Afraid of Rodents and Bugs? 2021 May Not Be Your Year

Rodent control services in Bristol Tennessee; Call Leo's Pest Control

Entomologists from Leo’s parent company, Rentokil Provide their Pest Predictions for 2021

READING, Penn. (Jan. 4, 2021) — As if 2020 didn’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, it’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.

“We’re seeing more rats in urban, suburban and rural settings because of the shutdowns,” said Marc Potzler, Board Certified Entomologist. “Food sources are cut off, and rats are having to travel to scavenge for food. We’ve seen rats out in public during the day, which is highly unusual.”

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.

“Right now is the perfect time to rodent-proof your home,” said Potzler. “Make sure to repair any gaps on the exterior of your home, such as around garage doors, windows or pipes.”

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.

“There is an increase of mosquitoes across the country, but notably on the West Coast, and they are adapting each year,” said Eric Sebring, Associate Certified Entomologist. “We 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 that’s not because they have gone away.

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

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: “As soon as the weather starts to warm up, we will see an increase in ant populations,” said Tom Dobrinska, Board Certified Entomologist. “Most 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.”

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 Aren’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.

“We received more calls for termites this past year than we have in many years,” said Potzler. “It’s important to raise awareness for homeowners now to have proactive protection to keep from costly repairs in the future.”

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. “The brown marmorated stink bug is here to stay,” said Dobrinska. “We will continue to see this species emerge in late spring in large numbers.”

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.

“The Spotted Lanternfly is becoming a big problem in the Northeast, and it will continue to spread,” said Potzler. “It can be devastating for agriculture and is a nuisance for homeowners.”

The egg masses look like a smear of mud on trees and outside of homes. It’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 “Murder 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.

“We know that there was one colony found and eliminated in Washington State,” said Sebring. “Unfortunately, if there is one, there will be more.”

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.

How to Tell the Difference Between Mice & Rats

Identify rats and mice in Bristol TN - Leo's Pest Control

Mice and rats share many similar traits but differ in a number of important ways. All rodents share the common trait that is their incisor teeth, which never stop growing. This of course explains their habit of chewing and gnawing just about anything they can get their mouths on. However, the mouse and rat differ in several ways, and many people tend to get these two pests confused for one another. Both can be a nuisance, but it’s important to learn how to tell the difference between mice and rats in order to better prepare yourself for an infestation. At Leo’s Pest Control, our rodent experts are here to share their expert knowledge on the matter—keep reading to learn more!

6 Rat Facts

While rats differ in species, they all share a number of traits that makes them stand out from their mouse counterparts. Here’s how:

  • Most rats typically have larger bodies that are about 6–9 inches in size.
  • Rats have small, hairy ears and larger feet.
  • Their droppings are much bigger than those of mice at 10–20 mm long.
  • Rats produce 3–6 litters a year with up to 10 pups in each litter.
  • Rats are opportunistic feeders that will eat meats, grains, seeds, and nearly anything else!

Mouse and rat identification in Bristol TN - Leo's Pest Control

How Are Mice Different from Rats?

Mice are obviously much smaller than rats, but their differences don’t stop there. Here’s how to identify the difference between mice and rats:

  • Many mice species are just 2–4 inches long.
  • Mice typically have larger ears and tails compared to their body size.
  • The droppings mice leave behind have pointed ends and are just 1–2 mm long.
  • They are more prolific than rats: Mice produce 5–10 litters a year with up to 14 mice in each litter.
  • Mice are omnivores but mostly feed on seeds, grains, and fruits.

How to Know if You Have Rodent Problems

Unlike many types of pests, rodents will make their presence known rather quickly when they infest your property. Some of the most common signs you have rodents in your home include foul odors, odd noises, gnaw marks, chewed up nests, burrows or tunnels, and droppings or urine spots. Besides being a nuisance to get rid of, rats and mice alike are dangerous due to their ability to transmit some of the world’s worst diseases. As soon as you spot the signs of rats or mice, it’s crucial to contact your local rodent exterminator.

Mice & Rats in Bristol TN

Rodent infestations are more common than you want to think in our area. If you are unsure whether you have rats or mice infesting your property, it’s best to enlist the help of a professional. At Leo’s, we focus on rodent prevention and exclusion to stop rrodents from getting inside your home in the first place. Contact us today to learn more!

Reports of Rodents Surge During the Pandemic

Rodents are infesting more homes during the pandemic in Bristol TN - Leo's Pest Control

Rats and mice are typically common this time of year, but 2020 is seeing a surge in rodent activity due to the pandemic. With the shutdowns and restrictions put on restaurants and bars, rodents suddenly were deprived of their normal food source. This in turn caused them to look to residential homes for sustenance. Now with the weather getting colder, rodents will look to make their way inside your home for the coming months. This Rodent Awareness Week, it’s important to learn how to protect your home from rodents and all of the dangers they bring. Keep reading for expert tips from the team at Leo’s.

Rodents & Coronavirus

Rodents may be responsible for transmitting some of the world’s worst diseases, but COVID-19 is thankfully not one of them. Although there is no evidence to suggest that they are spreading this disease, there are still other diseases they are linked to. Also, a rodent infestation at any time can lead to structural damage.

Restaurant closures have caused an uptick in residential rodent sightings as rats and mice become bolder in their hunt for resources. This directly correlates to a bigger risk of infestations and rodent-spread issues. While they won’t transmit COVID-19 to you or your family, it remains crucial to keep these pests out and away from your home all year long.

Prevention Tips for Rodents

Now is the time to protect your property from rodents and the damage they can cause. Leo’s best rodent prevention tips are as follows.

  1. Securely store all food in metal or glass containers with tight-fitting lids.
  2. Clean inside the house and around the garden. Less clutter means fewer places to hide.
  3. Put outdoor garbage bags in metal garbage cans with securely fitted lids to stop them from feeding on contents.
  4. Seal off cracks and crevices around openings. Mice can squeeze inside holes the size of a dime.
  5. Clean up pet food and bird seed debris, and store pet food in robust containers with fitted lids, preferably above ground level.
  6. If you have a compost heap don’t include organic food waste, as this will attract them.
  7. Inspect your garage, attic, crawlspaces, and vents for potential rodent hiding spots.

Dealing With Rodents This Fall?

As mentioned previously, rodents are more abundant (and more aggressive) than ever. If you find yourself with a rodent infestation, it’s important to act fast. The rodent exterminators at Leo’s Pest Control can work with you to implement a custom rodent control plan. Contact us today to learn more.

Watch Out for Asian Lady Beetles This Fall

Asian lady beetles infest Bristol TN homes in the fall - Leo's Pest Control

The Asian lady beetle is often confused for a normal ladybug, but they are actually quite different. Asian lady beetles are a common fall pest problem as they look to seek shelter before the cold months ahead. Similarly to the boxelder bug and stink bug problems this time of year, Asian lady beetles will flock to the side of your home to bask in the sun on colder fall days. This is when they may crawl indoors through windows, doors, or other cracks and crevices. Once indoors, they’ll gravitate toward windows but can also be found in attics, in curtains, and more. While not the most dangerous pest problem, you definitely don’t want these beetles flying around your Bristol TN home! Read on for expert info on the Asian lady beetle from our team of experts at Leo’s Pest Control.

All About Asian Lady Beetles in Tennessee

It can be easy to misidentify an Asian lady beetle for a ladybug. Here’s how to tell them apart:

  1. Asian lady beetles are slightly larger than ladybugs.
  2. They can be off-red, orange, or even a mustard color.
  3. Asian lady beetles have two white oval markings on the spot behind their head.
  4. Some have an M-shaped mark on the pronotum.
  5. The beetles can leave behind an odorous fluid when crushed.

Tips to Keep Asian Lady Beetles Out in the Fall

When the temperature starts to dip in the fall months, Asian lady beetles will begin to look for shelter indoors. After basking in the sun on the south or western facing wall of a structure, they can get indoors through any opening. Our top tips to keep Asian lady beetles out of your home this fall include:

  • Repair or replace damaged screens on doors and windows.
  • Replace the weather stripping around windows and doors.
  • Use caulk to seal cracks around windows, doors, utility pipes, siding, behind chimneys, and around any other openings.
  • Possibly plant some mums in your garden or around your home. These beetles are not fans of the plants and will avoid them at all costs.
  • Try out a natural deterrent using citrus or citronella scents. Make a spray with orange or lemon essential oil diluted with water, and spray around your windows or doors.

How to Get Rid of Asian Lady Beetles

If you start to notice these insects inside your property, there’s no need to panic. These beetles may bite, but their bites are not known to be dangerous. You can use a vacuum cleaner to contain them, but make sure to dispose of them in a sealed bag. The residential exterminators at Leo’s know just how distressing any type of pest problem is inside your home, which is why we’re here to help. Contact us today for assistance with Asian lady beetles.