Real estate
BY JESSICA SHORTEN
Home Edition
2026
Readers, welcome to your annual Home Edition! With preliminary data showing the oodplains and oodways expanding across northwest Houston, this edition takes a look at what this means for homeowners. With many homeowners now potentially needing to invest in ood insurance, we look at how rates are changing as well as providing tips to start your search. This issue also features a Q&A with Rene Galvan, the new CEO and President of Houston Association of Realtors. Closing out this year’s edition, we talk with a local HVAC business which focuses on providing residential and commercial services across the Greater Houston region.
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Jessica Shorten Editor jshorten@ communityimpact.com
American Truss Components https://americantrusscomponents.com (281) 442 4584 At American Truss Components, Inc. our mission is to streamline the building process by delivering outstanding service, transparent communication, and unmatched speed of service—providing cost-saving solutions that help our customers build with con dence
What's inside
See how Air of Houston is serving the Spring area (Page 23)
See how Texas has some of the highest home insurance costs (Page 24)
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How Harris County homeowners can keeps pests out he recommends individuals do work with pest control professionals if they suspect infestations. What residents need to know Pesky pests
No matter the season, pests such as insects, rodents and more can become a major problem for homeowners. However, there are a number of steps residents can take to protect their homes. The breakdown On top of insect-based pests, Houston homes are also vulnerable to rodents such as rats, mice and snakes. The Houston area is also seeing a resurgence in bed bugs according to a TAMU report. “They’re showing up everywhere—hotels, theaters, aircraft, buses, trains,” said Robert Puckett, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologist and associate professor. “Unfortunately, you’ve probably been around bed bugs before and just didn’t know it.” While mosquitoes and cockroaches are more seasonal pests that breed and are most active in summer months; several pest species, such as ants and ies, can be year round issues. Puckett said
According to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, the most common pests a ecting homeowners in southeast Texas include:
Cypress Creek Pest Control provides a variety of pest control services across Harris County, and said the biggest point of concern in a home is the kitchen and any rooms with a faucet. “Pests are attracted to water and need it to survive,” a Cypress Creek Pest Control spokesperson said. “Sealing leaky faucets is a quick x that will keep spiders, roaches and even small rodents away.” CCPC also recommends homeowners keep trees and shrubs trimmed, as mice and rats only need a quarter to a half inch of space to enter a home. “Tree branches that help to shade your home also act as a walkway to ants entering your home,” the company recommends. “Small holes from utility lines may be just enough space for an outdoor rodent to get in.”
Ants
Cockroaches
Fruit and drain ies
Termites
Wasps
To help prevent pests, homeowners should:
Perimeter pesticide treatments quarterly Ensure shrubs and trees are trimmed Avoid keeping dishes in sink for long periods Wipe surfaces with a 1:1 vinegar and water solution
SOURCE: TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICE COMMUNITY IMPACT
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