Living in East Tennessee has many perks—beautiful seasons, lush greenery, and a strong sense of community. Unfortunately, our climate also makes local homes attractive to a wide range of pests. Homeowners often search for reliable pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, when ants show up in the kitchen, spiders take over the basement, or rodents find their way inside during colder months. Understanding which pests are most common—and how to prevent them—goes a long way toward protecting your home year-round.
Below, we break down the top five household pests in Knoxville, when they're most active, and what you can do to keep them out using safe, practical solutions trusted by experienced pest control companies in Knoxville, TN.
1. Ants
Ants are easily the most common household pest in Knoxville. From tiny sugar ants to larger carpenter ants, these insects are experts at finding food and water inside your home.
Seasonal activity:
Ants become especially active in spring and summer when warmer temperatures and rain push them indoors in search of food.
Prevention tips:
- Keep countertops and floors clean and free of crumbs
- Store food in sealed containers
- Fix leaky pipes and faucets
- Seal cracks around windows, doors, and foundations.
Safe solutions:
While store-bought sprays may kill visible ants, they often fail to eliminate the colony. Professional treatments used by pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, target nests and entry points, stopping the problem at its source. Ongoing maintenance plans can also prevent ants from returning year after year.
2. Spiders
Spiders are a common concern for Knoxville homeowners, especially in basements, garages, and crawl spaces. While most spiders are harmless, their presence can be unsettling—and some species do bite.
Seasonal activity:
Spiders are most noticeable in late summer and fall when they move indoors for warmth and to hunt insects.
Prevention tips:
- Reduce clutter in storage areas
- Keep outdoor lighting away from doors (lights attract insects, which attract spiders)
- Remove webs regularly
- Seal gaps and cracks.
Safe solutions:
Because spiders feed on other pests, controlling insect populations is key. Reliable pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, focus on precise treatments that tackle spiders and the insects they feed on, all while keeping your home safe for family and pets.
3. Rodents
Mice and rats can cause serious problems in Knoxville homes, from chewing wires to contaminating food and spreading disease.
Seasonal activity:
Rodent activity spikes in fall and winter as temperatures drop and food becomes scarce outdoors.
Prevention tips:
- Seal holes larger than a quarter around your home's exterior
- Store pet food and pantry items in airtight containers
- Keep garages and crawl spaces organized
- Trim vegetation away from your home.
Safe solutions:
Rodent control requires more than just traps. Professional inspections identify entry points and nesting areas. Many pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, offer humane and effective rodent control strategies that focus on exclusion, sanitation, and long-term prevention.
4. Cockroaches
Cockroaches thrive in warm, humid environments—making Knoxville an ideal place for them to multiply quickly.
Seasonal activity:
Roaches are active year-round but tend to increase during hot, humid summer months.
Prevention tips:
- Eliminate moisture by fixing leaks
- Take out trash regularly
- Clean behind appliances
- Avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
Safe solutions:
Roaches are notoriously hard to eliminate without professional help. Experienced pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, use proven methods that target hiding spots and breeding areas, reducing infestations safely and effectively while minimizing chemical exposure inside the home.
5. Wasps
Wasps can turn a peaceful backyard into a stressful situation, especially for families with children or anyone allergic to stings.
Seasonal activity:
Wasps are most active in late spring through early fall, building nests under eaves, decks, and rooflines.
Prevention tips:
- Inspect your home regularly for early nest formation
- Seal cracks and openings
- Keep outdoor food and drinks covered
- Secure trash bins tightly
Safe solutions:
Attempting to remove a wasp nest on your own can be dangerous. Professional pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, have the equipment and training needed to remove nests safely and prevent future infestations without unnecessary risk.
Keeping Pests Out All Year Long
No single solution works for every pest, which is why prevention and professional support go hand in hand. Routine inspections, seasonal treatments, and proper home maintenance are the best defenses against unwanted invaders. Many homeowners choose ongoing services from pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, to ensure consistent protection throughout the year.
If pests are already present, acting quickly can prevent minor issues from becoming major infestations. Reputable pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, understand local pest behavior, seasonal trends, and the safest treatment options available for Knoxville families.
Ants, spiders, rodents, cockroaches, and wasps are all part of life in East Tennessee—but they don't have to be part of your home. With smart prevention habits and help from experienced pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, homeowners can enjoy peace of mind in every season. Staying proactive today can save time, stress, and costly repairs tomorrow.
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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 
