As we head into Summer, you will likely be spending a lot more time outside in your yard, which means more contact with common summertime pests. The ‘big three’ to watch out for in Tennessee are mosquitoes, ticks, and stinging insects, but there are many other pests that might appear. That is unless you call on the services of professional pest control in Knoxville to help keep them away.
Let’s take a look at some of the pests you might encounter at your home or workplace this Summer.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are definitely one of the most common summertime pests in Tennessee, although thanks to our humid climate, mosquito ‘season’ actually lasts for 9-10 months of the year! Not only are mosquito bites itchy and unsightly, but they can also spread a variety of diseases, making them one pest you definitely want to discourage. When you work with an expert in pest control in Knoxville, they will not only apply insecticide and larvacide to cull existing swarms, but they will treat the property for long-term prevention too. Your pest control technician can offer tips to help you discourage mosquitoes, such as switching exterior lighting to yellow bulbs and avoiding standing water, which mosquitoes need to breed.
Ticks
There are around 15 different species of Ticks found in Tennessee, but the most common are the black-legged tick or deer Ticks, Lone Star ticks, Brown Dog Tick, and American Dog Tick, also known as a Wood Tick. Ticks can carry a number of diseases, including Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Fever. It is common to find ticks in heavily wooded areas and among long grass or overgrown vegetation, but you could also have them in your yard. If you have a rodent problem, this can also encourage ticks, so it is wise to seek pest control in Knoxville for rodent control and tick prevention services.
Pro Tip! If you get bitten by a tick, it is important to remove it quickly. Do not tug on the body aim for the head! Get a pair of sterile tweezers, grab the tick as close to the skin as possible, and pull straight up - then check to make sure the head has come out.
Stinging Insects
Rounding out the big three of summer pests in Tennessee are stinging insects. This covers a wide variety of stinging pests that includes the likes of:
- Yellow Jackets
- Velvet Ants
- Red Wasps
- Paper Wasps
- European Hornets
- Bumble Bees
- Bald-Faced Hornets
If you happen to be allergic, stinging insects can cause some pretty severe reactions, from minor swelling and hives to a more dangerous anaphylactic reaction. Even if you are not allergic, stings are painful and can become infected. This explains why working with professional pest control in Knoxville is essential to keep these insects at bay.
Termites
Of the many types of pests that you might discover in your home, termites are the ones that could do the most damage. At Otis Termite & Pest Control, our termite technicians have vast experience in termite prevention and treatment. We take a combined approach using both termite bait systems and chemical barrier treatment. We also recommend regular inspections to monitor bait stations for maximum efficiency.
These are some of the most common pests found in Tennessee during the Summer season, but there are many more unwelcome guests that you might encounter. The best way to handle these critters is with regular pest control in Knoxville. Don’t just book extermination when you spot a bug; instead, you should take preventative steps to reduce the risk of infestation in the first place. Talk to Otis Termite & Pest Control today and arrange a free inspection for pest control in Knoxville and the surrounding areas of East Tennessee.
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Otis Termite & Pest Control is a full-service pest control company with a focus on outstanding service. We have been serving the East Tennessee area for over 56 years and our reputation is built on prompt and effective service. We’re good at what we do and we’re fast. We do the job right the first time – and that’s an actual guarantee!
Call 865.690.1662 or visit www.otispestcontrol.net.