fbpx

Page 2 of 8

Leave a Review, Plant a Tree! Parker Eco Pest Control Donates to the Arbor Day Foundation

At Parker Eco Pest Control, we’ve always been committed to providing eco-friendly pest control solutions that prioritize the health of your home and our planet. Today, we’re excited to announce a new initiative that combines our dedication to sustainability with our appreciation for your feedback: starting this month, we will plant a tree for every customer who leaves an honest review!

Partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to planting trees and promoting environmental stewardship, we aim to make a positive impact on the environment while encouraging valuable feedback from our customers. Every review you leave helps us understand your needs better and improves our service, and now it will also contribute to a greener planet.

Why trees? Trees are not only beautiful and essential to biodiversity but also play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. By planting trees through the Arbor Day Foundation, we ensure that our efforts contribute to reforestation projects across the country, benefiting local communities and wildlife habitats.

How does it work? It’s simple! After receiving our pest control service, you can leave a review detailing your experience. For every review we receive, whether it’s positive or constructive, we’ll donate to the Arbor Day Foundation to plant a tree in an area of need. The Arbor Day Foundation has earned a 98% accountability rating from Charity Navigator, an independent organization that assesses the impact and fiscal responsibility of nonprofit organizations.

Join us in our mission to protect the environment and provide exceptional pest control services. Your honest feedback not only helps us grow but also contributes to a greener, healthier planet for future generations. Together, we can make a significant impact—one tree and one review at a time.

Ready to plant a tree? Leave a review!

Follow this link to leave us a Google review: https://search.google.com/local/writereview?placeid=ChIJScwIXzkUkFQRAv2UAA7_S-A

Thank you for choosing Parker Eco Pest Control. Let’s grow green together!

Washington State University Mention Of Which Pests To Remove From Your Property

A few weeks ago, the Tri-City Herald published an article titled “Here are the good and bad bugs to keep an eye out for this spring in eastern Washington“. In that article, it quoted an entomologist and professor at Washington State University regarding the kinds of insects which may or may not cause potential harm on your property.

The majority of insects you’ll encounter around Tri-Cities are harmless and nothing to be concerned about, according to Richard Zack with WSU’s entomology program. “Of the many, many, many types of insects out there, most either cause no problem or are beneficial,” Zack said in an interview. “I encourage people to look at them more as friends than as enemies.”

Most commonly, Zack says Tri-Citians can expect to see increased spider, ant, bee, yellow jacket and other wasp occurrences near homes. Generally, they’re looking for places to make a nest and are not intentionally wandering inside houses. Zack also noted gnat activity will usually go up around this time of year, and stink bugs have become more prevalent recently.

The only potential danger in that list is from yellow jackets and other wasps, as they are stinging bugs, should they set up camp near your home and grow a decent-sized colony. This just increases the possibility of a stinging incident, which can be especially concerning in homes where there are often children around.

https://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/local/article286410760.html#storylink=cpy

If you need any kind of pest control service, including wasp and hornet removal, in the areas of Washington which we serve then you are welcome to call us at 1-800-ECO-1698 or email us through the email addresses via the button below.

Bellingham’s Tips On Pesticides For Pest Control

The City of Bellingham published a website with some tips on the use of pesticides for pest control. Here are some portions of that page:

Pests are organisms that occur where they are not wanted and cause damage. Pests include some insects, mice and other animals, unwanted plants (weeds), fungi, and microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses

Pesticides…

  • Are substances that are intended to prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate pests
  • Include insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides
  • Can be substances intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant

How do pesticides end up in our lakes and streams?

Pesticides can enter our waterways via stormwater runoff or outdoor water use. Runoff carrying pesticides into our storm drains or directly into lakes and streams may result in serious impacts to fish and wildlife.

What can I do to help?

  • Use environmentally-friendly alternatives to pesticides
  • Use pesticides responsibly and only if necessary
  • Accurately identify the pest
  • Select the most effective pesticide that poses the least risk to human health and the environment
  • Apply pesticides in dry weather, not right before big storm events
  • Never allow pesticides to enter storm drains or creeks
https://cob.org/services/environment/lake-whatcom/pesticides

If you want to schedule an appointment with us in Bellingham or any of the Washington areas we serve then you are welcome to choose your preferred way below:

1-800-ECO-1698

Send a Text

Info@ParkerEcoPestControl.com

Book Online

Safely Cleaning Up After Rodents

We found a helpful resource on the website of the Washington State Department of Health. It is a PDF about how to clean up safely after noticing rodent droppings in your home or building.

Here is the resource: https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-02/420569-SafelyCleaningAfterRodents-Hantavirus-Poster-English.pdf

These are just a handful of tips from the PDF, so click the link to see the entire set of suggestions:

In Washington, deer mice can carry hantavirus, which can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) in humans. HPS is a severe, sometimes fatal respiratory disease. Deer mice can shed the virus in their urine, droppings, and saliva. Disturbing mouse nests, droppings, urine, or saliva, can create small particles that contain the virus in the air.

—-

Ventilate the space before cleaning by opening doors and windows for at least 30 minutes.

Avoid stirring up dust; don’t use a leaf blower, vacuum, sweep, or use
cleaning methods such as dry dusting.

https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-02/420569-SafelyCleaningAfterRodents-Hantavirus-Poster-English.pdf

If you need help with any rodent control in the areas we serve then you are welcome to contact us. We will serve your home or commercial property from the office nearest to you (Seattle, Everett, or Bellingham).

Phone: 1-800-ECO-1698
Email: Info@ParkerEcoPestControl.com

You also may book your appointment online at this link:

Recent News About Rats Affecting Seattle Commercial Properties

This past December, the DailyUW.com posted an article about the problem of rats affecting Seattle including the Northeast 43rd area. Here are some snippets from that article:

“Many rats had been living in this unmanaged planted strip that was installed by the city as a part of the bus and light rail improvements,” UDP executive director Don Blakeney wrote in an email.” 

“Containing the rodent population in the U-District requires cooperation on all fronts. Many historic buildings in the area are vulnerable to rodents because of holes in their exterior. Mice are able to fit into holes the width of a pencil and rats can chew and squeeze their way into a building with a hole as small as 1/4 inch in diameter.”

“The violation associated with insect, rodent, or animal presence is a blue violation, as opposed to a red critical violation with the highest risk of causing foodborne disease, and is worth 5 points. 120 or more red and blue points requires that the food establishment be shut down until they have fixed the issues, submitted a prevention plan to avoid future issues and received another inspection.

“Let’s say a rat runs across the kitchen floor when everything else they’ve done correctly, would that constitute a closure?” Bui said. “So that remains to be seen. You know it’s up to [an] individual, case to case basis. It’s up to us to make the final call.” 

https://www.dailyuw.com/news/rats-on-the-ave-how-businesses-government-and-community-members-are-maintaining-food-safety/article_785d3c1c-955b-11ee-87d6-3b4fdfffa13a.html

We offer commercial pest control, including rodent removal for rats, in Seattle and the other areas we serve.

We service:

When you are ready to contact us then you are welcome to call, text, email, or book online from the information found on this page:

Why Bellevue Rodent Control Is Important

In recent years there have been several impactful articles about rising rat populations in the Seattle area, including Bellevue. The first article was titled “Brief history of rats in the Puget Sound region – and the problem they present” from this link:

Brief history of rats in the Puget Sound region – and the problem they present | Bellevue Reporter

Some interesting parts from that article:

“We realized that control of rats was more intensive,” Trefts said. “It became the main thing. It was obvious that it was widespread.”

He said semi-rural communities, like Bellevue, in which suburban communities were built wall-to-wall next to one another, provided shelter and sustenance for the highly adaptable rodents.

Trefts said the newly built homes, with dark rat-cozy spaces in the walls and crawl spaces, provided “perfect” nests for families of rats. He said simple overlooked details like overfilled birdfeeders and grease from barbecues were just enough for rats to sustain themselves.

Rats have even been noted as having eaten dog droppings from a residential lawn.

Trefts and his peers began to notice they could work to keep the rats out of a home, but not the neighborhood, because they were “really well established.”

Trefts believes that the Puget Sound region has more rats per capita than New York City, mostly because New York has a higher population density and vertical skyrises that can shelter rats.

The next article was titled “Rats in Seattle: They’re creepy, clever and everywhere, but there is help”. Here are some parts from that article:

YES, RATS DO come up toilets. Yes, it’s a startling and scary image: those beady eyes, pointy front incisors, long scaly tails, their rhythmic sniffing. Sniffing for what?

Rats in Seattle: They’re creepy, clever and everywhere, but there is help | The Seattle Times

Another article was titled “Rising rat populations cost locals thousands in repairs”. Below are some sections of interest:

Rats have been a growing problem in Seattle and on the Eastside over the past decade. Their natural attraction to urban areas creates numerous problems for locals — some are simple inconveniences while some cost thousands of dollars.

“They eat from my antifreeze and transmission fluid,” said Igor Rozmarih. “Every morning I wake up and I don’t know if I [can] drive or not… I’m afraid.”

Rozmarih lives in a Bellevue condo complex near the Bellevue Aquatic Center. He and his neighbors recently and suddenly were infested with rats that were climbing into their cars and causing severe damage.

An engine compartment emulates a rat’s natural habitat as an enclosed, warm space with various tubes and wires they see as vines and branches. They’ll climb into the compartment during the night and by the time Rozmarih wakes up and starts his car, the damage is already done.


Diseases have become far less of a problem in modern urban areas with the advent of modern medicine and increase in overall health. So, while rats are inherently a large health problem, the most immediate problem for humans is the damage they cause.

Experts have numerous theories as to why rat populations are booming, according to Wikstrom.

“There are only theories, even the Ph.D. taxonomists, entomologists and rodentologists spend their lifetime studying these issues,” Wikstrom said.

He points to the overall rise in average temperature in the past 10 to 15 years as the one he believes to be most likely.

“Measurably speaking we know there’s been a change in the earth’s climate,” Wikstrom added. “How it got there is a whole different discussion of course.”

Rats reproduce very rapidly throughout the year, Wikstrom said. One rat can produce 20 to 40 rats in a year with four to six litters of six to 14 rats. However, rats will reproduce as long as the weather permits, so as it stays warmer later in the year, rats are able to produce one or two more litters each year.

Thus, the population increase becomes exponential as each of those rats can produce more rats each year.

Rising rat populations cost locals thousands in repairs | Bellevue Reporter

When you are ready to have us come inspect your pest control or rodent removal situation in the areas we serve, then you are welcome to contact us:

1-800-ECO-1698 or Send a Text

Email: Info@ParkerEcoPestControl.com

You also may book online at this link: Book Online

Problems Which People Experience With Fleas And Maggots

A few weeks ago in Everett, an article came out about an apartment with maggot infestation:

‘Nightmare’ infestation leaves Everett family in debt, battling landlord | HeraldNet.com

Here are some of the quotes from tenants about the problems they experienced:

It was “like death,” said (person), whose kids were 1½ and 3 years old at the time.

“There was dead maggots all over the floor. There was live maggots on the floor.”

The couple had to throw away their bed, kids’ cribs and many other belongings…… Of the financial burden, (person) said, “there’s no way I will ever be able to compute that.”

The couple filed a claim with their own insurance, but the policy didn’t cover infestations.

The couple’s 1-year-old son “wakes up screaming” because “he’s been in so many different places this past few weeks,” (Person) said at the end of September. The 3-year-old started talking less.

While this is an extreme example, it shows real-world emotions around pests such as maggots and fleas in recent weeks. In addition to the impact on adults and kids, maggots and fleas also impact one’s neighbors and even your own pets.

We look forward to helping you with your pest control and rodent removal needs in our service areas. You are welcome to call, text, or book your appointment online.

1-800-ECO-1698 or Send a Text

Info@ParkerEcoPestControl.com

Book Online

Video Of Rats On Commercial Property In Everett

We just found a YouTube video uploaded in the fall of 2022 showing rats rummaging through garbage left outside a dumpster on a commercial property in Everett.

Everett Washington rats – YouTube

Rodent Control In Everett And Elsewhere In Washington State

The video we found is just an example of concerns which a property manager might experience regarding rats, mice and other pests. Some of the concerns might include:

  • Local health code violations for restaurants
  • Local ordinance violations for commercial and residential property managers, including apartments
  • Risk of negative reviews from customers and even litigation risks if a customer or tenant receives a rodent bite
  • Health risks due to rodent droppings
  • Risk of a massive increase in rodents reproducing if not addressed early
  • Many other risks

Here is a video example of one of our inspections, which is a part of our overall rodent control services:


When you are ready to have us visit your home or property in any of the Washington communities we serve, then you are welcome to call us or book your appointment online through this button:

Winterproofing Your Home in Bellingham, WA: A Guide to Keep Rodents at Bay

Winterproofing for Rodents

Winter in Bellingham, Washington, can be picturesque, but it also brings challenges, especially when it comes to keeping your home rodent-free. As temperatures drop, rodents seek shelter and warmth, posing a threat to your property. This article provides a comprehensive guide with practical tips to winterproof your home and prevent unwelcome guests.

Seal Entry Points:

Rodents can enter your home through tiny openings. Conduct a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior and seal any gaps or cracks using weatherstripping, caulk, or steel wool. Pay special attention to areas around doors, windows, vents, and utility penetrations.

Reference: University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program – “Exclusion: Sealing Out Rodents”

Maintain a Tidy Yard:

Keep your yard clean and well-maintained to discourage rodents from finding shelter close to your home. Trim overgrown vegetation, clear debris, and store firewood away from the house. This minimizes hiding spots and reduces the attractiveness of your property to rodents.

Reference: Washington State University Extension – “Rodent-Proof Construction and Exclusion Methods”

Secure Food Sources:

Rodents are drawn to accessible food sources. Store food in airtight containers, clean up crumbs promptly, and avoid leaving pet food out overnight. Properly dispose of garbage in sealed containers to prevent enticing smells that might attract rodents.

Reference: University of Florida IFAS Extension – “Controlling Rats and Mice in and Around Homes”

Install Door Sweeps:

Install door sweeps on exterior doors to eliminate potential entry points. Rodents, especially mice, can squeeze through very small gaps, and door sweeps provide an effective barrier to keep them out.

Reference: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension – “Mice”

Use Rodent-Resistant Materials:

Consider using rodent-resistant materials for construction and repairs. For example, replacing damaged siding with rodent-proof materials can deter rodents from chewing their way into your home.

Reference: Penn State Extension – “Rodent-Proof Construction”

Schedule Regular Inspections:

Prevention is key, and regular inspections can help you identify and address potential issues before they escalate. Hire a professional pest control service for a comprehensive inspection and to implement preventive measures.

Reference: Washington State Department of Agriculture – “Pesticide Application Business Licensing”

Final Thoughts about Winterproofing your Home from Rodents in Bellingham Washington

Winterproofing your home in Bellingham, Washington, requires a proactive approach to keep rodents at bay. By sealing entry points, maintaining a tidy yard, securing food sources, installing door sweeps, using rodent-resistant materials, and scheduling regular inspections, you can create a rodent-resistant environment that ensures a cozy and pest-free winter.

News Clip About Rats And Pest Control In Seattle

This video clip from a FOX 13 news broadcast in Seattle was posted roughly a year ago. It featured some tips from King County about what to do when there are rats in one’s toilet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjIuvk5RyV8

We then found the corresponding page on the King County website with a comic book-style set of tips for this situation:

What to do if there’s a RAT in the toilet (kingcounty.gov)

We also found another page on the King County website with tips on getting rats out of your toilet and sewer pipes. Here are some snippets from that page:

Keep rats out of sewer pipes

Keep food and grease out of your drains: Garbage disposals and dishwashing can wash food down your drains. Rats can then follow the scent of this food.

  • Keep your kitchen sink rinsed clean. Use garbage disposals as little as possible.
  • Clean your kitchen sink drain monthly! Use 1 cup of baking soda followed by 1 cup of vinegar and rinse with boiling water. You can also use 1 cup of bleach and rinse with boiling water.
  • Never pour grease or oils down the drain.
READ THE FULL SET OF TIPS FROM THE COUNTY HERE: Keep rats out of your toilet and sewer pipes – King County, Washington

We have additional suggestions for what to do when a rat appears in your toilet or your pipes. You are welcome to contact us if you need help in the Washington communities we serve: Areas Served

You also may book an appointment online if that is more convenient. Click the button below to get started. Thank you and we look forward to serving you soon.


Post thumbnail/image credit goes to the same page on the Seattle & King County Public Health website.

« Older posts Newer posts »