As Edmonds grows, especially with morAs Edmonds grows, especially with more and more restaurants and food spots popping up, we’ve been seeing a bit of an increase in the rodent population around town. While our community’s growth brings a lot of positives, there’s no denying that the rise in food-selling businesses has also brought some uninvited guests – rats and mice. These little critters aren’t just a nuisance, they can bring some serious health risks with them, and the last thing we want is for our beautiful town to get overrun. Food Spots and Rodents: A Growing Problem With more restaurants, coffee shops, and markets opening their doors, it's no surprise that rodents are getting a steady supply of food. Rats and mice are always on the lookout for an easy meal, and unfortunately, food-selling establishments provide plenty of that—whether it’s spilled crumbs, leftovers, or garbage. If there’s a hole or crack in a building’s exterior, these little guys can sneak right in and make themselves at home. More restaurants and food places mean more chances for rodents to move in, and in a town like Edmonds, it’s not just about one business. Rodents can travel from one place to another pretty easily, making it hard to control the problem without proper measures. The more food around, the bigger the rodent population grows. The Marina’s Role in the Rodent Situation Living by the water can be one of the best parts of Edmonds, but it’s also where another rodent issue comes into play. Our local marina is a prime spot for rodents to hide and make themselves comfortable. Boats, docks, and storage areas provide plenty of nooks and crannies for rats and mice to get cozy. Plus, fishing boats and nearby restaurants make it easy for them to find food, whether it’s scraps from meals or just the smell of fish lingering in the air. Rats are excellent swimmers, so they can move from boat to boat or from the docks to shore without much trouble. If you’re in a business near the marina, this could be a challenge. The fact that the marina is so close to food spots just makes the problem that much trickier to deal with. Health Risks: The Diseases Rodents Bring Along Rodents are more than just a pesky inconvenience—they can also spread a number of diseases that can affect our health. If rodents are in your home, business, or near where you eat, there’s a chance they can bring some serious diseases with them. Some of the common ones include: · Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection that can make you feel like you’ve got the flu, and in some cases, it can lead to liver or kidney problems. · Hantavirus: This virus affects the lungs and can lead to a serious respiratory illness. · Salmonella: A bacteria that can be spread through food or surfaces that rodents have contaminated. · Rat-bite Fever: If you’re bitten or scratched by a rodent, you could end up with this bacterial infection. Rodents also carry fleas and ticks, which can bring other diseases, like Lyme disease. It’s clear that rodents aren’t just a nuisance—they’re a potential health hazard, too. McPherson Pest Control: Here to Help If you’re noticing more rodents around your property in Edmonds, or if you run a restaurant or business and are worried about the issue, McPherson Pest Control is the team you want to call. They’ve got the know-how and experience to deal with rodent problems in all kinds of situations. From inspections to customized pest control plans, McPherson Pest Control is here to help you protect your home or business. They understand the challenges Edmonds faces with the increasing rodent population, and they offer real, practical solutions to keep your property safe and rodent-free. Whether you're dealing with a minor problem or a full-on infestation, they can help you get back to feeling safe and secure. If you’ve got a rodent issue, give McPherson Pest Control a call at 360-578-4118. They’re always ready to lend a hand and keep your home or business free from the trouble rodents can cause. To wrap it up, the growing rodent population in Edmonds—thanks to more food businesses and the marina—is something we can’t ignore. But with the right steps and a little help from the experts, we can all make sure our community stays healthy and safe from the dangers rodents can bring. Don’t let the problem get out of hand—call McPherson Pest Control today.e and more restaurants and food spots popping up, we’ve been seeing a bit of an increase in the rodent population around town. While our community’s growth brings a lot of positives, there’s no denying that the rise in food-selling businesses has also brought some uninvited guests – rats and mice. These little critters aren’t just a nuisance, they can bring some serious health risks with them, and the last thing we want is for our beautiful town to get overrun. Food Spots and Rodents: A Growing Problem With more restaurants, coffee shops, and markets opening their doors, it's no surprise that rodents are getting a steady supply of food. Rats and mice are always on the lookout for an easy meal, and unfortunately, food-selling establishments provide plenty of that—whether it’s spilled crumbs, leftovers, or garbage. If there’s a hole or crack in a building’s exterior, these little guys can sneak right in and make themselves at home. More restaurants and food places mean more chances for rodents to move in, and in a town like Edmonds, it’s not just about one business. Rodents can travel from one place to another pretty easily, making it hard to control the problem without proper measures. The more food around, the bigger the rodent population grows. The Marina’s Role in the Rodent Situation Living by the water can be one of the best parts of Edmonds, but it’s also where another rodent issue comes into play. Our local marina is a prime spot for rodents to hide and make themselves comfortable. Boats, docks, and storage areas provide plenty of nooks and crannies for rats and mice to get cozy. Plus, fishing boats and nearby restaurants make it easy for them to find food, whether it’s scraps from meals or just the smell of fish lingering in the air. Rats are excellent swimmers, so they can move from boat to boat or from the docks to shore without much trouble. If you’re in a business near the marina, this could be a challenge. The fact that the marina is so close to food spots just makes the problem that much trickier to deal with. Health Risks: The Diseases Rodents Bring Along Rodents are more than just a pesky inconvenience—they can also spread a number of diseases that can affect our health. If rodents are in your home, business, or near where you eat, there’s a chance they can bring some serious diseases with them. Some of the common ones include: · Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection that can make you feel like you’ve got the flu, and in some cases, it can lead to liver or kidney problems. · Hantavirus: This virus affects the lungs and can lead to a serious respiratory illness. · Salmonella: A bacteria that can be spread through food or surfaces that rodents have contaminated. · Rat-bite Fever: If you’re bitten or scratched by a rodent, you could end up with this bacterial infection. Rodents also carry fleas and ticks, which can bring other diseases, like Lyme disease. It’s clear that rodents aren’t just a nuisance—they’re a potential health hazard, too. McPherson Pest Control: Here to Help If you’re noticing more rodents around your property in Edmonds, or if you run a restaurant or business and are worried about the issue, McPherson Pest Control is the team you want to call. They’ve got the know-how and experience to deal with rodent problems in all kinds of situations. From inspections to customized pest control plans, McPherson Pest Control is here to help you protect your home or business. They understand the challenges Edmonds faces with the increasing rodent population, and they offer real, practical solutions to keep your property safe and rodent-free. Whether you're dealing with a minor problem or a full-on infestation, they can help you get back to feeling safe and secure. If you’ve got a rodent issue, give McPherson Pest Control a call at 360-578-4118. They’re always ready to lend a hand and keep your home or business free from the trouble rodents can cause. To wrap it up, the growing rodent population in Edmonds—thanks to more food businesses and the marina—is something we can’t ignore. But with the right steps and a little help from the experts, we can all make sure our community stays healthy and safe from the dangers rodents can bring. Don’t let the problem get out of hand—call McPherson Pest Control today. 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The Role of Bird Feeders, Chicken Coops, and Wildlife Feeders Ferndale residents love their birdwatching and feeding the local wildlife. Who doesn’t enjoy the sight of colorful songbirds visiting your backyard or watching a deer nibble from your wildlife feeder? But, while it's great for the animals, it can be a perfect setup for rodents. Birds and other critters often leave behind seeds, crumbs, and other tasty morsels that draw in rodents like rats and mice. Rodents are opportunistic feeders, and they’ll gladly make a meal of any leftovers. So, if you have bird feeders or wildlife feeders, you may unknowingly be inviting rodents to dinner. Chicken coops are another hotspot for rodent activity. Not only do chickens leave grain behind, but rodents are also attracted to the warmth and shelter that a chicken coop can provide. Before you know it, you’ve got a rodent problem right in your own backyard. The Dangers of Rodents: Diseases and Destruction It’s not just the mess or the creepy factor that makes rodents a concern — it’s the diseases they can spread. Mice and rats are known to carry a variety of harmful diseases such as hantavirus, leptospirosis, salmonella, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). These diseases can pose a serious health risk to you, your family, and even your pets. Rodents also wreak havoc on your property. They chew on wires, insulation, and structural materials, which can cause costly damage. If they get into your attic or walls, the damage can go unnoticed until it’s too late. A rodent problem isn’t something you want to let fester, especially if you're worried about the safety and cleanliness of your home. Rodent Activity and Development in Ferndale As Ferndale continues to grow, with new restaurants, housing developments, and businesses popping up, the local rodent population is taking notice. Development in any area disrupts the natural balance of wildlife, and rodents will seek out new food sources and shelter, often moving closer to residential and commercial spaces. As more homes are built, especially in areas that were once farmland or wooded areas, rodents are moving in, looking for the warmth and food they need to thrive. Restaurants in particular provide an easy food source for rodents. With food scraps from kitchens and diners, rodents will naturally find their way into the area. This creates a perfect storm for rodent activity that can affect both businesses and nearby homes. Agriculture, Livestock, and Rodents in Ferndale Agriculture is a big part of life in Ferndale, and with the abundance of crops and livestock comes another set of challenges when it comes to rodent control. Rodents love to nest in barns and fields, where they can feed on stored grains and crops. If you have livestock, rodents are also attracted to the food and bedding areas. Farmers and ranchers have to take extra precautions to keep rodents from spreading diseases to livestock or contaminating food supplies. Rodents can also cause damage to equipment and property on farms, making it critical to keep the population under control. Inspections, Exclusion Work, and Prevention So, what’s a homeowner or business owner to do when they’re dealing with an increase in rodent activity? The first step is to schedule a professional rodent inspection. An expert will be able to assess the situation, identify points of entry, and look for signs of nesting or damage. Based on the inspection, they'll recommend exclusion work, which is the process of sealing any holes or gaps in your property where rodents could get in. This step is essential to making sure your rodent problems don’t continue to escalate. Prevention is key — it's important to store food properly, clean up debris around bird and wildlife feeders, and maintain a clean environment to discourage rodents from coming around. Keeping your property well-maintained and secured will go a long way in preventing an infestation. How McPherson Pest Control Can Help If you're having rodent issues in Ferndale or simply want to take preventative measures, McPherson Pest Control is here to help. With years of experience in the area, they understand the unique challenges local homeowners face when it comes to rodent control. Whether you’re dealing with a minor nuisance or a full-blown infestation, McPherson Pest Control can provide expert inspections, exclusion work, and treatment solutions to keep your home or business safe from rodents. Don’t let these critters take over your space. Call McPherson Pest Control at 360-572-4118 for more information or to schedule your rodent inspection today! By staying ahead of the problem and addressing rodent activity early on, you can protect your health, property, and peace of mind. Click the link below to see how we can help!