Pacific Northwest Pest Control Blog

As the General Manager of Aspen Pest, one of the first things I need to figure out when a homeowner calls about a rat problem is which species we're dealing with. The two types of rats we see most often in Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, WA homes are Norway rats and roof rats. While our core approach of continuous monitoring and maintenance applies to both, there are important differences in behavior, habitat, and what they leave behind that affect how we treat your home. The quick answer: Norway rats are stocky ground-dwellers that burrow near foundations, crawl spaces, and sewers, while...

Dogs and cats are naturally curious, particularly when it comes to insects that buzz, crawl, or fly. However, not all bugs are safe for them to interact with. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a walk through the park, pests are present everywhere—and some pose a greater risk to your pets than others. In this article, we’ll explore the types of pests that can harm your pets, the warning signs to watch for, and the necessary steps to take if your pet eats or gets bitten by a harmful insect.   Table of Contents - Click to Expand What Bugs are Toxic to Dogs? What Bugs are Toxic to...

Introduction: The Risks of Leaving a Paper Wasp Nest Untended Finding a wasp nest on your property can be intimidating, but leaving it unchecked could lead to bigger problems. Here’s what could happen if you ignore a wasp nest. Increased Size of the Nest Wasp nests continue to grow as the season progresses. If left untreated, a nest can become significantly larger, potentially housing 50-100 wasps. While wasps are generally non-aggressive, their nests can become a danger if disturbed. Damage to Property Although wasps don’t typically damage structures like yellow jackets, which can infest...

How to Catch a Wasp in Your House To safely catch a wasp indoors, use a simple container method that avoids provoking the insect and allows for safe release outside. 1. Stay calm and avoid sudden movement Do not swat or chase the wasp, as this increases the chance of a sting. 2. Wait for it to land Wasps are easier to capture when they are resting on a wall, window, or flat surface. 3. Cover it with a clear container Slowly place a glass or plastic cup over the wasp, keeping the opening flush against the surface. 4. Slide a stiff card underneath Use cardboard or a thin piece of paper to...

What Damages Can Ants Cause? Identifying the signs of ant infestation early is key to protecting your property. In this guide, we take a deep dive into the ants that affect homes and the potential damage they leave behind. 1. Carpenter Ants: The Major Culprit While most ants are just a nuisance, carpenter ants can cause serious damage to the structure of your home. Unlike termites, which eat wood, carpenter ants tunnel through it to build their nests. They tend to go for wooden studs, subflooring, and support posts in crawl spaces. This damage can compromise the integrity of your home's...

How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of Rats and Mice? Once you call an expert, one of the first questions people ask is, "How long until they're gone?" The timeline for removing an initial rodent population varies, but homeowners need to have realistic expectations. For comprehensive pest control, Happy Valley residents often look for localized timelines because seasonal changes in the Pacific Northwest heavily influence rodent behavior. The Removal Timeline Removing an initial rodent population can take up to six weeks or sometimes longer, depending on the severity of the issue. In one...