Fall Rodent & Wildlife Prevention Tips

Rodent in leaves in Portland OR - Interstate Pest Management

Fall Rodent & Wildlife Prevention Tips

A rodent infestation is the last thing you want to deal with going into the holiday season. Not only are these pesky creatures creepy and persistent, but they can also be incredibly damaging to your home and health. Even a small infestation can wreak havoc – from chewing walls and wires to spreading diseases, the consequences of a rodent infestation are no joke. Knowing fall rodent and wildlife prevention tips could keep you from dealing with these dangerous pests.

Particularly as temperatures drop and rodents look for warm places to spend the winter, it’s important to take a few preventative measures and keep these destructive pests out of your home. Fortunately, rodent prevention doesn’t have to be difficult! Here are our top tips for keeping rodents out of your home this fall:

Seal off any cracks or holes.

When cold weather hits, rodents and other pests will start searching for a cozy place to spend the winter. A home that is warm and easy to get into is a prime target for rodents. Taking the time to fix broken screens and seal off any cracks or holes with caulk can help prevent these pests from sneaking indoors this fall.

Properly store and dispose of trash.

If there’s one thing rodents love, it’s trash. The variety of rotting materials make an excellent food source for rodents and wildlife, which is why so many pests target unprotected garbage cans. By promptly disposing of your trash in a sealed trash can, you can cut off a potential food source for rodents and other pests.

Store food in airtight containers.

Food out in the open is like a buffet for pests and wildlife. Storing your food in airtight containers can prevent rodents from getting into your goodies, while also making it more challenging for them to find food near your home.

Fix any leaks or damp areas in your home.

Like most other creatures, rodents need a water source to survive. So, that leaky pipe or constantly damp basement is an oasis for wildlife. By fixing leaks and solving moisture problems, you are cutting off a potential water supply and making it more difficult for pests to infest your home.

Regularly clean your counters and floors.

Throughout the day, crumbs and small bits of food may collect on your countertops and floors. Even if you hardly notice the tiny mess, rodents and other pests – like ants – could snack on these crumbs. Regularly wiping down your counters and sweeping or vacuuming your floors can deter rodents by making it difficult for them to find food.

Remove clutter throughout your home.

Rodents and other pests often prefer to live in spaces with plenty of nooks and crannies, which makes a cluttered home the perfect spot for them to nest. Boxes, piles of clothes, old furniture, and other random and seldom-used items can all become great hiding places for rodents. Clearing out clutter makes it more difficult for rodents and other pests to build a secluded nest.

Clean up your landscaping.

That pile of leaves next to your home may not seem like a big deal, but it could be sheltering rodents or wildlife – which makes it that much easier for pests to enter your home once cold weather hits. If you have large bushes or piles of leaves near the foundation of your home, you may not notice that rodents are hiding out so close. Cleaning up your landscaping can prevent pests from going unnoticed.

A rodent infestation is a serious problem. While these tips can help you prevent rodents and other pests from entering your home this fall, we still recommend seeking professional help as soon as possible if you are facing an infestation.

If your home is riddled with rodents, contact Interstate Pest Management in the Pacific Northwest today! Our highly trained pest control specialists can help safely remove pests and build a personalized prevention plan to keep rodents out for good. Just give us a call today!

Do Ultrasonic Pest Repellers Work?

Do Ultrasonic Pest Repellers Work?

Pest control can be a tricky and time-consuming task. Sealing off cracks in your home, setting out traps, regularly checking for signs of an infestation – it can all feel like a full-time job! That’s why so many manufacturers are constantly trying to find innovative ways to keep pests off your property.

One such innovation is a device called an ultrasonic pest repeller, which was first introduced in the 1950s. While these interesting devices have been around for a long time and seem promising, are they actually effective? To help you determine whether ultrasonic pest repellers are a worthwhile investment, the experts at Interstate Pest Management will help answer that question.

What are Ultrasonic Pest Repellers?

Ultrasonic pest repellers are special electronic devices that release high-frequency sounds designed to repel or injure household pests. Most are intended to be plugged into an electrical outlet, which would make them very easy to set up and use. Manufacturers claim that these devices can repel pests over a 1,000 square foot radius or more, even through walls.

Are Ultrasonic Pest Repellers Effective?

While the idea behind ultrasonic pest repellers sounds wonderful, several studies have shown that these devices are not effective in the long run. In fact, these devices are backed by so little evidence that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has gotten involved multiple times. From 1995 to 2018, the FTC and other organizations have warned, fined, or filed lawsuits against manufacturers for false advertising on these products.

Yet, despite these negative reports, ultrasonic pest repellers are still commonly sold – and many have great consumer reviews. So, why is there such a big difference between studies and consumer reports? The answer is because these devices might work, but only for a very short period of time. The initial noise can scare off pests, which can make it seem like the ultrasonic pest repeller is doing its job. However, once the pests realize the sound is not dangerous, they will continue to infest as if it isn’t there.

If you are struggling to keep pests out of your home or property, don’t depend on unreliable devices like ultrasonic pest repellers. Instead, contact your local pest control experts! At Interstate Pest Management, we are always happy to help you create personalized plans to identify, treat, or prevent infestations. Call us today to schedule an appointment!

Who’s Responsible for Pest Extermination in a Rental Property?

When renting in the Pacific Northwest, you may run into pests. Spiders, wasps, rodents, cockroaches, ants, and wildlife thrive in our area so everyone needs pest control. The question is who is responsible, the landlord or the tenant? The answer depends on local laws and your lease agreement.

Local Laws

In Washington state the landlord is responsible for controlling pests before the tenant moves in and continue to control pest infestations except:

  • If the rental is a single-family residence or;
  • If the tenant causes the pest infestation

In Oregon, the law states that a landlord is responsible for providing a pest-free environment in the very beginning and then it’s up to the tenant to maintain it.

Your Rental Agreement

Another option is to check out your lease agreement. These documents list out the responsibilities the landlord and tenant have each agreed upon when the lease began.

Rental Pest Control in Washington

Whether you’re a landlord or tenant, dealing with a pest infestation can be stressful. While most pests are simply a nuisance, others can pose health and safety risks.

DIY pest extermination methods generally only touch the surface of the problem and may lead to property damage. So when a pest problem arises, it’s best to work with a professional like Interstate Pest Management. We’ve been providing environmentally conscious pest control services in Oregon and Washington since 1963.

In order to really protect yourself, your property, and your tenants, we recommend scheduling regular preventative pest control services.