Pest Library

Bed Bugs

Bed bug infestations have grown significantly over the past decade. There was once a time during the times of DDT when bed bugs seemed to have been under control, but now it seems it is as bad as ever. Bed bugs have adapted and survived and have become harder to kill and are now thriving in many metropolitan areas around the country. Portland, Oregon is no exception and the problem is getting worse and worse

Ants

Sugar ants are a type of soil ant, so they come from the ground outside and find their way into your home. They are distinguished by the distinct smell that they give off when they are squished. The smell has been described as anything from a rotten coconut to gasoline. Although they do not do any damage to the home, they can multiply quickly and spread out across the home.

Spiders

Hobo Spiders: These are the most common venomous spider that we have in the area. Although we have identified them from time to time in Sandy, Oregon, they are still fairly rare. In fact, most of the time they are mistaken for a “Giant House Spider”. Identifying them can be challenging, but you can look for a few distinguishing signs. They are larger brown spiders with dark brown markings on their back and they are one of several spiders that create a funnel web. Unlike most spiders, they do not have darker-colored joints on their legs.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches will typically be in areas that provide warmth, water, and food to thrive and reproduce. Usually, this is in the kitchen where they find all of these things under the refrigerator or behind the oven. Since cockroaches have been known to carry 33 different types of bacteria, the kitchen can become an unsanitary place. In addition to the bacteria, cockroach feces can also be an allergen and can induce asthma-related symptoms.

Fleas

Obviously, the first thing that you should do when trying to address a flea problem is to look at the pets. You really get what you pay for on flea medication, so be sure to be using something of good quality like Advantage or Frontline. If your pets don’t have fleas or you don’t even have pets, there can be other sources. For example, if you have rodents or any other animals living under your home, your crawl space might be infested with fleas that are making their way up to your living space. It might be worth having a pest control company do a free crawl space inspection to let you know if there is a problem down there.

Rodents

If you are seeing a rodent inside of your house, then there is a high likelihood that they are nesting nearby (usually in your crawl space). Rodents are drawn towards your crawl space in particular because it provides warmth and shelter. They typically are able to access the crawl space easily by entering through a broken foundation vent screen or burrowing underneath the foundation. Once they are established, their scent can also attract more rodents. They also reproduce very quickly (a female mouse can have over 70 babies a year), so the problem can get out of hand very quickly if it goes unchecked. For severe infestations in the crawl space, you may have to have a crawl space restoration performed, which can be costly.

Bees / Wasps

Wasps and bees are generally lumped in the same category, but they are very different.

-Wasps eat other insects, while bees eat nectar from flowers.

-Bees are “furry”, while wasps have a smooth, shiny body.

-Wasps do not pollinate as bees do.

-If a bee stings you it will die, but a wasp can sting multiple times.

For the most part, wasps and (especially) bees are beneficial to our environment. Wasps kill and feed on many types of insects that can damage plants and become a nuisance to us and we all know that bees pollinate and make the Sandy, Oregon area beautiful. However, they can also pose a threat to us since 1 out of 3 people are allergic to their sting and over 3% of the population is fatally allergic to stings. It is because of this that you should be sure to exterminate any wasp or bee nest that poses a threat to humans.

Termites

Termites cause more damage to structures worldwide than any other wood-destroying insect, accounting for billions of dollars. They are far more common in warmer climates, but an active termite infestation in Sandy, Oregon, or anywhere else in the Portland area can do just as much damage. There are several species of termites, but around here we just have two that you need to know about:

Moles

Moles are active all year long, which gives them ample opportunity to damage your land. Although moles primarily eat insects, vegetation can make up about 20% of their diet. If they find your garden or crops, they can easily ruin them.

Signs of mole activity in your area can include mounds of dirt which are made when moles are tunneling. On average, one very active mole is capable of creating up to 50-100 mounds in a month.

Nuisance Pests

We have plenty of nuisance wildlife here in Sandy, Oregon, and the rest of the Portland Metro area. It is common to see a raccoon, opossum, or skunk roaming around our neighborhoods and they are only looking for two things, food, and shelter. Unfortunately, your nice warm crawl space with all of its insulation and seclusion provides the perfect home for these animals to live and breed. If you are unlucky enough to get one of them in your crawl space, they can do a whole lot of damage in a short amount of time.

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Wasps & Bees on your home

Wasps & Bees

June 01, 2023•3 min read

Title: Buzzing Invaders: Bees and Wasps Building Nests on Your Home

Introduction: When it comes to sharing our living spaces with insects, most homeowners are accommodating to some extent. However, when bees and wasps decide to build their nests inside or on our homes, it can quickly become a stinging issue. Not only can these buzzing invaders cause potential harm to you and your family, but they can also compromise the structural integrity of your property. In such situations, professional assistance becomes crucial. In this blog post, we will explore the problems associated with bees and wasps building nests on your home and how Wildwoods Pest Control & Crawl Space Solutions can help you resolve this issue.

The Risks of Bee and Wasp Nests: Bees and wasps are essential for ecological balance, but their nests in residential areas can pose several risks. While bees are typically less aggressive, wasps are known for their painful stings, and their nests can be found in various locations around your home, including the eaves, attics, crawl spaces, or even inside walls. These nests not only threaten your safety but can also attract other pests, such as ants or rodents, looking to feed on the nest or exploit existing entry points.
Structural Damage and Property Value: Bees and wasps are relentless architects, constructing their nests using various materials, including wood, mud, and saliva. Over time, the continuous construction and expansion of these nests can lead to structural damage to your home. Wood-decaying species of wasps can cause extensive harm, compromising the integrity of your walls and roofs. Additionally, nests attached to the exterior of your property can be unsightly, potentially reducing its curb appeal and overall value.
DIY Approaches vs. Professional Expertise: Some homeowners may be tempted to handle bee and wasp nest removal themselves. However, this approach can be dangerous, especially for those with allergies or little experience dealing with stinging insects. Disturbing a nest without proper knowledge and equipment can provoke an aggressive response from the colony, resulting in multiple stings and potential health risks. Moreover, without professional expertise, there is a risk of incomplete removal, leading to recurring infestations.
The Wildwoods Approach: Wildwoods Pest Control & Crawl Space Solutions understands the importance of effective and safe bee and wasp nest removal. Their team of experienced professionals employs proven methods to tackle these infestations, ensuring the protection of your home and family. They follow a comprehensive process, which includes:
a. Inspection: FREE - Thoroughly assessing your property to identify the location and extent of the infestation. b. Customized Solutions: Tailoring treatment plans based on the specific needs of your situation, considering the type of bees or wasps involved. c. Safe Removal: Utilizing industry-approved techniques to safely remove the nests, ensuring minimal disruption to your home. d. Preventive Measures: Implementing preventative measures to deter future infestations, such as sealing entry points and identifying potential attractants.
The Benefits of Professional Assistance: By choosing Wildwoods Pest Control & Crawl Space Solutions, you gain several benefits:
a. Safety: Minimizing the risk of stings and allergic reactions for you and your family. b. Expertise: Leveraging the knowledge and experience of professionals who specialize in bee and wasp nest removal. c. Complete Removal: Ensuring nests are fully eradicated, reducing the likelihood of future infestations. d. Long-term Solutions: Implementing preventative measures to discourage bees and wasps from returning to your home.

Conclusion: The presence of bee and wasp nests on or inside your home can quickly turn into a buzzing nightmare. Protecting your family, preserving your property.

Call Wildwoods Pest Control & Crawl Space Solutions if you need some assistance today!

Wildwoods Pest Control & Crawl Space Solutions

To Schedule: 971-221-2226

Email: wildwoodspestcontrol1@gmail.com

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#Wasps#bees#home invasion#pest control#pests

Renae McKague

Owner/VP of Wildwoods Pest Control

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