The holiday season brings joy, gatherings, and beautiful decorations, but it also creates opportunities for pests to invade your home. Christmas trees, wreaths, and festive décor can sometimes bring hidden bugs and critters indoors, while the cold weather outside encourages rodents to seek warmth. Russell’s Pest Control shares five top pest control tips to ensure your home stays pest-free this holiday season:
1. Inspect Stored Décor for Pests
Before you bring out holiday decorations, inspect storage boxes for signs of rodent activity. Mice love undisturbed spaces, often nesting in holiday boxes left in attics or garages. Look for droppings, chewed materials, and shredded paper. If you see these signs, consider disposing of contaminated items and replacing frayed or damaged lights to prevent fire hazards.
2. Check Trees and Greenery for Hitchhiking Pests
Fresh wreaths, garlands, and Christmas trees can be a perfect hiding spot for insects like spiders and aphids. Give them a shake outdoors and inspect branches for egg sacs or webs. Even if your tree has been pre-treated, an extra check can prevent unwanted critters from making a surprise appearance in your holiday decorations.
3. Remove Outdoor Yard Debris
Fallen leaves, shrubs, and woodpiles near your home create excellent hiding spots for pests. Clearing these areas will discourage pests from settling near your house. Firewood should be stored off the ground and at least 20 feet from your home to prevent pests from hitching a ride indoors when you bring in wood for cozy fires.
4. Tidy Up After Holiday Feasts
Food spills and crumbs left out after meals can be a feast for pests like ants, roaches, and rodents. Take a few minutes to clean up thoroughly after each meal by wiping down counters, sweeping floors, and storing leftovers securely. Even small crumbs can attract pests, so prompt cleanups are essential to keep your kitchen pest-free.
5. Store Holiday Decorations in Pest-Proof Containers
When it’s time to pack up your decorations, use durable containers with locking lids instead of cardboard boxes. Rodents can easily chew through cardboard, but plastic bins with tight lids offer a solid barrier, keeping your decorations safe and secure for next year.
Celebrate the Holidays Without Pests with Russell’s Pest Control
Russell’s Pest Control is here to keep your home safe, pest-free, and worry-free all year long. Contact us today for professional pest solutions and enjoy a worry-free holiday season with your loved ones!
Here at Russell’s Pest Control, one of the most common concerns we hear is something along the lines of, “I’m seeing a lot of centipedes in my basement. Should I be concerned?” This is certainly the time of year when you might see lots of little centipedes in your basement.
When the weather starts cooling down, the centipedes need to settle somewhere cool and moist. For this reason, they will sometimes enter man-made structures to protect themselves and wait out the winter. They’re commonly found in unfinished basements or crawl spaces.
They’re certainly hard to miss, but the real question is whether these arthropods are dangerous or not. The experts at Russell’s Pest Control are here to lay down the facts.
The Dangers of Centipedes
First and foremost, centipedes are not dangerous to humans. They stick to preying on their fellow bugs and are actually very afraid of people! There are still a few legitimate reasons that people might want them gone, but it’s important to remember that they are perfectly content to leave you alone as long as you do the same.
Most people simply find centipedes pretty gross. For some people, the sight of them can instill an immediate sense of panic. If this is you, you should set up a pest control plan to have them dealt with.
Centipedes can bite. It is quite rare, but they can do it. These pests are no more toxic to most humans than a house spider. It is possible to be allergic to their venom, which can cause discomfort, but you are unlikely to experience a severe allergic reaction.
Keep calm: they won’t hurt you. Centipedes themselves pose very little threat to people, but their presence can be a sign of underlying issues. If centipedes are getting into your home, you may have some rot issues or plumbing leaks that need to be addressed. If you have a lot of centipedes, it may mean that you have another pest issue that’s keeping them well-fed.
Are Centipedes Poisonous?
In a word – no. Centipedes are not poisonous. They are venomous, however. Many people confuse the words “poisonous” and “venomous.” The difference is fairly simple; poisonous insects are harmful if ingested, and venomous insects are harmful if they bite you. (It’s still not a good idea to eat them, though.)
Centipedes’ venom usually doesn’t cause symptoms worse than itching. House centipedes, the most commonly found type of centipede in Knoxville, are venomous, but are not harmful to humans; they prey on small insects and will not bother you unless you bother them first. They like to keep their tiny centipede fangs to themselves.
Are Centipedes Beneficial Insects?
Despite their creepy appearance, even a small centipede can do a lot of good! They eat other bugs, including pests like moths and flies – even cockroaches! They also kill arachnids, so if you don’t like spiders, centipedes are your friend. But it is important to point out that centipedes are nowhere near as effective as direct pest control measures.
Why Are There Tiny Centipedes in My House?
Centipedes lay their eggs in late spring and early summer, which means they will be adults when they come to overwinter in your home. Even fully-grown, though, they’re still pretty small. House centipedes only grow to be about 1.5 inches in length – though they definitely make up for that with their 15 pairs of long legs.
If you see a lot of mini centipedes in your house, you may have disturbed a nest of babies! They may be gross, but they won’t hurt you.
Need to Get Rid of Centipedes?
Are you dealing with a basement full of centipedes? The pest experts here at Russell’s Pest Control can give you a hand with that problem and help you assess entry points that are allowing these pests to get in. Effective pest control isn’t just a quality of life upgrade, it is essential to protecting your home’s equity and your family’s health. Contact us today to get expert advice or to schedule an inspection.
We all know that bee and wasp stings are painful, but did you know there are some key differences between them? It is important to be able to identify stinging insects on your property so that you understand the risks associated with being stung by them. Read on for expert advice about bees, wasps, and their stings from the experienced technicians at Russell’s Pest Control.
Wasp Stings vs Bee Stings
One wasp sting can be comparable in pain to a bee sting. However, one wasp sting can easily be accompanied by many more. When you are stung by a bee, on the other hand, its barbed stinger latches into your skin, ripping out part of the bee’s digestive tract that it is attached to. This causes the bee to die shortly after it stings you.
Sometimes, bee and wasp stings can feel almost identical in their strength and symptoms. Although they are quite comparable in results, they work very differently. There are three main differences:
Stinger: Bees’ stingers completely eject from their bodies when they target a victim, pulling out parts of their innards and causing them to die shortly after. Wasps’ stingers stay intact and can be used many times in a row on a single victim.
Volume: Bees only sting once, but use all of their venom on this sting, usually totaling around 50 micrograms. Wasps limit their stings to 2-15 micrograms of venom, but it is more powerful and can be used multiple times in quick succession.
Venom: Wasps and bees’ stings also differ due to the venom that they contain. However, despite the different chemical makeups of their venom, they both cause the release of histamine in our bodies, which creates hive-like bumps across our skin.
Do Bee or Wasp Stings Cause Allergic Reactions?
Yes, you can develop an allergic reaction after either a bee sting or a wasp sting. It is possible to be allergic to both kinds, just one or the other, or neither at all. Usually, a sting from a wasp or bee will only result in these mild symptoms:
Swelling
Itchiness and redness
Pain and soreness
However, serious allergic reactions can catch you off guard if you aren’t prepared. There are thousands of hospitalizations resulting from bee and wasp stings every year. The most dangerous result of a bee sting is the development of anaphylaxis, a particular kind of allergic reaction. The worst symptoms of anaphylaxis are:
Swelling of the tongue and throat
Difficulty breathing
Pain and itchiness across the body
Vomiting
Fainting
What Causes Wasps to Sting?
A wasp will sting someone when they think that their nest is being threatened. The problem with this is that they are easily provoked, and they release a pheromone that alerts nearby wasps to come help deal with the threat. This results in many people experiencing multiple wasp stings at a time. When a swarm of wasps targets you, the effects can be very serious.
Does a Wasp Die After It Stings You?
No – unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times on many targets throughout their life. Despite their apparent similarities, wasps are actually quite different.
Bees have many unique quirks and character traits. Beyond their intricate communication style and their profound environmental importance, another interesting fact about bees is that they can only sting once in their life.
Wasps’ stingers remain attached to their bodies after they sting. The stinger looks like a small needle, and the wasp uses it to inject venom into their victim. The venom is designed to paralyze small insects so that they can bring them back to their nest, but also to convince large predators not to mess with them.
Avoiding Bee and Wasp Stings
While you can respect that stinging insects like bees and wasps play an important role in the ecosystem, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t work to avoid the threat of their attacks. Different bees and wasps have different things they’re attracted to, and a lot of what is done to deter them will also prevent a variety of other pests. Precautions to help keep bees and wasps out of your property may include:
Treating exterior wood with a proper repellent to keep nests from being built
Eliminating sources of stagnant water, which will keep them from multiplying
Covering food sources, especially pet food and any sweet-smelling trash
Hire a professional exterminator: If you find a nest on your property, call a professional to have it removed safely.
If you do all of that and still wind up with a nest full of sharp-ended invaders, that’s okay. All it means is that it’s time to hire a professional wasp and bee exterminator. And if you have a household in Knoxville, the best bee and wasp residential servicesare done through Russell’s Pest Control.
Treating Bee and Wasp Stings
Sometimes things don’t go your way, and you or someone else ends up with a nasty wasp or bee sting. If you need to treat a bee sting, it’s important to remove the entire stinger as soon as possible. This can be done as easily as with a pair of tweezers. Afterward, you should wash the area with soap and water before covering it with a warm compress. From that point on you may experience itching and mild swelling, both of which can be relieved by mild painkillers and hydrocortisone cream.
But what do you do if you get stung by a wasp? Wasps don’t leave behind a stinger, which is why they’re able to sting as much as they’re able. Aside from that, you can treat a wasp sting in the same way you do a bee, by washing the area with soap and water and applying an ice pack to soothe pain and swelling.
With bees and wasps, stings should normally result in mild pain and irritation for a short duration of time. If you or someone you know experiences symptoms that are particularly severe, you shouldn’t hesitate to seek immediate medical attention.
Wasp and Bee Control for Knoxville Homes
Bee and wasp stings are not to be brushed off as inconsequential. Even if you’ve never had an allergic reaction to a sting before, there is an underlying chance of an adverse reaction.
If you find that wasps have constructed a nest somewhere around your home, let the experts at your local pest control company know. Our specialists at Russell’s Pest Control are trained to remove bee, wasp, and hornet nests using the safest and most humane methods possible.
The experts at Russell’s Pest Control will be able to assess your situation to determine the species of insect, the location of their nest, and the safest and most efficient removal strategies. Reach out today for a free estimate on bee and wasp removal!
Russell’s Pest Control is thrilled to introduce you to a unique natural occurrence poised to intrigue Tennessee and its surroundings this year. We’re on the brink of experiencing a fascinating natural display, where the chorus of cicadas connects history to the present moment. This spectacle offers not only a visual treat but also a deep dive into the workings of nature. Join us in exploring the life and impact of cicadas, learning valuable lessons on coexisting with these remarkable creatures.
How Rare Is This Natural Phenomenon?
The year 2024 stands out due to a rare natural event in Tennessee and neighboring regions: the simultaneous emergence of two cicada broods, a phenomenon not seen since the early 1800s and not expected again until 2245. Unlike typical emergences involving a single species, this event will see two distinct broods arise together from mid-May to late June, offering a unique opportunity for observation and study.
Cicada Basics
Cicadas spend the bulk of their existence underground, surfacing mainly to mate or conclude their life cycle. Their 17 or 13-year life cycles lead to a coordinated emergence, filling the summer air with their distinctive songs and marking a period of intense natural activity.
The Significance of Understanding Cicadas
While cicadas are harmless to people, their vast numbers can threaten the well-being of young vegetation, which constitutes their primary food source. Understanding their role in the ecosystem allows us to implement measures to protect our flora, minimizing the need for extensive pest control actions.
Dealing With Cicadas
Russell’s Pest Control does not recommend aggressive cicada extermination. Simple preventative measures, such as using netting over young plants, can effectively mitigate the risk of damage during this remarkable event.
Be Aware of Potential Cicada Urine Propulsion
An interesting aspect of cicada emergence is their ability to forcefully eject urine. Consuming significant amounts of xylem from trees and plants necessitates an efficient method for expelling this fluid, leading to the high-speed ejection of urine, potentially catching bystanders by surprise with a light sprinkle from above during the cicada season.
The Future with Cicadas
The cicada emergence serves as a profound lesson in the complexity and precision of nature’s timetable, underscoring the need to foster a harmonious relationship with our environment.
For any inquiries or guidance on how to best prepare for the cicada season, or for assistance with any pest concerns, Russell’s Pest Control is here to help.
As summer fades into fall, you might have noticed an uptick in pest activity around your home. Late summer brings with it a new set of challenges when it comes to pest management. From pesky critters seeking refuge to those taking advantage of the abundant resources, late summer is one of the worst times of the year for certain pests. Knowing which pests are common in the late summer and why will allow you to employ effective pest control techniques to keep these bothersome bugs away.
Late summer is an ideal time for mosquitoes. Warm temperatures and increased humidity around Knoxville create the perfect breeding grounds for these bloodsucking pests. With the increased humidity, mosquitoes are able to find an abundance of standing water, expanding their breeding grounds and growing their population. Late summer weather also increases the food availability for mosquito larvae, allowing them to multiply rapidly.
Ants become more active in late summer as they seek food sources to sustain their colonies through the winter. The warm weather allows them to venture farther in search of food, often leading them into our homes. Keeping surfaces clean and storing food in airtight containers can help deter these unwanted house guests.
Late summer is prime time for spiders in Knoxville. As they mature towards the end of summer, many spider species are on the hunt for mates and searching for prime places to weave their webs, taking advantage of the increase in bug activity. During late summer, you can often find spiders indoors as they seek shelter from cooling temperatures and hunt insects that have set up residence in your home.
Ticks are a common problem for many outdoor enthusiasts and their pets. These parasitic pests breed during the spring and early summer, leading to a massive population increase during the late summer months. You can often find ticks in areas with tall grass or brush, waiting to hop on people or pets that pass by.
Prevent Summer Pests With Russell’s Pest Control
Late summer in Knoxville may usher in unwelcome pests, but with the right knowledge and preventive measures, you can regain control of your living space. By understanding the reasons behind their increased activity and enlisting the help of a professional pest control company, you can ensure a pest-free home.
Don’t let late summer pests take over your home and peace of mind. The experts at Russell’s Pest Control are here to address pest concerns every season of the year. We provide proactive solutions tailored to your unique needs, ensuring quick and effective pest elimination. Contact us today to safeguard your home from these late-summer invaders.
Nobody likes encountering ticks. They are tiny, they are sneaky, and they are hungry for blood. Not only can ticks make your dog itchy, but they can also make them seriously ill. Ticks are not just a pain in the neck—they are a pain in the whole body! They can transmit diseases that weaken your furry friend and even kill them. It is more than enough reason you must not let your canine companion become a tick’s next victim.
You cherish your dog and want them to live a long, healthy life. But you also want them to have fun outside and explore the world. How can you balance these two goals? How can you keep ticks off your dog without locking them up indoors?
Tick Prevention Tips
Here are some simple and natural tips for flea and tick prevention for dogs. These tips will help you protect your dog from these nasty critters without using harsh chemicals.
Check Your Dog for Ticks Daily
Do not let those pesky ticks ruin your dog’s day! Check them for ticks daily, especially after playing in the woods or grass. Use your fingers to feel for any bumps or lumps on their skin. Look carefully at their ears, neck, belly, and legs. If you find a tick, do not be a wimp. Grab some tweezers or a tick remover tool and pull it out gently. Do not squeeze or twist, or you will leave part of the tick in your dog’s skin. Flush the tick down the toilet or put it in alcohol.
Stay Away From Tick Hotspots
Ticks love to hide in tall grass, bushes, and leaf litter. They wait for a host to pass by and then jump on them. So, try to keep your dog away from these areas when you go for a walk or a hike. Stick to well-maintained trails and paths. You can also mow your lawn regularly and clear any debris from your yard.
Bathe Your Dog Often
Use a mild shampoo safe for dogs, and rinse them well. You can also add some lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to the water. These ingredients can help to repel ticks and other pests.
Buy a Dog Vest
A dog vest is a protective garment that covers your dog’s chest and back. It can prevent ticks from biting your dog in these areas. Permethrin, a chemical that kills ticks on contact, also treats some dog vests. You can find dog vests online or at pet stores, or ask your veterinarian about good options for your pet.
Talk to Your Vet
Finally, it would be best to talk to your vet about flea and tick prevention for dogs. Your vet can recommend the best products and methods for your dog’s needs. Many options, such as collars, sprays, drops, pills, and vaccines, are available.
Call Russell’s Pest Control
Even if you take all the necessary precautions, there is still a chance that ticks may find their way onto your property. If that is the case, call Russell’s Pest Control for help. Russell’s Pest Control is a family-owned and operated business serving East Tennessee since 1971. They have the experience and expertise to handle any pest issue you may have.
Russell’s Pest Control offers comprehensive pest control services for residential and commercial customers. Using safe and effective methods, they can eliminate ticks and other pests from your home or business. They also offer free inspections, estimates, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Do not let ticks ruin your day or harm your dog’s health. Call Russell’s Pest Control today and say goodbye to those pesky parasites.
Spring is almost here, and it’s easy to look forward to getting out in the warmer weather. But as you step out from hibernation, so do the pests in the Knoxville area. Now is the time to look around your home and yard for ways you could insure being as pest-free as possible. Typical springtime pests that would be unwelcome guests and rodents, roaches, termites and mosquitoes
The following is a list of things to do – not only for spring cleaning – but on an ongoing basis throughout the year.
Clean and Inspect Kitchen
Anywhere there is food or water you are likely to attract various pests. They could hibernate in colder seasons under your sink or in your cabinets.
Some preventative inspections that can be done include:
Always store food in tightly sealed containers or refrigerators. Keep kitchen counters and floors clean of food debris. Ants and roaches are attracted to food sources.
Seal holes under or around cabinets, and walls that lead to outside to prevent rodents from gaining access.
Check pipes for leaks. Moisture is also an attractant to termites, ants as well as roaches.
Clean Pantry
In addition to the above-mentioned pests you want to check your pantry for these unwelcome pests in particular: Rice Weevils, Cigarette Beetle, Confused Flour Beetles, Indian Meal Moth, and Sawtooth Grain Beetle. While these pests don’t pose a health hazard to humans, they are destructive to food items. If you find evidence of infestations in your dry goods it is recommended that these items be thrown out. Consider transferring dry goods to airtight, sealed containers of plastic, metal or glass. This can help keep pests at bay.
Dry goods can harbor insects from the grocery store, so always check packages for tears or holes before bringing them home.
Declutter Closets
Warmer weather means it’s time to swap out your winter clothes for lighter springtime wear. This is a great time to declutter. An overstuffed closet can be home to pests like spiders looking for a new home. Once decluttering you can get in there and vacuum all the dark corners and get rid of any hiding pests.
Trim Shrubs and Cut Back Trees
Trim back trees and bushes, as they could be used as bridges to gain access to your house. Keep your lawn mowed and weeds down. Don’t let piles of yard trimmings or brush accumulate as this becomes a perfect place for pests to hide.
Declutter and Clean Attic
Mice are prone to take up residence in your attic, as they are looking for a nice warm, dry place to nest. The best way to prevent this is to seal any holes leading to outside, remember mice can enter through a hole the size of a dime.
Declutter by donating things you don’t use and storing items in tightly sealed plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes. This not only helps eliminate clutter but will keep your stored items pet free.
Examine Your Homes Exterior
Check for cracks or holes in your foundation or siding. How about your windows? Any opening leading into your home is an invitation for pests to enter.
Ants are spring and summertime pests who typically invade your home through tiny cracks or holes around your doors or windows.
Sealing up any cracks or holes can’t be said enough.
Eliminating anything that could attract insects or pests to your home is the most proactive thing you can do to prevent infestations.
Dark cluttered places are very attractive hiding places for spiders, ants, cockroaches and rodents. Minimizing any clutter discourages pests from taking up residence by taking away their hideouts.
Remove anything collecting standing water. Buckets, pots and tires become breeding grounds for mosquitos.
Trash Cans
Make sure your trash can lids are tight fitting, especially if you live in a rural area or have populations of raccoons. Consider using trash bags, as this adds an extra layer of pest prevention and control.
Remove Firewood Away from Your Home
Stacks of firewood can attract many insects, including termites. It acts as both shelter and a food supply. To keep pulp-eating pests out of your home’s woodwork, move your firewood at least 20-30 feet away from the exterior of your property. Elevate your stacks off the ground as this makes it harder for termites and other wood-eating pests to access wood that will be brought inside.
Springtime Pest Control in Knoxville
If you take all the precautions listed above and still wind up with a pest infestation, don’t worry! The team at Russell’s Pest Control is specialized in treating all the major springtime pests, and we’ve been treating homes and businesses in the Knoxville area since 1971. So you can still work smarter in keeping all the major insects away from your property. But when the bugs start bugging you, you can trust our experts to eradicate infestations of any size and scope. Want to know more? Contact us todayfor more information and a free quote!
Kissing bugs may sound cute, but you’re not going to be affectionate toward these creepy critters. The reason for their nickname is that these minuscule pests are infamous for biting people in the middle of the night, usually near the mouth. Waking up covered in bites on your face is unpleasant enough but can kissing bugs actually be deadly? The pros at Russell’s Pest Control share the answer as well as advice on how to keep kissing bugs, and other insects, out of your home.
What’s a Kissing Bug?
Triatomine bugs, sometimes known as “kissing bugs,” are parasitic insects that feed on blood. They’re oval-shaped, dark in color, and normally reach lengths of between 1/2 and 1 inch. Although youngsters lack wings, adults have them and can fly. Their long, noticeable beak, which they employ for feeding, is their most distinguishing characteristic.
Kissing bugs are nocturnal so they typically hide close to animals or people who are sleeping. They tend to hide in small cracks or crevices. Although females may leave eggs behind, adults are mostly solitary and do not reside in large groups.
How Dangerous Are Kissing Bugs?
Kissing bugs are harmful, just like any other insect that feeds on blood. Although their bites are not extremely painful, they have the potential to spread infections. Chagas disease, which may have chronic consequences lasting a decade or more after the initial transmission, is the illness these insects are best known for spreading.
Chagas Disease: What’s That?
Typanosoma cruzi, a parasite that kissing bugs carry in their digestive systems after feeding on an infected organism, is the cause of Chagas disease. The parasite enters the bite wound through the feces that the kissing bug generally leaves behind after feeding; it does not spread while the insect is actively feeding. Chagas disease may be fatal, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Early symptoms of the illness include:
Swelling around the bite
Fever and exhaustion
Body pains
Swollen eyelids
Headaches
Loss of appetite or nausea
Swollen glands
Get medical help right away if you think you might have Chagas disease, or another sickness. If you think your pet has been bitten, call your veterinarian right away because other animals might also be afflicted with this illness.
How to Avoid the Kissing Bug
The last thing you want to see looking in the mirror in the morning is bite marks on your face from one of these bugs. The best way to avoid being bitten is to keep them out of your home. Here are some methods for keeping kissing bugs away:
Seal any gaps around your foundation, windows, and doors.
Repair or replace any old screens or weatherstripping around windows.
Clear the area around your property of rubbish and keep your landscape tidy.
Put your yard lights further away from your home’s foundation.
Instead of smashing it, place a transparent container on top of it and trap it. After that, call an exterminator. They’ll be able to verify the species of bug and check your home for evidence of other pests.
Knoxville Pest Control Experts
Whether you’re worried that you have a kissing bug in your home or other pests, Russell’s Pest Control is here for you. We’ve been providing quality service at a fair price since 1971. Contact us today for your free inspection!
If you’ve been looking into pest control techniques in and around Knoxville TN, you may have heard of TAP Pest Control Insulation. It’s a specialized service offered by a select group of exterminators across the country. What is TAP insulation, you might wonder? And why would a pest control company install insulation? Whatever questions you may have about the product or the process, we can answer them!
TAP® Insulation: What is It Used For?
TAP, or T·A·P as it’s sometimes spelled, stands for Thermal, Acoustical, Pest Control Insulation. Unlike sheets of fiberglass batting or foam insulation, TAP is made up of loose cellulose that is blown into your attic or the voids in your walls. It settles, and once it does it can kill a variety of pests while also functioning as an excellent insulation.
How Does TAP Insulation Work?
Unlike other forms of insulation, TAP is specially treated with a borate solution that, to humans, is about as toxic as table salt. But as insects come into contact with it, the material sticks to their bodies and is then ingested when they groom themselves. Since they are unable to pass the substance, it gathers in their guts and eventually causes them to die of dehydration or malnutrition.
Which Bugs Will TAP Insulation Kill?
You can see the complete list of pests that TAP insulation is effective against on the product’s EPA label. TAP is effective on smaller insects like ants and termites, as well as bigger pests like beetles, roaches, and slugs. TAP is not effective on rats, mice or squirrels, but at the same time, our insulation does not act as a food source the way that some others may.
Is TAP Eco-Friendly?
Yes! Cellulose is already considered one of the greenest building products in the world, and the cellulose TAP is made from is over 80% recycled materials. If that wasn’t enough, TAP is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, which has devoted entire studies to knowing exactly how this product can control bugs and protect your home in a way that is sustainable as well as effective.
How Long Lasting is TAP Insulation?
Since insects cannot build up a tolerance to the borate inside the cellulose, TAP insulation has the benefit of maintaining its pest-killing properties for decades at a time. Unless the material is damaged by moisture or rodents, it can insulate and kill pests for decades, up to 100 years in ideal conditions!
Will I Need to Replace My Existing Insulation?
If your existing insulation is damaged by rodents or excess moisture, you may want to consider getting it removed before installing a new material. If that isn’t the case, since TAP is loose fill, it can be easily blown in over any existing insulation.
Is TAP a Good Insulation?
This is the bottom line, right? It’s nice in theory to have insulation that can combat pests, but the pest-killing properties don’t matter if that same material can’t regulate temperature or block out sound. Luckily, TAP Insulation does more than kill a majority of common insect pests that it comes into contact with it. Since cellulose is thicker than other forms of traditional insulation, it slows the flow of air through it. That means that it keeps your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Your HVAC equipment will be able to use less energy, have less wear and tear, and ultimately save you money on your heating and cooling bills. If that wasn’t enough, TAP is also highly effective at noise insulation – reducing the sounds from outside a home that may otherwise enter through the attic.
All in all, TAP Insulation is an extra layer of protection for any home in the Knoxville TN area. And Russell’s Pest Control can help install TAP in your home today to keep it more comfortable and pest-free. Want to know more? Visit our TAP Insulation page!
As winter approaches in the Knoxville TN area, the pests in your neighborhood start looking for shelter, warmth, and a reliable source of food. All of these things are present in the typical home. As a result, there is an increase in pest infestations in homes late in the year as pests try to get inside. Russell’s Pest Control has been providing reliable pest control since 1971. If you have a pest infestation, we can get rid of it. But what if we told you there was a step you could take to prevent an infestation from starting in the first place? There is. It’s called TAP® Pest Control Insulation. It’s not only effective against the majority of common insect pests, but it is also high-quality insulation that makes your home more energy efficient.
What’s TAP® Insulation?
Thermal Acoustical Pest Control insulation is referred to as TAP®. It is made from cellulose, a common insulation material that is blown into attics or wall cavities and can be applied on top of existing insulation. Each piece of cellulose in TAP® Insulation has been treated with borate salts, which is what makes it unique. Although the borate is not concentrated enough to harm humans, it is lethal to insects when they consume it. This material is effective for getting rid of a variety of pests, including:
Ants
Cockroaches
Beetles
Snails
Silverfish and more
Termites
TAP® Insulation Benefits
TAP® Insulation doesn’t lose effectiveness over time. It continues to be an effective and reliable pesticide as long as the material is undamaged. In fact, it’s estimated that under ideal conditions, it can continue to work for up to 100 years!
TAP® not only works well as a pesticide but it’s also excellent insulation. The air that travels through it moves more slowly, keeping areas like your attic warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. This increases the efficiency of your home and lessens the load on your HVAC system. This explains why our insulation has earned the Energy Star label and how it can help you save up to 30% on your yearly energy costs. TAP® Insulation can help your house become pest-free, more energy-efficient, and quieter. Installed at a level of R-60, it will almost totally block out outdoor noise.
For TAP® Insulation, Call Russell’s
At Russell’s Pest Control, we want to help our neighbors in the Knoxville TN area live as pest-free as possible. Whether you need inspections, insulation, or pest control treatment, we can help. If your home is drafty or prone to pests, you should consider TAP® Pest Control Insulation. Contact us to learn more and to schedule your free consultation!
