Lawton, situated near the Wichita Mountains region and bordering Medicine Creek and Lake Lawtonka, offers a unique blend of urban living with extensive natural surroundings. This proximity to natural landscapes, abundant water sources, and diverse habitats inevitably draws a wide array of pests closer to residential and commercial properties, seeking shelter, food, and water.
Cockroaches: The Oklahoma climate, especially in Lawton, provides ideal conditions for cockroaches to thrive. They seek refuge indoors when temperatures fluctuate or during dry spells, infiltrating homes through tiny cracks and gaps around pipes. You might encounter larger species like American cockroaches or the smaller, more prolific German cockroaches, often found in kitchens and bathrooms. They contaminate food surfaces and can trigger allergies.
- Droppings resembling coffee grounds or black pepper
- Musty odor, especially in enclosed spaces
- Live roaches scattering when lights turn on
- Egg casings (oothecae) behind appliances
Termites: Lawton faces a high risk from termites, especially subterranean termites. The moist soil near water bodies and the mild winters allow these destructive pests to remain active year-round. They silently tunnel through soil to access homes, eating away at wood from the inside out. Signs of an infestation include mud tubes on foundations, discarded wings near windows, or damaged wood that sounds hollow when tapped. Protecting your Lawton property requires consistent monitoring and professional intervention to prevent severe structural damage.
Common Questions
Are scorpions a common problem for Lawton residents?
Yes, scorpions, particularly the striped bark scorpion, are prevalent in Lawton due to the surrounding arid-like landscapes and rocky terrain. They often seek shelter inside homes during extreme temperatures or periods of drought, hiding in dark, undisturbed areas like garages, attics, and cluttered storage spaces. Proper sealing of entry points is crucial for prevention.
What preventative steps can Lawton homeowners take against pests from nearby natural areas?
To deter pests migrating from the Wichita Mountains and surrounding natural areas, homeowners should maintain a clear perimeter around their property. Trim back shrubs and trees, keep firewood stacked away from the foundation, ensure proper drainage, and seal all cracks, gaps, and openings in the foundation, walls, and around utility penetrations. Regular outdoor pest treatments can also create a barrier.
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