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Close-up of a small spider on human skin, with fine hairs visible—raising questions about what to do in case of spider bites. The spider features a light brown body and dark markings on its abdomen, with sharp focus highlighting its delicate beauty.
Spider Bites: What To Do

A myth that many people still believe is that spiders bite while people are sleeping. It’s commonly thought that if one experiences a skin irritation or rash, it’s probably from a spider… even if the spider was never seen. People should be relieved to learn that spiders rarely bite. In fact, most spiders aren’t even […]

A close-up image captures a Carpenter Ant crawling over the rough, textured bark. Its legs and antennae are clearly visible, while other ants partially blend into the background—highlighting signs of a potential infestation.
Identifying a Carpenter Ant Infestation

Tell-Tale Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation – Signs and What to Do Carpenter ants are large black or brown ants that can cause serious damage to a home’s wooden structure if allowed to thrive. Often the winged carpenter ant is mistaken for termites, which is also a serious problem here in the Northwest. The […]

Close-up of green hosta leaves, bearing numerous holes from garden pests. The dense, layered foliage creates a textured and lush appearance despite the damage, highlighting the need for effective pest control in spring gardening.
7 Garden Pests to Avoid This Spring

As we near the end of winter, you may be starting to plan your spring garden or landscaping. But with gardening, come unwanted pests in the form of insects and larvae. In this article, we’ll cover the most destructive garden pests and ways you can help deter them. Destructive Garden Pests in the Pacific Northwest […]

Several cockroaches crawl over a tiled floor near a wall corner, surrounding crumbs and food debris. The insects, living hazards, are gathered in a scattered manner, exploring the area for food.
The Dangers of Living with Cockroaches

Cockroach Infestations: What Should You Do? In addition to being unsightly pests, cockroaches can also be a health hazard. When an infestation occurs, the presence of cockroaches in large numbers increases the dangers presented by these insects. Health Risks of Cockroaches Because they are drawn to human food, cockroaches are a cause of food contamination. […]

Close-up of a flea on human skin. The flea is small, with a reddish-brown body and six legs. The skin's texture highlights the scale of the flea compared to a human finger, illustrating the potential health risks associated with flea bites.
The Dangers of Flea Bites

Can Flea Bites Make You Sick? Understanding the Dangers Fleas transmit diseases when they feed on the blood of their host animal. Humans, cats, dogs, and smaller mammals are usually their victims. The various species of fleas carry specific protozoan parasites, bacteria, and viruses which can cause serious illnesses in their hosts. These illnesses can […]

A cockroach scuttles across a wooden countertop, hinting at potential signs of infestation. The surface is slightly worn, and in the background, blurred kitchen appliances, including a microwave, are visible.
5 Signs You Have a Cockroach Infestation

If you live in the Portland area, you know that cockroaches are common pests. These creatures reproduce quickly, so an infestation can quickly get out of control. In order to avoid major damage or health concerns, let us help you identify the top five signs of a cockroach infestation. Timely intervention is crucial to control cockroach infestations and mitigate health risks. […]

A close-up of several carpenter ants on a piece of wood shows their dark, segmented bodies. One ant is moving toward a small hole, hinting at the possibility of an infestation in its wooden home.
Why Do I Have Carpenter Ants in My Home?

Carpenter ants are known for the damage they can inflict on wooden structure. Like termites, carpenter ants can destroy a house from the inside out. But unlike termites, carpenter ants don’t actually ingest the wood they are removing from a structure! So what attracts carpenter ants, if it’s not food? Carpenter ants seek wood as […]

A sugar ant with wings is gracefully walking on a textured orange surface.
Do Sugar Ants Bite?

If you find your home overrun with small black ants in the spring, you may be experiencing an odorous house ant infestation! Commonly known as “sugar ants”, these tiny insects can quickly become a big problem for any homeowner in the Northwest. These ants are called sugar ants because of their preference for sugary substances. […]

A bug with a dark body and orange markings is perched on bright yellow flowers, showcasing the beauty of springtime pests against a blurred green background in Portland's vibrant Northwest landscape.
5 Springtime Pests in Portland and the Northwest

As the rain begins to slow and spring emerges in Portland, pests begin to come out as well! Here at PURCOR, we believe preparation is a great way to prevent seasonal pests. We’d like to help you prepare for the 5 springtime pests we see most often in Portland and the surrounding cities in the […]

Close-up of a wasp with a yellow and black striped body perched on a flat, textured surface. A member of the stinging insects family, its wings are open, and its legs and antennae are clearly visible.
Bees vs. Wasps: A Guide to Stinging Insects in Portland and Vancouver

Spring is here, and summer is right around the corner! Are you prepared for stinging insects? Take a look at our guide to bees and wasps! Bees and Wasps Look Very Different Here’s an easy and quick way to tell the difference between bees and wasps: How does their waist look? If it’s thick and […]