Fall Pests That Can Live in Your Walls

a mouse peaking out of a hole in the wall

As the weather gets colder, you may start to notice an increase in insects and other unwelcome creatures in your home. This is a process called overwintering,ย which is when pests try to escape the increasingly cold weather, and it happens like clockwork every fall. Some species migrate to warmer climates, some burrow in or under debris, while others just try to get into our homes to warm up. It’s easy to avoid in most cases, but once they cross the threshold into your living space it becomes a big problem.

There are several types of pests known for trying to get in. The most difficult pests to get rid of, however, are the ones that make their way into the attic or behind your walls. These are the hidden dangers that you often don’t notice until they’ve caused real damage. This can include Asian lady beetles, rodents, termites, stink bugs, and wasps. Read on to learn more about these common pests that invade homes in the fall.

 

Contact us today to keep these fall pests out!

 

Asian Lady Beetles

White Asian Lady beetle are a little larger than ladybugs and share the same general shape and coloration. They look harmless at first glance, so what’s the problem? White Asian Ladies stick together in groups and use pheromones to communicate their location. So, if one or two get into your home, it can very easily balloon into a huge infestation. The good news is that these bugs aren’t known for stinging, biting, or destroying the household. Still, their presence could trigger respiratory issues in sensitive people. Because of this, it’s best, like with any insect infestation, to make sure the cracks and crevices of your home’s exterior are thoroughly sealed.

Rodents

Squirrels, roof rats, and mice are all known for their excellent climbing capabilities, and the odds are good that you’ve seen one of them scurrying across a fence or through some trees. With skills like theirs, they can easily get into your attic and make a nice and cozy nest to wait out the cold. Have you been hearing any scratching or gnawing noises from inside your walls? If so, you likely have a rodent inside your attic or wall voids. That means that itโ€™s time to call an experienced rodent exterminator like Johnson Pest Control.ย 

Stink Bugs

How do you catch a stink bug before things get smelly? The Brown Marmorated stink bug, an invasive species straight from the East, is the most common variety to find in the quiet parts of your house. They’re shaped like a shield, range in size from ยผโ€ to โ…œ, and colored in shades of brown and gray. When the cold season rolls around, they tend to stick to undisturbed spots in the home like the attic, crawlspace, or space between walls. Handling them can be tricky to do on your own, as if they feel that their lives are in danger they are known for releasing a titular smell that’s undeniable and definitely unpleasant.

Termites

Termites are the nightmare of any homeowner in America, with the estimated annual cost of damage done ranging up to $30 billion. These microscopic menaces always want to get inside your house. However, the most destructive species of termites are the subterranean termite, and they’re capable of burrowing deeper in the ground in the fall and winter and causing damage you won’t notice till spring.ย  Termites in the home are focused entirely on consuming anything with cellulose. If you’ve noticed things such as blisters on painted, hollow-sounding wood and unexplained pinhole-sized holes, that means you’re in desperate need of service from one of our qualified exterminators.ย 

Wasps

Most of the average wasp colonies donโ€™t overwinter, which means that a majority of the population dies as the weather gets colder. However, fertilized queens are able to overwinter outdoors in hollow logs, stumps, under leaves or in structures such as the attics of homes. The most common way for wasps to get in is through attic vents that arenโ€™t screened. So like with the stink bug and other pests and vermin, this can be prevented by making sure your attic is properly sealed from the elements.

Your Local Exterminator

Johnson Pest Control has been East Tennessee’s first call for pest control for over thirty years. We’ve earned the trust of homes and commercial properties in the Sevierville, Knoxville and Maryville areas, and we’d love to earn yours as well. If you want to avoid unwelcome fall pests, contact us today!

Pest Problems? Check For Leaky Pipes!

Roaches enter homes through pipes and plumbing - Johnson Pest Control in Eastern TNDealing with a leaky faucet or plumbing problem is frustrating enough for any homeowner. However, the problem can become double fold when pest infestations ignite due to the excess moisture in the home. This is because all types of pests are attracted to damp environments, which is why theyโ€™re commonly found in bathrooms, crawl spaces and more. Needless to say, a broken water pipe or sewage issue can directly correlate to an increased risk of pests in the home. This makes it crucial to always attend to maintenance problems as soon as you have them. Read on to learn everything you need to know about preventing pests and leaky pipes that can cause them in your Eastern Tennessee home!

What Pests Are Attracted to Moisture?

Bugs and insects are drawn toward areas that provide them with their main sources of survival: food and water! The most common pests that are going to be attracted to areas with excess moisture are as follows.

  1. Termites: If a broken pipe has caused water damage in the very structure of your home, you can be sure termites are to follow. Subterranean termites in particular are attracted to moist wood and soil. When there are unattended-to leaky pipes or plumbing issues, you could be leaving your home vulnerable to termites.
  2. Ants: These tiny pests will appear seemingly out of nowhere when excess moisture is abundant. Leaky faucets or spilled water from a petโ€™s bowl can bring ants out in the hundreds. In addition to your typical house ant, water can be a main attractant to the wood-destroying carpenter ant as well.
  3. Cockroaches: Roaches may be known for their resiliency, but they arenโ€™t as strong as youโ€™d think. Without water for a week, a roach will not survive. Cockroaches also love to linger inside of pipes and plumbing fixtures. An issue can quickly introduce roaches into other parts of the house.
  4. Rodents: Rats and mice alike are always looking for a water supply. Leaky pipes or broken faucets in your crawl space or laundry room can provide a haven for rodents. The last thing you want is rodents scurrying around when you have a plumbing issue, making it important to prevent them.

Need More Info on Preventing Pests & Leaks?

Pests & Leaky Pipes

A plumbing problem can cause numerous pest problems. This is because almost all pests are attracted to water. In fact, some will die without a source of water within a few days. If you want to help prevent pests in your home, the best thing to do is keep an eye out for leaks and address any issues right away. Regularly inspect to ensure your faucets arenโ€™t dripping, your drains arenโ€™t clogging, and there are no leaks from your fridge, washing machine, or dishwasher.

Need to Get Rid of Pests in the Kitchen or Bathroom?

If you are noticing a flux of pests after dealing with a plumbing issue, itโ€™s important to take care of it right away. The last thing you want is a full-blown infestation, making it important to contact your local exterminator. At Johnson Pest Control, we will work hard to get rid of any pest problems and provide you with tips to prevent future ones.

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!

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, itโ€™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.

Can Termites Infest Your Home?

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.ย 

  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 arenโ€™t made of wood can have siding, decks, porches, fences, posts, and more that contain wood. Any wood that comes into contact with your homeโ€™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, itโ€™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!

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.

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 didnโ€™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, itโ€™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.

โ€œWeโ€™re seeing more rats in urban, suburban and rural settings because of the shutdowns,โ€ said Marc Potzler, Board Certified Entomologist. โ€œFood sources are cut off, and rats are having to travel to scavenge for food. Weโ€™ve seen rats out in public during the day, which is highly unusual.โ€

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.

โ€œRight now is the perfect time to rodent-proof your home,โ€ said Potzler. โ€œMake sure to repair any gaps on the exterior of your home, such as around garage doors, windows or pipes.โ€

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.

โ€œThere is an increase of mosquitoes across the country, but notably on the West Coast, and they are adapting each year,โ€ said Eric Sebring, Associate Certified Entomologist. โ€œWe 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 thatโ€™s not because they have gone away.

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

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: โ€œAs soon as the weather starts to warm up, we will see an increase in ant populations,โ€ said Tom Dobrinska, Board Certified Entomologist. โ€œMost 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.โ€

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 Arenโ€™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.

โ€œWe received more calls for termites this past year than we have in many years,โ€ said Potzler. โ€œItโ€™s important to raise awareness for homeowners now to have proactive protection to keep from costly repairs in the future.โ€

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. โ€œThe brown marmorated stink bug is here to stay,โ€ said Dobrinska. โ€œWe will continue to see this species emerge in late spring in large numbers.โ€

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.

โ€œThe Spotted Lanternfly is becoming a big problem in the Northeast, and it will continue to spread,โ€ said Potzler. โ€œIt can be devastating for agriculture and is a nuisance for homeowners.โ€

The egg masses look like a smear of mud on trees and outside of homes. Itโ€™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 โ€œMurder 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.

โ€œWe know that there was one colony found and eliminated in Washington State,โ€ said Sebring. โ€œUnfortunately, if there is one, there will be more.โ€

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.

Does DIY Pest Control Work?

Mouse traps are a common DIY pest control method. Learn the pros and cons of DIY pest control in Sevierville TN from the pros at Johnson Pest Control.DIY projects are certainly beloved by many. If youโ€™re planting your own garden or embarking on an art project, DIY is absolutely the way to go. However, do-it-yourself pest control is a bit of a gamble. Store-bought products can occasionally help with a small pest problem, but theyโ€™re also often filled with chemicals. DIY pest control is also never a long-term solution to dealing with ongoing infestations or any underlying problems. Here at Johnson Pest Control, we want to help our customers make informed choices when it comes to protecting their homes from pests. Keep reading to learn whether DIY or professional pest control is the best choice for you.

Do-it-Yourself Pest Control

If you have just a spider or two in your home, store-bought and DIY pest control typically can work. However, DIY pest control has several downfalls:ย 

    1. Certain pests, such as rodents, termites, bed bugs, and carpenter ants are more dangerous and destructive. Getting rid of these types of pests can be challenging for any novice.
    2. A lot of store-bought products are laden with chemicals that can be dangerous for you, your family, and your pets. Reading the label doesnโ€™t always guarantee the product will be applied perfectly and safely.
    3. At-home remedies rarely work in the long-term and do not prevent future infestations.
    4. DIY or store-bought products donโ€™t come with a guarantee or warranty as often as professional services, meaning you often have to buy more products.

Can’t Get Rid of Pests on Your Own?

The Importance of Professional Pest Control

Itโ€™s true that professional pest control requires a bigger investment of your time and money, but the payoff is tenfold! A professional has a unique understanding of the habits and behaviors of pests, making them more apt to know the best solution to control an infestation. An exterminator can also work to prevent future pest problems by identifying possible vulnerabilities in your property. Any pest control products are always applied carefully and efficiently for the safety of your family and pets. The biggest benefit of using a professional exterminator is having a custom pest control plan designed to treat your home.

DIY Pest Control vs. Professional Exterminators

Having a pest control plan in place is a smart idea for maintaining the health and safety of your home or business. Instead of spot treating pest flare-ups with unreliable DIY pest control and store-bought products, a pest control company can work with you to learn how to avoid infestations for good. To learn more, the team at Johnson is here for you!

Common Spring Pests to Be on the Lookout For

Prevent spring pests by spring cleaning your Sevierville TN home. Get tips from Johnson Pest Control! Spring is almost here in the Sevierville area, and many people are welcoming the warmer weather. Unfortunately, with the spring season comes the pest season. This time of year, many pests that may have been less active in the winter have a resurgence of sorts. To prevent the many types of pests that will likely look to invade your Tennessee home, itโ€™s important to implement some pest prevention measures into your spring cleaning routine! Read on for top tips from the experts at Johnson Pest Control.

Spring Pests in Tennessee

While many of the following pests are active all year long, they are particularly in action starting in the spring months. There are five pests in particular that create trouble for property owners every spring: ants, stinging insects (wasps and hornets), stink bugs, termites, and rodents! Spring is simply the start of the pest season and can last well into the summer if pest control isnโ€™t implemented right away. By safeguarding your property now, you can help lessen the risk of getting an infestation as pests become more and more active.

Need Help Protecting Your Home From Pests?

5 Spring Cleaning Tips for Pest Prevention

With so many people planning to clean their home for springtime anyway, itโ€™s the perfect opportunity to implement pest control measures. For the best chance of making your home unsavory for pests, try the following tips:

  1. Tidy up! Clean under furniture, wipe down surfaces, and inspect areas of your home that need some fixing up.
  2. Clean your windows and doors thoroughly. If you find any cracks or crevices make sure to securely seal them.
  3. Deep-clean your carpets and rugs. Vacuum, shampoo, or even steam-clean the surface.
  4. Sanitize and clean your kitchen with a focus on your appliances. Crumbs and spilled liquids welcome all types of insects and pests.
  5. Remove debris from your yard, and trim any shrubs or tree branches away from your home. Clear out your gutters and downspouts.

You Have Pests in the Springโ€”Now What?

Sometimes pests are inevitable, especially this time of year. For your best chance at controlling active infestations and preventing future ones, the exterminators at Johnson can help. Our team will work with you to develop a custom pest control plan suited to the needs of your property.

How to Differentiate Between Termites & Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are commonly mistaken for termites in Sevierville TN - Learn the differences from Johnson Pest Control.With spring upon us here in Sevierville TN, swarming insect season is coming! The most dangerous insects to be wary of this time of year are termites and carpenter ants. These two wood-destroying insects are commonly mistaken for each other in the swarmer stages of their lives. Although they are similar in appearance and habits, there are a few key differences to be aware of. Read on for tips from the experts at Johnson Pest Control for how to tell the difference between these insects.

How to Tell the Difference Between Termites & Carpenter Ants

It can be difficult to tell apart termites and carpenter ants in the swarmer stage. Itโ€™s important to look at the size of their wings in proportion to their bodies:

  1. Carpenter ant swarmers: These are black in color, with some species having slightly red coloring. Carpenter ants measure 1/2โ€ณโ€“5/8โ€ณ with antenna bent at a 45-degree angle. Their wings are translucent with a reddish brown hue, laying over the posterior of the ant. Carpenter ant swarmers are bigger than termite swarmers!
  2. Termite swarmers: Usually, termite swarmers are black to brown in color and measure 3/8โ€ณ long including the wings. Their wings are a translucent to slightly milky or smoky color. Their wings may overlap, and are typically as long as or slightly longer than the body; this is the best way to differentiate them from carpenter ants.

Winged ant vs. termite in Sevierville TN - Johnson Pest Control

Need Help Identifying Termites or Ants?

Termite Damage vs. Carpenter Ant Damage

Termites typically cause more damage than carpenter ants. Some of the things to know about these wood-destroying insects include:

  • Termites make their way into a structure around basement windows, doorways, under siding, porches, or any structure in contact with the soil.
  • Established termite colonies can range from 60,000 to over a million workers and can consume nearly 5 grams of wood per day.
  • Carpenter ants establish nests in wood that is already in decay, and later expand into normal wood, insulation, or wall voids.
  • Excavated termite galleries appear to have been sanded. For the most part, carpenter ants do not create the extensive damage termites do.ย 

Wood-Destroying Insect Extermination

Without a doubt, wood-destroying insects cause a lot of damage for property owners. However, termites can cause much more damage in the same period of time as carpenter ants. Regardless, itโ€™s important to enlist professional help for either of these insects. At Johnson, our termite exterminators will conduct a thorough inspection on your property to determine whether youโ€™re dealing with carpenter ants or termites. From there, we will work to exterminate these wood-boring insects with the most effective, fast-acting treatments!