The climate in North Texas makes outdoor living enjoyable for most of the year. However, warm weather combined with a decent amount of rain brings out insects and other creepy crawly invaders in force. Sometimes, you can simply coexist peacefully with these backyard denizens. When they get out of hand and start impinging on your ability to spend time outside, you may have to take measures to control this pesky population.
Fire Ants
Fire ants are one of the most troublesome
insect invaders. The type most homeowners are familiar with is a species accidentally introduced from South America. These vicious ants bite down and then sting repeatedly. They inject venom in a “ring of fire” all around the anchor point created by the initial bite.
Imported fire ants spread rapidly and some colonies can have dozens of queens. That’s why they are so difficult to eradicate. Your best bet is to check your entire landscape regularly and deal with mounds as soon as they appear. Exterminate fire ants using the
two step treatment method advocated by the Texas Cooperative Extension.
If you choose the non-toxic hot water drench, use it just after dawn while the ants are huddled near the surface of the mound trying to catch the first warm rays of the sun. Be prepared to replace any sod or plants that may be affected by the boiling liquid.
Mosquitoes
Keeping mosquitoes at bay usually involves a blend of several approaches. Eliminate all sources of standing water first. If you have a bird bath, empty it and refill it every few days to get rid of any eggs and larvae. Install mosquito netting around outdoor living structures such as gazebos or covered patios. On calm days, try scent based repellent products like citronella candles or
ThermaCell.
For topical protection, you have a couple of choices. Most repellent sprays contain some percentage of DEET. Generally, formulas with a higher percentage of DEET provide a longer period of protection. Natural eucalyptus and other plant based repellents are also
available; but their effectiveness appears to vary for different users.
Wasps & Bees
Flying insects like wasps and bees will be frequent visitors if they can find a place to nest and a source of water. Routinely inspect your property including trees, shrubs, and wooden structures for signs of nesting. Spray small nests and remove them immediately. For safety, contact a professional exterminator to handle large bee hives or wasp nests.
According to the
USDA, you can discourage honeybees from using your swimming pool as a water source. Fill a spray bottle with water and dishwashing soap and squirt any bees that linger around your pool. The idea is to kill them quickly (without using toxic chemicals) before they can return to their hive and inform other worker bees about the location of your watering hole. For wasps, place
traps in areas of your yard that are distant from your swimming pool. This may draw their attention away and gradually reduce their numbers.
Arachnids
Most spiders are beneficial and harmless to humans. However, North Texan homeowners occasionally find large numbers of
black widows setting up camp in outdoor structures such as storage sheds. Check any warm, dark, secluded places on your property every couple of weeks and remove cobwebs. Wear protective clothing and gloves; ensure no spiders can crawl up your sleeves or pant legs.
Chiggers are another common arachnid pest that can make your attempts at outdoor living miserable. Keep grass mown regularly and eliminate tall patches of weeds. This approach also helps control tick populations. For severe infestations of any type of arachnid, you may have to use pesticides.