Flea & Tick Control in Crockett & East Texas — Critter Gitters Pest Management
East Texas’s mild winters and dense wildlife populations create a flea and tick environment that does not follow the seasonal on-and-off cycle seen in colder parts of the country. In Houston County, fleas reproduce year-round in crawl spaces and interior carpet. Ticks remain active from late winter through early December. Deer, feral hogs, raccoons, and the area’s abundant wildlife keep tick populations sustained on residential properties adjacent to woodland and pasture.
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?
Flea & Tick Control in Crockett & East Texas — Critter Gitters Pest Management
Critter Gitters Pest Management provides professional flea and tick control throughout Houston County — Crockett, Grapeland, Lovelady, Kennard, and Latexo — under TPCL #13381. We treat the full treatment zone: interior of the structure, the yard, and crawl space areas — not just the surfaces you can see.
Call 936-546-7493 or request a free estimate. Same-week scheduling is available throughout Houston County.
Why East Texas Flea & Tick Problems Are Year-Round
Fleas require a sustained temperature below 37°F to kill pupae — the most cold-tolerant life stage. East Texas winters rarely reach this threshold for more than a few days, which means flea populations in crawl spaces, under structures, and in animal sleeping areas survive winter and restart population growth in early spring. Homes with pets or wildlife access underneath see continuous flea pressure.
Ticks in East Texas are similarly year-round. The lone star tick — the most aggressive biter in the region — has been confirmed active in all 12 months in Houston County in recent years. Deer ticks (black-legged ticks), which transmit Lyme disease, are present and active from early October through March — the period most people incorrectly assume tick activity is low.
The wildlife corridor created by Davy Crockett National Forest and the rural agricultural landscape of Houston County maintains very high deer, feral hog, and wildlife tick burdens — and those animals range through residential properties, dropping tick-carrying debris across yards, fence lines, and vegetated areas.
Call 936-546-7493 or request a free estimate. Same-week scheduling is available throughout Houston County.
The Flea Life Cycle — Why Treatment Must Cover All Stages
Understanding the flea life cycle is essential for understanding why treatment works the way it does:
- Eggs (50% of the population): laid on the host, fall off into carpet, bedding, and yard. Hatch in 2–14 days. Not killed by most adulticide sprays.
- Larvae (35% of the population): live in carpet fibres, cracks in flooring, and soil. Feed on flea faeces. Avoid light. Not killed by most adulticide sprays.
- Pupae (10% of the population): encased in a sticky cocoon that protects them from all pesticide contact. Can remain dormant for up to 6 months. Hatch in response to vibration and heat — which is why you may see a flea explosion after returning from vacation.
- Adults (5% of the population): the fleas you see. Begin feeding within minutes of hatching.
Effective flea treatment must address eggs, larvae, and adults — which requires both an adulticide (kills adults) and an insect growth regulator/IGR (prevents eggs and larvae from developing). Without IGR, treatment provides only temporary relief.
Our Flea & Tick Treatment Programme
Interior Treatment:
We treat all carpeted areas, upholstered furniture, pet sleeping areas, and under-furniture zones with a combination of adulticide and IGR. Hard floors are treated at baseboards, cracks, and in areas where pets rest. Crawl space areas are treated where flea populations are harbouring under the structure.
Exterior/Yard Treatment:
We apply a residual treatment to the entire yard perimeter, under decks and porches, along fence lines, and in shaded areas where ticks and fleas concentrate. These are the areas where pets and children spend time and where re-infestation originates.
Crawl Space Treatment:
Critical for Houston County pier-and-beam homes. Fleas and wildlife-associated ticks frequently harborage in crawl spaces — this is the most overlooked treatment zone in flea control and a major reason DIY treatments fail repeatedly.
Client Preparation:
Effective flea treatment requires pet treatment on the same day (by your veterinarian or using vet-recommended products) and vacuuming of all treated areas before service. We provide a detailed preparation guide at booking.
Related Services
→ Mosquito Control → — similar outdoor treatment zones, often combined
→ Rodent Control → — rodents introduce fleas and ticks into structures
→ Lawn Fertilization & Weed Control → — healthy lawn reduces tick harborage
Serving All of Houston County, TX
We provide this service across every community in our Houston County service area:
→ Pest Control in Crockett, TX →
→ Pest Control in Grapeland, TX →
→ Pest Control in Lovelady, TX →
Frequently Asked Questions — Flea & Tick Control in East Texas
Q: Why do I still see fleas after treatment?
A: Flea pupae are protected from all pesticide contact by their sticky cocoon. Newly hatched adults emerging from pupae after treatment will contact the residual product and be killed — but this process takes 2–6 weeks as the pupal population depletes. Continued vacuuming stimulates hatching and speeds resolution. Do not retreat immediately — the programme is working.
Q: My pet is on flea prevention medication. Do I still need yard treatment?
A: Pet flea prevention products protect the animal but do not treat the yard or home environment. If fleas are present in the yard or home, they will continue to bite humans and newly hatched adults will continue to attempt to re-infest treated pets. Environmental treatment is essential for complete flea resolution.
Q: How do I check for ticks on my property?
A: Walk a piece of white flannel or light-coloured tape along fence lines, leaf litter edges, and tall grass areas. Ticks will attach to the fabric. Lone star ticks are aggressive and will actively move toward people and pets. High-risk areas are shaded, moist transition zones between lawn and wooded or brushy areas.
Q: How often should I treat for fleas and ticks in East Texas?
A: For year-round protection in Houston County, we recommend quarterly treatment. Properties with high wildlife pressure or pets with outdoor access benefit from bi-monthly treatment during spring through fall.
Schedule Flea & Tick Control in Houston County
Call 936-546-7493 or request your free estimate online. We treat homes, yards, and crawl spaces throughout Houston County with same-week scheduling.
process
Let’s Get Started
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 Management 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.
, 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!
