It’s Time To Think About Mosquito Control In Knoxville

Mosquito biting Knoxville resident during spring - Russell's Pest Control

One of the upsides to the colder winter months here in Knoxville is the disappearance of mosquitoes. Unfortunately, they’ll be back to bug us again soon, and we’ll be in for several months of prime mosquito season. You can stop mosquito problems in your yard before they start by hiring our experts at Russell’s Pest Control – we know these pests and their tendencies inside and out.

The Dangers of Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes can be quite a nuisance when you are trying to enjoy outdoor gatherings with family and friends. Beyond all the buzzing and biting, some species of mosquitoes are capable of transmitting dangerous diseases to their human hosts. Some notable examples are:

  • Malaria
  • Zika virus
  • West Nile virus
  • Dengue
  • Chikungunya virus, and more

Fortunately for us, the majority of mosquito-borne diseases are spread in areas with tropical or subtropical climates. This doesn’t exempt us from the potential of contracting an illness, however, so if you are experiencing severe headaches, nausea, muscle spasms, or stiffness that you think might be related to a recent mosquito bite, seek medical attention immediately.

Preventing a Mosquito Infestation

You can find some fairly simple mosquito prevention tips online, but most of them don’t tackle the issue at its root. We advise that you take these tips into account when preparing yourself for mosquito season:

  1. Most importantly, aim to eliminate or at least reduce the amount of standing water in your yard by turning over tools, toys, buckets, glasses, and other items that collect rainwater. Any amount of standing water serves as a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.
  2. Apply insect repellent before going outdoors. This is the best way to protect your exposed skin, but wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants with lighter colors will also prevent mosquito bites.
  3. Learn about mosquitoes’ habits. They tend to gather around water sources big and small, and they’re most active at dusk and dawn.
  4. Some people suggest using citronella candles to repel mosquitoes, but they are fairly ineffective, and their fumes are potentially harmful when inhaled.

The #1 mosquito prevention tip, of course, is to contact a professional pest control service that has experience with effective mosquito reduction and control.

Planning Ahead for Mosquito Season

The time to start thinking about mosquito control on your property is now, and Russell’s Pest Control is ready to help in the Eastern Tennessee area. On your initial treatment, our trained technicians will come out and inspect your yard for mosquito hot spots, including an examination of plant life around your home and any other potential breeding sites. We will then assign a specialist to return every month from April to September to maintain the area. Then you can finally relax in a yard that mosquitoes will steer clear of. Contact our team today!

Do Termites Infest Brick Homes?

Do termites infest brick homes in Knoxville TN - Russell's Pest Control

Termites are infamous for causing a lot of wood damage. They obviously infest wooden homes, but what about structures built with brick, stone, or other materials? The bad news is that a termite infestation can still occur. This is because termites are attracted to more than just wood. In fact, anything containing cellulose is at risk of being infested with termites.

With Termite Awareness Week upon us, the experts at Russell’s Pest Control are here to share all you need to know about what may be putting your Knoxville home at risk for termites. Read on to learn more.

What Materials Attract Termites?

There is a misconception that only wooden homes can be infested by termites. Unfortunately, this is simply not true. Brick homes, concrete homes, stucco homes, and stone homes can all be infested by termites. Wood stored near your home, moisture issues, wooden decks, and more could all put you at risk for a termite problem. If you notice any of the risk factors listed below, your home could be vulnerable to a termite problem.

6 Things That Attract Termites to Your Home

Termites aren’t just out to infest wood. There are many factors at play that could make your home more attractive to these destructive pests:

  1. Moisture. Leaky pipes, broken sprinklers, or clogged gutters can all lead to moisture problems in your home. In turn, this could attract subterranean termites (not to mention hoards of other pests) inside.
  2. Cellulose. Termites may be infamous for infesting wood, but they’re actually after the cellulose contained within! This cellulose is a main component that can be found in wallpaper, plants, mulch, drywall, and more.
  3. Landscape. Termites can infest mulch, making it important to keep it away from the perimeter of your home. Also trim back tree branches that may be too close to your property.
  4. Access to soil. Subterranean termites need contact with soil to live. Any wood items, whether it’s your home, porch, or firewood in the yard, in contact with soil is at risk for a termite problem.
  5. Warmth. Termite problems are generally more common in warmer, humid parts of the world. This puts our Southern state at a higher risk of termite activity year-round.
  6. Decaying wood. If you have logs, trees, or stumps that are rotten or in decay, you can be sure termites will seek them out.

Termites in Knoxville Homes

Bottom line: When it comes to keeping your home safe from termites, it’s best to call an expert. The termite control experts at Russell’s Pest Control can thoroughly inspect your property and pinpoint any vulnerabilities that could make you prone to termite problems down the road. Contact us today!