Eight Bugs in Tennessee All Residents Should Know About

Tennessee has a pleasant climate for much of the year. It’s the perfect place for vacation or raising a family. But beneath the beauty lies an insectoid horror: bugs. Well, pretty much like any other place.

But yes, Tennessee is home to various bugs that can cause residents problems if they’re unaware and don’t take precautions.

So, if you spot one tiny ant peacefully carrying her crumb across the kitchen floor, don’t be fooled: it could signify a much bigger problem. Whether or not you’re dealing with an infestation, take action to nip the problem in the bud.

We’ve created a handy guide to help you identify and take on the most common bugs in Tennessee.

1. Bed Bugs

The bane of a peaceful night’s sleep, bed bugs can be found almost everywhere. These tiny pests feed on human blood and leave itchy bites. These bites look like small, red welts and can cause allergic reactions in some people.

Bed bugs are typically found in beds, couches, carpets, and other furniture. They can even be found in public places like hotels and movie theaters.

What’s unfortunate in the case of bed bugs is that some populations have become resistant to common insecticides such as pyrethrins and pyrethroids.

So, if you notice signs of bed bug activity – like small spots on the mattress or sheets – contact a professional extermination service like EcoForceBedBugServicesTennessee as soon as possible. Professional services use powerful tools to detect and remove bed bugs from your home.

2. Spiders

Tennessee has its share of spiders, some of which can be dangerous. The brown recluse spider has the worst reputation. It can be identified by its dark violin-shaped marking and its nocturnal habits. It prefers to come out at night and hide in dark corners.

Fortunately, these spiders are not aggressive. A bite can cause a painful sore that may turn into a slow-healing ulcer, and in rare cases it causes serious whole-body effects such as kidney failure or seizures.

The black widow spider is another dangerous species. It can be identified by its shiny black color and red hourglass marking on the abdomen. Its venom can cause painful muscle cramps and, sometimes, breathing difficulty. But they only bite humans in self-defense.

If you think a brown recluse or black widow has bitten you, seek medical help right away. You can also call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.

To prevent spider infestations, keep your home clean and clutter-free. Vacuum regularly, seal cracks, and use insecticide sprays if needed.

3. Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes can be a nuisance across Tennessee during the warmer months. They love to hang around standing water and can even live indoors if conditions allow it.

Culex mosquitoes are among the most common. They can spread the West Nile virus.

The Asian tiger mosquito is another menace and can be identified by its black-and-white stripes. This species can spread viruses such as the Chikungunya virus, which causes fever, rash, and joint pain, although most US cases are picked up while traveling abroad.

To prevent yourself from becoming a mosquito buffet:

Limit time outdoors at dusk and dawn, when many mosquitoes are most active (Asian tiger mosquitoes also bite during the day)
Wear long-sleeved clothing
Use an EPA-registered repellent when outdoors
Empty standing water around your home

4. Ticks

Ticks are arachnids, meaning they’re related to spiders and mites. These tiny parasites are found in wooded and grassy areas, and they can hitch a ride indoors on people and pets.

Ticks can spread diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and Lyme disease. The symptoms range from fevers and rashes to fatigue, joint pain, and, in some cases, serious illness.

The lone star tick can also make you allergic to red meat.

If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it as soon as possible with clean tweezers. See your doctor if you develop a rash or fever within several weeks.

To prevent ticks from attaching, treat your clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin, and use an EPA-registered repellent such as DEET on exposed skin. If you’re camping or hiking outdoors, wear long sleeves and pants, and check your body for ticks when you get home.

5. Deer Flies

The fly hovering around your head could be a deer fly. These biting insects are attracted to movement, dark colors, and the carbon dioxide you breathe out, so they’re likely to buzz around you.

Early summer is the peak season for deer flies in Tennessee. They often have dark patterns on their wings, and they’re known to bite humans on exposed skin.

Female deer flies are the biggest threat. They need a blood meal to produce eggs, so only the females bite.

Deer fly bites can cause pain, redness, and swelling. Deer flies can also spread tularemia, a bacterial infection, so see a doctor if you develop a fever or a sore at the bite site.

Wearing a hat and light-colored clothing can help keep deer flies away.

6. Sweat Bees

Tiny green or black bees drawn to perspiration, sweat bees are a common sight in Tennessee during summer. Some also have a grey or yellow hue.

Sweat bees are mostly harmless and don’t sting unless provoked. But if you’re allergic to bee stings, a sting can be dangerous.

Sweat bees are attracted to salty sweat, so keep yourself dry and wear light colors outside.

Many sweat bees nest in bare soil or rotting wood, so covering bare patches and removing old logs can make your yard less inviting.

7. Fire Ants

These ants are typically reddish-brown to dark. Fire ants may not look dangerous, but they grip the skin with their jaws and sting, often many times.

Fire ant stings cause a burning, itchy sensation and can leave small blisters. In some people, they can even lead to anaphylactic shock. It means that your throat and airways can swell, making breathing hard.

If someone has trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat after a sting, call 911 right away.

To get rid of fire ants, use fire ant bait or mound treatments labeled for fire ants, and follow the label directions. You can also call a pest control professional.

8. Wasps

We only have one word for wasps: “ouch!” Many wasps have yellow and black markings. They can sting multiple times if provoked, so it’s best to keep a safe distance.

Common wasps in Tennessee include paper wasps, yellow jackets, and mud daubers. Their stings are painful and can be dangerous to those with allergies.

Keep sugary foods out of reach and store trash securely to prevent wasps. You can also keep wasp traps handy to catch them quickly.

If all else fails, call a professional exterminator for help.

Conclusion

Tennessee has its share of bugs and insects. While some are harmless, others can cause severe health issues. Professional pest control, insecticides used according to the label, and other treatments can help.

You must also take preventive measures such as wearing long-sleeved clothing, using repellent, and removing standing water and clutter around your home.

It is always essential to stay informed as it can help you prevent any serious issues in the future. If a bite or sting causes trouble breathing, a spreading rash, or a fever, get medical care.