Insect & Pest Information

Small Ants can be quite a nuisance and there are several species (even some species of small carpenter ants) that live in Oregon, the most common one is the Odorous House Ant (OHA). Its name comes from the smell it gives off when crushed. Because they have very large colonies, with multiple queens, that nest in soil or structures and move their colony every 17 to 23 days. OHA typically enter buildings look for resources, most commonly food.

These ants do not cause any structural damage, but they can be quite the nusiance and are one of the most prolific pests we have in Oregon. When they invade kitchen areas, they tend to contaminate food products and food prep surfaces. We often see these unwanted pests showing up in bathrooms, living rooms, and even bedrooms searching for resources!

OHA can be complicated to deal with and it is not advisable to use any over-the-counter sprays, natural oils or cleansers on these ants or their trails as this will potentially scatter them throughout the structure. If you try anything on your own to combat these pesky critters it is advised that you try a liquid ant bait, making sure to always follow the label instructions. Also, make sure to trim back any vegetation touching the home, move any exterior storage away, and clear your gutters and roof of any tree debris.

If these DIY control measures are unsuccessful, contact our office for consultation before trying anything else on your own.

Wasps, Yellow Jackets and Bees can build nests in or around your Home. To be clear, Good Earth does not provide service for Honey Bees or Bumble Bees, even if they are nesting within a structure. For those beneficial pollinators, it is best to work with a beekeeper to fully remove the nest rather than treating it. We have some great people to refer you too if dealing with Honey Bees or Bumble Bees. 

We do offer services for Wasps and Yellow Jackets when they build nests near buildings. For those who are allergic to stings, this can be a dangerous situation. Yellow Jacket, Wasp and Hornet nests can be serviced if the entrance to or the nest is accessible. In some cases the insects may even be collected and their venom used for the production of allergy injections, and this may be free of charge. Before you try anything on your own to combat any of these potential dangerous insects contact our office we will be happy to advise you on what would be best for your situation.

Termites in your structure can be a threat to its structural integrity. If you come across what may be evidence of termites it is important that the insects or their damage be properly identified by a knowledgeable pest management professional or home inspector. The species of termite present will determine what corrective measures need to be taken.

Bed bugs do not enter homes from the natural outdoor environment; instead they must be introduced into the home from a previously infested environment. This can occur by picking them up during travel, bringing them in on rented or used furniture, introduction by guests or visitors, or other means. Ways to prevent introducing an infestation into your home is to avoid discarded furniture, inspect used furniture prior to entry into your home, briefly inspect hotel/motel rooms prior to staying in them and to be aware of the signs and symptoms of bed bugs so that you can identify an infestation as early as possible. It is best to leave the treatment of bed bugs to highly trained professionals due to the complex nature of bed bug infestations.

Box Elder Bugs Box Elder Bugs are a common nuisance pest that does not cause structural damage but for those who deal with them on a regular basis, they can be quite bothersome. If they choose to use your home to sunbathe in the fall or spring their numbers can be mind-boggling. After spending the warm fall days on your home they may crawl under the siding or into the attic space to spend the winter. Sealing around all exterior cracks and installing proper screens on all vents will help keep them out. Good Earth Pest Company provides service that will decrease the numbers and make life more tolerable for you and your family. Regular maintenance service at your home will continually keep the numbers to a level where you can enjoy your yard in the fall and spring.