1. Leaving Pet Food Outside
We love our furry friends, but leaving dog or cat food outside—even just overnight—is like setting out a buffet for ants, raccoons, rats, and even yellowjackets.
Pro Tip: Only feed your pets outdoors during mealtimes and store all food in sealed containers inside. Learn more about this habit from the National Pest Management Association.
2. Storing Firewood Too Close to the House
Summer might not be firewood season, but plenty of homeowners keep stacks next to the house year-round. The problem? That stack is prime real estate for carpenter ants, spiders, and rodents—and if it’s touching your home, those pests now have direct access inside.
Rule of Thumb: Keep woodpiles at least 20 feet from your home and elevate them off the ground if possible.
3. Ignoring Moisture Issues
Leaky outdoor faucets, clogged gutters, and damp crawlspaces are all pest magnets, especially for mosquitoes, silverfish, and termites. In the Pacific Northwest, where summer rains can still be a thing, ignoring moisture is asking for trouble.
Get Ahead: Check out this guide from EPA.gov on identifying moisture problems early before pests move in.
4. Skipping Yard Maintenance
Overgrown bushes, unmowed grass, and piles of yard debris provide excellent hiding spots for ticks, rodents, and wasps. And don’t forget those old kiddie pools or toys collecting rainwater—perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Quick Fix: A simple monthly yard clean-up can do wonders. Trim the greenery, remove standing water, and clear out clutter.
5. DIY Spray and Pray Tactics
We get it—there are dozens of pest sprays at every hardware store. But many homeowners apply them inconsistently or use the wrong type altogether, which can make infestations worse or just waste your money.
Truth Bomb: Pests are adaptable. Without proper identification and treatment plans, sprays alone don’t cut it. That’s why consulting with a professional like At Ease Pest Solution can save time, money, and a lot of itchy frustration.
Need Help This Summer? We’re Taking On New Clients!
At Ease Pest Solution is proud to serve the Pacific Northwest with honest, dependable, family-run service. Whether you’ve got a full-blown infestation or just want to prevent future problems, we’re ready to help.
Visit our website at www.ateasepestsolution.com
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Your home should be a place of comfort—not a pest hotel. Let us help you keep it that way.
