes and businesses: they are House Crickets, Field Crickets, and Mole Crickets.

    Crickets are most frequently a problem in September and October in Kansas City. They invade houses and other structures. Although they are rarely in significant numbers to do any damage, they are capable of eating many fabrics and damaging cloths. Usually they are a nuisance and noisy. Control may be done with crack and crevice applications in basements and other areas inside, and parameter treatments outside. There are several baits that are extremely effective on crickets as well as granular insecticides used outside to prevent them from entering.

For more information contact us at info@scapest.com   or call 1-800-775-bugs

Or: call 979-647-1521

Links to more insect information

http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/entml2/