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    Common crawl space entry points and vulnerabilities in West Seattle homes during winter In December, West Seattle’s crawl spaces can become magnet points for rats as colder temperatures push wildlife indoors seeking shelter, warmth, and a steady source of humidity. The coastal climate, combined with older homes and frequent rainfall, often creates conditions…

    Ingredient inspection, labeling, and rotation to prevent pantry moths Holiday Baking Season is a time when Queen Anne kitchens come alive with flour dust, sugar, nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate chips. It’s also a peak period for pantry moths to exploit any lapse in storage discipline. Homes in Queen Anne, with their compact…

Ballard, a historic Seattle neighborhood with charming older homes and a legacy of heavy rainfall, faces a persistent challenge: basement flooding. When storms roll in, groundwater pressure, overwhelmed drainage, and aging infrastructure can push moisture through foundations, cracks, and crawlspaces. The consequences aren’t just wet floors—they include costly water damage, mold growth, and health risks…

    Typical infestation hotspots in Belltown high-rises In Belltown high-rises, silverfish tend to concentrate in places where moisture, warmth, and abundant sources of starch or paper intersect, often within shared walls, service chases, and unit interiors. The dense construction of these buildings creates numerous voids and crevices—behind baseboards, inside wall cavities near plumbing, and…

Madrona Homes understands that the rainy season is more than a backdrop for home life—it’s a test of a house’s ability to stay dry, solid, and safe. In climates where moisture lingers, carpenter ants can move from nuisance pests into serious threats to structural integrity. This article introduces Madrona Homes’ approach to preventing carpenter ant…

    Coastal humidity and condensation-driven pest habitats At Alki Beach, ocean-influenced humidity is a constant factor, especially during the cooler months. The marine layer and frequent mist raise indoor moisture levels, and condensation often forms on cold surfaces like windows, exterior walls, and uninsulated pipes. When condensation persists, damp pockets develop in basements, crawlspaces,…

    Food and shelter availability driving winter rodent behavior Winter forces rodents to balance energy intake with energy expenditure. In parks like Green Lake Park, access to predictable food sources—such as bird seed spills, discarded snacks, compost piles, and overflowing dumpsters—can override general cold-induced lethargy and prompt localized foraging and nesting. When shelter options…

    Indoor moisture sources and damp areas to inspect in Laurelhurst homes this December December often brings a mix of heating indoors and cooler, damp conditions outside, which can affect moisture levels inside Laurelhurst homes. Heating can dry the air in some rooms, but it can also trap moisture in cooler spaces, especially where…

    Sealing gaps, penetrations, and wall seams in party walls to deter ingress Capitol Hill Townhomes often rely on shared party walls to maximize space and efficiency, but those same walls can become efficient highways for rodents if gaps and seams are left unsealed. A focused sealing strategy on the party walls is a…

    Moisture control and drainage around the home’s exterior Maintaining proper moisture control and drainage around the exterior is essential for protecting the foundation, preventing water intrusion, and reducing conditions that entice spiders and other pests to seek shelter during rainy seasons. When soil around the foundation remains damp or water pools near the…