Are Tick Bites Dangerous?

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With spring in full swing and warm weather rolling in, it’s almost camping season! Though this time of year can be filled with endless outdoor fun, it also puts you and your furry friends at risk of tick bites. A tick bite may not seem like a big deal, especially if you are able to safely remove the pest on your own. However, these small pests can cause a number of serious complications, such as:

  • Tick-borne diseases: Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of their host. By jumping from host to host, they can spread serious diseases between people. Common but serious diseases caused by ticks include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, and tularemia.
  • Allergic reaction: Though most people will only experience a mildly irritating red or itchy spot after a tick bite, some people may have bigger reactions. From hives and blisters to shortness of breath, a tick bite could trigger a serious allergic reaction in some.
  • Infection: Ticks feed by breaking through and burrowing into their host’s skin, where they may remain for up to 10 days. This kind of open wound can leave the body vulnerable to infections that may require medical attention. Improper tick removal could also leave the head behind, which could lead to issues during the healing process.
  • Pet health issues: Most pet owners understand how challenging it can be to keep your furry friend tick-free, especially if they frequently go outdoors. However, ticks are not just itchy and uncomfortable for your pets; these pests can also cause health issues such as anemia, Lyme disease, and canine ehrlichiosis.

Tips for Avoiding Ticks

Avoiding ticks may seem like an impossible task, especially given how small these tiny pests are. Thankfully, though, there are a few precautions you can take to avoid tick bites this spring and summer. To keep yourself and your pets safe, follow these tips for avoiding ticks:

  • Avoid grassy, brushy, or wooded areas.
  • Check your pets, clothing, and gear before coming inside.
  • Shower and change clothes after being outdoors.
  • Consider using an EPA-registered insect repellent.

Why Do I Get Ants When it Rains?

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After a heavy downpour, many homeowners will discover new ants in or around their house. While it may seem strange to suddenly discover ants after a storm, it’s pretty common for these pests to appear after rainfall.

Since ants are generally able to sense a storm before it hits, they will usually work to protect their nest by plugging entry holes and digging deep tunnels. However, very heavy rains can still wash away a whole colony, so many ants will still seek shelter elsewhere. Our homes provide great protection for these pests, which is why so many people get ants when it rains.

Ways to Prevent Ants When It Rains

Ant infestations can be difficult to get rid of once they take hold. Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to prevent ants from getting into your home in the first place. Here are some tips for keeping ants out during a rainstorm:

  • Trim back your landscaping: If water begins pooling on the ground, many ants will climb up tall plants to avoid drowning or being washed away. So, any tall plants up against your home could lead ants right indoors. Trimming back your landscaping is one of the most effective ways to make it more difficult for these pests to sneak inside.
  • Seal off openings to your home: Another effective way to keep ants out is to physically block them from entering your home. To do so, try sealing off any cracks or gaps with caulk and repair your door or window screens. Be sure to check for gaps along doors, windows, and your home’s foundation.
  • Check pipes and electrical for gaps: Electrical wiring, utility boxes, and plumbing often have small cracks that pests can crawl through. Sealing these off with caulk can add an extra layer of protection against ants.

What to Do If You Get Ants After a Storm

Ants are tricky insects that can squeeze through even the tiniest of openings, so it’s possible that you may still encounter them even after taking preventative measures. If you notice ants in your home after a storm, try these tips to get rid of them quickly:

  • Remove food and water sources: Ants are more likely to remain in an area if it has easy access to food and water. To make it more difficult for them to settle in, be sure to store your food in airtight containers. Also use lidded trash bins, and fix any plumbing leaks or moisture issues that they could be using for water.
  • Get rid of pheromone trails: Ants use pheromones to communicate with one another, and they often leave behind pheromone trails to alert their colony of nearby food. Washing away these trails with soapy water or vinegar can disrupt their communication and make it more challenging for a colony to establish itself.
  • Call a professional ant exterminator: An ant infestation can be difficult to get rid of, and sometimes it seems like these pests will stick around no matter what you try. If you are struggling with an ant infestation, the experts at United Pest Solutions are here to help! Our experienced ant exterminators can help identify and treat the root cause of your infestation, so you can enjoy an ant-free home in no time. Just give us a call to get your free estimate!

What Are Swarming Termites?

What swarming termites look like in Seattle WA | United Pest Solutions

With warm spring weather comes flowers, sunny days… and swarming termites. Though many people assume termite swarmers are just flying ants, these pests could actually be a warning sign of an infestation that you shouldn’t ignore.

Termite swarmers, also known as alates, are winged termites that are responsible for the colony’s reproduction. Alates come out as the weather warms up to mate and establish new colonies, which is why it’s important to watch out for signs of them on your property.

Are Swarming Termites Dangerous?

Though it can be alarming to come across a termite swarmer, these pests are generally not aggressive or dangerous to human health. That said, swarmers could be an indicator that there’s an infestation nearby, which may put your safety at risk.

Since termites chew through key wooden components in homes and buildings, they could weaken the structural integrity of your house. So, while swarmers themselves may not be particularly harmful, a termite infestation can be dangerous to you and your family.

How to Tell Swarming Termites and Flying Ants Apart

Termite swarmers and flying ants look very similar, which causes many people to mistake the two. To determine whether you are dealing with relatively harmless ants or if you are potentially facing a destructive termite infestation, it’s useful to know how to distinguish the two. These key differences can help you tell swarming termites and flying ants apart:

  • Wing size: Termites have two sets of wings that are roughly the same size. Though flying ants also have two sets of wings, the bottom ones are much smaller.
  • Antennae shape: Termites have straight antennae, while ants have bent elbow-shaped antennae.
  • Body size: Flying ants have a narrower body and thin waist, while termites have a thicker body shape with a wider waist.

What to Do If You Notice Swarming Termites

Swarming termites are often one of the first signs of an infestation, which is why it’s important to be vigilant if you spot these pests on your property. Here are some steps you can take if you find swarmers near your home:

  • Try to contain the termite swarmers: Collect multiple samples in a jar so a professional termite exterminator can identify exactly which species you are dealing with. Swarming termites, generally speaking, are harmless to your home, but can be a big nuisance, especially indoors. Vacuuming is one of the more effective ways to remove these from indoor environments.
  • Fix potential entry points to your home: Correct any situation where wood siding is touching the ground or tree roots are pressing through or under the foundation.
  • Call a termite exterminator as soon as possible: Termite infestations are no joke – it’s even estimated that these pests are responsible for $5 billion in damages every single year. Since they are able to cause so much destruction so quickly, it’s important to call an experienced termite exterminator to address the problem as soon as possible. If you need termite control services, United Pest Solutions is here for you – give us a call today to speak with one of our experts.

How to Spot a Bed Bug Infestation

Identifying a bed bug infestation in Seattle WA - United Pest Solutions

Identifying a bed bug infestation in Seattle WA - United Pest SolutionsBed bug infestations can be very challenging to get rid of, especially if they have the chance to spread throughout your home. Spotting an infestation early can help you get rid of these pests quickly. However, since bed bugs are so small and good at hiding, it’s important to know where to look for these insects in your home so you can spot an infestation early on.

Common Places Where Bed Bugs Hide

The best place to search for bed bugs is where a person spends the most time sleeping, like the bed, or sometimes the sofa or recliner. Look for sheltered or protected areas with lots of nooks and crannies that bed bugs could be using as hiding places. Here are some of the most common hiding places for bed bugs at or near the areas described above:

  • Windowsills, including drapery
  • Baseboards
  • Piping or seams of mattresses
  • The bottom of box springs
  • Headboards and bed frame
  • Electrical outlets
  • Pet beds or kennels
  • Furniture like nightstands or dressers

Signs of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are tiny insects, measuring from very tiny to about the size of an apple seed. Because of their small size, you’ll want to look for several signs of an infestation rather than just relying on finding live bed bugs. The biggest signs of an infestation to look out for include:

  • Shed skins. As bed bugs grow through the different stages of their lifecycle, they shed pale amber-colored skins. If you are experiencing an infestation, you will likely spot these skins in nooks and crannies that are near food sources.
  • Fecal matter. After bed bugs consume a meal, they may leave behind some fecal matter. Their feces are small and usually look like small, black dots about the size of a pen tip, and they are generally located near their host.
  • Bloodstains. To help feed on blood, bed bugs will insert an anticoagulant into the skin of their host. This can cause the host to bleed a little, which may cause smears or spots of blood on your bed, sofa, or other feeding areas.
  • Eggs or shells. Bed bug eggs are only about 1 mm in length, so they can be difficult to spot. However, these small and whitish eggs may be located near prime feeding areas, and they are a telltale sign of an infestation.
  • Strong odor. Heavy bed bug infestations often come with a distinctive odor, which has been described as smelling like coriander, moldy shoes, or musty clothes. If you notice a similar scent and can’t find the source, it could be bed bugs.
  • Live insects. Bed bugs usually don’t come out until after you’re asleep. However, if you do happen to see live insects, then you are definitely dealing with an infestation and should call a professional as soon as possible.

What to Do If You Have Bed Bugs

A bed bug infestation is a nightmare for a lot of homeowners, especially because of how difficult these pests are to eradicate. However, you don’t have to deal with it alone. If you notice the signs of bed bugs in your home, call a professional bed bug exterminator to help you eradicate these pests as quickly as possible.

At United Pest Solutions, we are proud to offer bed bug extermination services with personalized treatments that address the root cause of the infestation. We have served the greater Seattle WA metropolitan area for almost 60 years, and we are prepared to help you get rid of these pests once and for all. Call us today to get started!

Top Tips for Preventing Termites

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Image of a termite in Seattle WA - United Pest Solutions termite exterminationEven though termites are active year-round, these pests emerge every spring and fall looking for new structures to infest. Though termites are tiny insects, they are capable of causing serious damage and can even compromise your home’s structural integrity. Fortunately, you may be able to prevent these pests with a little bit of preparation. Here are some steps you should follow to prevent a termite infestation in your home:

Fix Moisture Problems

Termites need moisture to survive, so they generally only infest damp areas with easy access to water. Subterranean termites in particular are notorious for infesting homes with moisture issues, as this species is very sensitive to dehydration. To prevent termites, repair anything in your home that may be causing moisture problems such as leaky plumbing, a defective roof, or overflowing gutters.

Seal Any Holes or Cracks

Like most pests, termites will search for easy openings into your home. To keep termites and other pests out, you should go around your home and carefully search for any cracks or gaps that could lead indoors. Look at areas such as your foundation, along windows or doors, and near electrical or plumbing fixtures. Caulk can seal most openings, but larger ones may need a full repair.

Store Firewood Away From Your Home

Termites are wood-infesting pests, so they are often accidentally transported in firewood. If you store your firewood right next to your home, these pests won’t have to travel far to get indoors. To prevent an infestation, store your firewood on a raised structure that is at least 20 feet away from your home and only take firewood inside when you plan to use it immediately.

Consider an Alternative to Mulch

Many homeowners use mulch to insulate their flowerbeds and boost their curb appeal. However, mulch retains moisture exceptionally well, which may attract termites to the area. This can become a big problem if you use mulch directly next to your home’s foundation. In areas that are close to the home, consider using a landscaping alternative to mulch such as stone.

What to Do If You Have Termites

Though termites are small, they can cause serious (and expensive) damage to your home. By chewing through important support beams, they could weaken the structural integrity of your house and lead to hazardous conditions for you and your family. Additionally, termites are able to hide in walls, which makes them very difficult to detect and eradicate.

If you notice the signs of a termite infestation on your property, it’s important to contact a professional exterminator right away. At United Pest Solutions, we offer termite inspection, control, and removal services to help keep your home protected. We have proudly served the greater Seattle WA area for nearly 60 years, and we are committed to providing you with friendly and reliable service that you can trust. Call us today to get a free estimate!

Top Tips for Avoiding Ticks

Top tips for avoiding ticks in the Seattle WA area - United Pest Solutions

Top tips for avoiding ticks in the Seattle WA area - United Pest SolutionsThough many people assume ticks are only a problem during the summer months, they can be active year-round. Avoiding ticks is important no matter the season, and taking special precautions could keep you and your pets safe from the damage these pests can cause.

Why are Ticks So Dangerous?

Ticks are parasitic insects that feed on warm-blooded animals. Unlike other parasitic insects that leave shortly after biting, ticks will attach themselves to their host and feed for up to 10 days after its initial bite. Not only does this make for an unnerving and potentially painful experience, but it also leaves you vulnerable to a wide variety of diseases and infections. Here are just a few of the problems ticks can cause:

Best Ways to Avoid Ticks

Remaining cautious year-round is a good way to keep yourself and your pets safe from the damage that ticks can cause. Though these insects are small and hard to spot, there are some tricks you can use to avoid them. Here are our top tips for avoiding ticks:

  • Avoid grassy, brushy, or wooded areas. Ticks tend to live in grassy or wooded areas. Walking directly through thick vegetation can increase your risk of encountering a tick. Should you travel through a forest, try to stick to the center of the trail to avoid brushing up against a tick.
  • Before coming inside, check your pets, clothing, and gear. Carefully inspecting everything before coming indoors can help you eliminate any ticks that jumped onto your belongings. When checking your pet, be sure to look in difficult-to-reach areas such as between the toes and inside the ears.
  • Shower and check for ticks shortly after being outdoors. Showering right after coming indoors can help you wash away unattached ticks, and it gives you the opportunity to thoroughly check yourself. When performing a tick check, be sure to check everywhere – including the backs of your legs, your hair, and around your ears.
  • Consider using an EPA-registered insect repellent. Insect repellents approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can be effective against ticks. As with any chemical product, carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take extra precautions around pets or animals.

These tips are a great starting point for protecting yourself and your pets from ticks. However, if you have any questions or concerns about ticks and other common pests, the experts at United Pest Solutions can help! Our professionals have extensive experience with all sorts of pests in the Pacific Northwest, and we take pride in keeping households throughout the greater Seattle WA area safe from the damage that these creatures can cause. Give us a call today to get started!

Are Carpet Beetles Dangerous?

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What a carpet beetle looks like in the Seattle WA area - United Pest SolutionsCarpet beetles are a very common pest in the Pacific Northwest, and they’re known for sneaking indoors – especially once the weather gets cold. Though these insects are not known to bite or spread serious diseases, they aren’t totally harmless. Carpet beetles can actually lead to a number of health issues, including:

  • Digestive issues. The small hairs of carpet beetle larvae can get on food and cause irritation throughout the digestive tract.
  • Respiratory problems. Carpet beetles can be particularly dangerous for individuals who suffer from allergies or asthma. Over time they may shed tiny particles or hairs, which can lower indoor air quality and cause respiratory issues.
  • Eye irritation. Tiny airborne fibers or hairs from carpet beetle larvae can cause eye irritation, though this is usually only a problem during serious or long-term exposure.

Are Carpet Beetles Destructive?

In addition to being a health hazard, carpet beetles can be very destructive to your home and personal belongings. Since these beetles are omnivores, they will eat almost anything they find. While foraging around, carpet beetles can damage all sorts of household items, such as:

  • Carpets
  • Blankets
  • Leather
  • Furniture
  • Clothing
  • Bedding
  • Food

How to Prevent Carpet Beetles

A carpet beetle infestation can be damaging to your home and health, but thankfully there are some steps you can take to prevent these pests from getting indoors in the first place. Here are some ways to keep carpet beetles out of your home:

  • Keep your yard clean and tidy.
  • Avoid bringing pollinated plants indoors.
  • Declutter your home and vacuum regularly.
  • Store food in airtight containers.

A carpet beetle infestation can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to deal with it alone! If you are struggling with carpet beetles in your home, call United Pest Solutions to get professional help! Our pest control specialists can help you find long-term solutions that treat the root cause of the infestation, so you can enjoy a pest-free and stress-free home. Just give us a call today to get started!

Signs of a Termite Infestation

Top signs of a termite infestation to look out for in Seattle WA - United Pest Solutions

Top signs of a termite infestation to look out for in Seattle WA - United Pest SolutionsTermites are notorious for causing significant damage – experts even estimate that these pests are responsible for about $5 billion in repairs each year! That’s why it’s so important to keep an eye out for signs of an infestation. Though many homeowners assume that termites are only a summer problem, these pests actually remain active all winter long, so you’ll want to watch out for them year-round. Here are the top signs of a termite infestation to look for:

  • Mud “tubes” in or around your home. Most termites will build small mud tunnels extending from their nest. These tubes allow termites to travel freely without risk of drying out or being spotted by predators. If you spot these in or near your home, it’s important to contact a pest control expert before these pests can cause more damage.
  • Damage to the floor, ceiling, or walls. Termites primarily feed on the cellulose found in wood, though they can also eat a number of other objects that cross their path. If your floors, ceiling, or walls have noticeable but unexplained damage, it could be a sign of termites.
  • Cracking or bubbling paint or plaster. As termites feed on walls or support beams, the paint or plaster may bubble up. The bubbling may look like minor water damage, but if it is caused by termites, then it could be a dangerous sign that termites are causing significant destruction in your home.
  • Electricity is frequently short-circuiting. Electrical fittings give off heat, which often attracts termites – especially in winter when the weather is cold. This may cause termites to chew around your electrical components, which may cause short-circuits. To check for this problem, look along your electrical fittings for soil, mud, or other signs of termites.
  • Spotting live or dead termites. Live or dead termites in or around your home is a surefire sign that these pests are invading your home. If you find termites in your home, call an expert to get rid of these pests as quickly as possible.

Reliable Termite Control in Seattle WA

A termite infestation is no joke. Not only are these pests incredibly damaging, but they can also be very challenging to remove – especially since they are experts at hiding in hard-to-reach areas. To keep your home safe from termites, call the termite control experts at United Pest Solutions today! Our technicians have nearly 60 years of experience serving homeowners throughout Seattle WA, and we are dedicated to providing you with fast, friendly, and reliable service. To get rid of termites quickly, call us today!

How to Prevent Bed Bugs When Traveling

How to avoid bed bugs while traveling in Seattle WA - United Pest Solutions

How to avoid bed bugs while traveling in Seattle WA - United Pest SolutionsThis time of year, many of us are packing our bags and getting ready to travel for the holidays. The last thing you want to deal with is a surprise visit from a horde of bed bugs! These tricky pests can be more than just bothersome; in addition to leaving behind itchy bite marks, bed bugs can trigger serious allergic reactions and may cause anxiety or insomnia in victims.

Bed bug infestations can also be very challenging to get rid of, which is why it’s so important to avoid picking these pests up in the first place. Unfortunately, travel is the number one way that these insects spread from place to place. Knowing how to avoid bed bugs while traveling is a crucial step in keeping yourself safe from these pests. Here are our top tips for preventing bed bugs while on vacation:

Carefully Inspect Hotels and Guest Rooms

Though bed bugs can travel through clothing or luggage, you’re most likely to pick these pests up by unknowingly staying in an infested hotel or guest room. That’s why it’s so important to carefully inspect your room for signs of bed bugs before getting too cozy. Here are some of the main signs of bed bugs to look out for:

  • A strong and musty or pungent odor
  • Dark or rusty spots on bedding or walls or bloodstains on bedding
  • Fecal spots, which look like small black ink spots from a Sharpie pen
  • Pale white eggshells, which are difficult to see against light surfaces
  • Shed skins, which look like a bug but will shift or float away when disturbed

Use a Mattress Protector or Encasement

Mattress protectors and encasements are water-resistant sheets that can be placed on top of or zipped around a mattress. They are intended to shield you from all sorts of contaminants, including bed bugs. After inspecting your room for bed bugs, you can use a mattress protector or encasement for an extra layer of defense.

Seal Your Clothes in Plastic Bags

Bed bugs often travel by hiding in the folds of our clothing. So, if you leave your clothes out near an infested area, some insects could crawl into your luggage and spread to your home that way. Keeping your clothes sealed in plastic bags, even while inside your suitcase, is a great way to keep these pests from attaching to your belongings.

Vacuum Your Luggage Upon Returning

Vacuuming your luggage immediately upon returning from a trip can help you eliminate any stray insects that may have wandered into your bags. This step is particularly important if you carried your luggage through an airport, which jumbles your belongings with that of hundreds of other people.

Immediately Wash and Dry Clothes on High Heat

High temperatures can kill adult bed bugs and their eggs. Just 20 minutes of 118°F heat is enough to wipe out any existing insects. So, washing and drying your clothes on high heat is a quick and easy way to eliminate stray pests and stop an infestation before it has a chance to begin.

Store Your Suitcases in Plastic Bags

After you’ve vacuumed your suitcases, it may be valuable to wrap them in plastic bags before storing them. That way, if you missed any insects or eggs while vacuuming, they will suffocate and not be able to spread into the rest of your home.

Experienced Bed Bug Exterminators

While these steps are great ways to prevent bed bug infestations, these pests are incredibly tricky. Even a few bugs could lead to a full-blown invasion, which could be very challenging to get rid of. Thankfully, if you’re dealing with a bed bug infestation, you’re not alone. The experts at United Pest Solutions are prepared to help you quickly and safely remove these pests so you can rest easily. Just give us a call to get started!

 

How to Prevent Pantry Pests

Pantry pests in Seattle WA - United Pest Solutions

Pantry pests in Seattle WA - United Pest SolutionsIf you’re cooking up a storm, the last thing you want is to realize that your flour is filled with bugs! Unfortunately, pantry pests are common throughout the United States, and they can cause significant destruction in your kitchen by chewing through all of your food.

The term “pantry pest” doesn’t just refer to one type of insect; rather, it refers to a group of pests that are known for sneaking into homes in search of food. Most pantry pests consume a wide variety of dried products, such as flour, cornmeal, cereal, pet food, and rice. To help you keep your kitchen safe, we’ll describe the most common pantry pests and provide tips on how to keep them out of your home.

Common Pantry Pests

Knowing how to identify the most common pantry pests can help you recognize an infestation early. Here are the most common pantry pests in the Pacific Northwest:

  • Indian meal moth: These small moths have a wingspan of 16 to 20 mm. Their wings are cream-colored with distinctive bronze or copper coloration on the lower half, and their larvae are yellowish with pink heads. They are known for eating dried foods like cornmeal, flour, and cereal.
  • Cigarette beetle: Measuring just 2 to 3 mm, these brown beetles are tiny and known for infesting tobacco and dried food products. Their heads are usually bent downwards, which gives their body a “humped” appearance. While they primarily feed on dried food, they have also been known to eat paper products and other items.
  • Drugstore beetle: Though they look similar to the cigarette beetle and are roughly the same size, they have a slightly thinner body with distinct grooves down their body. Drugstore beetles are also known as “bread beetles” for their habit of infesting bread.
  • Weevil: These are small insects, measuring less than 6 mm. They have distinctive long snouts and are light brown. Weevils commonly infest pantry products such as flour, pasta, rice, and nuts.

Tips for Preventing Pantry Pests

The best pest control begins with prevention. If you can stop an infestation before it even starts, you’ll save a lot of time, effort, and money. Here are some tips for keeping pantry pests out of your home:

  • Don’t purchase boxes of food that have been damaged.
  • Avoid leaving food out in the open.
  • Store your food in airtight containers.
  • Keep your pantry closed as much as possible.
  • Fix any broken window or door screens.
  • Seal off any gaps or cracks that could lead into your home.

If you’ve tried everything and are still struggling with pests in your pantry, it may be time to call in a professional. That’s where the experts at United Pest Solutions can help! Our experienced technicians can help you identify the root cause of the infestation while providing you with effective solutions to remove the pests – and keep them out for good. Call us today to schedule an appointment!