Posts by Elliott Hahn
Where Carpet Beetles Come From and How to Stop Them
If you have noticed tiny beetles near your windowsills or found mysterious holes in your wool sweaters, you might be dealing with carpet beetles. These small pests are common throughout the Olympia area and across Thurston County, and they often go unnoticed until damage has already started. Carpet beetles come from outdoors, where adults feed…
Read MoreHoney Bee vs Yellow Jacket: Which One Is in Your Yard?
If you have noticed stinging insects flying around your yard in Olympia, you are not alone. As temperatures rise across Thurston County, activity increases around gardens, decks, crawl spaces, and rooflines. The big question many homeowners ask is simple: honey bees or yellow jackets? At first glance, they can look similar. But when comparing honey…
Read MoreHow Moisture Problems Invite Ants and Other Pests
In Olympia and throughout the South Sound, moisture is part of everyday life. Between frequent rainfall, cool temperatures, and shaded properties, homes often stay damp longer than homeowners realize. While most people worry about moisture causing mold or musty smells, there is another major issue many overlook. Moisture problems invite ants and other pests. Moisture…
Read MoreDo Possums Carry Rabies? Here’s What to Know
Seeing a possum in your yard can be unsettling. Many homeowners worry right away about rabies, especially if the animal is acting strangely or showing up during the day. This concern is understandable. Rabies is a serious disease, and wildlife encounters near homes raise valid safety questions. The good news is that not all wild…
Read MoreWhat Does a Home Infestation of Fleas Look Like?
An infestation of fleas looks like repeated bites on people or pets, constant scratching, and small dark insects jumping from carpets, furniture, or pet bedding. Inside a home, fleas often stay hidden in carpets, cracks, and soft surfaces, which allows the infestation to grow quietly until it becomes hard to ignore. Why Flea Infestations Are…
Read MoreWhat Do Carpenter Ants Look Like in Washington Homes?
When homeowners ask what do carpenter ants look like in Washington homes, the answer is simple. Carpenter ants are large black or dark red ants with a narrow waist, bent antennae, and strong jaws. They often appear around damp wood, crawlspaces, decks, or any area affected by moisture. Many people confuse them with termites or…
Read MoreBig House Spider? Save These Pro Identification and Control Tips
If you live in Olympia or the surrounding South Puget Sound area, you have probably seen a big house spider at least once inside your home. These spiders move quickly, grow large, and often appear during late summer and fall when the weather changes and insects head indoors. Their size can be alarming, but most…
Read MoreFleas vs Bed Bugs: How to Identify and Prevent Both
Waking up with itchy bites and no idea what caused them can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to figure out whether you’re dealing with fleas vs bed bugs, two of the most common pests homeowners in the Pacific Northwest face. Both pests can cause discomfort, sleepless nights, and even allergic reactions. However, understanding which…
Read MoreWhy Winter Pest Control Matters in Olympia, WA
Why Winter Pest Control Matters in Olympia, WA When winter settles over Olympia, many homeowners assume pest season is over. But here in the damp, mild Pacific Northwest, pests don’t take the season off — they simply move indoors. From rodents seeking warmth to moisture-loving insects hiding in crawl spaces, winter pest control plays a…
Read MoreThe Ultimate South Sound Homeowner’s Guide to Winter Pests (2025 Edition)
Legendary Service. Local Pest Control. Serving Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm & DuPont, WA www.bigfootpest.com | (360) 789-5295 Why Winter Is Prime Time for Pest Problems in Western Washington When the temperature drops and the rain rolls in, pests across the South Sound start looking for one thing: a warm, dry place to spend the winter.…
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