Auburn, WA Building Safety: Pest Control (2026)

Pest control on private property in Auburn falls under Auburn City Code (ACC) Chapter 8.12 nuisance provisions and the adopted International Property Maintenance Code, which require buildings to be kept free of rodent, insect, and vermin infestations. Owners and occupants must eliminate harborage conditions such as stored debris, unsecured garbage, standing water, and overgrown vegetation that attract rats, mice, wasps, and mosquitoes. Dumpsters and trash receptacles must have tight-fitting lids and be emptied regularly. Exterior openings larger than one-quarter inch must be screened or sealed to exclude rodents. Commercial food establishments are additionally regulated by the Seattle and King County Public Health Department, or Tacoma-Pierce County Health for Auburn parcels on the Pierce County side, under WAC 246-215 integrated pest management rules, and must maintain service records from a licensed pest control operator. Pesticide applicators must be licensed through the Washington State Department of Agriculture and follow label directions under RCW 17.21. Auburn Code Enforcement responds to complaints about vector conditions through the city reporting tool or by calling (253) 931-3000, and may issue notice-and-order correction letters with civil penalties under ACC 1.25 when conditions are not abated.