Types of Wasps in the PNW: A Homeowner’s ID Guide

A detailed close-up profile of a black and yellow paper wasp resting on a green plant stem.

Several wasp species are common in Western Washington and Oregon, and they are not all the same level of threat. If something is buzzing around your eaves or nesting in your yard this summer, knowing what you are dealing with is the first step to knowing what to do. This guide covers the wasps Olympia-area…

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Are Daddy Long Legs Poisonous or Harmless Arachnids?

Daddy long-legs are not poisonous. That is the short answer, and it is one of the most persistent myths in pest control. Despite decades of rumors claiming these creatures carry deadly venom, science tells a very different story. At Bigfoot Pest Management, we hear this question more than almost any other. Below, we break down…

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How to Identify Carpenter Ant Damage in Your WA Home

Several large carpenter ants with dark heads and reddish-brown bodies crawling over and excavating a piece of light-colored, damaged wood.

Living in the Pacific Northwest means sharing our environment with incredible wildlife, but it also means dealing with wood-destroying pests that thrive in our damp climate. In cities like Olympia, Tumwater, and Lacey, carpenter ant damage is a serious concern for homeowners. These insects are responsible for significant structural issues across Washington each year, often…

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How to Get Rid of Silverfish in Your Washington Home

You flip on the bathroom light in the middle of the night, and something small and fast darts across the floor. Or you open a box in the garage and find a handful of tiny, silvery bugs scrambling in every direction. If that sounds familiar, you are probably dealing with a silverfish infestation. These nocturnal…

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Preparing for Spiders in Washington State This Spring and Summer

Black widow spider hanging from a branch showing its shiny black body and red hourglass marking, one of the venomous spiders in Washington state

Spring in Washington state means longer days, warmer nights, and more bugs. And where bugs go, spiders follow. If you live in the Olympia area, you have probably already noticed a few more webs showing up around your porch, garage, or garden beds as the weather shifts. Spiders in Washington state become much more active…

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Where Carpet Beetles Come From and How to Stop Them

Five small, brown carpet beetles with black spots scattered on a textured, light-colored carpet.

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…

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Honey Bee vs Yellow Jacket: Which One Is in Your Yard?

Split image with a wasp on the left, resting on a leaf, and a bee on the right, collecting pollen from a yellow flower, highlighting differences.

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…

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How Moisture Problems Invite Ants and Other Pests

A large group of black ants is swarming along a white baseboard in a corner of a room.

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…

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Do Possums Carry Rabies? Here’s What to Know

Do Possums Carry Rabies?

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…

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What Does a Home Infestation of Fleas Look Like?

what does an 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…

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