Feb 19, 2024 | Pest Control
Anyone who resides in the southeastern region of the US knows that summertime means higher humidity and the buzzing sound of insects. But what’s making that sound? It’s most likely a cicada! These insects, with their distinctive buzzing calls and unique lifecycles, are a fascinating subject of study and observation. Let’s dive into what cicadas are, their habitat, and what they do.
What are Cicadas?
Cicadas are large insects with transparent wings, prominent eyes, and often vibrant colors. They spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on tree roots. However, they emerge as adults in periodic cycles, typically every 13 to 17 years depending on the species, to mate and lay eggs.
What is the Habitat of a Cicada?
They inhabit a wide range of environments, from forests to tropical jungles, commonly found in regions with trees and shrubs, as their nymphs rely on plant roots for substance. Cicadas are particularly prevalent in areas with well-drained soil since they remain underground for long periods of time.
The Lifecycle and Behavior of Cicadas
After spending years underground, cicadas emerge synchronously in large numbers. This mass emergence, known as a brood, is thought to be an evolutionary strategy to overwhelm predators and increase the chances of successful mating.
Once above ground, adult cicadas spend their brief adulthood reproducing. Males will produce a distinctive buzzing call to attract females, which can reach deafening levels in volume. After mating, females will lay their eggs in tree branches, where the nymphs will hatch and drop to the ground to begin their underground existence.
The Importance of Cicadas
Despite their loud buzzing call, cicadas play an important role in the ecosystem. As both nymphs and adults, they serve as a food source for birds, mammals, and even other insects. Their emergence can also enrich the soil with nutrients as the decomposing bodies of deceased cicadas return vital nutrients back to the soil. They can also contribute to the pollination of plants during their adult stage, although to a lesser extent than bees or butterflies.
Although the buzzing sound of the emerged adult cicadas can reach high levels of sound, their adult lifespan is typically short lived and ends after they successfully mate. If you find your property surrounded by cicadas, give a pest control company near you a call!
Feb 19, 2024 | Pest Control
This spring, the Great Southern Brood and the Northern Illinois Brood are set to appear at the same time, also known as a dual emergence. The dual cicada emergence will affect the Midwest and Southeast, including Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina. The last time a dual emergence occurred was in 1803, when Thomas Jefferson was president, and the Louisiana Purchase had just been completed. Let’s just say that when the next one happens, no one alive today will witness it!
What are Cicadas?
These large insects live underground as nymphs for years and emerge by the millions every 13 to 17 years, depending on the brood they are a part of. They emit a loud buzzing sound when trying to find a mate, sometimes so loud it can keep you awake at night! They don’t bite, sting, or carry any diseases, and serve as pollinators and benefit the ecosystem.
Their main goal is to mate and reproduce. During the egg laying process they will trim holes into tree branches, sometimes causing branches to break off completely. This may sound like a negative thing, but they act as a natural pruning. The holes they leave behind help aerate the soil and allow for rainwater to get underground and nourish tree roots in the hot summer months.
Can I Prevent Cicadas?
Keeping cicadas away can be quite challenging, especially during their periodic emergences when they appear in large numbers. There are some strategies to minimize their impact on your property:
- Physical Barriers: Covering vulnerable plants and trees with fine mesh netting can prevent cicadas from laying their eggs on them. Make sure the netting is securely fastened to prevent cicadas from accessing the foliage.
- Pruning: Trimming branches and foliage can help reduce the attractiveness of your yard to cicadas. Removing excess vegetation can make it less appealing for them to lay eggs.
- Avoid Bright Lights: Cicadas are attracted to bright lights, so minimizing your outdoor lighting at night may help reduce their presence around your home
Cicadas might be annoying, but it’s important to remember their impact on the ecosystem of our forests. Limiting them on your property can be difficult, but there are ways. If the noise begins to get too loud, give a pest control company near you a call today!
Feb 15, 2024 | Florida Termite Control
One of the biggest investments you can make is your home, so taking every precaution to protect it from termites is critical! Subterranean and drywood termites will wreak havoc on your Florida home, eating it from the inside out, resulting in thousands of dollars in repairs. Homeowner’s insurance may not cover termite damage, so it’s important to understand the types of termite control and preventative measures you should take to avoid termite damage. We breakdown Florida termite control options and preventative measures to consider for your home and property!
Florida Termite Control Options
It’s always best to consult with your local pest control company on the best termite prevention or control plan for your home and termite situation. These professionals will be able to offer various options to prevent and control termites from taking over your home, including:
- Bait Station: Installed by a pest professional around the perimeter of your home, bait stations, including the Sentricon Always Active Bait Station, eliminate subterranean termites and their colonies. These stations contain a slow-acting termiticide food source where termites will take it back to their colony, eventually eliminating it.
- Liquid Termite Defense: These treatments look to eliminate subterranean termites and their colonies. Liquid defense treatments require your termite professional to dig a trench around your foundation and inject a termiticide to eliminate the entire colony and its queen.
- No-Tent Treatment: Best used to address drywood termite infestations, the no-tent treatments utilize a non-repellent product into drywood termite galleries to eliminate the termites found in your Florida home. This treatment is slow acting to allow termites who encounter the product to take it back to the queen and colony to eliminate it.
DIY Termite Control Tips
Along with having a termite control plan in place, there are several do-it-yourself termite prevention measures you can place around your home to keep these pests from even entering your property. Check out our top termite prevention tips here:
- Eliminate entry points around your home by filling in cracks or holes in cement foundations and around gaps where utilities enter the house with cement, caulk, or grout.
- Eliminate excess moisture or standing water by fixing leaks around or inside your home and keeping your crawlspace and attic well-ventilated to help reduce the moisture.
- Remove unnecessary lumber, old trees, or tree stumps from your yard
- Schedule a regular termite inspection with a termite control company near you to help catch termite infestations early, identify signs of termite activity, and provide the most effective termite treatment option if needed.
Feb 14, 2024 | CrawlSpace
Your Tennessee home’s crawlspace plays a significant role in the health and safety of your family and overall property. If crawlspaces are not properly taken care of, it can lead to pest infestations, foundation damage, poor indoor air quality, and potential health hazards! Luckily, crawlspace encapsulation looks to address these concerns. We break down all you should know about crawlspace encapsulation and how to maintain a healthy crawlspace!
What is CrawlSpace Encapsulation?
Encapsulation is the process of sealing your crawlspace with a barrier to prevent moisture from entering. A crawlspace professional will install this moisture or vapor barrier on the floor and walls of the crawlspace, allowing moisture to stay out to prevent fungi growth and other moisture-related problems.
What Are the Benefits to CrawlSpace Encapsulation?
Along with preventing fungi growth and excessive moisture, there are several benefits to enclosing your crawlspace! Moisture can affect several factors inside your home, Including:
- Energy Savings: Your HVAC unit or furnace runs longer to help maintain the temperature inside, using more electricity, and in return increases your energy bills. A moisture barrier will act as a sealant and ease your HVAC system to make a home more energy efficient and save money!
- Structural Integrity: Home foundations are vital and excess moisture can lead it to wood rot, comprising the structural integrity of your home. Moisture barriers will reduce the amount of moisture to avoid wood rot and protect it overall.
- Better Air Quality: Mold and mildew issues can arise if your crawlspace is in bad condition, creating a health risk to your family and pets. When installed, a moisture barrier will reduce moisture levels and prevent mold and mildew from forming, creating better air quality overall.
- Pest Control: Unsealed crawlspaces are an open invitation for pests and wildlife to enter and search for a place to nest and find a food source. Pests like rodents, roaches, and termites can cause considerable damage and contaminate your home, bringing in health and safety concerns. Enclosing your crawlspace will eliminate entry points for pests to into your home and serve as a good starting point for home pest control.
How Can I Keep a Healthy CrawlSpace?
Enclosing your crawlspace is a great way to avoid moisture, but the care for your crawlspace doesn’t stop there! It’s important to continue taking care of the space even after it’s enclosed. Regularly check for signs of moisture such as dampness or standing water. If you notice moisture buildup, address it as soon as possible. Additionally, consider installing screens over vents or openings in your crawlspace to prevent pests from entering. Remove any debris or clutter you might see, as pests use it to hide. Lastly, schedule regular inspections with your Nashville pest control company to ensure the area is free of pests and other problems.
If you think it’s time to enclose your crawlspace or would like more information on various crawlspace care solutions, call a pest control company near you for a free inspection!
Feb 9, 2024 | Pest Control
Centipedes: those creepy crawlers that send shivers down our spines when we encounter them scurrying across the floor. But beyond their unsettling appearance, many homeowners wonder: can centipedes bite or sting? Let’s dive into the facts and debunk the myths surrounding these household pests.
Identifying Centipedes
Centipedes are elongated arthropods with multiple pairs of legs, ranging from 15 to 177 pairs depending on the species. They typically have a flattened body and are light brown to dark brown or even reddish in color. One distinguishing feature is their long antennae and the pair of venomous claws located behind their head, known as forcipules.
Signs of Centipedes in Your Home
Spotting a centipede indoors is often the first sign of an infestation. They tend to hide in dark, damp areas such as basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces during the day and come out at night to hunt for prey.
Hazards to Humans and Property
While centipedes may look intimidating, they are generally not aggressive towards humans. However, if threatened or mishandled, they can deliver a painful bite using their venomous claws. While the venom is not typically dangerous to humans, it can cause localized pain and swelling.
Centipedes can be beneficial to your property by preying on other household pests such as cockroaches, spiders, and silverfish. However, their presence in large numbers can indicate an underlying pest problem that needs to be addressed.
Keeping Centipedes Out of Your Home
Prevention is key when it comes to controlling centipedes in your home. Here are some tips to keep them at bay:
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and holes in walls, floors, and foundations, and seal them to prevent centipedes from entering.
- Reduce Moisture: Centipedes thrive in damp environments, so reducing moisture levels in your home by fixing leaks, using a dehumidifier, and ensuring proper ventilation can help deter them.
- Declutter and Clean: Remove clutter from your home and regularly clean and vacuum to eliminate hiding spots and potential prey for centipedes.
- Outdoor Maintenance: Keep outdoor areas free of debris, leaf piles, and mulch, as these can attract centipedes and provide harborage areas near your home.
Don’t let centipedes and other household pests invade your space. Take proactive steps to protect your home and family by partnering with a trusted pest control company. Contact a pest control company near you today for a free pest control quote and let our experienced technicians help you reclaim your home from unwanted intruders.
While centipedes can bite if provoked, they are generally not a significant threat to humans. However, their presence can indicate underlying pest issues that need to be addressed. By following preventive measures and seeking professional pest control assistance when needed, you can effectively manage centipedes and enjoy a pest-free home environment.
