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Parker Eco Pest Control

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The 3 Things That Attract Ants to a Home!

April 4, 2022 /

So, you’ve got an ant problem in your house and don’t know where to start?

Ants are genuinely a nuisance! And these are the kind of pests that simply attract more unwanted pests. But, when dealing with an ant infestation in Seattle, WA. Homeowners need to understand the factors that attract ants to a home. 

Today we’ll not only discuss the 3 things that attract ants to your home but how you can go about getting rid of them.

What are the Tiny Little Ants in My House?

Ant-infestations in the Seattle region are a common problem many homeowners may face. But, before you begin the process of extermination, it’s vital to learn about the species of ant invading your home and the key factors that keep them coming back. 

  1. Sugar ants: Sugar ants, aka the banded sugar ant, is a species most attracted to a sweet food source. Now, sugar ants aren’t just attracted to a sweet trail of breadcrumbs. They love anything sweet! Including budding peonies and roses. 
  2. Carpenter ants: Carpenter ants build nests in damp conditions. And, as their name suggests, these tiny ants appear to have an affinity for dead or decaying wood. 

So, What Attracts Ants to Your Home

When dealing with an ant infestation in Seattle, we recommend reaching out to your local ant exterminators. This is the behavior, and biology will vary from species to species. 

But, as a general rule of thumb: regardless of species, most tiny ants and carpenter ants are attracted to warm and humid conditions and a viable food source.

3 Things That Will Attract Ants to Your Home

House ants are a nuisance, and when you’re trying to figure out how to get rid of ants, things get tricky!

At Parker Eco Pest Control, we believe that a preventative approach will be better than a reactive one.  

So, before you attempt to get rid of those cheeky sugar ants, it’s essential to ask yourself, what are ants attracted to?

#1. Yes, Sugar Trails Attract Sugar Ants

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Just like most pests in Seattle, tiny ants like sugar ants seek a food source to keep their colony thriving. 

And, as their name suggests, sugar ants are the type of ants most attracted to a sweet food source. These can include honey, sugar crumbs, spilled juice, and even fruit. 

To keep close to their sweet treat, these tiny ants will create nests within the walls and flooring of your home. 

When a viable food source has been found, sugar ants leave a pheromone trail that allows other worker ants to locate the source.

#2. Are Ants Attracted to Water? Heck, Yes!

They’re just like any other living creature! Leaky pipes, water heaters, or indoor house plants are all water sources ants are attracted to . 

Sugar ants prefer a water source close to their food. In contrast, carpenter ants prefer damp and moist conditions for building nests. 

When it comes to keeping ants out of the home, it’s essential to understand the biology of the species of ant infesting your home. Keeping your kitchen area clean and ensuring all cracks or pipes are sealed will help keep your home safe from ants. 

Are Ants Attracted to Heat?

One of the most important environmental factors that attract ants to a home is a heat source. As mentioned above, ants love warm, sheltered, and humid conditions. They rely on such conditions to build nests and colonies.  

So, what are some sources of heat that could be attracting ants to your home?

Underfloor heating, heated toilets, modems, and other electrical appliances attract ants to a home. 

But, it doesn’t stop there! Tiny ants and carpenter ants also appear to have an affinity for electrical appliances.  

So, why are ants attracted to electricity? 

We don’t actually know the exact reasoning as to why electricity attracts ants. However, one proposed theory appears to be related to heat signature: electrical currents release heat, creating a warm climate, perfect for ants seeking shelter during the winter months. 

Another theory proposed by entomologist Dr. Brad Vinson has to do with pheromones. Remember, ants can communicate and follow each other’s trails through pheromones. 

Dr. Brad Vinson theorizes that ants, particularly fire ants, have an affinity for electricity as it increases their chances of receiving a shock. And, when an ant is shocked, it releases pheromones, signaling other colony members to follow in pursuit. 

Ants in House? Don’t Panic! Parker Eco Pest Control is Here in Seattle.

Pest control technician extermination ant trail, ant control services in Shoreline Washington

Dealing with an ant infestation is undoubtedly not an easy job. While setting up ant baits and killing an active trail may work initially, it does not address the main problem.

But, when dealing with an ant infestation in Seattle, we at Parker Eco Pest Control have got you covered. 

Our team of experts works one-on-one with homeowners to determine the source of the ant infestation and how we can control them naturally. So, talk to us today to learn more about natural and eco-friendly ant control in Seattle. 

rat-birth-control-seattle

3 Things You Need to Know About ContraPest: The Birth Control for Rats 

March 23, 2022 /

Eliminating a local rodent infestation is undoubtedly no easy job! Why? These tiny little critters breed fast, and although rat bait works to reduce rodent numbers immediately, it doesn’t address the long-term problem.

It’s time to talk about birth control for rats, and yes, that’s a thing!

We get it! It can be pretty tricky to get rid of rats and mice. And these days, more homeowners are interested in learning about long-term rodent control options. 

So, how do we help you get rid of your rat infestation? Let’s talk about ContraPest—the birth control for rats making headlines. 

#1. Will, the ContraPest Rat Birth Control, Reduce the Rodent Population…Yes!

ContraPest rat birth control is a sweet liquid formulation designed to reduce the rodent population over time. It contains two ingredients, 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD) and triptolide, which eliminate immature ovarian follicles, prevent sperm maturation and reduce sperm motility. 

To ensure its safety and efficacy, the Parker Eco Pest Control team conducted a seven-month trial on a test site. The results were astonishing! ContraPest was able to reduce the rodent population by up to 91%. 

#2. Let’s Talk About the Rebound Effect 

Poison and traps are a great way to get rid of rats fast, but it also comes with their fair share of drawbacks.

Rat poison addresses the acute problem, and it relies solely upon rats consuming rat bait to meet their defeat. So, initially, it may reduce the rat infestation problem, but it won’t do much over time.

So, why is rat bait not effective in the long run? Well, the answer is simple, rats multiply quickly. 

So, let’s look at an example…

A local colony contains 100 rats. Of that 100 rats, 90 consumed rat bait, leaving 10 adult rats active. Remember, rats multiply quickly! A female rat can begin mating at five weeks of age. And, female rats, on average, can have up to 6 litters a year, each consisting of 12 to 15 pups—now that’s a lot of rats. 

So, within a few weeks, the rodent population within that colony increases. And, this is what we refer to as the rebound effect!

So, how does ContraPest address this issue? 

As mentioned above, the ContraPest formulation takes a preventative approach. By inhibiting different stages of the estrus cycle and sperm maturation, ContraPest prevents rats from producing pups. 

It is a long-term solution that allows homeowners to keep their local rodent numbers in check!

#3. This Birth Control for Rats Reduced Bait Aversion

Rats are pretty shy creatures; when introduced to a new food source, they only try or take a little to determine its safety. 

Rats are also intelligent little creatures. If they associate a food source with a negative experience, their chances of going back for seconds decrease immensely. This is what we describe as bait aversion, and it’s one of the reasons why rat poison isn’t necessarily the best method of rodent control.

So, what makes natural rat birth control so effective? First, this method of natural rodent control takes a more proactive approach rather a reactive one. 

The ContraPest fertility control is a sweet liquid formulation that attracts rats and keeps them interested in the product. And, gradual consumption of the ContraPest rat birth control formulation can reduce the fertility of both male and female rats.

This sweet formulation causes no direct ill-effects to the rats, i.e., death. And that’s great because we actively prevent bait aversion and thus continue the process of reducing the local rodent population.

Rodent Control in Seattle Just Got Easier!

Rodent control is now easier than ever before! Our Parker Eco Pest Control team ensures home, and business owners across Seattle get access to the ContraPest rodent fertility formulation.

So, talk to us today to learn more about how ContraPest rat birth control can benefit you. 

Coming soon! ContraPest Rat Birth Control

February 18, 2022 /

Rat birth control has been on the market for several years but pest control professionals have struggled to figure out how to offer it to customers. After running a seven month trial we’ve become believers! Our test site saw a 91% reduction in the rodent population in seven months. It was an incredible result.

Parker Eco Pest Control will begin offering ContraPest birth control to customers in the Seattle area in April 2022. Every month a technician will re-inspect and replace the tank(s) of liquid bait. You can learn more on our rat birth control FAQ page.

One of the most interesting aspects of ContraPest is how incredibly delicious the rodents find it. At times we would return to the tanks and find them completely destroyed. The rats would eat the tank itself to get every last drop of the liquid!

The white tank has been eaten by rodents who ran out of ContraPest!

If you’d like us to reach out in April when ContraPest is available please fill out the form below. Thanks for making an effort to go poison-free!

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Have you Heard About the Dreaded Carpet Beetle? 

February 6, 2022 /

Got a carpet beetle infestation in Seattle? You’d be surprised; they’re pretty common in Seattle. It’s time to get rid of carpet beetles for good. Talk to us, your local pest control exterminators for more tips and tricks about carpet beetles.

Parker Eco Pest Control: Carpet Beetle Infestation in Seattle.

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carpet beetle infestation in a Seattle home.

Larvae (immature) carpet beetles thrive on natural material materials, including pet fur, clothing, and wood. There are many species of carpet beetles across Seattle, but it seems like the most common one is the furniture carpet beetle. Although the biology of these little critters is fascinating, they can ingest and dissolve keratin-based material, which includes animal skin and hair. But, it doesn’t stop there! The larvae of some carpet beetles can consume other cloth fibers like silk, cotton, and rayon. 

So, how do carpet beetles and their pesky larvae damage your home? They tend to eat through fibers, and this can often appear as holes through linens, sheets, rugs, and more.

Dealing with a Carpet Beetle Infestation in Seattle

Carpet beetles can be tricky to deal with as they can thrive in the most obscure of areas. Not only that, it can be pretty tricky identifying what the primary food sources are for these pesky critters. So, when it comes to getting rid of carpet beetles from your Seattle home, we recommend reaching out to a professional pest control service provider. 

Here at Parker Eco Pest Control, we make dealing with a carpet beetle infestation straightforward. During the initial visit, our pest control technician will inspect your property identifying the degree of the infestation, the species involved, and, if possible, the source of the infestation. 

Due to the nature of the infestation, some pest control technicians may opt to use mild insecticides like boric acid to eliminate and control the infestation. Insect foggers can be used in addition to other tactics to reduce adult beetle infestation.

If your Seattle home has a carpet beetle infestation, then talk to us today to learn more about eliminating, controlling, and preventing carpet beetle infestations in Seattle. 

Organic Pest Control: Getting Rid of Carpet Beetles Naturally. 

We have a few options available if you’re looking at organic pest control methods for dealing with carpet beetles. For mild infestations, Seattle homeowners can use natural pest control tactics that can deter carpet beetles and their larvae.

Powerful & potent DIY bug repellent spray: using a combination of peppermint, clove oil, and citronella—diluted in water. You can create your beetle repellent spray, reducing the infestation.

Spring cleaning, mothballs, and more...during the springtime we recommend washing your linens and storing clothing with hot water and detergent as this will kill any larvae or eggs. Mothballs and cedarwood placed in close proximity to stored clothes can prevent larvae infestation.

Preventing Future Carpet Beetle Infestations 

If you’ve dealt with a carpet beetle infestation in a Seattle home, then it’s time to start thinking about taking preventive measures.

Sometimes the best way to deal with a pest is to prevent them in the first place. For example, carpet beetle infestations seem to occur around spring! So, the best way to prevent them from getting into your home is by applying insecticides around the perimeter of your home.

During spring, we recommended washing linens, pillows, and in fact, any clothing with a solution of hot water and washing detergent—a sure way to eliminate any carpet beetle larvae. Finally, we recommend placing a strip of cedarwood or mothball in an area where you would store away sheets and linens. 

Reach out to us today to learn more about preventing carpet beetle infestations.

parker-eco-pest-control-everett-exterminator

Finding the Best Pest Control in Everett

January 13, 2022 /

If you’re looking for the best pest control in Everett, you’ve come to the right place!

Ants, spiders, wasps, rodents, and more! Whatever infestation you may face, our team of professional pest control exterminators is here to handle the job. We are a professional-licensed pest-control in Seattle, who provides the best pest control services in Everett, Seattle, Marysville, and more! 

 Natural and Effective Rodent Control 

Did you know that rats and mice are some of the most common pests infesting homes in Washington. These cheeky rodents can do quite a lot of damage to the insulation in your crawlspace and attic. Not to mention, they’re a hazard to human and pet health.

We’ve got the skills and expertise you need when it comes to rodent control. Our Everett pest control team utilizes a dynamic, holistic approach to control and prevent rodent infestations in a home. We provide natural rodent control options in Everett, and we also offer attic and crawl space cleaning services at an affordable cost. 

Everett Pest Control Services: Ants Exterminators 

If you’re looking for some top-notch ant exterminators in Everett, then look no further! A few ants trailing across your home is often an indication of a bigger problem. We at Parker Eco Pest control utilize safe, effective, and natural methods for extermination! 

Talk to us, your local pest control pro, to learn more about ant control in Everett. 

Pest Control Everett: Wildlife Control, Wasp Removal, and More!

Wasp nest removal

Ground wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets—these stinging insects are not only a nuisance but also a safety concern. When it comes to stinging insects, we never recommend dealing with them on your own. The Parker Eco Pest Control Everett team will provide a wide range of services to clients across Everett, Washington, from ground wasps to hornets. We can safely and effectively offer wasp removal services throughout Everett. 

Check out more about how we approach wasp removal with our clients.

Commercial Pest Control Services

Looking for the best commercial pest control services in Everett can be tricky and expensive! But, it doesn’t have to be.

Rats, mice, stinging insects, and more! We can handle it all. Our Everett pest control service team provides commercial pest control options for commercial and family-owned businesses, including schools, restaurants, warehouses, and retail spaces. 

Dealing with pests never got easier! Reach out to us to learn more about the best pest control company in the Everett area. 

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How to Get Rid of Flies Quickly

December 28, 2021 /

If you’re trying to keep flies away from home using a natural fly repellent, then you’ve come to the right place. In this special post, we’ll discuss some tips and tricks homeowners can use to get rid of flies naturally. 

Flies in House: Here’s Some Natural Fly Repellent

We all know that flies love stinky stuff, especially organic material like compost and rotting food. But, did you know that certain scents fly simply detest! 

  • Cloves: Sweet and spicy cloves are another great way to keep flies away from home. For this trick to work, you’ll need to poke about 20 to 25 cloves into a sweet ripe fruit—apples and pears work great!
  • Citronella candles: For decades, citronella candles have proven to be quite effective at deterring flies and mosquitos alike. The sweet and fresh aroma emitted by these candles can keep mosquitos and flies away at a distance of 1 to 2 meters. 
  • Citrus: You can make your natural fly repellent using these fresh citrus-smelling scents. Combine essential oils from lemongrass, eucalyptus, and lavender in a spray bottle and mix thoroughly. Spray across the home, including the kitchen bench, garbage bins, and windows.

How to Keep Flies Away from the Home

Keeping flies away from home—and outside—can be easy because it all comes down to prevention. Yes, that’s correct; perhaps the best and most effective.’ natural fly repellent’ is prevention. So, what exactly does this entail?

When it comes to getting rid of flies from home, the first thing you need to do is eliminate sources of attraction. This can include:

  • ensuring no food is kept out and in the open in the kitchen or other home areas. 
  • Placing your garbage in a can with a tight-fitting lid.
  • Keeping garbage and/or compost as far away from the main home. 
  • Cleaning up your backyard, i.e., regularly cleaning dog and cat feces from the backyard. 

The DIY Fly Trap: How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies

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If you’re looking for a safe, all-natural pest control trap for flies, then look no further. This simple DIY fly trap is undoubtedly a favorite among most homeowners struggling with fruit fly infestations. So, how do you do it?

Step 1: Pour 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar into a shallow dish or mason jar. 

Step 2: Add 2 to 4 drops of dishwashing liquid to the apple cider vinegar solution. For optimum efficiency, we recommend using fruit-scented dish soap.

Step 3: Seal the jar with either the lid or some soft-plastic wrap (saran wrap) and make a few puncture holes. The small holes will allow the flies to enter the jar quickly. But, don’t worry, they’ll struggle to escape. 

If you’re looking to get a little greener, consider using venus fly traps! Place these carnivorous plants around problem areas like kitchen benches or window sills and watch the fly population diminish.

Getting Rid of Flies Naturally: Talk to Us Today 

Homeowners who struggle with an ongoing pest problem, i.e., rat infestation or possum infestation, may struggle to get rid of flies around the home. Rat feces, urine, and carcasses are all elements that attract flies. And, so it’s essential to address any underlying pest problem.

If you’re struggling to keep flies away or if you’ve got a rodent infestation, then it’s time to call our team of professional pest exterminators. Talk to us today to learn more about natural pest-control services in Seattle. 

rodent-control-bellevue-WA

3 Diseases Spread by Rats in Washington

December 7, 2021 /

Have you ever wondered what diseases you can catch from rats? Although they may look cute and furry, rats harbor a wide range of pathogens that can harm human and animal health. Today, we’ll cover some of the three diseases spread by rats. And, we’ll also discuss the importance of rodent control in Bellevue.

Leptospirosis 

First on our list is leptospirosis, a surprisingly common disease seen in both pets and people. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that usually gains entry into humans and pets through the skin or mucous membranes. The bacteria are shed in urine, aka rat urine, and can persist in water, food, and even soil for a while.

According to the CDC, the symptoms associated with a leptospirosis infection can include abdominal pain, fever, muscle aches, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, often referred to as a second phase, leptospirosis can result in acute kidney, liver damage, or meningitis.

Looking for the best pest control services in Bellevue? We at Parker Eco Pest Control are here to provide you with efficient rodent control services. Talk to us today to learn more about rodent control services in Bellevue.

Hantavirus 

According to UC Davis Health, Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is relatively rare; between 1980 to 2014, only 54 cases were reported in California. 

So, how do you get hantavirus? The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) states that viral particles commonly spread through rodent urine and droppings. However, airborne transmission is also possible! But, this often occurs when urine and droppings are incorporated or ‘stirred up” deeply through nesting materials. For example, rodent-damaged insulation in either an attic or a crawl space may contain large amounts of stirred-up rat urine and feces that could put homeowners at risk of hantavirus. These are some of the many reasons why our team of professional rat exterminators examine and perform attic and crawl-space cleaning services throughout Bellevue. 

Lyme Disease

The diseases discussed above generally spread through direct contact with either rodent droppings or urine. On the other hand, Lyme disease is a common bacterial disease that spreads through parasitic vectors—infectious black-legged ticks.

Rats and mice can harbor significant burdens of black-legged ticks on their fur. When these ticks bite pets or people, they tend to cause disease. Symptoms can include fever, erythema migrans (a type of rash), facial palsy, and more. Dogs with Lyme disease tend to show similar symptoms such as joint swelling, lameness, and lethargy. Left untreated, Lyme disease can result in acute nephritis (kidney inflammation) and potentially even acute kidney failure. 

How Much Does Rat Pest Control Cost in Bellevue, WA?

natural rat control bellevue, WA

Rat control and extermination are dynamic processes that involve a thorough inspection and action plan. Here at Parker Eco Pest Control, we provide honest options designed to eradicate rodents and prevent further establishment. 

The process is simple and follows a multi-step approach.

  1. The initial inspection: We need to conduct a full house inspection to determine the severity of the infestation and the potential entry points of the rodents. The cost of our inspection fee is $99.00, but don’t worry; this is waived off if you purchase the 3-Visit Plan.
  2. The first two visits: We continue to set and check physical traps to ensure effective rodent control. In addition, our team of professional pest controllers will address problem areas and may choose to install rodent-proof mesh. The home’s exterior, including the crawl space, is further examined for rodent-entry points. If multiple holes (entry points) are present, they are immediately sealed off.
  3. The third visit: Our team of pest control exterminators is determined to help you and your family address the daunting rodent infestation task! So, we often schedule a third home visit to ensure no new rodent activity and no new access points for rats and mice. 

Don’t let rodents get the better of you! Talk to us today to learn more about rodent control in Bellevue, WA

how to get rid of fleas, parker eco pest control seattle

The Best Flea Exterminator in Seattle

November 23, 2021 /

When it comes to getting rid of fleas, a flea exterminator can be your savior! Getting rid of fleas is not an easy task, as these pesky little parasites can thrive anywhere in your house. So, when approaching the dreaded flea problem, we like to take a multi-model approach.

Flea Spray for House: Here’s What You Need to Know

Flea eggs and larvae can thrive on your carpets and within the cracks of your wooden floors. So, vacuuming them up isn’t going to solve the problem alone. Chemical treatment in insecticides is highly recommended for eliminating adult fleas, existing eggs, and larvae in the environment. Professional flea exterminators will often use insecticides containing both an adulticide and an insect growth regulator. 

Adulticide: An adulticide is a chemical compound that explicitly targets adult fleas. 

Insect Growth Regulator: Also known as IGRs, these chemical compounds often target the eggs and larval stages

Spraying for Fleas: A Word on Safety

If misused, the insecticides used to eliminate fleas can be harmful to human health. To minimize adverse reactions and risks to human health, we recommend seeking out the expertise of a professional flea exterminator. Before the is treated with a flea spray, your pest control providers may suggest the following:

  • Unplug any air circulation systems.
  • Put away open food, cutlery, and loose items. 
  • Cover or completely remove any fish tanks from the house.
  • Ensure windows are left open for maximum ventilation
  • After spraying the home with insecticides, do not let pets or people into the house.

How to Get Rid of Fleas in the House Forever

So, you’ve gotten rid of the fleas, and now you’re wondering—how do I get rid of fleas in the house forever? Well, the best way to eliminate fleas is to prevent them from establishing in the first place.

  1. Talk to your veterinarian: Fleas gain entry to your house through your pets. This is why it’s essential to talk to your veterinarian about what’s going to be the best flea treatment for your dog or cat. Flea treatment for pets comes in many forms, but the most popular and effective ones tend to be topical solutions and chews. 
  2. Control the rodent population around your home: Just like our pets, rats and mice can harbor large burdens of fleas and ticks. So, if you have a rodent problem in your home, be it in the attic or within a crawlspace, then it’s time to call a professional pest control team to help you deal with these pesky critters.

Getting rid of rats and mice is no easy task! Talk to us today to learn more about natural rodent control in Seattle. 

Fleas in House Treatment

The first thing a flea exterminator will address is the potential sources of ongoing infestations. Flea eggs are laid directly on your pet but will drop off into the surrounding environment, which can include pet bedding, couches, carpets, and more. 

To reduce the environmental contamination of fleas and their pesky eggs, we recommend the following:

  1. Vacuum all carpet and furniture your pet could have been in contact with; these couches, rugs, and floors. Immediately dispose of the bag/canister into an outside garbage bin. 
  2. Pet beds and laundry: Clean all pet beds, laundry, and bed covers your pet may have been in contact with. 

How to Get Rid of Fleas on Humans

best-flea-exterminator-seattle

Fleas don’t just harm your pets! They can also harm you. Although these bugs seem too little to do much damage, it’s important to remember that they can carry harmful bacteria and parasites, which can indeed spread to humans. According to the CDC, some diseases commonly spread by fleas include:

  • Flea-borne (murine) typhus: This is often associated with the rat and cat flea. 
  • Cat Scratch Disease: Fleas can transmit a bacteria known as Bartonella henselae to feral and domestic cats. Humans acquire the disease after being scratched by an infected cat. Children appear to be most susceptible to cat-scratch disease.

Flea Exterminator: Getting Rid of Fleas Professionally

Although it may sound easy, exterminating fleas from one’s home is truly a tedious task that can prove to be quite a challenge. Unfortunately, given the resilient nature of these critters, flea extermination isn’t considered a one-time-only kind of job. Fortunately, you don’t have to deal with these pesky critters alone! If you’ve got an ongoing flea infestation or if you simply don’t have the time to get rid of the fleas in your home, then we are here to help! 

We at Parker Eco Pest Control can help you deal with any flea infestation! No matter how big, small, or challenging the job, our team of professional pest control exterminators work-one-on-one with you and your family to determine the source of the fleas and the protocol needed to eliminate them. 

So, talk to us today to learn more about flea control and flea spraying in Seattle. 

wasp nest in ground

A Quick Guide on How to Find a Ground Wasp Nests

October 20, 2021 /

Ground wasp nests have become quite the problem; not only can these pests invade your home, but they can also continuously sting you when threatened. So, how do you get rid of an underground wasp nest? And, should you call a pest control service provider to help you? In this article, we’ll answer everything you need to know about dealing with a wasp nest that’s underground. 

There are many different species of ground wasps found throughout the USA. Two of the most common ones encountered include the Yellow Jacket and the Cicada Killers.

Identifying Ground Nesting Wasp Nests

Locating wasp nests in the ground can be fairly tricky! However, these little creatures really do know how to hide their borrows. Nevertheless, there are a few things you can look for when trying to find that wasp nest in the ground. 

  1. The ground wasp loves dry soil! They tend to avoid moisture-rich soil, so they are unlikely to create a nest in an area prone to moisture.
  2. The mound of dirt and an entry point:  The queen is partly responsible for creating the nest, and she does this by digging up dry soil, creating an entry point for her fellow wasps. As well, ground-dwelling wasps are a lot bigger than ants, so the entry point to their underground nest can be pretty large. 
  3. Multiple little holes everywhere: Yellow Jackets are little social insects that form tight-knit communities. In doing so, they may create multiple nests scattered in a particular site. These nests will look similar, possessing a large entry point surrounded by a mound of dirt. 

So, How Do You Prevent Ground Nest Wasps?

So, now that you’ve dealt with that pesky wasp nest in the ground, we are sure you’re asking, how on earth do you prevent ground-nesting wasps from infesting your backyard? There are many tips and tricks a pest control service will give you, but these are our favorite so far:

  1. Cover any garbage cans in the area and keep areas free of exposed food. 
  2. The nest of a ground wasp tends to be empty (low population) over the winter months, so this is an excellent time to call your local wasp control exterminator as they can remove the nest quickly.
  3. Get gardening! Clove, lemongrass, peppermint, and geranium are just some plants that appear to repel wasps and other insects. 

How Do You Get Rid of Underground Wasp Nest?

Underground wasps are generally not aggressive; however, if their nest is threatened, they can cause quite a lot of damage to humans. Traditionally, pest control service providers and exterminators use various tactics to eliminate a wasp nest underground. These may include a combination of pesticides and insecticidal dust, which can be sprayed directly on the nest, gradually killing its residents.

Don’t Like Pesticides? Eco-Friendly Wasp Control in Seattle

removing a ground wasp nest in Seattle, Washington

Looking for a natural wasp control and extermination in Seattle? 

When dealing with an underground wasp nest, the Parker Eco Pest Control team always recommends seeking the advice and skills of a professional wasp nest exterminator. Our focus is to provide homeowners with the option of choosing natural wasp removal and control methods.

So, how do we do it?

  • We can physically remove any wasp nest that’s lingering around your property.
  • We set traps around nuisance areas decreasing the ground wasp nest population.
  • We only use insecticides when it’s safe to do so! Insecticide dust is commonly on underground wasp nests and can be very effective when out of reach, in the ground, or walls.
Man putting insulation in dirt crawl space

A Fool’s Proof Guide to Dealing with Crawl Space Pests in Seattle

September 22, 2021 /

Dirt crawl spaces in Seattle are the perfect breeding grown for a range of pests! Cheeky rodents, cockroaches are just some of the common Seattle pests that can invade your crawl space. At Parker Eco Pest Control, we see many homeowners struggle to keep rats out of a crawl space! In fact, providing adequate rodent control and crawl space repair is one of our most requested services. So, in this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about dealing with crawl space pests in Seattle. 

Help! How Do I Keep Rats Out of My Crawl Space?

Rats dwelling in your crawl space can leave quite a mess behind! Feces, urine, and damaged insulation are just some of the problems you may face. There are a few things you can do when it comes to keeping rats out and away from a crawl space!

Remove damaged insulation: Insulation can retain urine, and it’s a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. In the long run, urine-damaged insulation can lead to increased humidity, odor, and mold growth, all of which can affect your health and well-being. 

Rodent control is key: There are many different ways you can choose to control the rodent population around your home. Talk to us today to learn more about how we handle rats and mice naturally and effectively. 

Managing Rodents in a Dirt Crawl Space

diagram of how to manage rodents in a crawl space, seattle home

When it comes to crawling space rodent control in Seattle, we have your back at Parker Eco Pest Control. Managing rodents like mice and rats within a dirt crawl space will require skilled pest control professionals and time. At Parker Eco Pest Control, we deal with the problem using a 3 visit plan approach. 

So, how do we do it?

  1.  Remove those cheeky pests! Of course, it comes without saying that as part of the pest control protocol, we must remove as many rodents as we can from the crawl space. This may involve setting various mouse traps and baits to decrease the rodent population gradually.  Don’t worry; we have organic pest control options too!
  2. Seal those entry points! Mice and rats can find many ways to invade your home. A skilled pest controller will examine the exterior of your home and crawl space to determine potential entry points and openings. The aim here is to seal any cracks or holes, which decreases the risk of a population of rodents from establishing.
  3. Rodenticides and rat baits for better control: In some cases, we may recommend placing rodenticides throughout your crawl space to control the rat and mice population. 

We Have Options for Pest Control Crawl Space Barriers

Installing galvanized steel mesh along the foundation of your home and sealing off your joists will prevent rodents from damaging crawl space insulation. Buried galvanized steel mesh can also prevent rodents from entering the living area of your home. 

Got Rodent Damaged Insulation? Talk to Us About Crawl Space Repair

Rodent proof insulation diagram

Rodents can not only leave behind feces and urine, but they can also damage the insulation of your crawl space. In the long run, this can lead to many problems, including poor insulation, further pest problems, and more! 

When it comes to cleaning up, sanitizing, and re-insulating a crawl space, our Parker Eco Pest Control team is here to help. Our highly trained team of professional pest controllers works one-on-one with homeowners to sanitize, re-insulate, and repair crawl spaces throughout Seattle. 

What’s Included in Our Rodent Crawl Space Clean Up?

We understand that repairing and cleaning a rodent-infested crawl space in Seattle can sound costly! But, it doesn’t have to be. At Parker Eco Pest Control, we offer homeowners several service levels to cater to their needs and budget. 

Refresh:

This option is perfect for crawl spaces with minor rodent damages. Refreshing your crawl space will include:

  • Vacuuming rodent dropping and sanitizing the area with an industrial fogger
  • We can replace the vapor barrier
  • Our team can remove sections of contaminated insulation and replace insulation as needed. 
  • As part of our protocol, we install permanent rodent barriers and rodent-proof insulation. 

Remove:

This option is perfect for crawl spaces with moderate rodent damages. In particular, it’s a great option for homeowners who lack a permanent rodent barrier within their crawl space. This option is similar to our refresh selection which includes

  • Vacuuming rodent dropping and sanitizing the area with an industrial fogger
  • We can replace the vapor barrier.
  • Our team can remove sections of contaminated insulation and replace insulation as needed. 
  • We provide an air gap sealing service that can cut your energy bill by 15%. Air gap sealing will also stop drafts and heat loss. 
  • As part of our protocol, we install permanent rodent barriers and rodent-proof insulation. 

Replace

This option is perfect for crawl spaces with significant rodent damages, including damaged insulation. The replace option includes everything listed above.

  • Vacuuming rodent dropping and sanitizing the area with an industrial fogger
  • We can replace the vapor barrier.
  • All insulation is removed and replaced with new rodent-proof insulation. We even insulate HVAC ducts and water lines to prevent heat loss.
  • We provide an air gap sealing service that can cut your energy bill by 15%. Air gap sealing will also stop drafts and heat loss. 
  • As part of our protocol, we install permanent rodent barriers and rodent-proof insulation. 

Getting rid of rats from your crawl space doesn’t have to be a difficult task! Talk to us today to learn more about crawl space repair and pest control services in Seattle. 

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Chris and Wesley Anne Parker

Chris and Wesley Parker protect your home and the planet.

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