Tag: rodent proof 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.

Common Pest and Rodent Types Homeowners Can Expect During Fall and Winter in Washington State

July 18, 2023 / ParkerEcoPestControl

As the seasons transition to fall and winter in Seattle, homeowners may find themselves facing an increase in pest and rodent activity. The cooler temperatures and rainy weather drive various critters indoors, seeking shelter and sustenance. Understanding the types of pests and rodents that commonly invade homes during these seasons can help homeowners take proactive measures to prevent infestations. In this article, we’ll explore the most common pests and rodents that homeowners in Seattle can expect during the upcoming fall and winter seasons and discuss effective strategies for pest management.

Rats and Mice

Rats and mice are among the most prevalent rodents that invade homes during the fall and winter. These clever creatures seek warmth, food, and shelter in residential properties, making attics, basements, and wall voids ideal hiding spots. They can cause damage by chewing through electrical wires, insulation, and stored items, posing fire risks and health hazards.

Homeowners should be on the lookout for droppings, gnaw marks, and evidence of nesting. To prevent rodent infestations, seal off any gaps or cracks in the exterior of the home and keep garbage tightly sealed. If an infestation is suspected, it’s best to contact a professional pest control service for safe and effective removal.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are resilient insects that can thrive in damp and warm environments, making Seattle’s rainy fall and winter weather favorable for their breeding. These pests can contaminate food, spread diseases, and trigger allergies and asthma in some individuals.

To prevent cockroach infestations, homeowners should maintain a clean and dry living environment, promptly fix any water leaks, and seal cracks and gaps in the home’s structure. If a cockroach problem arises, professional pest control methods may be necessary to eradicate the infestation effectively.

Spiders

As temperatures drop, spiders may seek shelter indoors, particularly in basements, garages, and crawl spaces. While most spiders are harmless, some species, like the black widow or hobo spider, can deliver venomous bites that require medical attention.

Homeowners can reduce the likelihood of spider encounters by keeping living spaces clutter-free and regularly cleaning nooks and crannies. Additionally, sealing entry points and using insecticides around the perimeter of the home can help manage spider populations.

Silverfish

Silverfish are small, wingless insects that thrive in humid environments. During the fall and winter, they may seek refuge in bathrooms, kitchens, and other damp areas of the home.

To prevent silverfish infestations, homeowners should reduce moisture levels by using dehumidifiers and fixing any water leaks. Properly storing food and using airtight containers can also help deter these pests.

Raccoons and Squirrels

Besides insects and rodents, homeowners in Seattle may also encounter larger pests such as raccoons and squirrels seeking shelter in attics or crawl spaces during the colder months. These animals can cause significant damage by tearing insulation, chewing wires, and leaving behind droppings.

To discourage raccoons and squirrels from entering the home, homeowners should ensure that outdoor garbage bins are secure and that tree branches are trimmed away from the roofline. If a wildlife infestation is suspected, it is best to seek professional assistance for humane removal and exclusion.

Conclusion

As fall and winter approach, homeowners in Seattle should be prepared for an increase in pest and rodent activity as these creatures seek refuge from the cold and rain. Taking proactive measures to pest-proof the home, such as sealing entry points and eliminating moisture sources, can go a long way in preventing infestations. If homeowners suspect an infestation or are unsure how to handle a pest problem, it is best to consult with a licensed pest control professional for safe and effective solutions. By staying vigilant and proactive, homeowners can protect their homes from unwanted guests and enjoy a pest-free living environment throughout the fall and winter seasons.

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!