Summer in Texas means it's time to battle pests. Not even the heat can keep them away! Entomologist Wizzie Brown from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office spoke to KXAN Meteorologist Kristen Currie to discuss the top three summer pests in Central Texas and what homeowners can do to survive them.

According to Brown, the three most common pests in Central Texas during summer are fleas, mosquitoes, and flies. For fleas, Brown advises dog owners to ensure their dogs are on flea treatment and to consider using a flea comb to comb them after visits to dog parks. To reduce the number of fleas in your yard, Brown suggests reducing tall grass and treating all locations where fleas can be living.

Mosquitoes are one of the biggest challenges in Central Texas. Brown suggests reducing standing water, which can be treated with a soil bacteria called "Bacillus Thuringiensis," mosquito traps, regular pest control maintenance, or fish that can eat mosquito larvae. Additionally, wearing repellent and using fans can help keep mosquitoes at bay. The EPA website can help homeowners choose the best repellent for their situation.

As for flies, Brown advises homeowners to keep their yards clean, remove any decaying organic matter, and clean out the garbage and recycling bins regularly. Using fly swatters or traps away from structures can help control adult flies. Contrary to popular belief, plastic baggies of water don't actually repel flies! Worse, studies have shown that more fly activity occurs in areas with these bags.

In addition to the top three summer pests discussed in the interview, Texans should be aware of 3 other common pests that homeowners should be mindful of. One of the most common pests is the fire ant, which can cause painful bites and stings. Fire ants typically build mounds in lawns and can be controlled by your routine pest control maintenance with bait, ant poison, or insecticide treatments.

Termites are also common pests in Texas and can cause extensive damage to homes. These insects feed on wood structures and can be challenging to detect. Regular termite inspections and treatments are necessary to prevent severe damage to homes.

The cockroach is a pest that strikes fear in all Texans, especially when you're home alone. Cockroaches are known to spread disease and can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. To control cockroaches, homeowners should keep their homes clean and free of food debris and use insecticides or bait stations to eliminate them. But I'd rather pay someone else to deal with them- Yikes!

In summary, homeowners in Central Texas should take preventative measures to control summer pests by; keeping up with routine pest control treatments, treating pets for fleas, removing standing water, using repellent for mosquitoes, keeping yards clean, and using fly swatters or traps to control flies. With these tips, homeowners can enjoy a pest-free summer in Texas!