Below is a listing of some of the more common pests we deal with here in the Pacific Northwest. The listing will help you to identify a possible infestation by giving a quick description of the pest. Click on a name to learn more and see images of the pest, types of damage they cause, and some of the signs to look for.

Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are the most common and destructive wood destroying insects in the northwest. They are also the largest ants found invading homes. They may range in size from 1/5 to 3/4 inch. Winged ants or reproductive, (swarmers) are typically found in the spring and summer months. Carpenter ants are a nocturnal insect, the presence of an infestation may be heard at night or in the early morning hours. The sounds of carpenter ants are similar to the sound of rustling cellophane. You may also see sawdust piles (frass) often in conical piles inside the crawlspace, basement, or inside the home.   Learn more...

Odorous House Ants
These include dozens of different species of ants. Specific treating including baiting, chemical treating, nest locating and preventive steps need to all be considered when eradicating these nuisance ant species.   Learn more...

Fleas
A flea control program should involve treatment of the environment both inside and outside of the home. Also, infested pets will require treatment by the pet owner or a veterinarian.   Learn more...

Rats & Mice
Both of these species breed rapidly, tolerate a wide range of conditions and adjust quickly to changes in their environment. The most successful rodent control programs begin with thorough inspections. A professional level inspection reveals the extent of infestation, harborage, rodent entry points, and the safest, most appropriate, and cost-effective control program for the specific situation.   Learn more...

German Cockroaches
The German cockroach, which is the most common of all the roach species measures from 1/2 to 5/8 inches in length. They are distinguishable by the two dark brown stripes that run along the upper part of their bodies. Cockroaches are among the most successful animals to ever inhabit the planet. The German Cockroach can grow from egg to adult in 36 days. The female carries an egg case which can contain up to 48 individual eggs. Many business establishments and homes become infested with German Cockroaches when they are introduced inside infested cartons, foodstuffs, used appliances and other materials. Cockroaches hide in cracks and crevices by day and emerge to feed at night.  Learn more...

Bedbugs
The common bedbug is the bedbug best adapted to human environments and the one that causes most problems for humans. Once a common health problem that was almost eliminated as such, bedbugs in the last decade have had a successful resurgence. They are increasingly becoming a problem in homes, apartments, condos, hotels, hospitals, college dormitories and cruise ships.  Learn more...

Spiders
With literally thousands of different species it is often difficult to identify specific spiders. However, the spider which has been of the most concern in the pacific northwest has been the Brown Recluse. This spider does not seek to bite people and in fact most bites are usually accidental. It may crawl into a shoe, bedding or clothing and bite as a defensive measure when trapped. A Brown Recluse bite, if left untreated, can result in an open, ulcerating sore. It is always best to seek medical attention if you suspect a bite from a Brown Recluse.   Learn more...

Subterranean Termites
The most widespread and destructive termite in the United States, they live primarily in the soil building exploratory mud tubes above and below the ground. Their main nutritional ingredient is cellulose which is the hard structural component of wood. Termite control can be difficult. This is best left to a professional who has the proper equipment and expertise in dealing with these wood destroying insects.   Learn more...

Powderpost Beetles
These are another type of insect that bores into wood and can be very destructive to structures. Their emergence holes vary from 1/32" to 1/8" circular holes on the wood surface. Often they can be recognized by the powder that accumulates below the holes in the wood. This wood dust resembles the texture of baby powder.   Learn more...

Carpet Beetles
Carpet beetle adults are small 1/16" round normally gray or black. Their larva are what damages your personal belongings. They are able to digest animal hairs and will feed on almost any item made of natural fibers, mostly wool, cashmere and silk. The larva is about 1/4" in length. They are fuzzy and often a light brown, but may vary in color.   Learn more...

Meal Moths
These include beetles, weevils and moths. The most commonly found pantry pest is the Indian Meal Moth.  They often infest grain products, seeds, nuts, bird seed, dried dog food and cereals. These moths wingspan measures about 5/8" with the outer one half of the wing reddish or copper colored. The key to any pantry pest treatment is to identify all of the infested food sources. This can be difficult due to the wide variety of foods these insects will attack.   Learn more...

Cigarette & Drugstore Beetles
These include beetles, weevils and moths. The most commonly found pantry pest is the Indian Meal Moth.  They often infest grain products, seeds, nuts, bird seed, dried dog food and cereals. These moths wingspan measures about 5/8" with the outer one half of the wing reddish or copper colored. The key to any pantry pest treatment is to identify all of the infested food sources. This can be difficult due to the wide variety of foods these insects will attack.   Learn more...

Clothes Moths
Fabric pests like the clothes moth and webbing moth share many of the same characteristics and behaviors. They are both usually white or cream colored and measure about 3/8" long. Both of these moths can cause irreparable damage to personal belongings. They feed on almost any item made of natural fibers, particularly items made of wool, cashmere and silk. They are also capable of digesting animal hair. Treatment includes trapping, chemical treating, inspection and washing or dry-cleaning of infested articles.   Learn more...

Bees & Wasps
Summer and Fall is when these insects are most active. Wasps build paperlike nests similar to hornets in the ground, landscape timbers, wall voids, attics and under eaves. Always approach these nests with caution as they are very territorial and can be quite aggressive. If the nest is visible and within reach, it may be removed easily depending on its size. However, larger nests or nests located in difficult to reach areas should be left to a professional.   Learn more...

Silverfish & Firebrats
Both of these insects look very much alike. However, they are normally found in different parts of the home. Silverfish are commonly found on ground floors or in basements or crawlspaces. Firebrats like warmer temperatures and are usually found in attics and upper levels of the building, especially in structures with wood shake roofs. These pests often arrive from outdoors living in barkdust, decaying plant matter like grass clippings, leaves and compost piles.   Learn more...

Squirrels
As much as we all love squirrels they can become a real nuisance when they take up residence in our attics, crawlspaces or walls. (Often nesting in insulation). They are commonly heard chewing on electrical wires, wood or stored items normally during daylight hours. Live trapping has been the most successful in removing these rodents and is also the method which will cause the least amount of harm. After trapping, we drive them to a park or other natural setting and release them. Common entry points for squirrels are roof vents, broken windows, knotholes and construction gaps. Removing food sources like bird feeders and outdoor pet feeders will help by eliminating a food source and attractant.   Learn more...

 

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