The Pacific Northwest, with its lush forests and wet climate, is a breeding ground for life of all sorts — including creatures you want nowhere near your home! Whether it’s Spiders, Rodents, or even larger wildlife, Washington and Oregon are filled with pests that can do real damage to a home.
Keep reading to learn about the most common pests in the Pacific Northwest.
Rodents
Rodents are the most common pests in the Pacific Northwest and can be found throughout North America. They are also extremely destructive to your home or business, as they chew through wires and wood, which can cause fires or electrocution. Rodents have been known to eat food from pantries and cabinets, creating a mess and a health hazard for you and your family.
The most common rodent in the Pacific Northwest is the Mouse. Mice are about 1-2 inches long when fully grown, with grayish-brown fur on their back and lighter fur around their stomachs that’s easy to spot. Mice have large ears that point forward instead of towards their cheeks like Rats do. This helps them hear better than most other Rodents.
Another commonly seen Rodent in the Pacific Northwest are Norway Rats, also sometimes referred to as “Brown Rats.” These rodents are bigger than mice (upwards of 10 inches long).
Spiders
Spiders in the Pacific Northwest are common, but fortunately most are not dangerous. Still, Spiders can draw other insects and a select few can be dangerous to humans and pests, including the famed Black Widow.
The most common species of Spiders in the Pacific Northwest include:
- Wolf Spiders
- Northern House Spider
- Giant House Spider
- Yellow Sac Spider
If you see these spiders in your home, it’s likely that they came from the outdoors and are searching for a place to stay for the winter. They can be found on windows, walls, and ceilings of homes, as well as outbuildings such as garages and sheds. Most of these Spiders are not dangerous to people, but may bite if handled roughly or stepped on. If you notice one crawling around inside your home, try to capture it with a jar before it finds its way into an area where other family members can get stung.
Ants
A major nuisance for homeowners throughout the Pacific Northwest, Ants can get into your home and contaminate food, damage furniture, and other items, and cause structural damage to your property.
Ants love moisture and food — especially sweet things. They’ll also go out of their way to find ways into your house through holes in window sills, or other openings around doors and windows. Once inside, they’ll look around for anything tasty they can find (even pet food!) while looking for places to build their nests — including behind baseboards or around pipes under sinks where leaks might have caused moisture damage in the walls.
Ants come in many different types: Fire Ants, Pavement Ants, Pharaoh Ants, and Carpenter Ants are all common in the region. If you think you have an ant infestation at home or on your property (or even if you just want confirmation), contact us today!
Bed Bugs
Bed Bugs are small, brown, flat, and oval. They feed on the blood of humans while they’re asleep. Bed Bugs can be found in homes, hotels and motels, shelters, or other places where people sleep. They are attracted to the warmth and carbon dioxide that humans exhale while they sleep.
Bed Bugs do not transmit disease to humans, but can cause skin irritation if they bite you. They also cause psychological distress because it may be difficult for people to get rid of them once they’ve established a home in your bedding or furniture.
The only way to truly rid yourself of Bed Bugs is to work with a professional exterminator such as EcoCare Pest Control.
Wildlife
The Pacific Northwest is home to a variety of wildlife, which may occasionally find their way into your attic or crawlspace. Most are harmless and will leave once they realize you’re not an easy target, but some can cause damage to your home if left unchecked.
Common wildlife pests that are known to get into homes include:
Similar to Rodents and other pests, these animals generally get into your home around winter as they try to find somewhere to protect themselves from the cold and damp weather (who can blame them?). Once inside, they can create even bigger holes in your home, leave droppings, and create an unsanitary environment.
Believe you have a pest problem? Contact EcoCare Pest Control ASAP to keep your home safe
Pests are a fact of life, particularly in a place as wild and scenic as Oregon and Washington. If you find droppings or other signs of a pest in your home, get in touch with our team ASAP. We’ll come out, inspect your home and property, and recommend a solution that will not only rid your home of pests, but keep them out for good.
