Living in Austin means enjoying warm weather, beautiful outdoor spaces, and plenty of sunshine. But it also means dealing with a variety of pests that thrive in our unique Central Texas climate. From ants marching across your kitchen counters to scorpions sneaking into attics, it’s no surprise that homeowners often call YardDoc for help keeping unwanted guests out.
Below, we’ve listed the top five most common household pests in Austin, along with some key facts about why they invade, the damage they can cause, and how to help prevent them.
1
Cockroaches like warm, humid environments. They often enter the home with packages (boxes, envelopes), but can also come through open windows, small gaps or cracks, or even via plumbing or drains.
If you see a single large roach, it may have just arrived and could be a one-off, but if you see really small roaches, then you probably already have an infestation. Those small ones are the next generation taking hold.
2
There are over 200 species of ants in Texas, but the most common ones found in Austin homes include sugar ants, odorous house ants, carpenter ants, and acrobat ants. These ants are omnivores, eating a wide variety of foods.
Carpenter ants and acrobat ants can both cause structural damage as they excavate wood to create their nests. Unlike termites, they do not eat the wood, but they can still cause considerable damage to your home. Seeing carpenter or acrobat ants indoors probably means they are nesting in your walls.
To get rid of ants, follow their trail and see where they are coming from or going to. One end is likely a food source and the other end a hole or crack. Both ends need attention!
To stop ants, check that gaps and cracks are properly sealed up and keep food in airtight containers. For carpenter and acrobat ants, ensure that external-facing wood is properly painted or sealed and that wood is not exposed to moisture, as both species prefer moist wood.
3
Scorpions are carnivores, so they come indoors in search of other insects to prey on. They typically enter following a cool or warm draft (depending on the season) under a door, gap, or crack somewhere in your home. Scorpions prefer moderate temperatures, so they also enjoy our climate-controlled homes. Once inside, they will seek prey (insects) and water, but they can survive up to a year without food!
Scorpions have the strange habit of going straight up when they hit an obstacle. When they encounter your house wall, they often end up in the roof and can access the house via light fittings.
To stop scorpions, seal up gaps and cracks around the home, check that light fittings are properly enclosed from the roof side, and consider getting your attic dusted if you regularly see scorpions inside.
4
Both rats and mice are unfortunately common pests in and around Austin homes, generally attracted by food, water, and shelter. They are sociable animals and rarely travel far alone. If you see one, there are likely more. And, if you see them during the day, you probably have a significant infestation.
Rats and mice often damage homes and are also carriers of disease, so you want to dissuade them from making your home theirs. Sealing entry points and regularly checking that they remain secure is crucial.
Ensuring that food and trash, including pet food, is properly stored in hard, sealed containers helps as well. Wild bird seed, kitchen composters, and fallen fruit from trees can be strong attractants for rodents.
5
The most common termites we see in Austin homes are subterranean termites. As the name implies, these termites largely live underground, as they need the shelter of soil to keep them moist.
Signs of termites:
Subterranean termites are mostly hidden inside the wood and are usually noticed when swarming.
Seeing a swarm near a building doesn’t always mean you have termites, but it’s worth investigating.
Flattened earthen shelter tubes built over concrete or other hard surfaces to reach wood are a telltale sign.
Termite fecal pellets found outside small openings (“kick-out holes”) in the wood.
Depressions or sagging on a roof or shingles could indicate a weak or collapsed area.
Structures should be inspected at least once a year for termite activity. If you see any signs, call a professional to have the structure properly treated.
Conditions that frequently lead to termite problems include:
Cracks in foundations
Wooden posts or supports set in concrete that contact soil
Leaks in crawl spaces that keep soil moist
Low foundation walls and footings that make wood access easier
Soil-filled planters built up against the structure
Wooden steps or fences in contact with soil
Whether it’s scorpions sneaking into attics, ants invading your pantry, or termites silently working beneath the surface, YardDoc’s integrated pest control team has seen it all. If you’re noticing any signs of pest activity around your Austin home, contact YardDoc today for a customized treatment plan that protects your home and family year-round.
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