If you are a homeowner or business owner, there is a good chance that you have had to deal with pests in your property at some stage. Whether it is ants, termites, bed bugs, rodents, or something else, the one thing that is always true is that you need to rid your property of them as soon as possible! That’s where a pest control company in Knoxville, TN, comes in. They can help you to exterminate the current pest problem and then help you to put a pest control program in place to prevent future infestations. But wait… aren’t pest control and extermination the same thing? The short answer is no! Although the terms are used interchangeably, they are two different services. However, both can be provided by the same pest control company in Knoxville, TN.

Let’s delve into the distinct roles of extermination and pest control to understand their unique contributions in managing pest problems.

What is Extermination?

When we talk about extermination in relation to unwanted pests, we are talking about the traditional approach to a pest problem. A pest control company in Knoxville, TN, will come to your property and carry out the appropriate treatment - usually applying insecticides or laying traps - to eliminate the problem. Think of them like the cavalry, arriving to save the day! Extermination is all about getting rid of the pests currently making themselves home on your property. However, it is important to note that extermination is only a short-term fix. It does not address any of the root causes of the infestation. The pests inside your home might be dead, but if there is a nest in your garage, it is only a matter of time before new invaders make their way inside! For long-term protection from pests, you need to work with a pest control company in Knoxville, TN, to implement a comprehensive program that will help prevent repeat infestations.

What is Pest Control?

Pest Control goes beyond performing the initial extermination treatment. It is a more long-term solution that is made up of a variety of different techniques and methods to minimize the risk of future infestations. In fact, you don’t even need to wait until you see pests in your property. A good pest control company in Knoxville, TN, can set you up with a preventative pest control plan to stop it happening in the first place! Your pest control technician will start by carrying out a full inspection of your property. This will allow them to identify any signs of an active infestation, and will also allow them to point out potential problem areas that could be attracting pests to your home. For example, many pests need water to breed, so your inspection will point out any areas of standing water, such as birdbaths, blocked gutters, or leaky pipes, that may be creating an inviting breeding ground for pests. Similarly, if you have heavy undergrowth, rotting wood, or overhanging tree branches, these can all make an attractive home for pests. Pests will also look for a plentiful source of food, so things like unsecured trash cans, not cleaning up crumbs or spills, and having open food packets in the pantry are all potential risks that can attract a variety of pests, including rodents and ants.

Following the initial inspection, the technician can make recommendations of the steps you can take as a property owner to eliminate these potential risk factors. Meanwhile, they will also arrange an extermination for any existing pest problems and discuss the most appropriate pest control management plan moving forward. This can include things like regularly spraying with insecticides, bait stations, traps, and other techniques, depending on the needs of your property.

Do I Really Need Ongoing Pest Treatment?

We understand that owning and managing a property, whether that is a residence or a commercial property, can be expensive. Nobody likes the idea of yet another recurring expense every month. It is understandable that you might feel that a ‘one and done’ treatment to handle the current pest activity is enough. Why would you want to pay for ongoing treatment ‘just in case’? However, the truth is, investing in on ongoing preventative treatment plan with a pest control company in Knoxville, TN, is going to cost you less in the long run. With most pests, by the time you are able to visually see the problem, the infestation has already taken hold of your property, and there could already be extensive damage. For example, a termite colony can be eating away at the structure of your home unseen for years before you notice. The average homeowner can expect to pay upwards of $3000 to repair termite damage after discovering and treating an infestation. However, if you have invested in preventative treatment through ongoing pest management, you would be able to avoid this cost by preventing the infestation in the first place.

In conclusion, while it might be tempting to opt for a one-time extermination, investing in ongoing pest control is a much smarter long-term solution for both homeowners and business owners. A reputable pest control company in Knoxville, TN, can eliminate current pest issues and provide proactive strategies to protect your property from future infestations. By addressing the root causes of pest problems and implementing preventive measures, you can safeguard your property, save money on costly repairs, and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your space is protected year-round.

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Otis Termite & Pest Control is a full-service pest control company with a focus on outstanding service. We have been serving the East Tennessee area for over 56 years and our reputation is built on prompt and effective service. We’re good at what we do and we’re fast. We do the job right the first time – and that’s an actual guarantee! 

Call 865.690.1662 or visit www.otispestcontrol.net.