6 Tips for a Pest-Free Patio

Mowing your lawn helps reduce pests in your Knoxville TN backyard - Russell's Pest Control

When you’re spending more time outdoors as the summer winds down, you likely don’t want pests invading your space. Insects are infamous for being uninvited guests to your backyard barbecues, picnics, parties, and more in the summertime here in Knoxville. Pests may be a normal part of outdoor life, but that doesn’t mean you have to deal with them infesting your yard! At Russell’s Pest Control, we are committed to providing our customers with pest-free* living both inside and outside the home. Our team of experts has gathered their best tips to help you achieve a pest-free* patio and outdoor space.

What Pests Are In Your Backyard?

Insects are out in full force this time of year! Whether you spend time in your backyard on a playset with your children or barbecuing with neighbors, you’ve likely encountered an insect or two. Here in Tennessee, we are home to many types of pests that infest year-round. The most common ones you’ll see this time of year in your yard include mosquitoes, stinging insects (bees, wasps, and hornets), ants, spiders, ticks, fleas, and flies. Out of these nuisance pests, it’s important to be especially wary of mosquitoes and ticks, both of which can transmit diseases to humans.

How to Get a Pest-Free Patio

There are endless tips to keep pests out of your home, but what about out of your yard? It’s best to know how to make your yard less attractive to pests and insects in general. Russell’s best tips are to: 

  1. Get rid of standing water. Stagnant water is one of the biggest attractants for mosquitoes.
  2. Keep your lawn and shrubs trimmed. Ticks and mosquitoes will shelter in overgrown vegetation or tall grass.
  3. Be on the lookout for ant hills. Even a tiny mound can contain thousands of ants inside.
  4. Inspect all wood structures. Wood-destroying pests (carpenter ants and termites) will damage your wooden decks or porches.
  5. Use an insect repellent. Most store-bought repellent containing DEET will help repel mosquitoes and ticks.
  6. Clean your patio or space regularly. Spills or leftover food will surely bring ants around.

Preventing Pests Outdoors

Pests aren’t just dangerous to your family—some can be dangerous for the structure of your home, as well! For this reason, it’s best to enlist the help of a professional exterminator for protecting your property (inside and out) from pests. The residential exterminators at Russell’s can help. Contact us today!

Is Summer the Season of Cockroaches?

A cockroach in the summer is a bad sign of an infestation in Knoxville TN. Russell's Pest Control

Here in Knoxville, cockroaches are a very common pest throughout the year. However, both homeowners and business owners deal with cockroach problems more often than ever in the summertime. This is because cockroaches are drawn to the heat and humidity that only summer months can provide. With a rapid rate of reproduction this time of year, roach infestations can grow out of hand. Because this pest is so troublesome, it’s important to know what you can do to keep them away in the summertime. The team at Russell’s Pest Control is here with expert information on cockroach season: summer!

The Dangers of Cockroaches in the Summer

Cockroaches are known to be gross, but they are one of the more dangerous types of pests. Especially in the summer months, cockroach infestations can explode in size. When you have an infestation, roaches can spread germs and filth. Some of the bacteria they carry can lead to a number of transmitted diseases. In addition, certain individuals are known to have allergic reactions due to the presence of roaches. Because they can be a dangerous pest problem in the summer, it’s crucial to know how to keep them away in the first place.

Here’s How to Prevent Cockroach Infestations

A single cockroach can quickly lead to more…and more. To avoid the frustration of a roach infestation this summer, follow these tips to keep them away:

  • Inspect the perimeter of your home and seal cracks and crevices. Seal windows and doors or install screens.
  • Ensure your kitchens and bathrooms are clean. Promptly wipe or clean up spills and crumbs.
  • After feeding your pets, pick up pet bowls and avoid leaving food out overnight
  • Keep all food securely sealed in airtight containers, and refrigerate unsealed food.
  • Seal all garbage cans with a tight-fitting lid, and routinely take it out when needed.
  • Avoid leaving piles of clutter or junk both inside and outside of your property.
  • Because cockroaches love moisture, promptly fix any leaky pipes or clogged rain gutters.

Cockroach Control in the Summertime

If you’ve done all you can to prevent cockroaches this summer and still have an infestation on your hands, it’s important to contact a professional for help. DIY cockroach control can be a never ending process that rarely results in complete control of the cockroach colony. The cockroach exterminators at Russell’s can ensure you are roach-free this summer and all year long.