The Chill of Fall Brings Rodents Inside

Rodents that made it inside in Central TN - The Bug Man

As the Tennessee heat recedes back into fall, all sorts of pests try to inhabit our homes for some warmth and security. The most feared of these invaders are rodents. Because maintaining a high internal body temperature is integral to their survival, rodents are insistent upon chewing through whatever they can to create shelters and find food in our homes. Due to the dangers that rodents are associated with, it’s important to know how to prevent them from making their homes in your house. Learn all about rodents in Central TN with The Bug Man!

Why Rodents Invade Our Homes

Rats, mice, voles, and other rodents invade our homes looking for food, shelter, and warmth. As small mammals, keeping a high, consistent body temperature is of the utmost importance.

When rodents decide to nest inside your home, they can cause many kinds of damage and health risks, including:

  1. Damage to your insulation, walls, and wires
  2. Fire hazards by chewing through electrical wiring
  3. Contamination of any food left out for them to access
  4. Risk of disease via their droppings and urine

How to Keep Rodents Out in Central TN

Keeping rodents out of your home is a two-part process—you have to ensure both that there are no ways for them to get in and nothing excessive that could be attracting them. Rodents aren’t picky, either—they’re only looking for a warm place to stay and something to eat, so it can be quite difficult to keep them out. Here are some approaches you should take, though:

  • Seal off cracks near windows, doors, and the foundation with a silicone-based caulk
  • Keep your food stored away properly whenever you aren’t cooking or eating
  • Purchase garbage cans with clamps to prevent rodents from finding food outside

Maintaining general cleanliness and orderliness on your property is the basic principle to keeping vermin out, as well as many other kinds of pests.

Rodent Control with The Bug Man

Sometimes, the source of a rodent infestation can be impossible to find or even hiding in plain sight. Rodents are able to squeeze their bodies through much tighter spaces than you would imagine, so you can’t leave any part of your home unchecked. Your local pest control company will be able to identify any vulnerabilities that could lead to a rodent outbreak in your home. With The Bug Man, you can be sure that you’re working with the most experienced rodent control experts in Central TN. For a free quote, contact us today!

5 Signs of Gophers or Moles Living in Your Lawn

A mole found in Central TN - The Bug Man

No one wants to wake up one day to find their lawn or garden filled with mounds of dirt—this is a sure sign of a mole or gopher problem. Both of these small mammals are expert tunnelers and can be quite difficult to get rid of without concentrated strategies. It can be hard to identify which one you’re dealing with and take the appropriate pest control measures because they spend so much time underground. For help determining if you have a gopher or mole problem in Central TN, read up on the The Bug Man technicians’ top tips!

Telling Apart Moles and Gophers

When you do spot one of these vermin at the surface, you call tell whether its a mole or gopher by these features:

  • Moles are usually between 4 to 7 inches in length, while gophers are larger, ranging anywhere between 5 and 14 inches in length.
  • Moles’ hands and noses are pink in color and larger than gophers’.
  • Gophers are highly territorial, so they won’t often be found in pairs or groups, like moles.

5 Signs of Moles or Gophers in Central TN

If you’re concerned that you have a mole or gopher problem developing in your yard, here are five signs to look for that indicate mole or gopher activity:

  1. Overnight, mounds of dirt will pop up in your yard where either have been tunneling.
  2. Mole tunneling will damage plant roots and cause damage to plants that is discernible from the surface of the lawn.
  3. Mole tunneling will also bring rocks up to the surface of your lawn, which, if you aren’t careful, can damage your lawnmower.
  4. Gopher tunnels open up to three inch wide holes and reach up to six feet underneath your yard.
  5. Gophers will eat plants at the surface or pull them through the surface of your yard.

Moles and gophers can both be a serious nuisance in your yard, so it is important to be able to tell the signs of each of them.

Professional Help with Moles and Gophers in Central TN

When you notice mole or gopher activity on your property, there’s not a second to waste to save your yard from further damage. Be sure to contact your local pest control company as soon as you find signs of gophers or moles. At The Bug Man, our lawn pest control specialists are trained with the top strategies and pest control products in the industry and work hard to ensure that our customers’ yards are vermin-free. Contact us today for a free quote!

Bug Basics: Why Do More Mosquitoes Appear After it Rains

Mosquitoes after a rainy day in Central TN - The Bug Man

It’s a well-known fact that the mosquito population in your backyard increases after it rains. After all, the rain provides them with fresh water and more places to lay their eggs. But why? Mosquitoes need standing water like puddles or ponds for laying their eggs. Even a small amount of runoff from a storm can provide enough moisture to support mosquitoes if there are any containers out in your garden that hold some water on its surface.

Next time you anticipate a storm here in Central TN, it’s important to know how to stop the mosquitoes from taking over your backyard afterward. The experts at The Bug Man are here to help you learn how!

Mosquito Breeding Grounds in Central TN

Mosquitoes will make use of the tiniest amount of still, stagnant water to lay their eggs. Female mosquitoes seek out areas that have shallow stagnant water but they also make use of deep puddles too. The female mosquito is able to produce 100–300 eggs in a cycle, which she lays together with up to 10 others per raft on top of the water’s surface where they float like small specks. After a rainstorm, you can expect mosquitoes to find a plethora of mosquito breeding grounds right in your backyard. Some of the most common areas where mosquitoes breed include:

  • Ponds, marches, and bogs
  • Puddles
  • Pools or spas
  • Birdbaths or fountains
  • Garden planters
  • Children’s playsets
  • Stacks of tires
  • Buckets
  • Gutters
  • Clogged drains

Tips to Prevent Mosquitoes After it Rains

After it rains during mosquito season—which is throughout the spring and summer here in Tennessee—it’s important to inspect your yard and eliminate potential breeding sites. Walk around your backyard to locate anything that is holding standing water post-rain. Tip over the water to keep mosquitoes from laying their eggs in it. To prevent mosquitoes throughout the entire mosquito season, it’s smart to place covers over anything that is meant to hold water. This includes putting covers on pools, spas, birdbaths, and more. By knowing the areas in your yard that are more susceptible to mosquito activity, you can effectively keep mosquitoes away from those areas during a rainy week.

Dealing With Mosquitoes After a Storm?

If you have excess mosquitoes in your yard after rain, it may be time to get a professional mosquito treatment. Trying to get rid of mosquitoes on your own once they’ve established themselves can be difficult. At The Bug Man, our mosquito exterminators work hard to locate and eliminate all mosquito breeding grounds around your property. Professionally applied repellents also work to create a barrier around your home, keeping mosquitoes away. To learn more about how we can help you avoid mosquitoes during the rainy season, contact us today!

Reasons Why Bug Bombs Aren’t Effective

A house using insecticide fogging in Central TN - The Bug Man

Some people prefer to take pest problems on themselves. This can absolutely work in cases of minor infestations! However, if you do try to handle a pest outbreak on your own, you have to be sure that you’re aware of the dangers associated with DIY pest control.

One of the commercial options for at-home pest control is buying “bug bombs.” Not only are these fogging products ineffective, they can actually be very dangerous, putting you, your family, and your pets’ health at risk. Read on for The Bug Man’’s advice on why bug bombs are not the solution you need.

What Are Bug Bombs?

For those who don’t know, bug bombs are airborne insecticide products that are designed to kill active insects in areas that they are set off in. Otherwise known as fogging, setting off bug bombs has worked for some people before, but there are many issues with the technique as a whole. Take, for instance, these flaws in their effectiveness:

  1. Bug bombs can only handle active bugs that they reach. There is no residual effect after the insecticide is cleared from the air.
  2. The fog will not reach deep into cracks and crevices, where pests like to hide. When a bug bomb is set off, pests retreat into holes in the walls, cracks in the siding, mattresses and furniture.
  3. Fogging products are not specialized to take care of certain kinds of insects. They are made to target pests in general, which can make them ineffective against certain kinds of bugs.

Are Bug Bombs Safe?

On top of their inconsistencies in effectiveness, bug bombs can put your family and your property in danger. We have heard many reports of extensive amounts of property damage being caused as a result of bug bomb mishaps, sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth. Bug bombs make use of aerosols, which are flammable and can lead to small explosions.

Much more commonly, though, bug bombs can cause serious health risks. Improper use or overexposure can both lead to respiratory issues, vomiting, nausea, and rashes. In extreme cases of misuse, hospitalization may be necessary.

Reliable Pest Control in Central TN

In general, it is always best to leave your pest control needs to experts who have experience dealing with pests in a specified and controlled manner. Professional pest control technicians are trained to use particular products and techniques based on their findings through diligent inspection. Each treatment conducted with The Bug Man is unique and tailored to our customer’s individual needs. To find out more about our services or for a free quote on pest control, contact us today!

What Just Bit Me? How to Identify Common Bug Bites

What mosquitoes look like in Central TN - The Bug Man

Having bug bites is never a good feeling, especially when you never catch the critter that did it to you. Lots of anxiety can stem from not knowing what kind of biting pest is living in your home. It is also easy to wake up from a night of sleep with bug bites and misidentify them, leading to a longer process of pest removal. If you are trying to find out which kind of pest in Central TN is biting you, keep reading for top insight from The Bug Man.

Pests that Bite to Draw Blood

Some pests that draw blood might not look as frightening as other bugs, but are able to pass on dangerous diseases through their bites. This makes it crucial to be able to identify the bug bites on your skin. Some pests that draw blood in Central TN are:

  1. Mosquitoes: After a mosquito bites you, a raised, white welt will form right away. The bite will then spread out into a larger, red, itchy lump. Most mosquitoes in our area do not carry diseases, but in tropical and some subtropical regions, mosquitoes can carry malaria and Zika virus, along with many other serious diseases.
  2. Ticks: Tick bites can look nearly indistinguishable from a mosquito bite, or like much smaller, darker prick marks. If you notice a tick bite shortly after they find you, you will still see it digging into your skin. Ticks can spread Lyme disease, so if you find a tick on your skin, remove it right away to decrease your chances of contracting it.
  3. Fleas: While they prefer to pester our pets, fleas bite humans, too. You might not even be able to notice a tick bite upon impact, but it will be itchy afterward. Ticks do not spread diseases to humans, but their bites can become infected if excessively scratched.
  4. Bed bugs: Bed bug bites appear overnight. If you wake up with zigzag patterns of tiny red bumps on exposed skin, you are in the middle of a bed bug infestation. Although their bites don’t pass on diseases, they can sometimes transfer diseases to humans that they carry on their bodies through their travels.

Other Bug Bites in Central TN

There are plenty of other pests that bite in our area, but the four mentioned earlier are the most likely offenders. Some bugs in Central TN either seldom bite or their bites yield negligible results. Cockroaches, centipedes, and ants fall into this category. These insects rarely bite, and the effects of their bites don’t often extend beyond an annoyance.

Some spiders in the region can dish out painful bites, but again, they are rarely provoked enough to bite. These spiders include wolf spiders, brown recluses, and black widows. The black widow has the most dangerous bite of the three—if you sustain a black widow bite, seek medical attention right away.

How to Stay Safe from Bug Bites

If you are looking to stay safe from bug bites this summer, ask your local pest control company about what they can do to help. Our pest experts at The Bug Man can perform a holistic inspection of your property to locate any biting pests and promptly remove them. We will also follow up as needed with pest prevention advice and return treatments to ensure that any infestations never return. Contact us today for a free quote!

How to Keep Ants Away from Your Hummingbird Feeder

A hummingbird taking nectar from a flower in Murfreesboro TN - The Bug Man

You don’t have to be a bird enthusiast to appreciate the beauty of the hummingbird. People all over the country set up special feeders to catch closer glimpses of our flitting friends. Unfortunately, a common problem with hummingbird feeders is that they attract ants as well. The same features that draw hummingbirds in create an ample food source for hungry pests.

Read on to learn more about why ants are attracted to hummingbird feeders and what you can do to make them leave your feeder alone.

Why Are Ants in My Hummingbird Feeder?

A hummingbird feeder works by enticing the hummingbird with sugar water. The problem with this is that sugar also happens to be an ant’s meal of choice. Ants tend to target sugary foods in general, so finding a container full of sugar is like hitting the jackpot for an ant colony.

One problem with having ants in your hummingbird feeder is that they don’t mind if they have to share. On the other hand, if a hummingbird finds a trail of ants stealing their sugar water, they will be much less likely to come back. To keep a steady stream of hummingbird visitors at your feeder, you have to find a way to keep ants out.

How to Avoid Ants in Your Bird Feeder

So, what is the best way to keep ants away from your hummingbird feeder? In truth, there are a variety of strategies you can use to keep your feeder protected. Paying attention to the path the ants are taking to reach the feeder will help you determine the best answer for your yard. Here are a few preemptive measures you can try:

  1. Keep it in the shade: If your feeder overheats in the sun, it can expand and allow the sugar water to drip down the sides, giving the ants a signal to find it.
  2. Check for spills: Any cracks or leaks in the feeder will allow ants to pick up on the scent of the sugar water. If you have an ant problem, there could be a tiny crack in your hummingbird feeder that you haven’t noticed.
  3. Use an ant trap: You can actually purchase ant traps specifically designed for hummingbird feeders. They allow the ants to discover the feeder but block them from accessing the sugar water.
  4. Hang it well: Try to find a place to hang your feeder that is outside of ant access. Hanging it on a fishing line will support the weight of the feeder while giving ants a difficult surface to crawl on.

Professional Ant Control in Central TN

An ant problem in your hummingbird feeder can quickly turn into an ant problem inside your house. If you can’t seem to avoid ants on your property in Central TN, reach out to your local pest control company to see how they can help. Our expert ant control specialists at The Bug Man can use efficient and exhaustive techniques to locate the sources of your infestation and ensure that it is put to a stop. For more information or a free quote on ant control, contact us today!

The Ants are Marching in Murfreesboro

A budding ant colony found in Murfreesboro TN - The Bug Man

Everyone has found an unexpected ant trail in their home at one point or another. Ants seem to move in staggering numbers everywhere they go, and even when you find hundreds of them, it can be hard to tell where they’re coming from. It leaves many wondering, “how exactly do ants get into our homes, and what can I do to keep them out?” Keep reading to learn The Bug Man’s expert tips to help you avoid ant infestations this summer.

Why Are There So Many Ants In My House?

Ant colonies produce worker ants that are designed to seek out food and resources for the colony. When they discover a food source, they send out a pheromone signal to other worker ants to alert them of their findings. Ants will make use of just about any food source, but they do have their preferences. You can commonly find ants around these foods:

  • Grains
  • Meats
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Sweet foods made of simple sugars

Keep in mind, though, that ants will eat almost anything that has been left out or improperly sealed.

How To Control Ants On Your Own

Once an ant colony has established itself in your house, it can be very tricky to get rid of. The only way to reliably control ants on your property is to put proper preventative measures in place. You can decrease the likelihood of an ant infestation in your home by following these steps:

  1. Clean up spills promptly and wash dishes right away
  2. Seal and put away your food after you eat
  3. Routinely check for gaps by doors and windows and cracks in walls
  4. Make a spray of diluted essential oils like lemon juice or peppermint oil. Spray it in problem areas.

Preventing Little Black Ants in Murfreesboro TN

If you’re experiencing ant issues in your house today, you might want to try using an EPA-approved insecticide to combat active ants. However, this will only work as a temporary solution—long-term ant control requires consistent attention to ant prevention. If you need help dealing with a large infestation in Murfreesboro TN, you can trust The Bug Man to help you put a stop to it. Our expert ant exterminators can use industry-leading equipment and strategies to quickly and safely remove ants from your home. For a free quote, contact us today!

Mosquito Problems? The Bug Man Can Rescue You!

mosquito problems in Central TN

Spring is finally here in Tennessee and with it, the warm sun, rain, and blooming flowers. However, these aren’t the only accompaniments to springtime. Mosquitoes are emerging and are here to stay for the months ahead. It can be very difficult to enjoy spending outdoors this time of year when mosquitoes are so active during much of the day. This makes it important to learn not only how to prevent mosquitoes, but how to get rid of them if you already have an infestation. The mosquito control experts are here to help—read on to learn more!

Mosquito Prevention 101

When it comes to mosquitoes, we recommend that each person take steps to help with the mosquito populations.  Our top tips are to:

  1. Drain all standing water from the yard, including buckets, bird baths, old tires, planters, and toys. Mosquitoes can lay eggs in just a capful of water! 
  2. While outside during mosquito season, it is recommended to use a repellent to help keep the mosquitoes from biting. Just be sure to read the label instructions for proper use.
  3. To prevent bites, wear light or bright colored clothing. If it is cool enough at dawn and dusk, wear pants and long sleeved shirts to limit skin exposure.
  4. For the ultimate protection against mosquitoes, team up with your local mosquito control experts at The Bug Man, who can provide targeted treatments.

Mosquito Management With The Bug Man

If you have a mosquito problem, the team at The Bug Man can come to your rescue. Our mosquito management service consists of the following steps to keep you mosquito-free:

  1. An inspection of your property.
  2. Removal or recommended removal of breeding sites.
  3. Application a larvicide to areas of standing water.
  4. Application of a residual adulticide to the bushes, shrubs, and other resting sites around the perimeter of the outdoor living areas.  

Say Goodbye to Mosquito Problems in Murfreesboro TN

If you want to enjoy your time spent outside this spring and summer, it’s important to team up with your local mosquito control experts. At The Bug Man, we know how to prevent mosquitoes from bothering you or your family. Contact us today to get started!

What to Know About the Emerging Brood-X Cicadas

What to Know About the Emerging Brood-X Cicadas

This May, we’re in for a rare occurrence here in Murfreesboro TN: the emergence of the Brood-X Cicadas! After being underground for 17 years, the massive swarms of cicadas are about to emerge in late May through early June throughout 14 eastern states. Whether you view this event with delight or disgust, it’s important to prepare by learning about these cicadas. The experts at The Bug Man are here to help. Keep reading to find out everything you should know about the Brood X cicadas!

All About Brood-X Cicadas

This spring and summer, you’re about to hear a lot about the Brood X cicadas. If you’re unfamiliar, this brood emerges just once every 17 years—meaning the last emergence was all the way back in 2004! Unlike your typical cicada, Brood X cicadas are slightly frightening insects that are up to two inches long with a 3-inch wingspan and bright red, beady eyes.

Most people associate cicadas with the extremely loud noise they produce. Male cicadas are the noisy ones, producing nearly 100 decibels of sound. This deafening noise can be heard across long distances and is used to attract female cicadas.

When Do the Brood X Cicadas Emerge in Tennessee?

Scientists predict that the Brood X cicadas will emerge here in Virginia in late May. Here’s what to know about their life cycle during this time:

  1. When soil temperatures reach about 64 degrees Fahrenheit, the Brood X cicadas will emerge from the ground as nymphs.
  2. About 6 days later, the nymphs will morph into adult cicadas. This stage will last about 2-4 weeks.
  3. The adult male cicadas will use their tymbal to attract females. After mating, the females will lay her eggs in twigs on the ground.
  4. After mating, the adult cicadas will fall to the ground, providing nutrients for the animals and soil. This marks the beginning of the next 17-year period until Brood X cicadas emerge once more.

 

Are Brood X Cicadas Harmful?

As frightening as this event may be—especially with the massive swarms—Brood X cicadas pose little threat to humans or structures. In fact, cicadas are a feast for all types of animals, even your dogs. Cicadas feed on sap from tree roots, which will only threaten young trees and saplings. Cicadas have no interest in coming indoors, but keep your windows and doors shut during their emergence to keep them outside. Lastly, Brood X cicadas may look terrifying, but they do not bite, sting, or carry diseases.

How to Keep Brood X Cicadas Away

You may not want to deal with these cicadas, but there is little to do to prevent them. Spraying or applying a pesticide would do more harm than good. To stay protected from their emergence, consider covering any young trees and make sure to keep your windows and doors closed securely! To learn more about the Brood X cicadas, the experts at The Bug Man are here to help. Contact us today to learn more.

Termite Season is Once Again Knocking at the Door

Termite Season is Once Again Knocking at the Door

Termite season has officially started here in Murfreesboro TN. As soon as the weather warms up even a bit, termites become active. With our climate, termites are a problem for homeowners most of the year. Because they are such a dangerous pest problem, it’s crucial to learn what you need to do to prevent a termite infestation throughout the spring and summer months.

To help, the termite experts at The Bug Man are here to share all you need to know about termite season in our region. Read on to learn more!

The Start of Termite Season

When the weather breaks, the termites will begin to swarm. Swarming is when the new reproductive termites take flight looking for a new place to call home. The termite swarm will usually occur on a sunny, humid morning. Once the termites have swarmed, they find a mate, and attempt to return to the soil to begin a new life. Most of the swarming termites will die. If they swarm inside a house, they die. When they swarm outside, other predators such as birds, lizards, spiders, and other insects will dine on the termites.

How to Prevent Termites Throughout the Year

Many homeowners ask what they can do to protect their homes. The best way to stay protected against termite problems is to work with a professional termite exterminator. This ensures your home or business is inspected on a yearly basis for termites in order to stop an infestation before it begins. In addition, there are a number of things you can do to make your home less attractive to termites:

  1. Eliminate sources of standing water in or near the home and fix any moisture problems, such as a leaky faucet or broken water pipe.
  2. Ensure your yard has good drainage, avoid excess mulch, and clean out gutters regularly.
  3. Keep piles of lumber or firewood away from the foundation of your home, and eliminate any sources of decaying lumber.
  4. Regularly inspect your deck, patio, or outdoor furniture for signs of damage.
  5. Remove dead trees and branches from areas surrounding your yard.

 

Stop Termites This Year

Spring is the time termites swarm, so now is the time for an inspection! At The Bug Man, we will thoroughly check your home to seek out any vulnerabilities that could lead to a termite problem.