Are bed bugs common in Seattle?
Seattle has appeared on rankings that identified the top bed bug cities in the country. The Washington State Department of Health has information for renters and homeowners who are battling a bed bug problem. For immediate help, contact one of the best bed bug exterminators in Seattle to create a treatment plan that will get rid of your bed bug infestation.
How do I choose a pest control company in Seattle?
Compare the best exterminators in Seattle online, and pay close attention to the ratings and reviews. Reading the reviews will give you insight into the companies’ quality of work, professionalism and perhaps even pricing.
Another step you might want to take is making sure the pest control company is licensed. The Washington Pesticide Management Division provides licensing and recertification to structural pest control companies.
Finally, you’ll want to receive a few free estimates from several companies you’re considering. These estimates will help you get an idea of how much pest control services will cost you — and which company is offering the better deal.
What kind of pests and bugs are in Seattle?
You may see rodents, ants, stinging insects, spiders, bed bugs, stink bugs, cockroaches and other pests if you live in Seattle.
If pests or bugs infest your home, contact Seattle’s best exterminators to help get rid of these creatures and prevent them from coming back.
What are the signs of pests in your home?
Signs of pest infestations vary by the type of pest. Here are a few signs to watch out for when it comes to some of the most common pests:
- Ants: Stray ants walking around or large numbers congregating, wood shavings, ants emerging from hidden crevices, ant nests
- Rats or mice: Droppings, chewed objects and wires, scampering noises, holes in walls and floors
- Cockroaches: Cylindrical droppings, brown smear marks, live cockroaches
- Fleas: Small and dark spots on your pet’s skin, your pet starts scratching excessively, pepper-like “flea dirt” in bedding, carpet or furniture
- Bed bugs: Droppings in the seams of your mattress, rusty/reddish stains on bed sheets, bites on your skin
- Termites: Mud tubes, wood-scented droppings, small holes in walls, peeling or bubbling paint, wood damage
- Bees or wasps: Excessive number of bees and wasps, dark patches on the walls or ceilings, and papery nests or hives under roof eaves, behind shutters, on balconies or in garden sheds
If you notice any of these signs in your house, contact the best exterminators near you.
How often should pest control be done?
This depends on several factors, including:
- The type of pest
- The severity of the invasion
- Your home’s characteristics
- The quality of the pest control company’s work
In some cases, you might require pest control services three to four times a year. Or, you might need services monthly or every few months.
Talk to the best exterminators near you to get an idea of what type of service you need — and how many times you’ll need follow-up treatments.
How do you get rid of termites?
The best way to get rid of termites is to act fast. Termites are a problem that will only get worse — and no matter how much you want them to, they usually don’t magically move out on their own. There are three main types of termites: drywood, dampwood and subterranean. Drywood and dampwood termites sneak through cracks in your exterior paint, nail holes, and gaps near windows and other openings and begin to eat through your wood. Subterranean termites enter your house from the ground up by creating mud tunnels. In all cases, they survive by eating the wood of your house. The type of termites you have can steer the treatment plan.
Methods of termite extermination include fumigation, use of pesticides, and use of natural elements that are poisonous to the bugs. The extent of your termite infestation will help determine the treatment method. If you have drywood or dampwood termites that have infiltrated all aspects of the wood in your home, the pest control pro may recommend enclosing the whole house in a tent and gassing the termites via fumigation. If you have subterranean termites, often the entire footprint of the home must be treated by drilling liquid treatments into the slab or foundation of the home to exterminate the colonies. In any case, once you see signs of termites, it’s time to take action and call a pest pro.
How much does it cost to get rid of cockroaches?
Cockroaches are not only ugly, they are difficult to get rid of. Quick and resilient, they can be hard to get rid of without professional help once they have inhabited a house. Nationally, the average range for cockroach pest control cost is $80-$130. Extermination professionals typically provide a free estimate to determine the extent of the infestation. They’ll check for the main sources of the bugs, identify bug access and entry points into your home, and determine the best method for elimination. There are a variety of cockroach extermination tools including gel baits and traps, pesticide foggers, desiccants (which dry out the cockroaches), neurotoxins, and other pesticides. Pest control costs can also cover preventive measures like regular spraying and trap maintenance. Some regions of the country are much more prone to cockroach problems than others, so pest control costs may need to be part of your quarterly budget. Cockroaches love dark, humid, and warm areas and water sources, so place traps near your washer and dryer and under your sinks.
Do I need to leave the house for pest control?
It depends on the type of pest control service you require. Your exterminator can often tell you beforehand which products they’ll be using and where they’ll be applying it.
If the pest control company will be applying toxic chemicals, limit your exposure, according to the National Pesticide Information Center. For example, consider leaving your house during application and ventilate your home thoroughly when you return. And always keep your pets and their supplies away from the applied pesticides.
Talk to pest control companies near you for advice on what you should do while they’re treating your home for pests.
How do you get rid of ants?
The best way to get rid of ants is to hire an ant exterminator near you. The exterminator can also help you find the source of the problem that’s drawing ants into your home.
After they’re done treating your home, you can invest in ant baits to keep infestations at bay. It’s also important to take preventative steps to avoid ants.
For example, always clean up crumbs and wipe down surfaces to eliminate potential food sources. Regularly take out the trash, fix leaky pipes, store your food in sealed containers and seal cracks near your kitchen cabinets.
Here are more tips on how to get rid of ants (for good).
Is monthly pest control necessary?
Monthly pest control service is only necessary for certain situations. For example, severe ant or cockroach infestations may require monthly pest control in order to destroy the infestations at the source.
Talk to the best exterminators near you to get an idea of what type of service you need — and how many times you’ll need follow-up treatments.