Crane Fly or Mosquito? A Case of Mistaken Identities

Crane fly on leaf in Tennessee

One of summer’s most notorious pests are mosquitoes. They can quickly ruin any summer gathering, leaving you and your guests itching for days after encountering this bloodsucking pest. Before you grab your bug spray or light your citronella candles, knowing what pest you are battling is important: Is it a crane fly or mosquito? Learn to differentiate between the harmless crane fly and the relentless, biting mosquito with our expert guide.

Mosquito vs. Crane Fly – How To Spot The Differences

Crane flies and mosquitoes share many similarities, but knowing a few key differences between the two will quickly turn you into an expert insect identifier.

  • Physical Characteristics – The easiest way to tell the difference between a mosquito and a crane fly is size. Crane flies can grow to a massive 1 to 2 inches long, earning them the nickname mosquito hawk. Mature mosquitoes grow to be less than half that size, measuring under 1/2”. Another difference between these two pests is the shape of their body. Mosquitoes are known for their curved back, whereas crane flies have straight bodies.
  • Diet – The diet of crane flies and mosquitoes is vastly different. Crane flies eat a varied diet of vegetation, roots, algae, and insects. A mosquito’s diet is based on gender; male mosquitoes feed on nectar and pollen, while female mosquitoes require blood from humans or animals to reproduce.
  • Habitat – Mosquitoes and crane flies share a similar habitat. They both seek out areas with stagnant water to lay their eggs. Once fully mature, a crane fly generally stays in the same area, buzzing around bodies of water and tall grass. While mosquitoes start out close to standing water, female mosquitoes often travel away from nesting sites in search of humans or animals to feed on to produce eggs.
  • Risk – Mosquitoes are known for their itchy bites, transmitting diseases like Zika, West Nile Virus, and Yellow Fever. Crane flies lack a long proboscis, the sharp, needle-like mouthpiece mosquitoes use to pierce skin, and do not have the jaw strength to bite humans even if they wanted to try to bite. Although similar in appearance to mosquitoes, crane flies are completely harmless.

Keep Buzzing Pests Away With Leo’s Pest Control

Whether it is a massive crane fly or a biting mosquito, the presence of these pests can ruin your lovely summer evenings outdoors. With help from the pest control experts at Leo’s Pest Control, you can stop swatting bugs and get back to enjoying your backyard.

For over 55 years, Leo’s Pest Control has been a leader in fast, effective, and lasting pest control services in the Bristol, Tennessee, area. Our licensed exterminators are dedicated to exceptional service, allowing you to reclaim your space from pests. Bid farewell to pest-related woes and contact Leo’s Pest Control today!

Time to Bite Back: Mosquito Prevention Made Easy

An adult sprayed bug spray onto a child's arm.

Residents of Bristol TN can all agree the city and surrounding area has so much to offer; rolling hills with lush forests, beautiful caves, and flowing rivers. Unfortunately, having all that water means an easy breeding ground for mosquitoes. 

Most of us have been bitten by a mosquito at some point in our lives and will probably be bitten again. However, when it comes to your home and yard, there’s are measures you can take to make sure your small slice of paradise is safer.

The Do’s of Mosquito Prevention:

Preventing mosquitoes from taking up residence in your yard is top of the list for many homeowners. Use these proven mosquito prevention measures below:

  • Remove Standing Water: Mosquitoes need standing water to breed. As the temperatures rise, stagnant water provides them the perfect place to breed. Utilizing proper soil drainage and emptying containers that hold water in your yard will keep them from getting settled in.
  • Use Screens and Netting: Having your porch, windows, and doors netted and screened off will keep mosquitoes and even other pests from getting to you. If mosquitoes can’t reach you, they can’t bite you!
  • Set Out Traps: Mosquito traps are a good source of hands-off mosquito extermination. These traps use a combination of heat from a UV lamp and carbon dioxide emission to draw these pests in. Often taking the shape of an unobtrusive bucket or latern, mosquitoes are drawn in and stuck forever.

The Don’ts of Mosquito Prevention:

You may be tempted to go for some other cost effective D.I.Y mosquito prevention hacks. However, the following activities will do little to keep you from getting munched on in the near future:

  • Don’t Use Citronella Candles: Citronella candles do repel mosquitoes but only in a small radius. Furthermore, it’s not advised to use them inside of the house as citronella can also harm our lungs if the gasses are trapped in an enclosed space.
  • Don’t Use Bug Zappers: Mosquitoes largely hunt with an acute sense of smell, not by light. This means that while moths and other bugs are drawn to zappers, they’re poor at mosquito extermination. 
  • Don’t Use Essential Oils: While essential oils do a good job of making you smell nice, they’ll do little to hide you from mosquitoes. It’s best to use an EPA-approved insect repellent containing DEET or Piciardin instead. 

Mosquito Prevention Professionals

At the end of the day, the best thing to do is call the professionals at Leo’s Pest Control. We have over half a century of experience in pest control and prevention. Offering both residential and commercial pest control, we have you covered not only in your home but where you work. With PestFree365+ we offer protection from over 30 common household pests, including mosquitoes. With ongoing pest control, we make sure that you can live pest-free* all year long.

Contact our experts today for a free quote on our award-winning pest control today!

Common Pests During the Late Summer

A deer tick

Some of us look forward to the end of summer to finally catch a break from pests, but August and September won’t afford us this opportunity quite yet. In fact, there are several kinds of bugs and wildlife that thrive in the conditions of the late summer. If you want to ensure that the last of the warm season isn’t ruined by pest problems, you have to weave prevention strategies into your routines. To learn about common late-summer pests in Bristol and Johnson City TN and what you can do to stop them, read on for advice from Leo’s Pest Control!

Pest That Thrive in Late Summer

Late spring and early summer are commonly regarded as the height of pest season, but this doesn’t mean that the late summer and other seasons are free of pest issues. Here in Bristol and Johnson City, we commonly face the following pests in the late summer:

  • Wildlife: If an animal hibernates during the winter, you can be sure that they will be active all summer. Our late summers usually come with raccoon, opossum, and squirrel problems.
  • Bees and wasps: As long as people are gathering outside, bees and wasps are going to hang around. If you cook outside often or have a habit of leaving out sugary or protein-rich foods, you can expect bees and wasps to build nests close to these newfound food sources.
  • Ticks: Ticks breed in the early summer to produce booming populations that hang around until temperatures drop significantly again. Watch out for ticks around tall grass or dense vegetation.
  • Mosquitoes: If you don’t disturb their breeding grounds, mosquitoes can develop a consistent output of offspring that stick around into fall.

Preventing These Late Summer Pests

We want to preface this prevention information by reminding you that any serious pest infestation should be dealt with immediately by an experienced technician. However, if you want a head start on keeping these late summer pests off of your property, we have some advice for you:

  1. Look for standing water: Because mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, getting rid of all potential breeding grounds will keep them off of your property. Pour out rainwater wherever you find it — be sure to look in gutters, planter boxes, and similar places.
  2. Keep your yard tidy: Trimming plants, removing leaf piles and grass clippings, and decluttering in general will all help prevent temporary pest shelters.
  3. Seal entry points: Look around the outside of your house and any structures in your yard for gaps in roofing, siding, fencing, foundation, or elsewhere. Seal holes with a silicone-based caulk or install screens to cover window gaps.
  4. Protect your trash: Taking out your trash regularly will prevent indoor pest problems, and using lids that seal on your outdoor bins will prevent wild animals and bees.

Professional Pest Control for Late Summer

If you have already tried a bunch of prevention methods and have had no luck keeping pests off of your property in Bristol and Johnson City TN this summer, it’s time to team up with your local pest experts. Our team at Leo’s Pest Control knows all about the pest problems that residents and business owners face year after year in our region. We can quickly assess your property for crucial vulnerabilities and put together a uniquely-crafted plan that tackles them safely and efficiently. Reach out today for a free quote!

Pest Proof Your Backyard in 10 Steps

A backyard to be serviced in Bristol TN - Leo's Pest Control

The sunshine and warmth bring everyone outdoors all spring and summer here in Bristol TN. However, we aren’t the only ones excited about the good weather. All sorts of common pests capitalize on the warmth that follows after a rainy season, and if we aren’t careful, our lack of preparation can invite them into our yards to settle, feed, and reproduce. Looking to learn how to keep pests out of your backyard? Read on for advice from the technicians at Leo’s Pest Control!

10 Pest-Proofing Tips for Your Backyard

Keeping pests out of your backyard during the spring and summer means adding pest prevention measures to your regular cleaning and upkeep routines. Here are our technicians’ 10 best tips to help you do so!

  1. Get rid of standing water: Still water provides breeding grounds for mosquitoes and a hydration source for many other kinds of pests. If you find rainwater pooling in buckets, planters, gutters, or elsewhere on your property, pour it out or cover it.
  2. Trim your plants: Unkempt trees, bushes, and brush can create shaded hiding places for pests like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.
  3. Clear away yard waste: Piles of yard waste can work as temporary hiding places for pests ranging from ants to rats. Dispose of your yard waste regularly.
  4. Use garden netting: Protecting your plants with garden netting can keep away common garden thieves like raccoons and even smaller garden pests like beetles.
  5. Mow your lawn regularly: Mowing your lawn once a week can ensure that longer grass blades aren’t trapping standing water and allowing common lawn pests to find easy shelters.
  6. Dethatch your lawn, too: A thin layer of thatch can insulate your lawn and keep it healthy, but too much will suffocate the grass and create a sheltered environment for all kinds of insects.
  7. Keep bins sealed and far away: Pests as small as wasps and as big as raccoons will take advantage of open trash cans to forage for food. Seal your bins if you can, and keep them at a good distance from your yard.
  8. Store firewood up and away: Keeping firewood off of the ground and away from your home or back deck can prevent devastating termite infestations from developing.
  9. Hydrate your lawn properly: Your lawn needs a regulated amount of water because both overwatering and underwatering can lead to pest problems. A sprinkler or irrigation system can solve this problem.
  10. Hire an exterminator: A professional pest control technician can approach your yard with the expertise to identify vulnerabilities and create a plan to keep pests off of your property.

Pest Control for Your Backyard in Bristol TN

If you want to make sure your backyard stays pest-free* all through the year, get in touch with your local pest control company. Our technicians at Leo’s Pest Control are trained to conduct exhaustive services, starting with property-wide inspections to identify problem sites, following with extermination and exclusion measures, and returning for any preventative maintenance necessary. For a free quote, contact us today!

No-see-ums vs Gnats vs Mosquito Bites—How Are They Different?

A small swarm of gnats in Bristol TN - Leo's Pest Control

No matter the time of day or time of year, bugs in Bristol TN are out and biting. You could be awake or sleeping, outside or inside, and still be a target.

When it comes to staying safe from bug bites, flying pests can be the hardest to defend yourself from. There are multiple kinds of airborne insects in our region that can dish out painful, irritating, or even dangerous bites. In particular, we hear a lot of people complain about no-see-ums, gnats, and mosquitoes. If you think you’ve been bitten by one of these pests but are having trouble identifying your bites, read on for Leo’s Pest Control’s expert insight!

Gnats vs No-see-ums vs Mosquitoes

These three pests are widely felt to be Bristol’s most annoying insects. We’ve all ran into these pests at some point or another, but here’s how to be sure which one you’re seeing:

  1. Mosquitoes: Much larger than our other two friends, mosquitoes can be identified easily. They have long wings and a proboscis that looks like a needle protruding from their mouth. Their bodies form a hunch-backed position and grow to about 3/8”.
  2. Gnats: These tiny flies come out in spring and summer by the thousands. Gnats are very small with gray or black bodies, and they move together in large swarms, or clouds, of individuals.
  3. No-see-ums: No-see-ums are actually a specific type of gnat. They are even smaller than their counterparts, at only around 1/16” in length. This allows them to squeeze through the screens on our windows and doors.

Differences Between Bug Bites

One way to tell apart the kinds of pests around your home in Bristol TN is to be able to identify them by bite symptoms. These are the main differences between mosquito, gnat, and no-see-um bites:

  • Mosquito bites: Mosquito bites start as a raised white welt and recede into a pinkish-red bump. They are likely to take place on your arms, legs, or other easily accessible areas of exposed skin.
  • Gnat bites: Gnat bites look similar to mosquito bites, but can be distinguished by being darker, smaller, and more rough-looking. They also take longer to heal than mosquito bites.
  • No-see-um bites: Given that no-see-ums are actually gnats, their bites are very similar to most other gnats. However, no-see-ums are more likely to bite very close together and on less common areas, like your face.

In short, you can differentiate between these kinds of bites by how close together they are, how dark they are, and how long they last.

Preventing Bug Bites in Bristol TN

Using an insect repellent that is made of up to 20% DEET is one of the most effective methods of preventing bug bites during the summer in Bristol. However, if it isn’t enough to stop the pests around your property, you can rely on professional pest control to help you control your outbreak. At Leo’s Pest Control, we have plenty of experience eliminating all kinds of pest infestations and will conduct comprehensive inspections and repellent efforts to keep your yard pest-free*. For a free quote on pest control for mosquitoes, gnats, or no-see-ums, contact us today!

When Are Mosquitoes Most Active?

What mosquitoes look like in Bristol TN - Leo's Pest Control

Sometimes it feels like there’s nothing we can do to avoid mosquitoes in the summer here in Bristol TN. Our hot and humid summers create an ideal climate for mosquitoes to thrive in. So what can we do about the inevitable surge of mosquitoes every year?

Learning about what times mosquitoes exhibit the highest amounts of activity will allow you to avoid them much better this summer. Read on for our expert tips on mosquito activity and what you can do to prevent mosquito bites during the warmer months of the year.

When Are Mosquitoes Most Active?

Mosquitoes are most often out and looking for victims to feed on at dawn and dusk when the sunlight is low. Because they prefer to be active in moderate temperatures, mosquitoes don’t often bite during the middle of the day. They wait for the cooler hours of the early morning and evening and stay active for some periods of the night.

During dawn and dusk, watch out for mosquitoes in these areas:

  • Lakes and ponds
  • Yards with lots of trees and plants
  • Wooded areas
  • Pools, birdbaths, spas, and other sources of still water

If you live close to any of the aforementioned areas, you are likely to experience high numbers of mosquitoes on your property all summer.

Do Mosquitoes Fall Asleep?

After learning about when they are most active, you might be wondering, “when do mosquitoes sleep?” The truth is, we don’t know a whole lot about mosquito sleep patterns. Little research has been done into their habits of rest, but we do know a few things:

  1. Mosquitoes don’t necessarily “sleep” in the strictest sense of the word, but they do enter recurring states of dormancy, seemingly for hours at a time.
  2. They enter these states at a few different times during the day, usually during the middle of the day and at various points over the night.
  3. Mosquitoes like to rest in covered, shaded areas for ideal temperatures and the most protection.

How to Avoid Mosquitoes in Bristol TN

To avoid mosquitoes, you can try using EPA-approved insecticides, wearing long-sleeved clothes, and covering or pouring out any standing water on your property. However, if these strategies don’t work, you should reach out to your local pest control company. The mosquito control experts at Leo’s Pest Control will conduct a holistic inspection of your yard to figure out the best way to prevent a mosquito infestation on your property. Contact us today for a free quote!

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.