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5 Simple Ways to Stop Ant Trails & Infestations

5 Simple Ways to Stop Ant Trails & Infestations

by | Mar 27, 2023 | Bugs, Infestations, Pest Control

Updated: March 27, 2023

Ant infestations are the worst. Unfortunately, here in the Pacific Northwest they’re a regular part of life. In addition to being gross and inconvenient, they can be hard to truly get rid of.

At EcoCare Pest Control, we have tons of experience purging Ants from Portland homes once and for all. In this month’s post, we’ll go over…

  • Why Ant infestations develop
  • Home hotspots for Ant infestations
  • How to get rid of Ant infestations

Why do Ant infestations develop?

Depending on the type of Ant that has taken up residence in your home, your infestation could be caused by a variety of factors. For most households though, the cause comes down to 1 of 2 factors (or in many cases both):

  • Food source: Ants are always looking for food. Once they find a supply, they won’t leave until the supply is gone. Pet food, sugary food, and rogue crumbs are common targets for Ants.
  • Ant nest: Once an Ant nest has been established, your home will be a target until it’s eliminated. Ants love wet and rotting wood, so if your home has recently experienced water damage or is currently experiencing a leak, it’s particularly vulnerable.

Where are common hotspots for Ant infestations?

Did you know that the Ants you see are only 1-5% of the Ant population in your home?

While Ants can be found anywhere in the home, there are a couple places that are particularly vulnerable. These include:

  • Kitchens: Given an Ant’s drive for food, it should be no surprise that kitchens are the largest hotspot for Ant infestations in the home. This is especially true if food is left out, dishes pile up, or food is not well stored.
  • Bathrooms: Bathrooms are a hotspot of Ant behavior. Leaked water and moisture build up from showers providing an ideal home for Ants.
  • Walls and insulation: Ants (particularly Carpenter Ants) are quite commonly found inside walls and insulation. This can be particularly damaging since they may not make themselves immediately visible.
  • Rotted window frames: A particularly common way for Ants to get into your home, Ants often congregate around rotted windows. This provides both a place for nests to develop and a way for them to access the home in the first place.

5 Simple ways to stop Ant infestations – How to Get Rid of an Ant Trail

Keep danger areas clean

Given that most Ant infestations start with a food source and develop unchecked from there, the simplest way to stop Ants is to prevent the infestation from developing in the first place.

Ant colonies work by having “scout Ants” head out in search of food. Once they find sustenance, more Ants will follow to bring back food to the colony.

We recommend making sure all of the hotspots listed above are cleaned. Some other cleaning and storage tips to prevent Ant infestations include:

  • Cleaning up grease spills as soon as they happen
  • Thoroughly rinsing soda and juice containers before recycling
  • Not leaving any food in open air storage containers like bowls
  • Making sure any sugary foods are stored in tight containers and the containers are wiped clean after use
  • Be careful with pet food — bowls should be cleaned regularly and food should not be left out for long periods of time. Make sure to store in something other than an open bag, too!
  • Cleaning water build up in sinks or next to pipes immediately
  • Cleaning and scrubbing bathroom thoroughly
  • Making sure shampoo and soap containers in showers and bathtubs are sealed
  • Make sure any water or food spills in your bedroom are cleaned promptly. This is a particular issue in children’s bedrooms.

Find potential entry points and seal

Locating and sealing entry points will help stop the flow of Ants into your home. While it may seem like an impossible task given how small Ants are, the spots you should try to find are actually quite easy to locate and will go a long way. These spots include:

  • Torn window or door screens
  • Large openings under doors
  • Rotted windows
  • Cracks in your foundation

By sealing up these areas, you will help stop the flow of Ants and prevent a worsening of any infestation. Even if you don’t notice any Ants right now, looking and attempting to discover any entry points now may stop an infestation from developing.

Remove rotted wood

Ants love rotting wood. While even Carpenter Ants can make their way through solid, dry wood, they prefer and will tunnel through wet or water damaged wood.

If there are any areas that’ve been water damaged in your home, remove and repair the area immediately with new material. Even if it’s dry now, the wood has still been weakened if it’s suffered water damage, giving Ants an excellent opportunity to tunnel into your home and build a nest. This is particularly important in your bathroom, where water damage is common underneath flooring and behind cabinets and showers.

Eliminate Ant trails

It’s what every homeowner fears — getting home from a long day at work to see a trail of Ants in the kitchen. When you see this, act fast! Wipe up all of the Ants and dispose of them.

Clean the trail with a mixture of 1 parts vinegar to 3 parts water. This will stop the flow of Ants into your home from wherever they are traveling from, likely the outdoors. Unfortunately, while this will be an effective way of disorienting new Ants from getting to the nest, the Ants already in your home will not be leaving without further action.

Eliminate Ant nests

Eliminating an Ant colony nest is crucial to solving an Ant infestation. Any other solution will not truly rid your home of Ants. Unfortunately, in order to exterminate a nest you need to find it and come up with a safe way to destroy them.

While at times they can be easy to find, Ant nests are often found deep in walls, under floors, or even outside the home. This detective work often requires tasks that can be damaging to your home’s structure if not completed correctly.

And even if you do find the nest, making sure you destroy it with the proper extermination technique is extremely important. Sprays can be ineffective if not used correctly and bait solutions will not truly destroy the nest.

Updated: 9/8/2022

 

Hire an experienced Ant exterminator to locate and safely kill Ants

EcoCare Pest Control knows Ant extermination techniques and how to eliminate them safely from Portland and Vancouver homes. We’ve been doing it for over 18 years!

Learn how we can help you remove Ants from your home safely!

9 Questions to ask a Pest Control Company or Exterminator

by | Mar 2, 2023 | Pest Control, Pest Insurance, Safety

Updated: March 2, 2023

Many homeowners don’t start thinking about pest control until they see signs of insects or rodents. This can be a stressful time, as pests can carry disease and damage your home and property. But if you’re searching for a pest control company in the Portland or Vancouver area, the last thing you should do is rush to hire the first company you find.

Instead, take the time to talk with a few different pest control services. Ask the right questions and get the information you need before making a decision to hire an exterminator. In the long run, choosing a pest control company who will do the job right and stand behind their work is worth the effort. Learn more with article from EcoCare Pest Control.

In today’s post, we’ll talk about the questions you must ask any exterminator or pest control company you’re thinking about hiring. Let’s get started!

How long have you been in business?

We’ve been serving the Portland and Vancouver metro areas for over 15 years. During that time, we’ve seen countless other pest control companies come and go. When you work with an established, local pest control company, you’ll benefit from:

  • Their exterminators’ local pest control knowledge and experience
  • Trust in the fact that they’ll be around in the future and that they’ll stand behind their work

Do you have any testimonials or online reviews I can check out?

If a pest control company can’t provide proof that they’re trustworthy and reputable, that is a major red flag. At EcoCare we can show you:

  • Our A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau
  • Superior Service Awards from Angie’s List that we’ve won for 10 straight years (ever since they began serving the Portland area)
  • Over 800 reviews on Angie’s List, as well as 5-star reviews on Yelp

Are your exterminators licensed, bonded, and insured?

If an exterminator or pest control company can’t answer this question with an emphatic YES! then you should run in the other direction!

We’re a licensed, bonded, and insured pest control company in both Oregon and Washington. When we visit your home for your free inspection, our technicians and exterminators are happy to provide copies of these certifications that you can keep for your records. Just ask!

How do you decide what treatments are needed?

Here’s where things start to get tricky. As a homeowner, you’re not a pest control expert or an exterminator. So how can you tell who is and who isn’t? Our recommendation is to ask questions like:

  • What kind of pests are in my home? Are they common in this area?
  • What stage of life are the insects in– egg, larva, pupae, adult?
  • How serious is the infestation?
  • How long have the pests been in my home?
  • How long will it take to eliminate the infestation?
  • Will the pests ever come back?
  • How frequently should an exterminator come to my house?

Take note of the answers you receive and do your research online. Trust your gut and your instincts. Anything that sounds too good to be true probably is. If you interview multiple pest control companies, are their answers generally the same? Do you feel like you can trust the person you’re speaking to?

Do you offer a written quote– and will you stand behind it?

Estimates are often just that– estimates. They change over time and unscrupulous companies may use low estimates to get new business. Then they find ways to tack on hidden charges. Fortunately, these kinds of pest control companies tend to have terrible online reviews (you did remember to check those, right?)

At EcoCare, we don’t offer estimates. When you contact us, we’ll inspect your home for free and then provide a firm price that we’ll stand behind.

How much training do your exterminators receive?

Every pest control technician is required by the state of Oregon to pass three exams to receive licensing for Laws & Safety, Structural Pests, and General Pests. Additionally, all licensed exterminators and technicians are required by the state to take 40 hours of continuing education over 5 years.

At EcoCare, we exceed that requirement by paying for each technician to receive 18 hours per year which is twice the amount required! Additionally, when starting at our company, each technician receives 4-6 weeks of field training with a senior technician. There is a lot more to learn than just picking up a spray can and applying the product! We also have a monthly company breakfast where our team reviews product updates, safe driving, customer service, and more.

Are your pest control treatments safe for people and pets?

Modern eco-friendly pest control treatments are designed to kill pests and be safe for people and most pets.

But make sure to ask– especially if you have exotic pets like birds or snakes. The biology and metabolism of non-mammal pets can be affected by pest control treatments.

Any trustworthy pest control company should be able to clearly explain why their treatments are safe. They’ll also be able to explain whether or not you’ll need to leave your home during treatment.

At EcoCare, for example, you’ll be able to stay in your home while our pest control technicians do their work.

Will you get rid of pests AND keep them from coming back?

In our opinion, this is a very important question that many pest control companies get wrong.

When it comes to pest and insect infestations, it’s not enough to simply get rid of the pests you see. Instead, our results-focused process focuses on both:

Eliminating all insect and pest infestations

AND

Taking preventive measures that keep pests from coming back

We believe preventive pest control is so important that we’ve developed Pest Insurance, a year-round pest control program. It includes:

  • 4 seasonal pest control treatments
  • Protection against nearly 40 common area pests
  • Free additional visits if you ever see any pests

The Pest Insurance program can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year by preventing damaging pest infestations from entering your home.

What if I’m not happy with the results?

Every pest control company is different and has their own guarantee or warranty on their services. At EcoCare, our philosophy is that we stand behind our work and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Contact EcoCare Today

If you’re searching for a pest control company to help you protect your home and your family, we’d love to talk with you. Contact us today for a free home inspection from one of our trained pest control technicians.

We’ll be happy to answer any questions that you might have!

Photo Credits: Jill, Vladimer, Laura Blankenship

What to Know About Rats, Mice, Wildlife and Electrical Problems

What to Know About Rats, Mice, Wildlife and Electrical Problems

by | Mar 2, 2023 | Home Care, Pest Control, Rodents

Updated: March 2nd, 2023

Rodents might look cute, but you DEFINITELY don’t want them in your home. Not only can they carry disease, but their constant need to chew can wreak havoc on your electrical system, opening up your home to unforeseen fire danger.

But how do they cause electrical problems, and what can you do to stop them? Let’s take a look!

Why do Mice and Rats chew on wires?

Contrary to how it might seem, Rats and Mice aren’t always on the lookout for wires to chew. Really, they’re looking for just about anything to chew, because their teeth never stop growing! While our own teeth are rooted into our jawbone, a rodent’s incisors don’t have any roots. So they aren’t constantly chewing things to be a pain — they are constantly chewing to grind down their teeth and prevent them from growing into their brains. They often go for wires simply because they’re there, and they’re hidden where the rodent is also hidden (like between walls). Unfortunately, when rodents chew on wires, it opens up your home to a greater chance of an electrical fire. This can be caused by frayed wires or a short circuit.

Dangers of electrical fires

Electrical failures or malfunctions cause 13% of home fires in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association. They are the second leading cause of home fires. Unfortunately, the risk of an electrical fire increases when rodents come into contact with loose wiring, electrical panels, and more. That’s why it’s important to prevent rodents from entering the home as much as possible, and to recognize the common signs of electrical problems.

Signs of electrical problems when Mice Chew On Wires

Rats and Mice are nocturnal creatures, meaning that the majority of the time, you probably won’t notice them in your home right away. Because Rats or Mice usually choose to chew on wires that are hidden away, it’s likely you won’t even know they are chewing on the wiring until your home starts showing signs of electrical problems.

If you notice signs of any of these electrical problems, look around your home for signs of rodents.

  • Flickering lights
  • Bite marks on wiring you can see, or frayed wires
  • “Blinking” appliances or computers
  • Acrid burning odor 
  • Droppings near outlets or wiring runs 
  • Power failures

Regardless of these signs, it’s a good idea to regularly check the electrical wiring in your home to ensure it’s functioning properly and safely. Many electricians recommend scheduling an inspection every 3-5 years or so.

Tips to keep Mice and Rats out of your home

Tip #1 – Seal holes, cracks, and gaps in your house

Did you know Rats and Mice can fit through openings less than ½” in diameter? This creates a lot of opportunity for them to make a home in your home. Common places to check for holes include:
  • Near doors
  • Inside closets (near the corners)
  • In, around, or under kitchen cabinets
  • Around pipes under the sink
  • Inside the attic, basement, or crawl space
  • Adjacent to windows
 

Tip #2 – Clean up and properly store food

We all love food, but so do rodents. Make sure you properly store food both inside and outside of the home. You can do this by:
  • Store your food in containers with tight lids
  • Wipe up any spills and keeping kitchen surfaces clear of food debris (including dirty dishes)
  • Keep all cooking areas — including outside patios and grills — clean at all times
  • Cover garbage cans with a tight lid
  • Don’t leave pet food outside overnight and keep bird feeders away from your house
  • Store pet food in a sealed container
  • Pick produce from your garden or backyard before it goes bad
  • Keep compost at least 100 feet away from your house
 

Tip #3 – Don’t give them a place to call home

We know you won’t always be able to control this, but here are a few simple things you can do to eliminate living spaces for rodents in or around your home:
  • Move wood piles at least 100 feet away from the house
  • Keep your grass and shrubbery cut short
  • Trim tree branches at least 4 feet away from your home
  • Remove old cars, trucks, or tires that you aren’t using — these make great homes for rodents
 

Tip #4 – Call the professionals at EcoCare

One of the best ways to prevent rodents from infesting your home and causing electrical problems is to work with professionals, like the skilled team at EcoCare. We’ll help you set up regular inspections and recommend a maintenance plan.  

Inspection

First, our exterminators will visit your home and conduct a detailed inspection of the property. They’ll inspect the inside of your property, including the attic or crawlspace, and search for signs of nests, infestations, or electrical damage. Additionally, they’ll scour the foundation and outside of your home for holes or small cracks that might allow a rodent in. Depending on what our exterminators find, they’ll recommend a customized treatment plan to best suit you and your home.  

Exclusion

With so many opportunities for rodents to invite themselves in, “Rat proofing”  your home can be a daunting task. But not for us! Our exterminators will thoroughly examine holes and cracks in your home. Then, they’ll seal off any questionable openings, like those found around pipes, vents, wires, and more. This is an important step in preventing future infestations.  

Eco-friendly extermination

We are dedicated not only to ridding your home of pests, but to doing it in a safe and non-toxic way. With that in mind, our exterminators will only use rat poison inside of your home as a last resort. The use of poison inside your home might lead the rodent to die inside your walls, causing even more problems. Instead, we’ll use rat traps to humanely capture the rodents inside your home without posing any risk to your children or pets.  

Rodent maintenance program

Keeping rodents out of your home takes a lot of work and effort. This is especially true for homes in areas with: compost piles, feeding stations for chickens, birds, or squirrels, homes on a greenbelt, and homes in a neighborhood with a Rat problem. Luckily, there’s a rodent maintenance program for that! Rodent maintenance with EcoCare looks like:
  • Setting up bait traps outside your home at common entry points to capture rodents before they enter your home
  • Regularly coming to inspect your home and remove any rodents based on a schedule that’s convenient to you

Schedule an appointment with EcoCare today!

Preventing rodents from infesting your home and damaging your electrical system is both an important and never-ending task. We can help! Learn more about our eco-friendly rodent control options and how we can help by contacting us today.

10 Bugs & Rodents That Are Dangerous to Pets

by | Jan 10, 2023 | Pest Control, Pest Insurance, Safety

 

Updated: March 2nd, 2023

Watching your dog or cat chase after a bug, spider, or other critter can be amusing. But did you know certain creepy crawlers here in the Pacific Northwest are dangerous to your pet’s health?

In today’s blog post, we’ll help you understand which pests and rodents to keep away from your pets. We’ll also touch on what to do if your cat or dog comes in contact with a poisonous creature, and how to make sure these types of critters stay out of your home.

Let’s get started!

 

Common Diseases Bugs & Rodents Transmit to Pets

Why is it important to help your pet avoid contact with certain bugs and rodents? The same reason you don’t want to come into contact with these creatures yourself…safety!

Take a look at some diseases bugs and rodents in the Portland and Vancouver area commonly carry.

  • Heartworm (and other parasites)
  • Lyme Disease
  • Parvo
  • Rabies

 

Portland Bugs & Rodents To Keep Away From Your Pet

We all know Fleas are an annoyance, risk, and common issue for animals. While it’s important to keep your pups or kittens free of fleas, there are a number of other less-commonly thought of pests you should make sure your furry friends avoid.

Mosquitoes

Just like with humans, Mosquitoes are a nuisance for dogs and cats, too. These blood-sucking insects can bite your pet and cause itching and irritation. Even more serious is the spread of bacteria and parasites a Mosquito bite can cause.

The most problematic Mosquito-borne disease is heartworm. Mosquitoes are known to carry and transmit this disease from one animal to another. If your dog spends a lot of time outside, do your best to eliminate large areas of standing water, as this is an easy magnet for Mosquitoes.

Ticks

Ticks are very common in Oregon. These insects are often found in wooded and long grassy areas and will latch onto your pet as they cruise by. Once attached, Ticks are very difficult to remove, and if left alone, they will feed on your pet’s blood until fully engorged. This can range from 3 to 11 days, and in some species up to 3 years!

Ticks are very dangerous to your pets. These bugs have been known to consume so much of your pet’s blood that they cause anemia. Female ticks can also cause a rare paralysis in your animal as a result of a toxin it produces while feeding. Deer Ticks are especially problematic to your pet (and to you!) as they carry Lyme disease.

Use a regular Tick & Flea treatment on your pet to keep these blood suckers at bay. Additionally, make sure to inspect your pet’s coat and skin for ticks after every outdoor adventure.

Stink Bugs

Stink Bugs are mostly harmless in the sense that they won’t bite or sting your pet. However, if your dog or cat decides this bug is a nice snack, they can lead to an upset stomach, including vomiting and diarrhea.

In a worse case scenario, eating too many stink bugs can cause problems in your pet’s digestive tract, often resulting in surgery. 

Caterpillars

If your pet notices and is curious about a Caterpillar, it’s best to steer him or her in the other direction. Some types of Caterpillars can sting and transmit venom to your pet.

Other Caterpillar species–the Wooly Bear Caterpillar, for example– have microscopic hairs that can get stuck in your pet’s mouth and throat, causing coughing, gagging, and excessive salivation.

Venomous Spiders & Bees

If you don’t want to be stung by it, your pet doesn’t either! Poisonous insect bites and stings from spiders and bees are very dangerous to your pet. This is especially true if you have a small animal, such as a cat or a toy-breed dog.

Venomous spiders like the Brown Recluse or the Black Widow can cause neuromuscular damage in your pet with a single bite. And Bees like Yellow Jackets are known to cause allergic reactions, mouth pain, and swelling in animals.

If you’re experiencing a Spider or Bee problem in your home, it’s very important (for both you and your pet’s safety) to eliminate the infestation as soon as possible.

Cockroaches

The good news with Cockroaches is they tend to steer clear of dogs and cats, running to hide if they encounter a pet. However, Cockroaches are attracted to pet food. If roaches are sharing your pet’s meals, there’s a good chance they’re also sharing bacteria and viral diseases with them.

A great way to avoid this problem is to only keep his or her food bowl out during meal time. A bowl filled with food, sitting out at all times is a magnet for hungry Cockroaches.

Boxelder Bugs

Boxelder Bugs aren’t incredibly dangerous to your pooch or feline, but they can make them feel sick. Thankfully, these bugs have an extremely foul taste, so most animals will avoid eating large quantities (though cats tend to be more likely to snack on these bugs than dogs).

If your pet does ingest a Boxelder Bug, it may cause him or her to salivate excessively or start vomiting.

Ants

Ants can bite and hurt dogs and cats, causing irritation to the skin. Fire Ants are especially dangerous to your pets, as their venom can cause an allergic reaction.

Additionally, if you have an ant problem in your home, chances are they’ll find a way into your pet’s food. Other than just being a huge nuisance, this can lead to ants biting your pet’s face and your pet not wanting to eat anymore.

Mice & Rats

Though it may seem natural for your cat or dog to chase down a Mouse or Rat, ingesting these rodents can have bad consequences for your furry best friend. Rodents are known for carrying many awful diseases–from parasites like Roundworms to infections such as Toxoplasma. These diseases can be transferred to your pet.

Additionally, there’s a small risk of secondary rodent bait poisoning, where your pet eats a rodent who has recently ingested poisonous bait.

If you’re dealing with a Mouse or Rat problem in your home, keep your pet safe by seeking help from an experienced exterminator.

Raccoons

They may look cute, but Raccoons are not an animal you want to mess with. Not only can these critters cause property damage, they’re also known to attack cats and dogs.

Raccoons carry many diseases, but the most frightening is Rabies. Rabies can be transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal and is a public health threat that is fatal to both pets and animals.

Always avoid allowing your pet to chase after or get near a Raccoon.

 

What if My Pet Eats a Poisonous Bug or Rodent?

Was your cat just playing with a poisonous spider? Did your dog get in a fight with a raccoon? Depending on the type of critter you pet comes into contact with, emergency care may be necessary.

It’s always best to consult with your veterinarian immediately following an insect or rodent incident.

If you’re not sure whether or not your pet has been in contact with a poisonous creature, keep an eye out for some common signs of a problem, including:

  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Excessive drooling
  • Lethargy
  • Swollen face or mouth
  • Rash
  • Worms in the stool
  • Changes in appetite
  • Coughing
  • Other uncharacteristic behavior

 

Be Careful When Exterminating Bugs & Rodents

Even if a bug or rodent isn’t hurting your pet, extermination treatments can. A rodent trap may snap closed on your pet’s curious nose or paw. Pets often accidentally ingest extermination sprays and other poisonous substances meant for insects and rodents.

According to the ASPCA, every year thousands of beloved family pets suffer and may die from accidental ingestion of household poisons…particularly insecticides and rodenticides.

When considering a pest extermination method, always choose a pest control company that uses a method that’s safe for you and your family…including your animals!

 

Keep Your Animals Safe with Pet-Friendly Pest Control

At EcoCare Pest Control, we eliminate pests in the most environmentally sensitive manner. Our approach to pest control is tough on pests, and completely safe for both people and pets!

If you have pets and are dealing with an insect or rodent problem in your home, contact us! We’d love to talk with you and learn how we can help make your home a safer place for your pet.

Best Ways to Prevent Pest Infestations

Best Ways to Prevent Pest Infestations

by | Dec 8, 2022 | Pest Control

Many pests can invade your home, from insects and spiders to rodents. These pests could end up causing a lot of damage and could also be hazardous to your health. At EcoCare Pest Control, we have extensive experience with all types of pests commonly found in and around your home, and we know just what to do to keep you and your family safe. 

Signs that Confirm You Have a Pest Infestation

All the pests that come into your home will do their best to stay out of sight. Most of them have small, agile bodies that allow them to squeeze into some of the most hard-to-reach places of your home, like behind your walls and above your ceiling. However, even if you cannot spot these pests with your own eyes, there are a few clues they will leave behind. Here is a look at how to identify common pest infestations.

Image Credit: torook / Shutterstock

Rodents

Mice and rats will commonly try to come into your home in search of food and water. Also, they do not like colder temperatures, so in the winter, they will sneak into your home to escape the frigid temperatures. 

If you have rodents in your home, you may find:

  • rodent droppings
  • chewed paper or cardboard
  • holes in your walls and cabinets
  • gnaw marks on your furniture. 

The teeth of mice and rats will continue to grow for their entire life. To keep their teeth from growing too much, they will chew and nibble on anything that they can get their mouths around.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs were once thought to be extinct. However, in the mid-1990s, they made a comeback. Today, these tiny insects can be found in a wide range of residential and commercial locations. Some of the telltale signs that you have a bed bug infestation include:

  • Dark smear marks on your mattress, sheets, furniture, and walls
  • Specs of blood on your sheets
  • Tiny and itchy bug bites on your skin that will usually form a straight line
  • Bed bug eggs that look like tiny grains of rice found under your mattress or in the crevices of your furniture

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are filthy insects that can carry and spread a wide range of diseases and viruses. Some of the most common signs that you will find in your home if you have a cockroach infestation include:

  • Cockroach droppings that usually resemble ground black pepper
  • A small, dark, rectangle-shaped egg sac called an ootheca
  • Cockroach skin casings
  • A foul odor that has a damp and musty smell

Ants

Carpenter ants and small black ants are the most common types of ants found in a home. Like termites, carpenter ants like to consume wood and can cause structural damage to your home. Black ants can spread a wide range of illnesses to you and your family, including salmonellosis and E. coli infections.

Some of the clues to look for if you think you have an ant problem include:

  • Seeing a line of ants walk through your home
  • Wooden beams in your home become hollowed out or brittle
  • Discarded wings on the window and door sills.

Image Credit: Africa Studio /Shutterstock

Preventing Pest

The best way to achieve total pest control in your home is to prevent them from coming inside your home in the first place. Some of the best ways to keep your home pest-free include:

  • Dispose of Trash Regularly. You should also keep a tight lid on your outdoor trash cans and place them as far away from your home as possible.
  • Identify and Block Potential Entry Points. Pest can come into your home through the tiniest cracks and gaps around the exterior. Use caulking or some other type of durable material to seal up the gaps around your windows, doors, and vents around your home.
  • Keep Food Stored in a Sealed Container. All food should be stored, including pet food. Also, if you think you may have rodents around your home, make sure that the container is made of metal or glass.
  • Maintain Your Lawn. Keep your grass cut short around your home. You should keep the bushes, shrubs, and trees properly pruned and cut back away from your house.
  • Keep Your House Sanitized. Sweep, mop, and vacuum the floors in your home regularly to ensure no food particles are left around the house. Also, remove any old boxes, toys, clothing, and other items that can clutter up your house and act as a hiding space for pests.

Following these tips can greatly reduce your chances of having unwanted pests in your house.

Best Pest Control Methods

There are many do-it-yourself pest control solutions available on the market today. However, the problem with DIY pest control is that many do not target a specific area. There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to eliminating pests in your home. Every infestation is different, which means that every infestation has a unique solution. 

Another problem with DIY pest control methods is that they can be dangerous. Some of the chemicals and pesticides you can buy in stores can be extremely dangerous if you do not know how to dispense them properly. For this reason, many people choose to leave their pest problems to professionals.

Contact The Pros At EcoCare Pest Control For Customized Pest Control Advice

If you think you have a pest problem in or around the Portland, Oregon, or Vancouver, Washington areas, give us a call today. We offer affordable, customizable, and eco-friendly solutions to help eliminate the bothersome pests from your property. Contact us today for a free estimate!

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Where to do Pest Control Spray in Apartments?

Where to do Pest Control Spray in Apartments?

by | Nov 22, 2022 | Pest Control

Are you tired of the annoying bugs in your apartments? Are you wondering how to keep your home bug-free? Well, we are the experts to call. While it’s not unheard of to encounter household bugs, no one likes these unwelcome guests.

Aside from causing property damage, most bugs, such as fleas, rats, cockroaches, and mosquitoes, are disease carriers and impact your overall well-being if their presence is overlooked. More often, household pest control can be challenging with multiple residents living close by. 

Fortunately, here at EcoCare Pest Control, we know how to deal with household pest invasion in a way that minimally impacts the environment and the tenants’ lives. Our well-trained team can help you reclaim your space and restore normality to your life.

How to prepare your apartment for pest control

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How to Prepare your Apartment for Pest Control Spray

While a household pest invasion is stressful enough on its own, a visit from our EcoCare Pest Control technicians should not cause the slightest bit of concern- especially when moving heavy furniture or appliances outside. This is because our pest control treatment technique mainly uses targeted applications and occurs at the edge of your apartment.

However, there are things you should do to help optimize the success of the treatment process.

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How to Prepare for Ant and Cockroach Treatment

  • Move furniture away from the wall for easier inspection.
  • Prepare your kitchen by cleaning it thoroughly and ensuring all the food items are placed in airtight containers.
  • Provide enough access by removing unnecessary items that might be taking up space.
  • Leave the doorways, closets, and drawers open. It allows the technicians easy access.
  • Remove all the toiletries in the washroom.
  • Take the garbage out if there is any.
  • Clean all the appliances.
  • Pull large appliances out of the way for more accessible applications.
  • Empty the countertops and all the cabinets and drawers.
  • Seal big aquariums with wet towels.
  • Take the pets with you when you leave the house.

How to Prepare for Flea Treatment

  • Put all the food items in an airtight container.
  • Wash all pet bedding with hot water.
  • Vacuum all the carpets and thoroughly clean the house.
  • Move the furniture away from the wall for easier application.
  • Clean the furniture thoroughly.
  • Once you are done using the vacuum cleaner, empty the content into a container and close it thoroughly before throwing it away. When using a vacuum cleaner with a reusable canister, you should wash the canister with hot water to eliminate the fleas.
  • Take all the pets to the vet for flea treatment.
  • You should feed the fish and cover the tanks with wet towels if you have aquariums.
  • Remove caged pets, such as birds, from the apartment.

How to Prepare for Termite Removal

  • Store edible items in airtight containers.
  • Beddings should be removed and washed.
  • You should remove mattress protectors to allow quick fumigant aeration.
  • You should turn off the gas line to your apartment before fumigation.
  • Turn off electrical appliances.
  • Vacuum and clean the sofas and all the carpets.
  • Cover the fish tanks with wet towels.
  • Remove all the toiletries.
  • Clear the drawers, cabinets, and closets.
  • Take the pets away with you.

How to Prepare for Bed bug Treatment

  • Put all the food items in airtight containers.
  • Remove items from the top of appliances.
  • Move the furniture at least 2 feet from the wall and remove items on top of the couch.
  • Take all the bedding and wash them as soon as possible with hot water for at least 30 minutes.
  • Do not make the bed until the treatment is done.
  • Sweep or vacuum – clean the entire house before the treatment begins.
  • Remove all the toiletries.
  • Take the towels and the bath mats in the bathroom and wash them immediately with hot water.
  • Do not put clean towels or mats back until the treatment is done.

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What to expect

The pest treatment process is usually quick and lasts about 15 minutes. First, the technician will go around your apartment spraying all the potential hot spots of bug infestation. In addition to spraying, the technician may set baits and traps for bugs like cockroaches or ants. 

Depending on the severity of the infestations, the pest control team may come back in a few weeks or even twice a year.

If you are pregnant, have breathing problems, or have young kids, staying away from your apartment for a minimum of 12 hours is advisable. After the bug treatment, you should keep the windows open to keep the apartment well-ventilated.

Where do Pest Control Companies Spray in Apartments?

Most apartment owners often find themselves concerned about exposure to toxic chemicals, something we understand at EcoCare Pest Control. 

We are an eco-friendly pest control company and exercising caution is our priority. Therefore, our trained pest specialists can safely administer the treatment while you are still at home. 

When our team comes to your apartment, they start by spraying it outside to keep the critters from getting in.

If you request inside pest control service, they will spray the following areas:

  • The entrances
  • Cracks and crevices
  • Spaces between the wall and cabinets, appliances and furniture

The main reason for spraying these areas is because they are the common hiding place of common household pests, and it’s the most effective way to eliminate the pests in your apartment.

Pest Control In Apartments

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Why Choose EcoCare Pest Control

When it comes to pest control, don’t take chances. Instead, hire professionals to do the job for you. At EcoCare Pest Control, we are an A+ accredited business and the premier eco-friendly pest control service provider in the areas of Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington.

With more than 20 years of experience in the industry, we understand the challenges of pest infestation. Our well-trained team is friendly and knowledgeable and can help you reclaim your space and restore normalcy in your life.

Call us today for more information.

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