Tag: Spokane

Spokane Region

Some DIY Pest Control Works, Some Doesn’t.

One of the questions I’m asked most often is, “Can I handle this myself?”

The honest answer is… sometimes.

There are quite a few do-it-yourself pest control methods that genuinely work when they’re used correctly. There are also plenty that waste your time, and a few that can actually make the problem worse.

Here’s a look at some of the more common ones.

✅ DIY Methods That Actually Work

Borax Ant Baits

For some ant species, a properly prepared borax bait mixed with a food source can be effective. The workers carry the bait back to the colony, helping reduce the population over time.

The key is using the correct concentration. Too much borax can repel ants before they have a chance to share the bait with the rest of the colony.

Rubbing Alcohol for Bed Bugs

Rubbing alcohol kills bed bugs on contact.

If you see a bug while inspecting furniture or bedding, alcohol is one of the few household products I actually recommend using.

Just remember—it only kills what it directly touches. It won’t eliminate an infestation hiding in walls, furniture, or other inaccessible areas.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a desiccant, meaning it damages an insect’s protective outer layer and causes it to dry out.

It absolutely works.

However, it’s often misused.

Because it’s a very fine powder, it becomes airborne easily. Breathing large amounts of dust isn’t good for people or animals, so avoid broadcasting it throughout living spaces.

When used, I recommend applying it only in enclosed voids, wall cavities, crawlspaces, or other locations where it won’t become airborne during normal activity.

It also has legitimate uses around poultry, where properly managed dust baths can help reduce certain external parasites.

Sticky Traps

Sticky traps are excellent monitoring tools for insects such as spiders, cockroaches, and crawling insects.

They help identify where activity is occurring and whether a treatment is working.

I do not recommend glue boards for rodent control. They are generally inhumane and often catch only juvenile mice while leaving the real problem unresolved.

🟡 Methods That Can Help… But Usually Aren’t Enough

Flea Foggers

Foggers can reduce adult flea populations and may provide temporary relief.

Unfortunately, they often fail to kill eggs hidden deep in carpet fibers or protected areas, which means the infestation usually returns unless additional treatment is performed.

Mothballs

Mothballs contain a strong fumigant and are designed for use in sealed containers to protect clothing from fabric pests.

People often try using them for mice, snakes, raccoons, and other wildlife.

While the odor can occasionally encourage an animal to leave a confined hiding place, they are not labeled for general wildlife control and should never be used throughout occupied living spaces.

❌ DIY Methods That Usually Don’t Work

Ultrasonic Pest Repellers

Despite their popularity, I have never found these devices to provide reliable pest control.

If they truly worked as advertised, the pest control industry would be using them everywhere.

Peppermint Oil, Dryer Sheets & Soap Bars

These are some of the most common recommendations you’ll find online.

While strong odors may temporarily discourage an animal or insect from using a particular spot, they rarely solve the underlying problem and almost never eliminate an infestation.

⚠️ DIY Methods That Can Make Things Worse

Aerosol Ant Sprays

This surprises many homeowners.

For certain species, particularly odorous house ants, spraying visible workers can cause the colony to split into multiple smaller colonies, making the infestation even harder to eliminate.

Sometimes spraying creates more ants—not fewer.

Consumer Bed Bug Sprays

Most over-the-counter bed bug products simply don’t eliminate established infestations.

Even worse, they can scatter bed bugs into new hiding places, making professional treatment more difficult later.

Bug Bombs for Bed Bugs

This is probably one of the biggest misconceptions in pest control.

People often assume bed bugs can be treated the same way as fleas because both feed on blood.

They can’t.

Bug bombs rarely reach where bed bugs actually hide and often cause them to disperse deeper into walls, furniture, and other protected areas.

My Philosophy on DIY Pest Control

I actually encourage homeowners to start with simple, practical solutions when they’re appropriate.

Good sanitation, sealing entry points, reducing moisture, trimming vegetation, and using the right DIY products can solve many small pest issues before they become major problems.

But when those methods stop working—or start making the problem worse—that’s usually a sign the issue has grown beyond what a do-it-yourself approach can solve.

That’s where experience, proper products, and a thorough inspection make all the difference.

At Tahoma Specialty Pest Services, my goal isn’t just to treat pests—it’s to solve the problem that’s allowing them to be there in the first place.

Tahoma Specialty Pest Services

tahomapest.com / 509 978 7830

Sometimes The Pest Isn’t The Problem

One of the most common misconceptions about pest control is that the pest itself is always the problem.
In reality, many pest issues are symptoms of something else.
Ants may indicate a moisture issue, food source, or structural condition that’s attracting them.
Spiders are often a sign that other insects are present.
Rodents usually don’t appear by accident. They’re finding food, water, shelter, or an easy way inside.
Even nuisance wildlife is often responding to conditions around a property. Accessible garbage, pet food, bird seed, damaged vents, and unsealed entry points can all contribute to ongoing conflicts.
That’s why effective pest management isn’t just about applying products or setting traps.
It’s about understanding why the pest is there in the first place.
When I inspect a property, I’m looking for the conditions contributing to the problem:
-entry points
-moisture issues
-food sources
-harborage areas
-structural deficiencies
-landscaping concerns
Sometimes treatment is part of the solution.
Sometimes exclusion is the solution.
Sometimes a simple change in conditions solves the problem entirely.
The goal isn’t just removing what’s there today.
The goal is preventing the problem from coming back tomorrow.
Tahoma Specialty Pest Services
509-978-7830
tahomapest.com

Ticks: What You Should Know Before Heading Outdoors

As the weather warms up, people spend more time hiking, camping, working outdoors, and enjoying their property.
It’s also the time of year when ticks become more active.

Ticks are commonly found in:
-tall grass
-brushy areas
-wooded edges
-overgrown vegetation
-wildlife travel corridors

Contrary to popular belief, ticks don’t jump or fly. They wait on vegetation and grab onto passing animals or people as they move through an area.
Several tick species can be found throughout Washington and the Inland Northwest. While most tick bites are little more than an unpleasant nuisance, ticks are medically significant because they can transmit disease-causing organisms through their bite.
Fortunately, the risk can be greatly reduced through awareness and prevention.

A few simple steps include:
-staying on established trails
-avoiding tall grass when possible
-wearing long pants and light-colored clothing
-performing tick checks after spending time outdoors
-keeping vegetation around homes and recreational areas maintained

For properties with persistent tick activity, treatment can also be very effective.
For smaller areas, I typically apply a targeted treatment using a backpack sprayer. Larger properties, such as acreages, may be treated using a backpack fogger to efficiently cover broader areas where ticks are active.
Treatment focuses on vegetation, edge habitat, travel corridors, and the places ticks are most likely to be encountered.
Like many pest issues, the goal isn’t simply to react to a problem after it occurs. It’s to reduce the likelihood of encountering one in the first place.


Tahoma Specialty Pest Services
509-978-7830
tahomapest.com

Why You’re Seeing Millipedes Around Your Home

If you’ve noticed millipedes on your driveway, walkways, around the front door, in the garage, or even on the exterior of your home, you’re not alone — especially in newer developments.
I tend to see this most often around newer construction neighborhoods where natural ground cover has recently been disturbed and replaced with fresh landscaping, concrete, and irrigated lawns.
Millipedes normally live in moist soil, leaf litter, and decaying organic material. When those environments are disrupted by construction and development, they often end up migrating into surrounding areas looking for moisture and shelter.
That’s why they commonly gather:
on concrete driveways and sidewalks
around garage doors
near foundation edges
and along the exterior of homes
Concrete and landscaping around newer homes can hold moisture surprisingly well, especially after watering or rain, creating ideal conditions for them to wander through the area.
The good news is that millipedes are mostly a nuisance pest. They don’t bite, sting, or damage structures.
That said, large numbers can definitely become annoying.
The perimeter treatments I apply for ants, spiders, and other crawling insects will also help reduce millipede activity around the home. Treatment focuses on the exterior foundation, entry points, garage areas, and the conditions allowing them to gather in the first place.
Like many pest issues, it’s often less about the pest itself and more about the environment attracting them.
Tahoma Specialty Pest Services
509-978-7830
tahomapest.com

A Quick Note About Hantavirus And Rodent Cleanup

Recent news coverage has brought renewed attention to hantavirus, which is associated with deer mice and exposure to contaminated droppings.
Here in the Inland Northwest, deer mice are commonly found in rural and wooded environments, though finding them around Spokane and even within city areas is not unheard of.
One important thing people should know is that rodent droppings should never be cleaned up dry.
Sweeping or vacuuming dry droppings can disturb particles into the air where they may be inhaled.
Instead:
thoroughly wet droppings and contaminated areas first
use a bleach-water solution or appropriate disinfectant
allow it to soak before cleanup
avoid creating dust during the process
Most rodent issues are nuisance problems, but proper cleanup and exclusion still matter.
Tahoma Specialty Pest Services
509-978-7830
tahomapest.com

Understanding Stinging Insects Around Your Home

As temperatures warm up, stinging insect activity begins increasing around homes and businesses throughout the Inland Northwest.
Not all stinging insects are the same, and understanding the differences is important when deciding how to handle them.
Some species are primarily nuisance pests, while others are important pollinators that should be protected whenever possible.
Common stinging insects seen in our area include:
paper wasps
yellowjackets
bald-faced hornets
mud daubers
honey bees
bumble bees
solitary native pollinators
Each behaves differently and builds nests in different locations.
Paper Wasps
Paper wasps commonly build small exposed nests under eaves, overhangs, railings, and sheltered areas around structures. While generally less aggressive than yellowjackets, they can still become a problem when nesting near entryways or high-traffic areas.
Yellowjackets
Yellowjackets are among the more aggressive species and are commonly associated with ground nests, wall voids, and hidden structural cavities. These are often the insects involved when someone accidentally disturbs a nest while mowing or working outside.
Bald-Faced Hornets
Despite the name, bald-faced hornets are not true hornets. They are actually a type of aerial yellowjacket. They build large exposed hanging nests in trees, shrubs, and on structures and can become defensive around the nest.
Mud Daubers
Mud daubers are solitary wasps that build mud tube nests on structures. Unlike social wasps, they are generally non-aggressive and are rarely a concern beyond the appearance of the nests themselves.
Honey Bees, Bumble Bees, and Native Pollinators
Not all stinging insects should automatically be eliminated.
Honey bees, bumble bees, and many solitary native pollinators play an important role in the environment and agriculture. As a beekeeper myself, I take a conservation-minded approach whenever possible.
In many cases, bee issues can be addressed without destroying the colony. Depending on the situation, this may involve relocation, removal, exclusion, or helping the homeowner understand whether action is even necessary.
Prevention Matters
One of the best ways to reduce wasp problems is preventing nests from becoming established in the first place.
Preventative exterior treatments focus on areas where wasps commonly begin building nests, including:
eaves
overhangs
corners and voids
siding gaps
nooks and crannies around the structure
Treatments are designed to reduce nesting activity before colonies become large and difficult to manage.
Trapping and Mitigation
Trapping can also help reduce activity around homes and outdoor living spaces.
There are effective commercial traps available, along with several DIY trapping methods that work surprisingly well when used correctly.
Depending on the situation, management may involve:
preventative treatment
nest elimination
removal of existing nests
trapping and baiting strategies
exclusion and structural recommendations
Like most pest issues, the best approach depends on the species involved and the specific situation around the property.
Tahoma Specialty Pest Services
509-978-7830
tahomapest.com

Seeing More Seed Bugs This Year? Here’s What’s Going On

Seed bugs are a common issue around homes in this area, and this year they seem to be showing up in higher numbers than usual.

“Seed bugs” isn’t just one insect — it’s a general term people use for a group of outdoor plant-feeding insects. Around here, that often includes:

-boxelder bugs
-elm seed bugs
-stink bugs

These insects primarily live outdoors, feeding on plants and trees, but they tend to gather on homes in large numbers as temperatures shift.
You’ll usually see them:

-on sunny sides of the house
-around siding and foundations
-near doors, windows, and entry points

They’re not trying to infest the home, but once they gather in large numbers, some will find their way inside through small gaps and openings. That’s where they become a nuisance.
This year, activity seems heavier than normal, likely due to a milder winter. When conditions allow more of them to survive, populations build up quickly.
The key to controlling seed bugs isn’t chasing the ones you see inside — it’s managing what’s happening on the outside.
An exterior treatment, similar to what’s used for ants and spiders, is typically very effective. The focus is on:

-nooks and crannies
-warm surfaces where they gather
-entry points around the structure

Timing also matters.
Spring and fall are the most important times to stay ahead of activity and prevent large numbers from building up.
In more severe cases, especially during winter when bugs have already moved into wall voids or attic spaces, additional treatments such as attic fogging may be needed.

Like most pest issues, the goal isn’t just to react — it’s to get ahead of the conditions that allow the problem to develop in the first place.

Tahoma Specialty Pest Services
509-978-7830
tahomapest.com

This Is What I See All The Time

This is what I see all the time.
Small gaps, overlooked openings, and conditions that don’t seem like a big deal at first glance.
A gap under a door.
A break in the foundation.
An opening around the structure.
These are the kinds of things that allow pests and wildlife to get in.
Most of the time, the issue isn’t complicated — it’s just something that went unnoticed.
Once that opening exists, it becomes an easy access point.
From there, the problem develops.
That’s why I spend a lot of time looking at the structure itself.
Not just what’s inside — but how it got there in the first place.
Because if the access point isn’t addressed, the problem usually comes back.

Tahoma Specialty Pest Services
509-978-7830
tahomapest.com

What Attracts Pest?

Pest problems don’t usually start with the pest.
They start with conditions.
Things like overflowing garbage, gaps around doors, overgrown vegetation, and materials stored against the structure all create opportunities for pests and wildlife to move in.
For example:
Overflowing garbage can attract a wide range of pests, from insects to rodents and even larger wildlife.
Gaps under doors or around the structure provide easy entry points, especially for rodents.
Overgrown vegetation creates cover and shelter, allowing pests to move undetected right up to the home.
Firewood or debris stacked against the house can hold moisture and provide harborage for insects and other pests.
In many cases, these conditions go unnoticed until a problem develops.
That’s why pest control isn’t just about sprays and traps.
Those tools have their place, but if the underlying conditions aren’t addressed, the problem often returns.
When I look at a property, I’m not just looking for pests — I’m looking at what’s allowing them to be there in the first place.
That may involve:
identifying entry points
pointing out attractants
recommending changes to the property
Sometimes the solution involves treatment.
Sometimes it involves correcting conditions.
Sometimes it involves both.
In some cases, I can take care of those corrections directly. In others, I’ll point you in the right direction and help guide the process.
The goal is to solve the issue — not just treat the symptoms.
Tahoma Specialty Pest Services
509-978-7830
tahomapest.com