Ever-growing population, moist climate, and dense urban landscapes – These are all factors that trigger frequent pest infestations in Seattle. Almost every neighborhood has specific problems. For instance, historic homes in Capitol Hill and Queen Anne often face rodent issues, while cockroaches and ants are common in West Seattle. Get rid of pests fast? For that, you have to get expert assistance. In this guide, we will discuss how to select a reliable exterminator, along with strategies and tips that will help.
Always Select a Top Service
You need a company that’s based in Seattle, has a local team, and has positive feedback. United Pest Solutions, for example, is one of the top names in local pest control and relies on green, eco-friendly methods to counter infestations. The company even offers same-day services, which means you don’t have to wait after spotting an infestation. You can ask the following questions to compare choices:
- How long have you been in business in Seattle?
- Do you work with commercial clients, too?
- Do you follow IPM practices?
- What products do you use?
- Can you share a few references?
If you can choose a dependable exterminator, half the work is done.
Schedule Frequent Inspections
There are numerous signs of infestations: Unusual sounds, especially at night, musty odor, droppings, urine marks, gnaw marks, and damaged wires. Remember, if you see these signs, you need emergency services. Once an infestation happens, you have to get professional help, as DIY remedies will only offer temporary solutions. If you want to avoid pest issues, your best bet is to schedule inspections regularly. Depending on where you live in Seattle, consider one every quarter. Homes that get frequent problems with rodents and insects need an inspection every one to two months.
Practice the Right Habits
While there is no guarantee that a clean home wouldn’t get pests, you can certainly take a few proactive measures to protect the property. These include:
- Cleaning the yard and spending on landscaping every month
- Ensuring trash is disposed of effectively and regularly
- Inspecting unused areas, such as basements and attics, monthly
- Cleaning the kitchen every night
- Disposing of food waste effectively
- Double-checking entry points (if any)
- Removing clutter from the house
- Keeping pet food stored away when not in use
- Using airtight containers for the pantry
- Keeping firewood away from the house
If you don’t give a positive environment to pests, you will have fewer concerns to deal with. Of course, dense urban areas in Seattle still have infestations, as not every homeowner is proactive. Shared walls and utility lines make it easy for rodents and other pests to move from one area to another.
Spend on Annual Prevention Plans
You have to consider annual prevention plans, especially if you don’t want to spend on urgent remediation. Make sure that you check with your exterminator to know whether they can offer such an option, which will have inspections, perimeter treatments, and additional steps. Remember: Fixing an infestation is expensive and often requires the use of harsher chemicals and pesticides. When you pay for preventive steps, technicians can catch early signs and recommend better ways to avoid pests from causing damage.
Takeaways
At times, it may be necessary to collaborate with your neighbors to address a particular problem infesting many homes. Also, consider the seasonal trends, because pest patterns change in fall and summer. Start by looking for a credible pest control company in Seattle and ask their experts to check your home. This is important if you haven’t had a professional check-up in the last few months. Technicians can guide you further on the steps that are necessary now and what you should do later after they finish the current work.
