GOT A PEST PROBLEMIN PORTLAND?

Peak intrusion in Portland during fall and winter. Chew wiring, contaminate food, carry hantavirus. Signs: droppings along walls, gnaw marks, scratching sounds at night.

Carpenter ants don't eat wood, they tunnel through it to nest — leaving smooth galleries that weaken framing in Portland homes. Signs: piles of frass below window frames, large ants on porches at night, faint rustling in walls.

Lone star ticks in Portland can cause alpha-gal syndrome — a red meat allergy. Signs: small dark ticks attached to skin, sudden onset of meat sensitivity, hives 4–8 hours after eating beef or pork.

Yellowjackets cause the most stinging incidents in Portland during late summer when colonies peak at 5,000+. Signs: ground nests with active entry holes, aggressive behavior near garbage, papery nests in wall voids.

Brown marmorated stink bugs are an invasive species that congregate on Portland home exteriors before overwintering inside. Signs: shield-shaped insects on sunny walls in October, clustered on attic windows, foul smell when disturbed.

Spreading rapidly across Portland. Nearly impossible to eliminate without professional treatment. Signs: rust stains on sheets, itchy welts in rows, sweet musty smell.