Wildlife, Rodent, & Pest Control Services

In Knoxville and surrounding communities, many people live in close proximity to all types of wildlife. Ordinarily, humans and wild animals can coexist peacefully, but that fragile peace can end in a heartbeat if wildlife tries to invade your home. Since our homes offer free shelter from predators and the elements, along with easy opportunities to steal food and water, some critters just can’t resist. Continue reading to learn more about some of the most common nuisance wildlife species found in Knoxville.

Nuisance Critters 101

• Squirrels – One of the most common wildlife species in Knoxville, squirrels are rodents that generally live in trees. They’re opportunistic scavengers that commonly raid bird feeders. Tennessee is home to several species of squirrels, including gray squirrels, red squirrels, fox squirrels, and flying squirrels. While their specific sizes and habits may vary, all species of squirrels are known to invade homes, building their nests in attics, walls or garages. Within these spaces, squirrels can cause extensive damage by gnawing on wires, drywall and woodwork. They may also spread diseases like leptospirosis and tularemia through their waste.
• Raccoons – Among the most adaptable animals on Earth, raccoons are omnivorous scavengers that can thrive in urban and suburban environments just as easily as the woodlands and marshes they’re used to. Raccoons are a common presence in Knoxville, where they often irritate local homeowners by raiding garbage cans for free meals. Worse still, raccoons will sometimes break into spaces like attics, crawl spaces and sheds to build a den. Given their strength and tenacity, raccoons can be extremely destructive to your property. They may also be carriers of the deadly rabies virus.
• Skunks – Another wildlife species that has thrived in urban environments is the skunk. Skunks are adaptable nocturnal omnivores that can eat just about anything. In Knoxville, this often leads skunks to raid garbage cans for table scraps, and they’re also happy to munch on any pet food that’s left outside overnight. Skunks traditionally live in underground dens and, unfortunately, crawl spaces of local homes work nicely as naturally-built and well-protected dens. When skunks feel threatened, they’re prone to attack with a terrible smelling spray that can cause severe nausea and temporary blindness. These critters are also common carriers of rabies.
• Bats – Though they’re seldom seen – unless you happen to be watching the skies closely at dawn or dusk – bats are very common in the Knoxville area. These small nocturnal flying mammals are voracious insectivores that actually play a vital role in Tennessee’s ecosystem by keeping populations of mosquitoes and other flying insects under control. Sixteen different species of bats are found in the state, with the most common being little brown bats. While bats usually roost in caves or tree hollows, they’ve developed a bad habit of roosting inside of the attics of homes near their feeding grounds. Within your attic, bats can quickly cause tremendous damage with their guano, which is highly corrosive and foul-smelling. Bats are also the most common carriers of rabies in the United States.
• Opossums – The Virginia opossum is the only species of marsupial found in the United States. A marsupial is a type of mammal that nurtures its young within a pouch. Opossums are opportunistic scavengers that will gladly forage on any food left outside your home, including pet food, bird seed and garbage. Opossums are also known to invade homes in Knoxville, sometimes holing up in crawl spaces and attics. While not as destructive as some local critters, opossums can spread a plethora of diseases and parasites, including spotted fever, leptospirosis, fleas and ticks.

Your Best Choice for Wildlife Removal in Knoxville

No matter what sort of critter is marauding around your home, you don’t want it coming inside and causing trouble. Get in touch with Critter Wranglers today if you’re in need of professional wildlife removal services in the Knoxville area!