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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
With warm, wet summers, it’s no wonder homeowners in Knoxville deal with a lot of pest problems. Without a pest control routine in place, the chance of recurring infestation is high.
There are many exterminators to choose from, which can make a challenge for you to know which is best for you. That’s why we've examined plenty of options to find the best pest control companies in Knoxville. Keep reading to discover the top providers near you.
Commitment to customer education
Transparent pricing
Free inspections
Services Offered
Helpful homeowner content on its website
Free inspections
Continuous highly praised customer service reports
Lack of hidden fees
Services Offered
Our Rating
Educational web content
Free inspection policy
Reliable appointment windows
Lack of hidden fees
Continuous highly praised customer service reports
Proactive approach to pest control
Services Offered
Our Rating
Educational web content
Transparent pricing
Consistently high customer service reviews
Proactive approach to pest control
Reliable appointment windows
Free inspections
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free inspection policy
Lack of hidden fees
Consistently high customer service reviews
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free inspection policy
Reviews praise customer service
Educational web content
Transparent pricing
Services Offered
Our Rating
Positive customer service reviews
Educational web content
Services Offered
Our Rating
Helpful homeowner content on its website
Lack of hidden fees
Consistently high customer service reviews
Free inspection policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
No-cost inspections
Reviews praise customer service
Educational web content
Services Offered
Our Rating
Commitment to customer education
No-cost inspections
Continuous highly praised customer service reports
Transparent pricing
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on pest control companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Today's Homeowner narrowed down the top pest control companies by comparing state availability, costs, customer reviews, and more.
Here’s how they ranked:
Terminix’s headquarters are in Memphis, Tennessee, but it has branches in 45 states and several countries globally. It has also been in the industry for about 100 years. The company offers effective pest control services that are safe for you and your family.
Terminix offers both one-off extermination services and seasonal pest control. In addition, every contract comes with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Their service also includes follow-up visits and annual inspections to help keep your home pest-free.
Orkin Pest Control is based in Atlanta, Georgia. It is one of the oldest pest control companies with a large network of branches. It has positive customer reviews and trained pest control specialists who all complete 160 hours of training.
Orkin’s most popular pest control plan is its annual pest control contract. After the initial visit, your technician will follow up regularly to ensure that the pests have not returned. If they have, your local technicians can help
Rentokil, a business service group, is the world's largest and most widely recognized pest control company, representing hundreds of brands worldwide. Rentokil is the parent company of top North American pest control providers such as Presto-X, J.C. Ehrlich, and Western Exterminator, which can provide tailored services.
It protects from 36 of the most common pests including rats, moths, cockroaches, bed bugs, spiders, flies, mice, and more. Rentokil’s services cover preventative maintenance, treatment, and monitoring for pest infestations.
Not all pest control companies are identical when it comes to reputation, proficiency, and competence. It's important to do your research to determine the most suitable option for your specific pest problem. Here are the key factors to consider when choosing a pest control provider:
Look for a pest control company that is able to handle the type of pest you have, whether it’s bed bugs, termites, roaches, rodents, or something else. The company should be able to explain their approach for treating your type of pest.
Look for pest control companies that employ technicians with certifications in pest control methods from expert organizations, such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), in addition to state licensing. Having the proper credentials shows that the technicians have received adequate training. Also ask about regular training updates.
Read through reviews on Google, Yelp, and similar sites prior to scheduling a pest control appointment. Confirm through customer feedback that the company reliably provides effective service and receives positive customer feedback. Also check for any Better Business Bureau complaints that have been filed. Ask whether technicians receive continuing regular education on the newest and most advanced pest control treatments. When you select a company from our list of Knoxville's best pest control, you can feel confident knowing that you're hiring an expert that meets our quality and review standards.
If you prefer more eco-friendly and natural pest control solutions, look for companies that have "green" accreditations. If you’re dealing with larger pests, such as mice or raccoons nesting in trees, you can also ask about humane catch and release. Bear in mind that natural pest control options may be less effective; consider a more traditional route for a more serious infestation. No matter your approach to pest control, all pesticides that are classified as greater than minimal risk are required to be registered with the EPA.
Quality pest control providers typically offer service guarantees for ongoing plans. The guarantees mean the company will make another visit and re-treat for free if you still have pests in your home following the initial visit. One-time treatments don't typically include reservice guarantees.
Once you have selected a few top contending pest control companies, have conversations with each of them and be prepared to ask these kinds of questions:
Review potential pest control companies based on their answers to these questions. This will enable you to pick the right provider to effectively address your pest problem at a reasonable cost.
Knoxville is home to several pests, from insects to wildlife. For an idea of the most common pests in the city, we reviewed the pests talked about in around 10 million social media posts.
Our top picks for the best pest control companies in Knoxville are Terminix and Orkin. They're highly regarded in the industry and help get rid of all common pests.
Hiring a pest control company and having a professional spray your property every quarter is the best way to prevent future pest infestations. This deters insects and animals from coming inside your home.
For the most part, the chemicals used in pest control are safe. Even so, they need to be handled by a professional exterminator to make sure they’re used safely. After your house has been sprayed, your exterminator will recommend staying away from your home for a certain period of time. This is usually 2 to 4 hours, but can be as much as 24 hours.
Whether you should do DIY pest control or hire an exterminator depends on the situation. You’ll want to take into consideration factors like the size of the infestation, how much the pest control will cost, and what chemicals need to be used. In addition, you may want to also consider professional pest control if you're concerned about safety or pets.
In a city like Knoxville, where the cost of living is high compared to other cities, the cost of pest control is most likely a concern. The cost of pest control varies depending on several factors, such as what type of pests you have an issue with and how bad the infestation is. A single visit can cost between $300 and $500, while a quarterly treatment plan is generally cheaper — around $100 to $300 a visit.
We recommend quarterly pest control, or even bi-monthly in Knoxville, where the heat can make pests more prevalent. For more serious infestations, your exterminator may recommend monthly treatments over the course of the first three to six months.