In East Texas, spring brings termite swarms and new fire ant mounds, summer brings mosquitoes, roaches and scorpions, fall pushes mice and rats toward the house, and winter is when they settle in. Most seasonal pests in Texas follow heat and rain, so the plan is the same every year: take away the water and shelter around your house, and keep a regular treatment schedule instead of waiting for a problem.
Critter Gitters Pest Control has been based in Crockett since 2006. Here’s what East Texas homeowners usually run into in each season, and what helps.
Spring: Termite Swarms, Fire Ants and Ant Trails
Spring is termite swarm season. Native subterranean termites usually swarm in the daytime, often on a warm day after rain. Formosan termites, which Critter Gitters sees in this area, swarm later in spring around dusk and are drawn to lights. Either way you may see winged insects near a window or light, or a pile of shed wings on a sill. A swarm inside the house usually means a colony is already feeding nearby.
Spring rain also brings new fire ant mounds in yards and pastures, and ant trails along kitchen counters. If you’re not sure what you’re looking at outside, our guide on how to spot a fire ant mound walks through it.
- Sweep up shed wings and save a few in a bag to show the technician.
- Keep mulch and firewood away from the foundation.
- Fix leaks and drips that keep soil wet next to the house.
Joey Baker is a Certified Sentricon Always Active Specialist. If you’ve seen swarmers, a Sentricon termite inspection is a sensible next step.
Summer: Mosquitoes, Roaches, Scorpions and Wasps
Summer heat and rain storms make mosquitoes the biggest outdoor complaint. They breed in any water that sits for a few days: gutters, plant saucers, tarps, low spots in the yard. Our post on why yards fill with mosquitoes after rain covers what to dump, drain or treat.
For yards that need more than that, Mosquito Duo Defense has two parts: fogging for the adult mosquitoes resting in the yard, and In2Care stations set out around the property. It’s serviced monthly from March through October and is added to a pest control plan.
Inside, roaches move toward kitchens and bathrooms where there’s water. Scorpions come out at night and hide under wood piles, rocks and clutter. Paper wasps and red wasps build under eaves, porches and barn roofs.
- Dump standing water once a week.
- Move wood piles and rock borders away from the house.
- Shake out shoes and gloves left in the garage or barn.
- Leave wasp nests alone and call; don’t knock them down by hand.
Fall: Mice and Rats Look for a Way In
When the nights cool off, mice and rats start looking for warm shelter, and attics, wall voids, garages and barns are the easy choices. Gnawing, droppings along walls, and scratching overhead at night are the usual signs. Fleas and ticks can stay active in the yard through a mild fall too.
- Seal gaps around pipes, vents and garage doors.
- Store feed, birdseed and pet food in sealed containers.
- Trim branches that touch the roof.
If they’re already inside, our rodent control starts with finding how they’re getting in.
Winter: Pests That Move Indoors
Winter is quieter outside, but the pests that found a way in during fall are now living with you. Mice and rats nest in insulation and storage. German roaches keep breeding in warm kitchens all year. Winter is also a good time to check crawlspaces and the foundation for moisture and wood damage before spring swarm season.
A Year-Round Plan Beats Seasonal Spraying
Because each season brings something new, one spray rarely lasts. Our home pest control plans treat inside and out every 3 months, and if covered pests come back between visits, so do we at no charge.
- Essential: quarterly service for ants, roaches, spiders and other common invaders, plus web and wasp nest removal up to 15 ft.
- Premium: adds rodent bait stations, fire ant treatment up to 20,000 sq ft and wasp nests up to 30 ft.
- Elite: adds full Sentricon termite monitoring and carpenter ant treatment.
Inspections are free, scheduling is usually the same week, and monthly payments are available. You get your price after the inspection. Our products are eco-friendly and pet friendly; keep kids and pets off treated areas until the product dries.
Seasonal Pest FAQ
When are seasonal pests worst in East Texas?
Outdoor pests like mosquitoes and fire ants are worst in the warm, wet months. Indoor pressure from mice, rats and roaches picks up as the weather cools.
When do termites swarm in East Texas?
Mostly in spring. Native subterranean termites usually swarm in the daytime after rain; Formosan termites swarm around dusk later in spring. Swarmers or shed wings inside the house are a reason to book an inspection.
Is quarterly pest control enough?
For most homes, yes. Quarterly service covers the common pests, and customers on a recurring plan get a free re-service if pests come back between visits. Mosquitoes, termites and some other pests are handled by their own services.
Can I get a one-time treatment?
Yes. One-time treatments are available; they just take a short service agreement.
Critter Gitters serves homes in Crockett and across Houston County and nearby East Texas towns. See our service area, or call 936-261-7965 for a free inspection.
