When it comes to unwanted visitors in your home, it isn't just people you need to consider; there are also intruders of the pest variety to think about! Pest infestations can be taken care of effectively when you work with experienced pest control in Knoxville, but it can be tricky if you live in an apartment rather than a single occupancy home. Let's take a closer look at handling pest control in Knoxville apartments.

Where Does the Responsibity for Pest Control in Apartments Lie?

One of the main issues when it comes to pest control in Knoxville apartments is that even if you are taking precautions to prevent infestations of pests, there is always a possibility that your neighbors are not, and their pests could make their way into your apartment. That's why apartment complexes often have a pest control process where one provider services all apartments. It is important to check with your property manager if this is included as part of your tenancy or if you need to make your own arrangements for pest control in Knoxville. If you do find evidence of pests in your apartment, it is important to notify the property manager immediately, as the longer the pests are allowed to remain, the worse the infestation will get, making it much more challenging to eradicate.

It is worth noting that no laws in Tennessee require a landlord to be responsible for pest control in Knoxville. They are required by law to ensure that the apartment is safe and livable for the tenant, which may cover pest control under certain circumstances. For example, it would be the landlord's responsibility to make sure that the apartment is free from pests in preparation for a new tenant moving in. Still, if there is a cockroach infestation due to the tenant's poor hygiene, it may fall upon them to find their own pest control in Knoxville. As this responsibility can vary, you should check your lease to find out who is responsible for pest control so that you know who you need to contact in the event of a pest infestation.

Why Are Pests Coming Into My Apartment?

If you have concerns about pests entering your apartment, it might be useful to understand why they might be attracted to your space. As noted, if the apartment next door has an infestation that is spilling over into your unit, some other factors could make your apartment more attractive to pests, leaving you needing pest control in Knoxville. Let's take a look at some of those factors.

• Shelter - In periods of particularly harsh weather conditions, pests may just be looking for shelter. Your warm, clean apartment seems like a luxury resort when the weather outside is harsh! Pests can squeeze into the smallest gaps, so you can help keep them out by applying sealant around doors and windows and filling in any cracks you notice.
• Clutter - Once pests have entered your home, they will often find hiding spots to nest in, and it could be several months before their presence is detected. In that time, a full colony could be established. One of the steps you can take is minimizing the amount of clutter in your apartment. The more clutter you have, the more places there are for pests to hide! One of the big culprits is cardboard boxes, and many pests will nest in them and use them as a food source! It's better to use plastic bins with a sealable lid.
• Food - One of the basic needs of all pest types is a food source! Obviously, it is not possible to eliminate food from your apartment, but you can make sure that you clean up crumbs and spills so that there is no leftover food lying around for pests to snack on. You can also ensure the food in your pantry is sealed in airtight containers. It is also important to take out the trash and ensure no dirty dishes are left lying around.
• Water/Humidity - Another of the basic needs pests have is water. Many pests require water to breed, and others prefer a moist environment. It is important to make sure leaks are handled promptly and adequately to help avoid creating an ideal breeding ground for pests.

Commercial Pest Control in Knoxville

Otis Pest Control can offer commercial pest control at competitive rates if you are an apartment owner or property manager needing pest control in Knoxville apartments. With over 47 years of experience in the pest control industry, we have worked in many apartment buildings and complexes, providing preventative pest control in Knoxville and tackling established pest problems ranging from termites and cockroaches to bedbugs and ants. Contact us today to discuss your commercial pest control needs.

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.