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Nashville is home to many charming, historic homes. If you own one, you’re well aware of both the benefits and pitfalls of owning an older home. While full of character, older homes can also be full of quirks and issues. As construction methods change, aging materials start to fall apart, and layouts become outdated, older homes become vulnerable to hidden pest problems. Here’s what homeowners need to know about pests in older houses and how to address them with smart, non-invasive strategies.
Why Older Homes Attract More Pests
There are a variety of reasons why older homes attract more pests than more recently built homes. First of all, older homes tend to have more entry points than newer homes. This is due both to construction techniques that have changed over time and the effect that time and weather have on a structure. Natural settling, aging foundations, and older building materials all create entry points that pests can use to get inside.
Older homes also tend to retain a lot more moisture than newer homes. They aren’t as energy-efficient and they have older ventilation systems, allowing humidity and moisture build-up to occur. The vast majority of pests prefer moist areas, making older homes more susceptible to infestations.
Finally, unless you’ve recently done renovations, your older home likely has old insulation installed. Over time, insulation becomes damaged or waterlogged, which leads to water-damaged wood. Pests like termites, ants, and silverfish love to infest moisture-logged wood and insulation.
Common Pests Found in Nashville’s Older Homes
Any pest in the Nashville area can be found infesting older homes, but there are certain pests that will be especially attracted to what historic homes have to offer.
Termites
Termites eat wood, so they are often found in the aging wood structures of older homes. They can easily get into these homes from the ground, especially if your home has a dirt crawl space, and once inside, they’ll cause extensive damage to the wood.
Rodents
Mice and rats can easily fit through wall gaps and attic vents to get into older homes. They love to find dark, cluttered areas to build their nests. The layout of many older homes provides plenty of areas where rodents can thrive.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches can get inside through plumbing fixtures. This is especially easy for them to do in older homes where entry points may not be sealed or where pipes may have cracks in them. Roaches thrive in moisture-rich environments, such as under kitchen sinks and in bathrooms.
Carpenter Ants
Like termites, carpenter ants love moisture-damaged wood. They can easily get into older homes through a variety of entry points and will make themselves at home in beams and moisture-rich areas.
Silverfish and Centipedes
Silverfish and centipedes both love damp, undisturbed areas. They can often be found in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and crawl spaces of older homes.
Seasonal Pest Pressures in Middle Tennessee
The pests you are most likely to find in your historic home will change from season to season.
Spring
When spring rolls around, pests like carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and termites start looking for softened wood to move into. You might also notice some bugs that hunkered down in your walls all winter long, making a comeback as they try to head back outside.
Summer
Summer is peak season for bugs, and they're not shy about trying to sneak indoors. Wasps love to find their way into wall voids and attics, while roaches tend to slip in through crawl spaces looking for food and cooler spots to hide.
Fall
As the weather cools down in the fall, pests start scouting out cozy spots to ride out the winter, and unfortunately, your home might look pretty inviting. This is the time of year when you're most likely to spot spiders or hear the pitter-patter of tiny rodent feet indoors.
Winter
During the winter, you’re not likely to get new pests coming inside, but the ones that are already in your home? They’ll settle in and make themselves comfortable. If a few sneaked in during the fall, that small problem can quietly grow into a bigger one over the colder months.
How to Manage Pest Pressures in Nashville
Keeping pests out of an older Nashville home can feel like an uphill battle, but you’re not in it alone. With a mix of simple DIY steps and a little help from the pros, you can make your home a lot less inviting to unwanted critters. Here are a few tips to help you get the best results:
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Seal obvious gaps around your foundation, siding, windows, and doors with caulk
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Install door sweeps on all exterior doors
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Use dehumidifiers in basements and crawl spaces to reduce moisture
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Clean, declutter, and inspect old storage areas, attics, and utility spaces regularly
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Keep your kitchen and eating areas free of open food containers, crumbs, and dirty dishes.
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Schedule seasonal pest control to stay ahead of nesting cycles
While we don’t offer full exclusion services (like sealing up every crack and crevice), All-American does offer thorough home evaluations and effective pest control solutions to help stop infestations before they start. We’ll help you figure out how pests might be sneaking in, share tips on what you can do to keep them out, and recommend the best services we offer to help keep your home pest-free. Give us a call; we’re here to help!
Tips for Maintaining Pest Protection in Older Homes
In addition to the suggestions above, there are some maintenance routines you can implement to lessen your chances of ending up with pests in your house:
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Keep tree branches trimmed back from the roofline.
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Avoid long-term clutter buildup in basements and storage rooms.
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Use pest-safe storage bins for items in attics and under porches.
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Regularly inspect baseboards, vents, and foundation lines for pest activity.
When to Ask a Pest Expert for Help
Knowing when to contact a professional pest control company isn’t always as cut and dry as you might think. Do you call at the first pest sighting? Do you wait until you see pests all over the place? Is it better to do something before pests show up? At All-American Pest Control, we recommend the following:
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If you see termites, carpenter ants, or roaches, or see any signs of their presence, contact us asap!
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If your house tends to deal with repeated seasonal rodent activity, it’s time to get professional pest control help.
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If you notice a sudden increase in pest droppings or unexplained damage to your home, give us a call.
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If you know you have a pest problem, but you're unsure what type of pest you're dealing with, let us know!
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If you want to avoid all of the problems pests cause, contact All-American Pest Control for preventative services.
Get Your Free Home Evaluation Today
Your older home has so much charm, and it deserves to be protected. When pests sneak in, they’re more than just annoying. They can cause real damage and even put your family’s health at risk. Don’t wait and hope for the best. Reach out to All-American Pest Control for a free home evaluation, and let’s make sure your home stays safe and sound.
One of our knowledgeable and experienced pest experts will visit your home to conduct a thorough inspection. We’ll identify conducive conditions, entry points, and any current pest activity, then recommend a course of action that will best protect your home. We offer a wide range of services, including our popular Perimeter Plus plan and green pest control treatments.
Reach out to get started today
Dependable Pest Control in Nashville, TN & Nearby Neighborhoods
Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.
We proudly serve: West End Heights, Bellevue, Brick Church, Charlotte Park, 12 South, Belmont, Burton Hills, Donelson, Edgehill, Ensworth, Hillsboro Village, Hillsboro West End, Melrose, Music Row, Radnor, Shelby Park, Sylvan Park, The Nations, Wedgewood Houston, West Nashville, Whites Creek, and the entire Davidson County and Greater Nashville areas.
For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or schedule online.