Zika And Expecting Mothers

Zika And Expecting Mothers

The Zika virus is causing a lot of fear right now, and for good reason. This virus is directly linked to microcephaly, a birth defect that stops the growth of an infant’s brain. It’s a lifelong condition that can include complications such as significant brain damage, delayed motor and speech functions, seizures, and other brain-related problems. And, with high profile news stories about Olympians being concerned about exposure to this virus when traveling to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, it is no wonder tensions are high. While we should always be concerned about mosquitoes in Knoxville, Tennessee, the immediate Zika virus threat should be considered minimal. Of course, the threat level could change at any moment.
Here are some things you can do to reduce the risk for you and your baby:

  • The greatest danger for Zika right now is travel. If you are with a child, it is not wise to take a trip to a country where Zika is known to be spreading. Cases of Zika in the United States are currently limited to those who have recently returned from a trip abroad.
  • This virus has not yet begun to spread through native mosquito populations. When spring comes, it is extremely important to watch news reports to see if these changes because a mosquito that bites someone infected with the Zika virus can transmit it to those who do not have the virus.
  • Standard mosquito prevention is needed to reduce risk. Use repellents that have DEET. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when possible. Avoid dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Mosquitoes breed in water. By reducing standing water sources in your yard, you can help to reduce the mosquito population in your community. Make sure you do not have obstructed gutters. Apply fill to areas in your yard that collect water. Remove objects in your yard that collect water.
  • One of the reasons the United States has a significantly lower rate of Malaria cases is due to proactive mosquito abatement practices. This applies to the Zika virus as well. If you have a professional perform mosquito abatement, you can reduce your risk and the risk of others in your community. Together, we can make our country safer.

At Russell’s Pest Control, we are proud to have one of the most effective and comprehensive mosquito abatement programs available for homes and businesses here in Tennessee. We know where these insects breed and where they hide. If you have questions about how you can help to protect yourself and your community from mosquito-spread viruses like Zika, give us a call at 865-584-8549, or fill out our contact form and one of our representatives will contact you shortly.

Pre-Construction Termite Protection

Pre-Construction Termite Protection

Are you having a new home built? If you’re like most Americans, this will be one of the most significant investments you will ever make and one that you will be spending years to pay off, which is why it is vital to consider termite protection “before” your home is even built.

The Danger Of Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites, like the name indicates, are insects that live underground. If you decide to build a home on, or near, these termites, you could be setting yourself up for a heart-wrenching crisis. Here are the reasons why:

  • Subterranean termites are silent invaders. These pests can be go undetected for years while infesting and feeding on homes. These wood eaters come up from the soil and eat channels through the wood of a home without showing themselves until it is too late. When a termite colony matures, it will produce swarmers. But, when this obvious sign of termite infestation appears, a lot of damage has already been done. Even worse, termite swarms don’t last long, and can sometimes go unnoticed when they appear on the outside of a home. This can cause a termite infestation to grow beyond the destructive capability of a single colony.

  • Subterranean termites can already be in the ground where you intend to build your home. These insects don’t wait for a home to be built, then move onto a piece of property. They can already be in the soil, living on dead trees and other decaying wood products, and this fact makes it very important to treat the soil before constructing a home, because the last thing you want to do is have your home built on top of an existing and thriving termite colony.

  • Subterranean worker termites are made for finding your new home. These insects can tunnel through soil as far as the length of a football field in search of an appropriate food source to feed their colony. They are also simple organisms that do not require sleep. They will tunnel and feed 24 hours a day, with no need for rest.

At Russell’s Pest Control, we don’t wait for termites to attack. We offer services that will protect the entire ground surface beneath your new home and stop subterranean termites in their tracks. We also install Sentricon® Termite Colony Elimination System bait stations to pre-treat your property and kill off any colonies present. With proactive termite prevention, you can know that your property is safe.

Don’t wait for termites to strike. Get pre-construction termite protection from Russel’s Pest Control and protect your investment from these silent invaders.

Everything You Should Know About A Bed Bug Heat Treatment

Everything You Should Know About A Bed Bug Heat Treatment

We’ve all heard the horror stories. We all know that bed bugs have returned to our country, and bed bug infestations are quickly becoming the most frustrating pest problem in the United States. You may have even heard that heat is the best way to treat for these bugs. But it isn’t as simple as turning up the heat in your house. Applying a heat treatment to kill these blood-eating pests requires specialized equipment and specialized knowledge. Here’s why.

Specialized Equipment

If you’re thinking about cranking up the thermostat, using the oven in the kitchen, and setting down some heaters throughout your home, you should seriously reconsider. There is a reason there are so many new stories about houses and apartment buildings burning to the ground because of bed bug heat treatments. The temperature required to kill bed bugs in all stages of development is a consistent 120°F for 90 minutes. Getting an entire home up to this temperature is no easy task. At Russell’s Pest Control, we have to use state-of-the-art self-regulating heating units that shut down if the temperature rises above 135°F. Our team must also place down multiple real-time wireless sensors to remotely monitor the temperatures in every treatment space. The use of this advanced and specialized gear ensures the safety of the structure we are treating, while also ensuring complete eradication of all infesting bed bugs.

Specialized Knowledge

Effectively treating for bed bugs also requires a specialized knowledge. Even with proper heating equipment and temperature monitors, bed bugs can still evade treatment.

  • Bed bugs can live in wall voids. If a constant and consistent temperature is not created inside a structure, bed bugs can remain after treatment. It is important to know where to place heaters, monitors, and fans to ensure complete coverage.

  • Bed bugs are a hitchhiking bug. It is important to understand that these bugs can evade treatment by being carried out by residents. They can hide inside clothing, bags, and even electronics.

  • Without specialized knowledge, some belongings can be damaged. Our technicians know to remove all pets, houseplants, foods that can melt, cosmetics, prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs, wax items, stringed instruments, and irreplaceable family heirlooms.

  • Without specialized knowledge, dangerous items may be left in a home like fire extinguishers, hairspray cans, oxygen bottles, solvents, lighters, alcohol, etc.

  • Our technicians know how to secure paper, pictures, paintings, glass items, and other objects that can be disturbed by the large fans that are used to circulate the heat throughout the structure.

If you’ve found bed bugs, a heat treatment is the most Eco-friendly and effective way to eradicate them. Let the specialists here at Russell’s Pest Control help you take care of those bugs in a way that will guarantee complete eradication of all infesting bugs, and do it in a way that is safe for your family, your home, and your belongings. Give us a call today, and we’ll start taking care of those bed bugs right away.