The Dirty Truth on Bed Bug Bites

Signs of bed bugs in Eastern TN - Johnson Pest ControlBed bug bites are gross, they’re itchy, they’re bothersome. It’s a generally unpleasant feeling. But what might be worse is the anxiety that pairs with the knowledge of an active bed bug infestation in your home. When you know that there’s a chance you’ll be bitten by bed bugs as you sleep, it’s likely that you’ll be tossing and turning for hours or getting a restless night of sleep.

So, how can we avoid this feeling? And do we really need to be so scared about bed bug bites?

Some Things to Know About Bed Bug Bites

If you’re wondering whether you currently have bed bug bites or you just want to learn more about them, read on. We’ve laid out some important bed bug bite facts from our experts at Johnson Pest Control:

  1. Bed bug bites look like small bumps or a rash. Their bites will often be laid out in zigzag patterns across skin that you leave exposed at night.
  2. Bed bugs do not transmit diseases. During the feeding process, bed bugs inject an anticoagulant in order to enable them to draw more blood, but they do not pass on any diseases through their bites.
  3. Bite symptoms imitate a rash. Bed bug bites will leave you with redness, itchiness, and possibly swelling at the source of the bites. In some cases, bed bug bites can cause allergic reactions. Hydrocortisone cream can be used as a treatment option.



What Are the Signs of Bed Bugs Inside?

Unfortunately, no matter how clean you keep your house, you are still at risk for bed bugs. Since they travel on used furniture, clothing, bags, and accessories, bringing anything into the house and back or introducing new items to your home can spur a bed bug infestation.

Because of this, it is important to be aware of the signs of a bed bug infestation so that you can deal with it before it gets out of hand. Here are some the signs of a bed bug infestation in your home:

  • Bites: People often find out about their bed bug problems by noticing bites on their skin. They will often be laid out in lines and look like a rash.
  • Excess material: You could possibly find bed bug excrement, tiny white eggshells, or reddish-brown smears along the places that bed bugs are inhabiting.
  • Active bed bugs: Bed bugs are very small, but they are visible to the naked eye. Look out for them around your mattress, furniture, and baseboards.

Don’t jump to throw away all of your belongings when you discover a bed bug infestation. There are ways to get rid of bed bugs without tossing all of your things!

Bed Bug Treatments in Eastern TN

Bed bugs can be eliminated most effectively by prolonged exposure to high heat. If you’re looking for a professional heat treatment in Eastern TN, talk to your local pest control company. Our bed bug experts at Johnson Pest Control can eliminate your infestation in only a day’s work. For more information on our services or for a free quote, contact us today!

Gnats vs No-see-ums vs Mosquito Bites — How Do They Differ?

A mosquito on the water in Eastern TN - Johnson Pest ControlWhether you’re sleeping or awake, inside or out, getting active or just hanging around, the pests are out and biting this summer! Winged insects are some of the hardest to avoid when it comes to biting because they can attack us from all angles. We’ve heard a lot about no-see-ums, gnats, and mosquitoes being a nuisance this season, so we’re here with some advice from our Johnson Pest Control technicians on how to identify these pests and their bites.

Gnats vs No-see-ums vs Mosquitoes: Identification

These three pests are some of the most irritating insects found in Eastern TN. Although you’ve probably encountered all of them before, they can be hard to tell apart, especially from further away. Here are some features that you can use to identify them:

  1. Gnats: Gnats are a type of fly with bodies ranging from gray to black in color. They move in swarms of thousands during the spring and summer.
  2. No-see-ums: These insects are actually a certain kind of gnat. They are very small—at only 1/16” in length, they can infiltrate our homes through even the smallest gaps in walls and screens.
  3. Mosquitoes: Much bigger than the other two, mosquitoes are the most easily identifiable of the bunch. They have a needle-like proboscis, upward-slanting wings, and a hunched back.

Telling Apart Bug Bites

Learning how to identify bugs around your home based on the symptoms of the bites that you experience is another quick way to determine the best pest control approach you should take. Mosquito bites, gnat bites, and no-see-um bites vary in these ways:

  • Gnat bites: Gnat bites are small, dark red, and rough-looking. They last for a week or more depending on how much they are scratched.
  • No-see-um bites: These bites look very similar to gnat bites, of course, but are more likely to be clustered together and in more uncommon areas, like your face.
  • Mosquito bites: Mosquito bites are smoother and lighter in color. They start as a raised white welt and flatten out as they darken to a pinkish-red in a few days. They are most common on areas of exposed skin, like your arms and legs.

In summary, these bites can be told apart by their color, their location, and the length of their effects.

Keeping Safe from Bug Bites in Eastern TN

Using EPA-approved bug sprays using up to 20% DEET can work well to avoid insect bites here in Eastern TN. However, sometimes these products fail to do the trick, especially if you have a continual problem around your home. In this case, you can rely on your local pest control company to help you get rid of any pests on your property! For a free quote or more information from the experts at Johnson Pest Control, contact us today!

Prevent Summer Pests From Ruining Outdoor Festivities

Pest infestation in Sevierville TN backyard - Johnson Pest ControlThey may not be on the guest list, but many pests including ants, flies, mosquitoes, and other stinging insects are likely to disrupt outdoor festivities this summer. Pest season is in full force during the summer months here in Sevierville TN. Spending time outside can sometimes be a gamble considering the heightened pest activity.  Unfortunately, plenty of pests are attracted to our food, so they tend to frequent our outdoor cookouts, but there are ways to prevent these uninvited guests from crashing the party. To keep pests away from your outdoor living space this summer, keep reading for expert tips from Johnson Pest Control.

Common Backyard Pest Problems

In our region, we are used to dealing with all types of pests all year long. However, the summer and early fall are known for their influx of insects. This includes right in your backyard! The most typical pests you may encounter right in your backyard include:





Keep Pests Away From Your Yard

The good news is that keeping pests away from your yard can be simple when you take the time to make your property less attractive to the pests in general. The National Pest Management Association, a nonprofit organization committed to the protection of public health, food, and property from household pests, offers these tips to help pests from ruining your summer gathering: 

  1. Prior to the summer months, check screen doors and repair any holes.
  2. Remove sources of standing water in your yard, including birdbaths, wading pools, or garden ponds.
  3. Have insect repellant containing an EPA-registered active ingredient like DEET or Picaridin available for you and your guests.
  4. Adorn your deck or patio with citronella candles that can help minimize the presence of mosquitoes.
  5. With guests coming in and out of your house, make sure the doors close behind them.
  6. Plan to serve food and beverages indoors, and reserve outdoor space for eating and entertaining.
  7. Keep food sealed in containers whenever possible, and wipe tabletops frequently.
  8. Clean trash, spills, and crumbs immediately from tables and other surfaces.
  9. Bring utensils and dishware indoors shortly after the meal.
  10. Rinse all beverage bottles and cans, and dispose of them in tightly closed garbage containers.

Outdoor Pest Control in Sevierville TN

We all know that pests are a fact of life, especially outdoors and especially in the summertime! If you’ve done all you can to keep pests away from your backyard to no avail, it’s time to enlist the help of your local pest control experts. At Johnson Pest Control, we will work to keep pests out and away from your yard for good. Contact us today to get started!

Are Brick Homes At Risk For Termites?

Can termites infest brick homes in Sevierville TN - Johnson Pest ControlAs wood-destroying insects, termites are most infamous for infesting and damaging wooden structures. But what about brick, concrete, or stone homes? Unfortunately, termites are still a threat to these types of buildings. This is because there are many risk factors at play when it comes to what makes a property vulnerable to a termite problem. For Termite Awareness Week 2021, the termite control experts at Johnson Pest Control are here to help our Sevierville TN customers understand what may put them at risk for a termite problem. Read on to learn more!

Can Termites Infest Brick or Stone Homes?

It is a myth that termites only infest wood homes. This is because there are many things that are attractive to termites, as long as it contains cellulose. This puts your drywall, flooring, deck, porch, mulch, or even wallpaper at risk of being infested with termites. So while a brick home may be more difficult for termites to enter, once inside, they can still infest many items. For this reason, it’s smart to always work with a professional who can pinpoint what may put your home at risk for termites and keep you safe from infestations.

3 Risk Factors For Termites

No matter the structure of your home, you could be at risk for termites. The three biggest contributing factors to what makes your home attractive to termites are as follows. 

  1. Moisture problems.
    • Subterranean termites in particular are attracted to moisture, especially in soil. Standing water or excess moisture will invite termites to take up residence in your home. Always fix leaks, broken sprinkler systems, downspouts, and clogged gutters to ensure you are protected from moisture problems.
  2. Cracks or openings.
    • Termites will take advantage of structural vulnerabilities, no matter whether your home is wooden or brick. A crack in the structure of your property allows for termites to easily build mud tubes upon it. Frequently inspect your home for cracks and make repairs as needed. Look for other issues that could contribute not just to termite problems, but all sorts of pest problems!
  3. Wood in contact with the soil.
    • Even homes that aren’t made of wood can have siding, decks, porches, fences, posts, and more that contain wood. Any wood that comes into contact with your home’s exterior is at risk for termites. For this reason, avoid storing firewood on the ground near your property. Remove decaying logs or stumps, and avoid mulch. Trim back trees to avoid branches coming into contact with your home.

How to Avoid the Risks of Termites

Whether you own a homemade of wood or brick, it’s best to work with your local termite exterminator to pinpoint anything in or around your property that could invite termite problems right inside. Contact the termite control experts at Johnson today to learn more!

What to Know About Carpenter Ants

Black carpenter ant on a pile of wood chips - keep pests away form your home with Johnson Pest Control in TNAnts are the number one household pest problem. Most ant species are a nuisance but won’t pose much of a threat otherwise. However, that is not the case with carpenter ants. These ants are known to burrow through wood and can oftentimes be mistaken for termites. Because carpenter ants are more dangerous than other species of ants that may infest your Sevierville TN home, it’s important to learn about their behaviors and what you can do to prevent them.

The ant control experts at Johnson are here to help. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about carpenter ants in Tennessee.

Carpenter Ants 101

Carpenter ants differ greatly from other ants due to their behaviors. Here’s what to know:

  • Carpenter ants often get confused with termites because they have the similar behavior of chewing up wood. Unlike the termites, these antsdo not eat the wood for food. They will sprout wings as well and will look similar to a termite swarm.
  •  Carpenter ant identification in Sevierville TN - Johnson Pest ControlCarpenter ants chew up wood into ‘galleries’ in order to create places for them to lay eggs. Unlike the termites whose wood chewing develops mud-like tunnels, the carpenter ants chewing is dry. If you notice small piles of sawdust around a woodpile or under roof eaves then the likely hood of carpenter ants being the problem goes up. Carpenter bees will create similar piles of sawdust when creating their galleries to build nests.
  • Carpenter ants ideally chew on rotted and/or moist wood. This allows them protection and easier ability to create their galleries for laying eggs. They will chew on dry wood if that is the only source for nesting that they can find.
  • The most common carpenter ant we find in the United States is the black carpenter ant. This species is also the largest of the species found in the United States. We have approximately 10 different species of carpenter ants in Tennessee.
  • Carpenter ant close up - Johnson Pest Control in Sevierville TNCarpenter ants do not pose a threat to human health. They can damage a home structurally if allowed to feed on your home unchecked. But the most they can do to a human is bite them, which feels like a slight pinch. They do look pretty formidable a bug with their front pinchers and comparable size to other ants.
  • Getting rid of carpenter ants requires the help of a professional pest control expert. Since their nesting source can be tricky to find and eliminate with household pesticides save your energy on this pest. This will also help you from damaging your own home in trying to eliminate the colony.
  • If you do not have carpenter ants to get rid of you can help prevent them from getting into your house by doing the following. Fix roof or drainage leaks that create moisture issues, keep firewood away from the home, trim back tree branches that touch the house, and seal any cracks in the foundation that might give access to the house.

Carpenter Ants in Tennessee Homes

Carpenter ants are most active starting around March in this area and can go into October. If you see them in your home do not assume that they are feeding on your home (remember they don’t actually feed on wood) but are looking for food just like any other ant does. The ant exterminators at Johnson Pest Control are always here to help with carpenter ant problems—give us a call today to learn more!

Afraid of Rodents and Bugs? 2021 May Not Be Your Year

Johnson Pest Control - Quality pest control services in Sevierville, Knoxville TN and surrounding areas.Entomologists from Johnson’s parent company, Rentokil Provide their Pest Predictions for 2021

READING, Penn. (Jan. 4, 2021) — As if 2020 didn’t present enough challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 could be a banner year for pests around the country.

To help residents prepare for 2021, entomologists from Rentokil used field knowledge and data to provide their predictions for pests in the upcoming year.

1. Rodents, Rodents Everywhere:

With shutdowns across the country, it’s no surprise that rodents are on the rise nationwide. Empty buildings, the scarcity of food and warmer winters have combined to create a rodent apocalypse.

“We’re seeing more rats in urban, suburban and rural settings because of the shutdowns,” said Marc Potzler, Board Certified Entomologist. “Food sources are cut off, and rats are having to travel to scavenge for food. We’ve seen rats out in public during the day, which is highly unusual.”

Warmer winters have also allowed for mice populations to boom in residential areas as it allows for a longer breeding season and there is a lower population loss due to hard freezes.

“Right now is the perfect time to rodent-proof your home,” said Potzler. “Make sure to repair any gaps on the exterior of your home, such as around garage doors, windows or pipes.”

2. Mosquitoes on the Move:

Mosquitoes populations have been increasing over the last few years. Aedes species, which are disease-carrying mosquitoes, are also moving to new areas. These mosquitoes can carry West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Zika virus, among other diseases.

“There is an increase of mosquitoes across the country, but notably on the West Coast, and they are adapting each year,” said Eric Sebring, Associate Certified Entomologist. “We have seen evidence of behavior adaptation, where mosquitoes lay their eggs strategically to hatch throughout the season.”

Protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes by removing any standing water on your property. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as one teaspoon of water. Also, wear EPA-approved insect repellent while spending time outside.

3. Bed Bugs:

The chatter about bed bugs was quiet in 2020, but that’s not because they have gone away.

“As people begin to travel again, we will start to hear about bed bug infestations,” said Sebring. “Bed bugs can be dormant for several months at a time, so they can emerge when a food source, humans, become available.”

Bed bugs are considered hitchhikers, traveling from place to place on people, luggage, clothing and other personal belongings. Homeowners and businesses such as hotels, colleges, hospitals, senior living facilities, retail stores, and libraries have experienced problems with bed bugs.

If traveling, inspect the bed by pulling back the sheets to examine the mattress. Check your luggage before packing and unpacking, and look for signs of living or dead bugs the size of an apple seed or black fecal smears.

4. More Time Outdoors = More Pests.

From hiking to gardening to dining al fresco, there is no doubt that the pandemic has forced people to spend more time outdoors.

In 2021, we will see the outdoor pest pressures continue:

Ticks: Ticks are responsible for transmitting several diseases, including Lyme disease, to humans and animals. These small insects are found in grassy areas and in the woods, so it is important to inspect yourself and your pets after spending time outdoors. Cover as much skin as possible while outdoors, wear long pants, long sleeves, closed-toed shoes, and tuck pant legs into socks. Light-colored clothing will also help any ticks you pick up stand out.

Ants: “As soon as the weather starts to warm up, we will see an increase in ant populations,” said Tom Dobrinska, Board Certified Entomologist. “Most of the ants we are dealing with are odorous house ants. When spending time outside, make sure to clean up any food, water or sugary substances and ensure that your home is free of any holes or cracks for them to enter.”

Stinging Insects: Stinging insects, such as wasps and yellow jackets, emerge at the first sign of warm weather, and as warm weather seasons are getting longer, stinging insects have more time to create issues. Make sure you check for nests early in the spring as they are smaller and get early nest treatment. Make sure to keep windows and doors shut, and secure outside bins so stinging insects are not attracted to the contents.

5. Termites Aren’t Going Anywhere

Termites are a pesky problem, and unfortunately, are not going anywhere. Termites can cause extensive damage to structures, especially homes. As people are moving out of cities during the pandemic to more suburban areas, education about termite protection is key.

“We received more calls for termites this past year than we have in many years,” said Potzler. “It’s important to raise awareness for homeowners now to have proactive protection to keep from costly repairs in the future.”

6. Pests in the News:

There are a few pests that will continue to steal the limelight in 2021.

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is an invasive pest that has been making its way across the country since it was first introduced from Asia in 2001. Besides its pungent odor, this stink bug has become a nuisance for homeowners as it gathers in large numbers on the sides of houses and buildings and enters through small cracks in the home. “The brown marmorated stink bug is here to stay,” said Dobrinska. “We will continue to see this species emerge in late spring in large numbers.”

The Spotted Lanternfly will continue to wreak havoc across the Northeast and beyond. The invasive pest, first found in Pennsylvania in 2014, is spreading across the Northeast, with New York reporting its first sighting this year. The pest can significantly damage trees and plants.

“The Spotted Lanternfly is becoming a big problem in the Northeast, and it will continue to spread,” said Potzler. “It can be devastating for agriculture and is a nuisance for homeowners.”

The egg masses look like a smear of mud on trees and outside of homes. It’s important to scrape the egg mass off, put it in a bag with rubbing alcohol and throw it away, and then call the state department of agriculture.

The infamous “Murder Hornet,” also known as the Asian giant hornet, grabbed many headlines, causing homeowners to panic trying to decipher the difference between stinging insects in their yards and this aggressive species. The Asian giant hornet is the largest hornet species in the world, growing up to 3 inches in length. Currently, the Asian giant hornet has only been found in the Pacific Northwest.

“We know that there was one colony found and eliminated in Washington State,” said Sebring. “Unfortunately, if there is one, there will be more.”

While your chances of being stung by an Asian giant hornet are fairly low, the sting can be dangerous as the venom volume is higher, causing more pain. The hives are primarily built underground or in hollows in trees. If you suspect it is an Asian giant hornet or any stinging pests, call your pest management provider to assess the situation as soon as you spot activity.

Do I Have Rats or Mice?

Rat or mouse identification in Sevierville TN - Johnson Pest ControlWhen you have a rodent infestation in your home or business, how do you know if you are dealing with rats or mice? Both of these rodents can cause a lot of damage on your property, but there are several differences between the species. While they both are joined by the common identifying feature that is their ever-growing incisors, they are different in a number of ways. Because these pests can cause such a headache for homeowners here in the Sevierville TN area, it’s important to know how to tell the difference between rats and mice. The experts at Johnson Pest Control are here to help outline the differences—read on to learn more.

Mice vs. Rats: What to Know

Both of these rodents are ruthless when they infest homes. They can both spread diseases, cause damage, and be a real nuisance to clean up after. Here’s how you can tell if you have rats or mice:

  • Mice
    • Most mice are only 2–4 inches long.
    • Mice typically have larger ears and tails compared to their body size.
    • The droppings mice leave behind have pointed ends and are just 1–2 mm long.
    • Mice are omnivores but mostly feed on seeds, grains, and fruits.
    • They are more prolific: Mice produce 5–10 litters a year with up to 14 mice in each litter.
  • Rats
    • While they differ between species, rats typically have larger bodies that are about 6–9 inches in size.
    • Rats have small, hairy ears and larger feet.
    • Their droppings are much bigger than those of mice at 10–20 mm long.
    • Rats produce 3–6 litters a year with up to 10 pups in each litter.
    • Rats are opportunistic feeders that will eat meats, grains, seeds, and much more.

Mouse and rat identification in Sevierville TN - Johnson Pest Control

Dangers of Rodents

Rodent infestations are infamous for being a threat. Both rats and mice alike can carry and spread a number of potentially dangerous diseases. They also can trigger allergies in people. A rodent problem can be a mess to clean up due to the amount of droppings and urine left behind. Lastly, they can cause significant damage to your home. Both mice and rats will chew through insulation, cardboard, wood, and electrical wiring, which can create a fire hazard in your property.

What to Do if You Have Rats or Mice

Both rats and mice will make their presence known if you have an infestation. From foul odors to odd noises in the walls, a rodent infestation has many telltale signs. However, it’s always best to enlist the help of a professional rodent exterminator when dealing with either rats or mice. At Johnson, our experts will identify the type of rodent you are dealing with and come up with year-round plan to keep you pest-free* throughout the year.

The Rise of Summertime Cockroach Activity

Summer cockroach infestations can be dangerous in Sevierville TN. Johnson Pest ControlFor the most part, cockroaches are common year-round. But if there was a “cockroach season”, it would be the summertime! Especially here in Tennessee, warmer temperatures this time of year draw cockroaches out and into homes. They are attracted to warmth and humidity, which is why they frequent bathrooms or kitchens. This feared pest isn’t just a nuisance–they’re dangerous, too! It’s important to know what you can do to prevent summertime cockroach activity in your Sevierville home or business. Read on for expert info from the cockroach control team at Johnson Pest Control.

How Can I Prevent Cockroaches in the Summer?

No one wants to deal with summertime roaches, which is why it’s so important to learn what you can do to keep them out of your property. A few of our top tips to prevent cockroaches this summer include:

  1. Inspecting the perimeter of your home and seal cracks and crevices. Seal windows and doors or install screens.
  2. Keeping a clean kitchen and bathroom. Wipe or clean up any spills or messes ASAP.
  3. Picking up pet food bowls after mealtimes. Try to avoid leaving food out overnight.
  4. Securely storing all food in tight-fitting airtight containers, and refrigerating unsealed food.
  5. Ensuring your garbage cans are sealed with a tight-fitting lid, and routinely take it out.
  6. Avoiding leaving piles of clutter or junk both inside and outside of your property.
  7. Promptly fixing any leaky pipes or clogged rain gutters to avoid moisture problems.

Are Cockroaches Only Summer Pests?

Cockroaches are a year-round pest in Tennessee. That said, the summer months are when they are most likely to be active. Almost all cockroach species are known to be drawn toward warm or even damp environments. This is why they are most commonly seen in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and crawl spaces. This is also why they are more likely to infest homes in the summertime. A lot of cockroaches will be less active in the winter to wait out the warming temperatures during the summer months. For this reason, roach infestations are one of the most common pest problems we get calls for in the summer.

How to Get Rid of Summer Cockroaches

Seeing just one roach in your home or business can be a bad sign that there are many more hidden elsewhere. Because of the germs and bacteria they spread—as well as the allergies they can cause—it’s important to always enlist the help of a professional cockroach exterminator. The experts at Johnson can keep you cockroach-free in the summer and all year long.

5 Prominent Pests in 2020

year 2020 written in chalk on the ground When it comes to protecting your family and home against pests, hindsight doesn’t have to be 20/20. Johnson Pest Control is helping homeowners prepare for the 2020 pest season by offering insights into anticipated pest activity.

The experts at Johnson Pest Control have used their field experiences and examined trends and company data to determine these five pest predictions. Along with the predictions, we are offering quick tips for homeowners to help keep their homes pest-free* in 2020.


Mice

Warmer than usual winters over the past several years may be to blame for increased mouse populations. With warmer weather predicted for the winter of 2020, mice will continue to reproduce at an alarming rate, which is bad news for homeowners. Mice are year-round pests that invade homes looking for food and shelter to nest.

Homeowner Tips: Mice can squeeze through small openings and gaps under garage doors, door frames, windows, or pipes and cables that penetrate your house. Rodent-proof your home by sealing small cracks and crevices with a silicone-based caulk. Exterior gaps of ¼-inch or larger can be repaired with copper mesh, hardware cloth or metal flashing.


Stinging Pests

Alternating climates cause rippling effects in the pest world, and with mild weather, experts are seeing more yellow jacket and hornet nests. Female yellow jackets and hornets can successfully overwinter in freezing temperatures and will invade structures and manmade or natural voids. When the weather warms up in spring, stinging insects will emerge from their hiding places, ready to start populations earlier in the year.

Homeowner Tips: Since stinging insects can overwinter, they may be out and about at the first sign of warmer weather. Stay alert and look for stinging pests, utilizing a professional pest control service as soon as you spot activity.


Ticks

With outdoor activities, like hiking and camping on the rise, and years of warming winters, humans and their pets may come into contact with ticks more frequently in 2020. The deer tick or black-legged tick, the Lone Star tick, and the American dog tick are ticks of special concern. Nearly 50,000 cases of human tick-borne diseases such as Lyme Disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever were reported in 2018. Pets are also at risk for some of these diseases.

Homeowner Tips: When spending time outdoors, wear an EPA-approved insect repellent. It’s also a good idea to wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks, in areas where ticks may be active. Perform tick checks on yourself and any family members, including pets, after spending time outdoors.

Mosquitoes

If you noticed more mosquitoes this past year, it wasn’t your imagination. If we have another relatively warm, wet winter and spring, mosquito populations could increase by late spring and early summer. Areas of the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest are predicted to have above-average rainfall, while most of the U.S. is predicted to be warmer than average this winter.

Homeowner Tips: With an increase in mosquitoes comes the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, such as the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) reported in 2019. To protect yourself and your family, eliminate standing water from your property and always wear an EPA-approved insect repellent when spending time outdoors.


Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites are the most destructive termites in North America, and they are also the most common termite in Tennessee. According to experts, the two main weather factors that affect termite populations are temperature and rainfall. With warmer and wetter weather predicted for spring, the termite swarming season will be ramping up soon.

Homeowner Tips: To deter subterranean termites, eliminate earth to wood contact and avoid moisture accumulation near your home or structures’ foundation. Because termites can cause such extensive damage, raising homeowner awareness around the need for proactive protection for their homes is critical to prevent costly repairs.


Expert Pest Predictions

The experts at Johnson Pest Control agree that the best step any homeowner can take to prevent pest issues is to have a proactive approach to pest control. With these 2020 pest predictions in mind, utilize the new year to evaluate your current pest control plan and ensure that you have the coverage you need to protect yourself and your family from pests in 2020.

What Fall Pest Can You Expect This Year?

As we all know, with the cooler weather, comes an increase in pest activity in your home. What you may not be aware of is that the type of pests and level of pest activity is deeply tied to the weather in our area. Locally we can expect more of the same pest activity we experienced during the warmer months. In addition to the ants and mosquitoes we have been dealing with all summer, we are seeing a large population of pest we call fall invaders. Fall invaders include lady bugs, box elder bugs and stink bugs.

According the the National Pest Management Association,  as fall progresses, here in the southeast we can expect “mosquito populations will persist well into the fall, as the standing water from the summer’s heavy rainfall in many areas provides ideal conditions for mosquito breeding grounds. Higher termite and ant activity in the fall will also result from the warm, wet weather.”