Most Common Bugs in Tennessee During the Month of May: Here’s What to Watch Out For
As the weather continues to get warmer, Tennessee residents are going to start seeing an increase in pest activity. This is the time of year where people love to spend time outdoors and start home improvement projects, but it’s also a time where pests thrive the most. It’s important to understand what each pest is capable of this time of year to stay ahead of infestations in the future.
Let’s take a closer look at the most common bugs you’ll see this month. We also want you to keep in mind that a free inspection from U.S. Pest is the first step to targeting the source of the problem.
Ants: The Small BUT Persistent Invaders
Ants are one of the most common pests that Tennessee homeowners encounter throughout the month of May. While the temperatures rise, ants take this as a sign to start searching for food and water. And this often results in them making their way inside your kitchen, pantry, wall voids, or other areas they love.
We understand that all ants are incredibly annoying, especially carpenter ants. You might notice trails of ants along baseboards, countertops, or entry points like windows and doors. Please watch out for the following: visible ant trails on the inside and outside, small piles of dirt or debris near entry points, and increased activity around food sources.
Preventing ants all starts with eliminating the source where it all starts. And that’s moisture. Professional treatment is the first step if you want to make the problem go away forever.
Carpenter Bees: The Silent Wood Destroyers
Carpenter bees are another common insect you’ll start to see more consistently in May. These large, solitary bees are often mistaken for bumblebees, but their behavior is significantly different. Instead of living in hives, they burrow into wood to create nesting tunnels. This repeated nesting habit can weaken wooden structures such as decks, fences, siding, and eaves over time.
If you notice perfectly round holes in the wood around your home, sawdust-like material, or any hovering bees around wooden structures, it’s your sign to schedule a free inspection immediately. While carpenter bees seem harmless at first, they can cause costly damage if you don’t do something about them. Don’t let these guys ruin your outdoor festivities!
Wasps: Aggressive and Territorial
Wasps become increasingly active in May as they begin building nests. Unlike bees, wasps can be aggressive, especially when they feel their nest is threatened. You might find them under eaves, in attics, or attached to outdoor structures.
A few common types in Tennessee are paper wasps and yellowjackets. Keep an eye out for visible nests around your home, an increase in wasp activity, and buzzing sounds near rooflines or other hidden areas. With their ability to be aggressive, wasp infestations should be handled by the professionals. Our technicians are properly trained to safely remove nests and prevent the problem from continuing.
Mosquitoes: They’re More than Just a Nuisance
The season for mosquitoes is taking off this month in Tennessee. And with an increase in rainfall, mosquitoes are capable of finding more ideal breeding conditions.
Most of us are aware that mosquitoes come with a lot of itchy bites and potential diseases. But some people might not know the necessary steps to take when trying to get rid of them. It’s important to make sure that all standing water from your gutters, birdbaths, containers, and other areas are drained. The most accurate time for peak mosquito activity is early in the morning and at sunset.
Reducing standing water and maintaining regular yard treatments can provide temporary relief, but sticking to a consistent pest control service schedule is essential for long-term results.
Spiders: The House Guests You Don’t Want Hanging Around Your Home this Season
Spiders are active year-round, but their visibility increases tremendously in May. This is because they feed on other insects and the warmer weather brings them all out.
Here’s the good news. Most spiders in Tennessee are harmless. However, their presence can still be unsettling to many people. And in some cases, they can be a little dangerous. Spiders typically enter homes to search for food sources and new areas to shelter in.
If you find webs in corners, basements, or garages, don’t panic. These are just the first signs that spiders are becoming more active. One of the best ways to keep your home pest-free is to keep up with your regular scheduled pest control services.
What does a FREE Inspection from U.S. Pest Protection Include?
First, knowing what pests to look out for is only half the battle. The real solutions come from catching the problems early and keeping up with your treatments. Our professional inspections are designed to give homeowners more peace of mind while identifying current or potential pest issues before they become major problems.
What you can expect from our inspections:
A complete walk-through of both the interior and exterior of the home. A well-trained pest pro will show up to your home ready to inspect both the inside and outside of your home. At these inspections, we are looking for signs of pest activity, entry points, and conditions that could attract infestations. This includes checking basements, crawlspaces, attics, and the foundation.
Accurate identification of where the problem is coming from. The technician will point out areas where pests are becoming active. This includes areas with moisture, wood structures that attract carpenter bees, or gaps along the foundation that allow ants, spiders, and other pests to find their way inside.
Customized plans that are made to work for your home. Every home is different. So every inspection must include a tailored recommendation that’s based on a home’s specific needs. Whether it’s a preventative treatment or targeted solution, you’re guaranteed to receive a plan that’s right for you and your home.
There’s no pressure here! This gives you more of an opportunity to ask the right questions, understand why the problem is happening, explore different options, and make decisions to better protect your home.
Now, the biggest benefit of a free inspection is prevention. By addressing the signs early, you will avoid costly damage and ongoing infestations from showing up in the future.
Stay Ahead of the Game this Summer with U.S. Pest Protection
As you can see, May is the peak time of year for pest activity in Tennessee. But it’s also the perfect opportunity to take the necessary steps to remain pest-free. From ants and carpenter bees to mosquitoes and wasps, knowing what to watch out for can help you protect your home and family at all times.
A free inspection from U.S. Pest provides expert insight and peace of mind to ensure your home stays pest-free throughout the peak season. So, if you start noticing signs of pest activity or simply want to get ahead of future problems, schedule your inspection today. Don’t let these five pests win. It’s time to take back control of your home!
