Portland: (503) 222-5566 | Vancouver: (360) 887-2399

Rodent Intruders: Clues and Proven Tactics for a Pest-Free Haven

Discovering unwanted guests in your home can be unsettling, especially when those guests come in the form of rodents. But how do you know if you have a rodent infestation? Let’s explore some signs and effective solutions without the hassle.

Mysterious Noises

Often the first indicator is mysterious noises emanating from the crawlspace, attic, or even within the walls. A subtle scratching or scampering could be the telltale sign of a rodent presence.

Unpleasant Odors

As the infestation progresses, you might notice a peculiar smell. This odor is usually a result of accumulated urine or droppings. Thankfully, this unpleasant aroma only becomes noticeable after the problem has lingered for a while.

Initial Inspection:

Dealing with a potential rodent issue is a thorough inspection by one of our trained field technicians. They’ll determine entry points and assess the extent of the problem, ensuring a comprehensive solution.

Identifying Entry Points

Finding where these elusive rodents are getting in requires a keen eye. It takes practiced expertise to locate openings, often as small as a mouse passing through a hole the size of your little fingernail. Our experts pay close attention to areas like chimney junctions, dormer overhangs, and other unexpected entry points.

Effective Trapping Techniques

When it comes to getting rid of rodents, our primary method is trapping. Unlike baiting, trapping allows us to control the location of the rodent’s demise. This approach minimizes the risk of dealing with unpleasant odors caused by rodents dying in inaccessible places.

Strategic Exclusion

To prevent future infestations, we employ a method known as exclusion. This involves sealing up all access points that rodents might exploit, ensuring a long-term solution to your pest problem.

Conclusion

Dealing with rodents doesn’t have to be a complicated or drawn-out process. By recognizing the signs early and employing effective trapping and exclusion techniques, you can reclaim your home from these unwelcome visitors. 

Trust our experienced team to handle the situation with precision, making your rodent problem a thing of the past.

Stop Stressing About Pests, Call Now!

Vancouver

(360) 887-2399

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Is Pest Control Safe for Young Children, Babies and Toddlers?

Is Pest Control Safe for Young Children, Babies and Toddlers?

There’s no argument that critters and pests can pose a serious health risk to the people inside your home. But how safe are pest control solutions? If you spot roaches, spiders, or mice in your home, hiring a company that offers eco-friendly pest control options is the best way to go. With safe solutions, your most vulnerable family members will be safe as we eliminate those unwanted pests from the premises.

DIY Pest Control is Convenient But It’s Not Safe

DIY projects can save you money, and they’re always sold as the most convenient solutions for your home. When it comes to pest control, that’s just not true. When you’re dealing with an infestation, it’s always best to hire the pros.

Diatomaceous Earth

Often touted as one of the best ways to eliminate pests, diatomaceous earth can also be harmful to small children, older adults, and those with respiratory conditions. The white powder essentially damages the mucous membranes of small insects, which kills them as they inhale the substance. Unfortunately, it can also harm people.

Vinegar and Bleach

Although many homeowners opt for these solutions, they can also be harmful to children and pets. Instead, it’s best to partner with a pest control company that offers environmentally safe pest extermination that effectively targets the problem in your home.

OTC Pest Control Products

There are a number of pest control products that can be purchased at big box stores. Although they advertise results, they are just less effective than the methods used by professional pest control companies. When we’re called to exterminate an infestation, our team will determine the best eco-friendly solution to eliminate your unique pest problem.

When you’re dealing with an infestation, it’s not the time to try to do it yourself. Ensure that your family is safe by calling the pros.

How Pest Control Has Changed

Pest control solutions have improved tremendously over the years. For example, most pest control companies spray Organophosphates throughout homes in order to eliminate pests. Although it was effective at removing pests, it was also highly toxic to humans and pets.

Today, safety regulations are in place to ensure that homes are treated without harming the people inside. At EcoCare Pest Control, we believe in taking it one step further. We offer eco-friendly pest control services that are safe for children and pets, and they don’t harm the environment in any way. We take a holistic approach when it comes to pest control by using a preventative treatment that covers the exterior and interior of your home.

How Parents Can Prepare Ahead of Time

To prepare for eco-friendly pest control treatment, reach out to your pest control company. The team will be able to answer your questions and provide advice on how to get your home and family ready. Keep your home tidy so the experts can do their job effectively, and make sure you inform them about any illnesses or allergies that your family members might have. That way, we can customize our treatment plan for your family and home.

Find a Pest Control Service Safe For Your Family In the Portland Metro Area

EcoCare Pest Control is Portland’s preferred eco-friendly pest control company. Our family-owned business has been serving the community for over 22 years, and we’re proudly doing our part to keep Portland homes pest-free.

If you’d like to learn more about our eco-friendly pest control solutions, feel free to contact us. Our team of experts is happy to answer your questions or schedule your home for a free inspection or quote.

Stop Stressing About Pests, Call Now!

Vancouver

(360) 887-2399

angies list super service award for 2016
31,000 satisfied customers and counting
angies list super service award for 2016

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Defending Your Home: A Comprehensive Guide to Pest-Free Living & Happy Pets in Portland

Bugs: Why Are They in Your House?

Bugs, insects, and rodents are crafty invaders, but they all have one thing in common – they need an entry point. Conducting a meticulous inspection of your home and sealing up any holes with caulk, screening, or other secure methods is crucial. By doing so, you prevent these unwanted guests from finding their way back in.

Curious if Portland has its fair share of bug issues? The answer is a universal one – every city deals with bugs, and Portland is no exception. While the types of bugs may vary, the presence of insects is a common challenge faced by all urban dwellers.

Living in the northwest brings its own set of noticeable bugs. However, the region is not immune to a diverse array of insects. Whether it’s the damp climate or lush greenery, bugs of every kind find their way into homes.

Are Bugs Toxic?

Concerned about your furry friends? Generally, bugs are not toxic enough to be fatal to dogs. The exception might be fleas or ticks, especially if your canine companion ventures into forested areas. Taking preventive measures, like regular check-ups and appropriate medications, can safeguard your pets.

Are there bugs toxic to cats? The answer is reassuring. Except for the potential threat of fleas or ticks, typically acquired in wooded or green spaces, bugs are not fatal to our feline friends. Your cat can roam the backyard without fear of encountering a deadly bug.

In the intricate dance between humans and bugs, awareness and preventive action are our best allies. By understanding how bugs infiltrate our homes and taking steps to fortify our defenses, we can coexist with the insect world without unnecessary worry. So, seal those entry points, stay vigilant, and enjoy a bug-free haven for you and your pets.

 

Fleas Banishing: Quick Guide to Eliminating Unwanted Hitchhikers

Ever wondered why fleas seem to invade your space? Well, they’re expert hitchhikers, just waiting for an opportunity to jump on board. Whether you’re strolling in the yard, enjoying the outdoors, or just hanging out next to a bush, these tiny creatures sense carbon dioxide – yes, the very breath you exhale – and decide it’s the perfect time to hop inside.

Facing a flea invasion can be a bit of a challenge, especially depending on the number of pets you have and where they roam. The equation involves factors like the outdoor pet population, the furry friends lounging indoors, and the sleeping area of your pets. Typically, one to three applications are needed to bid farewell to these persistent pests.

Fastest Flea-Killing Method

Once you’ve initiated the battle against fleas, don’t expect an overnight victory. The hatching cycle of fleas spans around 28 days. Since nothing seems to put a dent in those eggs, you’ll need to muster up some patience. Plan for two to four weeks of strategic warfare, allowing time to break the cycle and bid adieu to the entire infestation.

In the war against fleas, speed is of the essence. When it comes to effective solutions, a surface spray takes center stage. Roll up your sleeves, move the furniture, and get ready to spray strategically. Target the carpets, and the edges along the baseboards, and pay special attention to your pet’s sleeping quarters. This method ensures a swift and targeted assault on these unwanted intruders.

By understanding the habits of fleas and adopting a strategic approach, you’ll be well on your way to a flea-free home. 

Remember, patience and persistence are your allies in this battle against hitchhiking nuisances.

Rat Invasion: Understanding, Preventing, and Conquering Unwanted in Your Home

Have you ever wondered what attracts rats to our homes? These uninvited guests often find their way in, especially during the fall and winter months when they’re on the lookout for warm and dry shelter.

Rats are natural explorers, and when the temperature drops, they become even more determined to find a cozy haven. Any opening in your home, whether it’s on the roof or in the crawl space, becomes a potential entry point for these furry invaders.

You might spot a lone rat, but does that mean you’re dealing with a full-blown infestation? Probably not initially, but rats are quick to establish families. What starts as one rat can soon turn into a larger issue, making it crucial to address the problem sooner rather than later.

Will Rats Leave on Their Own?

The hope that rats will eventually leave if left undisturbed is a common misconception. Once they’ve found a comfortable and secure shelter, rats are likely to stay and expand their presence. Ignoring the issue won’t make it disappear; instead, it could lead to a growing population within your home.

Rats are resourceful creatures. They create multiple escape routes, such as burrowing under foundations, to avoid getting caught. This behavior is reminiscent of prairie dogs, who employ alternate escape routes for added safety.

Conclusion

While the idea of rats in your home may be unsettling, understanding their behavior is the first step to regaining control. Regular inspections, sealing potential entry points, and addressing the issue promptly can help you prevent a small problem from turning into a larger, more challenging one.

Stop Stressing About Pests, Call Now!

Portland:

(503) 222-5566

Vancouver:

(360) 887-2399

angies list super service award for 2016
31,000 satisfied customers and counting
angies list super service award for 2016

Contact Us Today For a Free Inspection!

What Attracts Ants Inside Homes?

What Attracts Ants Inside Homes?

Ants may be tiny, but they can be an enormous nuisance inside your home. Because they’re attracted to food, sugar, water, and shelter, you may be accidentally creating the perfect place for ants to thrive. In order to get rid of the ants in your home, you’ll need to determine what’s attracting them — and you may need to call a professional pest control company for help. EcoCare Pest Control has over 22 years of experience in the Portland and Vancouver areas handling ant infestations, and we’re here to help you find out why ants keep invading your home.

How do Ants Get In Your House?

Ants are very small, and they can crawl through the tiniest cracks to enter your house. Ants are foragers that search for food and water, and they’ll happily tell their friends when they find a sticky sugar residue, some cookie crumbs, or a leaky pipe. There are several things that can quickly lead to an infestation.

Greasy or Sticky Surface

Ants are happy to eat honey or jam right off the jar, and they love it when syrup drips down the side of the container. Because of this, it’s important to keep bottles and jars clean after every use, as well as wiping down kitchen surfaces after they’ve been opened. By keeping sweet treats cleaned and in sealed containers this will keep ants from being attracted to your pantry or kitchen counters.

Leaving Out Food

Food crumbs, fruit, and other sweet treats make for a delicious feast for ants. In fact, leaving them out is an invitation for all sorts of pests to enter your home. To avoid an ant infestation, put away food as soon as you’re finished eating, and keep everything in sealed containers. That way, your fruit and sugary treats will only be accessible to humans and not colonies of ants.

Leaky Pipes

Ants and insects need a water source to survive, and they’ll thrive in damp areas with standing water. Check pipes, toilets, and faucets in your bathrooms and other areas of your home to make sure everything’s watertight. That way, you can keep ants from taking up residence in your home.

Sticky Garbage

Ants are okay with climbing inside your garbage to find a tasty treat. To minimize the chances of having an ant infestation, make sure you regularly wipe down the inside of your garbage and rinse out sticky containers before they get thrown away.

Decaying Wood in Your Yard

The moisture in a wood pile after a storm makes the perfect hideout for carpenter ants. If you have decaying wood on your property, you should have it removed or stacked far away from your home. That way, ants won’t have a reason to build nests anywhere near the threshold of your house.

Solutions to an Ant Infestation

Water, shelter, and foods especially high in sugar are necessary for ants to survive. They’re smart critters, and they know how to seek out a good place for their friends and families to survive. If your home offers sweet, sticky surfaces or puddles of water under the sink or around the base of your toilet, then you shouldn’t be surprised if ants start to appear. In order to keep your home safe from an ant infestation, it’s important to keep surfaces clean and dry and thoroughly inspect any spaces. Often, a pest control company will be necessary to completely eliminate an infestation in your home.

Preventing an Infestation Before it Even Start

There are several ways to prevent an infestation in your house. Ants forage for food throughout the spring and summer months, and they follow their friends to find food and water. In fact, if one ant finds a snack, he will leave a trail of pheromones so that his friends can find their way as well. That’s why ants are seen marching in a line toward a piece of candy or other sweet treat that’s been left behind. To keep ants from invading your home, seal food containers, clean countertops, and sweep crumbs from the floor and behind your appliances.

At EcoCare Pest Control, we offer exterminator services to effectively treat the exterior and interior of your homes. That way, your home will remain ant-free.

Ant Problem? We have the Solution! 

Ant infestations can be a seasonal issue or a year-round problem. Don’t let insects take over your home. At EcoCare Pest Control, we offer the right solutions to keep your home comfortable and pest-free. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection or quote on your extermination service.

 

Stop Stressing About Pests, Call Now!

Portland:

(503) 222-5566

Vancouver:

(360) 887-2399

angies list super service award for 2016
31,000 satisfied customers and counting
angies list super service award for 2016

Contact Us Today For a Free Inspection!

Bedbugs: First Signs, Main Causes, & What to Do if You Have Them in your Portland Home

Are you having trouble with bedbugs in your Portland or Vancouver home? In this blog post, we will share everything you need to know about bedbugs, and how to handle them. 

Understanding and Dealing with Bedbugs

In a revealing discussion with pest control expert Ken VahnDijk, we delved into the world of bedbugs – their signs, causes, and effective ways to eliminate them. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the insights:

First Signs of Bedbugs

The earliest indication of a bedbug infestation is the appearance of red welts or bumps on the skin, usually in a line of three. These bites can cause itching and scratching. Additionally, blood spots on sheets, resulting from bedbugs excreting after feeding, are a common sign.

Main Cause of Bedbugs

Bedbugs are a global issue and aren’t confined to any specific type of accommodation. They can hitch a ride on luggage, clothing, and even hide in rugs or picture frames. Regardless of the location, they can easily travel to new environments.

What to Do If You’ve Slept in a Bed with Bedbugs

If you suspect bedbug exposure, over-the-counter products may offer some relief, but a professional treatment is often necessary for effective elimination. This involves a thorough process, including spraying along the mattress seams, bed frame, nightstands, and behind pictures. Since about 90% of bedbugs are found within six feet of the bed, a comprehensive approach is crucial.

Instant Solutions for Killing Bedbugs

Unfortunately, there is no instant solution for bedbugs, particularly because of their eggs and their ability to hide in inaccessible places. The most effective method involves them crossing treated areas, which leads to their ingestion of the treatment and subsequent death.

Completely Eliminating Bedbugs

It is possible to eradicate bedbugs completely. The process usually requires one to three visits by a professional, depending on the level of infestation. With thorough treatment and multiple applications, a bedbug infestation can be entirely resolved.

In summary, understanding the signs of bedbugs, their causes, and the necessary steps for eradication is key in dealing with these pests. Professional assistance plays a crucial role in ensuring a complete and effective solution.

Bedbug Problem? We have the Solution! 

Bedbugs in your Portland or Vancouver home can be a seasonal issue or a year-round problem. Don’t let bedbugs take over your home. At EcoCare Pest Control, we offer the right solutions to keep your home comfortable and pest-free. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection or quote on your extermination service.

Stop Stressing About Pests, Call Now!

Vancouver

(360) 887-2399

angies list super service award for 2016
31,000 satisfied customers and counting
angies list super service award for 2016

Contact Us Today For a Free Inspection!