Pest control is the process of minimizing or removing a wide range of undesirable
insects and other pests from causing harms to people. The Program provides individual
consultation about the control of rodents and other public health pests. This includes
a distribution of rodent control information in neighborhoods associated with improper
solid waste handling, storage and disposal practices.
Rodents and Insects
The Snohomish Health District provides information on the control of rats and other
vectors. If you need to file a complaint please complete the
Complaint Form For Field Investigation and send it to:
Environmental Health Division
3020 Rucker Avenue, Suite 104
Everett, WA 98201-3900
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
The Sin Nombre virus (SNV), which causes Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is carried
by deer mice. Deer mice are found throughout Washington, particularly in rural areas. The Sin Nombre
Virus is excreted in the deer mouse saliva, urine and feces. SNV is transmitted when
people inhale aerosolized virus during activities that may disturb rodent nests or
droppings, such as sweeping.
The incubation period for HPS is one-six weeks;
nonspecific symptoms may appear within one-six days of infection. Early diagnosis and
management of HPS is critical for survival. HPS is fatal if left untreated.
Snohomish Health District does not bait or trap rats. Additional information on rat
control is listing below:
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease infections occur when an infected tick vector bites a person. There are
two species of ticks that are associated with Lyme disease, they are Ixodes scapularis
and Ixodes pacificus. Lyme disease occurs primarily in three distinct regions of the United States. These
regions are the Northeast, Midwest, especially Wisconsin and Minnesota, and less
commonly the West Coast.
People of all ages may be affected; however, children 5-9
years of age and adults 45-54 years of age seem to have the highest incidence of Lyme
disease.
If you believe an infected tick has bitten you, please contact the
Communicable Disease Department at 425.339.5278 or at
cdquestions@shd.snohomish.wa.gov.
For more information on Lyme disease, please visit the link below.
Cockroaches
Pest control is an important part of routine health inspections. While no food
establishment wants cockroaches, these pests are a part of daily life. The
health inspectors in the Environmental Health Division work with food
establishment operators to implement pest control maintenance plans.
Cockroaches are disgusting bugs; however, besides being creepy they may also cause
health problems. Cockroaches can expel "roach dust". "Roach dust" is particles such as
droppings or body parts that become aerosolized. These particles may then trigger
asthma in people who are sensitive. For more information on pest control in your home,
visit the links below.
West Nile Virus
Because of budget constraints, the Snohomish Health District is no longer performing
West Nile virus (WNV) environmental surveillance. However, if three or more sick or
dead birds are found at one time in one area, call the Washington State Department of
Fish & Wildlife at 1.800.606.8768.
You may report dead birds to the State Department of Health:
West Nile Virus
Contact Info