Rats in Katy? Houston pest expert shares most common pests in Texas homes

HOUSTON (CW39) — From rodents to raccoons, pests are finding their way into Texas homes more often — and one local expert said prevention is key before the problem turns dangerous. He tells CW39, he’s getting more calls about rats in Katy. However, rats are just a first sign of trouble.

Tristan Faulkner, owner of Faulkner Pest Defense,

tells CW39 the most common calls he gets are for rodents, snakes, raccoons, and bed bugs — and each one can pose serious health or safety risks if not handled quickly and efficiently.

Rodents top list of pests in Texas, expert said – followed by something scarier

“Rodents are number one,” Faulkner said. “They chew wires, destroy insulation, and leave behind waste that attracts other pests like snakes.”

According to Faulkner, snakes often follow rodents into homes and can pose additional risks.

“Even if they don’t bite, snakes can carry bacteria in their venom,” he explained.

But the most aggressive pest he encounters? Raccoons.

“They’re pure muscle — they can rip open HVAC tubes,” Faulkner said. “They might look calm, but the moment you approach, they’ll stand up and fight – even on two legs. You have to treat raccoons with real caution.”

Not all wildlife, however, deserves a bad reputation. Faulkner said possums may look scary, but they’re often misunderstood.

“Possums are actually beneficial and one of the safest animals to handle,” he said. “They’re not trying to hurt anyone, but if they get into your attic, that’s when they become a problem.”

Other common pest issues include bed bugs — which Faulkner compares to mosquitoes.

“Bed bugs feed on blood, your blood. A baby bed bug can feed for three minutes and be good for days, even weeks. A single full grown bed bug can feed for about seven minutes and then survive for months without another meal,” he said. “You can leave town for months. Come back and they’ll be waiting for you.”

Fire ants, maggots, and burrowing rodents can also wreak havoc on new construction, especially when nearby ground vibration or foliage attracts them closer to homes. New home construction can be particularly vulnerable because all of the openings for critters aren’t yet secured by the new home owner.

Pest solutions to try at home

Faulkner warns homeowners not to use random bait in attics, as improper placement can lead to hidden carcasses and bad odors when it’s just thrown into the attic.

“Every bait works differently — some kill in hours, others in days,” he said. “You need to use the right method in the right place, or you’ll end up with bigger problems later.” Instead, he recommends exclusion and prevention — sealing entry points and setting isolation traps to stop pests before they spread.

Faulkner Pest Defense, in Cypress, also serves the Greater Houston and in Katy, offering humane and affordable pest control, including rat removal, wildlife exclusion, and sanitation cleanup.

For help with any pest problem, contact Faulkner Pest Defense at 713-574-8641 or email them at help@faulknerpestdefense4you.com.