Real estate
BY JESSICA SHORTEN
Home Edition
2026
Readers, welcome to your annual Home Edition! May’s Home Edition focuses on the impact of updated ood maps on insurance requirements for homeowners across the region. As premiums continue to climb year over year, we break down why rates are increasing, what factors impact your coverage, and the critical question many homeowners may be overlooking: are you truly protected? This issue also features a Q&A with the new CEO and President of Houston Association of Realtors, oering insight into the current housing landscape and what’s ahead for the market. Rounding out the edition, we spotlight a trusted local handyman service, highlighting the value of reliable, skilled help for maintaining and improving your home.
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What's inside
HAR CEO, President René Galvan talks Houston’s real estate market (Page 27)
Home insurance costs rising across the state (Page 33)
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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 mosquitos 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 aecting 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 SERVICECOMMUNITY IMPACT
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CYPRESS EDITION
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