Do I Have A problem? What Is It? Quick Guide
Click any of the options below for more information:
Ants
Bees
Wasps, Yellow Jackets, Hornets
Spiders
Wood Beetles
Termites
Fungus
Rodents
Bats
Blood Feeders
Stored Food Pests
Larger Mammals
Ants
Although there are several species of ants we can break them down into three categories.
Infesters
Infesters come into your home in search of 3 things food, shelter and water. Ant colonies have great memories if one of the 3 things has been found before they feel it will be there again. If keeping things clean is not working a professional opinion may be required. Ant spray and over the counter baits rarely solve the problem, often they make the problem worse.
Destroyers
Carpenter ants, They infest walls, floors & ceilings typically around areas of high moisture, where fungus and rot are present. If you see heavy activity or piles of sawdust (called frass) in places they shouldn’t be you may have a problem, call a professional. Over the counter baits don’t work and unless you know the exact location of a nest sprays won’t help.
Invaders
These ants typically will not come into your home but may have a large presence in your yard, garden, driveway or rock walls. They can still cause damage and can be controlled professionally.
Note: ants like many insects are beneficial to people and provide a great service. Being selective and responsible when you choose a treatment time or method can greatly reduce the amount of pesticides that are introduced to the environment.
Bees
Honey Bees
We recommend leaving Honey Bees alone unless they are in a home or office. if the bees are causing problems with people and dwellings. We recommend calling a beekeeper to see if a nest can be transferred if not call a professional exterminator. If at all, a honey bee nest can be preserved that is the best. Honey bees are in danger of being eliminated. Over treatment and disease are contributors to this epidemic
Wasps, Yellow Jackets, Hornets
These three pack a pretty powerful sting and bite. There nests can be seen in trees, the ground, crawl and attic spaces even in wall voids. Most of the time only a singular treatment is needed to resolve a problem. Please be careful even people who are not allergic to bees can have a bad reaction if stung to much.
Spiders
Creepy and gross to some, spiders are largely misunderstood. They are arachnids meaning eight legs. They are very helpful in controlling many insects. Many times a large spider population is an indicator of a larger problem. However, spiders can be treated to minimize there presence.
Spider myth: In the Pacific Northwest we do not have the Brown Recluse spider
Many spiders can not be identified by the naked eye many times a microscope is needed.
Wood Beetles
When you discover a wood beetle problem it is to late the damage is done not irreversible but still repairs can be costly. If you see small pin holes in wood or notice sinking and sagging beams or floors you may have a problem. Do not ignore this problem it will not go away. If your home is in an area of high moisture or you have lots of earth to wood contact, get a routine inspection and in some cases a preventative treatment is advised.
Termites
These bugs can be quite destructive in a short period of time. There primary source of food is your home. Do you see mud tubes on walls or foundations? Are there new creeks in your floor or new settling in you home. These are some sings you need a professional inspection. Any time wood especially from your home touches the ground you are asking for an uninvited guest.
Fungus
Often misunderstood and ignored fungus is the precursor to dry or wet rot. It is what attracts carpenter ants, wood beetles and termites. A routine inspection can save you lots of heart ache.
Rodents
Rats
Rats can be identified by rabbit sized fecal pellets with a slightly pointy end. The softer the pellets the fresher they are. Black oily marks on the areas they rub against. A strong smell from urine is also a tell tale sign. If you see one adding spices to your food or stirring your soup you got a problem
Mice
Mice, small pellets nibbles in packaging or loose debris used for nesting in places it shouldn’t be. Depending on the problem an odor may also be present. If your not sure call for a professional opinion
Squirrels. Loud chattering and noise in walls and attics burrowing in insulation and stockpiles of food are common signs
Moles
Moles, Broad footed, Shrew, Coastal and Townsend moles are the most common in the northwest and can be identified by large mounds of dirt being pushed up in lawn and garden space a hole will not be visible
Voles
Voles, Many small holes. Worn and eaten pathways with dead or yellowing grass along lawn edges and walkways.
Filed Mice
Field mice, small, random and multiple holes in a small area of lawn or field not big enough to twist an ankle in but enough to be an eye sore
Gophers
Gophers. Not to typical in the coast or valleys but there around when you see a mound of dirt with an open hole to visible burrow. You may also notice dying vegetation because they like to nibble on the roots of plants
Ground Squirrels
Ground squirrels, Large exposed holes in and around lawns, mounds and tree roots some are big enough to twist your ankle in.
Bats
There are several species that make there home around here in the northwest. They prefer to nest in high unobstructed areas. Some areas they like are abandoned chimneys, attics, closed soffits and metal roofs to name a few. You may have a bat problem if you start to hear excessive chatter along a roof line or coming from a chimney flew, or you notice strong odors coming from walls and ceilings. Another sign of habitation is excrement on the outside of your home or office that appears in the same place over and over again. Bats are protected so as professionals we are prohibited by law to remove them during late spring to mid summer. This time is when they rear there young and the babies are unable to fly on there own. Before or after this time we can help resolve the problem
Blood Feeders
Fleas
Fleas, typically introduced by indoor /outdoor pets can quickly become a problem. Fleas feed on both human and pet blood this provides nutrients for there eggs. Fleas can and will nest in, on and around furniture, carpets, bedding, base boards, and areas frequented by your pets. Multiple, small singular red bumps that itch are a strong sign of a problem.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes, love cool to mild temperatures and bite people for blood used to provide nutrients for there eggs. Areas where there is a high concentration of standing water can provide a great breeding site. One cannot hear a mosquito but you will know if they are there by there swarming and incessant biting which leave small bumps that can itch.
Bed Bugs
Bedbugs. These bugs once thought eradicated are making a strong comeback due to international travel. They are typically picked up from hotels, motels and resorts. It may take several days after being bitten to show signs but the bites appear to be like large red splotch much like a welt but can be smaller. One typically will only notice having been bit after waking up in the morning. Some splotching on your sheets or mattress are also signs. If you even suspect there is a problem call for a professional consult quickly. This problem can and will spread fast.
Ticks
Ticks can be picked up by pets and people keeping plants and vegetation away from the home can minimize the chance of picking one up. If you do live in an area where ticks are common a routine spray will help. If you have already been bitten, there are several ways to remove them safely. In any case if you have been bitten seek medical help some ticks carry very debilitating diseases.
Stored Food Pests
There are many stored food pest that can infest, Meal moths, weevils and grain beetles are a few. They are inherent in our food and hatch when food is improperly stored. These pests in a short time can lay waste to a lot of food and make life miserable. Grains, flour sugar, and there byproducts need to be kept in airtight containers and in a cool dry place. We can help resolve problems call for an inspection.
Larger Mammals
Raccoons
Raccoons. The night bandit ringed tail, grey with black markings around its eyes. They look cute but they can make quite a mess. Raccoons are smart and resourceful. They are omnivores meaning they will eat plants and meat. If there is a way in raccoons will nest in attics and crawl spaces. Raccoons enjoy wrecking havoc on your insulation and duct work. Raccoons will need to be trapped and removed. Sometimes even euthanized.
Skunks
Skunks, much like raccoons will eat anything but are not as smart. Skunks can be black and white with stripes or spots but they are easy to detect by there odor. They like to burrow so crawl spaces make ideal hiding and nesting spaces. Skunks need to be trapped and removed, this sometimes can be hazardous work.
Opossum
Opossum, feral cats, weasels and ferrets can also be trapped. They are not always as destructive to property but can still be a nuisance.
Birds
Birds, need to roost such as it is many homes provide by unintentional design great spots to do so. Screening on bird blocks in the eves over time corrodes and allows bird access to attic spaces. Birds can make a mess by leaving there droppings. They also carry ticks, lice and mites. Call for help with blocking, netting and other exclusion solutions.
Just For Fun
Boogie Men and All Variety of Monsters
Many parents are non believers. Pest control operators know better we have to deal with them all the time. We can trap them even though they are invisible to moms and dads but they are very expensive to trap. The best way to protect your self is by doing the following.
1. Clean your room, monsters and boogie men like to hide under toys and dirty clothes
2. Brush your teeth, fresh breath will scare any self respecting monster or boogie back to where they came from.
3. Wash your hands and trim your nails, the neater you are the less a monster will want to bother you.
4. Do your chores, Monsters and boogies have no power over obedient children!
5. Carry a flash light bright light will blind monsters and melt the fur off of boogies
6. Sing a happy or silly song, it will cause monsters and boogies great pain and they will run away.
Ex-wives, husbands, girlfriends and boyfriends are beyond the scope of my license. However I will listen to complaints and stories and let you air your frustrations for a small fee. (paid upfront)
