Stinging Insects Are Back

Stinging Insects Are Back

There is an old saying that folks have used for generations to welcome the emergence of springtime. The saying is, SPRING has SPRUNG! This is a beautiful saying! Flowers are blooming, trees are showing off new greenery, butterflies are flitting about… But there is something that could change this saying drastically if you don’t have proper pest protective measures in place. Spring has STUNG!

The fact is, nothing ruins a perfectly pleasant day in your backyard faster than a lot of stinging insects plaguing you as you try to work, or play, or simply relax. While we understand that pollinating insects, such as honey bees, are necessary, you don’t need to have hives on your property. And it certainly isn’t necessary to allow wasps and yellow jackets to set up shop in your yard.

Why Do Stinging Insect Populations Increase In Warmer Weather?

Insects are cold-blooded creatures and cold weather cause them to slow down or stop completely. When the weather warms up, cold-blooded creatures (like stinging insects) become more active. They will come out of hiding, create nests, and begin multiplying as soon as the temperatures become ideal.

Steps To Defend Yourself From Stinging Insects

  • Have nests removed from your property. While this is dangerous to attempt on your own without proper equipment and knowledge, the removal of nests and hives by a professional is a key way to reduce stinging pests.

  • Check window and door screens. Make sure these are present and in good condition to keep stinging insects out of your home.

  • Refrain from wearing perfumes and other sweet-smelling products when you are outside. Stinging insects are drawn to sweet smells.

How To Make Your Property Less Appealing To Stinging Insects

  • If eating outside, keep all food in sealed containers as much as possible. Make sure drink containers have lids. Also, do not leave leftover food, pet food, or other food sources in your yard.

  • Keep all garbage in receptacles with tight-fitting lids. If your trash cans have loose lids, consider using bungee cords to fasten them. This will help keep smells in and bugs out.

  • Try to keep your property dry. All pests need a water source to survive. The dryer you keep your property, the less appealing it will be to pests. Remove items that collect water, and fix spigot, hose, and gutter leaks. Trim vegetation away from your home so things can dry out.

The Best Plan

If you don’t want to be saying, “Spring has stung!” this year, reach out to Russell’s Pest Control. With our year-round pest plans, you will benefit from the reduction of stinging insects as well as the elimination and reduction of a host of other dangerous or nuisance pests. Give us a call today for prompt, professional assistance.

Make Year-Round Pest Control Your 2017 Resolution

Make Year-Round Pest Control Your 2017 Resolution

Pest control is like the doctor’s office: you go only when something is wrong. What many forget is that annual checkups and proactive care can prevent bigger problems later. Think of pest control the same way. Proactive care and year-round pest control can save you money, protect your health, and prevent large headaches. This year, make year-round pest control your resolution. Check out the many benefits why.

Benefits of Year-Round Pest Control

When we talk about the benefits of year-round pest control, we want to address it from many different angles: health, money, and prevention. Russell’s pest control thinks you will appreciate a few of our favorite pest control benefits.
 
Affordability

Easy-to-manage payment schedules and control options. A small monthly or quarterly fee now can save you hundreds or thousands in the future. When you pay a small amount to control pests regularly, you won’t be left with a large bill to eliminate insects later.
 
Avoid Large Infestations

Year-round pest control keeps large infestations at bay. When you get year-round treatments, your home will not be targeted by insects who want to live and reproduce in your home. Doesn’t avoiding thousands on bugs in your home sound like a good idea?

Prevents Illness And Disease

Most pests carry bacteria and other pathogens that can be transmitted to people and animals in your home. Year-round control keep insects from biting, stinging, and transmitting disease in your home. Additionally, if anyone in your home suffers from allergies or respiratory concerns such as asthma, year-round pest control helps avoid symptoms and attacks. Many insects shed their shells, emit odors, lay eggs, and leave droppings. All of them are irritants that can cause breathing troubles.
 
Your Home Won’t Smell

Infestations cause your home to smell. If roaches get in, they emit a pheromone that attracts other roaches and keeps the family unit together. The more roaches in your home, the worse your house smells. Once you get rid of the roaches, your home has to be cleaned professionally. Year-round pest control prevents roaches from invading in the first place.
 
Protect Your Belongings And Furnishings

When insects invade, they leave their stains and nest with your linens. Curtains, sheets, bedding, clothing, and rugs can become stained with feces and other fluids when insects make themselves at home. Year-round pest control allows you to protect your belongings and favorite furnishings.
 
Better Sleep at Night

When you have year-round pest control, you can sleep better at night. You won’t have to worry about the pests that are nesting in your walls, digging into the food in your pantry, crawling in your bed at night, or lurking in your basement. You can rest easy knowing that you have the bugs and rodents under control.
 
Russell’s Pest Control wants you to have the peace of mind and quality of life we know you deserve in 2017. Call us now to see how we can help you with your New Year’s resolution. Have a Happy New Year. We look forward to serving you in the brand new year.

Centipede Or Millipede: Is It Really All In The Legs?

Centipede Or Millipede: Is It Really All In The Legs?

Perhaps two of the most misunderstood and misidentified pests in homes across America are the centipede and the millipede. While these two do have similarities including a long, exoskeletal, segmented body; the ability to grow new segments during molting; the ability to live several years; and their habit of laying eggs underground, they really are quite different and very easy to distinguish once you know the facts.

The centipede, for instance, has only one pair of legs per segment; each pair of legs is relatively long allowing them to move quickly from place to place. Their bodies appear flattened, and they have two long, segmented antenna used for feeling and smelling. The centipede is equipped with a pair of venomous legs on the first segment directly behind the head that they use for protection and for paralyzing prey. They are capable of biting humans with these appendages, and although the bite is painful, it rarely causes an issue. Centipedes also have a modified pair of legs on their last segment that they use for defending themselves and for mating. Centipedes can be yellow to dark brown and some have darker stripes or markings. They live in stony crevices, leaf piles, and rotting logs when outside, and will inhabit moist nooks and crannies of your home such as basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces. They will feed on insects, spiders, reptiles, and birds.

The millipede, on the other hand, has two pair of legs per segment; each pair of legs is short allowing them to more rather slowly. Their bodies are rounded, similar to that of a worm; and they have two short, segmented antenna that they use as sensory devices. The millipede does not have venomous legs anywhere on their bodies, but they are equipped with glands along their trunk that produces and squirts noxious chemicals that can irritate skin and cause a repulsive odor. They do not bite or sting. Millipedes can be red, orange, brown, or black; or they can be mottled. They typically live in decaying vegetation and move inside when conditions become too warm or too dry, and will inhabit moist areas such as basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces. Millipedes feed on decaying plant matter and seedlings.

It really doesn’t matter which insect you have invading your home, neither is one that you would want to live with. Fact is, if these pests have found a way past your defenses into your living areas, there is a pretty good chance that other, more harmful, pests have also.

The best way to prevent centipedes and millipedes from rooming in your home and to keep other more harmful insects away as well is with year-round pest control from Russell’s Pest Control. Our year-round pest control plans are some of the most comprehensive in the industry and work to protect your home from over 30 common pests including centipedes and millipedes.

Don’t share your home with unwanted pests; partner with the trusted professionals here at Russell’s Pest Control instead.

Why Do I Have Fleas In My Home & What Can I Do?

Why Do I Have Fleas In My Home & What Can I Do?

“I have fleas in my home! Why do I have them, and what can I do?”

This is a statement we hear all the time here at Russell’s Pest Control. Fleas have got to be one of the most tenacious and irritating pests around. I mean, you don’t even have to own a pet to get fleas. How infuriating is that? And fleas can put rabbits to shame with the rate with which they are able to reproduce! Fleas seem to come out of nowhere in a hurry, and one seemingly lone flea on your sofa can turn into hundreds in no time at all. So how exactly did you get those fleas in your home and what should you do about it? Let’s take a look.

Pets are certainly the number one way that fleas come into homes, but they are not the only way. Fleas are looking for mammal blood. They don’t really care if it comes from your dog, your cat, your kids, or you. They will take whatever comes easiest. They are also lazy travelers. They will hop on anything that will bring them closer to their mealtime goal. They typically hitch a ride to your property on a passing raccoon, mouse, fox, squirrel, or any other furry wildlife friend. After all, what a deal! Free meal while you travel – it’s an all inclusive travel plan for fleas! Once in your yard, they’ll lurk around just waiting for the chance to pounce onto their next taxi (aka: your pet, your child, or you) and gain access to your home where they have shelter and ample access to blood.

You may be tempted to think that those fleas are nothing more than a nuisance. Not so! Fleas are known carriers and transmitters of disease to humans and pets. Dog tapeworm and rodent tapeworm are not only a danger to your pets, but to you as well. Both these parasites are introduced by fleas. Also, I am certain that you have heard of murine typhus and the plague! Yup, these are transferred by fleas too. Yes, the plague is still around and is still infecting people (even in the U.S.). Even if your fleas are not infected or hosting these, there is no denying that their bites are extremely itchy. Scratching of flea bites can lead to infection such as impetigo or staph. Any way you look at it, those fleas have got to go. But how?

Once fleas have gained access to your home, they are extremely difficult to eradicate because not only do the adults have to be eliminated, but you have to get to all those eggs as well. The good news for us here in Tennessee is that you can partner with Russell’s Pest Control to control fleas in our homes.

With a desire to serve his community by providing quality service at a fair price, Russell Bull began this company in 1971, and we have been living up to that goal ever since. When you partner with us for year-round pest coverage, fleas will not be a problem. Neither will a whole host of other common household pests. That’s because we utilize state-of-the-art technology and treatment options to safely and effectively control pests in your home.

If fleas are driving you crazy this summer, give us a call. Not only will we help you to eliminate those fleas, but we can also help you to identify access points and install exclusion methods to keep pests out. For good!

Are Wolf Spiders Dangerous?

Are Wolf Spiders Dangerous?

Wolf spider – It sounds like a very dangerous name for a very dangerous pest, doesn’t it? Doesn’t your mind just instantly jump to a pack of spiders surrounding a ‘herd’ of crickets and running them ragged until the weakest falls behind so they can pounce on it and kill it? Or maybe your mind envisions super extra-large howling spiders with heavy footsteps that chase people down to feed off from them? Perhaps your mind can see thousands of wolf spiders sitting atop a hillside howling at the moon? Well, if your mind automatically jumped to any of these conclusions, you will be happy to know that none of these are true.

In fact, wolf spiders are relatively harmless creatures. They only bite when they feel threatened or when handled, but their venom isn’t potent enough to cause any harm. Truly, the biggest danger to you is a good scare from their unique and creepy eyes. They have three rows of eyes with 4 small eyes on the bottom, 2 large eyes in the middle, and 2 medium eyes on top. All of those eyes peering at you can tend to elevate your heart rate!

If you are seeing a lot of wolf spiders in or around your home, it may be that you actually have a problem with small insects. These spiders go where their food sources are; which is why it is a really good idea to get a pest inspection done by a professional pest control company if you have these guys in moderate numbers. Remember, wolf spiders do not have webs; therefore, webs are not a good indicator of wolf spider activity.

There are several things that you can actively do to reduce the occurrence of spiders, and small insects, in your home. These include:

  • Inspect your foundation and fill any small holes, cracks or gaps.

  • Make sure that all doors and windows have properly fitted screens that are completely intact.

  • Install door sweeps under all exterior doors.

  • Install yellow bulbs in outside lighting sources to keep from attracting insects which are a food source for wolf spiders.

  • Be sure that all utility and pipe entrances are securely sealed.

With a bit of common sense and hard work, you can keep wolf spiders at bay; but if you have done all of these modifications and you are still seeing wolf spiders in your home, it is time to call the pest control experts here at Russell’s Pest Control. We offer several affordable pest control packages with year-round protection from insects, spiders, and other pests. Contact us today and rest assured that when wolf spiders come crawling around your home, Russell’s Pest Control has you covered.

Yearly Pest Service Vs. One Time Service

Yearly Pest Service Vs. One Time Service

Everything breaks down and, at some point, everything needs to be fixed or maintained. But there are some things in life you can do one time, and you’re good for a while; like weatherproofing your back deck or getting your driveway repaved. For most of us, getting a health check-up is not something that has to happen on more than an annual basis, and, if you’ve replaced old, leaky windows with new windows, you probably don’t have to revisit that issue for several years. These are problems that can be solved with a one-time fix–or at the very least–a once in a while fix. So, what is pest control? Is it a once in a while fix sort of issue? Or, is it something that has to be done yearly? The truth is, it is worse than you think.

Fully excluding bugs and wildlife from a home isn’t even a yearly issue. It requires year-round effort. These creatures never stop reproducing and they never stop encroaching. Your home is just another tree to build a nest in. The area under your deck is just another cave to make a den in. Your walls are food for termites and the soil around your home is no different than the dirt in the forest. Those critters don’t know that it belongs to you.

In fall, yellow jackets often come to overwinter in your eaves, and dozens of other bugs will slip through holes in your exterior walls–holes you don’t even know you have. In winter, rodents and cockroaches hide from the cold and forage in your pantry. In spring, a whole host of bugs seemingly come back to life in and around your home. Then, of course, there is summer, the time of year when every living creature is most active, searching for food and reproducing. Pests don’t take a season off.

Can’t I just seal my walls? If only it were that simple. Wouldn’t it be nice to just take care of all those holes once and for all? The problem is, holes that are letting pests into your home this winter might not have been there last winter. Homes decay and pests nibble. Worse than this, bugs don’t need much of a hole to get in. Sealing exterior walls may be an essential part of keeping pests out, but it is far from effective in and of itself.

If you want to fully exclude pests from your home, you need specialized knowledge, experience with the creatures that you are trying to keep out, and access to products that will protect vulnerable areas. You need a knowledge of pest habits and habitats, and you need to continually monitor pest pressures. That is why most folks turn to a professional pest control company.

Keeping pests out is not a one-time fix. It requires year-round service from someone who is educated in the field of pest control. If having a pest-free* home is your goal, we can help. The expert team here at Russell’s Pest Control is trained and certified to get pests out and keep them out. When you’re ready to see how great life is without bugs and wildlife in your home, give us a call. We’d love to help you with that.

 

Spiders Predicting A Long Harsh Winter?

Spiders Predicting A Long Harsh Winter?

In the midst of all your fall activities and busy preparations for the winter months, it dawns on you that there are numerous spiders everywhere…in the garage, the basement, and yes, inside the house!  Why are there so many spiders this year?
 
According to an article from the Farmer’s Almanac:

One of the listed signs of a hard winter is, “spiders spinning larger than usual webs and entering the house in great numbers.”  While it is too soon to know if the Farmer’s Almanac prediction will prove to be true regarding a harsh winter, we do know that there seems to be an abundance of spiders this year.
 
Very few people have an appreciation of spiders.  Those menacing looking creatures just don’t make you feel warm and fuzzy!  In fact, very few things cause a reaction of fear and anxiety like the sight of a spider.  Many people will assume that if it is a spider, it is poisonous.  Tennessee has a large number of species of spiders, but there are actually only two that are poisonous—the black widow and the brown recluse.  The Tennessee Poison Center states that both of these species are found in every Tennessee County.
 
Most spiders are rather shy and not in the “attack mode.”  They actually prefer closed, dark places.  However, this characteristic also makes it difficult for the novice to treat the home and eradicate or remove spiders.  Your best approach to correcting a spider problem is to contact Russell’s Pest Control and ask for information regarding their Power Package Programs.  They have three packages, all of which include the removal and treatment of spiders and 30 plus common household pests.
 
Remember, all household pests have one thing in common—they are searching for food and shelter.  Spiders are looking for shelter and warmth but there are a few suggestions that will reduce your chances of being bitten:

  • Keep your bedspreads and skirting off the floor.  This will hopefully keep spiders out of your bed.
  • Shake out clothing and shoes before wearing.
  • Store those seldom-used items in plastic bags or storage boxes.
  • Seal all cracks around windows and doors and any other areas in which spiders may enter.

Let the professionals secure your home and eradicate those dreadful spiders.  When you choose your Power Package from Russell’s Pest Services, you will get a quarterly pest service, Russell’s pest-free* guarantee, and year round protection from more than 30 common household pests.

Is That A Cricket In My Basement?

Is That A Cricket In My Basement?

In the dark corners of a basement it is sometimes hard to figure out exactly what you’re looking at, and camel crickets don’t make it easy. Their long, thin legs make them look like a spider which is not all that big of a deal, until they come flying out of the darkness at you. If you’re wondering if you have camel crickets in your basement, and would rather not be scared half to death when they leap out at you from the darkness, we can help you with that. But before we tell you how to fix the problem, here are a few more ways those lovable little crickets can drive you crazy.

  • Camel crickets are sort of the “goat” of the insect kingdom. They will eat pretty much anything. They will leave holes in plants and curtains alike. If you have camel crickets in your home, you can be assured that, to them, nothing is sacred.

  • Camel crickets can damage stored items, like clothing, blankets, sheets, and other fabrics that are packed in the garage, attic spaces, or closets. Packed items are at most risk if they are in a place that is humid.

  • If you have a lot of camel crickets, you’re going to get the feces that come with any insect pest. These droppings will be left in hard-to-reach places inside wall voids and insulation.

  • Camel crickets chirp. This may sound nice, but it gets old fast at 3 a.m. when you have to get up for work in the morning.

  • Camel crickets are icky. There is really no other way to put it. If you are watching television and a camel cricket leaps into your hair or crawls up under your shirt, it is never pleasant. These creatures aren’t dangerous, but their alien appearance and hard exoskeleton can be really unsettling.

  • There is a side threat to having crickets in your home: Crickets are food for a lot of other creatures, especially rodents. If you have these tasty morsels crawling around in your wall voids, attic spaces, and basement areas mice and rats will love you for it.

At Russell’s Pest Control we protect homes from camel crickets, and a whole host of other invasive pests that like to get in through the cracks. Our power plans start at just $29 per month, and provide year-round protection from over 30 common household pests, including crickets. Camel crickets are a pest you can live without. Get your walls sealed and keep these and other pests out with professional, year-round pest control–and you may just keep pests that are even scarier out.