Characteristics of Common Northwest Pests

This article is designed to educate you on bugs commonly found in your home. Learning about these bugs can help you to finally get rid of them. Did you ever think you were going to have to learn about bugs? Sorry to burst your bubble, but termite pest control is a necessity. Every area has its share of pests, and with those pests comes the need to be watchful of how they affect crops and other plant life. Termite pest control prevents your home from a pest invasion. The most common pests in the Northwest (or Pacific Northwest as it is also called) include the following: Ants Bed Bugs Bees Carpenter Ants Cockroaches Plant Pests Rodents, Mice and Rats Silverfish Spiders Termites Wasps and Yellow Jackets

Characteristics

Each pest has its own series of characteristics that allows us to recognize and treat them effectively. For instance, most black carpenter ants make their first nest in decayed wood and from there, move on to sound wood. They tend to bring their nests inside where they attempt to find wood that is softened by fungus, in insulation or in empty spaces in the walls.  Knowing the facts about carpenter ants and their characteristics is necessary for ant control. Bedbugs are becoming a more serious problem in many areas, and sometimes undetectable until they begin feeding on their human host. They often begin nesting in mattresses but can proceed to other parts of the bedroom and house once infestation has begun. Bedbugs require termite pest control immediately after detection. Bees usually nest on the ground but they will also build nests along railroad tracks, in wall crevices and other above ground locations. During the fall, Yellow jackets and wasps are a more common problem than bees. Cockroaches are a huge problem and though equated with dirt by many people, they can attack the cleanest of homes. They are drawn to any water source or food source, so if you start seeing them in your home, it is important to make sure you keep all food off your counters and opened bags and boxes closed tightly to eliminate their source of food. They multiply quickly so once you see one, there are likely to be many more. Termite pest control is necessary; termites are a very serious problem for homes and can virtually destroy all the wood in your house and the surrounding areas, including the foundation of your house and ceiling beams in your basement and attic.

Treatment

During the summer, ant control is a major problem in many areas. Ants and bees will usually respond to the use of common household insecticides but cockroaches and bed bugs are much more difficult to eliminate. Although you can treat both of these on your own if you detect them before they overtake your home, it is more effective to hire a pest control specialist who can eliminate the problem for you. Bed bugs are especially troublesome because they will continue to feed on their host until that source of food is removed, through either concealment or elimination. Although it is possible to remove small numbers of them with rubbing alcohol, it is impossible to eliminate nests that may have formed in your mattress or other areas of your bedroom. Cockroaches sometimes respond to some natural treatments such as a mixture of hot sauce and water, but the best solution is a professional-strength gel that actually draws them to it and causes them to return to the nest and die. In most cases, even over-the-counter sprays that are designed to kill roaches do nothing more than chase them to another area of the home. If you are concerned about chemicals in your home, several pest control specialists, including termite pest control professionals, use organic insecticides to eliminate problems with household pests. Professional termite pest control utilizes a specially made solution specifically designed to eliminate termites. Any attempt to try to control the problem yourself is likely to cause more damage to the wood that the termites have already infested. It is for this reason when you buy a home that the mortgage company requires a termite inspection and/or treatment.