If you’ve lived through a summer in Austin, you know it’s not just the heat you have to worry about. Summer pests in Austin come out in full force when the temperatures rise, and they’re not shy about inviting themselves into your home. From swarming termites to stinging wasps, keeping your house pest-free during the summer months is a job in itself.
These pests aren’t just a nuisance; they can damage your home, put your family’s health at risk, and make outdoor spaces unpleasant. Knowing what to watch for and how to act early can save you from costly repairs and stressful infestations.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the top summer pests in Austin and give you clear steps on how to handle them before they become a full-blown infestation.
Key Takeaways
- Summer in Central Texas brings pests like scorpions, cockroaches, and wasps into your home and yard.
- Fire ants and termites can cause lasting damage if not handled early.
- Standing water, poor landscaping, and open entry points invite unwanted pests.
- A local pest control service can keep your home protected throughout the year.
Scorpions Sneaking Into Shade
Scorpions are a year-round problem in Central Texas, but they become particularly active during periods of intense heat. They look for shade and moisture, which is why you might find one in your garage, attic, or even the bathroom.
Sealing cracks and weather stripping around doors helps keep them out. Scorpions also hide in piles of wood, leaves, and rocks, so keep landscaping tidy. If you’ve seen more than one indoors, it’s time to call pest control.
Wasps and Yellow Jackets Nesting Up High
Wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets build nests under eaves, in trees, or even on outdoor furniture. They’re aggressive when disturbed, especially if they feel you’re getting too close to the nest.
You might spot paper wasps early in the summer, and by July, yellow jackets become a problem. Don’t try to knock down a wasp nest yourself; get pest control experts involved for safe removal.
Termites Working Behind the Scenes
A termite infestation can often go unnoticed until significant damage has already been done. In Austin, termites are most active from spring through late summer. You might see swarmers or find mud tubes near your foundation.
These pests feed on wood, so homes with wooden siding, porches, or attics are at risk. Carpenter ants can also damage wood, but termites are far more destructive. In cities like Houston and Austin, where humidity levels remain high, wood-destroying pests thrive.
If you notice bubbling paint, sagging floors, or discarded wings near windows, those are red flags. A professional inspection is the best first step to prevent severe structural damage.
Cockroaches Love the Heat
Roaches thrive in warm, moist environments. The most common types in Austin are the American cockroach and the German cockroach. These pests seek shelter indoors for water and food, particularly in kitchens, basements, and bathrooms.
German cockroaches, in particular, can multiply fast. If you see one, assume there are more. Roach control involves sealing entry points, eliminating food sources, and applying targeted treatments to manage infestations effectively.
Roaches often appear alongside other common pests, such as silverfish and millipedes, particularly in older homes with moisture issues. Because cockroaches carry bacteria and allergens, prompt pest control isn’t just about comfort, it’s about health.
Fire Ants Taking Over the Yard
If you’ve ever stepped barefoot on a fire ant mound, you know they’re no joke. Fire ants build massive colonies in your yard and will swarm quickly if disturbed.
Their stings are painful and potentially dangerous for kids and pets. They’re also territorial and can displace beneficial insects, such as ladybugs. Unlike other ants, fire ants pose a serious medical risk to people with allergies.
In Central Texas, they’re among the most aggressive outdoor pests. It’s essential to treat the entire yard, not just the visible mounds. An expert pest management plan targets both the colony and the queen to stop the spread before it reaches your foundation.
Mosquitoes, Larvae, and Standing Water
Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance; they carry diseases like West Nile Virus. They lay eggs in any standing water, including clogged gutters, bird baths, and flower pots.
The larvae hatch quickly and mature into biting adults in under a week. Homes in Central Texas, especially those with shady yards or poor drainage, are prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
These pests also feed on other bugs, so if you’re already dealing with infestations of fleas, bed bugs, or silverfish, mosquitoes may be attracted to your property.
Controlling standing water and setting up a barrier treatment can help reduce mosquito populations during the most active summer months.
Cicadas Buzzing Back
This year, cicadas have made headlines across Texas. While they don’t bite or sting, their sheer numbers and loud mating calls can be overwhelming.
Cicadas can damage young trees and shrubs as they lay eggs in branches. More importantly, they attract predators, such as wasps and rodents, which can become a secondary issue. Some homeowners in areas like Houston and Austin have reported an uptick in wasp activity after a cicada surge.
While not a top pest concern compared to cockroaches or termites, cicadas are still considered part of the group of common pests that become a nuisance during the warmer seasons. Trimming trees and turning off outdoor lights at night can help reduce their presence.
Fleas, Ticks, and Pet Problems
Fleas and ticks often hitch rides on pets, then settle into carpets, bedding, and baseboards. They’re especially active in warm months and can be hard to eliminate with DIY treatments.
If your pets are scratching incessantly or you’re finding bites on your ankles, it’s time to take action. Flea infestations require both pet treatment and home pest control services to be fully resolved. Ticks pose an additional concern due to the diseases they carry.
Keeping your grass short and using flea preventatives year-round can reduce the risk. Don’t forget to check the attic and crawl spaces, which can also be entry points for rodents and the fleas they carry.
Prevention Tips That Work
Here’s how to make your home less appealing to pests:
- Fix leaky outdoor faucets and empty standing water.
- Clear leaves and debris from gutters.
- Keep firewood stacked away from your foundation.
- Trim back trees and shrubs touching the home.
- Seal crevices and check weather stripping around doors and windows.
A professional pest control service will also look for signs of nesting sites, crevices, or food sources and help you develop a year-round strategy to keep pests out.
When To Call a Pest Control Expert
If you’re dealing with repeat infestations or seeing multiple types of pests, it’s time to bring in a professional. At Absolute Pest Management, we understand the behavior of summer pests in Austin and know how to control them effectively.
We begin with a comprehensive inspection, tailor a customized treatment plan, and provide clear prevention tips to safeguard your home in the long term. Feel free to give us a call for your free quote, whether it’s scorpions in the attic or roaches in the kitchen; we have the tools and experience to handle it.
FAQs
What are the most common summer pests in Austin?
Austin summers bring pests like scorpions, cockroaches, wasps, termites, and mosquitoes. These pests seek food, water, and shelter, so homes with easy access points or standing water are at a higher risk.
How can I stop pests from entering my home?
You can seal cracks, repair leaky faucets, clear gutters, and keep woodpiles away from your home. A local pest control expert can help identify hidden entry points and create a custom prevention plan.
When should I call a pest control professional?
If you notice multiple types of pests, repeated infestations, or signs of damage (like mud tubes or sagging floors), it’s time to call an expert. Early treatment can save time and money.
