Pests have a sneaky way of making themselves at home before you even realize they're there. From rodents in the attic to termites beneath your floors, infestations can cause costly damage and create serious health risks. That's why knowing the early warning signs is so important. Pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, emphasize that recognizing these red flags quickly can help you protect your home, your health, and your peace of mind.
What Are The Signs of a Pest Infestation?
Various types of pests can invade your home, each with its own characteristics and warning signs of an infestation. However, pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, will agree that many of these pests share common telltale signs, and being aware of them can help identify pest problems early and seek the appropriate pest control services before the infestation progresses.
Droppings
Regardless of what type of pest you are dealing with, they all leave droppings! As unpleasant as this may seem, being able to identify the type of droppings in your home can help determine the specific pest you are dealing with. For example, rodents tend to leave small, long droppings similar to a grain of rice. They are dark brown to black and will usually be found close to nests or food sources. Insect droppings are going to vary depending on the species, ranging from pellets to small spots and smudges. Regardless of which type of droppings you see, it is a sure sign that you need to contact one of the pest control companies in Knoxville, TN.
Damage
Another common sign of a pest infestation in your home is noticing damage around your property. While some pests, like termites, are more likely to do structural damage that is not necessarily visible to the naked eye, other pests can leave more noticeable damage. Keep an eye out for tiny holes, gnaw marks, or unexplained scratches around your home—these subtle clues often signal that pests may be present. Termites and carpenter ants will chew through wood and other cellulose-rich materials. Rodents will also gnaw on wood to keep their teeth healthy. If you have a rodent problem, you may also start noticing frayed or damaged cables and wiring due to mice or rats chewing on them. Noticing this type of damage around your home is an indication that you need the services of pest control companies in Knoxville, TN.
Nests
One thing most pests share is the instinct to build a nest where they can live and reproduce. These nests will take different forms depending on the type of pest building them. Rodents will gather various materials to build their nests, including fabric, grass, and paper. They will often chew holes in walls to make an entrance and build their nest behind the wall. Other pests, such as termites, will build mounds full of tunnels, while wasps will build nests near the ceiling out of papery materials. If you discover a nest of any description, it is important to reach out to pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, for help.
Unusual Odors & Smells
Often, when you are in the later stages of a pest infestation, you will begin to notice unusual smells and unpleasant odors around your home. This can be a result of a buildup of droppings or from chemical secretions emitted by the pests. Different types of pests have distinct odors. You may not be able to identify them yourself, but experienced pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, can often identify the type of pest you are dealing with solely by its smell. Here are some of the distinctive smells associated with different types of pests:
- Bed Bugs - Bed bugs give off a unique, musty odor that many describe as resembling spoiled raspberries blended with a hint of coriander.
- Termites - A termite infestation often goes unnoticed for months or even years, but an established infestation is usually accompanied by a mildew smell, which many homeowners dismiss as dampness.
- Rodents - The smell associated with a rodent problem actually comes from their urine, which has a strong ammonia smell.
- Cockroaches - If you have cockroaches lurking in the dark corners of your home, you may notice that those areas have a distinctive musty and almost oily scent.
No homeowner wants to deal with a pest infestation, but catching the problem early makes all the difference. By staying alert to signs such as droppings, property damage, nests, and unusual odors, you can take prompt action before the situation escalates. If you notice any of these telltale signs, don't wait—contact trusted pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, for a thorough inspection and effective treatment. Protecting your home starts with awareness, and ends with professional help you can rely on.
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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 
