Common Pests

Ants will eat practically any kind of food, but are especially attracted to sweets. Ant identification is relatively simple due to their three distinct body regions: head, thorax and abdomen, as well as antennae. Despite similar construction, ants vary in overall appearance. Odorous House Ants and Carpenter Ants are two of the most common ants in the northwest.

Spider control and extermination can be a major concern for homeowners – particularly for those who live in the northwest. The good news is that spiders are not out to get us. The two spiders in the Western United States that can cause serious harm when accidentally disturbed are the black widow spider and hobo spider. This is why it’s particularly important to only hire well-trained spider exterminators to eliminate an infestation.

Stinging insects like wasps, hornets and yellow jackets send more than 500,000 people to the emergency room each year. These pests are especially active during the second half of summer and early fall when the colonies forage for food that will sustain their queens during the winter.

Rodents can be difficult to keep out of structures. For instance, mice can squeeze through spaces as small as a dime and rats can fit through holes the size of a quarter. For proper rodent pest control, seal any cracks and voids. Eliminate conducive environments such as bird feeding, poor landscaping, improper composting and bad drainage to help maintain control.

Bed bugs get their name from their habit of feeding on human hosts in bed. They are excellent hitchhikers, easily transported and are found in many different types of dwellings, which makes them difficult to control. For this reason, it is crucial that you learn how to identify bed bugs.

Different materials attract specific types of beetles into homes and yards. Many species seek out stored grains and packaged foods, while others feed on garden plants, wood, or fabric. Homeowners may accidentally bring the pests into the house along with infested products.

They are known as "silent destroyers" because of their ability to chew through wood, flooring and even wallpaper undetected. Each year, termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage - costs that aren't covered by homeowners' insurance policies. This is why being vigilant about termite control and termite extermination is so important. Swarmers looking to start a new colony are typically the first sign of termite season as these winged-pests show up inside homes in early spring.

Cockroaches have been long despised by homeowners due to their creepy appearance. Cockroach pest control and management are important for health and safety reasons, because cockroaches are known to cause allergic reactions and trigger asthma attacks, especially in children. They also spread nearly 33 kinds of bacteria including E. coli and Salmonella.

Fleas are parasites that feed on the blood of any warm-blooded body. Cat fleas are the most common domestic flea, but dog fleas, human fleas and oriental rat fleas can also be found. Fleas do not fly. Instead, they use their powerful legs to jump onto a passing host. Controlling and/or exterminating fleas can eliminate an infestation. Flea bites can result in painful, itchy red bumps.