In Like A Lion…Out Like A Lamb

In Like A Lion… Out Like A Lamb

March weather can be wildly unpredictable… from snow to 70 degrees.  But, one thing we can predict… is that spring is just around the corner!  The number one indicator of spring in our business is household ants & termites.  Yep… those little pesky colonies keep us busy all spring long and into the summer.  Ants and termites can surprise you with swarms.  To tell the difference between an ant swarm & a termite swarm, take a look at the attached diagram.  A swarm isn't anything to fear… call today for preventative pest control or a free termite inspection.

Common Springtime Pests To Watch For In Tennessee

While pests are a year-round problem across Tennessee, certain pests thrive in certain seasons. Around this time of year, the most common pests homeowners across Tennessee include: 

Ants: Though ants are problematic indoors all year long, their populations seem to explode during the warmer months of spring. As the weather warms this March, they come out of their slumber in active pursuit of food, shelter, and water.

Flies: Like other insect species in the winter, flies can’t live in cold temperatures and rest quietly in nooks and crannies where they can be safe through the winter months. As temperatures rise in spring, most species begin to actively lay their eggs. Once hatched, the maggots inside feed on decaying matter which is abundant in and around our homes and outdoors during the spring months.

Ticks: Regardless of the species, these parasitic pests emerge in abundance once the weather warms. Here in Tennessee, you will most often encounter a dog tick or a black-legged (deer) tick. Ticks are the main carrier of Lyme disease, so it’s important to practice preventative measures to keep ticks away from your home and family.

Stinging Insects: During the spring and summer months, stinging insects are a crucial part of our ecosystem. They assist in the pollination process for all sorts of plants. However, when wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets invade your home, they’re a huge problem to deal with - putting your safety at risk just by being in their presence. 

Protecting Your Tennessee Home From Pests This Spring

Are you worried about pests getting onto your property and into your home this spring? While the threat is very real, luckily there are a number of steps you can as a homeowner can take to minimize your risk. Here are some spring pest prevention tips every Tennessee homeowner should follow:

• Inspect your property for areas of standing or pooling water that could attract mosquitoes and other pests. 
• Ensure that your gutters are properly functioning and draining. 
• Empty containers such as wheelbarrows, birdbaths, or buckets where rainwater collects from around your property.
• Repair any moisture issues that could result in rotten or wet wood. 
• Check your pipes and repair any leaks that could result in moisture damage. 
• Seal any cracks around utility pipes and vents.
• Check potential entry points around your home: repair damaged screens and install door sweeps to prevent insects from getting inside, and seal cracks and gaps around windows and doors. 
• Keep your home clean: vacuum regularly and wipe down surfaces after meals.
• Store pantry items in airtight containers and wipe up food debris. 
  Keep all food in your home stored in sealed containers.

Likewise, there are some good tips everyone should know to protect themselves from warm weather pests while out and about. 

Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing when spending any extended period of time outdoors. You’ll also want to use a CDC-approved insect repellant that contains active ingredients such as DEET or permethrin. Check yourself for signs of tick, mosquito, or other bug bites before coming back inside. Get a tick repellent shampoo or collar for your pets to minimize their risk of picking up ticks outside this spring.

Get Professional Pest Treatment For Your Home This Spring

Worried about pests around your Tenessee home? Don’t be any longer: the pest professionals here at All-American have all the tools and know-how you need to remove pest problems of any shape or size. Give us a call here at All-American today and find out how we can keep you protected from all the pests that thrive in spring.