What Is Integrated Pest Management?

What Is Integrated Pest Management?

Keeping your business safe, clean, and distraction free is extremely important to its success. Each year, pests cause billions of dollars in damages worldwide, and each year business owners are left wishing they had gotten ahead of them. From termites compromising the structure of your facility to rodents ravishing through trash and food and making huge messes and sanitary issues, or cockroaches contaminating products and living space with a variety of diseases… whatever the pest it is, it’s not doing you any good and getting rid of it is extremely important. On any given property many different pests can be found, and each one will require fairly specific means of eradication. Doing it this in a safe and efficient manner is important which is why we follow the principles of IPM. IPM, which stand for Integrated Pest Management, was designed with the best interest of companies, employees, patrons, and the environment in mind.

After an in-depth inspection of the property and everything on it, our well-trained technicians will note the conducive conditions to pests and create a custom solution relative to what was found. Food, water, and shelter are the primary necessities most pests need to survive, and by addressing these directly we are able to substantially impact the presence of pests while assuring very little impact to the environment, the building, and to people. By analyzing factors such as sanitation habits, the condition of a structure, and landscape, we are able to employ techniques and materials that present very little hazard and that are very effective. Starting with steps to alleviate the necessities pests seek out in or around the property, Integrated Pest Management is about taking what already exists and improve it to deter pests. Removing the conditions conducive to pests makes your property much less attractive to them, removing them as well, and giving you more time to focus on your business with less time spent worrying about it.

Here at Russell’s Pest Control, we come equipped with more than 40 years of commercial pest control experience. We understand how important your business is to you and the people it serves. That is why we are committed to keeping it safe and sanitary, not only to protect your building but to also improve the quality of it. To show you how committed we are to you, we offer a free commercial evaluation. By offering a free evaluation, we give you the opportunity to understand exactly what your up against without any obligation or cost and that allows us to help you explore the different avenues available depending on your specific situation. Also, because we understand that sometimes emergencies happen, we offer an expedited service when you need us most! So don’t allow pests to disrupt your business, and let Russell’s help! Call us today and one of our pest professionals will be happy to answer any questions!

Common Stinging Insects In Knoxville

Common Stinging Insects In Knoxville

Here in Knoxville, we have a lot of bugs, some of which are less of a bother than others, but one thing is for sure, nobody likes the ones that sting! As you get ready to enjoy the coming of spring, the last thing you want is to have to worry about being stung when you go outside. The good news is, Russell’s Pest Control can help! First, let’s take a look at some of the stinging insects you should be keeping an eye out for this spring.

Bald-Faced Hornets

Primarily black with a white pattern over its face, bald-faced hornets are long with a thin waist. Growing to more than a 1/2” in length, with the queen sometimes coming in at double, the bald-faced hornet is a large one. When a threat to a hornet or its nest is perceived, bald-faced hornets become very aggressive and can cause an excruciating pain with their sting. They can sting multiple times, and like all stinging insects have the potential to cause major allergic reactions.

European Hornets

Shaped similarly to a wasp, the European hornet has a brown body with yellow colored stripes running over it. A large insect, the European hornet is known to grow to 1 1/2” in length. Commonly referred to as the “giant hornet”, European hornets are different than other stinging insects in the fact that they are known to be very active at night.

Paper Wasps

A well-known species of wasp, paper wasps are anywhere from a 1/2” to 1” in length and are usually a dark brown or black color with yellow markings and gray wings. When in flight, the paper wasps legs hang from its body. Their sting is very painful and can require immediate medical attention.

Yellow Jackets

Equipped with six legs and two antennae, yellow jacket workers can grow to around a half inch in length. With a black head and face, the yellow jacket can be identified by its yellow and black markings covering its abdomen. Their elongated wings fold tight against their bodies when at rest, giving them a long and slim appearance.

As mentioned, all stinging insects do exactly that, sting! Not only is it extremely painful to be stung, it could present much larger problems. Many stinging insects either have the ability to sting multiple times or come in swarms that naturally present numerous stings as well. When stung even once, let alone multiple times, stinging insects can set off an allergic reaction in the recipient of the sting by the injection of its venom. If an allergic reaction is not treated quickly enough, it could ultimately lead to long-term problems and even death. Stinging insects could even be a danger to your pet should your pet come across a nest. If one of your pets are stung, it also has potential to cause an allergic reaction, so getting rid of stinging insects should be an absolute priority.

We understand that keeping stinging insects at bay is at the highest level of importance in regards to the safety of you and your family. Here at Russell’s, we offer several pest control options to choose from. Once we have identified the infestation, how it got there, and why it’s there, we can address it appropriately. By removing pests, nests, and conducive conditions, we will not only substantially decrease the risk to you and your family, but we will also use preventative measures so that you don’t have to worry about them in the future! Stinging insects are dangerous and should be taken seriously, so don’t wait, and call Russell’s Pest Control today for your free estimate!

Everything You Need To Know About Termite Awareness Week

Everything You Need To Know About Termite Awareness Week

Termite Awareness Week was implemented to spread awareness of termites. It will run from March 11th to March 17th and can help everyone! With termites causing billions of dollars worth of damage each year, being aware of them can be one of your best defenses. Often times the damage is not covered by homeowners insurance and is left up to the homeowner themselves, which can be expensive and hard work. Termite Awareness Week can help you learn how to keep your home safe from termites.

Did you know that the total weight of all the termites in the world is more than the total weight of all the humans? It’s true, and during Termite Awareness Week you can learn more interesting facts on social media by using the hashtag #termiteweek! Termite Awareness Week will also shed light on many DIY prevention methods that are safe, reliable, and affordable. Being both diligent and vigilant can help the fight against the termites. Knoxville alone is home to countless termites! Getting rid of them should be a top priority. Sometimes termites are going to find their way in and if they do you should immediately call professional pest control. Termites are an extremely hard pest to eradicate and getting professional help can ensure that they are taken care of entirely.

How Can Russell’s Pest Control Help?

Here at Russell’s Pest Control, we are both educated and experienced in taking care of termites. Our termite control is efficient in keeping homes and buildings free of termites so you don’t have to! We will start with a free, in-home pest evaluation. This is where we will be able to determine exactly what we are up against, what we can do to get rid of them, and how we can prevent them in the future. Some of the key factors we look for when conducting a termite inspection are:

  • Termite tunnels and termite tunnel stains

  • Imperfections in sheetrock

  • Baseboards that have been stained by moisture from mud

  • Actual termites

  • In crawl areas, we will also make sure to pull back insulation, check under sill plates, and conduct sound tests

To assure eradication our termite control features the Sentricon® System with Always Active™y. First, we install bait stations around your home. With the use of Sentricon® with Always Active™, our bait stations are extremely effective in stopping the molting process of termites which is crucial to their survival. If termites cannot molt, they die. Once the Sentricon® with Always Active™ bait stations, which are environmentally friendly, are installed, they start working immediately. From there, termites themselves play a major part in their eradication by introducing bait to the nests. After, we will closely monitor bait stations to stay on top of any termite activity. Even better, if you sign up with our termite control service, we will offer you a termite damage repair agreement which states that if there is any damage after Sentricon® with Always Active™ is installed, we will cover it!

When eliminating termites, having both the knowledge and tools to do so, are key. At Russell’s, we have more than 40 years worth of both! So if you find termites, don’t worry, and reach out now! Keep your Knoxville home safe, clean, and sound. Call Russell’s Pest Control for help today!