The Not So Cuddly Cockroach

Cockroaches, those resilient and often reviled pests, have been sharing our living spaces for millennia. These nocturnal creatures are remarkably adaptable, thriving in a variety of environments. Unfortunately, their presence can lead to a host of problems, from property damage to serious health risks. Not to mention they’re just kinda icky….

Fun Fact: Cockroaches can run at speeds up to 3 miles per hour!

Understanding the Enemy

The two most common cockroach species found in Texas homes are the American cockroach and the German cockroach. While both members of the cockroach family, their differences are important and treatment varies based on which type you are dealing with.

American cockroach: These large, reddish-brown insects are often found in basements, crawl spaces, and outdoor areas. They can invade homes in search of food and water. American cockroaches tend to be solitary when traveling but can be part of a large colony as well.
German cockroach: Smaller and light brown, German cockroaches are the most common household pest. They reproduce rapidly and are notoriously difficult to eradicate. These are the roaches that nightmares are made of. When you see large infestations in a home… it is usually german cockroaches.

The Dangers of Cockroaches

Beyond the sheer disgust factor, cockroaches pose significant health risks. These pests carry a variety of bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can contaminate food and surfaces. They are associated with the transmission of diseases such as salmonella, E. coli, and dysentery. Additionally, cockroach allergens can trigger allergic reactions and asthma. In fact, allergy tests in America include cockroaches as part of their testing and almost everyone has some allergic reaction to it.

Signs of a Cockroach Infestation

If you think you may have cockroaches in your home, there are some tell tell signs.

Sightings: Seeing cockroaches during the day is a strong indicator of a problem.
Droppings: Cockroach droppings resemble black pepper flakes and are often found in dark, secluded areas. They also stick to surfaces, so it is not uncommon to find these droppings on the wall or other surface.
Egg casings: These small, brown capsules can be found in cracks and crevices.
Disgusting odor: A musty or oily smell may be present in heavily infested areas. Prickly Pear pest technicians are trained to use all their senses in an investigation and this smell is distinct.

DIY Cockroach Control: A Challenging Battle

While over-the-counter products can be effective for mild infestations, it’s essential to maintain a high level of cleanliness and sanitation to prevent cockroaches from returning. There are several other DIY methods but most stop short of being able to solve a german cockroach infestation, but may be worth a shot to reduce the number of roaches:

Thorough cleaning: Regularly clean kitchen surfaces, floors, and countertops to remove food crumbs and spills.
Seal entry points: Caulk cracks and crevices to prevent cockroaches from entering your home.
Bait traps: Cockroach baits can be effective in reducing populations. Place them in areas where cockroaches are often seen.
Borax: This natural powder can be used as a deterrent, but it may not be as effective as commercial baits.
Diatomaceous earth: This powdery substance can kill insects, including cockroaches, by dehydrating them.

When to Call in the Experts

If you have a severe cockroach infestation, a professional pest control service, like Prickly Pear pest control is the best option. Our experts have the knowledge, experience, and tools to effectively eliminate cockroaches and prevent them from returning.

Professional pest control services typically employ a combination of methods, including:

Inspection: A thorough inspection to identify the extent of the infestation and potential entry points.
Baiting: Using specialized bait stations to target cockroaches and reduce their population.
Spraying: Applying insecticides to kill cockroaches on contact and create a barrier.
Fogging: In severe cases, fogging may be used to reach cockroaches hiding in hard-to-reach areas.

Prevention is Key: Keeping Cockroaches Away

To prevent future infestations, make sure you are following these tips:

Proper food storage: Store food in airtight containers.
Clean dishes promptly: Avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink.
Regular garbage disposal: Take out the trash regularly and seal garbage cans tightly.
Fix leaks: Repair any leaks promptly to prevent moisture buildup, which attracts cockroaches.
Declutter: Clutter provides hiding places for cockroaches, so keep your home tidy.

By combining preventive measures with effective control methods, you can successfully eliminate cockroaches and create a cockroach-free environment. Remember, patience is key, as it may take several weeks to completely eradicate an infestation. And If you need any help, Prickly Pear‘s experts in pest removal are available to get your home roach free in no time.

Cotton-Tails: America’s Adorable Yet Destructive Rabbits

They’re fluffy, they’re funny, and they have a serious case of the zoomies. Rabbits are a common sight in North America, leaving their signature bunny droppings in gardens and occasionally causing havoc with landscaping. But beyond their cuteness, these little herbivores play a vital role in the ecosystem.

A Whiskery Overview

Cottontail rabbits, aptly named for their fluffy white tails, are the most abundant wild rabbit species in North America. There are estimated to be hundreds of millions hopping around, with population fluctuations depending on habitat and weather conditions of any given year.

Cottontails are incredibly adaptable, making their home in a variety of habitats across most of the US, from meadows and forests to backyards and even city parks. They’re not as picky about location as you might think – as long as there’s food and cover, they’re happy to set up shop. Cottontails are primarily crepuscular, meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk. This twilight schedule helps them avoid predators like hawks and foxes who are more active during the day.

These Vegetarian furballs have a diverse diet consisting of grasses, broadleaf flowering plants (like dandelions), leaves, twigs, and even fruits and vegetables. If you have a garden, you might find some evidence of their nightly salad raids in the form of nibbled leaves or chewed-up vegetables.

Fun Fact: Cottontails have a unique escape tactic called “stotting.” When spooked, they’ll hop erratically with sudden stops and turns, making it difficult for predators to predict their movement.

Signs That Rabbits Call Your Property Home

If you see small, round droppings resembling coffee beans in your yard, it could be a sign of activity. You might also notice chewed leaves and stems on plants, or even shallow burrows dug into the ground. Further you will likely see these energetic neighbors scampering about in the mornings and evenings, or perhaps just darting by as they retreat to shelter. Rabbits are social animals and enjoy time playing with each other. The rabbits favorite game: chase!

These furry fluff bunnies play a vital role in the ecosystem. They disperse seeds through their droppings, helping to regenerate plant communities. They also serve as food for numerous predators, from foxes to owls.

Making Your Yard Less Hopping

While cottontails can be charming, they can also be destructive to gardens. Here are a few ways to make your property less inviting:

Fencing: A physical barrier like a fence is the most effective way to deter rabbits.
Plant Removal: Remove plants that rabbits find particularly tasty, like vegetables and leafy greens.
Natural Repellents: There are various commercial and homemade repellents available, but their effectiveness can vary.

Living in Harmony with Cottontails

Rabbits are a fascinating part of our natural world. By understanding them and taking some simple steps, we can co-exist peacefully with these adorable, albeit mischievous, creatures. So next time you see a cottontail hopping through your yard, appreciate its role in the ecosystem, and maybe even chuckle at its quirky antics. Remember, a little prevention goes a long way in keeping your garden safe from cottontail capers. If you are at a loss as to what to do next, wildlife companies like Prickly Pear can help.

Nutty Nutria: Orange Toothed Rodents

Nutria, often misnamed “nutria rats,” are large, semi-aquatic rodents native to South America. Introduced to the United States in the early 20th century for fur farming. However, when the value of the fur fell, it became too expensive for farmers to continue to care for the nutria and they began setting them free. Since then, Nutria established wild populations in many states. While their exact population is difficult to estimate due to their elusive nature, nutria are most prevalent in coastal areas and wetlands, particularly in the southern United States.

large orange toothed nutria wading in water

Nutria are herbivores with a voracious appetite for aquatic vegetation. They consume a variety of plants, including roots, stems, and leaves. Their constant grazing can have a devastating impact on wetland ecosystems. This drive to eat has even earned them a spot in Texas Parks and Wildlife’s most unwanted plants and animals list.

Nutria’s most noticeable feature is their orange teeth. Like other rodents, nutria have oversized incisors that stick out of the front of their face. But since they are orange, their teeth are particularly noticeable. The orange color comes from a special iron hardened enamel on their teeth that improves their durability as they chew and gnaw their way through trees, roots, and other hard materials.

Signs of Nutria on Your Property

If you suspect nutria are inhabiting your property, look for these indicators:

Wetland Present: Nutria want to be near water sources and will seek them out.
Burrows: Nutria create burrows near water sources, often in banks or under vegetation.
Gnawed Vegetation: These rodents have strong teeth and leave behind distinct gnaw marks on plants.
Footprints: Nutria have large, webbed feet that leave distinctive tracks in soft mud or soil.
Damage to Water Features: Ponds, streams, and shorelines can suffer erosion and damage from nutria activity.

Nutria Breeding Season

Nutria are prolific breeders, with females capable of reproducing multiple times a year. Breeding typically occurs in the spring and summer months, when food resources are abundant. Gestation periods are relatively short, allowing for rapid population growth.

Fun Fact: Like other rodents, nutria are able to have multiple litters a year making their population growth close to exponential.

Nutria’s Role in the Ecosystem

While nutria play a role in the food chain as prey for predators like alligators and coyotes, their overall impact on ecosystems is generally negative as they are an invasive species in the US. Their excessive consumption of aquatic vegetation can lead to erosion, habitat loss, and declines in fish and bird populations. As an invasive species, Texas has an open hunting season with no bag limit for Nutria. This means that any Texas licensed hunter can shoot as many nutria as they would like on any day in an effort to limit the impact nutria have on our environment.

Making Your Home Less Inviting

To deter nutria from your property, consider the following strategies:

Habitat Modification: Remove attractive food sources like aquatic plants and eliminate potential hiding spots near water bodies.
Fencing: Install sturdy fencing around ponds or other water features to prevent access.
Predator Attractants: Creating habitats for natural predators, such as owls or snakes, can help deter nutria.
Trapping and Relocation: In severe cases, trapping and relocating nutria may be necessary, but it’s essential to comply with local regulations.
Repellents: Some commercial repellents may deter nutria, but their effectiveness can vary.

Summary

It’s important to note that nutria are often considered invasive pests, and their populations can be challenging to control. Working with local wildlife management agencies can provide valuable guidance and resources but if you are facing them on your property, companies like Prickly Pear can help with trapping and removal of these beaver like rodents.

Scurrying Squirrels: The Nutty Tree-Dwellers

In the United States, squirrels are abundant, with approximately 200 million individuals populating the country. While they can be found throughout the US, they are most active in wooded areas, parks, and suburban neighborhoods with ample trees. Texas, once known to be home to as many as 6.89 squirrels per acre in the early 90’s has seen a decline over the years with a steep drop off in the 2021 freeze that rocked our state. It is now estimated that squirrel density is at 1.68 per acre according to Texas Parks and Wildlife however, squirrels are resilient and the population has shown sides of rebounding since the freeze.

In the words of Dr. Malcolm from Jurassic Park, “Life, finds a way.”

Squirrels, primarily active during the day, have a varied diet, including nuts, seeds, fruits, insects, and even the occasional bird egg. They are curious and willing to try new things as they find them. Squirrels also have excellent spatial memory, a critical skill that allows them to locate buried food months later, enabling them to bury and hide food in times of plenty and then return to the food stores when other food sources are not readily available. This storing ability and their tendency to be a little obsessive about collecting food can occasionally result in finding a large collection of nuts in a random location, like the wall of your home!

closeup of a squirrel face looking directly at the camera

Squirrels and the Ecosystem

Squirrel nests are called dreys, and are often built high in trees using twigs, leaves, and other materials. Most obvious in the winter when the leaves have fallen, you can see clustered leaves twigs in a ball near the top of the trees. Given their love of climbing, Squirrels prefer high spaces like this as a way to avoid predators and when the cold winters (or hot Texas summers) come, they may become vulnerable to these temperature extremes in these high trees and seek better shelter.

Squirrels have strong teeth and sharp claws which allow them to chew on various objects and also claw through common building materials, making your home a great place to beat the heat and store some food for when they need it. Squirrels are also known to chew through things like bird feeders, outdoor furniture, or even electrical wires and are capable of causing lots of damage in a short amount of time. However, squirrels are also fun loving and social with most having playmates and enjoying their days exploring their environment and climbing and leaping about their neighborhood.

Squirrels play a crucial role by dispersing seeds. They often bury nuts and seeds for later consumption but may forget where some of them are buried. These forgotten caches can sprout into new plants, contributing to forest regeneration in nature or just adding diversity throughout the city.

Squirrel Breeding Habits

Squirrels typically breed twice a year, once in late winter or early spring and again in mid-summer. During these times, you may notice increased squirrel activity as they search for mates and establish territories. Squirrels average 4 babies per litter, but can have as many as 9!

Making Your Property Less Inviting for Squirrels

These mischievous climbers are so much fun to watch, but when it is too much, it may be time to make your property a little less inviting by:

Trim Tree Branches Trim tree branches that hang over your roof or near your home to prevent squirrels from accessing your attic or roof space.
Secure Garbage Bins Squirrels are attracted to food sources, so ensure your garbage bins are tightly sealed.
Use Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders Invest in bird feeders designed to deter squirrels, such as those with weight-sensitive perches. While no bird feeder is squirrel proof, these tend to serve the purpose best.

Squirrels bring a sense of liveliness and charm to outdoor spaces, but managing their presence can sometimes be necessary to protect property and prevent damage. By understanding their habits and implementing preventive measures, you can coexist harmoniously with these agile acrobats of the treetops while enjoying your home sanctuary. If protecting your property from these playful critters seems too much, reach out to Prickly Pear to help you get the squirrel situation under control and protect your home from future squirrel invaders.

Mole Madness

photo of four different moles in a four box frame simulating moel madness.

Mole Madness: moles are mysterious, subterranean creatures, and far more common than you might think. With an estimated population of millions across the United States, these tiny tunnelers can be found in almost every state. While they’re active year-round, their most frenzied digging occurs during the spring and fall when they’re searching for food and preparing for winter. These nocturnal, blind creatures are primarily insectivores, munching on grubs, earthworms, and other underground delicacies.

Moles Moving Around My Property

If you’ve spotted those pesky mounds of dirt popping up in your lawn, chances are you’ve got moles. Other signs include visible tunnels, often appearing as raised lines in the grass, and small, circular holes about an inch in diameter. Oftentimes, you can even feel the tunnel collapse as you step on it. You might also notice damage to plants or lawns, as moles can disrupt root systems while digging resulting in plants not being as healthy as they should be or dead spots in your yard.

Mole Breeding Season

Moles typically breed once a year, with the breeding season occurring in early spring. After a gestation period of about a month, female moles give birth to a litter of 3-5 hairless, blind pups. These tiny creatures grow rapidly and are ready to venture out on their own within a few weeks.

What Role Moles Provide in the Ecosystem

While moles can be a nuisance to homeowners, they do play an important role in the ecosystem. By aerating the soil and consuming insects, they help to improve soil quality and control pest populations. It’s a delicate balance, though, as their beneficial activities can sometimes come at the expense of our lawns and gardens. Moles are drawn to grubs in the soil that feed on the roots of your desirable plants (like your lawn) and causing the plants to die or struggle. Moles can help with this, but often at the tradeoff of mole holes and tunnels.

How to Make Your Home/Property Less Inviting for Moles

If you’re tired of playing mole whack-a-mole in your yard, there are several steps you can take to deter these underground invaders.

Reduce Insect Populations: Moles are primarily attracted to areas with abundant food sources, such as grubs. Applying nematodes or beneficial bacteria to your lawn can help control grub populations.
Create Physical Barriers: While not foolproof, repellents and mole traps can be used to deter moles. There are also various home remedies people swear by, such as castor oil or ground pepper.
Protect Your Plants: If moles are damaging your plants, consider using protective cages or barriers around vulnerable plants.
Seal Entry Points: Moles can enter your property through small openings. Check for any gaps around foundations, pipes, or utility lines and seal them up.

Mole Digging Masters

Moles are engineering marvels when it comes to digging. Equipped with paddle-like forelimbs and sharp claws, they can push through soil with astonishing speed. Their tunnel systems are complex, often consisting of multiple levels and interconnected passages. A shallow tunnel network is used for hunting, while deeper tunnels serve as nesting and escape routes.

Fun Fact: Moles are incredible diggers and can push through soil 20 times as dense as water – that’s like a human swimming through concrete!

Living with Moles

While moles can be frustrating, it’s important to remember that they are a natural part of the ecosystem. By understanding their habits and taking steps to minimize their impact on your property, you can coexist peacefully with these underground neighbors.

Living with moles can be challenging, but with patience and the right strategies, you can enjoy a beautiful lawn while respecting the role these creatures play in the environment. And if these moles are driving you mad, give Prickly Pear a call. We have a variety of tools and technics at our disposal to help get your yard free from these invasive diggers.

Stopping the Rat Race Rodent Control

Rats, those pesky rodents, are a ubiquitous presence in many parts of the world, including the United States. With an estimated population in the billions, these adaptable creatures can thrive in a wide range of environments, from urban jungles to rural landscapes. This is where the term rat race comes from, all of these rodents competing for limited resources aka food. In fact, since 2020 cities around the US are reporting rat population increases by up to 71 percent! WOW!

Rat race down an empty city street in the dark.

While rats are most active at night, these opportunistic feeders can be seen scampering about during the day, especially in areas with limited human activity. Their diet is incredibly diverse, ranging from garbage and scraps to insects and even their own young in times of scarcity. An interesting fact about rats is their remarkable intelligence. They can learn complex tasks, solve puzzles, and even navigate mazes, making them both challenging and fascinating adversaries.

Fun Facts: Rats in laboratories have been trained to operate complex machinery and even play video games.

Signs of a Rat on Your Property

There are several telltale signs that indicate a rat infestation on your property. The most obvious evidence is the presence of rats themselves, but other clues include droppings, which are often dark, pellet-shaped, and found in areas frequented by the rodents.

Gnaw marks on food packaging, furniture, and walls are another common sign. Additionally, you might notice a strong, unpleasant odor, as rats produce a musky scent and leave trails of this scent behind them as a way to communicate to other rats. While a small colony of rats may be able to go unnoticed in a home for months, their ability to breed and grow the size of their colony will ensure that before long, their presence will be obvious.

Rat Breeding Season

Rats are prolific breeders, capable of reproducing year-round in warm climates. A female rat can have multiple litters per year, with each litter containing an average of 6-12 pups. This rapid reproductive rate contributes to their ability to quickly establish and expand populations. Young rats reach breeding age in about 9 weeks, meaning that in an area with low predators, their population can explode in just a few months. Did you know, that this explosive growth and their musky scent attracts snakes?

Fun Fact: Rats live in complex communities with different roles and responsibilities, just like humans. They even groom each other and play together!

What Role Rats Provide in the Ecosystem

While rats are often seen as pests, they do play a role in the ecosystem. As omnivores, they help to control populations of insects and other small creatures. In some cases, rats can also contribute to seed dispersal by carrying and dropping seeds in various locations. However, these benefits are overshadowed by the negative impacts of rat infestations on human health and property.

Rats are incredibly destructive, chewing through a variety of materials ranging from siding and wiring, to clothing, backpacks, and food containers. Additionally, rats can carry bacteria and disease as they leave a trail of urine as they move and rub against objects. Further, coming into contact or breathing dust contaminated with rat feces can lead to Streptobacillus, Immunovirosis, Leptospirosis, and Hemorrhagic fever in humans. It is advised that if you develop flu-like symptoms after contact, to seek medical attention.

How to Make Your Home/Property Less Inviting for Rats

Preventing a rat infestation is crucial to protecting your home and health. Here are some essential steps to make your property less attractive to these unwanted guests:

Sanitation: Proper sanitation is key to deterring rats. Store food in airtight containers, clean up spills promptly, and take out the trash regularly. Avoid leaving food scraps or pet food out overnight.
Declutter: Rats love to hide in clutter. Remove piles of cardboard, newspapers, and other debris from your property. Keep storage areas clean and organized.
Seal Entry Points: Rats can squeeze through surprisingly small openings. Inspect your home’s exterior for potential entry points, such as gaps around pipes, wires, and vents. Seal any holes or cracks with steel wool or caulk.
Outdoor Maintenance: Keep your yard clean and free of clutter. Trim bushes and trees away from the house to eliminate hiding places. Secure garbage cans tightly with lids.
Professional Pest Control: If you have a severe rat infestation, it’s essential to contact a professional pest control service. They have the expertise and tools to effectively eliminate the problem.

Rat Wrap-up

Rats are incredibly intelligent and determined critters who live in colonies with assigned roles and value to the great good. These animals can breed year round and when predators are limited, the population will grow at exponential rates. If you suspect a rat problem in your home, do not delay resolving it as rats can cause significant damage in a short amount of time. However, with the help of an expert, like Prickly Pear, you can combat even complex rat infestations with the right tools and approach.

Hornets Havoc: What’s All The Buzz About?

These bold, black and yellow insects strike fear in people all across the US. But before you grab the nearest fly swatter, let’s talk about the role that hornets play in our world.

Personally, I have dealt with bald faced hornets when I worked trimming Christmas trees one summer. These hornets were both fasinating and hands down the scariest insect I have ever dealt with. Don’t believe me? Check out what Penn State has to say about them in their blog.

Fun Fact: Despite being named “bald faced hornets”, they are actually yellow jackets!

Hornet Headquarters: Where They Be Buzzing

Hornets are actually a type of wasp and are closely related to yellow jackets and bees. More than 20 different species of hornets live in North America, with the bald-faced hornet being the most common (and in our opinion the most terrifying). Considered social insects, hornets are known to thrive in a variety of habitats, ranging from forests and meadows to backyards and urban areas. While most commonly found in the eastern half of the United States, hornets are known to make their homes throughout the US.

Hornets are most active during the day though unlike their bee cousins, hornets can also be active at dusk and dawn, making them more likely to encounter humans enjoying their evenings outdoors. Primarily known to be predators, hornets’ typical diet consists of other insects, including caterpillars, flies, and even other wasps and bees, but like us, they are known for their sweet tooth drawn to feed on sugary liquids including soda or fruit, often present at our picnics and BBQs.

Ok, but why are we all so scared of hornets? Well, besides their menacing face… unlike honeybees, which die after stinging, hornets can sting repeatedly, packing a powerful punch. Additionally, hornets are known to be territorial and work together as a swarm to not only defend their nests, but also give chase to whatever they consider to be a threat.

Signs of a Hornet Hangout

If you suspect hornets have set up shop on your property, here are a few signs to watch out for:

Hornet Hideouts: Hornets build paper nests, often in sheltered areas like eaves, trees, or even under decks. These nests are typically grey or brown and can be quite large, reaching up to a foot in diameter. However, they start off small and that is the best time to address them.
The Buzz: Hornets are not shy about defending their territory. If you see hornets flying persistently around a particular area, it might be near their nest.
The Food Frenzy: Hornets are attracted to ripe fruit and sugary drinks. If you find them swarming around your outdoor garbage can or picnic basket, it’s a good indication they live nearby. Feeding on other insects, hornets often leave a pile of insect body parts under their nests.

While they prefer nesting in high spaces, it should be known that many species prefer to build a nest in the ground, behind siding, in a hedge, or even under your furniture. Versatile home builders, they will try to nest anywhere that they think will be safe from rain and predators.

Hornet Breeding Habits

The hornet breeding season typically occurs in the spring and early summer as queens emerge from hibernation and begin building nests. They lay eggs, and worker hornets, all sterile females, take care of the young by foraging for food and tending to the nest. A single nest will produce hundreds of new hornets throughout the season.

Hornets Role in the Ecosystem

While hornets can be intimidating, they do play a valuable role in your ecosystem by:

Patrolling for Pests: Hornets are natural predators of many insects, including some that can be harmful to gardens and crops. Their presence helps to control pest populations and balance your ecosystem.
Pollinating Plant: Although not as efficient pollinators as bees, hornets do visit flowers in search of nectar. In doing so, they can inadvertently transfer pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction.
Fueling the Food Chain: Hornets themselves are a food source for other animals, such as birds and spiders contributing to the intricate food chain.

Hornet Hardening: Making Your Property Less Appealing

Hornets are beneficial insects, but they come with a risk. It’s understandable if you don’t want them setting up camp near your home given their territorial nature. Here are a few tips to deter them from moving into your space:

No Free Lunch: Eliminate potential food sources around your property. Keep lids on trash cans, clean up spills promptly, and avoid leaving sugary drinks outdoors.
Seal Up the Cracks: Hornets are adept at finding entry points into homes and outbuildings. Regularly inspect your eaves, soffits, and around windows and doors for any gaps or holes and seal them up with caulk or weather stripping.
Nest Eviction: If you discover a hornet nest on your property, it’s best to call a professional pest control service for removal. Hornets can be aggressive when disturbed, and attempting to remove a nest yourself can be dangerous. However, if you’re going the DIY approach, be sure to follow the directions on the label and ensure you have a plan for if things get out of control.

The Prickly Pear Approach

For our service plan customers, our technicians will check for nests at every appointment. We sweep the eaves, soffits, and pay special attention to known hornet hangouts to proactively remove nests as soon as they start. When we encounter a more developed next, our team will use targeted chemicals applied in a controlled method to address the hornets and limit impact to other insects, wildlife, and humans. Once the chemicals have reduced the population, our team swoops in to remove the nest and cleans the area to ensure it is like they were never there.

Not yet a service plan customer? No problem, just give us a call and we will have a technician out as soon as possible to address these insects.

Hornet Harmony: Respectful Coexistence

Hornets may not be the cuddliest creatures that Prickly Pear helps with, but they are a vital member of our ecosystem. By understanding their behavior and implementing preventative measures, we can learn to coexist peacefully with these bold stinging insects. Remember, a healthy respect for these insects goes a long way. We recommend that you appreciate them from afar, avoid attracting them to your living space, and if necessary, reach out to Prickly Pear for help with controlling hornets. With a little knowledge and a lot of caution, we can share our backyards with these impressive [and sometimes intimidating] hornets.

Restricting Roof Rats

Roof rats are not to be confused with its sewer-dwelling cousin, the Norway rat. The roof rat is a nimble acrobat of the rafters, a midnight marathon runner on your roof shingles. While their nocturnal adventures may go unnoticed, their presence can spell trouble for your home. But fear not, this guide will help you learn more about these rodents including how to identify you have a problem, tips to limit the risk to your home, and how Prickly Pear can help you secure your home from their aerial assault as well as repair the damage from roof rats.

Roof Rat Rundown

These rascally rodents are estimated to number in the millions across the United States, with warm, humid regions being their preferred playground. From the balmy breezes of Florida to the sun-soaked shores of California, roof rats thrive in the southern half of the country but can be found throughout the US. In fact, the population has exploded in the past decade as we have seen roof rat colonies growing in the midwest and the north while norway rats population has remained stable. This has resulted in cities and governments being forced to get into population management as we attempt to get this growing problem under control.

Their name gives away their game: roof rats are most active at night, using their excellent climbing skills to navigate the highest points of your property. They’re omnivores, with a keen appetite for fruits, seeds, and yes, even your pet’s kibble. But here’s the shocker: roof rats can even survive on minimal water intake, making them unwelcome guests in even the driest of attics. Further these rats are frantic chewers and can fit into the smallest holes so once they find a way in, they will gnaw at the opening until they can squeeze into your home.

Fun Fact: Did you know roof rats can jump and climb vertically up to 10 feet? That’s like a human scaling a three-story building!

Signs of Roof Rat Residency

Unfortunately, their nocturnal habits make roof rats stealthy and many homeowners go months before noticing the uninvited house guests.Homeowners should be vigilant for the following signs though, as early identification can reduce the damage and make it faster/easier to take your home back from these squatters.

The Pitter-Patter of Tiny Feet: Hear unexplained scratching or scurrying noises coming from your attic or walls? That could be the sound of tiny tippy-tapping toes as these rats move throughout your home (typically traveling under insulation and along wiring).
Droppings Detectives: Unearth small, dark droppings (about the size of a grain of rice) in your attic, cabinets, or drawers? Those might be calling cards from your unwanted roof rat roommates.
Gnaw Marks of Doom: Roof rats love to gnaw on wires, insulation, and even wood. Check for telltale tooth marks on suspicious-looking materials.

Breeding Bonanza

Roof rats are prolific procreators, with a breeding season that can stretch year-round in warm climates (like central Texas). A single female can produce up to six litters a year, with each litter containing an average of five to eight pups. That’s a recipe for a rodent revolution in your attic with the numbers growing at near exponential rates.

Fun Fact: Most often when a homeowner reports finding snakes in and around their home, it is a sign of a rodent problem. Solving the rodent issue almost always resolves snake issues.

The Prickly Pear Process

How does Prickly Pear evict these roof-loving rodents? We attack the issue across multiple points at the same time.

First, we harden the home, known in the industry as “exclusion”. Our team has been specially trained to think like a rodent and can quickly identify active and future entry points. Our team will work with you to understand the potential problems and come up with a plan specific to your home and problem.

Seal Up the Cracks: Roof rats are skilled at squeezing through tiny openings. Our team will inspect your roof, foundation, and exterior walls for any potential entry points and seal them.
Harden Soft Building Material: If a roof rat has chewed through shingles, fascia, soffit, or other parts of your home, our team has the skills necessary to repair the damage with materials that the rodent can’t or won’t chew.
Secure the Vents: Homes need to breathe and the newer the home, the more important ventilation is. However, the desire to keep costs down results in choosing ventilation material that is too soft to protect from rodents. Our team will ensure the ventilation continues to work, but we make it animal proof with purpose built materials.

Second, we make your home less inviting to the rodent.

Tidy Up the Trash: Roof rats are drawn to easy pickings. Store garbage in sealed containers and avoid leaving pet food bowls out overnight.
Secure Common Food Sources: Bird seed, dog food, and of course your kitchen all give great food sources to roof rats. Prickly Pear will look at all of these and make recommendations on ways to prevent rodent access.

Finally, We reduce the population.

Set Traps: When we find a roof rat infestation, we will utilize a variety of traps baited to match this populations food source. This is often the fastest and most effective way to reduce the population quickly.
Add Bait Boxes: We place discrete boxes at strategic points around your home on the “rodent roadways”. As the roof rat travels, they will run into these boxes, sample the bait and continue on their journey. Over time, the rat eats enough bait that it passes away.

Conclusion

Roof rats may be rascals, but with a little knowledge and some preventative measures, you can keep them off your roof and out of your home. So, put down the cheese (it’s not the best bait for roof rats anyway) and take a look around your home. Remember, a vigilant homeowner is a roof rat’s worst nightmare! If you find some evidence, give Prickly Pear a call, we can help.

Bonus Tip: Roof rats are smart animals that learn over time. Effective treatment of a rat issue should leverage a variety of tools, techniques, and technology to solve a rat infestation as quickly as possible.

High definition image of a roof rats hanging out on a gutter.

Antics of Ants

Ants, those tiny, industrious insects, can quickly become unwanted houseguests. With their ability to form large colonies and their persistent foraging behavior, these pests can be a real challenge to control. Each ant species acts differently and a method that works for one may not work for another. Oftentimes, homeowners face challenges with getting these tiny terrors under control because many solutions only kill the work and don’t go back to the colony, allowing the colony to simply replace the lost workers.

Understanding Your Ant Enemy

Not all ants are created equal. Texas is home to numerous ant species, each with its own distinct behavior and level of nuisance. Ant infestations can be more than just a nuisance. They can cause significant damage to property, contaminate food, and pose health risks. Some ant species, like fire ants, can deliver painful stings that can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

Ants of Texas

Texas is home to a wide variety of these pesky pests including:

Fire ants: Aggressive behavior and painful stings. Everyone around the United States thinks of these as southern ants, but in fact they are imported and an invasive species. Fire ants are a major pest in many parts of Texas. They build large mounds and can invade homes in search of food and water.
Odorous house ants: As the name implies, these small black ants emit a distinctive odor when crushed. Most often these ants are found indoors, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms.
Carpenter ants: Large black ants that excavate tunnels in wood, causing structural damage to homes. Despite what most people think, these ants do not eat the wood they chew through. Instead they dig it out to make homes for their colony.
Argentine ants: Small and light brown, argentine ants form supercolonies and can be extremely difficult to control due to their size. When trying to remove argentine ants, baiting is important to ensure that the poison reaches the colony.
Pharaoh ants: These tiny yellow ants are often found in hospitals, restaurants, and homes. They are difficult to eradicate due to their rapid reproduction rate.
Crazy ants: Tiny ants yellow in color are an invasive species to the US and with huge numbers in their colony they can be overwhelming. So overwhelming that across the south, we can see crazy ants taking territory from fire ants even. Drawn to electronics, you can often find these ants hiding in electrical components.

DIY Ant Control: A Daunting Task

While there are over-the-counter ant control products available, eliminating an ant infestation can be challenging. The most common issue is that the ant products sold at the big box stores are only effective on the worker ants and the poison never makes it back to the colony. This results in reduced population, but that is only temporary before the ants return. Some DIY methods that may improve ant infestations include:

Sanitation: Keep food and garbage areas clean and free of crumbs.
Seal entry points: Seal cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and foundations to prevent ant entry.
Bait stations: Ant baits can be effective in reducing populations. However, it may take several weeks to see results.
Diatomaceous earth: This natural powder can kill ants by dehydrating them.
Borax: A common household cleaning product, borax can be used as a DIY ant control, but it should be used with caution.

When it’s Time to Call Prickly Pear

If DIY methods fail or the ant infestation is out of your control, it’s time to call in a professional pest control service like Prickly Pear. Our experts have the knowledge, experience, and tools to effectively eliminate ants and prevent future infestations.

Professional pest control services typically employ a combination of methods, including:

Inspection: A thorough inspection to identify the type of ant, the extent of the infestation, and potential entry points.
Baiting: Using specialized baits to target the ant colony.
Spraying: Applying insecticides to kill ants on contact and create a barrier.
Liquid feed baits: These baits are specifically designed to target ant colonies and can be very effective.

A Note about the Fiery Foe… Fire Ants

Fire ants are particularly aggressive and despite what you may think, they do not bite, rather they inflict painful stings. Their mounds contain up to 200,000 ants and can damage lawns and gardens. Fire ants tunnel underground for up to 25 feet before emerging to forage for food. Most colonies exist for weeks before they become large enough for us to notice. Fire ant stings contain a toxin that can cause allergic reactions so if you find yourself battling a large colony, it is best to reach out for help. It’s essential to take precautions to avoid stings and to seek professional help for removal.

Prevention is Key: Keeping Ants at Bay

Preventing ant infestations requires a combination of sanitation, exclusion, and ongoing monitoring. By following these tips, you can reduce the likelihood of an ant invasion:

Regular cleaning: Keep kitchen and food areas clean and free of crumbs.
Proper food storage: Store food in airtight containers.
Garbage disposal: Take out the trash regularly and seal garbage cans tightly.
Moisture control: Fix leaks and reduce humidity in your home.
Yard maintenance: Trim bushes and trees away from the house to eliminate hiding places.

By understanding the different types of ants, their behaviors, and the potential risks they pose, you can take steps to protect your home and family from these persistent pests and if you feel overwhelmed, reach out, Prickly Pear is here to help. ur experts can safely and humanely stop woodpeckers from damaging your home and property.

a mouse on the ground near a plastic bottle

Mighty Mice

Mighty mice, those tiny terrors with disproportionate appetites, are ubiquitous across the United States. These nocturnal creatures are most active during the cooler months when they seek shelter from the elements. Though here in Texas, we see activity in the summer as well as they seek an escape from our harsh summers. While they can thrive in various habitats, mice are particularly drawn to areas with abundant food and nesting opportunities, making human dwellings prime real estate.

Omnivorous by nature, mice consume a wide range of foods, including grains, seeds, fruits, insects, and even meat. Their ability to squeeze through incredibly small spaces is a testament to their adaptability. An interesting fact about mice is their extraordinary reproductive rate; a single pair can produce hundreds of offspring in a year, making a small problem a major issue in no time!

What Makes Them Mighty Mice?

Mice might be small in stature, but they possess numerous traits that earn them the title of “mighty.” Firstly, their remarkable agility and flexibility enable them to squeeze through openings as small as a quarter-inch, making it easy for them to explore and infiltrate your home. Their keen sense of smell and hearing also aids in their survival, allowing them to detect food and predators with precision. Additionally, mice are incredibly quick and can run at speeds of up to eight miles per hour, which is impressive given their size.

Another aspect that contributes to their mightiness is their cognitive abilities. Mice are highly intelligent animals capable of learning from their experiences and even solving simple puzzles to access food. This adaptability is pivotal to their success in diverse habitats ranging from urban settings to rural fields.

Signs of Mice on Your Property

If you suspect a mouse infestation, keep an eye out for these telltale signs:

Droppings: Small, dark pellets found in hidden areas like cabinets, pantries, or attics.
Gnaw Marks: Mice have sharp teeth and leave behind distinct chew marks on food packaging, wires, and wood.
Rub Marks: Greasy smudges on walls or baseboards from their fur.
Nests: Mice build nests using soft materials like paper, cloth, or insulation.
Unusual Noises: Squeaking or scratching sounds, especially at night.
Food packaging damaged: Mice love to eat, and will chew their way into everything as they sample your favorite snacks.

Mouse Math – Breeding

These mighty mice are prolific breeders, capable of reproducing year-round in suitable conditions. However, their breeding peaks during the warmer months when food is plentiful. A female mouse can have multiple litters per year, with each litter containing roughly 10 pups. The pups will reach sexual maturity in 6 to 8 weeks, capable of producing their own offspring. Somewhere in this is a math word problem… If there was nothing to prevent or limit their reproduction, how many mice would exist in a year? The answer is more mice than anyone would want.

Fun fact: Female mice can become pregnant in as little as 24 hours after giving birth.

Making Your Home Less Inviting for Mice

To deter mice from entering your home, implement the following strategies:

Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for potential entry points, such as cracks, holes, or gaps around pipes and wires. Seal them with caulk or steel wool.
Food Storage: Store food in airtight containers to prevent access. Clean up crumbs and spills promptly.
Garbage Management: Keep garbage cans tightly sealed and stored away from your home.
Declutter: Reduce clutter to eliminate potential hiding places for mice.
Traps: Humane or traditional traps can be effective in capturing mice.
Professional Mice Control: For severe infestations, consider contacting a professional control service like Prickly Pear.
Outdoor Measures: Trim bushes and trees away from your home to prevent mice from accessing rooflines.

Mice Management

Mice are curious creatures capable of reproducing at exponential rates. When combined with their insatiable appetite, just a few mighty mice become a real problem in what feels like overnight. Management and mitigation of these mice should be swift to avoid an infestation. Professionals, like Prickly Pear are recommended as the best way to get a mouse situation under control given the speed that the situation can evolve.