Are Rodents More Aggressive During COVID-19?

Rodents are entering Knoxville TN homes during the pandemic - Russell's Pest Control

With Rodent Awareness Week upon us, now is the perfect time to look into why rodent problems are on the rise. Since the start of the pandemic, reports of rodent sightings and infestations have been on the uprise—but why? When restaurants and bars were put under orders to limit or shut down operations, rodents were suddenly deprived of one of their most important food sources. This in turn caused two things: one, more aggressive behavior as they have to compete for food and two, a tendency to get into homes in search of food. Plus, with the weather beginning to change, rodents will seek out warmth and shelter right in your home for the coming months. All of this has caused an uptick in rodent problems right here in Knoxville TN. Keep reading to learn how to prevent rodents in the coming months.

Rodent Behavior During COVID-19

The good news is that rodents are not responsible for transmitting COVID-19 as they do with other diseases. The bad news? The pandemic has caused them to be more aggressive and rampant than ever. The shelter in place shutdowns caused an uptick in residential rodent sightings as rats and mice became colder in their hunt for resources.

This has since caused an uptick in infestations and rodent-spread issues. While they won’t transmit COVID-19 to you or your family, rodents still can spread other diseases including hantavirus, salmonellosis, and many more. They also can cause significant damage to your home with their nesting and chewing habits.

Tips & Tricks to Keep Rodents Out of Your Home

Rats and mice are on the rise right now, but you don’t need to let them infest your home. To keep rodents out and away from your property, our top tips include the following.

  1. Seal off cracks and crevices around openings. Mice can squeeze inside holes the size of a dime.
  2. Keep rodents out of your food by securely storing it in sealed containers.
  3. Clean inside the house and around the garden. Less clutter means fewer places to hide.
  4. Put outdoor garbage bags in metal garbage cans with securely fitted lids to stop them from feeding on contents.
  5. Clean up pet food and bird seed debris, and store pet food in robust containers with fitted lids, preferably above ground level.
  6. If you have a compost heap don’t include organic food waste, as this will attract them.
  7. Inspect your garage, attic, crawlspaces, and vents for potential rodent hiding spots.

The Importance of Rodent Awareness

Rodent Awareness Week only happens once a year, but it’s crucial to stay wary of these pests all year long. Especially during the pandemic, rats and mice are looking to get inside your home in the coming months. Russell’s Pest Control can help keep them out. Contact our rodent exterminators today!

Why Do Asian Lady Beetles Infest Homes in the Fall?

Asian lady beetles crawl into Knoxville TN homes - Russell's Pest Control

We all know that stink bugs and boxelder bugs are common fall pests, but what about Asian lady beetles? Often confused for ladybugs, the Asian lady beetle was introduced into the United States more than 40 years ago to help control crop pests. They are now a widespread insect and are most commonly seen here in Knoxville during the fall. They will congregate in large numbers on the sunny sides of structures during October and November. From there, they often make their way inside. Their attraction to light keeps them near windows and although they aren’t the most dangerous pest, they are nonetheless a nuisance. The team at Russell’s Pest Control knows how distressing any pest problem can be on your property, and we’re here with all you need to know about the Asian lady beetle.

Fall pest prevention in Knoxville, Tennessee - Russell's Pest ControlAsian Lady Beetles vs. Ladybugs

The Asian lady beetle is easily confused for the ladybug, and it’s easy to see why! Both have similar body shapes and coloring. However, there are a few characteristics that set them apart:

  1. Asian lady beetles are slightly larger than ladybugs.
  2. They are multicolored and can be anything from mustard yellow to a dark red color.
  3. Asian lady beetles have two white oval markings on the spot behind their head.
  4. Some have an M-shaped mark on the pronotum.
  5. Beetles will emit an odorous fluid and stain when crushed.

Preventing Asian Lady Beetles in the Fall

Keeping these fall invaders out of your home requires many of the same efforts you would take to prevent stink bugs or boxelder bugs. Simply put, sealing off any openings can help keep the Asian lady beetles outside. Here’s what to do:

  • Seal cracks around windows, doors, utility pipes, siding, behind chimneys, and around any other openings.
  • Repair or replace damaged screens on doors and windows.
  • Replace the weather stripping around windows and doors.
  • Consider planting mums in your garden or around your home. These beetles are not fans of the plants and will avoid them at all costs.
  • Try out an all-natural deterrent using citrus or citronella scents. Make a spray with orange or lemon essential oil diluted with water, and spray around your windows or doors.

Asian Lady Beetles Inside Your Home

If you start to notice these insects inside your property, there’s no need to panic. The good news is that they rarely bite—if they do, the bites are not known to cause any harm. Nonetheless, you likely don’t want them flying around your home. Vacuum them up with your vacuum cleaner and dispose of it in a sealed bag. They may leave stains and emit an odor when crushed, so take care in handling them. As always, the residential exterminators at Russell’s are happy to help with any pest problem you have this fall and all year long. Call us today to learn more!