Long winters bring pests inside
Spokane's winters are long and cold, with about 72 freeze-thaw cycles in an average year according to NOAA's engineering weather data. As fall arrives, mice and rats look for warm shelter, and overwintering insects such as box elder bugs, stink bugs and cluster flies gather on sunny walls and slip into homes through gaps. Sealing entry points in late summer and early fall, before they move in, is the most effective prevention.
Rodent proofing
Common entry points in Spokane-area homes include gaps under garage doors, openings around pipes and wires, damaged foundation vent screens, and gaps at the roofline and soffits. Snow cover in winter pushes rodents toward structures, and garages and attics are common nesting spots. A thorough exclusion job seals openings with durable materials, and snap traps inside remove rodents that are already in. Keep birdseed, pet food and stored food in sealed containers.
Summer pests
Ants, wasps and yellowjackets are active in Spokane summers. Carpenter ants are common in the Inland Northwest and nest in damp or decaying wood, sometimes in house framing. Large black ants inside the house in spring, or small piles of sawdust-like debris, are worth having checked. Fixing moisture problems is essential to controlling carpenter ants. Yellowjacket nests near doors, decks and play areas are best handled by professionals.
Protecting the aquifer
Spokane's drinking water comes from the Spokane Valley–Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, which the EPA designated a sole source aquifer. That makes careful pesticide use especially important. Integrated pest management, which focuses on identifying the pest, removing attractants, sealing entry points and using targeted treatments such as baits rather than broad outdoor spraying, reduces the amount of pesticide that can reach soil and water. Ask any contractor what products they'll use outdoors, how they'll avoid runoff, and whether treatment is needed at all.
Moisture and wood
Snowmelt and spring runoff can keep crawlspaces and basements damp, which attracts moisture-loving pests and can soften wood for carpenter ants. Keep downspouts discharging away from the foundation and fix leaks promptly.
Before you hire
Ask Spokane pest control contractors to identify the pest and explain why it's present, what products they'll use and where, how they'll protect the aquifer, what precautions to take for kids and pets, and what follow-up is included. Use L&I's contractor lookup to check their Washington registration, bond and insurance; Washington also requires pesticide applicators to hold a license from the Washington State Department of Agriculture.
Spiders
Spiders are common in Spokane basements, garages and window wells, particularly in late summer and fall. Most are harmless. Reducing clutter, clearing window wells, sealing gaps and using outdoor lighting that attracts fewer insects help keep numbers down.
Wildlife
Squirrels, raccoons and bats sometimes enter attics in the Spokane area. Bats are protected in many situations, and exclusion should be timed to avoid trapping young inside. Ask whether the contractor handles wildlife or can refer you to someone who does.