When it comes to protecting your home, some pests are more than just a nuisance—they can cause serious and costly damage. Pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, regularly deal with a range of destructive invaders that can compromise your home’s structure, safety, and comfort. From wood-destroying insects to property-chewing rodents, here are the top 5 pests that could end up costing you a fortune if left untreated.
Let’s take a look at the top 5 pests, as ranked by pest control companies in Knoxville, TN that will do the most amount of damage to your wallet!
Termites
Every single year, termites are responsible for over $5 billion of property damage in the United States. These silent masters of destruction will chew on any cellulose-based material that they can get to, including wood, flooring, structural beams, furniture, and even your wallpaper! Due to the silent nature of these pests, by the time you spot them and arrange termite treatment in Knoxville, TN, they may have already done a significant amount of damage. In addition to having your home treated by one of the many pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, you can also help prevent a termite infestation by taking the following steps:
- Make sure any cracks or holes on the exterior walls of your home that could serve as entry points for termites have been properly sealed.
- Address leaks and dripping faucets promptly, as excess moisture is sure to attract termites and other unwanted pests.
- Ensure any water pipes and AC units on the exterior of your property are well maintained to avoid leaks or standing water.
- Book annual termite treatment in Knoxville, TN
Rodents
Rodents may not have quite the same level of destructive power that a colony of termites wields. Still, they do have a liking for chewing through a variety of materials, including your insulation and wiring. Rodents are known to be one of the most common causes of electrical fires in the home. Pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, can help you to prevent rodent problems with regular preventative maintenance services. You can also support their efforts by forming these habits:
- Seal any open food in containers with a snug-fitting lid
- Keep your kitchen and food storage areas clean and tidy, and wipe down all food prep surfaces after cooking
- Keep on top of your trash by emptying bins daily and placing tied-up trashbags in an exterior bin with a secure lid
Bed Bugs
One of the trickiest pests to get rid of in your home is bed bugs! These tiny creatures breed quickly and can survive for months without feeding! Look for pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, that offer thermal heat treatment if you suspect you have bed bugs, as this is the most efficient way to exterminate all stages of bed bugs, from freshly laid eggs through to full-grown adults. In terms of damage, bed bugs won’t chew through your walls or furniture - they will bite you instead! However, many people prefer to dispose of their mattresses, box springs, and other furniture once they discover that it has been hosting hundreds, if not thousands, of tiny bloodsuckers, especially if they notice blood stains on the items. Pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, have the following tips to help avoid a bed bug infestation:
- Use a mattress protector to help prevent bed bugs from getting inside the mattress itself.
- When on vacation, keep luggage in the bathroom away from soft furnishings that may harbor bed bugs - hotels are a prime location for these pests.
- If you have been traveling, check your luggage thoroughly before bringing it back into your home. Bed bugs are prolific hitchhikers!
Carpenter Ants
Termites are not the only pests that can cause structural damage by munching on wood! Carpenter ants do not consume wood, but they will dig tunnels into wooden structures in order to build their nests. This behavior can cause significant structural damage over time, especially in damp or decaying wood. If you suspect an infestation, it’s important to contact pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, for assistance if you spot them in your home.
Carpenter Bees
Like carpenter ants, carpenter bees do not eat wood, but they do bore holes in it so they can lay eggs. They are particularly fond of unpainted soft woods like cedar and pine. Unlike other breeds, they don’t generally sting but may attack when they are feeling threatened. It is essential to inspect your property for small, round holes and piles of sawdust around any wooden structures. Treating wood with a protective product can help to deter them.
While all pests are unwelcome, some pose a much greater threat to your home—and your wallet—than others. Termites, rodents, bed bugs, carpenter ants, and carpenter bees can cause extensive damage if not dealt with promptly. Fortunately, pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, possess the expertise and tools necessary to safeguard your home from these costly invaders. Routine inspections, preventive measures, and prompt action are key to minimizing pest-related expenses.
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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.
112 Hayfield Road 
