Dowell Pest Control

09/02/2026

Carpenter bees may look like bumblebees, but instead of building nests, females drill round holes into wood to create tunnels for their eggs.

A few holes usually won’t cause serious structural damage, but carpenter bees may return to the same wood year after year. Over time, repeated tunneling can damage decks, railings, eaves, fascia boards, and other exposed wood around your home.

See those telltale round holes? You may have some very busy bees! 🐝

08/31/2026

That giant wasp in your yard may look terrifying—but it might not be as dangerous as it looks!

Cicada killers are some of the largest wasps you'll see during the summer. Despite their intimidating size, they're solitary wasps, and encounters with people rarely result in stings.

So what exactly are these giant wasps doing in your yard—and why are they carrying cicadas underground? Check out this recent article from Penn State Extension to find out!

Eastern cicada killer wasps are solitary insects active in summer that hunt cicadas for their young; despite their size and behavior, they rarely sting and pose little risk.

08/30/2026

08/28/2026

Did you know dragonflies are natural mosquito hunters?

Both adult dragonflies and their aquatic young are predators. Adult dragonflies catch mosquitoes and other small flying insects right out of the air—and can consume dozens to hundreds of mosquitoes in a day, depending on conditions.

So, while they may look like they're simply zipping around your yard, dragonflies are actually helping keep other insect populations in check!

🦟 Mosquitoes: Foe.
🪷 Dragonflies: Definitely friend!

🌐 dowellpestcontrol.com

08/27/2026

You’ve probably noticed moths and other insects circling your outdoor lights at night—but scientists have discovered there’s more to the story than simply being “attracted” to light.

Research suggests artificial light may actually interfere with an insect’s ability to tell which way is up, causing it to circle or become trapped near the light.

Check out this fascinating explanation from Scientific American to learn what researchers discovered.

Moths and other insects aren’t drawn to nighttime illumination for the reasons we think they are

08/25/2026

House Centipedes: Friend or Foe?

They may look creepy racing across the floor, but house centipedes are actually beneficial predators! They feed on cockroaches, silverfish, spiders, flies, and other unwanted household pests.

So, are they friends? Technically, yes! But seeing several of them indoors may also mean your home has plenty of other insects for them to eat.

Would you let one stay—or is it getting evicted immediately?

08/24/2026

Dowell Pest Control is a market leader in structural fumigation. It is the only process that fully controls drywood termites, which cost homeowners hundreds of millions of dollars in damage every year.

Unlike spot treatment of termites, fumigation kills all termites, even hidden or inaccessible colonies. One treatment eliminates 100% of termites. There's no drilling necessary. However, residents must prepare their home and leave it for a few days. If you'd like more information about our fumigation services, please contact us.

Port Lavaca- (361) 717-4663 or Rockport at (361) 729-2370
[email protected]

08/21/2026

Did you know wheel bugs are actually beneficial predators?

These unusual-looking insects are a type of assassin bug, and they help control garden pests by feeding on insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and other unwanted bugs.

That distinctive wheel-shaped ridge on their back makes them easy to recognize—but admire them from a distance! Wheel bugs can deliver a painful bite if handled or disturbed.

Sometimes the creepy-looking bug in your yard is actually one of the good guys! 🌿