Tag: insulation

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

December 30, 2023 / ParkerEcoPestControl

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.

Exploring New Frontiers: Insects Making Their Debut in the Seattle Area

April 18, 2023 / ParkerEcoPestControl

Seattle, with its vibrant landscapes and diverse ecosystems, has long been home to a fascinating array of insects. However, as our environment evolves, so does the insect population. In recent years, several intriguing species have made their debut in the Seattle area, captivating the curiosity of entomologists and nature enthusiasts alike. Join us as we embark on an informative journey to discover some of the insects that have recently expanded their range to the Pacific Northwest and learn more about their unique characteristics.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys)

Originally from Asia, the brown marmorated stink bug has found its way to the Seattle area. Recognizable by its shield-shaped body and marbled brown coloring, this insect emits a pungent odor when threatened. While not harmful to humans, it can become a nuisance when it seeks shelter indoors during colder months. Vigilance in sealing entry points and promptly removing them from indoor spaces can help manage their presence.

European Crane Fly (Tipula paludosa)

Native to Europe, the European crane fly has established itself in the Seattle area. Resembling an oversized mosquito, this insect has a slender body and long, fragile legs. The larvae of the crane fly, known as “leatherjackets,” feed on grass roots, potentially causing damage to lawns. While they are not harmful to humans, their presence may require additional lawn care measures to maintain healthy grass.

Asian Lady Beetle (Harmonia axyridis)

Originally introduced as a biological control agent, the Asian lady beetle has become a common sight in the Seattle area. While it closely resembles native ladybugs, this species can exhibit more aggressive behavior and may seek shelter indoors during the cooler months. Although they are beneficial in controlling garden pests, large numbers of Asian lady beetles indoors can be an annoyance. Sealing entry points and using screens on windows can help prevent their intrusion.

Elm Seed Bug (Arocatus melanocephalus)

Hailing from Europe and the Mediterranean, the elm seed bug has recently made its appearance in the Seattle area. These insects are attracted to elm trees and can become household pests when seeking shelter indoors during autumn and winter. Elm seed bugs are harmless to humans but can create nuisance infestations. Sealing cracks and crevices and removing them manually can help manage their presence indoors.

Western Conifer Seed Bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis)

Native to the western United States, the western conifer seed bug has expanded its range to include the Seattle area. With its long, narrow body and distinct leaf-shaped hind wings, this insect can be easily identified. While harmless to humans, it may seek shelter indoors during the colder months, leading to occasional encounters inside homes. Implementing measures to seal entry points and removing them manually can minimize their presence.

Mediterranean House Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus)

While not an insect, the Mediterranean house gecko deserves mention for its recent sightings in the Seattle area. Originating from the Mediterranean region, this small lizard has adapted well to urban environments. Beneficial in controlling insect populations, these geckos are harmless to humans and can be observed climbing walls and hunting insects around exterior lights during warmer months.

Conclusion

As the environment evolves, so does the insect population in the Seattle area. The arrival of new species brings both excitement and challenges. While some insects may become nuisances, it’s important to remember that many/most are harmless to the health of humans and their furry friends. By staying informed about these newcomers, we can better appreciate the dynamic nature of our surroundings and take appropriate measures to manage their impact.

Cleaning a Seattle crawl space with a vacuum

Dealing with Rodent Damaged Insulation in Seattle

September 14, 2021 / ParkerEcoPestControl

Rats in the attic or crawl space are common problems Seattle homeowners know all too well. And as the cold Seattle winter sets in, these pesky critters are in search of a warm cozy place to nest. Don’t let rodents ruin your home. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about rodent damaged insulation and effective pest-control

Replace Vs. Refresh your Rodent Damaged Insulation

In the wild, rodents, be it mice or rats, will seek soft fibers for their nests. And unfortunately, insulation found within our crawl spaces, walls, and attics appear to be their favorite nesting material. As a result, rats and mice can damage the insulation in your home by either collecting insulation fibers for a nest elsewhere or directly making a nest within the insulation itself.

Effective Rodent Control: Crawl Space and Attic Hygiene

Effective rodent control in your Seattle home is essential when it comes to preventing the spread of disease. The feces and urine produced by rodents accumulate over time, leading to an increased risk of spreading zoonotic diseases. According to the CDC rat infestation guide, rats and mice in Washington spread diseases (viral and bacterial) directly and indirectly. Some of these zoonotic diseases include:

Leptospirosis: which spreads through urine and waterways.
Hantavirus: is a virus that spreads through rodent urine and feces.
Salmonella: A bacteria that spread via the fecal-oral route.
Rat-Bite Fever: A bacterial disease that spreads through bites and scratches caused by rats. It can also spread through the oral-fecal route (i.e., consuming food or water contaminated by rats).

Do You Need to Replace Insulation After a Rodent Infestation?

replacing rodent damaged insulation in crawl space, Washington

Rats have damaged the insulation in your beautiful Seattle home. What do you do? Replace, refresh, or remove? We completely understand that removing and replacing insulation from your crawl space and attic is time-consuming and extremely expensive.

If the damage to the insulation is minimal, then our team at Park Eco Pest Control will choose to refresh the existing insulation material. Now, refreshing existing insulation simply entails that only sections (damaged) insulation are replaced. We only ever completely replace insulation from a crawl space or attic when the damage caused by rodents is extensive due to long-term uncontrolled rodent destruction, or if you’d like to increase the energy efficiency of your home.

How to Keep Rodents Out of Insulation in Seattle

Keeping rodents out of your crawl space, attic, and insulation will require some time and effort. And since these pesky critters pose a risk to human health, we recommend reaching out to a professional pest control service in Seattle for an initial first clean.

When it comes to cleaning and refreshing your damaged insulation, our team at Parker Eco Pest Control will:

Locate and seal up any holes, burrows, vents, and gaps that allow rats and mice to enter your crawl space.
Do some dirty work and safely remove all dead rats and mice from your crawl space or attic. We will even humanely remove any active nest sites present in your attic or crawl space.
Our Seattle pest-control team will most importantly remove and dispose of all rat feces and droppings present in the attic or crawl space.
Sanitize and disinfect the entire area with an eco-friendly, enzyme-based product that actually eats the organic material left by feces and urine. It leaves behind water and CO2 as an odorless, harmless bi-product.
Replace the vapor barrier in your crawl space if it’s damaged.
Finally, depending on the degree of damage and contamination, we will either refresh or replace the insulation.

Attic and Crawl Space Cleaning by Parker Eco Pest Control

Winter is on its way, and so are the rats! Getting a good rodent control regime is crucial in preventing rats and mice from damaging your insulation. Parker Eco Pest Control provides excellent and professional pest control services all the way from Seattle through to Marysville. So, talk to us today about rodent pest control and crawl space cleaning in Seattle.

Should I remove insulation from my crawl space?

April 6, 2021 / Wesley Parker

Deciding whether or not to re-insulate your crawl space after a rodent problem depends on a few factors. Dirt crawl spaces are incredibly common in Seattle and it’s estimated that 40% of new construction in the area still relies on this type of foundation (per the NAHB, 2013). Crawl spaces make accessing your plumbing and wiring for repairs simple and they’re ideal for Seattle’s hilly terrain. These benefits aside, they are extremely vulnerable to rodent problems.

When to leave a crawl space un-insulated

If rodents are tunneling into the crawl space (as opposed to chewing in).
If your crawl space lacks a permanent rodent barrier such as a rat slab, trench and screen, or rodent-proofed joists to protect insulation (keep reading for more info).

Don’t spend money on new insulation only to have another infestation next winter!

When to re-insulate a crawl space

If rodents are chewing into the crawl space and you’ve done a good job sealing off the entry points you could gamble with re-insulating. They may begin tunneling sometime in the future so this is still a calculated risk.
If you invest in permanent rodent barrier like a rat slab, trench and screen, or rodent-proofed joists to protect insulation you’ll have peace of mind that your insulation and your living space is safe for the long haul.

What is a permanent rodent barrier?

Exactly what it sounds like! There are three main long term solutions for protecting a dirt crawlspace from rodents:

Rodent-proofing insulation with wire mesh

Traditional fiberglass insulation is by far the most common type we find in crawl spaces. It is also a perfect place for rodents to nest. Protect your new or existing insulation from nesting by installing galvanized steel mesh to the underside of your joists. You’ll get end-to-end protection for your insulation and your living space if a rodent tunnels back into the crawl space.

Trench and screen

To install a trench and screen the soil around your foundation is dug away and galvanized steel mesh is buried against the house to prevent animals from burrowing into the crawl space.

Rat slab

A rat slab is a non-structural layer of concrete that completely seals the dirt floor of your crawl space off from tunneling.

Are rodents chewing or tunneling into the crawl space?

We find that rodents are most likely to access a crawl space by chewing a hole or pushing their way in through a vent. Builder-grade crawl space vents use flimsy mesh that doesn’t stand up to a determined rat. Rodents are also incredible chewers since their teeth grow constantly. They will find a small gap around a gas line and gnaw the opening until they can squeeze through. Sealing off openings and setting poison-free traps are your go-to solution.

Tunneling into the crawl space is also very common. Norway rats are aggressive diggers and they will burrow under the side of the house and pop up in the crawlspace. You’ll need a permanent rodent barrier to stop them from entering once and for all.

Need some help with a rodent issue at your house? Give us a call or book an inspection online!