North Texas homes can experience pest problems throughout the year. Common unwanted visitors include ants, cockroaches, spiders, termites, rodents, fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other occasional invaders. The type of pest activity you see can change with the season, weather and conditions around your property.

We’ve found that quarterly treatments are the best way to stay ahead of pest activity. Since most pest control products remain effective for about 90 days, a consistent service every three months is an excellent way to prevent pests from settling into your home.

Yes. Black Knight Pest Control uses products and treatment methods with the safety of your family and pets in mind. When applied according to label directions, the products we use are designed to provide effective pest control while being appropriate for use around homes with children and pets. If any special precautions are needed for a particular treatment, we'll always let you know beforehand so you know exactly what to expect.

Changes in weather can send pests looking for food, water and shelter. Cracks around doors and windows, plumbing penetrations, vegetation touching the home and other small openings can provide easy access. Sometimes the problem isn't that your home suddenly has more pests—it's that outdoor conditions have pushed them inside. Regular quarterly treatments are the best way to keep them from moving into your home.

A clean home can help reduce food and hiding places, but having pests doesn't necessarily mean your home is dirty. Insects and rodents can enter through tiny openings while looking for food, water or shelter. Even very clean homes can develop pest problems.

The ants you see may only represent a small portion of a much larger colony. Simply killing visible ants doesn't necessarily eliminate the nest. Depending on the ant species, locating the source or using an appropriate bait or treatment may be necessary.

Termite workers can be active throughout the year. For the common eastern subterranean termite, swarmers are most often seen in Texas during March and April. Seeing winged termites indoors or finding discarded wings can be an indication that a termite colony is nearby and should be investigated.

Possible signs include mud tubes along foundations or walls, discarded wings, termite swarmers and damaged wood. Because subterranean termites can remain concealed, homeowners may have activity without seeing obvious signs.

No. They can look surprisingly similar, especially during swarming season. Ant swarmers typically have a narrow or pinched waist and elbowed antennae, while termites have different body and antenna characteristics. If you're unsure what you're seeing, having the insect properly identified is better than guessing.

Yes. Termites are among the most economically important wood-destroying pests affecting structures, and Texas A&M describes termites as particularly important pests for Texas homeowners. Because they feed on wood and can remain concealed, termite prevention and early detection are important parts of protecting a property.

Fleas don't live only on pets. Eggs and immature fleas can be present in carpeting, furniture, pet bedding and other areas of the home. Effective control may require addressing both the pet and its environment.

Yes. Black Knight works with builders and contractors on termite protection during different stages of construction, including pre-construction soil treatments, wood-frame treatments and post-construction options. Visit our Contractor Services page for more information.

Not necessarily, for the best results we recommend completing an interior treatment with your initial service. Going forward, most pest activity can be managed with exterior treatments. There is no need to stay home if you’re tied up with a busy week or other plans. We can maintain control of pests as long as we have access to the exterior perimeter of your property.