Homes in The Woodlands see a different pest in each season: termite swarms and ant trails in spring, mosquitoes and roaches in summer, rodents moving indoors in fall, and mice and roaches settled inside through winter. The tall pines, ponds and humid summers that make the area pleasant also give pests water and shelter, so the best defense is to take those away around the house and stay on a regular schedule.
This is a general homeowner guide. Critter Gitters is based in Crockett and serves Houston County and nearby East Texas towns; see our service area to check whether we cover your address.
Spring: Termites and Ants
Warm days after spring rain are when termite swarmers appear: winged insects at a window or light, or shed wings on a sill. Swarmers indoors usually mean a colony is feeding close by, so it’s worth an inspection rather than just vacuuming them up. Spring is also when ant trails show up along counters and baseboards.
- Keep mulch, pine straw and firewood pulled back from the foundation.
- Fix leaks and drainage that keep soil damp against the slab.
- Wipe up crumbs and sticky spills so ant scouts have nothing to report.
Summer: Mosquitoes and Roaches
Shady, wooded lots stay damp, and mosquitoes breed in any water that sits for a few days: gutters, plant saucers, birdbaths, kids’ toys and tarps. Roaches head for kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms where there’s moisture. Our post on why yards fill with mosquitoes after rain lists the spots people miss.
- Dump or drain standing water once a week.
- Clean gutters so they don’t hold water.
- Fix dripping outdoor faucets and AC lines.
Fall: Rodents and Wildlife Look for Shelter
As nights cool, mice and rats look for warm places to nest, and attics and garages are the easy choices. Squirrels, raccoons and opossums also look for a way into attics and under decks in wooded neighborhoods. Scratching overhead at night, droppings and chewed insulation are the usual signs.
- Trim branches that touch the roof.
- Seal gaps around pipes, vents and garage doors.
- Store pet food and birdseed in sealed containers.
Winter: The Pests Already Inside
Winter is quiet outdoors, but pests that got in during fall keep living in insulation, wall voids and storage. German roaches keep breeding in warm kitchens all year. It’s a good season to look over the attic, crawlspace or slab edge for moisture and wood damage before spring.
Why a Regular Schedule Works Better Than One Spray
Each season brings a different pest, so a single spray rarely lasts. Regular home pest control every 3 months, inside and out, keeps up with the change in seasons. Termites are their own job: bait systems like Sentricon monitor for termites around the house all year.
Seasonal Pest FAQ
What pests are most common around wooded neighborhoods?
Ants, roaches, mosquitoes, termites and rodents, with each one peaking in a different season.
When do termites swarm?
Mostly in spring, often on a warm day after rain.
What can I do myself between treatments?
Take away water and shelter: dump standing water, keep mulch and firewood off the foundation, seal gaps, and trim branches off the roof.
Does Critter Gitters serve my area?
Critter Gitters is based in Crockett and serves Houston County and nearby East Texas towns. Check our service area, or call 936-261-7965 to ask about your address.
