FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions: Pest Control in Austin, Texas
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Pest Control Services
At Pest Control Xperts, we believe that an informed homeowner is a protected homeowner. Navigating the world of pest control in Central Texas can be confusing, especially with our diverse climate and abundance of wildlife. Whether you are hearing scratching in the attic, finding ants in the pantry, or worrying about termites in your foundation, you likely have questions. We have compiled this comprehensive guide to address the most common concerns we hear from our neighbors in Austin, Georgetown, New Braunfels, Round Rock, and San Marcos. Our goal is to provide clear, transparent answers that explain our process, our safety standards, and what you can expect when you partner with us for residential pest control or commercial pest services.
If you do not see your specific question listed below, or if you are dealing with a unique situation, please reach out to us for assistance. We are always ready to listen and provide expert guidance tailored to your property.
General Pest Control Questions
Why do I need professional pest control if I keep my home clean?
Cleanliness is a major factor in preventing pests, but it is not a complete shield. Many pests, such as termites, carpenter ants, and bed bugs, are not attracted to dirt; they are looking for moisture, shelter, and specific food sources like cellulose or blood. Even the cleanest home in Austin can suffer from a rodent infestation if there is a small gap in the roofline, or a spider infestation if other insects are present. Professional pest control provides a layer of protection that cleaning alone cannot achieve. We focus on structural exclusion techniques for pests, breaking breeding cycles, and creating barriers that stop pests before they enter. While sanitation helps with pests like German cockroaches and ants, a comprehensive pest management plan addresses the environmental and biological factors that drive infestations.
What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and do you use it?
Yes, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the foundation of everything we do at Pest Control Xperts. IPM is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term prevention of pests or their damage through a combination of techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and use of resistant varieties. In simple terms, it means we do not just spray chemicals and walk away. We start with a thorough pest inspection to identify the root cause of the problem—whether that is a moisture leak, a tree touching the roof, or a torn screen. We prioritize mechanical and physical controls, such as sealing holes (exclusion) and removing food sources. When products are necessary, we select the most effective option with the lowest risk to people and the environment, applying it with precision to target the specific pest.
Is pest control safe for my children and pets?
Safety is our top priority. As part of our safe pest management protocols, we select products and application methods designed to minimize exposure to your family and pets. Because we utilize an IPM approach, we often place treatments in cracks, crevices, and wall voids where pests hide but where children and pets cannot reach. For exterior treatments, we typically ask that you keep pets and children inside while we work and until the product has completely dried, which usually takes about one to two hours. For specific services like flea control or bed bug eradication, there may be additional preparation and safety steps, which we will provide to you in writing before our arrival. We always encourage open communication regarding any specific health concerns or sensitivities in your household.
Do I need to leave my home during treatment?
For most standard residential pest control services, such as ant control or perimeter protection, you do not need to leave your home. Our technicians can work around your schedule and will treat the exterior while you remain comfortable inside. If we need to treat the interior, we can usually work room-by-room. However, for more intensive services like a flea cleanout, extensive roach extermination, or aerosolized treatments, we may ask you to vacate the property for a few hours to ensure the product settles safely. We will always inform you well in advance if you need to make arrangements to be away.
How often should I have my home serviced?
The frequency of service depends on the type of pest pressure you are facing and your tolerance for activity. For general maintenance in the Austin area, where pest activity is year-round due to our mild climate, we often recommend a regular schedule (such as quarterly) to maintain the protective barrier around your home. This allows us to perform periodic pest inspections and catch new issues, like wasp nests or termite mud tubes, before they become major problems. For active infestations like German roaches or rodents, we may need to visit more frequently—sometimes weekly or bi-weekly—until the population is eliminated. Once control is established, we can switch to a maintenance schedule.
Ant Control FAQs
Why are there ants in my bathroom?
Ants in the bathroom are usually seeking one of two things: moisture or a nesting site. In Central Texas, we often see Carpenter Ants or Odorous House Ants in bathrooms because they are drawn to the humidity from showers and potential leaks behind tiles or under sinks. If you see ants in the bathroom, it is often a sign of a hidden moisture issue. They may be nesting in damp wall voids or entering through gaps around plumbing pipes. Treating these ants requires more than just spraying the visible trail; we must identify the moisture source and use baiting systems that the ants carry back to the colony to eliminate the queen.
What is the difference between fire ants and regular ants?
Red Imported Fire Ants are an aggressive, invasive species common in our area. Unlike most native ants that might just be a nuisance, fire ants bite and sting simultaneously, injecting a venom that causes painful, itchy pustules. They build large, visible mounds in sunny areas of the yard and will swarm aggressively if disturbed. “Regular” ants, like sugar ants or acrobat ants, typically do not sting and are more interested in your food than attacking you. Fire ant control requires a specific approach, often involving broadcast baits to treat the entire yard, as treating individual mounds often causes the colony to move just a few feet away.
Can I just spray the ants I see with store-bought spray?
We strongly advise against using repellent sprays on ants found indoors. Most over-the-counter sprays act as repellents. When you spray a trail of ants, you might kill the ones you hit, but the stress causes the rest of the colony to scatter. This phenomenon, known as “budding,” can cause a single colony to split into multiple new colonies, spreading the infestation to other parts of your home. Professional ant extermination uses non-repellent products and slow-acting baits. The ants do not realize they are walking through the product or eating poison, allowing them to return to the nest and transfer the treatment to the rest of the population, leading to total elimination of pests.
Bed Bug Treatment FAQs
How do I know if I have bed bugs or fleas?
While both pests bite, there are distinct differences. Bed bugs typically bite at night while you are sleeping, often leaving a row or cluster of red, itchy welts on areas of skin exposed during sleep (arms, shoulders, neck). They leave behind rusty blood stains on sheets and dark fecal spots on mattresses. Fleas, on the other hand, tend to bite around the ankles and legs and are often associated with pets. You might see fleas jumping, whereas bed bugs crawl. During our pest assessment services, we look for physical evidence—cast skins, live bugs, or eggs—to confirm the identity of the pest, as the treatment protocols for bed bug eradication and flea control are completely different.
Do I have to throw away my mattress if I have bed bugs?
In most cases, you do not need to discard your mattress. We can successfully treat mattresses and box springs using products labeled for those surfaces. After treatment, we highly recommend installing a high-quality, bed bug-proof mattress encasement. This locks any remaining bugs inside (where they will eventually die) and prevents new bugs from establishing themselves in the mattress seams. However, if a mattress is torn, heavily soiled, or structurally compromised, we may recommend replacement to ensure the success of the treatment. Do not drag a mattress through the house to throw it away without wrapping it in plastic first, as this can spread eggs and bugs to other rooms.
How do I prepare for a bed bug treatment?
Preparation is the most critical part of successful bed bug eradication. We will provide you with a detailed checklist, but generally, you will need to:
- Remove all clutter from the floor and under the bed.
- Strip the bed of all linens and wash them in hot water, then dry on high heat.
- Empty nightstands and dressers if requested.
- Move furniture away from the walls to allow access to baseboards.
- Vacuum thoroughly and dispose of the bag immediately.
Cockroach Extermination FAQs
Why are roaches so hard to get rid of?
Cockroaches, particularly German cockroaches, are biologically built for survival. They reproduce incredibly fast; a single female can produce an egg capsule containing 30-40 babies every few weeks. They can hide in cracks as thin as a credit card, survive on almost any organic matter (including glue and soap), and develop resistance to common pesticides. Successful roach extermination requires disrupting their lifecycle with Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs), removing their food and water sources through sanitation, and using rotation baits that they have not developed immunity to. It is a war of attrition that requires patience and a multi-faceted strategy.
What is the difference between a water bug and a cockroach?
In Texas, the term “water bug” is often a polite name for the American Cockroach. These are large (1.5 to 2 inches), reddish-brown roaches that primarily live outdoors in mulch, trees, and sewers. They fly and often startle homeowners. While they are indeed cockroaches, their behavior is different from the smaller German Cockroach. American roaches usually enter from the outside seeking water or escaping extreme weather, whereas German roaches infest kitchens and breed indoors. The treatment differs: American roach control focuses on exterior exclusion techniques for pests and perimeter barriers, while German roach control requires intense interior baiting and sanitation.
Can roaches cause asthma or allergies?
Yes, cockroach infestations are a significant trigger for asthma and allergies, especially in children and the elderly. The saliva, droppings, and decomposing bodies of cockroaches contain potent allergens. When these particles become airborne, they can cause respiratory issues. This is why we emphasize not just killing the roaches, but also thorough cleaning and hygienic pest removal. Removing the source of the allergens is just as important as the pest control treatment itself for maintaining a healthy indoor environment.
Flea and Tick Control FAQs
My pet is on flea prevention, why do I still have fleas in my house?
On-animal prevention is excellent, but it is not a force field. It typically kills fleas that bite the pet, but it does not stop fleas from hitchhiking into the house on your shoes or pants. Furthermore, if you have a yard infestation, the sheer number of fleas can overwhelm a topical treatment. Once fleas are inside, they lay eggs in the carpet. Even if the adults die on the pet, the eggs in the rug will hatch into larvae and eventually new adults. Professional flea control treats the environment—the carpet, the furniture, and the yard—to catch the 95% of the flea population that is not on your pet.
How long does it take to get rid of fleas?
Flea elimination requires patience due to the “pupal window.” After we treat, the adult fleas and larvae will die. However, the pupae (fleas in cocoons) are protected from chemical treatments. They must hatch to be exposed to the product. This means you may see activity for 2 to 4 weeks after treatment. This is normal. Frequent vacuuming is essential during this time because the vibration stimulates the pupae to hatch sooner, exposing them to the treatment we applied. We use growth regulators to ensure that once they hatch, they cannot reproduce, eventually breaking the cycle.
When is tick season in Austin?
While ticks are most active in the spring and fall, the mild Central Texas climate means tick activity can occur year-round. We often see spikes in activity after warm rains. Ticks like the Brown Dog Tick can even survive and breed indoors during the winter. We recommend year-round vigilance, especially if you live near greenbelts, tall grass, or areas with heavy deer populations. Our seasonal pest control plans adjust to these peaks to keep your yard protected when risks are highest.
Rodent Control (Mice & Rats) FAQs
How do I know if I have a mouse or a rat?
Size and behavior are the key indicators. House mice are small (2-4 inches body length) with large ears and long tails. They are curious and tend to nip at food packages. Rats, specifically Roof Rats and Norway Rats, are much larger and bulkier. Roof Rats are climbers often found in attics, while Norway Rats are burrowers found at ground level. The droppings also tell a story: mouse droppings are small and pointed like rice, while rat droppings are larger and capsule-shaped. During our pest assessment services, we identify the species to determine the best trapping and exclusion strategy.
Why do I hear scratching in the walls at night?
Scratching sounds at night are a classic sign of a rodent issue. Rodents are nocturnal and use the voids between your walls to travel from their nesting sites (often in the attic) to food sources. The sound might be movement, or it might be gnawing. Rodents must chew constantly to keep their teeth filed down, and they often target wooden beams, drywall, and electrical wiring. If you hear these noises, it is important to reach out to us for assistance immediately, as gnawed wires pose a significant fire hazard.
Does rodent control involve using poison inside my house?
We generally avoid using rodenticides (poisons) inside the living areas of a home. There is a high risk that a rodent will consume the bait and then die inside a wall or crawlspace, leading to terrible odors and potential fly infestations. Instead, we prioritize mechanical trapping for interior issues. This allows us to confirm the catch and remove the animal. We may use tamper-resistant bait stations on the exterior of the home to reduce the overall population pressure, but interior control focuses on trapping and rodent barrier installation (sealing entry points).
What is exclusion and why is it important?
Exclusion is the process of physically blocking pests from entering your home. For rodents, this means sealing holes in the roofline, capping chimneys, screening vents, and closing gaps around plumbing pipes. Trapping alone is a temporary fix; if you do not seal the entry points, new rodents will simply follow the scent trails of the old ones into your home. Exclusion provides long-term pest control and protects your property from future invasions. It is the most vital step in our rodent removal process.
Spider Control FAQs
Are the spiders in my house dangerous?
Most spiders found in Austin homes, such as wolf spiders, jumping spiders, and cellar spiders, are harmless to humans and actually help control other insects. However, we do have two medically significant species: the Black Widow and the Brown Recluse. Black Widows are shiny black with a red hourglass and build messy webs near the ground. Brown Recluses are shy, light brown spiders with a fiddle marking on their back. Bites from these species can require medical attention. If you are unsure about a spider, do not handle it. Contact us for identification and removal.
How do you get rid of spiders?
Spider control is unique because spiders do not groom themselves like insects, so they don’t pick up pesticides as easily. Direct contact is often required. Our approach involves:
- De-webbing: We physically remove webs and egg sacs from eaves and corners to disrupt their habitat.
- Food Source Reduction: We treat for the insects that spiders eat. If there is no food, the spiders will move on.
- Crack and Crevice Treatment: We treat the hiding spots where spiders retreat during the day.
- Monitoring: We use glue boards to track activity, especially for reclusive species.
Termite Control FAQs
How can I tell the difference between flying ants and termites?
This is a very common question, especially during the spring swarming season. There are three main visual differences:
- Waist: Ants have a pinched, narrow waist (like a wasp). Termites have a broad, straight waist.
- Antennae: Ants have elbowed (bent) antennae. Termites have straight, beaded antennae.
- Wings: Both have four wings. Ant wings are unequal in length (front longer than back). Termite wings are all equal in length and are usually much longer than the body.
Do I really need a termite inspection if I don’t see any damage?
Yes. Termites are “silent destroyers” because they eat wood from the inside out. They can be active in your walls for years without showing visible signs like mud tubes or swarmers. By the time floors start to buckle or paint starts to bubble, significant structural damage may have already occurred. Periodic pest inspections by a trained professional are the only way to catch activity early. In our region, where subterranean termites are prevalent, we recommend an annual inspection to protect your investment.
How does a termite treatment work?
For subterranean termites, the goal is to create a treated zone between the soil (where they live) and your home (where they eat). We typically use a liquid termiticide applied via trenching around the foundation and drilling into the slab where necessary. When termites tunnel through this treated soil, they pick up the product. Because we use non-repellent products, they do not avoid it. They carry it back to the colony and transfer it to others, including the queen. This transfer effect leads to total colony elimination. Alternatively, we may use termite baiting systems installed around the perimeter to intercept and treat foraging termites.
Logistics and Service Questions
What areas do you serve?
Pest Control Xperts is proud to serve the heart of Central Texas. Our primary service area includes Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, San Marcos, and New Braunfels. We also service the surrounding communities including Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Leander, Kyle, Buda, and Hutto. If you are unsure if you are in our range, just give us a call. We likely have a technician in your neighborhood.
Do you offer commercial pest services?
Yes, we provide comprehensive commercial pest services for a wide range of industries, including restaurants, office buildings, retail centers, warehouses, and multi-unit housing. We understand the unique needs of businesses, including audit compliance, discreet service, and zero-tolerance policies for pests. We can customize a plan that fits your specific industry regulations and operating hours.
What happens if it rains after my treatment?
This is a common concern in Texas. Most of the professional products we use for exterior pest barrier installation are designed to bind to organic matter and soil surfaces. Once the product has dried (which usually takes 30 minutes to an hour), it is water-resistant. In fact, some granular treatments actually require water to activate. However, if it is raining heavily at the time of your appointment, we may reschedule or focus on interior service and covered exterior areas, returning later to treat the exposed yard. We stand behind our work; if rain compromises a treatment, we will make it right.
How can I pay for my service?
We strive to make the process as easy as possible. We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and checks. For our recurring maintenance plans, we offer convenient auto-pay options so you never have to worry about missing an invoice. We provide digital receipts and documentation for all services rendered.
Conclusion
We hope this FAQ page has helped answer some of your questions about pest control in Austin and the surrounding areas. At Pest Control Xperts, we are dedicated to providing transparent, effective, and safe pest management for our community. We know that inviting a service provider into your home requires trust, and we work hard to earn that trust with every visit.
If you are ready to schedule an inspection, or if you have a question that we didn’t cover here, please do not hesitate to reach out. Our team is standing by to help you create a pest-free environment.
Contact us today.