Common winter pests in Seattle that could plague your home include rodents, spiders, and ants. The first step in eliminating these creatures is knowing what you’re dealing with. 

When winter hits, many pests hibernate, much like humans, but this does not mean they aren’t around. 

Keep reading to learn the most common winter pests in Seattle and tips from Parker Eco Pest Control to help you deal with them. 

We will also drop a brief section on common winter bugs in Seattle. So, read on

3 Common Winter Pests in Seattle

The last thing you want as a homeowner is a rat or mouse cozying up with you in the space you share with your family. 

We have accumulated a list of three common winter pests in Seattle and tips on preventing them from getting into your home.

Rats and Mice Make Their Way into Your Home

rats and mice are a common problem in winter

Whether rodents love the company of humans or they just want food and a warm place to call home as winter hits; they can be a big menace. 

Rats and mice target garage spaces and outdoor trash cans as the first point of entry. Thanks to their sharp teeth and hard work, they will quickly chew through roofing tiles to find their way into your home or commercial property.

Once they are inside, they will wreak havoc on your property. Many homeowners take a while to notice rats and mice on their property because they are nocturnal.

If you suspect a rodent infestation in your home, look for typical signs such as chewed-through pantry items or droppings.

If you’re bold, you can inspect your attic or crawlspace with a flashlight. But there is only so much you can do to get rid of these creatures as a homeowner. Sometimes you have to call in a professional.

This is where professional pest control companies come in. While Parker Eco Pest Control isn’t the biggest company in the Pacific Northwest, we like to think we’re the best pest control company in Seattle and the surrounding areas.

You can keep these creatures away by cleaning your space and sealing your home up tightly. Additional strategies include keeping your outdoor space in good and clean condition. We recommend clearing a 1 foot pathway around the perimeter of your home to make it less attractive to rodents.

Keep Rats out for Good with Eco-friendly Rodent Control

Most pest control companies don’t want to talk about the elephant in the room: rat poison. It’s usually called rodenticide. We’ve heard companies claim it’s safe for the environment. It’s not! We’ve heard companies claim the rats will seek water and die outside your home. They wont!

Parker Eco Pest Control relies on physical trapping, sealing up holes to keep rats out, and ContraPest rat birth control to provide natural rodent control in Seattle.

ContraPest rodent fertility control is a humane, non-poisonous liquid tank that can be installed on your property. It is confirmed to reduce rodent infestations by over 90% within the first year of use.

Homeowners can also rely on ammonia and vinegar spray for eco-friendly pest control. The smell of ammonia is like a predator’s urine, which explains why rodents hate it. This can work for a short period of time but rodents can become used to the smell and reenter the area.

Don’t hesitate to call us for rat birth control — now available in Seattle and the surrounding areas.

Ant Infestations Can Be Common in Winter!

ants infesting a home in seattle

Traditional odorous house ants will always be around if the food is in your home or on commercial property. These critters are attracted to leftover crumbs and come in big numbers.

The best time to stop an ant problem is early! Colonies grow exponentially, meaning the longer you put it off, the bigger the problem becomes. Ant activity in the winter is almost always due to an ant nest inside a wall or attic. We call these cavity nests because they’re inside your wall cavities and very difficult to reach.

To combat cavity ant nests we primarily use bait. Ants will find the bait and take it back to the nest for us, meaning there is no need to punch holes in your wall and find the nest. Need an ant exterminator in Seattle then reach out to the team today!

Spider Infestations Can Be Common in Seattle Too!

spiders on spider webs washington, seattle

These cold-blooded creatures can withstand cooler temperatures, enabling them to thrive in winter. Spiders are not big fans of human settlements. Seeing them in your home or commercial property means they have been there for a while.

Non-venomous spiders are harmless but can unsettle when they come in big numbers. They thrive in quiet and dark places.

To prevent a spider infestation, regularly vacuum your home and tidy your attics.

Parker Eco Pest Control: 5 Tips to Keep Pests Out of Your Home This Winter

Parker Eco Pest Control has vast experience delivering eco-friendly pest control services to property owners in Seattle. 

We’ve been in business since 2016 and have accumulated some great tips for home owners:

  1. Insulate Naked Piping

Pests, especially bugs, can use a single crack in your pipes as entry points to your homes. These creatures are very communal, so before you know it, there will be an entire colony of bugs or ants co-living with your family.

You can stop this party before it begins by insulating exposed piping.

  1. Keep Food In Sealed And Airtight Containers

Crumbs left on the kitchen table or the living room floor are an invitation to pests, particularly ants. You can prevent this by cleaning up after eating and keeping all your food in airtight containers.

  1. Seal Crannies And Cracks

You can also prevent pest infestation by sealing crannies, nooks, and cracks. You should ensure that the sealing material is of good quality to make it last.

  1. Check Roof And Gutters

Roofs and gutters can also serve as entry points for pests. You can prevent this by sealing the cracks and crevices in your roofs and gutters. If you need more clarification about your sealing skills, you can leverage the services of a professional.

  1. Keep Your Yard Tidy

To keep bugs away from your home, eliminate all wood-to-soil contact surrounding your home. You should also ensure that firewood and other wood debris are not piled up directly against your house. We recommend clearing a 1 foot perimeter to make your home less attractive to rats and mice.

So, Is It Worth Paying for Pest Control? 

rats are a winter pests in seattle

Ideally, professional exterminating provides faster and more effective results than the do-it-yourself (DIY) method. Identifying pest problems early and eliminating them faster will only save you from damage. 

Cost Of Pest Control In Seattle

An inspection is just $99 and that fee is waived if you proceed with any type of service. Commercial inspections are free and we’ll provide you with a quote the following business day. For reference, our most common rodent plan is $449 and includes 3 visits over 3 weeks to seal holes and trap rodents.

Our unique, fixed price model

Parker Eco Pest Control doesn’t pay our team on commission. Their only incentive if solving the problem, not overstating the problem to scare you into buying service you don’t need.

Need help in preventing pests? Contact Parker Eco Pest Control today for flat rate pricing and the best customer service around.