Épisodes

  • Austin, TX Ant Control

    Austin, TX Ant Control
    Jun 2 2026
    Are you looking for help with Austin, TX ant control services? In this podcast we will be discussing which ant species create the most problems for Austin homeowners, why species identification is the essential first step in any ant treatment, and what a professional ant control program looks like. Austin's growth, climate, and geography create conditions where multiple ant species are active simultaneously — and each requires a different treatment approach to eliminate effectively. Austin sits in the core of Texas fire ant territory, with mounds rebuilding in lawns and landscaping after every significant rain event. Carpenter ants are common in the Hill Country corridor and established neighborhoods where aging trees and moisture-damaged wood provide excavation sites. Odorous house ants and Argentine ants cycle through Austin neighborhoods in large trailing columns, and ghost ants — a small tropical species established in Central Texas — are increasingly reported in new construction. The EPA ant control guidance emphasizes that applying the wrong product or method for a given species can scatter colonies and deepen the infestation rather than eliminate it. Warning signs include fire ant mounds appearing in the lawn within 48 hours of rain, ant trails moving from exterior gaps toward kitchen or bathroom areas, sawdust-like frass near baseboards or door frames (indicating carpenter ant activity), and small piles of soil near the foundation or expansion joints in a concrete slab. Austin's newer slab-on-grade construction creates entry pathways for ants that older pier-and-beam homes handle differently — inspection protocol differs between the two. How Austin Ant Control Works Austin ant control starts with species identification — because treatment strategies vary significantly between fire ants, carpenter ants, odorous house ants, and ghost ants, correct identification before treatment is what produces lasting results. A typical ant control job in Austin follows these steps: Species identification: Ant species confirmed before any product is selected or appliedEntry point mapping: Trails, foundation gaps, slab expansion joints, and structural penetrations where ants are entering identifiedInterior treatment: Targeted gel baits, crack-and-crevice residuals, or void treatments based on speciesExterior perimeter: Foundation, landscaping, fire ant mounds, and structural perimeter treatedFollow-up evaluation: Re-inspection and free re-treatment if activity persists between scheduled visits Every Stride ant treatment uses pet- and family-safe products appropriate to the species identified. Office Manager Michael Honeycutt's ACE designation from the Entomological Society of America means Austin homeowners have access to entomologist-level identification knowledge on every service. Stride holds TPCL #667951 for the Austin/Round Rock location. About Stride Pest Control Stride Pest Control has served the Austin metro since its founding in 2013. Owner Tyson Kearns built the company on a mission to provide the best possible pest control service in the nicest possible way — an approach that has produced nearly 12,000 served customers and a 4.9-star average across 2,400+ Google reviews. Stride is QualityPro and GreenPro certified through the NPMA Foundation and is an active member of the Texas Pest Control Association. Key credentials: TPCL #667951 — Texas Department of Agriculture (Austin/Round Rock)QualityPro and GreenPro certified through the NPMA FoundationMichael Honeycutt: ACE designation, Entomological Society of America6 Certified Applicators on staff — highest TDA certification levelActive member: Texas Pest Control Association and Round Rock/Cedar Park Chambers of Commerce Stride holds a 4.9-star rating across 2,400+ reviews and a BBB A+ rating with zero complaints on file. Ant Control Services Across Austin Every Stride ant treatment is backed by our satisfaction guarantee — if ants return between scheduled visits, we come back and re-treat at no charge. Maintenance plans include unlimited free re-services. Same-day service is available when you call before 3:00 PM. Whether you are dealing with fire ant mounds in the yard or a carpenter ant situation inside the walls, Austin ant control starts with Stride Pest Control. Contact us today for ant control services in Austin. Austin Pest Control 15305 Ginger St Austin, TX 78728 (512) 777-1339
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    20 min
  • Austin, TX Bed Bug Control

    Austin, TX Bed Bug Control
    Jun 2 2026
    Are you looking for help with Austin, TX bed bug control services? In this podcast we will be discussing how bed bugs are introduced into Austin homes, what a professional treatment and follow-up inspection involve, and why Austin's combination of tourism, short-term rentals, and a large student population creates some of the highest bed bug introduction risk in Central Texas. Bed bugs are not a cleanliness issue — they are efficient hitchhikers that arrive on luggage, secondhand furniture, and overnight guests. Austin's hospitality industry, university population, and booming short-term rental market all contribute to frequent bed bug introductions. 6th Street, the Domain, and South Congress are high-traffic hotel corridors where guests regularly cycle in from across the country. UT Austin's fall move-in season — with thousands of students relocating from different states and countries — is a consistent introduction vector. The CDC and NIOSH guidance on bed bugs documents that the mental health impacts of infestations, including chronic sleep disruption and anxiety, often exceed the direct physical symptoms. Warning signs include rust-colored stains on mattress seams, shed skins in box spring corners, a sweet musty odor in the sleeping area, and bites appearing in clusters or lines on exposed skin each morning. Bed bug populations double roughly every two to three weeks under ideal conditions — early detection and fast professional response matter significantly for both the difficulty and cost of elimination. How Austin Bed Bug Control Works Austin bed bug control starts with a systematic inspection of the mattress, box spring, bed frame, headboard, nightstands, and nearby electrical outlets to confirm the infestation and assess its extent. A typical bed bug control job in Austin follows these steps: Full room inspection: Mattress, box spring, frame, headboard, furniture, and electrical outlets examined thoroughlyPrep checklist: Detailed homeowner preparation instructions provided before treatment to maximize product contactTargeted chemical application: Residual insecticide applied to all harborage zones, seams, cracks, and voids10–14 day follow-up inspection: Return visit to confirm elimination and re-treat any surviving activitySatisfaction guarantee: Additional treatments at no charge if infestation persists after initial service Preparation before treatment day is what separates successful outcomes from re-infestations. Stride walks every Austin customer through the complete preparation checklist before service. Office Manager Michael Honeycutt holds an ACE designation from the Entomological Society of America, and all technicians are TDA-licensed. Stride holds TPCL #667951 for the Austin/Round Rock location. About Stride Pest Control Stride Pest Control has served the Austin area since 2013. Founded by Tyson Kearns with nine years of industry experience, the company has grown from a single-truck operation to a 20-plus employee team that has served nearly 12,000 customers across Central Texas. Stride is QualityPro certified — the pest management industry's highest accreditation, requiring background checks on all employees, drug-free workplace policies, and adherence to 16 standards exceeding state and federal requirements — and GreenPro certified, following EPA Integrated Pest Management principles on every service. Key credentials: TPCL #667951 — Texas Department of Agriculture Structural Pest Control (Austin/Round Rock, issued February 25, 2013)QualityPro and GreenPro certified through the NPMA Foundation for Professional Pest ManagementMichael Honeycutt: ACE designation — Entomological Society of America (5+ years field experience, comprehensive exam)All employees: full background check and drug screening before customer contactNamed Top 10 Best Pest Control Service in Austin — TrustAnalytica Stride holds a 4.9-star rating across 2,400+ reviews and a BBB A+ rating with zero complaints. Bed Bug Control Services Across Austin Every Stride bed bug treatment includes a mandatory 10–14 day follow-up inspection and our satisfaction guarantee — if bed bugs persist after treatment, we return at no additional charge. Same-day service is available when you call before 3:00 PM. Whether you caught the infestation early or have been dealing with it for weeks, Austin bed bug control starts with Stride Pest Control. Contact us today for bed bug control services in Austin. Austin Pest Control 15305 Ginger St Austin, TX 78728 (512) 777-1339
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    19 min
  • Austin, TX Flea and Tick Control

    Austin, TX Flea and Tick Control
    Jun 2 2026
    Are you looking for help with Austin, TX flea and tick control services? In this podcast we will be discussing how Austin's warm climate keeps flea populations active nearly year-round, what a professional flea and tick treatment involves, and which tick species and diseases are active in Travis County. Austin's blend of dense neighborhoods, greenbelt corridors, and frequent deer and wildlife movement creates higher flea and tick pressure than most Texas metros of comparable size. Austin's Barton Creek Greenbelt, Bull Creek, and the network of parks and trails running through the city create ongoing wildlife corridors that bring deer, feral cats, and raccoons — all primary tick hosts — into close contact with residential yards. The black-legged deer tick and lone star tick are both active in Travis County, and the lone star tick is particularly aggressive, often pursuing hosts rather than waiting in vegetation. The CDC tick disease guidance documents Austin-area risks including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and alpha-gal syndrome, which the lone star tick transmits and which causes a delayed allergic reaction to red meat. Warning signs include pets scratching at elevated levels, bites appearing in clusters on ankles and legs when walking through the house, visible flea movement on light surfaces or pet bedding, and ticks found attached on family members or pets after outdoor time near vegetation. Austin homeowners near greenbelts and parks should be particularly vigilant through the spring and fall tick activity peaks. How Austin Flea and Tick Control Works Austin flea and tick control starts with a full interior and exterior inspection to map flea activity, identify tick harborage areas, and assess the extent of the problem before any treatment is applied. A typical flea and tick control job in Austin follows these steps: Interior inspection: Carpets, pet resting areas, furniture, and floor cracks surveyed for flea activityExterior survey: Yard perimeter, shaded vegetation, brush lines, greenbelt-adjacent areas, and pet kennels assessed for ticksInterior treatment: Residual insecticide plus IGR applied to break the flea life cycle at every stageYard treatment: Perimeter and tick harborage vegetation treated to reduce outdoor tick and flea populations10–14 day follow-up: Return inspection to confirm elimination and re-treat adults emerging from pre-treated pupae All Austin flea and tick treatments use pet- and family-safe products. Stride holds TPCL #667951, and all technicians are TDA-licensed and trained on flea life cycle biology — correct timing of the follow-up inspection is critical to eliminating the resistant pupal stage. About Stride Pest Control Stride Pest Control has served the Austin area since 2013, when founder Tyson Kearns launched the company from Round Rock with nine years of pest control experience. The Austin operation is staffed by TDA-licensed technicians and managed by Michael Honeycutt, who holds an ACE designation from the Entomological Society of America. Stride is QualityPro and GreenPro certified — the NPMA's highest accreditation — and has served nearly 12,000 customers across Central Texas since its founding. Key credentials: TPCL #667951 — Texas Department of Agriculture (Austin/Round Rock)QualityPro and GreenPro certified through the NPMA FoundationMichael Honeycutt: ACE designation — Entomological Society of America6 Certified Applicators on staff — highest TDA certification levelNamed Top 10 Best Pest Control Service in Austin — TrustAnalytica Stride holds a 4.9-star rating across 2,400+ reviews and a BBB A+ rating with zero complaints. Flea and Tick Control Services Across Austin Every Stride flea and tick treatment includes a 10–14 day follow-up inspection and our satisfaction guarantee — if pests return between visits, we come back at no charge. Maintenance plans include unlimited free re-services. Same-day service is available when you call before 3:00 PM. Whether you are dealing with fleas inside the home or ticks in a greenbelt-adjacent yard, Austin flea and tick control starts with Stride Pest Control. Contact us today for flea and tick control services in Austin. Austin Pest Control 15305 Ginger St Austin, TX 78728 (512) 777-1339
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    23 min
  • Austin, TX Mosquito Control

    Austin, TX Mosquito Control
    Jun 2 2026
    Are you looking for help with Austin, TX mosquito control services? In this podcast we will be discussing why Austin's climate produces one of the longest mosquito seasons in the country, what a professional two-stage treatment involves, and which mosquito-borne diseases are active in Travis County. Austin's combination of warm springs, humid summers, and mild falls keeps mosquitoes breeding from March through October, with Aedes aegypti populations active through November in warmer years. Austin's growth has added tens of thousands of yards, retention ponds, and drainage features that function as mosquito breeding habitat. Aedes aegypti - the container-breeding species that transmits Zika, dengue, and chikungunya, is well established in Travis County and breeds in the smallest water sources: roof gutters, flower pot saucers, tarps, and ornamental water features. The CDC guidance on mosquito-borne diseases documents the disease risks active in Texas, and Austin's density and mobility make introduction of new disease vectors a persistent concern. Warning signs include mosquito biting during daylight hours in shaded vegetation areas, standing water in gutters or planters that lasts more than a week, and backyard activity becoming impractical during evening hours from early spring through fall. If you are being bitten regularly in your own yard, a breeding source exists on or immediately adjacent to the property. How Austin Mosquito Control Works Austin mosquito control starts with a property inspection to identify breeding sites, standing water sources, and adult resting zones. Our two-prong approach targets both larvae and adult mosquitoes to reduce populations at every life stage. A typical mosquito control job in Austin follows these steps: Breeding site survey: Gutters, plant saucers, drainage features, water features, and tarps identified and assessedLarval treatment: Mosquito dunks or BTi larvicide applied to water sources that cannot be eliminatedAdult barrier treatment: Residual product applied to vegetation, shrubs, fence lines, and resting zonesSource reduction guidance: Property recommendations to eliminate breeding habitat long-termScheduled maintenance: Monthly or bi-monthly recurring service through Austin's active mosquito season All Austin mosquito treatments use GreenPro-compliant products that are safe around families and pets. Stride holds TPCL #667951 and carries active TDA liability insurance for all Austin services. About Stride Pest Control Stride Pest Control has operated in the Austin area since its founding in 2013 by Tyson Kearns, whose nine years of pre-Stride pest control experience included field technician work, marketing leadership, and operations management. The Austin location is staffed by TDA-licensed technicians trained under Office Manager Michael Honeycutt, who holds an ACE designation from the Entomological Society of America. Stride is QualityPro and GreenPro certified, has served nearly 12,000 Central Texas customers, and has been named a Top 10 Best Pest Control Service in Austin by TrustAnalytica. Key credentials: TPCL #667951 - Texas Department of Agriculture (Austin/Round Rock)QualityPro and GreenPro certified through the NPMA Foundation - held by fewer than 3% of U.S. companiesMichael Honeycutt: ACE designation, Entomological Society of AmericaNamed Top 10 Best Pest Control Service in Austin - TrustAnalytica Stride holds a 4.9-star rating across 2,400+ reviews and a BBB A+ rating with zero complaints on file. Mosquito Control Services Across Austin Every Stride mosquito treatment is backed by our satisfaction guarantee - if mosquito activity returns between visits, we come back and re-treat at no charge. Maintenance plans include unlimited free re-services through the active season. Same-day service is available when you call before 3:00 PM. Whether you need a one-time treatment or a full-season program, Austin mosquito control starts with Stride Pest Control. Contact us today for mosquito control services in Austin. Austin Pest Control 15305 Ginger St Austin, TX 78728 (512) 777-1339
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    23 min
  • Austin, TX Spider Control

    Austin, TX Spider Control
    Jun 2 2026
    Are you looking for Austin, TX spider control services? In this podcast we will be discussing which venomous spiders are common in Austin homes, what a professional spider treatment involves, and why Austin's rapid growth and older housing stock create persistent spider pressure. Brown recluse and black widow spiders are both active in Travis County, and Austin's mix of established neighborhoods, cedar construction, and limestone terrain creates ideal habitat for both species around and inside residential structures. Brown recluse spiders are the most medically significant spider in Central Texas. They hide in undisturbed spaces: storage boxes, wall voids, attic insulation, closet corners and are routinely encountered during moves, home cleanouts, and garage organization. Black widows favor low exterior locations: meter boxes, wood piles, foundation weep holes, and garage floors. Both species follow their insect prey indoors through gaps in the building envelope. The EPA guidance on spider control identifies habitat reduction and entry point sealing as the two most important long-term strategies. Warning signs include irregular, sticky webs near the floor in garages and closets, shed skins in undisturbed storage areas, and direct sightings of spiders with a violin pattern on the thorax or a red hourglass on the abdomen. Austin's growing population means more homes are being disturbed during renovation and clearing, those activities consistently produce spider encounters that warrant a professional inspection. How Austin Spider Control Works Austin spider control starts with a full interior and exterior inspection to identify species, nesting sites, and entry points. All Stride Austin technicians are licensed under TPCL #667951, the Austin/Round Rock location's Texas Department of Agriculture license. A typical spider control job in Austin follows these steps: Inspection: Interior and exterior survey identifying species, webs, harborage zones, and entry pointsEntry point sealing: Gaps around doors, windows, utility penetrations, and foundation weep holes addressedInterior treatment: Targeted application to wall voids, closets, attic access areas, and harborage zonesExterior perimeter: Foundation line, eaves, window frames, garage edges, and outbuildings treatedFollow-up evaluation: Re-inspection to confirm results; free re-treatment if activity continues between visits Austin Office Manager Michael Honeycutt holds an Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) designation from the Entomological Society of America, a credential requiring five or more years of field experience and a comprehensive entomology examination. Stride holds TPCL #667951 and carries active liability insurance for all Austin services. About Stride Pest Control Stride Pest Control was founded in 2013 by Tyson Kearns, who started the company in Round Rock with nine years of pest control industry experience and a commitment to doing the work right. The Austin operation based at 15305 Ginger St, Austin, TX 78728, is an extension of that original location and operates under the same certifications, training standards, and service guarantees. Stride has grown to a 20-plus employee team and has served nearly 12,000 customers across Central Texas. Key credentials: TPCL #667951 - Texas Department of Agriculture Structural Pest Control (Austin/Round Rock)QualityPro and GreenPro certified - fewer than 3% of U.S. pest control companies hold this statusMichael Honeycutt: ACE designation, Entomological Society of America (5+ years field experience, comprehensive exam)6 Certified Applicators on staff - highest TDA certification levelNamed Top 10 Best Pest Control Service in Austin by TrustAnalytica Stride holds a 4.9-star rating across 2,400+ reviews and a BBB A+ rating with zero complaints on file. Spider Control Services Across Austin Every Stride spider treatment is backed by our satisfaction guarantee, if spiders return between visits, we come back and re-treat at no charge. Maintenance plans include unlimited free re-services. Same-day service is available when you call before 3:00 PM. Whether you have black widows around the exterior foundation or a brown recluse situation in stored boxes, Austin spider control starts with Stride Pest Control. Contact us today for spider control services in Austin. Austin Pest Control 15305 Ginger St Austin, TX 78728 (512) 777-1339
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    22 min
  • Austin Pest Control Service

    Austin Pest Control Service
    Jun 2 2026
    Are you looking for Austin pest control services? In this podcast we will be discussing how Stride Pest Control has served Austin homeowners and businesses since 2013, what a QualityPro and GreenPro certified pest control company delivers that a standard exterminator cannot, and why Austin's combination of climate, rapid growth, and wildlife corridors creates one of the more demanding pest environments in Texas. From fire ants and mosquitoes to brown recluse spiders, subterranean termites, and bed bugs introduced through the city's active tourism and rental markets, pest pressure in Austin is a genuine year-round management challenge. Stride Pest Control was founded in 2013 by Tyson Kearns, who moved his family from the Rocky Mountains to Round Rock and immediately recognized the difference between pest control in a mild climate and pest control in Central Texas. Tyson brought nine years of industry experience - as a field technician, Chief Marketing Officer, and operations manager at Preventive Pest Control - and built Stride around a single mission: to provide the best possible pest control service in the nicest possible way. The Austin operation is based at 15305 Ginger St, Austin, TX 78728 and holds Texas Pest Control License (TPCL) #667951, issued February 25, 2013, with active liability insurance verified through TDA records. How Stride Pest Control Serves Austin Stride's five-step Stride Forward process: inspection, identification, recommendation, treatment, and follow-up evaluation. is applied to every Austin service. Every initial visit includes a full property inspection at no charge. Services Stride provides to Austin homes and businesses: General pest control: Spiders, ants, roaches, scorpions, and common household pestsMosquito control: Two-stage barrier and larval treatment through Austin's long active seasonFlea, tick, and chigger control: Interior and exterior treatment with mandatory follow-up inspectionBed bug control: Targeted chemical treatment with 10-14 day follow-up inspection includedRodent control: Interior trapping and exterior exclusion to seal entry points and eliminate populationsTermite control: Treatment, ongoing monitoring, and Wood Destroying Insect Reports (WDIR) for real estate transactions Same-day service is available when you call before 3:00 PM. See our same-day service page for full details. About Stride Pest Control Stride Pest Control holds QualityPro and GreenPro certifications through the NPMA Foundation for Professional Pest Management - the pest management industry's highest accreditation, held by fewer than 3% of U.S. pest control companies. QualityPro requires background checks on all employees, a drug-free workplace policy, and adherence to 16 standards that exceed state and federal requirements. Stride also holds QualityPro specialty credentials in Schools, Food Safety, and Public Health. Austin Office Manager Michael Honeycutt holds an Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) designation from the Entomological Society of America - requiring five or more years of field experience and passing a comprehensive entomology examination. Key credentials: TPCL #667951 - Texas Department of Agriculture Structural Pest Control (issued February 25, 2013)QualityPro, GreenPro, QualityPro Schools, Food Safety, and Public Health certified through the NPMA FoundationMichael Honeycutt: ACE designation - Entomological Society of America (5+ years experience, comprehensive examination)6 Certified Applicators on staff - the highest TDA certification levelAll employees: full background check and drug screening before customer contactNamed Top 10 Best Pest Control Service in Austin - TrustAnalyticaActive member: Texas Pest Control Association, Round Rock Chamber of Commerce, Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce Austin homeowners rate Stride consistently high. The company holds a 4.9-star rating across 2,400+ Google reviews and maintains a BBB A+ rating with zero complaints on file for both the Austin/Round Rock and San Antonio locations. Whether you need a one-time treatment or a year-round maintenance program, Austin pest control starts with Stride Pest Control. Contact us today for pest control services in Austin. Austin Pest Control 15305 Ginger St Austin, TX 78728 (512) 777-1339
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    22 min