Pest issues are changing across Western Washington, and nowhere is that more evident than in Thurston County. As our communities grow — from Olympia and Lacey to Tumwater and beyond — the way we think about pest control needs to evolve, too.
Pest problems in our region aren’t just seasonal annoyances. They’re deeply connected to public health, infrastructure, climate patterns, and even mental well-being. Understanding these connections is key to providing effective, responsible pest management that protects both people and the environment.
Local Conditions, Local Challenges
The South Sound’s damp climate and growing urban development create the perfect conditions for pests like:
Odorous house ants (a year-round indoor nuisance)
Roof rats and Norway rats (increasingly common in neighborhoods with greenbelts and older infrastructure)
Paper wasps and yellowjackets (especially active from late spring through fall)
Carpenter ants and termites (major threats to structural wood)
Spiders and occasional invaders like moisture ants, beetles, and sowbugs
The spread of invasive species like the brown marmorated stink bug and European fire ant into Washington State is another growing concern. These aren’t just isolated issues — they’re part of a regional trend driven by shifting weather, land use changes, and the adaptation of pests to human environments.
Why Integrated Pest Management Matters
Modern pest control is about more than applying products. Today, science-based methods like Integrated Pest Management (IPM) are the standard. IPM is a thoughtful, step-by-step approach that prioritizes:
Inspection and monitoring
Habitat modification
Exclusion and sanitation
Targeted product use only when necessary
It’s an approach backed by agencies like the EPA, CDC, and universities nationwide — and it’s the foundation of everything we do at Pest Stop.
IPM is especially important in areas like Olympia, where communities value environmental protection, pollinator health, and low-toxicity solutions. At Pest Stop, we even keep active honeybee hives at our office as a reminder to always consider non-target impacts in everything we do.
What Makes Urban Pest Control Unique?
Urban pest management comes with its own set of challenges — many of them hidden in plain sight. Compared to agricultural pest control, structural pest control requires problem-solving in highly variable settings: crawlspaces, attics, commercial kitchens, medical offices, schools, apartment buildings, and more.
Some of the key issues we deal with in the South Sound include:
Tight housing density that allows pests to move easily between units
Mixed-use buildings where residential and commercial food service intersect
Regulations on rodenticides and pesticide use that vary by jurisdiction
Mental health challenges such as delusional parasitosis or phobias triggered by infestations
The need for discretion, safety, and sanitation in sensitive environments like hospitals and schools
These aren’t just pest problems — they’re community challenges. That’s why having local knowledge and long-term experience in Thurston County makes a difference.
Local Pest Pressure Is Growing
Recent population projections from the Washington Office of Financial Management show Thurston County’s population is expected to top 350,000 within the next 15 years. Growth areas like Lacey, Yelm, and Tumwater are seeing new developments that border greenbelts and natural areas — creating more overlap between people and pests.
As this growth continues, pest pressures will increase. That means prevention and education are more important than ever. Regular inspections, exclusion work, moisture control, and proper sanitation are key steps every property owner can take to reduce pest problems before they escalate.
A Community-Focused Path Forward
At Pest Stop, we believe pest control is a partnership. That’s why we’re actively involved in statewide IPM initiatives, participate in discussions with the Washington State Pest Management Association, and serve on boards that connect structural pest professionals with agriculture, forestry, and public health sectors.
We live and work in the same neighborhoods you do — and that’s why we’re committed to using practices that are not just effective, but responsible. Every treatment we perform is done with care, precision, and a deep understanding of how pests interact with homes, health, and the environment.
Need help identifying a pest or getting ahead of an issue?
Visit our website at www.peststop.com or call our Olympia office to schedule an inspection. Whether you’re in the heart of Olympia or out in Grand Mound, we’re here to help Thurston County stay pest-free — the smart way.