Pests are common issues for homeowners in the Portland metro area. Damp conditions and lush vegetation make this region a great place for humans and pests alike. In this guide, we’ll go over common household pests, the damage they can cause, and ways to prevent and remove them safely and effectively. We’ll also outline when DIY methods are enough and when it’s time to call in a professional.
Common Pests
Ants
Damage: Ants may seem harmless, but certain varieties can cause damage when left unchecked. Carpenter ants, in particular, can burrow through wood, weakening the structural integrity of your home over time.
Prevention and Removal: Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and foundations. Keep food sealed and surfaces clean to avoid attracting them. DIY ant bait can help with minor infestations, but a professional is needed for large colonies or recurring infestations.
Rodents (Mice and Rats)
Damage: Rodents chew on wiring, wood, insulation, and even pipes, creating fire hazards and causing costly repairs. They also carry diseases.
Prevention and Removal: Store food securely, and make sure there are no openings around doors, windows, utility lines and that ventilation for attics and crawlspaces are covered with mesh screens. Setting traps may work for a small infestation, but larger issues typically require professional pest control to address the infestation and prevent return.
Squirrels
Damage: Squirrels can be a common issue in the PNW, especially in more rural areas. They can cause some serious damage homes by chewing through roof shingles, siding, and even wiring, which can lead to fire hazards. They may also make nests in attics, causing noise disturbances and potential messes.
Prevention and Removal: Keep tree branches trimmed away from your roof to make it harder for squirrels to access your home. Seal any entry points and use metal mesh screens to cover vents and other openings. For removal, live traps are available, but it’s typically best to contact a professional for safe handling and release, as squirrels are agile and persistent.
Termites
Damage: Termites can cause significant structural damage by eating away at wood components in your home. They can be difficult to detect until the damage is advanced.
Prevention and Removal: Regularly inspect your foundation and wood structures for any signs of termites, such as mud tubes or hollow-sounding wood. Termite removal is not typically a DIY project; professionals have the necessary treatments and tools to fully eradicate termites and prevent future infestations.
Silverfish
Damage: Silverfish feed on starches and sugars found in paper, books, and clothing, which can lead to damage over time. And they are super creepy looking!
Prevention and Removal: They thrive in damp conditions so dehumidify rooms where silverfish are common, such as basements and bathrooms. Use traps and store items in airtight containers. Small infestations can often be managed with DIY solutions, but for ongoing problems, a pest control expert may be necessary.
Summary of Effective Pest Prevention Tips
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home’s exterior for gaps around windows, doors, pipes, and utility lines. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal off entry points and mesh screens to prevent entry to attics and crawlspaces.
- Keep Food Sealed: Store food in airtight containers and keep counters, floors, and sinks free of crumbs and spills.
- Control Moisture: Pests are drawn to moisture. Fix any leaky pipes, use dehumidifiers in damp rooms, and keep areas like basements well-ventilated.
- Clean Regularly: Regular vacuuming, dusting, and taking out trash help keep pests at bay by removing potential food sources and hiding places.
When to Call a Professional
Certain pests are persistent and can cause substantial damage if not dealt with by a professional. Generally, it’s best to contact a pest control expert if:
- You notice signs of termites or wood damage.
- Rodents have made their way inside your walls, attic, or basement.
- Ant infestations are recurring or include carpenter ants.
A professional has access to specialized tools, treatments, and methods that are more effective than store-bought solutions, especially for pests that are harder to detect or eradicate completely.
Safe Removal of Existing Pests
For some common pests, DIY removal is safe and effective. However, it’s important to approach removal with caution, as many pests can pose health risks or cause further damage if not handled properly.
- Ants and Silverfish: Natural remedies like borax mixed with sugar or store-bought bait can help control small infestations. Make sure to keep these remedies out of reach of pets and children.
- Rodents: Snap traps or live traps can be effective for small infestations, but take care to dispose of or release rodents safely to avoid contact with diseases and far enough away from your home that they don’t return.
For any pests requiring chemical solutions, follow all safety instructions carefully, ventilate the area, and keep children and pets away.
Pests may be inevitable, but with regular inspections, proper preventative steps, and, when needed, a professional’s expertise, you can keep your Portland home safe and pest-free.
PNW Real Estate Blog 
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