Common Bugs Found In McKinney, TX

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What Are Common Bugs in McKinney?

Pest Profiles · McKinney, TX

Common bugs in McKinney

McKinney homes deal with a recurring cast of insects, from wood-destroying termites to nuisance invaders that show up in large numbers. Knowing what you are looking at, and where it tends to turn up, makes it easier to act before a few bugs become an infestation.

LowerHigher

Termites

Destructive

Wood-destroying insect

Lower riskHigher risk
MarksDiscarded wings, mud tubes, and discolored drywall are the giveaways, more than the insect itself.
WhereNear leaky pipes and water heaters, drawn to moisture.
NoteMost active in summer and fall and can cause thousands of dollars in structural damage.

Carpenter Ants

Tunneling

Wood-damaging ant

Lower riskHigher risk
MarksTunnels into wood rather than eating it, leaving sawdust-like frass below the galleries it hollows out.
WhereAround wood inside the home, one of 250-plus ant species in Texas.
NoteTexas also has red fire ants, acrobat ants, and pharaoh ants. Carpenter ants damage wood if left unchecked.

Cockroaches

Contaminates

Disease-carrying pest

Lower riskHigher risk
MarksMost active at night, so daytime sightings are rare even when many are present.
WhereUrban, rural, and suburban homes alike; highly adaptable.
NoteThey breed quickly, so one usually means more. They can carry diseases and trigger allergies in some people.

Boxelder Bugs

Nuisance

Nuisance invader

Lower riskHigher risk
MarksDark brown to black with red markings on the body and wings.
WhereAround boxelder trees, then burrowing under roof shingles in summer.
NoteNative to central Texas. They invade homes in large numbers for shelter but pose no real threat.
PCI seals pests out, not just traps, with no annual contracts. A professional inspection confirms what is really there.

There are a number of common bugs that can be found in homes in McKinney, TX, including ants, cockroaches, spiders, and termites. While most of these pests are not necessarily harmful to humans, they can be quite a nuisance. A professional pest control technician in McKinney can help properly identify the insect and create an effective treatment plan. If you are experiencing problems with any of these pests, it’s important to address the issue quickly and effectively to protect your home.

Boxelder Bugs

Boxelder bugs are native to central Texas. These bugs are dark brown to black with red markings on the body and wings. They are attracted to boxelder trees. They specifically enjoy female boxelder trees because they produce a sweet substance that the bugs feed on. Boxelders tend to burrow under roof shingle in the summer. They try to enter the home for shelter and food. These bugs can become a nuisance when they invade homes in large numbers, but they are not dangerous. 

Ants

One of the most common pests in Texas is ants. There are over 250 species of ants in Texas alone. The most common species are red fire ants, Carpenter ants, Acrobat ants, and Pharaoh ants. If you find small, brown ants in your home, they are likely carpenter ants. These ants are attracted to wood and can cause damage to your home if left unchecked. If you see carpenter ants, it is important to contact a pest control professional right away to get rid of them.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are very adaptable. They can be found in urban, rural, and suburban areas. Cockroaches are most active at night, so you may not see them during the day. If you see cockroaches in your home, it is important to contact a pest control professional right away. These pests breed very quickly, so if you saw one pest, there are likely more. Cockroaches can carry diseases and can cause allergies in some people.

Termites

Termites can cause thousands of dollars in damages. They are most active in the summer and fall.  Termites are drawn to moisture, so they can be found near leaky pipes and water heaters. A few signs of termites include discarded wings, mud tubes, and discolored drywall. If you see these pests in your home, it is important to contact a pest control professional right away as termites can cause structural damage to your home.

How Are Bugs Entering My House?

Pests can enter your home through cracks and crevices in the foundation, windows, doors, and vents. They can also enter your home on clothing, bags, and boxes. Once they are inside, they will start to breed and multiply. If your property has an excess of standing water, food, or moisture, you could be at risk for an infestation.

What Can I Do To Prevent Bugs From Coming Into My Home?

To prevent pests from entering your home, seal cracks and crevices in the foundation, windows, doors, and vents. You should inspect your clothing, bags, and boxes before bringing them into your home. You should also keep food in sealed containers and dispose of garbage regularly. Repair any leaks to ensure insects are not attracted to the moisture.

Contact a Professional Pest Control Company in McKinney Today!

If you are dealing with a bug problem in your home, contact the professionals at PCI Pest Control. PCI is a local, veteran, and family-owned business that prides itself on its customer service. Our experienced pest control technicians will be able to identify the type of bug you are dealing with and provide you with a customized treatment plan to get rid of them. Call today at [phone-number]!

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Written by PCI Pest Control,

I was born and raised in Olympia, WA, which is why I value being a part of this community so much. My favorite part of PCI is the chance to laugh and engage with my employees, and how we work together to continuously strengthen the team. Outside of work I enjoy playing tennis, traveling, and riding motorcycles