Fire Ant Control in East Texas Lawns and Yards
Fire ants are more than annoying — they’re painful, aggressive, and they ruin your ability to enjoy your own yard.
Kids can’t play outside without risking stings. You can’t mow without getting attacked. They build mounds everywhere and spread fast. And if you’ve tried the home remedies — boiling water, gasoline, grits, club soda — you already know none of that works.
James M
5 Star Google Review
I contacted Critter Gitters this morning to help me eradicate a huge wasp nest on the front of my house and around the eaves of my roof. They kindly came out a couple of hours later, killed all of the wasps, and sent me a picture of the nests. Now THAT’S service!!! Wouldn’t use anyone else!! Thanks Lane for your help and awesome service!
Thai Folta
5 Star Google Review
We have used Critter Gitters for years and wouldn’t think to go elsewhere. They are extremely detail oriented, down to the de-webbing of the whole exterior of our home. They are always extremely professional and punctual (which is a huge must for us). I couldn’t recommend a better company than Critter Gitters!
George Lee
5 Star Google Review
We have used Critter Gitters for years and wouldn’t think to go elsewhere. They are extremely detail oriented, down to the de-webbing of the whole exterior of our home. They are always extremely professional and punctual (which is a huge must for us). I couldn’t recommend a better company than Critter Gitters!
Joy Ione
5 Star Google Review
Joey Baker was highly recommended by the realtor who sold me my house. I saw what looked like termites, but Joey came right away and identified carpenter ants. I saved some dead ones in a zip lock bag for him to look at. He and his team treated the inside and outside of the house. It only took 2 treatments to get rid of the little critters. Don't do what I did. When they first started trailing out of the wall, I sprayed pesticide on them. Joey let me know to let them trail, otherwise they will go back in and make another colony.
Carol Dawson
5 Star Google Review
Critter Getters is always there when I need them!! They are prompt, competent and very reliable! You can certainly trust your staff at Critter Getters! They are the best!!
Wb Byrd
5 Star Google Review
Critter Gitters has provide great service for me for years. The local touch compares to no other. I’m grateful, and my children are as well, to be able to enjoy our backyard year round.
Greg Wassberg
5 Star Google Review
Whether one has bugs inside their home or outside, Critter Gitters offers the complete pest control services. Having mosquito issues outside, they have a service for that. Termite issues, they have a service for that too. Locally owned, and affordable. The technicians are also professional, safe, and understand that each homeowner has their own unique concerns.
Tyler Tabor
5 Star Google Review
We have been using Critter Gitters for years now and wouldn’t recommend anyone else! Joey is very professional yet personable and always has a smile on his face . He tries to make each service as easy as possible. If you’re looking for an amazing pest service experience…look no further!
READY TO GET STARTED?
Why Fire Ants Are Worse in East Texas
Imported red fire ants have no natural predators in the United States. The Texas Imported Fire Ant Research and Management Project at Texas A&M — the world’s leading fire ant research authority — documents that infested Texas properties average 20–100 mounds per acre in high-pressure areas. Houston County, with its open pastures and agricultural land, falls squarely in that category.
Fire ants in East Texas are also polygyne — meaning each colony can have multiple queens. A single mound treatment that kills worker ants does nothing to the queens feeding elsewhere in the same colony. The mound re-builds from surviving queens within days. That’s why individual mound treatments consistently fail — and why professional broadcast treatment is the only reliable solution.
For properties managing both fire ants and general lawn care, we offer a bundled fire ant broadcast with lawn fertilization and weed control — one program that handles outdoor pest pressure and turf health together.
Our Two-Step Fire Ant Control Method
Step one: broadcast bait across your entire yard. Fire ant workers forage and carry the slow-acting bait back to the colony, where it’s fed to the queens. This is critical — only the queens sustain the colony, and only bait reaches them.
Step two: treat active mounds directly with a fast-acting contact insecticide. This eliminates the existing mound population immediately while the bait works through the colony structure. Together, the two steps produce colony collapse rather than just surface-level knockdown.
Our blog on broadcast vs. mound treatment for fire ants explains the science behind why hardware-store products consistently fail to produce lasting results — and what to look for in a professional treatment.
We also treat for general ant species including carpenter ants and odorous house ants as part of our comprehensive pest plan. If fire ants are the main concern outdoors, we can build a yard-specific program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does my fire ant treatment keep coming back?
A: Most DIY and low-quality professional treatments only kill the workers you can see. The queens survive and rebuild. Our broadcast bait program reaches the queens. Read our blog on why fire ant mound treatments fail for a full breakdown.
Q: Are fire ants dangerous?
A: Yes — especially for young children, elderly individuals, and people with allergies. Fire ant stings cause intense burning and can trigger anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals. Multiple sting events from disturbing a mound are an emergency situation. Keep EpiPens accessible if you have known insect allergies.
Q: How long before the fire ant treatment works?
A: Bait programs take 2–4 weeks for full colony collapse. You’ll see reduced mound activity within 7–10 days. We follow up after 30 days to assess results and retreat any surviving mounds.
Q: Can you treat fire ants in a pasture or large acreage?
A: Yes. Broadcast treatment scales to any size — we treat residential yards, commercial properties, and agricultural acreage. Large-acreage pricing is different from residential; call us for a quote based on your property size.
Q: How often should fire ant treatment be applied?
A: An annual broadcast treatment is the minimum for effective control in East Texas. High-pressure properties benefit from semi-annual treatment (spring and fall). Monthly visits on our seasonal pest plan include fire ant monitoring and spot treatment as needed.
process
Our Pest Control Process
Connect & Schedule
Your protection starts with a simple conversation.
Our friendly customer service team listens to your concerns, answers questions, and helps schedule an inspection or service visit at your convenience.
Inspection & Diagnosis
We Identify the Source
Our certified technicians perform a detailed inspection of your property — inside and out. We identify pest types, entry points, and contributing conditions to determine exactly what’s happening and why.
Customized Treatment
Science-Based Targeted Solution
Using proven Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles, we design a treatment plan tailored to your home, pest type, and environment. We use precision applications — not overuse — to ensure safe, effective, and lasting results.
Guaranteed Results
Professional Service Guaranteed
Our trained specialists apply targeted treatments using the latest tools and environmentally responsible products. We treat interior and exterior zones, eliminate nests and harborage areas, and establish a protective barrier around your home.
Certified Local Expertise
Family-Focused Service
Guaranteed Results
WHY CHOOSE US
Why Homeowners Across East Texas Trust Critter Gitters
Science-Based Solutions, Never Guesswork
Science-Based Solutions, Never Guesswork
Integrity-First Service, Always
Integrity-First Service, Always
We lead with honesty and reliability. At Critter Gitters, integrity means fair pricing, clear communication, and doing the job right the first time—every time.
Training That Exceeds Industry Standards
Training That Exceeds Industry Standards
Our technicians undergo continuous training that goes beyond industry requirements, ensuring every service is performed with expert knowledge, precision, and the latest pest control techniques.
Certified Expertise You Can Trust
Certified Expertise You Can Trust
Our team is fully licensed and certified, bringing proven expertise to every job. You can trust Critter Gitters for safe, professional, and effective pest control backed by years of experience.
Guaranteed Results — Or We’ll Make It Right
Guaranteed Results — Or We’ll Make It Right
Your satisfaction is our promise. If the covered pests come back, so will we – 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
About Us
Critter Gitters Built on Experience, and a Promise to Protect
Family-owned and operated since 2006, Critter Gitters Pest Control has proudly served East Texas with trusted, science-based pest control solutions that protect homes, families, and peace of mind. Founded by Joey Baker, our company was built on the belief that true pest control starts with understanding the problem — not just treating the symptoms.
Experience the Critter Gitters Difference
When you choose Critter Gitters, you’re choosing more than a pest control company — you’re partnering with certified professionals dedicated to protecting your home, health, and comfort with integrity and care.
Our Expertise = Your Peace of Mind.
Our process begins with inspection and diagnosis, not quick fixes. By combining scientific precision, advanced training, and eco-conscious practices, we deliver results that last — not treatments that repeat.
Joey Baker, ACE
Owner & Founder
Packages
Bundle and Save 10% when you add Mosquito Duo Defense or Lawn & Ornamental to any package.
Package Includes
Essential Plan
Essential
Proven protection for everyday peace of mind.
Elite Plan
Elite
Complete coverage. Ultimate peace of mind.
Ants (Argentine, Rover & Odorous House)
Roaches (Peridomestic species)
Spiders, Millipedes, Centipedes, Crickets, Earwigs, Silverfish, Ground Beetles, Pill Bugs, and other occasional invaders
Interior and exterior treatments every 3 months
Targeted crack, crevice, and perimeter applications
Web and wasp nest removal up to 15 ft
Guaranteed re-service between visits if pests return
Rodent monitoring and exterior bait stations
Wasp nest removal up to 30 ft
Fire Ant treatment up to 20,000 sq ft
Full Sentricon® Termite Monitoring System
Carpenter Ant treatment
Additional Services
Need more than standard pest control? Our advanced services deliver customized protection for complex infestations, long-term prevention, and total peace of mind.
- Termite Inspections / WDO Real Estate Reports
- Carpenter Ants
- Fire Ants
- German Roach Clean-out
- Fleas & Ticks
- Rodent Trapping & Exclusion
- Arbor Jet Tree Injections
- Scorpion Plan
- Termite Treatments (Termidor and Sentricon)
- Bed Bugs
- Invasive Bees
- Mosquitoes
- Wildlife Trapping & Exclusion
- Lawn & Ornamental
Locations
Serving Families and Businesses Throughout East Texas
Anderson County
Anderson County
Leon County
Leon County
Walker County
Walker County
Trinity County
Trinity County
Henderson County
Henderson County
Madison County
Madison County
Montgomery County
Montgomery CountyFAQ’s
Common Questions from Our Customers
What pests are covered in your Essential Plan?
Our Essential Plan covers the most common household pests, including ants, spiders, roaches, silverfish, and occasional rodents. This plan is designed to provide year-round protection for your home and prevent infestations before they become a problem.
How is the Premium Plan different from the Essential Plan?
The Premium Plan offers comprehensive protection beyond the Essential Plan, including coverage for termites and carpenter ant control. It’s the total defense solution for your home and property.
Do you offer termite control or inspections?
Yes! We provide full termite control and inspection services. Our experts use advanced detection methods and safe, effective treatments to protect your home from termite damage and prevent future infestations.
Are your treatments safe for my family and pets?
Absolutely! All our treatments are family- and pet-safe. We use environmentally friendly products and methods that effectively eliminate pests while keeping your loved ones and pets safe.
Can I combine mosquito or lawn services with my pest plan?
Yes! You can easily add mosquito or lawn care services to any of our pest control plans. This lets you enjoy complete protection for your home and yard, all in one convenient package.
What areas do you serve?
We proudly serve Houston County and surrounding areas, providing reliable pest control services to both residential and commercial properties. If you’re unsure whether we cover your location, just contact us — we’re happy to help!
