Common Pests in Abilene, TX

If you just moved to Abilene, or you've been here forever and want a refresher, here's the short list. Each one links to more detail.

Scorpions

The striped bark scorpion is the one you'll see. Texas A&M AgriLife says it's the most common in Texas and the only one statewide. Tan, two dark stripes down the back, long thin tail. It climbs, ends up in attics, and comes indoors in hot weather. Scorpion control.

Subterranean termites

Live in the soil, build mud tubes up the foundation, and swarm in spring. You may never see them until wings show up on the windowsill. Termite control.

Roaches and ants

German roaches in kitchens, big roaches coming in from outside. Fire ants in the yard and small ants trailing to the sugar bowl. Roach control and ant control.

Crickets

Field crickets swarm lit buildings in late summer and fall. AgriLife says numbers peak in August and September. Harmless, noisy and smelly when they die in piles. Cricket control.

Spiders

Brown recluse spiders hide in stored boxes, closets, garages and attics. Tan to gray with a violin mark. Most other house spiders are harmless. Spider control.

Mice, bed bugs and the rest

Mice move in when nights cool off. Bed bugs come home in luggage and used furniture. Fleas and brown dog ticks follow pets. Wasps build under eaves. Silverfish eat old paper in hot attics and damp bathrooms. Each has its own page under services.

• Rice-sized droppings: mice
• Rusty spots on sheets: bed bugs
• Ticks on the walls: brown dog ticks
• Shiny bugs in the tub: silverfish

Services: Scorpion Control | Termite Control | Roach Control

More guides: Seasonal pests and weather | Scorpion season | Keeping scorpions out | Signs of termites | What attracts roaches | Preventing bed bugs