Pest Info
We know our pests!
Find out more information here about pests that are common to the Northwest and how we control them
Nuisance Wildlife
The Facts
Living in the Northwest, we share our environment with a large variety of wildlife, which don't always stay where they are supposed to - outside! They can cause severe damage to our homes, and are also dangerous, as they can attack and carry many diseases that can be transmitted to humans.
Western and eastern gray squirrels, as well as Douglas squirrels are the most common where we live. Their sharp incisors allow them to chew through just about anything from wood to metal. In almost all cases they will get into attics where they will have a litter of 2 to 5 young. This happens between December and June, with juveniles emerging between March and August. During this time they can chew through siding, sheet rock, and cables, incurring costly repairs.
Raccoons are very intelligent, and will often seek shelter in crawlspaces or attics. They will chew and tear their way in, at which point they can cause even more damage as they destroy ductwork and insulation. They will contaminate the area with feces and urine which can contain roundworm and is very dangerous. Raccoons may also carry rabies and many other parasites. They mate in late winter and give birth in the spring to 2 - 5 young. Mother raccoons are even more aggressive and dangerous when protecting their babies.
Opossums are not as aggressive as raccoons, but they can cause damage and carry parasites. These nocturnal creatures are very prevalent in the Northwest. They will usually find their way into crawl spaces if a screen is left open, as they seek dark, secure areas and shelter from the cold. When confronted they are more likely to "play dead" than attack. Opossums may have a few babies, or up to a dozen or more, and breed 1 to 3 times during year. They give birth a few weeks after pregnancy and the young spend the rest of their development attached to their mother.
Skunks may be cute, but are definitely animals that we do not want living in or near our home! All of us have smelled the pungent odor they produce, and do not want this aroma filling our living area. They too seek shelter in crawl spaces, or under decks and slabs, using their claws to dig out dens to live in. Skunks mate in early spring and usually give birth by May to 4 or 5 young. Besides their rotten smell, they often carry rabies and other parasites.
The Solution
When dealing with nuisance wildlife, make sure that you hire a professional. We are licensed Wildlife Control Operators with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and have the experience and knowledge to handle these animals safely. Once we identify the animal that has invaded your home, we will search for its point of entry. Locating and repairing the opening is the key to resolving the problem. However, this must be done in conjunction with trapping and removal of the animal from the structure. If the openings are sealed without removing the animal, it will only cause further damage as they will be trying to get back in or out! We use humane trapping methods, and will take care of the animal according to local ordinances. The use of predator urine in some cases may be part of the solution. We provide other services related to nuisance wildlife such as crawl space remediation and removal of dead animals.
Odorous house ants and pavement ants are the most common in the PDX area. Find out more information on their behavior and about our approach to control them.
The recent resurgence of bed bugs may leave you sleeping with one eye open. Learn why you can sleep worry free by choosing us to solve your bed bug infestation.
Most flying insects stay outside, but there are a number that have become household pests. Learn about house flies, box elder bugs, and stink bugs here and how we control them.
Carpenter ants are them most common wood destroying insect here in the Pacific Northwest. Find out how to identify them and learn about our approach to keeping them out of your home.
Flea eradication can be difficult for a homeowner using over the counter flea bombs. Find out why our treatment methods provide more effective and consistent results.
Mice and rats can cause serious problems when they have made their way inside your home. They require different methods to control for various reasons. Find out why and learn how we use our experience to keep your house rodent free.
We may think of birds as cute and innocent... That is until they make a nest in our home. Learn more about how we can both evict and exclude birds from nesting or perching in unwanted areas.
Even though german cockroaches aren't native to the Pacific Northwest, they are often brought in on packaged food items. Find out more about their behavior and our methods to control them.
Spiders may be the king of creepy crawly and the source of many phobias. These are definitely not something that you want in your house. Learn about our approach to effective spider control.
Any insect that can both fly and sting is something we definitely do not want anywhere near our home or family. Find out about the most common stinging insects and how we keep them away.
Termites, powder post beetles and moisture ants are not very common, but an infestation can indicate a serious problem. Learn how to identify them and about our control solutions.
Moths, beetles, weevils... These aren't what we want to find when we open our kitchen cabinets. Learn about the behavior of these insects and the best approach to eradication.
Wildlife can cause a lot of damage and be the vector of may diseases. As licensed wildlife control operators, learn about common nuisance wildlife and about our eviction and exclusion solutions.
Moles are a thorn in a homeowners side when they begin to tear up a nicely manicured lawn. Learn more about their behavior and why we are the choice for successful mole control.