Houston summers mean backyard barbecues, sunshine, and—unfortunately—bugs. While some insects are simply annoying, others can be downright destructive or even hazardous to your health. Whether you’re dealing with the occasional ant line in the kitchen or a full-blown cockroach invasion, knowing what you’re up against is the first step to protecting your home and family.
Here’s everything you need to know about the most common summer bugs in Houston, Texas, and how to keep them out of your house.
Overview of Summer Bugs
Warm, humid weather makes summer the prime season for insect activity. In Houston, where high temperatures and moisture are the norm, summer bugs thrive both outdoors and inside your home. From flying pests to creepy crawlers, these uninvited guests can quickly become a nuisance if not addressed early.
Importance of Managing Bugs in Summer
Bugs aren’t just a summertime annoyance…they can pose real risks:
- Health hazards: Many summer bugs carry bacteria or spread allergens.
- Home damage: Insects like cockroaches can cause structural or cosmetic harm.
- Quality of life: Constant buzzing, biting, or spotting bugs around your home is stressful.
Taking a proactive approach to pest control now can help you enjoy a peaceful, pest-free summer.
Types of Common Summer Bugs
Noisy Summer Bugs
Ever hear that constant buzzing or chirping in the evening and wonder what’s causing it? Noisy summer bugs are a common part of Houston’s soundscape.
Identification & Characteristics:
- Cicadas: Loud and rhythmic, they emerge in summer by the thousands. While harmless, they can be startling. More information is available from the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Crickets: These chirpers love the warmth and can sneak inside your home, especially at night.
- Katydids: Often mistaken for grasshoppers, these green insects create a loud clicking sound during warm evenings.
Though mostly harmless, these bugs can disturb your peace and may indicate broader insect activity in your yard.
Household Invaders
When it comes to summer bugs in the house, Houston homeowners deal with several repeat offenders:
Common Bugs Found in Homes:
- Cockroaches: Thrive in humid environments and hide in kitchens, bathrooms, and garages.
- Ants: Especially active in summer, ants seek food and water indoors.
- Mosquitoes: Not just outdoor pests—mosquitoes can easily follow you indoors.
- Spiders: Feed on other insects, meaning their presence might indicate another infestation.
- Silverfish: These moisture-loving bugs are fast, secretive, and love bathrooms and basements.
Signs of Infestation:
- Droppings or shed skins
- Unusual smells (common with cockroaches)
- Trails (common with ants)
- Visible insects, especially during daylight
How to Handle and Prevent Summer Bugs
DIY Solutions
Natural Repellents and Remedies:
- Vinegar and peppermint oil for ants
- Lemon eucalyptus oil for mosquitoes
- Diatomaceous earth for cockroaches and silverfish
Traps and Barriers:
- Sticky traps for spiders
- Bait stations for ants and roaches
- Window and door screens to prevent flying insects
These DIY methods can help with mild activity but aren’t always enough for larger infestations.
Professional Pest Control
When home remedies fall short, it’s time to bring in the pros.
When to Call for Help:
- You’re seeing multiple bugs a day
- DIY solutions haven’t worked
- You suspect a hidden nest or infestation
What to Expect from GreenGate’s Services:
- Thorough inspection of your property
- Identification of entry points and nesting areas
- Targeted, eco-conscious treatments
- Ongoing monitoring and prevention
GreenGate Turf & Pest proudly helps Houston homeowners reclaim their homes from unwanted pests. Our expert team knows how to effectively manage pests in our local climate, always prioritizing your family’s safety.
How to Keep Bugs Out of Your House in Summer
Sealing Entry Points
- Install or repair door sweeps and weather stripping
- Seal cracks in the foundation or walls
- Patch holes in screens and around vents
Maintenance and Cleaning Tips
- Eliminate standing water (especially for mosquitoes)
- Store food in airtight containers
- Take out the trash regularly
- Keep floors and countertops clean
Consistency is key—summer bugs will take any opportunity to settle in.
Conclusion
Summer bugs are a fact of life in Houston, but they don’t have to take over your home. From noisy cicadas outside to sneaky cockroaches inside, knowing what to expect and how to respond is the first step toward a more peaceful summer.
Ready to enjoy your home without the bugs? Let GreenGate Turf & Pest help. Our Houston-based team is standing by with expert pest control solutions designed for our local environment.
Say goodbye to summer bugs—and hello to comfort.