Living in the Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA areas put residents in the heart of one of the most uniquely stunning environments in the world. Lush, vast forests make the Pacific Northwest a one-of-a-kind place to call home—for both you and pests.
That’s why it’s important to understand how these native insects differ in their habits and infestations, so you can take preventative measures and avoid severe property damage. Take a look at our list of bugs, insects, and pests most common to the Pacific Northwest.
Ants
Both carpenter ants and house ants seem to take a different approach to home invasions in the Pacific Northwest, due to ever-present forests and lingering humidity. Since carpenter ants nest in timber of any type, this ecosystem provides endless opportunities for meals and shelter. While odorous house ants, also known as sugar ants, are privy to damp environments like fruit, meat and dairy products.
Protect your home from these unwanted guests by removing wood from around the house, keeping plants trimmed and away from the structure, and thoroughly sealing and monitoring high-moisture areas.
It’s important to note that while it’s possible to contain house ants, carpenter ants suggest a serious problem that ought to be immediately addressed by professionals.
Birds
Northwest bird watching can be a fun pastime for Portland & Vancouver area homeowners—until they begin nesting in and around your home. Bulky, invasive nests are just part of the problem when birds begin to set up camp. They often become territorial and aggressive, and can carry infectious parasites that are harmful to you and your family.
Preventative methods for birds usually require at least a physical barrier, closing off entry points and prime nesting areas in eaves and gutters. It’s also important to prevent insect infestations, as this creates an active feeding ground for birds and their offspring.
Box Elder Bug
This insect tends to invade homes during the late summer through winter months, looking for shelter from harsh Northwest weather. After remaining hidden in trees all summer, box elder bugs enter your house through exterior cracks and access points when cooler weather strikes. And while precautionary measures are necessary, the best prevention requires that homeowners get to the root of the problem.
The most effective defense against box elder invasions is to remove the tree they spend summer months in, which eliminates their source of food. And infestations usually require professional help to prevent annual migrations between their summer and winter dwellings.
Trust the Experts
The most efficient solution to handling any of these pesky pests is to call the Northwest bug experts at Interstate Pest. Our pest control professionals are focused on protecting your home and your family!
We offer the safest, most efficient solutions for dealing with any pesky pest. We provide year-round protection of your home and your investment, with guaranteed results, the highest standards of customer service, and dedication to protecting the environment.