Dealing with Stink Bugs, Spiders, and Other Common Pests in Nashville, TN
Every season there is a different bug or insect that comes out to play and tries to take over your home and yard. It doesn't matter where in the U.S. you live, you have some kind of bug that annoys you or you can never seem to get rid of. In Nashville, TN, that means spiders, stink bugs and other pests. Here is how to handle when stink bugs, spiders and other flying insects and bugs make their way into your home and take over your yard.
Why the Bugs Want in Your Home
Why do the bugs want in your home in the first place? While they love the rain because it means the standing water they breed and lay their eggs in, they are not the best at flying. The rain and wind knock them down, and they don't want to be out in that. The best spot for them to ride out the storm is in your house. That is why you see such an uptick in bugs after a heavy rain or storm.
Stink Bugs
The stink bug, more scientifically known as the Halyomorpha halys, is originally native to Japan, China, Taiwan and the Korean Peninsula. They didn't make their way over to the U.S. via Pennsylvania until 1998, so they are a relatively new problem in the insect world. It was an accident how they got to the U.S., which is a story for another day, but the fact is they are here, and we have to deal with them.
What Stink Bugs Do
Thankfully, these bugs don't harm humans and aren't dangerous at all. As far as what they do when they enter the home, they just crawl around and freak you out when one drops from the curtain. They don't do anything to you.
How to Remove Them From Your Home
A stink bug is pretty easy to initially get out of your home. Trapping them and releasing them back outside isn't hard to do since they don't bite. You could smash them with a swatter or vacuum them up-but be warned-they stink. That's where their name comes into play.
If you crush a stink bug, it emits an odor that you don't want in your house. The vacuum could also crush them, so unless you want your vacuum to smell like a gross, dead bug for a while, don't do that, or use a shop vac.
How to Stop Them From Getting in Your Home
These guys look for any entry point they can fit in. From window cracks to loose vent covers, they will find a way in. Do a thorough sweep of your home with a caulk gun, cement or foam and fill those spots in to keep these stink bugs out.
Spiders
The Spiders in Nashville are something else. There has been an increase in species and numbers, but there are just about a dozen that are always around.
- Brown Recluse Spider
- Wolf Spider
- American House Spider
- Southern Black Widow Spider
- Northern Black Widow Spider
- False Black Widow Spider
- Northern Yellow Sac Spider
- Cellar Spider
- Spiny-Backed Orb Weaver
- Bold Jumping Spider
Keep Spiders Out Naturally
There are a few at-home remedies to keep spiders outside. Essential oils are great, as they are non-toxic (with some exceptions for pets) and really easy to use. They also leave your house smelling great, so it's a win for everyone.
You could also try to declutter and dust your home. We know, those authentic spiderwebs are great for Halloween, but spooky season doesn't mean you have to have real spiders crawling around your house. Start at the top of the room and work your way down to reduce double cleaning areas.
Watch the Gap on Doors
The bottoms and tops of doors are where spiders love to come in through. Make sure your screen door fits properly and install a door sweep at the bottom if you don't have one. Check the screens on all windows and doors as well, as those are a helpful way to keep spiders out.
Call the Experts
If you have tried dusting, oiling, cleaning and sealing and stink bugs and spiders are still popping up in your home way more than you'd like, it might be time to talk to the professionals. It's okay if you can't figure out how to keep the insects outside where they belong. Some are really smart, and sometimes you cannot find the spot they are entering through.
Utilizing caring and knowledgeable staff who know a thing or two about pests is never a bad idea. Even a consultation could open your eyes to what you missed. But if you don't want to keep trying to figure out where the bugs are coming from, pest control services are pretty easy, with hassle-free and non-toxic options to make sure only the bugs are kicked outside.
The Bugs in Nashville
With the warmer weather and more rain falling during the summer months this year than in previous years, the mosquitos, spiders, ants, spiders and other bugs are taking over Nashville. If you think they have never been this bad before and what is going on this year, you are on the right path. The insects are having a blast with this weather and are able to lay more eggs and stay out longer in the year. Don't feel defeated if you need to call in a pest control service. It isn't you, it's the weather being absolutely what the insects want and need.
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