Oftentimes when we follow up with homeowners a month or so after closing a common concern we here is how do I deal with these Texas bugs and critters. While most pests are simply a nuisance, some can become a health issue.

Below are some homeowner pest tips we have compiled.

1. Install a Tight-Fitting Weather Strip on the Bottom of All Doors.
Rats are capable of squeezing through openings the size of a quarter, and mice can fit through gaps as small as a dime. Doors that do not seal tightly can be a weak point in the home's defense against rodents. Experts estimate rodents will enter 21 million homes this winter, and these vermin can cause serious problems. Rodents carry dozens of pathogens and bite thousands of Americans each year. They are also considered a fire hazard because of their habit of gnawing through electrical wires.

2. Regularly Clean Floors and Countertops.
Crumbs that are left on floors or countertops or even dirty dishes left in the sink can be an easy meal for roaches and keep them coming back for more. Roaches can slip into homes through extremely small openings and commonly invade human structures through small openings in the home's exterior. Roaches can be a health threat. They are known to carry a number of diseases and have been shown to be a contributor to the development of asthma.

3. Store All Human or Pet Food in Lid-sealed Containers
Food that is left unsealed and in the open can serve as an all-you-can-eat buffet for ants. All food should be stored in sealable containers, and pet and human food should not be allowed to sit out overnight. Ants are the No. 1 nuisance pest in the United States. While most ant species are only an annoyance, some like the carpenter ant can be a concern because of the structural damage they can cause.

4. Keep piles of firewood, lumber or similar items from being stacked against the side of your home.
Having items stacked against the home may be convenient for you, but it's also ideal for termites. Termites are wood-destroying insects that forage for food 24 hours a day. Piles of firewood and lumber that are allowed to pile up against the side of the home can serve as an easy food source for termites, and once they're finished they may move to your home. Termites live in every state except Alaska and cause more than $5 billion in damage each year. To make matters worse, the damage termites leave behind usually isn't covered by homeowners insurance.

5. Use low-watt, yellow insect bulbs around exterior doors.
Insects are attracted to white light. By using a yellow light instead, you will attract fewer flying insects and fewer hungry spiders. Spiders are opportunistic and often invade homes in search of food and shelter. While all spiders are venomous, there are few that are a significant threat to humans. Spiders can be beneficial because they eliminate other pests. However, because they eat other bugs having them in the home is often a sign that other pests are nearby.