When night falls, human activity tends to start winding down as we prepare to end our day and settle into bed for the night. However, while we may be less active in the hours of darkness, the same cannot be said for pests! Sometimes homeowners have no idea there is a potential pest infestation because most of the activity happens at night! That's one of the reasons why it is so important to have regular pest control in Knoxville, TN, to serve as preventative maintenance.

Let's take a look at some of the most common nocturnal pests and the steps you can take to keep them at bay.

What Are Nocturnal Insects?

Nocturnal insects are species of insects that are mainly active at night. They have adapted to function in low light conditions and use a variety of tools and techniques to find food and evade predators under the cover of darkness. Most nocturnal insects will use senses other than sight to navigate, including smell, sound, and touch.

Now, let's talk about some of the most common nocturnal pests that might leave you in need of pest control in Knoxville.

Moths

One of the most well-known nocturnal insects is moths. There are over 160,000 different moth species worldwide in a variety of sizes. You have likely heard the phrase 'like a moth to a flame.' This saying stems from the fact that moths have a natural attraction to lights at night, which means they are drawn to homes with a light in the window! While some moths are pretty harmless, the larvae of Clothes Moths will eat holes in fabrics around your home. Knoxville is also home to Indian Meal Moths, which often inhabit the pantry, feasting on flour, rice, and cereals. If you notice moth activity at night, it is important to book pest control in Knoxville to take care of the problem.

Cockroaches

Another pest that is notorious for night-time activity is the cockroach. This particular pest usually indicates poor sanitation or moisture issues since they thrive in dark, moist environments. It is unusual to see cockroaches, especially in the daylight, so that they can live undetected for quite some time. Seeing one out and about is a good indication that the population of cockroaches has become overcrowded, and it's time to get pest control in Knoxville.

Carpenter Ants

While many species of ants are active during the day, carpenter ants are primarily nocturnal. They will emerge at night in search of food, often traveling long distances in search of sugar or protein. One of the key indicators that you might have a carpenter ant infestation is finding piles of fine sawdust around. Contrary to popular belief, carpenter ants do not actually eat wood, but they will chew through it to create tunnels and nests. If you believe that you may be dealing with a carpenter ant infestation, professional pest control in Knoxville can help you eliminate the problem.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are one of the nocturnal pests that are most synonymous with night-time; they feed on human blood as the host sleeps. They are also among the most unwelcomed varieties of pests as they can be tough to get rid of since they have developed immunity to most pesticides. At Otis Pest Control in Knoxville, TN, we use safe and effective thermal heat treatment to eliminate bed bugs at all stages of their life cycle.

Preventing Nocturnal Pest Problems

When it comes to managing nocturnal pest problems, the steps are more or less the same as dealing with daytime pests! Here are some of the strategies you can use to prevent nocturnal pests in your home:

• Maintain a high standard of cleanliness
• Keep food in sealed containers
• Dispose of garbage promptly
• Seal up gaps and cracks that can serve as entry points for pests
• Reduce outdoor lighting or switch to yellow lights, which attract fewer insects

The best way to keep on top of nocturnal pests around your property is to arrange for regular preventative treatments from professional pest control in Knoxville, TN.

In conclusion, while night-time brings a welcome sense of calm for many of us, it's also a prime time for various pests to become active around our homes. From moths to bed bugs, these nocturnal invaders can silently wreak havoc if left unchecked. By understanding the habits of these common pests and taking preventative measures—like maintaining cleanliness, sealing entry points, and scheduling regular pest control in Knoxville—you can protect your home and ensure a pest-free environment all night long. Remember, proactive pest control is key to keeping these unwanted guests at bay and enjoying peaceful nights without any unpleasant surprises.

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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.