How to Prevent Fire Ants

Fire ant mound in Eastern TN - Johnson Pest ControlFire ants, often called โ€œred imported fire antsโ€ originate from Brazil but were introduced to the United States around 1940. Since then, they have spread throughout much of the southeast, including right here in Tennessee. Because these pests can pose a serious threat, itโ€™s important to know how to recognize them as well as how to stay safe from their painful stings. Learn more with the ant control experts right here at Johnson pest Control.

What to Know About Fire Ants

Fire ants differ from your typical house ant in a number of ways. The most important things to know about these potentially dangerous pests include:

  • If a fire ant mound is disturbed, they will attack as one unit. When disturbed, the ants will begin spilling out ready to attackโ€”and each ant will sting repeatedly.
  • To begin a fire ant colony, queen fire ants mate with males, killing the male in the process, and fly to the site at which sheโ€™ll begin the new colony. The queen will lay up to 800 eggs per day, growing the colony to an average size of 100,000 to 500,000 ants.
  • Fire ants donโ€™t biteโ€”they sting! Their stings can result in a burning sensation, hence their name. The sting site may swell and itch. A small pustule sometimes develops where the stinger enters the skin.
  • If fire ants get on you, itโ€™s important to quickly and repeatedly brush them off your skin. The ants can latch on tight, meaning shaking wonโ€™t repel them. If you develop symptoms from fire ants, itโ€™s important to seek medical attention.
  • Fire ants typically nest outdoors in open areas. Parks and fields are usually primary targets, but yards can be as well. The mounds are often found lining your grass and concrete, and they typically form on humid days.

Need Help Getting Rid of Fire Ants?

Fire ant infographic for Tennessee - Johnson Pest ControlHow to Prevent Fire Ant Problems

To thrive, fire ants need moisture and shelter. By making your yard less attractive to fire ants in the first place, you can keep fire ants away from your property. This is best done by taking care of your lawn and yard. Hereโ€™s how to prevent fire ants from building a nest in or near your property:

  1. Trim back your trees and shrubs to keep fire ants from traveling on them.
  2. Rake back any mulch, straw, or other landscaping at least 6 inches from the structure of your home.
  3. Mow the lawn regularly to avoid overgrown grass. Remove grass clippings and piles of leaves to eliminate fire ant harborages.
  4. Store outdoor trash cans and dumpsters as far away from the structure as possible and be sure they have tight-fitting lids.
  5. If you start to see a fire ant nest form, avoid contact and get in touch with your local ant exterminators for treatment.

Need to Get Rid of Fire Ants?

Trying to get rid of a fire ant mound yourself is dangerous. Their colonies extend far under the ground and feature multiple queens. Fire ant treatment should always be administered by a professional ant control expert to keep yourself and your family safe.

For fire ant treatment in Eastern TN, contact the ant exterminators at Johnson Pest Control today!

Fire Ants in Tennessee [2021 UPDATE]

Fire ants in Tennessee by region - Johnson Pest ControlIf you are getting out into the garden this time of year then you will likely come across some ants. The ants we all know we do not want to come across are fire ants. Fire ants are serious pests that will swarm and bite all over you, your children, and your pets if they are agitated. These pests are common in Tennessee, making it important to learn all you need to know about them and the threats they bring. At Johnson Pest Control, we are committed to helping our communities learn about the threats of fire ants. Read on to learn all you need to know about fire ants in our region.

What Are Fire Ants?

Imported fire ants get their namesake from their ability to inflict painful bites and stings. Fire ants are an invasive species that are common here in Tennessee. They are most known for the large mound nests they create. These nests are large, flat, and irregular in shape. These ants will nest in the soil near buildings or in landscaping. If you come across a fire ant nest, it’s important to stay awayโ€”disturbing a fire ant nest can aggravate the ants, who will not hesitate to sting. Fire ant stings result in painful welts on the skin. This can be very dangerous for anyone allergic to insect stings.

What Do Fire Ants Look Like?

The red fire ant is larger in size than the average ant you will come across. The Red Fire Ant that is common to Tennessee will have a burnt red color and a dark, almost black posterior. These ants are segmented and have 6 legs. Needless to say, fire ants possess a stinger.
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Worried About Fire Ants?

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How To Treat For Fire Ants

To get rid of fire ants, it’s recommended to get assistance from a pest control professional. The three common methods to treat fire ants include:

  • Surface treatment using a residual contact poison. This approach is the least environmentally sound because the treated surface remains toxic for a long time. The ants may survive by foraging underground.
  • Individual mound treatment, which involves the application of a large volume of pesticide to reach the queen. However, it is nearly impossible to locate all of the colonies in an area, difficult to manipulate large volumes of liquid, and treatment is more expensive and time-consuming than other treatment options. Colonies not eliminated may move or split into several colonies.
  • Bait treatment, which uses some sort of attractive substance the ants like to eat. Unfortunately, baits are not always consumed, and the baitโ€™s attractiveness is short-lived. The bait must be slow-acting and effective over a range of doses, since the dose the ants get, cannot be controlled. Baits may also be attractive to and kill some native ant species that compete with fire ants.

Imported Fire Ants in Tennessee

If you notice a fire ant mound in or near your property, it’s important to reach out to your local ant exterminators. At Johnson Pest Control, our ant control team is trained to properly take care of imported ant problems here in Sevierville TN. Contact us today to learn more!

How Do I Safely Remove Ticks?

Deer ticks can transmit Lyme disease - Johnson Pest Control in Eastern TNTicks are one of the most common spring and summertime pests in Tennessee. Theyโ€™re also one of the most dangerous. Ticks are infamous for transmitting a number of diseases, including Lyme disease. While getting Lyme disease is rare, it can happen when an infected tick is embedded in someoneโ€™s skin for upwards of two days. This makes it essential to learn how to safely remove ticks when they bite you or a family member.

This National Lyme Disease Awareness Month, the tick control experts at Johnson Pest Control are here to share all you need to know about safely removing ticks.

What Ticks Transmit Lyme Disease?

Not all ticks transmit Lyme disease. 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.

The good news is that when a tick is safely removed within the first 24 hours, the chances of contracting a tick-borne illness are low. It is only when an infected tick has been attached for 36โ€“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.
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Our Experts Can Help With Tick Removal

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Tick removal guide - Johnson Pest Control in Sevierville TN How Can I Remove a Tick?

Fine-tipped tweezers are the tool to use to remove ticks. This method is backed by both the ASPCA and CDC. When followed correctly, you can safely remove a tick without risk to you or your family:

  1. Firmly grasp the head or mouth of the tick with your tweezers, as close to the skin as possible. Avoid grasping the tickโ€™s body to the best of your ability, as this could inject the tickโ€™s blood into the skin.
  2. 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.
  3. After the tick is removed, carefully clean the area of the bite, as well as your hands, with soap and water.
  4. For safe tick disposal, 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 a rash develops or you start to experience symptoms, itโ€™s crucial to see your doctor immediately. If the tick was saved, your doctor may wish to see it for inspection.

Professional Tick Control Services in Eastern TN

Ticks may be the last thing on your mind in the spring or summer, but itโ€™s important to learn how you can avoid a bite when you go outdoors. To learn more about tick control or removal, contact the experts at Johnson Pest Control!

Can Carpenter Bees Sting?

What carpenter bees look like in the Knoxville TN area- Johnson Pest Control

Whether youโ€™ve been stung once or a hundred times before, you likely wonโ€™t forget what a bee sting feels like. Itโ€™s a quick and uninvited jolt of pain, followed by a white bump that raises in size, heat, and intensity depending on the species of bee.

But did you know that some kinds of bees rarely or never sting? Although only a very small portion of bees worldwide are physically incapable of stinging, there are a few different types of bees that only sting when seriously threatened.

If youโ€™re worried that you have carpenter bees living in your house, you shouldnโ€™t be concerned about them stinging you.

Do Carpenter Bees Sting?

If youโ€™ve noticed tiny holes that look like theyโ€™ve been drilled into the wood on your roof, railings, windowsills, or elsewhere – check around for flying insects with shiny black abdomen. Chances are, you have carpenter bees, but you shouldnโ€™t fear being stung. Male carpenter bees are actually incapable of stinging – they donโ€™t have a stinger.

Female carpenter bees will sting, but only in dire circumstances. There’s a chance you willย be stung by a carpenter bee if you:

  • Swat at it
  • Step on it
  • Threaten its nest

Males protect their homes most aggressively, but their strategies work best on other insects because they rely on their threatening appearance.
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Have a Question About Carpenter Bees?

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Are Carpenter Bees Dangerous?

Some people wonder if the carpenter bees on their property could be seriously damaging the wood in their house. This shouldnโ€™t be the case, but if you allow a carpenter bee population to grow in your home for a few years, the extent of the damage could exceed a negligible level.

Carpenter bees are also important pollinators. They donโ€™t actually eat the wood that they tunnel through to nest – they sustain themselves on a primarily nectar-based diet, pollinating plants as they go along.

Although they are essential contributors to their local ecosystems, fostering too large of a carpenter bee population could result in your railings, roofs, and porches looking worn down and tattered.

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees

If youโ€™re tired of lending your home to unwanted carpenter bees, contact your local bee removal experts. Here at Johnson Pest Control, we train our bee, wasp, and hornet specialists to use updated, humane, and environmentally responsible methods to rid your house of unwanted pests. Contact us today for a free quote!

Are You Prepared For Spring Bugs?

Spring pest-proofing in Sevierville TN - Johnson Pest ControlThis April, we at Johnson Pest Control are proud to celebrate National Pest Management Month. We honor this tradition set forth by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) every year to acknowledge the pest control industry’s commitment to serving the public and eliminating health threats caused by pests.

April is also right around the time that many people start to notice an explosion of pest populations around them. From ants, to termites, to mosquitoes, to bed bugs, there is no shortage of pest activity in the Sevierville area come springtime.

Spring Cleaning to Prevent Pests

This year, incorporate some pest-prevention tactics into your spring cleaning routine. You might notice a pleasantly surprising drop in insects around your home! Here are a few of the ways that we recommend you pest-proof your home for spring:

  • Keep a neat yard: Tree branches and shrubbery should be trimmed so that they don’t provide an insect access point from your yard to your house. Keep all mulch at least a foot and a half from your foundation. Additionally, limit the amount of yard waste or piles of firewood laying around, or store them as far away from the house as you can.
  • Limit exposed food and garbage:ย Ants and cockroaches are both very likely to find any garbage or food that is left out for too long. Sealing your food in airtight containers and taking your garbage out regularly are two important ways to prevent them from taking refuge in your house.
  • Complete any necessary repairs: Make sure that the make-up of your house isn’t inviting pests itself. Seal any cracks on the outside of the house with a silicone-based caulk. Check for any gaps to fill at entry points for pipes and other utilities. Replace any rotted shingles that could be giving pests a pathway through the roof.

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Need Help Keeping Pests Out This Spring?

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Common Spring Pests

Certain pests in the warmer, moister climate of the Sevierville spring. These are three pests to look out for this April:

  1. Mosquitoes: When the temperatures rise in the spring and summer, mosquitoes come back to bother us again. Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water, so covering your pools, spas, and birdbaths and pouring out any unnecessary still water will prevent them from hanging around you.
  2. Termites: They usually remain hidden, but in the spring, termite swarmers in your home are an indicator that there is a colony growing within your walls. Look out for tiny, brown flying insects, or their discarded wings.
  3. Ants: In the springtime, ants will start to capitalize on any food left out or unsealed in your house. They also seek out moisture, so keeping your house clean and properly ventilated are good measures to take to prevent ants at any point of the year.

Professional Pest Management in Tennessee

If the start of your spring has been particularly plagued by pests, talk to your local exterminator about the right plan of action for your home. Our technicians at Johnson Pest Control are trained annually to assess the many pest problems that Tennessee homeowners might have and swiftly deal with them. Contact us today for a free quote before your infestation gets out of hand!

Termite Facts and Termite Prevention Tips

Termite Facts and Termite Prevention Tips for Eastern TN - Johnson Pest ControlAs it continues to warm up here in Eastern TN, many of us are letting out sighs of relief over the passing of winter. However, it’s not all sunshine on the other end. Come springtime, the most destructive pest in the entire country comes swarming again: the subterranean termite. In order to protect your home from serious damage, it’s important to learn all that you can about the ways that these insects move and what you can do to keep them out. Read on to learn all about termites from the termite exterminators at Johnson Pest Control!

What To Know About Termites In Eastern TN

If you’ve never dealt with Eastern subterranean termites before, it’s hard to conceptualize just how sneaky they are. Their colonies are separated by castes, or specific classes of termites hardwired for different functions, and every caste but one is programmed to remain under the ground or inside wooden structures at all times. The only ones that aren’t are called swarmers or reproductivesโ€”these are darker-colored, winged termites whose purpose it is to spread toward new homes and food sources.

When subterranean termites settle down on your property, they will build their nests underneath the soil and dig tunnels called mud tubes toward your home, entering from underneath. Seeing these tubes pop up at the surface of your yard is a sure sign of termite troubles to come.

Contact our termite exterminators today!

Termite Prevention Tips

Because moisture, and particularly water-damaged wood, aids the invasion process of subterranean termites, it’s important to work to reduce excess moisture and waterlogged wood, among other things. Here’s our best advice for preventing termites in your home:

  1. Cover, elevate, and distance your firewood from your home
  2. Refrain from using mulch near your home’s foundation
  3. Ensure that your drainage systems are in working order
  4. Inspect your home for plumbing leaks causing moisture buildup
  5. Check that there aren’t any cracks or gaps leading from the outside of your home indoors

Professional Termite Extermination Services in Eastern TN

If you’re seeing swarmers or discarded swarmer wings on your property and are worried about the possibility of a termite infestation, reach out to your local termite exterminators. At Johnson Pest Control, our team is dedicated to a holistic approach, helping you to identify all termite damage and all active termites, then removing them from your properly with safe and effective techniques. Contact us today for a free estimate or to learn more about our termite control measures!

What Are the Signs of a Termite Infestation?

Wood damage is a major sign of a termite infestation in Sevierville TN - Johnson Pest ControlAlthough termites are active year-round in Tennessee, their activity is more abundant than ever in the spring months. To better prepare yourself for the coming termite season, itโ€™s wise to learn how to recognize the signs of termites. In doing so, you can prevent your chances of getting a serious infestation. Termites are rarely seen, which is why noticing any of the signs weโ€™ll discuss here means itโ€™s time to call your local termite exterminators. The team at Johnson Pest Control is committed to keeping you termite-free year-round, which is why weโ€™re here to help you learn about looking for signs of a termite infestation.

How to Look for Signs of Termites

Not only are termites rarely seen, they are also oftentimes confused for other pests. This makes it crucial to know how to recognize the subtle signs of their potential presence. The five most common signs of their activity include:

  1. Mud tubes. Subterranean termites nest underground but use mud tubes to travel. These pencil-sized tubes protect 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.
  2. Termite swarms. Every year, reproductive termites (also known as alates and swarmers) will leave their colony to mate and form new ones. Swarmer termites are frequently mistaken for other flying insects, especially carpenter ants. Seeing winged termites in the spring or summer months is a common sign of termites spreading.
  3. Piles of shed wings. After they swarm, the reproductive termites no long need their wings. So, they will shed them! Termite wings are all the same size and translucent in color. After being shed, they can often appear in a pile together.
  4. Termite droppings. 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 groups.
  5. Termite damage. Seeing damage caused by termites is indicative of a serious infestation. Damage most frequently appears in wood around the home. Common damage includes 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.

Think You’re Seeing Signs of Termites?

Inspections for Signs of a Termite Infestation

If you notice any of the above signs of termites, itโ€™s important to reach out for professional help. An experienced termite exterminator knows exactly what to look for when it comes to termites. The experts at Johnson know that termites can be distressing, which is why we are committed to keeping you safe year-round. Contact us today to learn more about the signs of termite infestations in Eastern Tennessee.

Rodents Moving Indoors This Winter

Size of hole required rat to get in home
Rats can squeeze through openings the size of a quarter.
Size of hole for mice to get in home
Mice can squeeze through openings the size of a dime.

Want to Keep Rodents Out This Winter?

 

Dangers of Rodents Inside Tennessee Homes

1. Mice and rats spread salmonella and carry disease-causing parasites.

Green flea pest icon
Green tick pest icon
Green lice pest icon

These pests are capable of causing damage to property by chewing through drywall, insulation, wood, and electrical and automotive wiring, increasing the potential risk for fires. They are also known to spread a variety of diseases, including Salmonella, murine typhus, infectious jaundice, rat-bite fever, and the potentially fatal Hantavirus.

2. Rodents can chew through wood and electrical wires, increasing the risk of electrical fires.

Rodents have open-rooted incisors that continue to grow throughout life, enabling them to gnaw continuously without wearing down their teeth.

This gnawing habit can cause a fire hazard in your home, making it important to learn how to keep rodents out of your property for good.

How to Prevent Winter Rodents In Your Home

To avoid the dangers of rodents altogether, it’s best to learn how to make your property less attractive to them in the first place. Here’s how:

  1. Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home โ€“ pay special attention to areas where utilities and pipes enter the home.
  2. Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows.
  3. Store firewood at least 20 feet from the home and s feet off the ground.
  4. Keep basements and attics clear; eliminate all moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains.
  5. Keep food in rodent-proof containers

Need Help Keeping Rodents Outside This Winter?

Rodents can squeeze inside easier than you think. If you are noticing a growing rodent problem in or near your Sevierville TN home, it’s time to call the rodent control experts at Johnson. Contact us today to learn how we can keep you safe from rodents in the winter and all year long.

As temperatures here in Sevierville and across the country drop during the wintertime, rats and mice may be looking to take shelter. Rodents, one of the most common winter pests, love nothing more than to spend the chilly winter inside a cozy home. Needless to say, no one wants rodents making themselves at home in their property this time of yearโ€”or ever, for that matter. It’s important to be aware of the dangers rodents may bring into your home. It’s also important to learn how to keep them out in the first place! Keep reading for expert info on rodents moving indoors this winter with Johnson Pest Control.

What Time Of Year Do Rodent Problems Occur?

Fall & winter rodent movement
45% Fall & Winter
Spring rodent movement
29% Spring
Summer rodent movement
28% Summer

According to theย NPMA, rodents have, at one time or another, been a problem for nearly one-third of American homeowners. Rodents donโ€™t need much space to get inside our homes and bring with them threats to health and property. Rodent infestations are most common in the winter and fall months, but are a year-round pest problem in Tennessee.

Where Are Rodents Found in the Home?

Mouse infestation infographic - keep pests away form your home with Johnson Pest Control in TN
Size of hole required rat to get in home
Rats can squeeze through openings the size of a quarter.
Size of hole for mice to get in home
Mice can squeeze through openings the size of a dime.

Want to Keep Rodents Out This Winter?

 

Dangers of Rodents Inside Tennessee Homes

1. Mice and rats spread salmonella and carry disease-causing parasites.

Green flea pest icon
Green tick pest icon
Green lice pest icon

These pests are capable of causing damage to property by chewing through drywall, insulation, wood, and electrical and automotive wiring, increasing the potential risk for fires. They are also known to spread a variety of diseases, including Salmonella, murine typhus, infectious jaundice, rat-bite fever, and the potentially fatal Hantavirus.

2. Rodents can chew through wood and electrical wires, increasing the risk of electrical fires.

Rodents have open-rooted incisors that continue to grow throughout life, enabling them to gnaw continuously without wearing down their teeth.

This gnawing habit can cause a fire hazard in your home, making it important to learn how to keep rodents out of your property for good.

How to Prevent Winter Rodents In Your Home

To avoid the dangers of rodents altogether, it’s best to learn how to make your property less attractive to them in the first place. Here’s how:

  1. Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home โ€“ pay special attention to areas where utilities and pipes enter the home.
  2. Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows.
  3. Store firewood at least 20 feet from the home and s feet off the ground.
  4. Keep basements and attics clear; eliminate all moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains.
  5. Keep food in rodent-proof containers

Need Help Keeping Rodents Outside This Winter?

Rodents can squeeze inside easier than you think. If you are noticing a growing rodent problem in or near your Sevierville TN home, it’s time to call the rodent control experts at Johnson. Contact us today to learn how we can keep you safe from rodents in the winter and all year long.

Rodent Awareness Week 2020: The Surge in Rodents

Rodent infestations rise during the pandemic in Sevierville TN - Johnson Pest Control

Have you noticed more rodents this year than ever? There are a few reasons behind this. First, rodents are typically more active this time of year as the weather shifts. This drives many into properties and homes in search of warmth. However, you may be seeing them more now than ever due to the pandemic. Restaurant closures or restrictions in the past year has depleted the normal food source for rats. This has led not only to an increase of infestations, but also an increase in their aggressive behavior! More competition for food means that rodents are more compelled than ever to get inside your home here in Tennessee. This Rodent Awareness Week, the team at Johnson wants to share their best tips to protect you and your family from rats this year.

Are Rodents More Dangerous During the Pandemic?

While rodents may be more common right now, thereโ€™s no reason to worry about them spreading COVID-19. As of now, there is no evidence to show that rodents are transmitting SARS-CoV-2 to humans. The main concern with rats and mice currently is that they are getting more aggressive in nature, can carry other diseases, and could cause damage to your property.

The shelter in place shutdowns caused an uptick in residential rodent sightings as rats and mice became bolder in their hunt for resources. This has since caused an uptick in infestations and rodent-spread issues. While they wonโ€™t transmit COVID-19 to you or your family, rodents still can spread other diseases including hantavirus, salmonellosis, and many more. They also can cause significant damage.

Need a Rodent Inspection?

Tips to Keep Rodents Out

Rodent exclusion is the best way to ensure you stay safe from rodents. Our top tips to prevent rodents this year include:

  1. Securely store all food in metal or glass containers with tight-fitting lids.
  2. Clean inside the house and around the garden. Less clutter means fewer places to hide.
  3. Put outdoor garbage bags in metal garbage cans with securely fitted lids to stop them from feeding on contents.
  4. Seal off cracks and crevices around openings. Mice can squeeze inside holes the size of a dime.
  5. Clean up pet food and bird seed debris, and store pet food in robust containers with fitted lids, preferably above ground level.
  6. If you have a compost heap donโ€™t include organic food waste, as this will attract them.
  7. Inspect your garage, attic, crawlspaces, and vents for potential rodent hiding spots.

Why is Rodent Awareness Week Important?

Here at Johnson, we make sure to inform our customers every Rodent Awareness Week about the dangers of rats and mice. This year is especially important with the ongoing rise in infestations. If you need assistance sealing off your home to these pests, our rodent exterminators can help. Contact us today to learn more!

Asian Lady Beetles in the Fall

Asian lady beetles get inside Sevierville TN homes in the fall - Johnson Pest ControlAsian ladybugs are commonly mistaken for ladybugs, but these two insects are different! The Asian lady beetle is considered to be a common pest here in Sevierville in the fall. This is because the insects will congregate outside properties on warm sunny afternoons. From there, they have been known to make their way into your home as well as make themselves at home once indoors! They may be found in attics, wall voids, on siding, and are attracted to light. These beetles normally enter homes on the southern and western exposures (sunny side) of structures. The team at Russellโ€™s Pest Control is here to help shed some light on this common autumn pest problemโ€”keep reading to learn more!

What Do Asian Lady Beetles Look Like?

Asian lady beetles are usually confused for normal ladybugs. However, they are slightly larger than native species. The coloration of this beetle varies from mustard-yellow to a dark reddish-orange. The key identifying marks on this beetle are two white, oval markings on the pronotum (just behind its head) along with an occasional M-shaped marking on the pronotum. The biggest difference between Asian lady beetles and ladybugs is their behavior as the beetles look to enter homes in the fall.
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Need Help Identifying Asian Lady Beetles?

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How to Prevent a Fall Asian Lady Beetle Infestation

Before the first frost, adult Asian lady beetles begin to seek shelter to spend the winter. This is why fall infestations are so common as they flock to the sides of your home in the sun. To prevent the insects from getting inside, try out the following tips:

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

Asian Lady Beetle Infestations

If Asian lady beetles have already entered your home, use a vacuum cleaner to vacuum them up, and dispose of them in a sealed plastic bag. These bugs are capable of biting, but their bite is typically harmless. Like other bugs, they will release an odorous scent when crushed, and their stains can discolor items in your home. For more help with Asian lady beetles, the residential exterminators at Johnson are happy to help. Contact us today!