Do you have a pest infestation problem? Or do you have beneficial insects around your home? And more importantly, how can you tell the difference?

While there is some relationship between pests and insects, not all insects are pests. Some insects are beneficial to our ecosystem and to humans whereas pests are not.

What Are Pests?

In the dictionary, a pest is defined as a destructive insect or animal that attacks crops, food, livestock, etc. Pests are direct competitors with humans and are considered pests when they cause harm to humans beyond the economic threshold level (i.e. the level to which a pest population can be tolerated without economic loss).

Pests can include ticks, mites, insects, birds, mammals, and even plants. Invertebrate pests include transmitters of disease (flies, mosquitoes, and thrips), parasites (bed bugs and lice), and damage-causing pests (termites).

Agents used to kill pests are referred to as pesticides. Other alternative methods such as cultural practices, biological pest control, traps, repellent, and others can also help correct a pest problem.

What Are Insects?

Did you know insects have been around longer than humans? Insects constantly interact with humans either as a pest or as beneficial organisms. Our ecosystem wouldn’t be the same if it weren’t for certain insects and the role they play in our world. Insects are crucial for pollination and environmental sustainability.

So, how can you tell if what you see is an insect? The insect body can be divided into three parts: the head, the thorax, and the abdomen. They typically have a pair of antennae, two pairs of wings (except for ants or flies which have one pair of wings), and three pairs of segmented legs.

Living in a World with Pests and Insects

When you see certain insects in your garden, this is a good thing! Or if you catch an occasional insect in your home, rather than squishing them or flushing them down the toilet, let them go free outside. They add value to the ecosystem and your yard or garden.

While an occasional insect may not be a problem in the home, an infestation of a pest or insect is not something anyone wants to live with. Safe and effective pest control methods by professionals can be used in the home to eliminate infestations. Traditional pesticides can be unsafe for use around children or pets. Eco-friendly pest control solutions that are safe for the whole family should be used by experienced pest control professionals. These professionals are knowledgeable about pests and can eliminate them safely and efficiently from the home.

Are you experiencing a pest infestation in your home or on your property? Call the professionals at Inman-Murphy Termite & Pest Control for help. We’ll send a trained technician to your home to assess the problem and offer recommendations for treatment. Our eco-friendly solutions offer the results you want while keeping you and your family safe. Request a free estimate today! 

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Fall has officially arrived when the leaves change, the mornings are crisp and cool, and the seasonal smells of pie and cinnamon fill the air. The downside of this season is when the weather cools and stink bugs arrive. These pests can be an unwelcome addition and an odorous nuisance in the home.

Stink bugs frequently enter homes when the weather gets colder in search of a warm place to stay through the winter. When they find their way inside in the fall, stink bugs tend to head toward the attic. You may find them settling in a pile of clothes or stack of newspapers.

What Are Stink Bugs?

Stink bugs are formally known as the brown marmorated stink bug. Its name comes from the brown marbling pattern on its back. Stink bugs can be identified by their striped pattern along the abdomen and smooth shoulders. They have a five-sided, shield-shaped body about ¾” long.

Stink bugs can secrete a foul-smelling substance when they are frightened, disturbed, or squished. Use caution when vacuuming them in a household vacuum cleaner because their strong odor could remain.

Do Stink Bugs Cause Damage?

While they don’t pose a risk to health or property, stink bugs are a serious pest for agriculture. They feed on plants, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and ornamentals. They may also dine on weeds and tree leaves. Stink bugs have become a big agriculture problem in mid-Atlantic states causing damage to apples and other crops. They can also be a real headache for home gardeners.

How Can You Prevent Stink Bugs in Your Home?

Prevention is key to keeping stink bugs from coming indoors. Once they get inside, it’s challenging to get rid of them.

Stink Bug Prevention Tips

1. Seal cracks and entry points around siding, pipes, and chimneys. Use a quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk.
2. Replace or repair screens on doors or windows.
3. Keep outdoor lighting to a minimum and turn off outdoor lights when not in use to avoid attracting them.
4. Remove any access to food by storing food in airtight containers, disposing of garbage, and cleaning up spills.
5. Use a dehumidifier to ventilate the attic, basement, garage, and crawl spaces.
6. Trim branches and shrubs and store firewood at least 20 feet from the house and five inches off the ground.
7. Avoid the urge to squish them. They release a foul-smelling odor from pores on the sides of their bodies.

How Do You Eliminate Stink Bugs for Good?

To keep stink bugs from causing an infestation in the home, professional pest control services are recommended to find and eliminate stink bugs in the attic, basement, or throughout the home. If DIY prevention services fail and an infestation is imminent, call for professional help to fix the problem before it gets worse.

If you’re having stink bug issues in your home, call the experts at Inman-Murphy Termite & Pest Control. Contact us today for a free pest control estimate.

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Not every insect is bad. In fact, our world and ecosystem wouldn’t be the same if insects didn’t exist.

Many insects offer inherent value to our ecosystem through pollination and even pest control. Before you grab the swatter, don’t forget these ten beneficial insects serve a good purpose in your yards and gardens.

Ladybugs

Ladybugs are commonly known by their red shell and black spots. They are helpful at fighting harmful agriculture pests such as aphids and other plant parasites. When you see a ladybug in your garden, let them be. They’re an insect you want to have around.

Damsel Bugs

Damsel bugs are soft-bodied, elongated, winged terrestrial predators. They are yellow to tan in color and have large eyes and thin legs. These bugs are also helpful in agriculture because they prey on many types of crop pests. You’ll often find damsel bugs in fields of legumes or alfalfa, but they may be found in other crops or non-cultivated areas too.

Spiders

While we don’t like spiders in our homes and we certainly want to get rid of poisonous spiders, spiders are needed in flower and vegetable gardens to avoid pest outbreaks. When your garden is populated with various insects, you’ll likely find spiders present. If you need to encourage their presence to keep pests away, you can attract spiders by planting perennial plants or straw mulches. 

Lacewing

Lacewings look just as their name suggests. They have large, lace-like wings and are often found feeding on flower nectar. These beautiful insects should be welcomed to your flower garden because they feed on moth eggs, aphids, mites, and caterpillars.

Hover Flies

Hover flies are often confused for wasps or bees and have a similar appearance to lacewings. They feed on aphids and like to live in tight, hard to reach places. Their larvae appear in early spring and are beneficial in helping produce larger and more beautiful strawberries and raspberries.

Honey Bees

The honey bee is a valuable insect for pollination and the production of honey. Honey bees have faced a dramatic and unexplained decline which has become worrisome. A decline in honey bees could threaten food production and increase the costs of honey.

Wasps

While a wasp sting is painful and can lead to swelling, wasps of all varieties are helpful to gardens. Wasps are efficient at garden pest control by attacking eggs of unwanted pests. But, they can certainly be a nuisance and a danger to some people. If you have an allergy to wasp stings, you most certainly need have the wasps and their nests removed.

Ground Beetle

Though not a pleasant sight in your garden, the ground beetle is an insect you want there. These large, long-legged bugs feed on insects that are harmful to vegetables. If you plant tomatoes, potatoes, or cabbage, don’t forget to add a few logs, rocks, or perennial ground covers to attract the ground beetle.

Praying Mantis

Praying mantis are not only interesting looking insects with long front legs joined together when at rest, they also hunt pests around the clock. They move through vegetation searching for crickets, flies, grasshoppers, moths, and caterpillars. They have a boundless appetite for insects making them a valuable form of pest control in gardens.

Dragon Fly

Like several other insects mentioned here, dragon flies also feed on aphids and other pests in gardens. Dragon flies are especially helpful in keeping the mosquito population under control. When you see a dragon fly, enjoy their beauty and let them continue their work keeping pests at bay.

Next time you see one of these ten insects in your yard or garden, don’t be afraid. They each do an important job for the ecosystem. For other pests, such as termites, ants, or mosquitos, call the experts at Inman-Murphy for professional residential pest control.

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Pests are often mistaken creatures because no one wants them hanging around long enough to learn their patterns or behaviors. In the same way, pest control tactics are often surrounded by falsities and myths that need debunked. Before you believe these myths as truths, we’re exposing the top five pest control myths so you can understand the difference.

MYTH #1: Pests Are a Sign of an Unsanitary Home

While pests and rodents are often more attracted to dirty homes with easy access to food sources, clean homes or businesses are not exempt. If pests or rodents find an access point, they’ll enter any building in search of pet food, seeds, grain, vegetables, garbage, or anything else they can find to munch on.

In some cases, such as bed bugs, pests hitch a ride from other locations on your luggage or hide in bags or boxes and become introduced to your home. Keeping the house clean won’t deter them if they’ve already been granted access to food and shelter.

MYTH #2: My Store-Bought Sprays and Traps with Cheese Will Work Just Fine

Ant and other pest sprays may deter them for a little while, but it’s hard to locate the source and eradicate the problem. Households reliant on sprays often discover pests find other entry ways and spraying becomes a continuous cycle.

The same goes for rodent traps with cheese. While they may munch on it if they’re starving, rodents prefer fatty and sweet foods such as meat, peanut butter, pet food, cookies, or bits of cereal.

MYTH #3: They’ll Just Go Away Eventually

Maybe if we ignore them, they’ll eventually go away? Wrong. While there’s a small chance this may happen, pests and rodents are known for fast gestation cycles.

If left untreated, they can reproduce faster than you thought possible and create an infestation that spirals out of control. It’s best to treat a pest problem at the first sign of intruders – before it’s too late.

MYTH #4: After Eating Poison, Rodents Will Die Outside

Staging rat poison around your home or business may sound like a good idea to treat a problem, but it can actually create other problems. While we’d like to think they’ll eat the poison and die outside, rat poison can take 4-10 days to take effect. This means they often die in their nest or burrows hidden in walls, the basement, or the attic. Finding and removing dead and decaying rodents while dealing with the odor can become even more of a hassle.

MYTH #5: My Homeowners Insurance Will Cover Any Pest Damage

Damage from rodents eating electrical wires to termites causing structural issues is often not covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. Do your research and examine your policy before relying on someone else to pay for the damage. Many policies exclude termite and other pest damage which makes it that much more important to have regular inspections and pest control before greater damage is done.

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Unwanted pests can be expensive for businesses if not handled promptly. Make sure you don’t fall into one of these six major pest control mistakes business owners make.

1.    Not Getting a Thorough Pest and Termite Inspection of Your Business

Before you move or buy a new business, thoroughly inspect the building for pests and termites. Hidden pests can cause extensive structural damage resulting in expensive building repairs.

Reduce your risk by having your business periodically inspected by professionals. They can make sure pests aren’t hiding in walls or sneaking through cracks in the foundation, windows, or doors.

2.    Risking Food Contamination

Whether you’re a food manufacturing plant, restaurant, or a store selling perishable goods, make sure your fresh food or products don’t become contaminated by pests.

Keep food in sealed plastic containers and watch for signs of pests (dropping, chew marks, sightings, etc.). Consistent checks, audits, and quality control can help stop a pest problem before it starts.

3.    Tackling a Pest Problem with Harsh Chemicals

Some business owners may try to save money by handling a pest control problem on their own with harsh chemicals. If your business works with food, people, or animals, this isn’t a good idea.

Harsh chemicals can contaminate food or products and be harmful to your employee’s health. Safe, effective solutions are the best way to get rid of a pest problem.

4.    Using Unqualified Pest Control Providers

The cheapest pest control providers may not be the best ones. Unqualified providers may not understand your business or a pest’s habits to safely exterminate them.

Find an experienced provider with years of experience and positive reviews from happy, satisfied customers.

5.    Not Keeping the Building and Perimeter Clean

Pests prefer dirty places to hide and make their home. Keep your business clean, swept, and dusted with all food secured to help keep pests away.

This also includes the perimeter of your building. Trash, materials, and overgrown bushes against the siding and windows offer an entryway for pests to sneak inside through small cracks. Keep the perimeter of your building clean and seal any external cracks.

6.    Waiting Until It’s Too Late

When should you call a pest control expert? The moment you see a mouse, termite, or other damaging pests. If they’re exposing themselves in broad daylight, it means there are likely more and they’ve been there a while.

Don’t wait until an infestation takes place. They can be expensive to exterminate and may cause damage to your products, machines, or property.

At the first sign of a pest, take steps to eliminate the issue safely and effectively with professional pest control.

Are you concerned about pests in your Tennessee business?

Inman-Murphy Termite & Pest Control offers years of experience working with businesses large or small. We’ll help create a treatment plan to make sure your business is pest-free* while your products, employees, and clients stay safe. Get in touch today or call us at (901) 388-0852

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Do you have a fascination with bugs and insects? Have you considered a future career in pest control?

Pest control jobs are in high demand as homes and commercial businesses deal with a range of pests sneaking inside where they don’t belong.

Pest control can be a challenging and rewarding career as you learn the biology and habits of various pests and develop treatment plans based on each location and pest problem.

At Inman-Murphy Termite & Pest Control, we’re proud to hire trained staff who are as curious and interested in pests and pest control methods as we are. If you’ve thought about a future in pest control in Tennessee, the following are a few statistics about the job and education opportunities available.

Pest Control Job Outlook

Most pest control experts spend little time in an office and more time out in the field at client’s homes or commercial buildings. This offers great flexibility on the job for both indoor and outdoor work environments.

In 2015, the median salary for pest control technicians was $32,160 per year or $15.46 per hour. Employment is expected to decrease by about 1% which is small in comparison to a significant 15% growth expectation in prior years from 2006 to 2016. As climate change and expansion of new homes and commercial buildings continue, pest control knowledge and skills will remain in high demand.

Pest control can be a rewarding career where every day is different. The challenge of locating pests, determining the best course of action, and the variety on the job keeps every day fresh and interesting.

How to Become a Pest Control Expert

Pest control workers are required to be knowledgeable in pest control management techniques and pest biology. Workers must be licensed by the state they work in and may be required to become licensed by federal agencies as well.

Obtaining advanced education in entomology (the study of insects) can make you and your skills in even higher demand. Local universities in Tennessee offer entomology courses designed to learn more about specific pests and how to safely remove them.

Pest Control or Entomology Colleges Courses

The following are a couple of the top pest control/entomology programs offered in Tennessee.

In Tennessee:

University of Tennessee

An Undergraduate Minor in Entomology and Plant Pathology is available at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN. Students must take 15 credit hours of approved courses. Graduate level programs for a Masters or Doctorate degree in Entomology and Plant Pathology are also available.

If you’re interested in learning more, contact the Entomology and Plant Pathology program contacts for more information.

In addition, the University of Tennessee offers a Pesticide Safety and Education Program available to the public. This course is designed to protect the environment and public health through education on the improper uses of pesticides.

Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University offers an Entomology program performing research on pest management. The entomology program is located at the TSU Nursery Research Center and is led by Dr. Jason Oliver, Research Associate Professor.

Out of State Education Options

There are many options for students if you’re willing to travel out of the state of Tennessee or able to take online classes—this is not an exhaustive list, but it is a good starting point for information on educational options.

Auburn University in Alabama offers an Undergraduate minor in Entomology. You’ll have to take 15 semester hours of work in entomology to complete the minor.

Florida A&M University offers an Undergraduate major in Entomology—they also offer Master’s and Ph.D. level programs.

University of Florida offers an Undergraduate major in Entomology and Nematology.

University of Georgia offers an Undergraduate major in Entomology as well as a Master’s and Doctorate program.

University of Kentucky in Lexington offers students a minor in Entomology or students can follow an individualized program in Entomology to go along with their B.Sc in Agriculture. They also offer a Graduate program in Entomology which has been ranked as a “Top Ten” graduate level program at KU.

This is just a short list of the opportunities in our region. For information on other educational programs, visit the student resources page at the Entomological Society of America’s website

Online/Distance Learning Options

Iowa State University has a great list of online resources and online courses,

Purdue University offers non-credit online courses on Pest Management Technology as part of a correspondence course series on pest management.

University of Florida offers a number of undergraduate and graduate courses in addition to their traditional degree programs.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Offers an online Master’s Degree program.

University of Minnesota offers distance learning pest management related courses.

University of Nebraska – Lincoln offers a full-curriculum distance M.S. degree in entomology as well as online courses for undergraduate students.

On-the-Job Training in the Military

Many people may not realize this, but the US Military has their own pest management people and these career fields work with many of the same pests and environmental concerns as we do in the private sector.

Air Force Pest Management specialists are responsible to take the necessary actions to control and prevent pest infestations on an Air Force Base.

Army Entomologists conduct research, perform pest management and provide important information to military leaders regarding biological hazards wherever US military members are deployed.

Navy Entomologists also conduct research on and plan infestation prevention and pest control at US Naval Stations, Marine Corps Bases and onboard surface ships.

Consider a Career in Pest Control at Inman-Murphy

If you’re a recent high school grad or interested in changing careers, consider a career in pest control. It’s a career that keeps you out of an office and allows you to put your skills to the test creating treatment plans based on the pest issue and the location.

After completing courses in pest control or entomology, make sure to reach out to Inman-Murphy Termite & Pest Control to see if we’re hiring. We’re always looking for talented technicians to join our team!

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Before buying a home from a previous owner, you’ll likely have the home inspected to avoid hidden expenses later. But what about unwanted pests hiding in dark corners?

Pest inspections can tell you if a home is experiencing an infestation and where. Cracks in the foundation, windows, and doors could allow rodents and insects just enough room to sneak inside. Other pests could be hiding in the carpet without you know it.

The following are a few pests you should be concerned about before buying your next home.

Beware of Rodents

A homeowner could have a rodent issue and not know it. Mice can squeeze their bodies through tiny cracks in the foundation or walls and cause an infestation fast. Their gestation period is 20 days with the capability of 5-10 litters a year. If not taken care of early, rodent infestations can spiral out of control, that’s why it’s vitally important to get rodent control services.

Rodents typically leave signs such as dropping or bite marks on plastics. They’re known to hide in drawers or make their homes in cardboard boxes. A homeowner may be unaware of an issue if no visible sightings are present, or they may clean up evidence to avoid the topic.

Before buying a home, look for the warning signs and have the home thoroughly inspected for rodents.

The Furniture May Go, But Bed Bugs Could Stay

An even worse infestation that may not be visible or offer immediate warning signs is bed bugs.

Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects and only the adults are visible to the naked eye. Bed bugs are typically active at night and feed off of the blood of humans. Most people don’t know they’ve been bitten by a bed bug until an itchy welt appears several days later.

While the homeowner’s furniture may be moved out, bed bugs could stay behind in the carpeting and cause an infestation in your beds and furniture. Before you move in, a pest control expert should examine the entire home looking for pests, including bed bugs, and use eco-friendly treatments to ensure your home and furniture are safe.

Termites Could Be Causing Structural Damage

Sometimes a termite infestation is visible, and sometimes infestations are hidden from plain view. An experienced pest inspector will search the inside and perimeter of a home to look for entry points and evidence of termites. Avoid dealing with an expensive problem later by searching for these unwanted pests before you buy.

Fleas May Be Multiplying in the Carpet

Fleas infestations often make their home in carpets and can be difficult to spot. They often catch a ride inside by animals and new eggs can hatch within 22 days.

If you don’t plan on ripping up carpets before you move in, make sure the home is thoroughly inspected. Fleas aren’t always visible to the eye until you experience their bite.

Before you buy a home, call the experts at Inman-Murphy for a thorough pest inspection. We offer professional services to locate pests and offer treatment plans to get rid of pest issues. Schedule an appointment today to get started. We serve the entire Memphis area, including: Millington | Collierville | Germantown | Bartlett | Atoka

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Termite swarms in Memphis may be more common than you think. Southern states including Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee rank as some of the most heavily termite infested areas in the United States.

In fact, they suggest it’s not a question of if termites will invade your home or property, it’s a question of when.

Learn more about termite swarms and how you can protect your home.

When to Expect Termite Swarms in Memphis

Termites are a big issue for Memphis homeowners due to moderate spring temperatures and moisture. Termites typically emerge from March to May but have been known to swarm as early as February or as late as June. During termite swarm season, these insects become much more visible and are seen in higher numbers.

What Do Termites Swarms Look Like?

Termites look like flying ants. However, they don’t have three distinct body parts as ants do. Termites are a longer pill shape with long wings.

Swarms of termites are centered around their “queen.” When the queen is found and eliminated, a termite colony will disperse.

What Draws Termite Swarms in Memphis?

Memphis is located in the “termite belt.” Termites come here in search of cool, dark places to hide. This includes firewood stacks, mulch, or on a back porch. When these materials are located near a home, homeowners have a greater chance of experiencing termite issues inside.

Termites feed on any cellulose material including debris, lumber, cardboard boxes, wood piles, mulch, and more. Homeowners can protect their property by removing these materials and standing water from their roof, porch, or deck.

Moist areas and mulch can draw infestations. Be careful not to over water plants or put too much mulch near your home as this commonly attracts termite swarms.

Subterranean Termites in Tennessee

These termites are the most destructive of wood-feeding insects in Memphis. Though termites are needed to help recycle dead, fallen trees back into the soil, they can wreak havoc on homes or businesses.

Subterranean termites feed on cellulose such as dead trees, your home, fence posts, paper, books, shrubs, flowers, and even some crops. Though they tend to enjoy wood-based materials, they may even chew foam board insulation, swimming pools liners, or filtration systems.

How Can I Guard My Home Against Termites?

Avoid termite swarms from invading your Memphis home by remove standing water and dry or rotten wood from around the perimeter of your home. If termite swarms occur, avoid using harsh chemicals which could be harmful to children or pets.

If you see termites near your home between February and June, call pest control professionals right away. Pest control experts are experienced with removing termite swarms with safe and effective methods to reduce damage to your property and exposure to harsh chemicals.

Having issues with termite swarms in Memphis? We can help. At Inman-Murphy Termite and Pest Control, we can handle any termite problem without harsh chemicals.

[callout2]Call us at (901) 388-0852 to get rid of termites for good.[/callout2]

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