December, January & February:

Cooler weather will force many pests into structures. Rodents (rats and mice) are the primary problem. However, many different insect pests also present challenges.

Remember, it is always around 70 degrees inside structures that people inhabit, so that provides a good environment for all pests. Therefore, roaches (especially the “wood roaches” that typically live outside), ants, silverfish, crickets, and others can be problems.

A thorough visual inspection to identify pests is necessary before placement of pesticides or glue boards. This is true for every season…but is especially important during winter months.

March, April & May:

Everyone knows that Spring signals the renewal of all life. Blooming flowers and trees attract any number of insects. These emerge from “hibernation” through the winter months or hatch out resulting from fall mating.

Outside, they may provide a slight hazard if someone disturbs a bee or wasp trying to secure nectar from a flowering plant. However, it is wasps that emerge accidentally into living spaces that present a real problem.

As temperatures cool in fall and winter, pregnant female wasps enter attic spaces to nest over the winter. As temperatures warm in the spring, they begin to migrate outside. Unfortunately, the wasps may become disoriented. and fly into the home’s existing living space. Ceiling fixtures and fireplaces provide key entry points. These wasps are typically lethargic, dust covered and non-aggressive. However, stepping on one with a barefoot can result in a negative experience!

June, July & August:

In Tennessee the Summer temperatures fluctuate dramatically from day to day! July and August are typically hot, but can present milder weather on occasion. It is this fluctuation that causes pest movement into and out of structures.

Ants are one of the most common pests for this time of year. With the help of landscapers Fire ants are rapidly moving north and require attention to eliminate this problem.

September, October & November:

Fall requires a change in treatment procedure for the Pest Management Professional as many different insects complete their life cycle. Box elder bugs, some ground beetles, lady bird beetles and others become adults and begin searching for members of the opposite sex to start the process all over again!

In addition, centipedes, millipedes, pill bugs and sow bugs move into structures when there is excessive rainfall.