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The Most Common Pests in Knoxville

Knoxville’s beautiful landscapes and changing seasons make it a wonderful place to live, but the same environment also attracts a variety of pests throughout the year. This guide will help you understand the most common pests you’ll find in Knoxville, highlight Knoxville’s seasonal pest challenges, and pest prevention tips for spring, summer, fall, and winter.

In this blog
  • Spring pests: Ants, termites, wasps – plus prevention tips
  • Summer pests: Mosquitoes, ticks, spiders – how to stay pest-free
  • Fall pests: Rodents, stink bugs, cockroaches – ways to protect your home
  • Winter pests: Mice, bed bugs, silverfish – winter pest-proofing tips
  • Year-round pest control: How Pest Ops can help

Spring pests


As temperatures warm up, pests emerge from their winter hiding spots, and activity levels spike. Common spring pests include:

  • Ants: These pests invade homes in search of food and water.
  • Termites: Spring is termite swarming season, making homes vulnerable to infestations.
  • Wasps and bees: These stinging insects begin building nests during the spring months.

Prevention tips for spring pests:

  • Seal cracks and crevices around doors and windows to keep pests out.
  • Eliminate standing water to reduce breeding grounds for insects.
  • Schedule a professional termite inspection to catch infestations early.

 

Summer pests


Knoxville summers are hot and humid, creating the ideal environment for many pests to thrive, including:

  • Mosquitoes: These biting pests multiply quickly in standing water.
  • Ticks: Outdoor activities can increase your exposure to ticks and the diseases they carry.
  • Spiders: While many spiders are harmless, their presence can be unsettling indoors.

Prevention tips for summer pests:

  • Use insect repellent when spending time outdoors.
  • Keep lawns trimmed and bushes pruned to limit hiding spots for pests.
  • Install screens on doors and windows to keep insects from entering your home.

 

Fall pests


As temperatures cool, pests seek warmth and shelter indoors. Common fall pests include:

  • Rodents: Mice and rats enter homes looking for food and a warm place to nest.
  • Stink bugs: These pests often invade homes in large numbers during autumn.
  • Cockroaches: Cooler weather drives roaches indoors in search of food and water.

Prevention tips for fall pests:

  • Store food in airtight containers and keep your kitchen clean.
  • Inspect your home’s foundation and seal gaps where rodents could enter.
  • Set traps or call a professional to address existing infestations.

 

Winter pests


Even in the colder months, certain pests remain active, especially indoors where it’s warm. Common winter pests include:

 

  • Rodents: Mice and rats continue to seek shelter and can cause damage to homes by chewing wires and insulation.
  • Bed bugs: These pests don’t hibernate and may become a problem after holiday travel.
  • Silverfish: These moisture-loving insects thrive in basements, bathrooms, and attics during winter.

Prevention tips for winter:

  • Check for and seal gaps in walls, windows, and doors to prevent rodent entry.
  • Wash and inspect holiday travel items like luggage to prevent bed bug infestations.
  • Reduce humidity in your home using a dehumidifier to deter silverfish.

How Pest Ops can help year-round

Dealing with Knoxville’s diverse pest problems can be overwhelming, but Pest Ops is here to help. With customized treatment plans tailored to each season’s challenges, our team offers:

  • Preventive treatments to stop infestations before they start.
  • Thorough inspections to identify vulnerabilities in your home.
  • Safe and effective pest control methods to eliminate existing problems.

If you’re struggling with pest problems or want to prevent future infestations, contact Pest Ops today. Let us help you enjoy a pest-free home in Knoxville, no matter the season!