Wildlife, Rodent, & Pest Control Services

A pest is defined as “a destructive insect or other animal that attacks crops, food, livestock, etc.” Almost any type of bug or critter can become a pest to your home, but there are certain species in the Knoxville area that are particularly likely to invade your property. To prevent your home from suffering damage and contamination, it’s important to be able to recognize pest species and take measures to get rid of them. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most common household pests in the area.

 

5 Pest Species That Often Invade Knoxville Homes

• Rodents

Rats and mice are common household pests in Knoxville. Both are small gray or brown furry critters, but rats are much larger than mice. While mice max out at about 6 inches long from nose to tail tip, rats can grow to be a foot and a half long. If you’ve seen signs of rodent activity such as gnawed wood or pellet droppings, you should set up traps in areas where rodents commonly hide, like the basement and garage. For added protection, install bait stations around your home exterior to eliminate rats and mice that try to get in.

• Ants

Ants of various species often come marching into homes in Knoxville. Ants come in a rainbow of colors including black, brown, red, and gold. Depending on the species, these six-legged insects can be 1/16 inch to half an inch long. When ants begin swarming in areas of your home such as the kitchen and bathroom, place ant bait traps around to systematically eliminate them. However, ongoing ant infestations will usually require help from a professional exterminator.

• Cockroaches

One of the most hated household pests in Knoxville, cockroaches commonly hole up in our bathrooms and kitchens. Different roach species may be dark brown, reddish brown or black in color, but all have an ovular body with long antennae. Adult cockroaches are usually an inch to 1.5 inches long. If you’ve been having cockroach issues in your home, the best solution is a combination of placing bait traps and using a roach killer spray on any of the pests you see scurrying about.

• Termites

The most destructive of all household pests in Knoxville, termites will eat their way through any wooden structures in your home. These insects grow ¼ inch to ½ inch long, and are tan or reddish in color. Sometimes mistaken for ants, termites can be distinguished by their much larger heads and straighter body shapes. Unfortunately, because termites are subterranean, infestations often go unnoticed for a long time. If you do notice signs of termites, such as mud tubes along your home exterior or piles of frass – wood powder created by boring termites – then your safest option is to call a local exterminator to get rid of these pests before they cause extensive damage.

• Stinging Insects

Several species of stinging insects call Knoxville home, and they can become a nuisance if they decide to build a nest on your property. Bees, wasps, and hornets can be easily mistaken for one another up close, but they can be distinguished with a closer glance. All of them are flying insects that range from half an inch to a full inch long, and most have yellow-and-black-striped bodies, but bees have furry bodies, while wasps are thinner and smoother. Upon discovering a wasp nest in or near your home, you may attempt to eliminate the stinging pests with a long-range spray and then physically remove the nest. However, the safer option is to call a professional pest control company.

 

Have a Pest Problem? Our Pros Have a Solution

Whatever sort of household pests have been causing you trouble, it’s always the right choice to seek help from the professionals. Give Critter Wranglers a call today if you’re in need of our pest control services in the greater Knoxville area!