Reducing insects in your home can be a common concern, and there are several steps you can take to minimize their presence. Here are some tips specifically tailored to Whatcom County, Washington including dealing with invasive species:
Seal cracks and crevices: Inspect your home for any gaps, cracks, or openings in windows, doors, walls, and foundations. Seal them with caulk or weather stripping to prevent insects from entering.
Install or repair screens: Make sure all your windows, doors, and vents have properly fitted screens without any holes or tears. This will prevent insects from flying or crawling into your home while still allowing fresh air.
Properly store food: Store food in airtight containers to discourage pantry pests like ants and beetles. Keep your kitchen clean and regularly wipe down surfaces to remove any food debris that may attract insects.
Eliminate standing water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so eliminate any sources of standing water in your yard, such as puddles, flowerpot saucers, or clogged gutters. Regularly change the water in birdbaths and pet bowls.
Maintain a tidy yard: Trim back bushes and trees from the perimeter of your home to prevent easy access for insects. Keep the grass cut short and remove any leaf litter or debris where insects may hide.
Proper waste management: Ensure that your trash cans have tight-fitting lids, and regularly clean and disinfect them to reduce odors that may attract pests. Also, consider using sealed compost bins to prevent attracting flies and other insects.
Reduce outdoor lighting: Insects are attracted to bright lights, so consider using yellow or sodium vapor lights outside, as they are less attractive to bugs. Keep exterior lights away from windows and use motion sensors or timers to limit their usage.
Address moisture issues: Repair any leaky pipes, faucets, or areas with excess moisture in your home, as they can attract pests like cockroaches and silverfish. Ensure proper ventilation in areas prone to dampness, such as bathrooms and basements.
Consult professionals: If you’re dealing with a persistent insect problem, consider contacting a local pest control service like us. We will assess your specific situation and provide customized solutions to manage and get rid of your property’s insects effectively and in the greenest way possible. Learn more about our company’s approach to pest control at this link:
About Us | Parker Eco Pest Control
We serve much of Northwestern Washington, covering even more ground with our new office location in Bellingham.
Whatcom County Insects And Pests Resources
Here are some additional resources about pests and insects from Whatcom County:
Identifying giant hornets – From the WSDA website
Dealing with insect bites such as mosquitoes and ticks – from the Whatcom County website
The Washington State Department of Health has a helpful resource page about several kinds of pests including bed bugs, biting flies, Japanese beetles, mosquitoes, spongy moths and more: Click here
