Pest Prevention Archives | Page 4 of 5 | Johnson Pest Control

How to Prevent the Bugs on the Side of Your Home

Stink bugs are a common fall invader to Sevierville TN homes in the fall - Johnson Pest Control Do you notice the same bugs congregating on the side of your Sevierville area home every fall season? You may have a boxelder bug or stink bug problem! Both of these insects are known for a couple of things. One, the foul odor they release when crushed or threatened. And two, their odd behavior of aggregating on the sides of buildings and structures in the fall months. Their populations can grow to large numbers, making the very sight of them worrisome. However, the real trouble is when boxelder bugs or stink bugs crawl their way into your home. While not particularly dangerous, they are a downright nuisance and difficult to get rid of.

Boxelder Bugs vs. Stink Bugs

Both these insects will crawl their way through any crack and crevice in your home’s exterior to gain access to the warmth of your home before the winter months. Even worse, they reproduce at a rapid rate. Here’s how to identify the bugs on the side of your home:

1. Boxelder bug
  - These insects have dark brown bodies with unique red markings.
  - They emerge out of hibernation in the springtime.
  - True to their name, they live in boxelder trees as well as maple, ash, and fruit trees.
  - Their feces can leave a stain.
2. Stink bug
  - Their backs look like shields, and they can blend easily within foliage.
  - If threatened, these bugs release an odor.
  - There are two main types we see in the states: the brown marmorated stink bug and the green stink bug.
  - They do not bite or spread disease.

How to Prevent Fall Invaders

As you would with any pest, it’s important to learn how to keep boxelder bugs and stink bugs out of your property in the first place. Here are our top tips to make your property less conducive to an infestation:

Check the caulk around the molding of the windows and vents.
Seal up cracks around roof soffits, windows, siding, and foundation.
Clean out any debris around the foundation of the house.
Trim back trees and bushes to keep all vegetation away from the perimeter of the home.
Clean and repair the corners of fences, decorative rocks, old piles of wood, and patio furniture.
Replace torn screens on windows and doors or install brand-new ones.
Consider using low-pressure sodium exterior lighting, as UV rays attract these bugs.

Need Boxelder Bug or Stink Bug Control?

If these insects make their way inside your home before you have a chance to prevent them, it’s important to get help from a professional. The residential exterminators at Johnson Pest Control can help get these bugs out as well as keep them from ever getting indoors again. Contact us today to learn more!

Why Do Spiders Come Inside in the Fall?

Have you noticed more and more spiders in your home recently? As summer comes to an end and the fall begins, spiders are more likely to be inside your property. Spiders typically hatch in the springtime. By the time autumn arrives, they can seem like they are in full force. These eight-legged creatures are drawn inside homes here in Sevierville TN in search of food, water, and shelter. Thankfully, most spiders you encounter in your home are harmless. That said, there are a couple spiders to keep an eye out for this fall. Keep reading for expert insight from the experts at Johnson Pest Control.

Preventing Fall Spiders

No one wants to look up and see a spider crawling across their ceiling. To make your home less inhabitable to spiders, try out the following tips:

Keep your lawn and yard trimmed. Overgrown bushes, shrubs, piles of wood, and more can attract spiders to your property and eventually indoors.
Clean your home on a regular basis. Doing so can prevent insects that spiders like to prey on and eliminate hiding spots for pests.
Seal any cracks and crevices. Inspect the inside and outside of your property for tiny spots that may be inviting spiders in, and seal properly.
Install or repair screens on doors and windows. Holes or crevices in screens will easily invite spiders (and other pests) inside.
Inspect boxes and used furniture prior to bringing them inside. Adult spiders or egg sacs could be nestled in old unopened boxes.

Are There Dangerous Spiders in the Fall?

The black widow and brown recluse spiders are dangerous any time of year, but are often seeing in or around your home in the late summer/early fall. Because these spiders can administer a dangerous bite when they are threatened, it’s important to learn how to identify them:

Brown recluse spiders: These spiders have a darker brown violin-shaped mark on their brown bodies. They build loose, dome-shaped webs for shelter. A brown recluse bite is known to be very painful.
Black widow: These spiders have a characteristic red hourglass shape on its body. They build sticky, tangled cobwebs in garages, sheds, and near the ground. They can bite when they feel threatened.

When to Get Spider Control

Seeing a few house spiders here and there is perfectly normal, especially this time of year. So how do you know when it’s time for a spider exterminator? If you are noticing excess webs, spiders, or dangerous spiders in your home, the experts at Johnson are here to help.

Black Widow brown recluse fall pests Spiders

How to Be Pest-Free in Your Backyard

If you are spending more time in your backyard than ever this year, you’re likely noticing just how many pests are outdoors! Especially in the late summer months here in Sevierville, insects are out in full-force. Unfortunately, they can quickly put a damper on your outdoor plans. Whether you’re spending time barbecuing outdoors at night, or your kids are playing on a swing set, it’s important to know how to keep pests away from your outdoor living space.

Insects & Pests in the Backyard

Your backyard can be a haven for many pests and insects, especially this time of year. Whether you’re dealing with mosquitoes infesting your birdbath or ants surrounding your outdoor dining set, pests are at full-force. The most common pests you’ll encounter in your yard are stinging insects (bees, wasps, and hornets), ants, spiders, mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, flies, and more. Any of these can be a nuisance to deal with, but mosquitoes and ticks are especially dangerous to be in your yard.

8 Ways to Prevent Pests in Your Outdoor Living Area

No one wants pests infesting their outdoor living areas. While it can be hard to avoid pests when spending time outdoors, there are a few things you can to do help steer them away from your property. Our top tips are:

Apply an insect repellent. Any repellent with DEET will help repel mosquitoes and ticks.
Get rid of standing water. Mosquitoes only need a half inch of standing water to breed.
Keep your lawn and shrubs trimmed. Overgrown grass or vegetation provides mosquitoes and ticks with shelter.
Inspect your yard for ant hills. Even a tiny mound can contain thousands of ants inside.
Inspect wood structures. Your deck or porch may be vulnerable to termite or carpenter bee activity.
Clean your patio or space regularly. Crumbs or spilled liquids will attract ants and other insects.
Light up some citronella candles. While not a long-term solution, this will repel mosquitoes during outdoor activities.
Consider replacing your light bulbs. Yellow bulbs or sodium vapor lights will not attract as many insects as bright light bulbs do.

Professional Outdoor Pest Prevention

If you have endless pests in your backyard, it’s best to contact your local exterminator. An expert can pinpoint areas of your yard that may be conducive to pest problems as well as help you prevent them! The team at Johnson is happy to help–contact us today!

Ants bees fleas flies hornets mosquitoes Spiders summer pests Ticks wasps

Different Types of Wasp Nests

Everyone knows that insects are at full-force in the summer. One of the most common summer pests here in the Sevierville area is the wasp! There are several different types of wasps common to the area, and they all build different types of nests. Some wasps are more aggressive than others and can sting repeatedly. This makes it important to learn about the different characteristics of wasp nests. If you notice any of the below wasp nests in or around your yard, always exercise caution. Keep reading for expert tips from the team at Johnson Pest Control on how to identify different types of wasp nests.

Common Wasp Nests in Tennessee

Many wasps are confused for yellowjackets, but they’re all different in several ways. The easiest way to identify them is to learn what their nests look like:

Mud daubers
- Their nests are built be female members
- These nests consist of short mud tubes
- Often appear to look like an organ pipe
- Often found under eaves, garages, attics, or on the sides of buildings
Yellowjackets
- Made out of a papery material and have a single opening
- Interior contains hundreds of cells for eggs
- Some types nest underground, often with thousands of members
- Otherwise build nests in hollow trees, under porches, and a number of other areas

Bald-faced hornets
- Nests are typically at least three feet off the ground
- Built out of chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva
- Can grow to the size of a football or basketball
- Usually in trees, bushes, or wooded areas, but also can be on buildings
Paper wasps
- Look like upside-down umbrellas
- These nests are more open, with visible cells at times
- They are typically supported by a single stalk and made out of a papery substance
- Found beneath eaves of structures, in attics and wall voids, and in other enclosed areas
Need Help Identifying a Wasp Nest?

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What Should You Do When You See a Wasp Nest?

If you notice a wasp nest forming on or near your property, it’s safest to be cautious around it. Even when a nest appear dormant or empty, there still could be lingering stinging insects inside. When it comes to defending their nests, certain wasps can become very aggressive and either chase or sting you—repeatedly. For that reason alone, it’s best to always enlist the help of your local wasp removal experts at Johnson when you have a wasp nest problem.

Bald-Faced Hornet mud dauber Paper Wasp Stinging Insects summer pests Yellowjacket

8 Common Breeding Grounds for Mosquitoes

Here in Eastern Tennessee, mosquitoes are a fact of life in the summertime. They are active at dawn and dusk, and will gladly take up residence in your yard if given the chance. Female mosquitoes need just a half inch of water to be able to lay their eggs in. This means any container on your property capable of collecting water is likely to invite mosquitoes. Thankfully, you can work to eliminate these common breeding grounds for mosquitoes and, in turn, keep mosquitoes away from your yard!

Main Breeding Grounds For Mosquitoes Around Your Home

Once they breed, female mosquitoes can lay anywhere from 100-300 eggs at a time. Once the larvae hatch, the mosquitoes will become adults within two week’s time. Because they can reproduce so quickly, it is very important to learn how to stop them from breeding in your yard in the first place. Some of the main areas they will breed include:

Old tires
Tree stumps and wood piles
Children’s play sets
Trash cans
Birdbaths
Gutters
Mud pots
Pools & spas

5 Ways to Stop Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are pesky and can quickly take over your yard, keeping you from wanting to venture outside at dawn or dusk! In addition to getting rid of standing water, there a number of ways you can prevent mosquitoes in your property:

Install screens on doors and windows to keep mosquitoes outside
Avoid going outdoors at dawn and dusk
Fix water leaks or drainage issues promptly
Keep your lawn and shrubs trimmed and neat
Following the manufacturer’s instructions, apply repellent containing DEET

Other Ways to Prevent Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are a nuisance in the summertime. No one wants to deal with hoards of them every time they step out into their backyard, making it important to do all you can to stop them. If you’ve done everything you can to get rid of common breed grounds for mosquitoes and still are dealing with them, contact the mosquito exterminators at Johnson today. Our team has what it takes to keep mosquitoes away for good.

mosquitoes summer pests

6 Ways to Prevent Ants This Summer

Most property owners have dealt with ants at one point or another. As the number one nuisance pest in the United States, it’s important to learn what you can do to keep ants away from your home. During the summertime, ant infestations spike in properties throughout the Sevierville TN area. To avoid the frustration of an ant infestation this summer, there are a number of things you can do to keep them from getting indoors in the first place. The team at Johnson Pest Control knows how frustrating these pests can be, which is why our experts are sharing the best ways to prevent ants this summer.

6 Tips to Prevent Ants in the Summertime

If you’ve had ants before, you likely never want to go through the frustration of getting another infestation! Ants typically make their way inside to seek out sources of food or shelter. Once indoors, they can spread quickly! Thankfully, there are several things you can do to lessen their chance of getting indoors in the first place:

1. Keep a clean home. Sweep your floors regularly to get rid of crumbs. Ants are attracted to sugary food sources and a few crumbs will keep them coming back for more.
2. Store food properly. Avoid leaving food out uncovered. Keep food in airtight containers or store them safely in cupboards and fridges.
3. Seal entry points. Ants can crawl through the tiniest of cracks. Inspect your property and use caulk to seal any gaps, holes, or potential entry ways.
4. Avoid excess moisture. Areas with standing water or leaks will attract ants quickly. Attend to broken pipes and clean up spills quickly.
5. Trim back trees and vegetation. Plants close to your home can encourage ants to come in. Make sure tree branches, shrubs, and bushes are trimmed away from the perimeter!
6. Pick up your pet’s food. Crumbs and spills from your cat or dog’s food and water bowls can be a huge attractant for ants. Always clean up and store bowls between mealtimes.

Common Ants in the Summer

There are several types of ants that cause homeowners a lot of grief this time of year. With over 700 species of ants in the nation, it’s easy to get these pests confused with one another. That said, it’s important to know what you’re up against when you have an infestation. A few of the most common types of ants you’ll likely encounter in our area are odorous house ants, carpenter ants, fire ants, and pavement ants. For help identifying them, it’s always recommended to enlist the help of a professional.

What to Do When You Have Ants

If you’ve done all you can to prevent ants but still have trouble keeping them out, it’s time to call a professional ant control company. The ant exterminators at Johnson have the years of experience needed to keep ants out of your property for good!

Ants Carpenter Ants fire ants odorous house ants pavement ants summer pests

Bed Bugs Facts & Myths

Bed bugs are one of the most dreaded pest problems. Unfortunately, they’re also one of the most common. With Bed Bug Awareness Week upon us, there’s no better time to dispel common myths about these pests. In order to better prepare yourself for the possibility of getting an infestation one day, it’s important to unlearn misconceptions about bed bugs. The team at Johnson Pest Control has gathered the most typical bed bug myths we hear from our customers and are here to give you the facts!

Common Bed Bug Myths Debunked

The more feared a pest is, the more misinformation is spread! A few of the most common questions we get about bed bugs include:

Are bed bugs nocturnal?
- No! Bed bugs are active when their hosts are at rest. This usually means overnight, but they are able to adjust their schedule to feed whenever you are at rest.
Can bed bugs infest areas of your home other than your bedroom?
- Bed bugs can infest anywhere–including chairs, sofas, cracks in the wall, and even power outlets. They prefer to congregate near where their hosts rest, making bedrooms the main target.
Are bed bugs too small to see with the naked eye?
- No. Although nymphs are nearly impossible to see, adult bed bugs are about the size of an appleseed and are definitely visible.
Are bed bugs more likely to infest messy homes?
- This is one of the biggest myths. Anyone is prone to a bed bug problem, regardless of how clean or cluttered your property is!
Do bed bugs jump or fly?
- No! Unlike fleas and ticks, bed bugs have underdeveloped wings. To get from one place to another, they crawl.
Should you dispose of infested furniture?
- No! In fact, you shouldn’t move infested furniture in the midst of an infestation. Doing so can contribute to bed bugs spreading into other areas.
Can bed bug bites transmit disease?
- Thankfully, no. Bed bugs may cause you anxiety and even itchiness, but their bites do not transmit any dangerous diseases.
Can you get rid of bed bugs yourself?
- Almost never. A bed bug infestation requires professional treatment to exterminate. Trying to get rid of them on your own can worsen or lengthen the infestation!

How to Prevent Bed Bugs

As mentioned previously, anyone and everyone can get a bed bug problem! In order to avoid this, there are several ways you can lessen the risk of getting an infestation. Always be wary of buying used furniture unless you inspect it for bed bugs first. In addition, take caution while traveling. This includes inspecting your hotel room for bugs and being careful when unpacking your suitcase. Lastly, get regular inspections from a professional bed bug control company that can look for all types of pests in your property. Contact Johnson Pest Control to learn more!

bed bugs summer pests

3 Common Summertime Wasps

Here in Sevierville, summertime is beloved by all. Warmer temperatures means more time spent outdoors near the beaches, at parks, or in your own backyard. Unfortunately, wasps love the summertime as much as you do, and can be a constant nuisance for people all summer long. Wasps are more than a nuisance, though–they can be dangerous and are known to sting when they feel threatened. There are 3 common summertime wasps to look out for: paper wasps, mud daubers, and, of course, yellow jackets. If you see signs of stinging insect activity or nests built near your home or business, it’s important to stay away. Read on for more things to know about these summertime wasps from the experts at Johnson Pest Control.

What to Know About Summertime Wasps

Paper Wasps. These wasps are known for the papery nests they build, which look like upside-down umbrellas. Their nests typically hang from tree branches or twigs, but can be built on porch ceilings and door railings as well. The nests usually only contain about 30 wasps, but are still dangerous. While paper wasps aren’t as aggressive as yellow jackets, their stings are especially potent and can cause an allergic reaction in some.
Mud Daubers. As their name suggests, mud daubers build their nests from mud. They are mostly black in appearance but may have light-colored markings. The most characteristic feature of the mud dauber is their thin, thread-like waist. Nests are usually located in covered areas such as porch ceilings, sheds, and attics. These wasps are less social than other types, often preferring to be solitary. Mud daubers aren’t as aggressive and will only sting when directly handled.
Yellow Jackets. During the summertime, yellow jackets are infamous for being aggressive. Yellow jackets congregate in colonies of up to or more than 1,000 workers. This is why it’s so important to never attempt to knock down a nest on your own. Yellow jackets will not bother you unless they feel threatened, in which case they may sting more than once.

How to Prevent Wasps

Wasps are a normal part of life, but it’s important to avoid nests and swarms of them. In addition to keeping an eye out for nests forming on or near your property, it’s crucial to know how to prevent wasps when you spend time outside:

When outdoors, wear shoes, especially in grassy areas.
Do not leave drinks or food in accessible areas.
Install screens on doors and windows.
Always keep garbage in sealed receptacles.
Do not swat at wasps as it increases the likelihood of an aggressive reaction.
If stung, seek immediate medical attention, as reactions can be severe.

Safe Wasp Removal

When it comes to wasp problems, it’s important to always be very cautious. Never try to remove nests yourself, as this can be very hazardous for anyone around at the time. The team at Johnson has the years of experience needed to provide safe and reliable wasp removal during the summer and all year long.

mud daubers paper wasps Stinging Insects summer pests yellow jackets

The Link Between Seasonal Allergies and Pests

Springtime means blooming trees, nice weather, and the desire to spend more time outdoors. Unfortunately, in doing so, seasonal allergies are bound to become a problem for you or someone you love. This time of year in the Sevierville TN area, residents are dealing with runny noses, itchy eyes, and more. But is it just seasonal allergies, or is there more to it? Believe it or not, pest problems can be a contributing factor to your allergy and asthma symptoms. With May being National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month, the team here at Johnson Pest Control wants to spread the word about the dangers of pest allergens. Allergies can be triggered by a number of typical household pests, making it important to know what you need to do to keep pests out in the first place! Keep reading for our best tips on preventing pests and pest allergens in your home.

Pest Allergens in Tennessee

A pest infestation can lead to many types of problems: structural damage, bacteria, messes, etc. Certain types of pests, such as cockroaches and dust mites, can also create pest allergens. If you are dealing with either of these pests, you may notice an onset of allergy symptoms. Roach droppings, saliva, skin, and more contain allergy proteins that are proven to trigger symptoms and even asthma, especially in children. Other pests tied to allergies include stinging insects–yellow jackets, fire ants, wasps, and more. Stings can trigger a wide range of reactions in people, from itching and hives to more serious symptoms.

**Immediately seek medical attention should you experience severe symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as swelling, wheezing, dizziness, or difficulty breathing.

How to Get Rid of Pest Allergens

To avoid dealing with pest allergens, it’s important to know how to prevent pests altogether! By knowing what to do to keep pests out, you can effectively reduce the chance of having your family members suffer from pest-triggered allergies. Our top tips to prevent pest allergens and the pests that cause them are:

Store food in sealed containers and clean kitchens on a daily basis.
Dispose of garbage regularly and use a tight-fitting lid.
Seal cracks and holes in homes, including entry points for utilities and pipes, screen doors, and windows.
Keep your basements and crawl spaces well-ventilated and dry!
Wash blankets, rugs, and bedding in hot water or get them dry-cleaned.
Vacuum and dust your property on a regular basis.
Keep pet food sealed in a tight container and wash food bowls.

Pest Prevention in the Spring

With the weather changing, pest problems are on the rise. Your seasonal allergies are already bad enough–don’t let a pest infestation make them even worse! If you need help preventing pests in your home, Johnson is here to help. In the spring and all year long, we are committed to keeping our customers safe from the many dangers of pests, including allergies.

Cockroaches spring pests Stinging Pests

Mosquito Prevention Tips and Tricks

April is National Pest Month, and the pest season is just beginning! In the months ahead here in the Sevierville area, pest problems are going to become more and more frequent. With the weather warming up, mosquitoes are a huge threat for homeowners. Thankfully, there are several things you can to lessen the risk of getting mosquitoes in your yard.

The mosquito control experts at Johnson Pest Control are sharing their top mosquito prevention tips in honor of National Pest Month–read on to learn more!

Top Mosquito Prevention Tips

Mosquitoes can be a big nuisance in the warmer months of year. But they’re much more than a nuisance–they can be dangerous, too! To protect you and your family from mosquitoes in the coming months, implement the following mosquito prevention tips into your home maintenance routine:

1. Keep a tidy yard. Regularly maintain your garden and lawn to keep the grass short. Also trim back all plants and bushes to prevent mosquito resting spots
2. Eliminate standing water. Dump out standing water in buckets, flower pots, bird baths, tarps, and more. Mosquitoes use standing water to breed!
3. Install screens on your windows and doors. Doing this can save you the grief of getting mosquitoes inside every time you open a window or door.
4. Add fish to your ponds and agitate the water. Certain types of fish will feed on mosquito larvae. Also consider placing an agitator, which will stop mosquitoes from laying eggs in the water.
5. Get the air moving! Mosquitoes hate wind and are not strong fliers. Use fans to help force them away from your outdoor spaces and patios.

Preventing Mosquito Bites

One of the biggest concerns of mosquitoes is their bites, which can be dangerous. Whether you’re camping or going to a nearby lake, it’s important to do your best to prevent mosquitoes when outside. Some ways you can do this include:

1. - Avoid going outdoors at dusk and dawn, which is when mosquitoes are most active.
  - Try to stay away from swampy areas or spots with standing water.
  - Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
  - Following the manufacturer’s instructions, apply an EPA-registered insect repellent.

Professional Mosquito Prevention

If you have done all you can to prevent mosquitoes in your yard but still notice them, it’s time to call your professional mosquito exterminators. At Johnson, we understand how frustrating mosquitoes are and will work with you to develop a custom mosquito prevention plan. Give our team a call today!

mosquitoes spring pests