Which Pests Trigger Springtime Allergies?

Pests pay cause allergies in Marysville WA - Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt PestSpringtime in Washington is one of the most beautiful times of the entire year. Unfortunately, it’s also the time of year when residents suffer from bad allergies. Runny nose, itchy eyes, the symptoms go on and on. But is it only the blooming trees and weather causing your allergies? There’s a chance pests are triggering your springtime allergies. Pest allergens in the home can be dangerous for you and your family, making it important to learn how to prevent pests in your home in the first place.

Here at Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt Pest, we’ve gathered info on how to stay protected against pest allergens into our latest blog post.

Allergies Caused by Pests

Pest infestations can be hazardous for a number of reasons, including allergies! Cockroaches are one of the biggest contributors to allergies, especially in children. Roach droppings, saliva, shed skins, and other parts contain allergen proteins that cause allergic reactions and can exacerbate asthma as well. Other pests tied to allergies include stinging insects–yellow jackets, fire ants, wasps, and more. Stings can trigger a wide range of reactions in people, from itching and hives to more serious symptoms.

**If you experience severe symptoms of an allergic reaction such as swelling, wheezing, dizziness, or trouble breathing, call 911 or get medical attention immediately!

Keeping Pests & Allergens Outside

Thankfully, you can avoid pest allergens making your symptoms worse in springtime by learning how to keep pests out of your home in the first place. Some basic measures to take to keep pests away include:

  • Store food in sealed containers and clean kitchens on a daily basis.
  • Dispose of garbage regularly and use a tight-fitting lid.
  • Seal cracks and holes in homes, including entry points for utilities and pipes, screen doors, and windows.
  • Keep your basements and crawl spaces well-ventilated and dry!
  • Wash blankets, rugs, and bedding in hot water or get them dry-cleaned.
  • Vacuum and dust your property frequently.
  • Keep pet food sealed in a tight container and wash food bowls.

What to Do About Pests Triggering Allergies

Pests can cause a hazardous environment in your property in many ways. The allergens they create can be particularly dangerous for your children, which is why it’s crucial to avoid pests at all costs. If you’re having trouble keeping your home protected from pests, give the team at Western Exterminator a call today.

8 Ant-Proofing Tips for Your Home

Sweeping your floor is one of the best ways to ant-proof your Marysville WA home. Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt PestAnyone who has had an ant infestation will tell you how frustrating they are. Ants are notoriously difficult to control without an ant exterminator, which is why it’s so important to learn how to prevent them in the first place. With the weather warming up here in the Marysville WA area, ants are coming out in full force as the worker ants leave their nest in search of food and water. Now is the time for ant-proofing your property! Here at Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt Pest, we’ve prepared our top ant prevention tips for you to keep ants out in the coming months.

What Are Ants Drawn To?

Like most types of pests, ants are always in search of food and water. Kitchens in homes tend to be a hot spot for ant infestations. If you have crumbs on your counter tops, stovetop, or floor, you can be sure ants will find them. They are also attracted to excess moisture problems–if you have a leaky faucet or pipe that causes a surplus of humidity or moisture, ants will likely be drawn to the area. Usually, ants get indoors through tiny cracks and crevices in your foundation. Once inside, they will gladly take up residence should you give them a source of food and water!

Ant-Proofing Tricks and Tips

Along with info gathered from the NPMA, we’ve compiled a list of ant-proofing tips and tricks for homeowners. Implement the following into your spring cleaning routine this year to lessen the chance of getting ants:

  • Inspect the foundation of your home and seal any cracks or crevices using a silicone-based caulk.
  • Keep any pet food bowls clean and always clean up after messes and spills. Pick pet bowls up off the floor after meal times.
  • Make sure downspouts and gutters are all functioning properly so that water is flowing away from the foundation.
  • Regularly check under sinks for excess moisture problems and repair leaky pipes promptly.
  • Trim trees and shrubbery in your yard to be at least 6 inches away from the home.
  • Wipe down any countertops and sweep floors regularly to clean up spills and remove crumbs.
  • Store food (including pet food) in airtight containers and refrigerate ripe fruit.
  • Dispose of garbage on a regular basis and use trash cans with a tight-fitting lid.

You Have Ants–Now What?

If you’ve done everything you can to prevent ants and implemented the above ant-proofing tips but still find yourself with a growing infestation, it’s time to call the team at Western Exterminator. Our ant exterminators know how to get rid of ants and make sure they don’t come back. Give us a call today to learn more!

Are Insects Carriers of COVID-19?

Mosquitoes do not cause coronavirus worldwide. Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt Pest in Everett WAAt Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt Pest, our team is aware of how uncertain times are right now during the current pandemic. With a dedication to the health and safety of our communities here in Marysville WA, we are keeping up-to-date with all of the information coming out each day about COVID-19. There is a lot of misinformation spread about the nature of the virus, and we are here to set one of those myths straight. From what we know according to the CDC, COVID-19 is not transmitted by mosquitoes or ticks. Although these two insects play a role in the transmission of some of the most deadly diseases across the globe, coronavirus is not one of them. Keep reading to learn what we know so far.

Mosquito Bites & Coronavirus

There has been no research or evidence to suggest that mosquitoes or ticks transmit COVID-19. From what we know, coronavirus is a respiratory virus spread to pass from person to person. Droplets from saliva or nasal discharge are often the cause of transmission, often generated when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Contaminated surfaces also are contributing to the virus, which is increasingly being considered an airborne virus. Infection are best avoided by avoiding exposure with infected persons. Diseases that are caused and spread by mosquitoes and ticks are spread and transmitted in an entirely different way.

What Diseases do Mosquitoes and Ticks Transmit?

Ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes are considered vectors for a number of infectious diseases. Vector pests are organisms that transmit diseases to humans through bites. Mosquitoes and ticks especially are capable of transmitting a few very dangerous diseases:

  • Malaria, Zika virus, West Nile virus, chikungunya, yellow fever, and more are just several of the diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.
  • Lyme disease, which is currently the most common vector-borne disease in the nation, is transmitted by ticks.
  • It’s important to know how these are transmitted. When these vector pests feeds off a diseased host, they can transmit pathogens that may infect other hosts it subsequently bites. 

We Are Here For You!

Mosquitoes and ticks may not transmit coronavirus, but they can still be dangerous. More so than ever, it’s important to take caution in the presence of pests and to always enlist the help of a professional exterminator to prevent dangerous insects. The team at Western Exterminator is proud to continue to provide essential pest control services to our communities during these times and all year long!

As the COVID-19 situation continues to unfold, we want to encourage our customers to seek more information and follow guidelines released by the WHO and the CDC.