Wildlife, Rodent, & Pest Control Services

Unfortunately, pests are a problem all year long in Tennessee. From spring and summer when they’re most active to fall and winter where they start looking for a warm refuge, nuisance wildlife and insects can become a problem around your home in the Knoxville area.

However, the season in which pests are most active varies by species. While many of them are out and about for most of the year, every pest has a season where it causes the most trouble, often its breeding season. Keep reading to learn what species of pests and wildlife you should be especially vigilant for season-by-season in Knoxville.

 

Pests in Spring

Spring marks a resurgence for lots of pest species that were dormant during the winter in Knoxville. Many wild animals begin breeding in spring and, once female wildlife gets pregnant, they may try to break into your attic or crawl space to give birth and raise their young in seclusion. Both raccoons and opossums tend to be the biggest nuisance during spring, which is when these pesky critters most commonly invade Knoxville homes. Raccoons typically give birth in April or May, so this is when you should be on high alert for intrusions onto your property.

Pests in Summer

Summer is peak season for most pest and wildlife problems in Knoxville. With the weather becoming warmer, wildlife becomes more active and starts encroaching on new territory, including your home and yard. Bats most commonly invade attics and mate during summer but, unfortunately for homeowners with a bat infestation, the state of Tennessee prohibits bat removal from May 1 to August 1 because they are a protected species. Groundhogs might first invade your property in spring, but they tend to become the biggest nuisance later into summer. Summer is also peak bug season, and you can expect swarms of ants and cockroaches to appear in your kitchen. Meanwhile, wasps will build their nests on Knoxville homes and swarms of mosquitoes will pester you every time you step outside.

Pests in Fall

As the weather turns colder in fall, many of Knoxville’s pest species become less active, but this is also the season when some will start invading your home to find warmth. Spiders begin swarming homes during fall, building their webs all over the place. Crickets also become a major household nuisance in fall, keeping you awake with their incessant chirping. Most frighteningly of all, snake activity hits its peak in fall, which is when you’re most likely to be bitten and most likely to find one slithering in your basement.

Pests in Winter

In winter, most insects die off or go dormant while wildlife becomes less active. However, unfortunately for Knoxville homeowners, some wildlife are most likely to infest your home during winter, hoping to escape the chilly weather outside. Rodents seek the warmth of your attic, garage and crawl space to nest, breed and wait for spring. Rats, mice and squirrels are all most likely to invade homes in winter and you’ll find them to be very destructive houseguests. In February, skunks begin breeding in Knoxville, so winter is the season when you’re the most likely to find a family living in your crawl space… and the most likely to get sprayed!

 

Reliable Pest Control for Every Season

From the start of spring to the end of winter, you need a reputable local pest control company who can resolve any pest or wildlife issues on your property. Give Critter Wranglers a call today if you’d like to learn more about our wildlife and pest control services in the Knoxville area!