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Pests That Thrive in Flower Mound’s Older vs. Newer Homes

Many Flower Mound homeowners are blissfully unaware of this unique pest issue until it is far too late. Which uninvited guests decide to call your home their home is significantly influenced by the age of your house. 

Older homes built in the 1980s and 1990s near the original town center often have structural gaps and older wood that attract certain pests. At the same time, newer construction along Lakeside and to the west poses its own dangers, from new lumber that termites find irresistible to new landscaping that attracts mosquitoes. 

Both home types are prone to pests year-round, thanks to Flower Mound’s humid subtropical climate and its location near Lake Grapevine. Knowing these differences keeps your investment and your family’s comfort safe. If the pest problems worsen beyond a DIY approach, then romneypestcontrol.com is always ready to help keep your home pest-free.

Pests in Flower Mound’s Older vs. Newer Homes

Older Homes (Pre-2000) Newer Homes (2000+)
Termites (subterranean) Termites (drawn to fresh wood)
Carpenter ants Fire ants
Mice and rats Mosquitoes
Cockroaches (especially American) Spiders (brown recluse)
Silverfish Crickets
Wasps in attics Wasps in eaves

Key Environmental Factors Affecting Pest Activity

  1. Climate and Seasonal Patterns

Flower Mound’s weather makes a year-round pest playground during the summer, as it often reaches 95°F or higher, forcing pests to invade your house in search of water and cooler areas. The town gets about 40 inches of rain each year, and the moisture attracts everything from mosquitoes to termites. The onset of spring and fall brings the worst infestations, as pests move inside to feel sheltered from the temperature swings.

  1. Construction Materials and Building Practices

Many pests love the wood siding, pier-and-beam foundations, and crawl spaces of old homes. Over the decades, these structures will develop cracks and crevices, providing easy access. Today, most homes are constructed with modern materials such as synthetic stucco and concrete slabs, but they are not pest-free. For the first few years, fresh lumber holds moisture, which attracts wood-destroying insects.

  1. Landscape and Proximity to Natural Areas

With the proximity to larger local wildlife near Lake Grapevine or to the many parks along Timber Creek comes an increase in pests. The Town of Flower Mound says the community has more than 600 acres of parks and open space. Mosquitoes, rodents, and spiders have a harder time getting into properties abutting these green spaces. Thick landscaping and mulch beds near foundations create pest interstates into homes.

Prevention Strategies for Both Older and Newer Homes

For Older Homes:

  • Use silicon caulk to seal up cracks in the foundation and around utility penetrations
  • Replace doors and windows’ weather stripping every 2 or 3 years
  • Use a door sweep at exterior doors, particularly garage entrances
  • Keep attics well-ventilated and check pest activity regularly

For Newer Homes:

  • Maintain correct grading to aid in moving water away from the foundation
  • Ideally, vegetation should be trimmed to be at least 18 inches away from all exterior walls
  • Reduce outdoor lighting that attracts flying insects
  • Keep firewood 20 feet or more from the house

Universal Prevention Tips:

  • Quarterly, clean the gutters to avoid water accumulation
  • Repair dripping pipelines and faucets immediately to eradicate wetness generators
  • Put away food in sealed containers and remove garbage regularly

Professional Pest Control Solutions

In Flower Mound, pest pressure is consistent year-round, so sometimes prevention is not enough. Romney Pest Control provides pest control services for both older and newer homes in the local community. They recognize that a 1985 ranch in Bridlewood has unique needs compared to a 2015 two-story close to Gerault Road. Technicians analyze the weaknesses of your home, including the type of foundation and landscaping features, before developing a tailored treatment strategy.

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