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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What Do Carpenter Ants Look Like in Washington Homes?

what do carpenter ants look like

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…

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Big House Spider? Save These Pro Identification and Control Tips

big house spider

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…

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How to Get Rid of Cockroaches at Home and Keep Them Away

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches at Home and Keep Them Away

Few things make a homeowner’s heart sink like spotting a cockroach scurrying across the floor. These fast, sneaky pests can show up in even the cleanest homes and multiply at an alarming rate. Learning how to get rid of cockroaches at home and keep them away for good is key to maintaining a clean, healthy…

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Do Sweat Bees Bite or Sting?

Do Sweat Bees Bite or Sting

If you’ve noticed small bees landing on your skin while you’re outdoors, you may wonder: do sweat bees bite or sting? The quick answer is that sweat bees don’t bite. However, they can sting if they feel threatened or trapped. This post will help you understand what sweat bees are, why they’re so interested in…

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Pro Tips to Find a Mouse Nest in Your Home Fast

mouse nest

If you’ve heard scratching noises at night, spotted a few droppings behind your trash can, or noticed a musky smell you can’t quite explain, you might be dealing with more than just a stray mouse. Mice are sneaky, and once they find a cozy place to nest, they settle in fast, often without you knowing…

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