How to Keep Rats Away This Fall

Learn how to keep rats away from your Everett and Snohomish WA home in the fall - Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt PestWith Rodent Awareness Week underway, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the signs of rodent infestations as well as learn how you can prevent them. Ever notice that rat and mouse infestations are more common in the fall? As temperatures drop in autumn, rodents are driven indoors to seek warmth, food, and shelter. They also are infamous for being able to squeeze through an opening as small as the size of a dime, which is why it’s so important to implement rodent exclusion efforts throughout your property. Read on to learn some of Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt Pest’s top tips for keeping rats and mice outside this fall and all year long!

How to Rodent-Proof Your Home

The last thing any homeowner wants to deal with is a pest infestation, especially when it involves rodents! Not only are rats and mice carriers of filth, their feces also spread disease and contaminate food. For that reason alone, it’s important to know how to prevent rodents:

  1. Inspect your property for cracks or holes. Seal all crevices or gaps in your foundation, doors, and windows.
  2. Place screens over chimneys and vents. Properly cover your vent systems and chimney to avoid rodents getting through.
  3. Securely store your food. Always keep food stored in secured containers and clean up spills after meals. Crumbs and open containers will attract pests.
  4. Keep a clean, mess-free home. Rodents are a big fan of clutter, and are attracted to messy basements and attics. Always clean up messes and avoid excess debris.
  5. Make sure your landscape is trimmed. Rodents are great climbers and may make use of tree limbs to access your home. Make sure vegetation is kept away from the foundation of your property.

Signs of Rats and Mice

In addition to protecting your home from rodents, it’s important to know the signs of rats and mice to catch an infestation in the early stages. If you think you have rats or mice inside your property, it’s best to call a professional. The most common indicators of a rodent problem include:

  • Droppings
  • Gnaw marks
  • Nests
  • Burrows and tunnels
  • Runways or tracks
  • Foul odor (from urine or feces)

Getting Rid of Rodents

If your exclusion efforts have failed to keep rats and mice out, it’s time to call a professional for help. A pest control expert can help determine how rodents made their way inside in the first place as well as prevent future issues. The Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt Pest team has been dealing with rodent problems for years and can be trusted to control any rat or mouse infestation you’re dealing with.

6 Ways to Prevent Spiders this Season

6 ways to prevent spiders in your Everett or Snohomish WA home - Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt PestEveryone knows spiders are a symbol of the Halloween season, but did you know these creepy crawlers are also more common in the fall months? If you’ve noticed more spiders in your home this time of year, there’s a reason why. Like many types of pests, spiders are driven indoors when temperatures drop in October. Although most species are totally harmless, no one wants to deal with a ton of spiders in their home! Luckily, there are a few things you can do to prevent spider problems in your home this fall and all year long. Read on for Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt Pest’s top spider prevention tips!

Dangerous Spiders in Washington

For the most part, spiders inside your home will be harmless. There are three dangerous species, however, that are known to get into homes and yards. The black widow, hobo spider, and brown recluse spider are the main types of spiders to be wary of in this area. All three are aggressive and are known to bite when threatened. That said, they don’t actively seek contact with humans and will not bite unless it is in defense. If you see any of these spiders inside your home, it’s important to call a professional pest control company.

6 Steps to Keep Spiders Out

Most kinds of spiders you may encounter inside your home are not aggressive and won’t harm your family. Nonetheless, a spider infestation is something no homeowner should have to experience. The six main ways you can prevent spiders in your home include:

  1. Inspect your property for possible entry points. Look for any gaps or holes in your doors and windows, and patch them to keep spiders outside.
  2. Keep a clean, mess-free home. Remove clutter, debris, and food crumbs to avoid dealing with insects as well as spiders.
  3. Ensure your landscape is taken care of. Always mow your grass and trim your landscaping to eliminate spider hiding spots.
  4. Get rid of insect attractants. Keep an eye on other insect problems forming in your home because spiders will prey on them.
  5. Inspect any boxes or old items brought into the home. Spiders may be lurking inside old boxes or pieces of furniture.
  6. Try natural remedies to prevent spiders. Essential oils, diatomaceous earth, and white vinegar are three natural spider repellents.

How to Get Rid of Spiders

If you are noticing an excess amount of spiders inside your property, or noticed a dangerous type, it’s likely time to call a professional pest control expert for help. A trustworthy company such as Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt Pest can help control any current spider problems you’re experiencing as well as prevent new ones from forming!