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A strange or persistent smell in a basement is more than an annoying nuisance — for homeowners in Roosevelt it can be an early warning sign that pests have taken up residence below the living space. Basements are attractive to animals and insects because they offer shelter, steady temperatures, and easy access to food and…

For many residents of Phinney Ridge, a compact, leafy neighborhood perched on a ridge above Seattle’s Greenwood and Ballard areas, the home office has become as much a fixture as the neighborhood’s distinctive craftsman bungalows. Whether it’s a converted spare bedroom, a sunlit nook, or an attic studio, these workspaces often double as archives: stacks…

As temperatures drop and snow begins to blanket sidewalks, rodents that once scavenged around alleys and green spaces move closer to the warmth and predictable food sources of human habitations. In university districts—where dense housing, high turnover, late-night eating, and a mix of older buildings create ideal conditions—winter can mean a sharp rise in mouse…

If you live in Queen Anne with a dog, cat, or other furry companion, it’s easy to believe that the arrival of cold weather means fleas are gone for the season. That’s a comforting thought, but it’s rarely true. Fleas thrive indoors where homes are heated and pets sleep — and their life cycle (eggs,…

Rainier Valley’s long, wet winters make basement leaks more than a nuisance — they’re often the first step in a cascade of problems that can quickly turn a dry, livable space into a hub for pests and structural decay. When rainwater, seepage, or foundation cracks allow moisture into lower levels, that damp environment creates ideal…

Few traditions are as evocative of the holidays as bringing fresh greenery indoors—magnolia branches and wreaths, with their glossy, deep-green leaves and velvety undersides, add instant warmth and a classic, Southern charm. But as inviting as these natural decorations are, they can also be a conduit for unwelcome guests. Insects, egg masses, spider webs and…

West Seattle’s charming older homes—many dating back several decades and clustered in historic pockets—offer character you won’t find in newer construction: mature trees, leaded-glass windows, deep eaves and original millwork. Those same features, however, create a mosaic of winter pest weak points. As temperatures drop and the Pacific Northwest’s wet season arrives, animals and insects…

For Wallingford homeowners and renters, moisture-seeking ants are more than a nuisance—they’re often an early warning that wood or building materials are staying too wet. Whether you live in an older Colonial with a basement, a split-level with a crawl space, or a newer home with attic ventilation issues, seasonal rain, thaw cycles, plumbing leaks,…

Ballard’s row houses—compact, often historic attached homes that line the neighborhood’s streets—are part of what gives the area its tightly knit urban character. But that same density, combined with Ballard’s waterfront location and older building stock, also creates an environment that can be especially attractive to urban rodents once temperatures drop. In winter many residents…

Crawl spaces are an often-overlooked part of a home, but in places like Greenwood they can quickly become the epicenter of moisture problems that invite a parade of unwanted guests. When humidity, seasonal rains, poor drainage, or high groundwater saturate the air and materials beneath a house, the result is a persistently damp environment that…