A few weeks ago, Tufts University in Boston came out with an article mentioning a study going over the dangers of rats in urban areas, such as Seattle. The study presented some concerning findings. Here are just some snippets from the full article:

Rats are the most well-established source of leptospirosis infection in humans. But not all cases get diagnosed or reported. Some people may get infected, not develop any symptoms, and never know they were infected. Others might develop a mild fever or other nonspecific symptoms before their immune system clears the infection. However, a small percentage of people will go on to develop a more serious case of the disease, which can affect different organs and, ultimately, cause multi-organ failure and death. 

Full article here — Urban Rats Spread Deadly Bacteria as They Migrate, Study Finds | Tufts Now

They found that a rat in Boston would have to travel over 600 meters, or just over a 1/3 of a mile, to encounter another genetic population of rats. They also found evidence that large, multi-lane roads disrupted all connectivity between populations of rats on either side of the road, and that rats used greenways and biological corridors for travel and intermingling. Construction is another well-known disruptor of rat burrows that forces rats to look for other places to persist, which can increase the spread of the bacteria. 

This recent article from MSN.com goes into concerns about diseases from rats affecting humans during rainy seasons:

With the arrival of the monsoon season comes a respite from heat, but not without an increased risk of some infections. While a surge in vector-borne diseases like dengue, malaria and chikungunya is common during this time of the year, leptospirosis also poses health risks, especially during the rainy season, and shouldn’t be ignored, according to health experts.

As monsoon season begins, doctors highlight why leptospirosis can be harmful

If you need any help with rat control in your home or commercial property in our service areas then you are welcome to contact us.

Phone: 1-800-ECO-1698
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We found two local Seattle news website posts from back in March which discussed the topic of hantavirus, typically associated as being carried by rodents. Here are some portions of each article:

Transmission

Hantavirus can be spread by inhaling it, eating food contaminated by the virus, touching items that are contaminated or being bitten or scratched by a mouse or rat that carries the virus.

The virus is found in a rodent’s urine, feces or saliva, the Mayo Clinic said.

Read the full article here: https://www.kiro7.com/news/trending/what-is-hantavirus/VVYG4PLKHRE5ZIBM4AHLPV6H6I/

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a rare infectious disease that can rapidly progress into severe symptoms such as heart and lung problems, according to the Mayo Clinic. 

Rodents carry the disease

The most common carrier of hantavirus in North America is the deer mouse.

Dig deeper:

The disease does transfer from person to person.

The full article is here: https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/what-is-hantavirus-pulmonary-syndrome

If you would like our help to solve your rodent issue in the Washington communities we serve, then you are welcome to contact us.

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The post Local Seattle News Reports About Hantavirus first appeared on Parker Eco Pest Control.

Back in September KIRO 7 posted an article titled, “Is Seattle’s rat population increasing? KIRO 7 takes to the streets to find out“. In this article it mentions the possibility of millions of rats in the city:

Seattle has a bustling metro of about 3.5 million – people, that is.

Seattle’s rat population? Much, much higher.

Another quote from the article reads:

Last year, the pest company ‘Orkin’ released its ‘rattiest cities’ list. Seattle came in at number 12.

“Cities are great homes for rats,” says Kaylee Byers, a professor and rodent researcher. Byers is skeptical of the accuracy of any ‘rat lists’, because while they may be easy to kill, rats would be difficult to count.

“The other thing that’s really complicated about this kind of data is like, there might not actually be more rats, but they might be more active for a particular reason,” says Byers.

She says construction, changes in weather, and sewer issues can create disruptions in rodent habitats and make sightings more frequent. Those are all variables that Seattle experienced this summer.

Öland says there’s a bit of urgency to get Seattle rats under control. They bring with them more than just a scare, but also destruction and disease when they enter living spaces.

Rat Removal And Pest Control In Seattle

If you are in Seattle or the nearby communities then contact us for rodent removal and even rat birth control services.

Here is some more information on rodent removal (rats & mice) and how we help our customers throughout the communities we serve:

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Chris, our co-owner and head technician, was interviewed on a number of pest control tips by WikiHow. This is the link to the full interview:

wikiHow Expert Interview Transcript: Chris Parker – wikiHow

Here are some of the questions and his answers:

wikiHow Staff:

Now I would love to transition into the various ways one can capture and trap rats. And you mentioned a few that you support. And I’m just curious if you can just describe not only the ones that you particularly love to use, but also like what are some common ways to just track rats in general, as someone who’s maybe thinking about it.

Chris Parker:

So far away, the most common way to control rodents outside is with rodenticide, which is rat poison. And I will take a step off of my little high horse here and explain rodenticide is typically called baits. So it’s a tasty little nugget of poison that is set inside of tamper-proof boxes and set around the exterior of the house or the yard wherever you think there’s rodent activity, the rooms go into these little boxes, they nom nom nom and then they go away, and then they die. So I would say 99% of pest control companies in the United States if you call for a rodent issue, that’s what they will do. And you can also do this yourself. There are commercially available baits, California just recently banned the sale of most rodenticides to the general public, so changes are happening in this market. But if you want to poison some rats, you can do that at the hardware store yourself.

wikiHow Staff:

Got it. That’s a really good tip. And I am learning everything now about the control of these rats. And I would love to transition inside of one’s home, you may have already touched upon this. But another area of one’s home that may have a selection of these rodents is one’s attic. And I’m curious if you have any specific tips you have for dealing with that type of space where you’re not in it as much as your regular rooms, but you do want to deal with it?

Chris Parker:

Trim your trees. If there is a tree branch within six feet of your roof, a rat will very easily jump onto your roof. I’m trying to use layman’s terms here because a lot of people don’t know the makeup of how a house is built. So a rat will jump off the tree, run down into your gutter, there is very often a gap between the top of the gutter and the bottom of the shingles. And that will typically run the whole way around the house. So it’s like you’ve got a tiny little slit running around your entire house that they can use as a front door. So my thing with roofs is, do you have anything within six feet of the roof and this can even be like a power line like they’ll run down power lines and then jump onto your roof. So trim your trees. And if they’re using power lines, install a baffle which is basically like a giant dinner plate that’s like, I don’t know 16 inches across and it slips over the power line as like a little barricade so that they can’t jump off the power line and get to your house.

We offer residential and pest control in Washington State. Take a moment to see the areas we serve; and you are welcome to contact us if you don’t see your city or town listed.

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In June of this year, a sad story came out of Eastern Washington on the Tri-City Herald’s website. It mentioned the unfortunate death of someone from the hantavirus, which is typically spread by rodents.

The article offered some tips and insights on this difficult topic:

People can be infected with hantavirus by breathing in dust contaminated from the urine, droppings or nests of infected rodents. They also can be infected by touching contaminated objects and then touching their nose or mouth. The greatest risk of infection is in enclosed spaces, such as sheds, cabins or vehicles, that have rodent infestations and little fresh air.

Symptoms appear one to eight weeks after exposure and may include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, chills and abdominal problems such as nausea or diarrhea. Later symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing and tightening of the chest as fluid fills the lungs require hospitalization.

If a cabin or shed is infested with mice, the building should be aired out for 30 minutes before entering. Rodents also may get inside vehicles through rust holes, vents and other openings. They may build nests in engine compartments, the air system, trunks, spare tire compartments or glove boxes.

Read the full article at: https://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/local/article289230964.html#storylink=cpy

Even though this took place in Eastern Washington, many areas in the Western part of the State risk illness due to rodents. If you need any help with residential or commercial rodent removal services in the areas we serve, then you are welcome to contact us here:

1-800-ECO-1698 or Send a Text

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The post News Story About Rats In Eastern Washington first appeared on Parker Eco Pest Control.

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.

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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:

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The post Why Bellevue Rodent Control Is Important first appeared on Parker Eco Pest Control.

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.

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:

The post Video Of Rats On Commercial Property In Everett first appeared on Parker Eco Pest Control.

Whatcom County posted some helpful information about the risks of rodents. Here is what the County’s website says:

1. Rodents — Rodents can be a nuisance and cause health risks. Rodents may cause damage and can carry diseases. Rodents may also carry fleas or ticks that may transmit disease. It is important to seal up places rodents may enter and remove their access to food, water, and shelter.

https://www.whatcomcounty.us/3255/Animal-Exposure

This ties in with one of our earlier blog posts about the need for rodent inspections for your home:

We serve a good portion of Washington including our new office in Bellingham, which serves nearby towns such as Marietta-Alderwood and Ferndale. In recent weeks we have made videos from that area of the state showing clips from recent pest control jobs.

One of these recent videos shows some of our methods for natural pest control and rodent prevention for rats, mice and similar pests:

When you are ready to book an inspection you are welcome to contact us.

1-800-ECO-1698 or Send a Text or you may book online using this button:

The post Rodent Removal And Prevention Information first appeared on Parker Eco Pest Control.

Are you ready for a riveting journey into the secret world of home invaders? We’re not talking about burglars or spies, but rather those tiny, mischievous creatures with a knack for making our homes their own: rodents! These crafty critters have perfected the art of finding entry points into our cozy abodes. Join us as we unravel the mystery and explore the most common entry points for these furry invaders. Get ready to be amazed, amused, and maybe a little bit grossed out!

1. The “Tiny Hole, Big Adventure” Route:

You may be astonished to discover that mice and rats can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter of an inch! That’s right, these masters of infiltration can slither through gaps you’d never think possible. Cracks in foundations, holes around utility pipes, or even damaged weather stripping around doors and windows can serve as their secret tunnels into your home. The next time you spot a hole, remember, it could be an open invitation for a rodent escapade!

2. Air Vent Express:

Rodents have a fondness for ventilation systems, making air vents an attractive entry point for them. These critters can navigate through ducts, tunnels, and crawl spaces, using the vast network of airways in your home to explore every nook and cranny. So, while you enjoy the comfort of temperature-controlled air, rodents might be enjoying a wild adventure through your ventilation system. Who knew air vents could be the gateway to rodent raves?

3. Doorways: Welcome to the Party!

Doors may seem like an unlikely entry point for rodents, but these resourceful creatures have a knack for exploiting weaknesses. If your door sweeps are worn out or if there are gaps between the door and the floor, consider it an open invitation for rodent revelry. Mice and rats are experts at wedging their way through the smallest gaps, much to our dismay. Perhaps it’s time to give your doors a closer inspection and make sure they’re not secretly hosting a rodent block party.

4. The Pipe Maze:

Pipes running into your home can serve as more than just conduits for water and gas. They can also act as superhighways for rodents. Rats and mice can navigate their way through the labyrinth of pipes, finding their way into basements, attics, and crawl spaces. It’s like an underground rodent subway system right beneath our noses! Remember to keep an eye out for any cracks or gaps around pipe entry points and seal them up tight to avoid unexpected rodent houseguests.

5. Garage Gamble:

Our garages are often packed with miscellaneous items, making them ideal hiding spots for rodents. Rodents are opportunistic creatures, and if your garage door weather stripping is damaged or there are gaps in the walls, they’ll happily invite themselves in. Once inside, they’ll indulge in a treasure hunt, exploring boxes, nibbling on cables, and possibly even constructing their own little rodent hideouts amidst the clutter. Who knew the garage could become a rodent amusement park?

Conclusion:

While we may find rodents cute and fuzzy from a distance, we definitely don’t want them setting up camp in our homes. Now that you’re familiar with their favorite entry points, it’s time to take action. Inspect your home for any gaps, cracks, or compromised areas, and seal them up to thwart these audacious intruders. Remember, keeping rodents out means safeguarding your home from unexpected adventures, wild rodent parties, and potential mischief. Stay vigilant, protect your castle, and bid adieu to those uninvited, furry guests!

The post Entry Points – How do rodents get into your house? first appeared on Parker Eco Pest Control.

Ah, the backyard—a sanctuary of relaxation, play, and picnics. But watch out! There’s a sneaky bunch lurking around, waiting for the perfect opportunity to crash your outdoor party: rodents! Fear not, for we have some fun and creative tips to help you keep your backyard clean, tidy, and rodent-free. Let’s dive into the wild world of rodent repulsion and turn your backyard into an unwelcome territory for these uninvited guests.

1. Musical Chairs for Trash Cans

Rodents love to rummage through trash cans, but we have a clever solution: musical chairs for trash cans! Assign a designated spot for your trash cans and periodically rotate their locations. This confuses the clever critters, making it harder for them to locate a consistent food source. Plus, it adds an element of surprise to your backyard game of “Keep Away from the Rats!”

2. Scarecrow of Distractions

Who said scarecrows were just for birds? Get creative and make a “rodent scarecrow” to protect your garden and backyard. Dress up a large stuffed animal or create a quirky scarecrow with googly eyes, a funky hat, and wild attire. Position it strategically to intimidate the rodents and deter them from venturing too close. Just imagine their furry little faces when they see your unexpected guardian!

3. Dance-Off with a Broom

Rodents are skilled acrobats, but they can’t resist a good old-fashioned dance-off! Keep a broom handy, and whenever you spot a sneaky critter scurrying about, challenge it to a dance battle. Bust out your best moves, and the bewildered rodent won’t know what hit them. Just make sure your neighbors don’t catch you mid-groove—it could be the talk of the town!

4. Camouflaged Traps

Who says rodent control can’t be stylish? Spruce up your yard by turning your rodent traps into artistic masterpieces. Paint them in vibrant colors and patterns that blend with your garden decor. This way, the traps become part of the scenery while silently protecting your backyard from rodent invasions. It’s like having a secret superhero squad guarding your outdoor haven!

5. Citrus Paradise

Rodents have a keen sense of smell, so let’s use that to our advantage. Create a citrus paradise in your backyard by planting lemon, lime, or orange trees. Not only do these trees add a refreshing touch to your outdoor space, but the strong citrus scent also acts as a natural repellent to rodents. It’s like having a mini tropical getaway right in your backyard!

6. Rodent Olympics Obstacle Course

Why let rodents have all the fun? Set up an obstacle course in your backyard that challenges their agility and dexterity. Install ramps, tunnels, and mazes made from PVC pipes, old toys, and recycled materials. The rodents will be so engrossed in navigating the course that they’ll forget about exploring your garden. Plus, it’s an entertaining spectacle for you and your friends to enjoy while sipping lemonade on the sidelines.

Conclusion

Keeping your backyard clean and repelling rodents doesn’t have to be a dull task. Embrace your creativity and turn rodent control into a fun and playful adventure. With musical chairs for trash cans, dancing broom battles, camouflaged traps, citrus paradises, and rodent Olympics, your backyard will become a fortress of fun that rodents wouldn’t dare enter. So, put on your dancing shoes, grab a broom, and let the rodent repulsion games begin!

If this doesn’t work, or you just want to hire a professional natural pest control team, contact us today and let us handle your rodent problems.

The post Rat-tastic Backyards: Fun Tips to Keep Rodents at Bay! first appeared on Parker Eco Pest Control.