Wolf Spiders in Knoxville: Giants In The House

Wolf spider in Knoxville TN - Russell's Pest Control

Here in Knoxville, one spider in particular is making people call us left and right. If people in East Tennessee are calling us about spiders of alarming size, they probably have wolf spiders. There are more than 200 members of this spider family in North America, and they can range in size from half an inch to over four inches (including the legs, of course). Thankfully, the wolf spiders in our area are usually no more than an inch or two wide. Nonetheless, no one wants to encounter these spiders inside or outside their home. The experts at Russell’s Pest Control are here to share everything you need to know about

What Are Wolf Spiders?

Wolf spiders, in general, have a startling appearance. Like many spiders, wolves have four sets of round eyes arrayed across their heads. One of those sets happens to be front and center on their “faces,” which gives people the uncomfortable feeling that these spiders are looking at them (this is, of course, not true since spider vision is fairly poor and is mostly used to track shadows and movement). These are thick, dense spiders with sturdy, hairy legs. The broad, dark bands on their bodies make them stick out from across the room and can startle people very easily.

Something that is really upsetting to people is wolf spider hatching habits. They carry their egg sacs on their backs until the young are ready to hatch. At the right time, the mother spider opens the sac and allows the babies to crawl onto her back so that she can carry them around in relative safety for a couple of weeks. When the mother is squashed, dozens of tiny (and previously unnoticed) young will flee from her back, which almost always causes surprised homeowners to panic.

Are Wolf Spiders Dangerous?

Like all spiders, wolf spiders are predators; their main concern is hunting food. Unlike most spiders, they do not spin a web to help them capture their prey. Instead, they utilize their speed and large size to allow them to catch and overpower insects for their meals. This fearless hunter tendency creates a lot of the problems that humans have with wolf spiders.

Wolf spiders come across as very aggressive. They won’t seek out a fight with humans, but they will not necessarily scuttle off and try to hide in terror if cornered. It is not uncommon for a wolf spider to turn and charge you if you try to sneak up on one with a shoe. This makes them seem more vicious than they really are. Although a wolf spider is not afraid to deliver a bite if it can, humans have little to fear from these arachnids. Even a bite spiked with venom is unlikely to produce pain as strong as a bee sting, and allergies to their venom are rare.

How to Get Rid of Wolf Spiders in Knoxville

If you have a lot of wolf spiders or any spider for that matter, that’s likely because you have lots of other bugs providing a food source for them. Many times, this food source may be in a cluttered garage, and the spiders accidentally make it inside through cracks or open doors. Wood piles or debris against the house can also create habitats for just the sorts of creatures that wolf spiders like to eat. Either way, you’ll have to deal with the prey before you deal with the predators (which are really just trying to do you a favor by getting rid of your other bug problems).

If you are still dealing with excess spider problems, whether they’re wolf spiders or another type, the spider exterminators at Russell’s Pest Control can help! Our team can help pinpoint where spiders may be getting indoors, and implement spider prevention methods to keep them away. Contact us today!

Are Cockroaches Nocturnal?

Cockroaches at night in Knoxville TN - Russell's Pest Control

No one wants to encounter a cockroach in their home. The truth is that you may have cockroaches in your home, but never see them whatsoever. This is because roaches are indeed nocturnal creatures. Roaches typically shield themselves from the light of day, and hunt for food overnight. If you happen to encounter roaches in the daytime, then, it’s a bad sign you already have a serious infestation on your hands.

Whether you think you have a roach infestation or not, it’s important to learn about the unique behavior and schedule of cockroaches. The experts at Russell’s Pest Control are here to share everything you need to know.

Cockroaches at Night

Similar to other animals and insects, roaches possess a unique circadian rhythm that includes a resting period. In one study, it was proven that roaches have three states of activity: a period of locomotion, a period of limb or antennae movement but no locomotion, and a period of immobility. Under normal light conditions (light during the day and dark overnight), cockroaches were only active at night, typically during the period right before midnight. There was little activity during the early morning hours, and roaches were found to rest during the daytime.

Roaches During the Day

If you spot even a couple of roaches running around during the day inside your home, you may be in bad luck. Here’s what that could implicate:

  • You have a serious cockroach infestation already underway.
  • Cockroaches have been forced out of their typical hiding places due to a lack of resources.
  • Artificial light can sometimes disorient roaches, encouraging them to come out in the daytime.

Where Do Cockroaches Hide in My Home?

Cockroaches prefer to stay in the shade, which is why they dwell in the darker areas around your home. Roaches are often found in bathrooms, basements, and crawl spaces. However, if there is a serious infestation, many other areas can become a roach’s new home: under the appliances in your kitchen, underneath sinks, inside light switches, or amongst boxes in your attic or garage. If you stumble upon them during the day by moving an object, they will likely run for cover.

Cockroaches in Knoxville Homes

If you are noticing roaches during the daytime, it’s time to contact your local cockroach control experts. At Russell’s Pest Control, our team works hard to get rid of the pests and keep them away for good. We can help implement prevention methods to make sure roaches aren’t running around your house at night ever again. Contact us today to get started!

Little Black Ants In Tennessee

A little black ant found in Knoxville TN - Russell's Pest Control

Having a huge trail of ants appear in the house out of nowhere seems like a universal experience. Little black ants appear to move by the hundreds, and more often than not, it can be difficult to discern where they are coming from. So, how do little black ants get in, and what can we do to stop them? Read on for Russell’s Pest Control’s expert advice on ant prevention and control in Knoxville TN.

Why Are There Little Black Ants in My House?

Any ant colony produces worker ants that are constantly on the lookout for accessible food sources to nourish their colony with. When they stumble upon one, they will emit pheromones that signal to other worker ants that there is food nearby. Little black ants aren’t very picky eaters, but they do know what they like. They are often found around these foods:

  • Meats
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Grains
  • Sweet foods containing simple sugars

With that said, little black ants will eat just about anything that is left out for easy access.

How To Control Ants On Your Own

It can be a nightmare to try to get rid of ants once they’ve established themselves inside your home. This means that the most effective method of ant control is properly preventing them in the first place. You can follow these steps to decrease your chances of ant issues:

  1. After eating, seal and store your food and wash your dishes right away.
  2. Clean up spills as soon as they happen.
  3. Inspect your house for cracks in the walls or gaps by windows and doors.
  4. Spray diluted essential oils in places that might attract ants (lemon juice and peppermint oil both prevent ants).

Preventing Little Black Ants in Knoxville TN

If your house is currently being overtaken by little black ants, using an EPA-approved ant control spray could work as a temporary solution to your problem. However, long-term ant control requires routine attention and consistent habits. For reliable ant control that can tackle even the largest infestations in Knoxville TN, you should reach out to your local pest control company. The ant extermination experts at Russell’s Pest Control can use sprays, traps, baits, and other exclusion efforts to locate the source of your infestation and put it to a stop. Contact us today for a free quote!

Camel Crickets – Everything You Need To Know

Camel crickets in Knoxville TN - Russell's Pest Control

Most people have never heard of camel crickets. The truth is that most of us have probably encountered a camel cricket or two dozen in our lives, we just weren’t aware of what the creepy thing we were facing was exactly. A camel cricket is a part of the cricket family that has similarities to a spider in looks. In fact, many people will refer to this pest as a “spricket” or spider-cricket. In more formal terms, it is part of the Rhaphidophoridae family and has 6 legs with the two legs in the back being longer, two antennae, and a hump-shaped back.

Although relatively harmless, camel crickets can become a nuisance pest in homes because they feed on cloth and fabrics. For this reason, it’s important to learn how to identify camel crickets, as well as prevent them. The experts at Russell’s Pest Control are here to help—read on to learn all you need to know about these pests!

What Are Camel Crickets?

These pests prefer to live in dark wet environments. You will most often find them in basements, garages, greenhouses, sheds – anywhere where there is moisture and vegetation. They are essentially scavengers and will eat anything. And by anything, we are talking fungi on basement walls, scraps of food, rotting trash, fabric, dead animals and insects, feces, even each other! In this regard, they can be considered an asset as they will clean up the disgusting things found in your dank basement or garage. However, they can be a nuisance as they will chew through cloth and fabric like a moth.

Camel crickets are actually harmless to humans. They don’t bite, they don’t make noises like normal crickets, they don’t fly, and do not spread illness or disease. In order to defend themselves, they use their longer back legs to leap at their predators. The bad thing about this is that they may consider you a predator and leap at you, which can be somewhat terrifying for anyone.

How to Get Rid of Camel Crickets

While they aren’t harmful, no one wants to deal with camel crickets inside their home. Thankfully, there are a few ways you can get rid of these pests as well as keep them from coming back:

  1. Waterproof your basement, garage, and storage areas.
  2. Run a dehumidifier in damp areas of your home.
  3. Seal windows and cracks to prevent insects from getting in.
  4. Clean up and remove debris and other food sources, including pet food.
  5. Spray cracks and corners with natural peppermint oil.
  6. Set sticky traps, or homemade duct tape traps.

Need Help With Camel Crickets in Knoxville TN?

If you’ve done all you can to prevent camel crickets and are still noticing camel cricket activity, it’s time to turn to the experts. At Russell’s Pest Control, our pest control experts will work to determine what’s causing the camel cricket problem to begin with. From there, we can help you eliminate camel crickets with either a one-time service or can provide you with year-round protection with regular services. To get rid of camel crickets for good, contact us today!

Safe Tick Removal Tips

Tweezers are used to safely remove a tick - Russell's Pest Control in Knoxville TN

Here in Knoxville, we are used to dealing with a number of pests in the spring and summertime. Few pose more of a threat than ticks, who are infamous for carrying and potentially spreading Lyme disease. While this disease is rare, it’s nonetheless important to learn how to protect yourself from tick bites. When removed in the first 24 hours, the risk of tick-borne illnesses is low. For this reason, time is of the essence. With May being National Lyme Disease Awareness Month, the team at Russell’s Pest Control is here with their top tips for safe tick removal.

Tick-Borne Diseases

Ticks don’t only spread Lyme disease, and certain types of ticks transmit other diseases. For example, dog ticks transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, but not Lyme disease. Deer ticks, also known as blacklegged ticks, are the species known to transmit Lyme disease. These tiny parasitic insects can and will attach to any part of the body but are often found in the groin, scalp, and armpits.

Thankfully, the chances of contracting a tick-borne disease is low when the tick is safely removed within the first 24 hours of the bite. It is only when an infected tick has been attached for 36–48 hours can the bacterium be transmitted. Knowing how to promptly and safely remove ticks, then, is essential to stopping the transmission of Lyme disease.

Tick removal guide - Russell's Pest Control in Knoxville TNSteps For Safe Tick Removal

When you are bitten by a tick, it’s important to act quickly to remove it. Thankfully, you can typically do this right at home with a pair of fine-tipped tweezers. This method, backed by the CDC, is proven to safely and effectively remove ticks:

  • Firmly grasp the head or mouth of the tick with your tweezers, as close to the skin as possible. Avoid grasping the tick’s body to the best of your ability, as this could inject the tick’s blood into the skin.
  • Steadily pull the tick outward in a straight motion. Try to not twist the tweezers, as this could dislodge the head, leaving it embedded in your skin.
  • After the tick is removed, carefully clean the area of the bite, as well as your hands, with soap and water.
  • To safely dispose of the tick, place it in a sealed bag or jar with alcohol. Another option is to flush the tick down the toilet. Do not crush the tick.

If you notice a rash or other symptoms developing after a tick bite, immediately see your doctor.

Safe Tick Removal Services in Knoxville TN

Ticks are an important pest to keep in mind in the spring and summertime in our region. By knowing how to prevent a tick bite as well as how to remove a tick when you are bitten, you can stay safe from the dangers they pose. Learn more by contacting the experts at Russell’s Pest Control today!

After 17 years, Brood-X Cicadas are About to Surface

What cicadas will look like around Knoxville TN - Russel's Pest Control

At some point during the latter part of May, hundreds of billions of cicadas are going to emerge from the earth and take to the air.

Some people are freaked out and frightened by this generational event, but many others travel from across the United States to watch it all unfold! However it makes you feel, we can all agree it might be one of the most fascinating natural unfoldings that we have ever seen.

What Is a Cicada?

Cicadas are insects that hatch above ground, but quickly burrow into the earth and don’t reemerge for over a decade. A generation of cicadas emerges from the ground either every 17 years or every 13 years, depending on the brood. Brood X last emerged in 2004 and is gearing up to come back to the surface this May in areas all over the eastern part of the country.

You’ll be able to tell that something new is afoot by their unequivocal noises, but here are a few extra ways to tell cicadas apart from other insects:

  • Cicadas have small black bodies and two sets of long, clear wings, lined with orange markings.
  • Newly hatched cicadas, called nymphs, are light brown with a stumpier body.
  • There will be an incredible magnitude of new insects introduced to our environment, so you will be able to tell them apart by their incredible population size.
  • You will hear piercing, scream-like sounds that can even surpass 100 decibels in volume, similar to an ATV or a chainsaw.

What You Need to Know about Cicadas

Male cicadas are the ones that keep you up at night with their screeches. This is a mating call, and they create it through a lightning-fast repetition that flexes muscles in their abdomen. These devices are called tymbals, and they are specialized noise-making devices found in many insects. Cicadas amplify the noise beyond 20x its original volume by allowing it to reverberate in their bodies.

When a male cicada finds a mate, they will reproduce, dying shortly after. Female cicadas lay their eggs in treetops, and once the nymphs hatch, they make their way down to the ground to burrow in the dirt and look for tree roots to feed on.

Are Cicadas Dangerous?

It’s understandable that some people think that cicadas are dangerous – they mysteriously arise from the ground after many years in a screeching swarm of billions. Although their appearance can be frightening, the most damage that cicadas will do is some moderate destruction of tree roots as they feed. They actually serve as a delightful new food source for many kinds of animals and nourish trees in their area with necessary oxygen when their bodies decay.

What To Do About Cicadas in Knoxville TN

If you’re the kind of person that just can’t handle bugs or loud noises, the return of Brood X will not be fun. Unfortunately, there’s really not a lot that a pest control company can do to cicada-proof your house. There are simply too many of them to keep under control. Using bug spray on cicadas won’t even put a tiny dent in their numbers, and will probably poison the animals that prey on them.

That being said, if you’re experiencing a pest outbreak on your property, contact our experts at Russell’s Pest Control. We train our specialists to the newest standards of efficiency and environmental awareness, and we will routinely send technicians until your home is pest-free. Contact us today for a free quote!

How Tennessee Residents Can Keep Their Yards Mosquito-Free This Summer

Mosquito found in Knoxville TN - Russell's Pest Control

Have you ever wondered why there are so many mosquitoes all over Tennessee? We happen to have ideal breeding conditions for them for about half of the year, starting as early as March and lasting into October. They can make use of even the tiniest spaces as breeding grounds, and their speedy reproductive cycle means that there will always be a quick turnaround of mosquito populations until it gets too cold. So how do we go about stopping them from living in our yards?

What Are Mosquitoes Attracted To?

To understand how to best repel mosquitoes, it is beneficial to know what they’re attracted to. Since their reproductive process is so fast, you’ll generally find mosquitoes around still water, which is where they lay their eggs. Mosquitoes make use of many different sources of standing water to breed, both natural and man-made. Look for tiny rafts of mosquito eggs in:

  • Ponds
  • Pools
  • Spas
  • Buckets
  • Gutters
  • Birdbaths
  • Anywhere else that rainwater collects

Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk and tend to rest in protected places during the night and midday. If you have densely wooded areas of lots of shady trees around your home, you’re likely to experience a mosquito outbreak.

DIY Mosquito Repellent

So what can you do on your own to keep mosquitoes out of your yard? There are a number of DIY mosquito repellent options, and some work better than others. Here are three preventative measures that we consider to be the best options for Tennessee residents:

  1. Cover or pour out any standing water. If you have a pool or spa, keep it covered whenever it’s not in use so mosquitoes don’t lay their eggs on the water. Also, routinely inspect your yard for stagnant water that has collected.
  2. Keep your yard tidy. Keeping mosquitoes away means limiting the places that they might want to hang out in your yard. Make sure your trees and bushes are trimmed down.
  3. Set up equipment to deter mosquitoes. Depending on your yard and the severity of your problem, this could mean mosquito traps, mosquito nets, window and door screens, or fans. Some people like to use citronella candles as a natural mosquito repellent, but we find that they aren’t effective for more than a couple of hours.

Professional Mosquito Control in Knoxville TN

If your DIY tactics aren’t getting the job done, you can trust in your local mosquito extermination experts to remove them from your yard. At Russell’s Pest Control, we train our mosquito specialists to cater their approach to the unique situations they find in every yard. We use a variety of treatment methods, all of which employ strategies and products that are up to the latest standards of environmental awareness. If you have a mosquito outbreak in your yard, contact us today for a free quote!

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!

Signs of Termites in Your Knoxville Home

Termite frass is a common sign of termites in Knoxville TN - Russell's Pest Control

Here in Knoxville, termites are a year-round pest problem. However, the spring and summer months bring about an abundance of new termite infestations. In order to better prepare yourself for the upcoming termite season, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the most common signs of termites. Unlike other pests and insects that you may have dealt with before, termites are rarely actually seen. Instead, they will leave behind evidence of their presence. Knowing these signs of termites can help stop an infestation before it starts. The experts at Russell’s Pest Control are here to help with their expert knowledge on signs of termites–read on to learn more!

5 Signs of Termites

1. Drywood Termite Droppings

Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites nest within wood. As they tunnel through dry wood as well as when they swarm, drywood termites create kick-out holes in the wood. This is when their droppings, also known as frass, can be found. Termite frass most closely resembles sawdust or coffee grounds, and can appear in piles. Seeing this sign of termites makes it important to call a professional for closer inspection.

2. Swarming termites

In the springtime, reproductive termites will leave their colony to mate and form new ones. Swarming happens when a mature termite colony releases a number of swarmers from their existing nest. Reproductive termites, also known as alates or swarmers, can often be mistaken for other flying insects, especially carpenter ants. Seeing winged termites in the spring months is a sign of termites spreading.

3. Termite wings

After alates swarm and land in their new location, they will literally twist their wings off to discard them. This is because after flight, they will no longer need to fly. Termite wings are all the same size and translucent in color. These wings can often be seen in piles, which is indicative of termites forming their new colony nearby.

4. Mud tubes

Made from and used by subterranean termites, mud tubes are pencil-sized tunnels through which termites travel. True to their name, subterranean termites nest underground. In order to leave the nest and forage for food, they will build mud tubes out of their feces. This protects the termites from outdoor elements as it blocks out cool, dry air. Seeing mud tubes along the outside of your property is likely the number one sign of termites.

5. Damaged wood

Termites are infamous for damaging wood. This can appear in several ways. Typically, termite damage can cause unexplained cracks on walls, beams, and rafters. It can cause sagging wood in your floors, as well as hollow-sounding wood. Sometimes wood damage can lead to weakened baseboards and floorboards. In general, wood damage of any kind can be a major sign of a termite problem.

How to Inspect for Signs of Termite Problems

Seeing any of the above signs of termites means it’s time to call in a professional. A trained technician knows exactly what to look for when it comes to termites. Here in Knoxville, you can trust the experienced termite exterminators at Russell’s. Contact us today to learn more about finding signs of termites in or near your home.