Canadian Pest Control for all provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick. Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland How to control, get rid of, eliminate, kill, exterminate, eradicate or manage bed bugs, sow bugs, spiders, wasps, ants, rats, mice and other pests. Bug identification.
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4441 Is there any known pesticide or biological pest control for the golden spotted oak borer?
It is difficult to apply insecticides to control some wood boring insects because they often spend much of their life where the pesticides won't reach so results may not be known for years. There is research ongoing to control the spotted oak borer but it is a relatively new pest in North America and it may take some time to see the results.

4440 Which is the strong gel or paste (chemical name) to kill cockroaches available in India? I tried boric acid and Plaster of Paris but no use.I don't like to use sprayers, etc. Shanta
Sorry Shanta, there is no possible way we can keep track of what pest control products are legally available in countries around the world.

4439 Can I use antifreeze to control mice. Joe. Alberta.
Absolutely not. It could be lethal for other animals and probably not as effective as legal registered rodenticides. Be sure to follow the label directions and adhere to the new regulations.

4438 I have had my mattress encased in a barrier for a couple of years. Just today when I flipped it I found a quarter size hole in the casing and in the mattress a foot of so from the edge. Found no obvious droppings, but did find scratch marks (?) on the plywood board I use to firm up the springs. I found no other holes or tears - so question is did I encase something that had to chew it's way out, or did something find it's way in on purpose to 'nest'. What might that something be? Thanks! Ed. Huntsville, Alabama.
Without seeing the problem we can only guess that the hole was chewed by a rodent.

4437 What is the average price in Ontario for mice and rat removal.
There are many variable conditions that will effect the cost of professional rodent control. If you contact professionals in your area and describe the problem and conditions they will be able to suggest probably costs. Directory of Pest Professionals

4436 We have had a severe swallow bug infestation in our home this summer. I have removed all the nests and used a ULV fogger with Cedarcide Best Yet . It helped a lot but now we have found a few more live bugs here in the middle of winter. I was thinking of using something pyrethrin based next time but can find a Canadian supplier that sells the product. all the sites are US and it takes almost a month to get here. Anyone else had to deal with these evil things and had good success ?
Swallow bugs, bat bugs and bed bugs are very similar in appearance and life cycle. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission lodged deceptive advertising charges against two companies marketing anti-bed bug products. They said there's no evidence that the ingredients in "Rest Easy" and "Best Yet!" � including cedar oil � can eliminate or prevent bed bugs. "Best Yet!," sold by Cedarcide Industries Inc., also claims to treat head lice. Also deceptive, the FTC says. The agency sued Cedarcide in federal court.
There is probably no pyrethrin product available in Canada to unlicensed people to use in a ULV fogger. It would not be legal to import and use a product without a Canadian registration number. Fogging the living space in a home would have very little if any effect on swallow bugs in their hiding places and it would probably not be in compliance with the label directions. Rather than break the law and risk the health of anyone, you should hire a licensed professional that knows what products to use and how to use them properly.

4435 Inside the wall of the house we are buying we found numerous red oval shells they are shaped kind of like an aspirin gelcap and deep red like brick. it was a newly constructed wall behind a washing machine. we also found a few in kitchen. Latrisha.
We do not like to publish wrong or misleading information so without a photo we can not offer an answer. Please send a photo and we will publish it on our pest photo identification pages.

4434 I think we may have fleas in the home, we treat cat with Advantix and there doesn't seem to be any evidence on the dog, but my daughter has maybe ten bites, how do we treat the house for fleas. Raija.
Most people who try to control fleas in a home, spend more money on control products (that are seldom 100% effective) than it would cost to hire a pest professional to do the job properly. Read some good tips here: Fleas

4433 My daughter has a serious infestation of carpet beetles. How can you get rid of carpet beetles - called one pest control company and they said there is no pesticide to spray and another says yes there is. Who do I believe?
Yes, pest professionals can spray to get rid of carpet beetles but there are steps you should take before the treatment. See Carpet Beetles

4432 If we bomb with insecticide is it dangerous for our neighbors below us.
It could be dangerous for everyone in the building! We have published many stories about explosions and fires caused by so called "Insect Bombs" or total release aerosol cans. The insecticide could also cause health problems for your neighbours. Please consider other methods that are appropriate for specific pests.

4431 WE CANNOT FIND A PLACE THAT SELLS CLOTH MOTH TRAPS IN MONTREAL. CAN YOU PLEASE LET US KNOW WHERE CAN ONE BUY THEM?
Clothes moth traps are available in some Home Hardware and Home Depot or other similar stores as well as from Amazon on the internet. Be aware that these traps will only attract male moths. The larva which do the damage to fabrics are not affected by the traps. The traps will not get rid of the pests but they will confirm they are present. See Clothes moths for more information. I you need professional help see this page of professional in Montreal: http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/quebec%20pest%20control.htm#Montreal

4430 sow bugs perform important function of? Usman. Rawalpindi
You will find the answers to your study of sow bugs on this web page: Sow Bugs

4429 I have recently moved to the country and each fall seem to be invaded by tens of thousands of, what I think are, picture wing flies which congregate on the side of the house. Is there some way of getting rid of these pests without damaging my vinyl siding?
Cluster flies commonly gather on the warm walls of homes in many parts of Canada in the fall. The picture-winged fly is also a common invader of homes in the fall. However, unlike cluster flies they do not survive indoors through winter and usually die out by the end of November. The larvae develop on decaying organic matter. If you send us a photo we will identify it for you. See this site for more information on flies. http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05502.html

4428 How can I remove bed bugs from my house? Asad. Milton, Ontario.
HOW TO GET RID OF BEDBUGS Find the solution to your infestation.

4427 I have millions of spiders creating webs on my lawn and house and they are crawling everywhere on the house. I've never seen such a thing. How can I get rid of them? Patty. Fairview, Alberta.
Please send us a photo. We need to know what species of spider they are to offer control solutions.

4426 what is the most important function of sow bugs. Uzma. Pakistan
Sow bugs can turn decaying vegetation into compost very effectively. (Better than earth worms)

4425 Great Site...RamblinBob. Does the Golden Buprestid Beetle reside in Ontario? Found a larvae that looks like it in a dead Poplar near Ottawa. Thanks...Bob.
Golden Buprestid beetles are found on the west coast of Canada and the USA. There are many other wood infesting beetles, some of which could be found in Ontario. See this fact sheet for more information: http://tidcf.nrcan.gc.ca/insects/factsheet/306

4424 We recently remodelled with laminate floors and underpinned our home with concrete blocking. We now have bugs every where what do we do? Deborah F. Murrayville, Georgia.
The first step in controlling pests is identification. Not all bugs are pests. Some may be beneficial and predators on others. Without more information we can not offer suggestions.

4423 hello i am trying to find an accurate trying to identify spiders we have seen in and around the home from Hamilton Ontario to Niagara falls region. we haven't been able to fine a chart that is specific to Ontario spiders we want to make sure we are identifying them correctly for safety reasons. Jamie. St. Catherines.
We do not have lists for specific areas. Try contacting the Royal Ontario Museum of Zoology. Toronto, Ontario or the University of Guelph. http://www.uoguelph.ca/search/?cx=011117603928904778939:tp3ks5ha2dw&cof=FORID:11&q=spiders&x=14&y=9

4422 Very interested in becoming retailer of residential insecticides products such as the powder and sprays for bedbugs (one example). What are the necessary steps to take to start ordering the supplies and P.O.P. to display the products for retail sales? Please let us know at your earliest convenience. Thank you.
Most provinces require pesticide vendors to be licensed and one employee on duty at all times to be a certified dispenser. In Manitoba Pesticide dealers must take the Pesticide Core and certify in one or more licence category. At least one licensed staff member must be available at a pesticide retail outlet during store hours. Every retail sale of commercial and/or restricted class pesticides must be made by a licensed pesticide dealer. Every business outlet must ensure all staff selling pesticides are licensed.
Read the details here: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/cropproduction/faa24s05.html
Wholesalers can only sell pesticides to licensed dealers or applicators.

4421 Can a licensed pest control technician without a fumigators license do fumigation readings? Darrel. Ontario.
Each province in Canada governs the licensing, certification and regulations regarding the application of pest control products. Fumigation is regulated more stringently than other pesticide application methods. Contact the Ontario ministry of environment for the regulation details.

4420 I have box elder bugs entering my home from the door and window crevices. What options to I have to get rid of them? Do you spray to help control them? Tanya. Picton, Ont.
Spraying box elder bugs with just soapy water will eliminate the one you see but many others will still find their way in through cracks and crevices. Caulking and repairs may be needed. Read more: Box Elder Bugs

4419 Hi there. I have a small organic farm and I want to use Cholecalciferol bait. Where can I buy it in Canada? James. Shawville, Quebec.
One of the popular rodent baits with this active ingredient is Quintox. We believe the registration for this product expired in 2008 so it is no longer available in Canada. There may be others still available but you should check and adhere to the label on any product you may find legally available. You should be aware of this information: "Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) May be used outdoors and inside greenhouses for rodent control when methods described in par. 5.6.1 of CAN/CGSB-32.310, Organic Production Systems � General Principles and Management Standards, have failed. Not allowed inside on-farm food processing and food storage facilities. Not allowed in organic food processing and food storage facilities." See: http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/ongc-cgsb/programme-program/normes-standards/internet/bio-org/permises-permitted-eng.html#a77

4418 I am an international student. I found some bugs in my apartment. They bite me badly and my body is filled up with scars and rashes. My furniture and everything is bought by me few months ago. So there is nothing I can bring in the apartment which could be harmful and having bugs.
I talked to the owner of my apartment and she said I have to pay half of the cost for pest control treatment. Its not my fault and on the other side I am suffering. Do I need to pay half of the cost (170$) ? O whom should I contact to confirm that?
You may be dealing with bed bugs. Most landlords would want to get rid of them as soon as possible but some may try to place blame on the tenant. There are laws that define responsibility in matters like this. Check this web site for more information: http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/access/land/residential-tenancies.asp

4417 Hi, I bought a machine to spray pesticide and i would like to know if you can buy some pesticide in my area without a permit or license. Thank You. Fernand. Moncton, NB.
Some pesticides are only available to licensed pest control professionals but there may be some that you can purchase from a licensed pesticide dispenser. Some municipalities and provinces prohibit the sale or use of some pesticides. It is illegal to use any pesticide that is not registered in Canada.

4416 We live in an adobe style home. Recently we have been hearing a lot of chewing and movement in the attic above our bedroom; (also we saw a rat running across the wire and get under the roof shingles) which is why I believe that is what's up in the attic) Shortly thereafter, I started to get bites all over me; they are definitely not bedbugs (we checked that out already) My question is, could we be getting bitten from mites from the rats? And if so, how do I get rid of the them? San Jose, CA. Jeanmarie.
The obvious suspect would be a rat (or family of rats). Rats are carriers of many potential health hazards for humans, including fleas. See this page for an example: http://www.ehow.com/about_4580124_which-diseases-do-fleas-carry.html . Read about rat control here: Rats,

4415 I just wanted to say thank you for your informational site which allowed me to identify a little beetle that keeps showing up around my home. I think I need a better vacuum!! Mary. Wayne, NJ

4414 Three days ago, I went to my kitchen drawer, where I keep my bottled medications in, and was surprised to see it filled with what looked like little dirty cotton balls, and a few dust bunnies. Three days prior to that, there was nothing unusual in it as both my husband and I looked through the drawer. we emptied it out, wiped it down, and to our shock, the next morning there it was again! We did the same, hoping against all hope, this would end, but again the following morning, even more "cotton balls"! I desperately need your advice or thoughts on this, as my kids are now afraid of the kitchen, feeling that there is paranormal activity happening! It only ever happens in that one drawer, where no food is kept, and only ever in the night after we are all asleep. Sharon. Surrey, BC.
You have a mouse stealing cotton stuffing from something, perhaps upholstered furniture. Leave the nesting material in the drawer and set some mouse traps in the drawer and under the kitchen sink. After a few days, stuff steel wool around the plumbing where it enters the cupboards.

4413 ARE those sonar plugin bug killers dangerous to Health...live in a small apartment and a neighbour uses them. upstairs,..Guess where those spiders and ants come, downstairs. Are they not illegal? I just leave home..help? Maire. Port Hadlock WA.
These devices are harmless to humans and we are not aware of any scientific evidence the have any effect on spiders or insects.

4412 We've had over 350 yellow jackets in the last week come into our home. I phoned pest control who said its common at this time of year and they were only trying to find a warm place to die. We've lived here for 3 years now and have never seen this before. Finding a few seems normal to me, but hundreds? My main concern is that a queen will overwinter and we will have major problem in the spring. The wasps vary in size and so do the markings on their abdomen. They appear to be coming from the heating vent on the floor in the second story bathroom. If i look out the bedroom window i can see many of them swarming around above the townhouse but my neighbors on either side don't have an issue. Hopefully you have some valuble advice and info. Also, im not a big fan insecticides. Nicole. Edmonton.
There is obviously a nest in the walls or ceiling cavity of the home. They will all eventually die except the fertilized queens that will leave the nest and seek shelter to overwinter. Try to find the exterior entry point and plug it. Wasps do not return to old nests but they could build a new one close to the old one.

4411 Hi, I have been having a wasp problem since the beginning of August. The wasps have set up shop in the wall of my front entrance and have found their way inside. For the most part they are contained in the area we use for boots, laundry, etc but some make it to the main part of the house where they die trying to get through closed windows. We tried a wasp foam in the outside hole they come in through but cannot find where they come into the house from the wall (it's an older rental property with many cracks and crevices). For a while the wasps died quickly (i think because of the foam) and appeared dormant once inside but now they are back to flying and taking me by surprise. Needless to say, I am getting awfully sick of coming home to kill and/or dispose of 15-20 (minimum) wasps on a daily basis and worrying if I will find then under my toes or other less pleasant places. All in all my question is: Will this problem subside with winter on its way or are the wasps here to stay in the warmth of my home? Should I call an exterminator? I am getting awfully stressed by these little "buggers" and could use some help. Thank you, Heather
As the weather cools, the wasps will become dormant. Only some of the fertilized queens will survive but they will leave the nest and seek a new location in the spring to build a new nest. Once there is no activity, you should plug the entry hole outside.

4410 Hello, am currently in the UK visiting my fianc�e in his flat there is a farrow ant problem the exterminator has came out twice now and put bait out in a few places but did not spray.. I am getting bit and I do have a few medical problems .. is there anything I and my fianc�e can buy to get rid of this problem our selves?? Chrissy. London, England.
Spraying insecticides to control pharaoh ants will make the problem much worse. The colony will bud (split up) and relocate making the nests much harder to find and control. The best control method is placing the right quality ant bait in the right quantities and right locations. It may take some time to eliminate the colonies so you must be patient. Most people who try to control pharaoh ants themselves usually make the job more difficult for the professional. Read more: Pharaoh Ants

4409 I have a bed bug problem like many Montrealers. The building's exterminator came about 2 months ago and only treated my appartment. I was unbitten for a week or two, but now I still wake up with bites. Tired of waiting for the exterminator, I bought DE. The bottle said to spread it under and over my mattress along with all wall cracks and openings. My question is: since there is DE on my mattress, and now on my sheets, is it OK to wash the sheets in the washing machine or will this make a paste and clog? Should I shake the blankets outside before washing? Will I not breathe this powder during the night when sleeping over it?
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is like broken glass to an insect crawling over it. It scratches the outer surface of insects causing them to dehydrate. Most people use far too much which encourages insects to find another route to their destination. DE is not something you should breath. Use a dust mask when applying a thin layer where insects travel. Washing sheets should not be a problem. Most exterminators will do more than one treatment to control bedbugs about 10 to 14 days apart.

4408 We noticed our neighbor catching and removing squirrels from the back. Now we have less squirrels but have noticed rats the first time in 14 years. Is there a connection? Just to let you know that we have been feeding birds with a feeder for years.
The solution is simple! Stop feeding the birds. You could be attracting rats from half a mile away. The birds will survive quite well without your help. Feeding them disrupts their normal feeding habits.

4407 Hi, I' m living almost for 8 months in the same apartment. Since I moved to apartment, we scratched and we supposed this scratched because of food or season or cold weather but after 3 months, we find out insect that is bedbug. I searched from internet how to get rid of from these insects. I used some insecticide for kill insect but after 1 week they appear again. I noticed this condition to my landlord but actually she claimed that there was no problem like this before, and said this insect come with you. So what can I do to get rid of this problem ,I change my pillow and bed because of insect but they are still appear. Could you give me any recommendation about this. who is the responsible in this condition me or my landlord ? Because my location is lower income area so I think everyone has the same problem. And my apartment flooring is hardwood so how can I know its exist with me or before me. Thanks.
We do not advice on the legal side of pest problems. You should probably contact the local city health department or city housing. Trying to get rid of them without professional help may make the problem worse.

4406 We have LOTS of clear looking lizards in the house and on the outside walls(outside ones come out at night)My brain knows they can't hurt me but I'm still terrifed of them!! What are they and How can I get rid of them? PLEASE HELP!!! I am from north Alabma and I have never had this problem before!! Thank You!!
Sorry we are not familiar with clear looking lizards. If you send a photo we can publish it and perhaps someone will be able to offer some help.

4405 I have sent in a photo of the bug that we suspect was attacking our horses. I still have one more question about water bugs in general and was wondering if there possibly be a type of water bug that would actually bite larger prey?
We are not aware of any bug (except flies and ticks) that would attack horses.

4404 Hi: Will eating the larvea, webbing and Moths that infest a soybean meal product cause any health problems, if they accidently end up in a meal? Should any of this leftover food be thrown out or is it harmless or can it be made harmless?
Soybean meal products are usually very inexpensive so you should throw the infested product out. You should also check other dry foods and use air tight containers for storage.

4403 I have, besides the usual mice in cold weather chipmunks and maybe squirrels...the mouse seed I usually put in the crawl space is not working for the bigger fellows...what do I do to get rid of them?
Mouse seed poison will be taken off the market next year. Chipmunks, squirrels and rats should be controlled with traps. Dead rodents can cause a terrible odour problem and they may be difficult to find.

4402 I used shampoo for all lice. I sprayed for bed bugs and I still am getting bit. I find white spots on the tables and rust specks. Please help.
If you read the information on our GET RID OF BEDBUGS web page, you will see that just spraying pesticides will not solve your problem.

4401 How can I control Wireworms (larval stage of Click Beetles) in my vegetable garden? They have destroyed our potato and corn crop. James. Prince Albert, Sask.
There are few if any pest control products available in Canada to control wireworm. The best solution is probably integrated crop management. The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture has published some helpful information on this web page: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/00-047.htm#manage

4400 Which pesticide will kill the indian mealmoths? Konesh. Brampton, Ont.
Adult indian mealmoths are only a problem when they lay eggs near or in a food source for the developing larva. To get rid of them you will have to get rid of any potential foods that are, or may get infested. Open dry foods, pet food, bird seed are just a few examples. Read more about Indian Meal Moth

4399 After 31 years in the same house we now have seen Silverfish in the bathroom. We've renovated several times but only now have we seen these pests. Recently we had all our windows and doors replaced..could this have anything to do with them? And, how do we get rid of them?? They're gross! Thanks for your help. Leslie. St. Johns NL.
The new windows and doors may have resulted in much higher humidity on your home. Silverfish like a humid environment and they are likely to find it in your bathroom if the ventilation is poor. Perhaps you should use the exhaust fan more frequently.

4398 hi i live in Windsor city .need to know how many pigeons i can keep in cage from my backyars? and i will need permit for keep pigeons? thanks.
This will be a municipal matter. Every town and city will have different laws and we can not research them all. Contact Windsor city officials.

4397 What is the antibiotic used for brown recluse bite. If left un treated what are the symptoms?
We do not provide information on medical questions but this may help: Although an antidote has been developed, it is not widely available and it appears to be most effective before the lesion develops. In some cases, antibiotics and a drug may be used successfully to treat the bites without surgery, but these decisions are made after careful diagnosis by a doctor. Prompt medical attention is critical to successful chemical or surgical treatment of the bite. A brown recluse bite may go unnoticed for 3-8 hours, before the bite area reddens, swells and becomes tender. Blistering of the wound will start to appear. In some instances, a bite victim may become feverish and feel nauseous. A necrotic lesion (i.e., an area of dead skin tissue) may develop and require surgery.

4396 What kills wood-bugs? Bob. Sarnia, Ont.
Dry air. Read more about sow bugs and pill bugs on this page: Sow Bugs

4395 I moved into a newly constructed small condo building (10 units) which seems to have an infestation of tiny , redish, almost translucent ants, possibly Pharaoh ants, although they seem smaller than 2mm. They seem to be coming out of caulking in the walls and are found in kitchens, bathrooms, even dens. They were noticed by someone living on the third floor 6 weeks after he moved in and seem in all apartments now. Barbara, Vancouver, BC.
Without a photo we can not identify the ant species and offer control suggestions. If they are Pharaoh ants and someone sprayed them with an insecticide, they would have budded. This means the colony would split and move to other locations in the building. The best control solution would be baiting by an experienced professional. It can be a long, time consuming process.

4394 I know female cockroaches produce egg capsules, but I wonder if the baby cockroaches come out of the capsules or the egg capsules will break and the eggs inside will then spread out on the top of surface. I am asking this because I often saw dozens black dots spreading on the surface of the cupboards inside. I don't know if those tiny dots are eggs of cockroaches. Need an answer. Thanks. Fred.
Female cockroaches are sometimes seen carrying egg cases on the end of their abdomen; the egg case of the German cockroach holds about 30 to 40 long, thin eggs in a case called an ootheca. The egg capsule may take more than five hours to lay and is initially bright white in color. The eggs are hatched from the combined pressure of the hatchlings gulping air. The hatchlings are initially bright white nymphs and continue inflating themselves with air, becoming harder and darker within about four hours. A female German cockroach drops the capsule prior to hatching, though live births do occur in rare instances. Development from eggs to adults takes 3 to 4 months.

4393 I have just noticed a large swarm of small red looking ants with wings nesting by a down pipe on the corner of our sunroom (4 seasons)I sprayed the entire colony with a fly/mosquito spray which killed them quick. Never in my 35 years with this home have we ever seen such. Can you give me any ideas and some proactive thoughts?
There are numerous species of small red ants. Without a photo we cannot identify the species and offer any advice. Ants with wings are reproductive males and females swarming from the nest. They represent only a small part of the population and seldom cause any problems other than being a nuisance. Spraying them with a pesticide will have little or no effect on the main colony.

4392 We have a firebrat infestation under the cabinet in the kitchen in my condo. What is the best pesticide to get rid of them as many product (e.g. Dekko silverfish pack) is not available in Toronto? Thanks.
Firebrats like the damp environment under kitchen sinks. Even though there may be no plumbing leaks, there is often condensation on the pipes and bottom of the sink. You could try caulking the gap where the pipes come through the wall. Leaving the doors propped open for a while will help ventilate the cavity and reduce the humidity. Pesticides will provide only temporary relief.

4391 I've been having an insect infestation but I cannot see the bugs or catch any. I think they started when I was clearing my papers and notes in the basement which had flooded in July. They crawl all over the bed and me and have entered my nose, ears etc. From one bedroom I seem to have carried the bugs to other rooms. Initially they didn't bite but now they are biting. I cannot sleep. Once I thought I had caught one but I lost it. It looked like a black speck, that's all. Its not normally visible and I don't know how to catch it. The interesting thing is I'm the only one that feels the insects and the one that's bitten. I'm the only female in the house! Could these be some form of mites? If so how can I be sure and who can help? I'm going crazy so please help. Thanks very much. Nell. Edmonton.
Sorry we can not offer any advice on your problem when the only description is "a black speck". We have heard of similar situations where the final diagnosis was delusionary parasitosis. You may wish to discuss this with your Doctor.

4390 Would someone please be able to tell me if my Landlord has to pay for the cost of replacing all of our bedroom furniture? we have Bedbugs and i know that the dresser is garbage our mattress our sons mattress and night tables are all garbage, we need to know what our right is as tenants and we seem to not be able to find anything..... thank you for your time!
We do not offer advice on legal matters. There are different laws in different jurisdictions. Some things to consider; Were there bed bugs in the rental unit before you moved in? Did the bed bugs move from another unit into yours? Did you bring the bed bugs into the unit?

4389 Thank you! I need to keep squirrels off my garden. Where can I buy fox urine in Toronto? Please help.
Apparently Canadian tire sells fox urine, but you may be wasting your money. Like most repellents it will probably not solve the problem. Read the reviews on this web page: http://reviews.canadiantire.ca/9045/0593513P/no-critter-ridder-reviews/reviews.htm

4388 I am deathly allergic to wasps . What fabric would be used for a suit so that I can go outside in the yard. should be light weight if possible. Kate. Calgary.
If you must go where you could threaten a wasp nest, you could consider wearing a full bee keepers suit and hat. Here are some tips:

If one lands on your skin, resist the urge to swat and instead gently blow on it from a distance.
If stung, remove the stinger, clean the area with soap and cold water and apply ice. Benedryl and hydrocortisone ointment may also help calm the reaction.
Should you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as tongue and throat swelling, wheezing, dizziness, shortness of breath or drop in blood pressure, call 911.
If allergic to stinging insects, learn how to use an epinephrine kit and carry it with you at all times.
If you suspect an infestation or notice a hive or nest on your property, contact a licensed pest professional to safely remove the threat.

4387 How do I get rid of voles from my lawn without harming my small pet dog? Penny. Belleville, Ont.
Voles may be discouraged around a residence by keeping vegetation to a minimum and grass mowed short. Screen fences will keep them out of small areas. Traps baited with peanut butter and oatmeal should be placed in pet proof bait boxes or pieces of drain pipe. Rodent poison can be used as a last resort but should be in child and pet proof bait stations. There is some good information on this web page: http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7439.html#MANAGEMENT

4386 do sowbugs bite? Christine. Edmonton.
No. Read more about Sow Bugs

4385 I recently discovered a large ant colony in the loft of my workshop. The ants look much like carpenter ants, however the environment in the loft is very dry. The ants were nested on the ceiling joists and there appeared to be lots of eggs, larva and pupae as well. The nests were very greasy and black. I removed the nests and exterminated the ants but could not find any evidence of boring in the wood, which is very dry and quite new (I built the shop in 2005). Is it unusual for carpenter ants to build nests in a clean dry environment like that or could they be another species? Alex. Gagetown, NB
It is common for carpenter ants to establish satellite nests in dry locations such as attics. The workers will gather food and moisture and take it to the nest. You should look for other nests in the walls and floor.

4384 I believe we have a huge amount of case moths attached to our foundation. We have had a few in the house and under the edge of the cedar shingles. They look like dried up sticks about 1/4" long. Is there a way to get rid of them. They are very hard to remove and when pulling them off they seem to lose their heads. We live in Pubnico Nova Scotia and last year was the first time we had ever seen them. I asked a neighbour who is into plants big time and she had never seen anything like it. we just want them gone. Can you help? \jo-Ann. Nova Scotia.
You could use a power washer or strong stream of water from a garden hose.

4382 How long should you leave your home after getting sprayed for bedbugs ..John. Oshawa, Ont.
It depends on what products are used, how much was used and how and where it was applied. The professional doing the control work must follow regulations and should inform you of the vacancy period.

4381 I am in the final stages of the exterminator getting rid of bed bugs, have not seen any for several days, they sprayed 6 times over a period of 3 months, now i have a pest that is so small i cannot hardly see it, it bites my ankles and lower legs and also in my hair. please tell me what to do to eradicate it. William, Waco, Texas.
We can not offer advice on an unknown pest. Try to capture a sample and show it to a local professional.

4380 How do you control sea gulls that are landing on flat roof top and making nests there? Brenda. Sydney, Nova Scotia
There are many ways to discourage birds from nesting and roosting depending on the situation. A professional would asses the conditions and they install the right control products such as netting, spike strips, shock strips, or noise and visual apparatus. Know what will work best requires experience from someone who has practiced bird control, knows the laws and is well trained.

4379 I have been working my way around a Carpenter Ant problem in our home for a few years now. We tracked them down to entering through our fruit cellar and into our home. They traveled quite a distance to get to my workshop where they were feeding on my kids water colour paints that he left out. It was very strange. I ended up putting that Ant syrup out for them and the ants fed on it like cattle at a water trough. That was a few years ago. This year was flying ants - I think mostly males. Not sure. This past July I had my fruit cellar ceiling spray foamed. The insect and mouse problem has been solved (I think). I tracked down a small hole that I also foamed and think they were coming in there. I was painting my deck found another problem. I can see ants are going up inside my Stucco home where the deck is built into the home. This area of my home is becoming quite the problem. I don't know why the did not seal the home up and then build the deck. The builder must have build the deck onto the home then finished the stucco after. On my deck, I have lots of doubled up 2x8's which are like Carpenter Ant freeways. I don't know if they are living in between them or just a highway for them. If we had a nest inside the home, would we not see more ants. We only seem to have ants in May/June then we rarely see any inside the home. I see that you say on your site that if you see them in January the nest is probably in the home. Any suggestions?
The workers in a carpenter ant colony are busy 24 hours a day for most days in the year chewing galleries to make nests and gathering food for the larva. You could spend a lifetime caulking every opening in your home and never be able to keep carpenter ants out. If they want in, they will chew a new entry hole. The foam you sprayed on the ceiling will make an excellent new home for a satellite nest. Carpenter ants love foam insulation. It's easy to chew. A common place to find nests is where decks are attached, especially if flashing was not properly installed. Ants will forage for food inside a home in the spring, then forage outside when the weather gets warmer. They don't abandon the nests in a home. In our experience, the most difficult carpenter ant problems we had to service was in homes where the homeowner tried to eliminate the ants for years. You could probably save yourself a lot of money, damage and frustration by hiring a professional to do it right.

4378 Thank- you for the info. on carpenter ant's. I have searched every where on the web, to find out why I see more carpenter ant's @ nite all over my tree, than in the day. Finally, I found out the reason on your site. And it makes sense once you think about it. And all the info on the box elder bugs. Thank-you again. carol c.

4377 I am looking for wasp traps to hang in my yard. Bob. Windsor, Ontario.
Many pest professionals stock wasp traps for sale in their offices.
http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/ontario%20Pest%20Control.htm You could also make your own economical version:
See the example here: http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/INSECTS/wasp_traps.htm

4376 I have an infestation of boxelder bugs. I have them everywhere. There on the side of the house, on my outside furniture and on my plants. I think they are even responsible for part of my lawn dying. The only trees that I have a red maple and a small evergreen. I have tried using a spray of soap and water and it works however there are so many of them. Who would I call to be able to help me out with this problem.
Call a pest professional that is licensed for both structural and landscape pest control. You will find some listed in our directory: http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/ontario%20Pest%20Control.htm#Barrie

4375 Id like to know where I can find a dusting can for bed bug powder .So I can put powder in elec switches and baseboards can you please help. thanks Daniel..
Most equipment suppliers sell only to licensed professionals. One of the professionals in your area may be willing to obtain one for you. Insecticide dust can be quite hazardous so you should wear a hepa filter respirator and be very cautious and conservative when using it. You may also have difficulty purchasing an effective residual product.

4374 Brand new house, with old pine beam in one room. Beneath the beam (on the floor) are little areas of dark dust (not as fine as powder post beetles). No holes visible on the exposed portion of the beam, but areas of dust line up perfectly with pine knots that appear to be roughed up. No ant "body parts" apparent in the dust. No daytime evidence of any pests. Maple syrup and borax mix was ignored. New pine in the same vicinity is now starting to show same effect- dust on floor corresponding to knots above. Anyone have a guess? I'm stumped. Bill. Kingston, Ontario.
Maple syrup and borax will not solve your problem but an application of Timbor could work. This product is only available to licensed professionals. It is mixed with hot water to make a super saturated solution that is sprayed on wood to control beetles. It is not as effective on carpenter ants as other products. Homemade solutions may save you money, but if the beam in your new home eventually collapses, professional help would have been a bargain.

4373 Is it illegal to use rat poison to kill squirrels? Deborah. Ottawa, Ont.

There are no jurisdictions in North America or the United Kingdom that permit poisoning of tree squirrels. There are no poisons that are registered for killing squirrels, that is, there are no poisons that can be lawfully used for this purpose. Even if poison were approved for squirrels, their extensive range, up to 10 hectares (25 acres), would require the use of enormous amounts of poison that would kill other wildlife and contaminate water supplies. When homeowners manage to kill attic squirrels with rat poison (unlawfully), the squirrel usually dies in a tight space where it was seeking to exit the house. Rotting corpses of squirrels in walls and crawl spaces can be difficult to remove without requiring major repair jobs and may cause a terrific stench for weeks or sometimes months.

4372 i moved into my apartment less then a month ago and of course when i moved in i started to see cockroaches.... i have been nice and asked them to spray they sprayed once and i still saw them so i asked nicely again and they said they would let me know when the guy is coming in to spray that was 2 weeks ago they are now in my microwave and everything i want to know if my landlord is obligated to replace my stuff as i obviously dont think that its fair that i should have to. any suggestions?
We do not give advice on legal matters. Most provinces have a Landlord/Tenant act or laws that ensure tenants are treated fairly and landlords can protect their interests. Local health departments may also take action in health related issues.

4371 There is a bed bug infestation at my place of employment in a low income housing facility. The landlord has bought diatomaceous earth which is a type of pesticide to control the issue but expects the staff to utilize this throughout the building. He has no intention of hiring a professional for this matter. What are my and tenants' legal rights concerning this situation? Thank you.
We do not give advice on legal matters. Diatomaceous earth will not get rid of a bed bug infestation but it may slow down their travel throughout the building. Contact the organization that owns the building and the local health department.
See HOW TO GET RID OF BEDBUGS

4370 How do you get rid of red aunts when you can not find a nest and they are coming in our home .
You may not be able to find the colony nest but a pest professional probably can, and also identify the ant species so the proper treatment can be determined. Try to eliminate any food sources that may be attracting them into your home.

4369 What electronic devices can I install in my yard to keep animals, especially raccoons and skunks away. I heard that there is a device that shoots our signals not audible to humans but only to animals that keeps them away. I know they have them in the US but where can I get them here in Canada or Toronto? Joe.
You may be able to purchase ultrasonic pest repelling devices at outlets that are licensed to sell pesticides, but you will probably be wasting your money. These devices usually have little effect and if they do work it will be short term as wildlife gets used to the sound. Trapping and relocation is a better solution.

4368 We moved into a place that has German cockroaches, we have received a lot of advice but to no avail and no help from the owner we are left to one option and that is moving. My question is how do we move without taking any with us? Jan. Calgary, Alberta.
Take all the steps you can to eliminate cockroaches in your apartment before you move. As you pack cartons, place a cockroach bait station in each carton and seal with tape. Be prepared to continue control measures in your new apartment.
See theis web page for help: Cockroaches,

4367 The lawn bowling greens of Nutana Lawn Bowling club are infested with small (3 or 4 mm long), red ants. These ants build small mounds of sand which kills the bentgrass underneath the mound and which severely dulls the reel mower used to cut the grass at 1/8 inch height. What can be used to eradicate the ant colonies? One green is 1350 sq. meters in size. John, Saskatoon, Sk.
You should first have the ant species identified. The University of Sask. may be able to help or an experienced local pest professional. Some ants can be eliminated using bait but it can be a slow process. A professional pesticide spray may be the best solution if it is legal in that area.

4366 There has been a carpet beetle infestation in my apartment building. I personally don't have a problem with it, but I'm concerned that fumigating just the one apartment won't eradicate the problem. I fear that the beetles will just relocate themselves to a different apartment. I've tried researching this online, but couldn't find an accurate answer. In terms of getting rid of these bugs and protecting the rest of the building, what laws must my landlord follow? They have been awful about the upkeep of this building in the past and I want to make sure they take care of this properly. Jen. Peterborough, Ont.
We do not offer an opinion on landlord/tenant issues but if there is a threat that carpet beetles could invade your apartment you should take necessary preventative measures. Thorough and frequent vacuuming will help. See other suggestions on this web page: Carpet Beetles

4365 What is a trap which I can use for clothes moth? Your article does not explain and I have had lots of them over the spring. Thank you. Margaret. Manitoba
You may be able to purchase monitoring traps from a local pest control professional but you should take other steps to eliminate eggs and larva. See Clothes moths

4364 We have a hole about 5 inches wide have covered it but looked in and there is a tunnel made by some rodent? under our lawn it looks to be about 4 inches high and goes different directions what we actually have no idea what this is from? HELP! we may go thru the lawn and break a leg one day.
It sounds like you have a problem with moles. They are not easy to eliminate but you will find some helpful information on our moles page. Moles.

4363 i moved into a new apartment in June its on the last floor ( 3rd floor ), evey night at 9pm these bugs come out from the roof and start banging them self around the corners of the roof and also on the windows of the back door , i found out their called the Northern masked chafer , i read a lot about grass issues , theirs this big back yard but im on the 3rd floor and i would like to know if theirs a way to get rid of them from the roof top or if i do have to call the landlord to put pesticide on the grass , their really annoying ...
Northern masked chafer control can be very difficult. This web site explains some methods that will reduct the population. http://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/white-grubs-lawns

4362 HOW DO I GET RID OF AGGRESSIVE HONEY BEES THAT HAVE INVADED MY SITTING AREA OF MY SHADE FLOWER GARDEN?
Most people would welcome honey bees in their gardens. They are beneficial in pollinating the plants. Honey bees are generally not aggressive and are seldom a threat to humans unless they or their nest is threatened. If there is a large swarm a local bee keeper may be interested in capturing and re-locating them.

4361 I have an infestation of stink bugs. What can I use to get rid of them .
Mechanical exclusion is the best method to keep stink bugs from entering homes and buildings. Cracks around windows, doors, siding, and other openings should be sealed with silicone-latex caulk. Damaged screens on doors and windows should be repaired or replaced. In the fall, exterior applications of insecticides may offer some minor relief from infestations where the task of completely sealing the exterior is difficult or impossible and should be applied by a licensed pest control operator just prior to bug congregation.

4360 Can bedbugs be fully eliminated? I recently discovered I had them and I'm feeling hopeless. I live in an apartment and I'm scared we won't get rid of them before our baby arrives. I have nobody to talk to about this, my family and friends don't want anything to do with me and I understand that. My landlord is getting someone but it seems to be taking forever and I don't want them to spread more. Please advise.
Eliminating bed bugs requires thorough inspections by well trained and experienced pest professionals who know what to look for and where to look. If your landlord hires the right professionals and there is full cooperation from all the tenants the problem can be eliminated, bug...... it could take multiple treatments over a period of time.

4359 What if I told you that I solved my bedbug problem by applying a safe and ordinary skin moisturizer after every shower for 6 months? I don't know the end result regarding the bedbugs, but I do know that I have not had any bedbug bites in almost a year and there is no evidence of them in my bed. My roommate still is bitten; she sleeps in a different room and she doesn't use the cream!
Many people do not apply solutions to repel bed bugs and they do not get bitten. Some may, and not realize it. Bed bugs seem to be attracted to some people more than others and some people do not react to bites. The bed bugs in your roommate's bedroom may be satisfied with the food source available in that room. As the population increases they may spread throughout the home.

4358 I have spiders (hundreds) that have infested my bushes - what is the best way to eradicate them - is there a water based product that could be used. Thank you. Ed. Mississauga.
What kind of spiders are they? Spiders are predators on insects so they may be beneficial. Getting rid of them may cause a more serious problem. Send a close-up, in focus photo and we will attempt to identify the spiders. Spraying soapy water will often eliminate insect pests.

4357 i read that if you mix 4 cups of ammonia and 1 cup lemon dish soap this will help with the snake promblem, but is it harmful to dogs amd cats.
We are not familiar with this concoction but ammonia is not something you would want pets to come in contact with.

4356 How can I get rid of brown wood snakes? Thank you, Frances. Penobsquis New Brunswick.
We are not aware of any snake in Canada called "Brown Wood". There is a ring neck garter snake that can have a brown body. They are harmless and usually considered beneficial eating slugs and insects.

4355 There are sow bugs working in the base of a neighbour's tree. It is a 60' Manitoba maple and i was concerned that they could cause it to fall eventually. Can they be rid of? Frank. Toronto.
Sow bugs are commonly found in the wet decaying base of trees. They do not cause the decay but they like the moist environment.

4354 Are there brown recluse spiders in Quebec (near Ottawa, Ont)? I was bitten in bed, I believe by a spider recently. I had a severe itch reaction but no pain. I got a bad infection, swollen finger full of puss, fever, diahhrea, etc. I had heavy antibiotics for 2 weeks to heal. I have found and killed a brown spider which might be one, but hard to tell. Please advise asap if its possible & if so I will send a photo.
While it is possible for brown recluse spiders to be accidentally imported into Canada we are not aware of any evidence to indicate there is a permanent established population. If you have photos please send them.

4353 I have identified my ants as pharaoh ants or thief ants. Super tiny light brown ants that are attracted to grease and are currently confined to a small area of my kitchen. For the last 10 days I have baited the area with boric acid and peanut butter with no success. If I put boric acid directly on the surface they crawl all over it but don't die. I have more ants now than ever. What do I do now??? I want to "nip this in the bud" Thank you
Using bait to control pharaoh ants requires patience and persistence. You should also use a professionally formulated quality bait. The cost is low compared to the potential cost of contaminated food. Place only small amounts of bait strategically and replace it frequently. There could be a hundred thousand ants in one colony so it could take weeks to eliminate them all. Many home owners eventually give up and call an experienced professional.

4352 My staff members recently went swimming in our dugout. The next day they all developed red, raised, itchy welts that look very much like insect bites. They are all over their bodies, not in any specific location. Is there any kind of insect that lives in the water or the mud that would have caused these bites?
There are numerous health risks associated with stagnant water including Malaria and dengue, mosquitoes, parasites and alga or bacteria causing rashes. Medical professionals should be consulted to determine the nature of the problem

4351 hi! where having problems about the flea from cats 3 weeks ago since my boyfriend have given away the cats to humaine society, after that were having huge flea in the garden coz the cats use to live near the garden (the shade)and i think thousands of them, and every time we pick veges in there right away the flea all over you? how can we get rid of them? if we spray its not gonna harm the plants in the garden? pls help me? thank you!
Eliminating fleas outdoors is almost impossible, although some reduction in their population can be achieved using pesticides, although this could leave a toxic residue on edible plants. There are few environmental products, and most involve relatively toxic poisons from which many fleas have developed at least some resistance. Additionally all environmental flea products are fairly nonspecific in their spectrum and will easily kill beneficial insects and arachnids as well. Fortunately fleas tend to live on the ground, so product application should only be on the ground, not on bushes, trees and flowers where bees might be affected. You should concentrate yard efforts on the shady areas nearest the house, or anywhere pets sleep in the yard.

4350 Hello, i wanted to ask you how I can get rid of houseflies. I have them as soon as I sit out on the deck. There is no garbage around, I don't live on a farm, although I am in the country with fields all around me. I have one dog that has a house outside. We are clean people, but yet every summer we have flies, and so does our neighbour. Is there a natural solution to getting rid of them? I have heard of using clove oil, or camphor tablets, or hanging bags of water at entrance ways with pennies in them. I have not tried any of these. Just wondering before I start going out to buy all of these if they would work, or is there a natural predator that would eat the fly cacoon/larvae before they hatch. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
You may have cluster flies (see Flies ) If you send a photo we will identify them. There are different control methods for different fly species.

4349 Every evening around 9pm every tree in our neighbourhood is swarming with some type of bee/wasp/hornet. I don't have a picture because I am afraid to get close. I have looked during the day and cannot find a nest in the tree in our backyard. Our tree is a new maple we just planted this year and is small with few leaves so it would be hard to hide a nest. The other trees are different types but all have the same bug problem. They seem larger than wasps and are almost triangular in shape. They appear to be all black. They fly in the same way as bees/wasps/hornets. We have always had a yellow jacket problem here each summer and have found if we eliminate nests on our property in the spring than the rest of the summer is tolerable. I'm concerned about the volume of these pests so early in the season. Any idea what they are or what I can do?
Without a photo we can not identify the insect and suggest a control solution. Bees, wasps and hornets can all be considered a beneficial insect. They pollinate our vegetation and some are predators on harmful bugs. We should not kill all of them.

4348 I have a problem with Pill Bugs. I live in a below ground apartments and they crawl all over my patio. I have painted my patio walls and floor with oil paint, sprayed with Raid but they still visit. Believe me, they are unwelcomed guests. I have an indoor cat that goes out on the patio so spray treatment needs to be safe for her. Any suggestions on controlling these crawlers would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
It may be impossible to eliminate Pill Bugs on a below grade patio. Try to keep the area dry. Do not water vegetation on or near the patio. Spraying pesticides is not the solution.

4347 i have big rats in my apartment an they are climbing into my newborn crib my slum lord will not fix the issue what do i do who can i turn to 4 help an to move. Carol. Yonkers
Call the local health department and ask them to inspect the building.

4346 I have found one spider that I have successfully identified as the masked hunter, it is a baby (all dusty). I found it in my closet. What shall I do if I have only found/seen one? Do I let it go for now or need to take action now? what action?\Thank you.
Masked hunters are not spiders. They are actually assassin bugs. They can inflict a painful bite so you should look for others and get rid of them.

4345 I have a lot of sow bugs and today found some under the bark of my small tree. Do they cause the bark to come off or is there another bug that does that as this issue is happening to my large type of maple tree and my small one.
Something else caused the bark to come loose, creating a moist environment that sow bugs like.

4244 I had a white moth like bug attached to my door casing did not move for a few days. Yesterday morning it was gone and I had hundreds of ants on my porch. Could they be connected?
It is possible the moth was a food source for the ants. Without photos it is hard to say.

4243 Hello, We are travelling to Cuba at Christmas and have read some reports that there have been bed bugs in some hotels, is there anything we can purchase here in Ontario to bring with us, just in case there are some. Hoping you can help or advise? Elaine. Brantford, Ont.
There are products available that may prove there are bedbugs present in a hotel room but there is no simple way to eliminate them and prevent them from feeding on you. When you arrive in your room do a thorough inspection using some of theses tips: Finding Bed Bugs If you find any, ask for another room.

4242 We live on 5 acres and were inundated with tent caterpillars last year. We saw there tent cocoons but trees are 80 to 100 feet high. We are having a wedding on the property and they are starting to hatch and eat the new emerging leaves. Can we stop them from reaching other trees they have not started on yet? Is there any environmental organization I could call for information? Help!! Gwen. Prince George, BC.
There is very little you can do to control tent caterpillars on tall trees. Nests that are closer to the ground can be cut out and burned or sprayed with BTK. Fortunately they seem to cycle about every 7 years. Most trees that have their leaves eaten will survive. For more information see this Washington University web site:
http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/homehort/pest/tent_caterpillar_biology.htm

4241 Every year around May we get an infestation of carpenter ants. When we see them, we coat them with diatomaceous earth which we assume gets carried back to the nest because in about three weeks they disappear and we're safe until the next spring. There are many trees in our neighbourhood so we assume there's a parent colony somewhere. Question: since we do seem to get rid of the carpenter ants each spring, do you think we are destroying the main nest, or just a seasonal satellite colony? Yesterday we napalmed about a hundred we saw carrying larva outside our house. We can't afford an exterminator, so we'd appreciate your input.
Diatomaceous earth may kill a few ants that it contacts, but only a few ants leave the nests to forage for food. In early spring you will see them inside. As the weather warms they will venture outside to forage. Most people who try to eliminate carpenter ants themselves, eventually realize calling a professional would have cost much less than repairing the damage to their homes. Eliminating the parent nest in the roots of a tree may be impossible but the satellite nests in your home can be destroyed, hopefully before they destroy part of your home.

4240 I have phorid flies all over my house...i have 1400 sq.ft home...very clean home..no plants, and thoroughly examined and cleaned my home to find an type of organic matter which found nothing. My husband cleaned out all pipes in home...nothing. We , a year ago...completely took out all bathrooms, kitchen and etc... and redid the house completely. My husband is a general contractor so he did everything and knows the house is sealed tight. We hired xxxx pest control and they cannot figure it out, they sprayed and sprayed and still did not work. We are stumped. They are driving me crazy. they are all over, i cant even speak without one going in my mouth. some days its ok...i don't see many , other days i see many many many. please help me figure this out. they said it can be coming from my walls or floors...how do i know that for sure , plus there's no known leaks or break in pipes. im on septic. we treated our drains and septic. please help me figure it out. thank you tina. Florida.
1. Get a second opinion. Have the flies identified again by another pest control professional or university.
2. Read the information on this web page: Phorid Flies then re-inspect your home.
3. Clean every plumbing drain with an enzyme foam cleaner. Foam cleans the top of the pipes as well as the bottom.
4. Make sure there is always water in the "p" traps of seldom used plumbing appliances (showers, sinks)

4239 When painting an exterior window sill, I encountered a rotting section, about 25 cm. long, that had a dozen or so, large black ants in tunnels, confined to that area,(say,7x25x2 cm thick) that scurried out and away, when I broke and cut out the rotting wood (no larva or saw dust). A couple of days after cutting the decayed section in preparation for splicing, with new wood; one or two ants would be wandering in the cleaned out area, above the stucco ( maybe, looking for their old home ?). Should I be concerned about an ant infestation/problem in the house ? Is a few a problem ? I do see some ants near the foundation on the outside at times and have for years - and some in the lawn, in small "hills" -in different sizes and (probably) types. Thanks - Dennis
The ant hills in your lawn are not related to the ants in your window sill. Tunnels in the wood are a strong indication you have carpenter ants. While you were cutting out the rotting wood, any ants in the area would move. It is very likely you have many more in the window frame, especially in the header. Call a professional to inspect for nests and treat them by injecting a residual product through small holes.

4237 I rent an apartment that is the upper floor of a house that was built in 1925. When I moved in 8 years ago there were birds living in the attic. A few years ago squirrels took over. I just want to know if the years of animal mess (no one has ever gone into the attic) is a health concern. I've been having breathing problems lately. If you can't help me is there someone who might know?
There is a potential health risk from any bird and animal droppings, especially for anyone with respiratory problems.
Talk to your local health inspector and your landlord about cleaning and disinfecting the attic.

4236 Can I use smoke bombs to drive raccoons out of my attic? If so, where do i buy them? Thank you.
This would likely be illegal in Ontario. It would also be cruel, especially if there are babies in the attic. Smoke bombs may be dangerous causing fires. It is not likely any pest professional could tell you where to buy them. In British Columbia you need a permit to relocate any wildlife.

4235 Some insect or animal is chewing on the insulation( styrofoam) that's inside the overhead door in my outdoor shed. Each time I go into my shed I find very small pieces of styrofoam scattered about the room. The styrofoam is incased between 2 layers of metal. It's a metal overhead door. What insect or small animal could be destroying my overhead door? Thank you. Anthony. Illinois.
Our first guess would be Carpenter Ants. Styrofoam provides an ideal venue to build a nest. It is easy to burrow through and make tunnels. It also provides insulation to maintain a comfortable climate. We have seen the styrofoam insulation in the entire roof of homes destroyed by carpenter ants. Don't tear it open. Call a professional to inject a residual insecticide through tiny drilled holes.

4234 Do you know where I can buy Dragnet sfr. or something similar in the Vancouver area? Thanks, Eric
This product and others like it are only sold to licensed pest management professionals. Tell us what pest you are trying to control and we may be able to offer some advice.

4233 How can i get a snake that is slithering across my bedroom ceiling you can hear it very clearly because there is styroform ceiling tiles in the ceiling and these tiles are just put up by stapling them to a frame made of strips of wood and so is not strong enough to support the weight of anyone going up there to search for it what can i do to get it out of my ceiling i am scare that it will fall through the ceiling because it sounds like it is big when it is moving. Rosie. TALLULAH, LA.
Sorry Rosie we don't have much of a snake problem in Canada so we are not familiar with your pest problem and the solutions. There are many pest professionals in your area that have experience dealing with snakes. You should ask one for an estimate to come and get rid of it.

4232 Hello! We live in Lacombe, Alberta and recently purchased a house. Shortly after moving in in Mid-April we discovered that the house already had a few "tenants". To date I have found three larder beetles which I have been able to find an abundance of information on and after asking around they seem quite common. My main concern is the other beetle that lives in our house. I had one identified at the research station as a Ptunis Fur Beetle. I have been unable to find a great amount of information on them except that they are a scavenger beetle, possibly a type of spider beetle. I am expecting my first child in 7 weeks and am very concerned about them living in our house. Even if they are not harmful to humans or pets, the thought of them anywhere near my new baby freaks me out! I really would like to know where they live in the house and how to get rid of them before baby arrives! Amanda. Alberta.
There are a number of species of spider beetles. Spider beetle larvae will infest all manner of dry animal and vegetable matter including grain, spices, fish meal, dog biscuits, dried fruit and a wide variety of miscellaneous debris. Inspect all of these items and use containers to prevent their infestation.

4231 Hello, one thing that hasn't really been answered still is generally where are these sow bugs getting in to my basement?. It's mind boggling me I have called all areas of cracks. They are very annoying, I kill at least 15 a week and I have been running my dehumidifier 24/7. Thanks
You could spend a lifetime caulking entry points for sow bugs but the one sure way to eliminate them is to dry out their environment. They suffocate in dry air. Eliminate moist conditions around the outside perimeter of your home to reduce the population trying to get inside.

4230 I get my house sprayed every year by pest control for clover mites. I also use home pest control to try and get rid of them. Is there some other product I can use or something I can try?
Clover mites actually do not damage a house, its furnishings, or even humans or animals. They feed primarily on the lawn where they suck sap from grasses, clover, and other plants. In the fall they may gather in tremendous numbers on walls, windows, tree trunks, and other outside surfaces where they seek protected hiding places. They crawl into cracks around windows or in foundation walls and under siding, shingles, or shakes. Calking cracks and crevices may help reduce their migration into your home. Read more about clover mites.

4229 Two years ago we bought brand new bathroom furniture at Home Depot and last week a bug, which looked like a house longhorn ate itself out of it. What is the chance that this was the only larva? When eggs are laid into cracks, are all 200 eggs laid in the same crack or distributed over different cracks? I'm asking to help me decide if I should replace the whole furniture set or just the panel the bug crawled out of.
It is difficult to say weather or not there are others that got into the wood before it was milled to make the furniture. The emerging beetles will not lay eggs on painted or varnished finishes.

4228 Our island in Georgian Bay is infested with ticks. We have never had ticks in the last 40 years. What can we do? They are getting on people, dogs, cats? Please help. Thanks.
The unusual spell of hot weather early this spring has resulted in large increases of flea and tick populations.
See the story on our home page for control suggestions.

4227 Hi i live im Mineola Iowa in a ranch style house and i seem to keep finding spiders in my Basement in the sink, in and around my shower and toilet. My house is very clean and has been bug bombed within the last year to me the spider reminds me of a mixture of a wolf and water spider. but they can and have gotten bigger than a half dollar coin and i dont know what it really is if you have any ideas of what it could be can you let me know.
Spiders eat insects. Most insects like cool damp locations so it is not uncommon to find both in a basement bathroom. Bug bombs are not the best control method to eliminate pests. Try to change the conditions that attract insects. Reduce the humidity, eliminate moisture problems. Remove vegetation next to the foundation. We do not try to identify pests with just a verbal description. Please sent a photo. See: pest photo identification pages.

4226 Hi there, I live in a one bedroom apartment in a house. I have discovered for the first time that I have carpet beetles in my living room. Help ! What can I do to kill them?
You will find control information on this web page: Carpet Beetles

4225 i am trying to grow potatoes, but i am having a problem with the ants making hills right where they are growing out of the ground i want to know what i need to do for that.
What species are the ants? Are they harming the potatoes? Are they beneficial ants that may be predators on other insects that may harm the potatoes?

4224 Hi I have a question that may have been answered here before. I have Carpenter Ants. I have a friend that his Grandfather gave him Chlordane 20. I was wondering if a thin border on the foundation 2 feet up from the ground would be enough to eliminate the ants?
Chlordane will kill any insects that it comes in contact will. It could also kill pets and cause terminal cancer in humans. That is why it was taken off the market many years ago. The only place you may find it is in your grandfathers basement. There is no magic pesticide that will eliminate all carpenter ant nests in and around your home unless it has a good residual effect and is applied directly to the nests. A professional will find the nests and use a minimum quantity of pesticides applied safely.

4223 I Seriously Need A home remedy for Bed bugs are there any recipes mixtures that i can put together to catch them or kill them. some type of mixture some powder, some spray, BUT someone said to me that a home remedy would work best, PLEASE send me all information you have..HELPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP?
Thousands of entomologists and other scientists have been searching for better ways to eliminate bed bugs. If there was a simple home remedy, the bed bug epidemic would not exist. Some home remedies may worsen the problem and others could be a serious health hazard for humans and pets. Read the information on our "GET RID OF BEDBUGS" Page and you will realize the best solution is to call an experienced pest professional.

4222 I have an acre lot in North Carolina and have hundreds of voles. they are eating everything. why are they protected here and how do i get rid of them. spent lots of needless money and no cure.
Strategies for coexistence and control: Habitat modification: Keep grasses mowed and remove weedy patches at your garden's edge. Clear a 3- to 4-foot circle around the base of young trees or vines: voles don't like to feed where they can be seen. Minimize spillage from bird feeders.

4221 where can I buy diatomaceous earth in Victoria BC?
Most good garden stores sell diatomaceous earth suitable for pest control. Do not use the product labeled for swimming pool filters.

4220 Where can I buy shake away fox urine in Calgary?
The manufacturer does not list any Canadian locations in their list of distributors. It may be a product that requires registration with Health Canada to be legally imported.

4219 I was treated twice in the last year for both types of termites the subs and dry wood. I just noticed a small hole bore thru this fake brick material in the foundation . My wife said she saw a bug like a termite go into the hole. This morning I saw some type of bug in the hole myself could this be termites again in less than a month since being treated for both ways for subs and the dry wood? Pleas help me if you can. Thanks
Yes it is possible that termites are trying to re-enter your home if the conditions are favorable. Without a photo we can not tell you what other insects may be hiding in the hole.

4218 Hi ,I want to inquire on how and where i can get some training in regards to get a structural pesticide license? Edison. Toronto.
You will find that information on this web page:
http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/Classifieds/employment_in_pest_control.htm#Training_for_pesticide_applicators

4217 How do I get rid of animal feces under my cottage? It is causing an offensive smell. Estelle. Toronto.
There is no easy solution. Crawl under and rake or shovel it out. There are odor reducing sprays available but there effectiveness is limited You could also put a fan in one of the ventilation holes and blow fresh air into the crawl space. Make sure the over vents are open.

4216 We have been infested with leatherjacket larvae in our backyard. During the night and especially when it rains, we get quite few on our cement patio. We've had the problem for the past week. Can you give us some suggestions to rid of this problem? At one point last week, our patio was covered with them (probably a hundred or so. Seems to be a bit less since then but still quite a problem. Thank you.
One control suggestion is to let the lawn dry out but that would be impossible in Richmond in early spring. Insecticide sprays will eliminate the problem but many municipalities now prohibit the use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes. Call a local lawn care specialist for local information.

4215 Can bird feeders placed near a house be responsible for bats or field mice in attic?
Bird feeders will definitely attract rodents for some distance and other wildlife including bears. Once mice or rats find this constant food source, they will seek shelter (your attic) near bye. Bats would not likely be attracted by bird seed.

4214 Hi there, I'm wondering if you could help me. I live in Vancouver, BC and have searched high and low for clothes moth traps but can't find any in the area. Do you have any idea where I could purchase one? Thanks for your help, Jennifer.
Some pest professionals have retail products for sale. Phone a few of the businesses listed in our directory on this web page: http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/Vancouver%20pest%20control.htm
Keep in mind moth traps have limited ability to eliminate an infestation of clothes moths. By the time an adult moth is trapped, it has likely laid eggs that will hatch into larva, the destructive stage of these insects. Read about other control measures here: Clothes moths

4213 Want to know about cockroach killing ingredient of a homemade round bread Poisson sold illegally in the streets of south Africa. Pascy, Pretoria.
There is a product called Green Leaf coming out of China that is being sold in South Africa. Apparently it is not a registered pesticide product and it could be a serious hazard to humans. There are reports it contains Acephate, an organophosphate foliar insecticide. Organophosphates are the basis of many insecticides, herbicides, and nerve gases. There is a warning on the packet -"If mistakenly taken, seek medical advice immediately !" We strongly discourage the use of such unregistered products in any country.

4212 I am desperately looking for a company in Toronto (I'm in Thornhill) that can get rid of spiders in my home without the use of pesticides. Do you know of any? Thanks! Marsha. Thornhill, Ontario.
A large population of spiders indicates a large population of insects, their food source. Try to determine what they are eating and use control measures to eliminate them. A vacuum cleaner with a long wand is an excellent tool to eliminate spiders. Call some local professionals and ask if they will help you without using pesticides. Ontario pest professionals.

4211 When is the best time to spray for earwigs? Do you come up to Revelstoke on a regular basis?
If you must spray them with pesticides, wait for warm dry weather in the spring. There are other control measures.
Try to create and keep a clean, dry perimeter around your house foundation by trimming back vegetation and removing mulch, organic debris and other objects that can be used for shelter by earwigs. Repair leaky taps and downspouts, and make sure to direct water drains away from your foundation. Earwigs are not directly harmful to humans. They are often beneficial, acting as scavengers of decaying matter and predators of insect larvae, slug eggs, aphids, and other garden pests.

4210 I get dead spots in my lawn. Do these pill bugs chew the roots of the grass ?
Not likely. You probably have a leatherjacket problem. Eggs are laid by crane flies in the fall. They develop into larva called leatherjackets that feed on the roots of grass in the spring.

4209 What are these biting white bugs, smaller than a grain of salt, seem to fly or jump that have infested us? And how do we get rid of them? Pest control tells me it is not bed bugs. Bettyann. La Jolla, CA
Thank you for submitting your question. Rather than publishing misleading or incorrect information, we do not attempt to identify pests based on a written description. Please send a photo as an attachment and we will publish it on the "What is this pest" web page. http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/Questions/What%20is%20this%20pest.htm

4208 I have recently been battling increasing numbers of Rove beetles in my 2 year old home. I am interested to know how to get rid of them and if they will harm my 15 month old and 3 year children. I find them primarily in on our floor on the main level in front of a very large picture window and the largest numbers on our carpet in our basement. They seem to appear out of nowhere. Angie. Claresholm Alberta.
There are thousands of species of rove beetles which leads to conflicting evidence on the risk they may impose to humans. You will need to have the species identified to determine these risks and find the control measures you should take. Try sending a sample to Agriculture/Forestry Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton,

4207 We had a massive box elder beetle issue but we found out own solution to getting rid of them. There were hundreds of them warming themselves on the bricks. I would spend hours squashing them, spraying them, and sweeping them off the bricks, but they always came back. One day, I got so frustrated that I took the good old Shop Vac and sucked them up and it worked with incredible charm. Every now and then, I would pull out the vacuum though, however the bugs have gotten use to the noise. Once the vacuum is turned on, the bugs dispersed with rapid speed. The neighbour has finally taken down his female box elder tree and it took a few years for the bugs to go almost go completely away. Cindy.-
Thank you Cindy. Vacuum cleaners are often one of the best pest control tools. Box Elder Bugs

4206 We have bats that enter the open peak at the top of the roof on our house. They have been doing this for many years now. They do not get into the main house just attic. This only happens in the summer, we live in northern B.C My question is , If we close off this peak opening will they try and get in somewhere else in the roof of the house.
You will have to find and close off all possible entry points. You should install a one way gate so those inside can escape but not return. Bats,

4205 How do we get rid of moles in our yard. I have to tramp down the earth disturbed by them on a daily basis - is there an environmentally friendly method to rid our yard of this nuisance?
There is probably only one mole, possibly two. The best control method is trapping but this is not easy for the inexperienced. Injecting gas, flooding the tunnels or using poisons are rarely effective. Various traps can be purchased but most "do it yourself" efforts result in considerable frustration and expense. A good professional will guarantee to rid your property of these pests, at least until others move in. Moles,

4204 I am looking to obtain a quote for the removal of a carpenter ants nest in/near my home. We've noticed the ants entering the home though the 2nd floor skylight, in the bathroom. The ants have been visible in the home since March 11th. I see about 20 ants per day. Thank you. Karen. Toronto.
The ants you are seeing inside have been living in your home all winter. They are not coming from outside. It is too early and cold outside (early April) for those living outside to leave their nests. You should contact one of the professionals in our directory for an estimate and service. Toronto pest professionals.

4203 Does Sonicpest Chaser kill or chase spiders.
We have never seen any scientific evidence that supports the use of sonic or electronic devices to control insects or spiders. Some entomologists suggest the claims made by those selling these devices are fraudulent.

4202 Are the people I rent from responsible for controlling fire ants and clover mites? It is costing me time and money, of which, I have little of either. I was never informed that this land may produce more pests of different and various kinds. Or will I have to move? I'm using a volume of Home-Defense. Bob. Beaufort, NC.
We do not know what bylaws may be in place in your state or municipality or what your rental agreement states.
Most landlords would probably want to get rid of these pests.

4201 We live in Calgary. We have an abandoned warps nest on our two story house (under the very top roof). Do you have any recommendation whom we should contact? Thank you. Alex.
Wasps do not move into an old nest. They will always build a new one. You can knock it down with a long pole or spray it with a garden hose.

4200 How do I discourage raccoons and birds from digging up my lawn , grub spray doesn't work , can i buy Dr. T. Whole Control in Canada , can you help. Thanks . Gregg. Shanty Bay, Ontario.
Ontario has a law that prohibits the use of pesticides for cosmetic reasons, Example: to enhance or improve the appearance of lawns. Dr. T�s Whole Control uses Castor Oil as its active ingredient, a substance that naturally resists water and is also a laxative. If applied in a heavy enough dose it apparently coats the grubs making them unpalatable to predators. We can not find a Canadian source for the product but US supplies state they can not ship the product to Canada.

4199 What pesticide can I use in Canada to prevent ticks in my rural property? I am already keeping the grass cut, etc but in a rural setting a pesticide spray for the edge of the woods, wood pile, etc would really keep the ticks under control. I've already found a deer tick on my 3 yr old and we are monitoring him for signs of lyme disease. This is a growing problem and we need some solution. Thanks, Neil
We are not aware of any pesticides registered in Canada to control deer ticks outdoors. If there are any, the pesticide ban in Ontario and many municipalities may prohibit their use.

4198 Do you sell a product called "MaxForce Pest Control for cockroaches"? Can I buy it from you and use it myself? Noreen. Scarborough
PestControlCanada.com does not sell any products. You should be able to obtain it from a pest professional in your area. Knowing how to use pest control products is just as important as using the right one. Be sure to read the label. (Keep out of reach of children, Keep exposed gel away from food, surfaces exposed to food and areas accessible to children and pets.

4197 I have a bunch of gnats around my sinks, but they re all dead. I only see a few flying around, but thousands are dead every day in my sinks. What is causing them to be dead already? I haven't laid anything out to kill them, nor have I sprayed anything outside.

4196 Is it true that centipedes come out when your house is clean or why do they come out?? Ginger. Windsor, Ont.
Cleanliness has no effect on centipedes. They prefer cool, moist locations where there is likely top be onther insects to prey upon.

4195 I have these small light brown bugs in my house plants they look like little millipedes. how do i get rid of them without killing my plants.
Thank you for submitting your question. Rather than publishing misleading or incorrect information, we do not attempt to identify pests based on a written description. Please send a photo as an attachment and we will publish it on the "What is this pest" web page. http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/Questions/What%20is%20this%20pest.htm

4194 Now that the snow has melted, be have mouse burrows in a large round section of our backyard. When you walk on them you sink in. How do we get rid of the mice now and for the future winters? Mary. Bracebridge, Ontario.
Are you sure they are not mole burrows? If you live in a rural area it would be almost impossible to prevent mice from migrating to your yard. Cut the grass short in the fall. Do not feed the birds. It will attract mice from a large area. If you have moles, call a professional that has trapping experience.

4193 How do you get rid of boxelder bugs, there are thousands covering my parents siding at the front of thier house. Karen. Madoc, Ontario.
Boxelder bugs probably entered the cavities of the home last fall, They are now emerging (March) to start a new life cycle. A temporary short term solution is to spray soapy water on those you see now. For a more permanent solution see this web page: Box Elder Bugs

4192 What hazard have I created by spraying TAT roach spray (d-trans Allethrin, Piperonyl Butoxide, N-Octyl bicycloheptene dicarboximide, Esfenvalerate) on the silk bags holding caterpillars in 3 branch "Y's" of my peach tree? The caterpillars died but now I am worried about the fruit. I was careful to only spray the silk bags, but of course it dripped down the bark. I was foolish to not ask a pro first...I just found them and panicked. My hubby used a butane torch last year on another tree, but he's out of town at the moment and that apparatus scares me.
This is a perfect example of why people want to ban pesticides. You did not read the label and adhere to the directions. We suspect caterpillars are not listed on the label and there were warnings that you ignored. You will find that information here:
http://hpd.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=23011002
We suggest you should properly dispose of all your pesticides and call a professional to deal with pests.

4191 With the spring thaw, I have pests, including centipedes, coming into my basement. Is there anything I can do to combat this?
Centipedes are predators on other insects. They like cool dark locations. Read more about Centipedes
Take preventative measures outdoors this summer to reduce their presence indoors next winter.

4190 We are having trouble with shrews. We have them periodically and the stink is almost unbearable. I have read that they are attracted to their own scent and will keep coming back for the scent. The only way it appears to get rid of them is to neutralize their scent in the area of the house they are concentrated in to treat the odor.....and to spread red fox urine around the perimeter of the house and also further out. My big problem is finding a supplier of the red fox urine in Nova Scotia and a deodorizer/neutralizer strong enough to eliminate the odor. Please help!! Cindy Truro NS
Most repellants have a short term effect as the pest becomes used to them. You could try spraying the area with a mild solution of bleach and water. You may also have some success trapping them.

4189 Hello I'm have a real problem with winter stoneflies they have thousand and thousand.
Stoneflies are not considered a pest. In fact they are beneficial insects that live in water, preying on other insects and providing a good food source for fish. As immature nymphs they are found in streams and rivers where they are important insects in freshwater ecosystems, serving as food for a wide variety of aquatic animals, especially fish. Adult stoneflies emerge during the winter and spring, some species as early as February. Many species fly at night and are attracted to lights. Stoneflies cannot be controlled through treatments because they breed in aquatic environments and only become a nuisance when attracted by outdoor lights to buildings. Any emergence of stoneflies, however, should last only a few days. Where these insects are being a problem, exterior light fixtures should be turned off or have yellow "bug lights" bulbs installed. Commercial buildings should use sodium vapor lamps in fixtures rather than mercury vapor lights.

4188 Is it common to find a brochymenas quadripustulata in or around Ontario? The one I found had slightly hairier legs but everything else looked the same.
This insect is commonly known as a four humped stink bug. Many species of stink bugs have been found in the southern regions of Canada so it is quite possible this one may live in Ontario.

4187 I'm in BC (Okanogan), and am trying to find a supplier for Lacewing flies (Aphid problem). Any Ideas.
Lacewing Flies are voracious predators on garden pest insects. Your local garden supply may be able to order some for you.

4186 Just finding sawdust inside my dresser drawers along the front edge as if something's been chewing at the wood (no marks but the edge of the wood is soft and rough). What could this be?
Sawdust in dresser drawers is often the result of wood rubbing on wood when you open the drawers. You could also have powder post beetles. Use a flashlight and a mirror to look for small holes in the wood above the sawdust.

4185 I have something under my trailer chewing on the wood. I haven't seen the critter but I can hear it chewing at all hours. I have been under the trailer and can see no sign of an entrance or that it is living under the trailer. It chews on everything, so far nothing electrical, but it is annoying. The underside of my trailer has an insulating fabric. I have tried bar baits and this has no appeal to whatever it is. My cats alert me to when it is chewing but they do not go outside. Please give me some ideas on what to try as I don't really want to have to rip off the fabric to try to get rid of this pest. I do have squirrels around.

4184 I have tons of little dirt hills with on hole in the center of each in my backyard. Are these ants? I have a 3 year old and I am wondering if it is something that can harm us.
How big are the piles of dirt and how big are the holes? You could have ants, moles, earthworms or a number of other creatures that burrow in the soil.

4183 I have a cedar closet and it seems the moths are still enjoying my clothing. Also I am finding them in different rooms in my house ( on the walls ) I find that they even are eating my knits and linens no matter where the clothes are hanging. Do you any suggestions as to what i can spray or do. Thank you.
All garments and fabrics should be washed or dry cleaned. Carpets may have to be cleaned and treated and you may consider having a professional treat your closet. More information Clothes moths

4182 i have an infestation of dart like silver moths in my 12 month old pantry they are even in shelve adjusting holes i have cleaned thoroughly and steamed all however i would appreciate any help for future reference thank you for your site it is most informative.
The common moth found in pantries is the Indian Meal moth, but they are not silver. See: Indian Meal Moth.
You should check all the dry foods in your pantry for moth larva. If you send a photo fo the moths you are seeing we will publish it for identification on this page: What is this pest?

4181 What causes bites that scab? There are absolutely no signs of bedbugs but we have seen carpet beetle larvae. We live in a highrise apt . Thank you. Mike. Toronto.
Many insect bites cause itching resulting in scratching and sometimes infections and scabs. Spiders, bed bugs, fleas and mosquitoes are examples. Carpet beetles and their larva do not bite humans. It is common to be bitten by bed bugs without ever seeing them.

4180 It is March and we are having black ants coming out of the heating rads in our living room. We also found them in our dishwasher. We have lived in this home for 21 years and this is the first time this has ever happened. We have a half log siding home and we have seen carpenter ants in the summer time but these ones are smaller back ants. Could they have nested in the walls in the fall and our now coming alive. Please let us know what to do. We are killing 5 to 8 a day.
The ants you are seeing likely entered your home last summer. The heat radiators have fooled them into thinking it's spring and time to send out foragers to look for food and moisture for the nest. ( Dishwashers are a good source). This behavior is very typical at this time of year for carpenter ants that can vary in size. If you send a clear close-up photo we may be able to identify them for you. See Carpenter Ants,

4179 Ants: I have hired a pest control agency to spray for ants I think are carpenter ants. They say by doing the first floor on a cement slab will kill all nests etc. I am worried that by not treating the second floor of the home and attic that they will just crawl up the drywall inside and relocate still in the home but on another level. Your thoughts and recommendations please? Does ivy grown outside provide them with a hiding place or home? Do those log ties used in my retaining walls need to be ripped out and replaced as a potential home for them? They are over 20 years old and I have seen ants large black ones moving around there. Thank you. Rae. Delta, BC.
Applying the process of integrated pest management requires a thorough inspection to identify the pests and where they are located. Treatment should be targeted to the specific pest in specific areas in most cases, but some preventative measures are often necessary. Your entire home should be inspected. The ivy could be the main reason you have a carpenter ant problem. Log ties in retaining walls and garden boundaries are an ideal environment for carpenter ant nests. Carpenter Ants

4178 I love thrift stores & garage sales. However, the bed bug threat has me very worried. I am wondering about ways about treating my finds "preventatively". I am thinking that I can bake books, puzzles & games at 170F in my oven (how long?), wash & dry all clothing and linens, run plastic or ceramics through my dishwasher, and use a heat gun on wooden furniture joints and seams. (I don't buy upholstered). Would this be sufficient to kill all eggs and/or insects that may be on the items? Obviously I would inspect and reject anything with obvious signs of bed-bug activity. Any suggestions are most appreciated. Lee. Orillia, Ont.
It sounds like you are taking the most practical measures to eliminate bed bugs. You may also consider using a microwave oven for some items. There are also aerosol insecticides that will flush out and kill bed bugs on contact.
GET RID OF BEDBUGS

4177 Can carpet beetles bite especially in the larva stage and do powderpost beetles bite? Thank you. Ellen. Toronto.
Neither of these insects will bite humans or animals.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
While neither carpet beetles nor carpet beetle larvae bite, there have been documented cases of allergic dermatitis to carpet beetle larvae. The larvae are covered in extremely fine hairs that can become embedded in the skin and cause reactions that can react much like an insect bite. Darin Craig. Vancouver

4176 Mice...get a 5gal pail...run wire, little longer then the top of the pail, thru a small pill bottle so it spins. Next, drill, or melt,2 holes,1 on each side, on top of the pail. Insert wire, with bottle in middle of wire, across top of pail, and bend ends, so not to fall out of holes. Next, put peanut butter on bottle. Fill pail,2/3, with antifreeze solution, if in freezing temp, and run a board to top of pail. The mice can smell peanut butter from a long way off and will lean over to get the butter and fall in the pail and drown. Works every time. U have to make sure to have the board just far enough so when they lean on the pill bottle, that they spin and fall in. Dip them out every few days. I know guys that use 45gal drums and clear out a whole barn of rats using this method...good luck!
We have seen a number of variations of this trapping method. We do not like the use of antifreeze in the pail. It is very toxic and animals like to drink it. A strong salt water solution may work.

4175 I live in a high rise on an upper level. For over a year now there have been two pigeons that hang around my deck and poop everywhere. So sick of cleaning up after them. Taken everything off the deck so they won't have any place to "hide". When ever I see them I chase them away. Have tried moth balls (heard they don't like them). They are extremely persistent and no matter how diligent I am in chasing them away ... when I'm at work, they come back and wander all over my deck pooping everywhere. Spikes won't work, they are too small. We bought a garden owl, moved it around all the time ... have found them snuggled up to it. Help!!! Kate. Burnaby, BC.
You may have to install temporary netting. It is available in a light weight that is not very visible. When the pigeons realize they can not roost on your deck they will move to a new location. Bird control professionals use a combination of spike strips and netting.

4174 I need to find a supplier of ladybugs I can order from. I live in New Brunswick. Do you know of anyone?
Talk to a Garden Supplies store in your area. They may be able to order them in the spring.

4173 Hi there. Could bed bugs stay ih a dryer if a person dried their clothes in it. Shawna. Saskatoon. Sask.
Bed bugs and their eggs can not survive a normal drying cycle.

4172 I have problem of mice/rat coming in my apartment and would like to know how fast I can get rid of this problem and how.
Try to locate the entry points and block them off. Pack steel wool in the holes around pipes and wiring. Install sweeps on the bottom of doors. Keep all food in airtight containers. Eliminate garbage properly.

4171 What is the best way to deal with a spider infestation outside? They are so bad we can not go out in the yard come spring they are all over all the houses in our neighborhood as well as the kids bikes/toys and plants. Last year I swept them down and hosed off the house regularly and it made no difference. By this past fall they had attracted a wasp nest and we have a crazy number of ant hills. Very lost as I have small children and we can not enjoy outdoors due to spider bites and wasp attacks. How do you clean/protect the underside of the deck from said insects as well?Thank you for taking the time to read this, Melissa. Calgary
Spiders do not seek out humans to bite them We are not a food source. Spiders do not attract wasps and ant hills.
If your insect pest problem is as bad as you describe, perhaps you should call in a pest professional. Continue hosing down the spider webs on the house and under the deck.

4170 I am curious as to where I can buy BT. I understand if I kill the grubs in my lawn the mole INFESTATION will stop. Our lawn is about 1.5 acres.....
BT may not be the best solution to control grubs. Talk to a local garden supply that has a pesticide dispensing license. Be sure to talk to a certified dispenser. Be aware that some municipalities now have laws that prohibit the use of pesticides on your lawn. You could consider hiring a pest professional to trap the moles.

4169 We had HUGE house centipedes in our basement that completely freaked me out and we also had regular spiders roaming about. I had on hand a spray for dogs to fight ticks and fleas that is essentially cedar oil. In an offhand standoff with one centipede I freaked out and sprayed at it with the oil to scare it off and then went through the house and basement spraying it. Four months later I realized that not only had I not seen another centipede, the spiders have completely disappeared, even the webs in my basement!! Go figure. I guess it is true, all bugs hate cedar.
Cedar oil may be effective in controlling some insects but it is not a magic potion to solve all problems. Carpenter ants are just one insect that have no problem chewing cedar wood.

4168 We have had mice problems in our house. We took aggressive action using sticky traps and bait. Four the past three weeks we haven't seen any evidence of mouse dropping or mice. Now we hear scratching on the inside of the walls in three separate locations-two in the living room and one in the dining room.Whatever it is, it goes to these three locations. The scratching seems too loud for a mouse. I am going put wire screening on the exterior at these three locations. Glen. Winnipeg.
Rats can be quite noisy when they chew on wood, wiring and plastic plumbing pipes. Take steps to eliminate rodents above and below the areas you are hearing them.

4167 Are you familiar with a commercial cat repellent "Shakeaway"" that is described as a granules that are scented with Urine of predators feared by cats? Allan. Victoria, BC.
We have not had any good or bad comments on this product. Most repellents loose their effectiveness once the nuisance animal gets used to the smell. Cats are quite smart and could soon realize there are no predators present.

4166 Something is biting my ankles and legs in my house but I cannot see them. I can feel the bite and feel them on my legs. What can it be? It isn't fleas. Please help me.
With so little information it is impossible for us to provide an answer. Are you sure you do not have a flea problem?

4165 if i wanted to get rid of the pill bugs and sow bugs in my yard what is a safe non toxic method pesticide alternative.
Why do you want to get rid of them? Sow bugs eat mostly decomposing vegetation and can be more effective making compost than earth worms. They may occasionally chew the tender roots of young garden plants but keeping moisture to a minimum will reduce this problem. Spraying pesticides will only be a temporary short term solution.

4164 I would like to know, how much it would be to treat a 1 bedroom apartment for bed bugs? John. Scarborough.
There are no real fixed prices for bed bug treatment. Every situation is different. You may find some inexperienced businesses that will quote a bargain price, just to get the business, but you get what you pay for. Call a few professionals in your area, ask lots of questions and ask for cost quotations. See our directory of professionals for Ontario

4163 how do i stop squirrels from nesting on my balcony. Michelle. Etobicoke.
You will have to determine how they are getting there and eliminate that route. Prevent squirrels from climbing isolated trees and power poles by encircling them with a 2-foot-wide (61-cm) collar of metal 6 feet (1.8 m) off the ground. Attach metal using encircling wires held together with springs to allow for tree growth. Prevent squirrels from traveling on wires by installing 2-foot (61-cm) sections of lightweight 2- to 3-inch diameter (5.1- to 7.6-cm) plastic pipe. Slit the pipe lengthwise, spread it open, and place it over the wire. The pipe will rotate on the wire and cause traveling squirrels to tumble. Close openings to attics and other parts of buildings but make sure not to lock squirrels inside. They may cause a great deal of damage in their efforts to chew out. Place traps inside as a precaution after openings are closed. Close openings to buildings with heavy 1/2-inch (1.3-cm) wire mesh or make other suitable repairs. Custom-designed wire mesh fences topped with electrified wires may effectively keep out squirrels off your deck.

4162 Where can I send in a 'bug' that i have found in my house for a positive identification? I have found 5 in various locations and each one found individually. I am rather concerned, since I'm not sure what it is. I recently moved into a log home and wonder if it is some kind of bug specific to wood or something. Hope you can help! Thanks! Wendy.
We would be pleased to publish a photo of your bug for identification. See this web page for information:
http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/Questions/What%20is%20this%20pest.htm

4161 Last summer my giant Rhododendron, was infested horribly with whitefly. It was like a cloud. I tried many products, some very expensive. But in the end, I think the cheapest one seemed to have at least some effect. I want to avoid this nightmare next year. Its well below freezing out there now and the leaves are drooping, as the should, but I expect a sudden Spring season, and wonder what I should do to nip this in the bud? I tried beneficial nematodes, with no benefit. I need a product, where to buy it, and maybe the name of a Canadian pesticide supplier who sells only legal in Canada pesticides wholesale and online. Can you help?
White flies are soft-bodied insects and can be successfully controlled and prevented with insect soap sprays.

4160 I have found 4 brown recluse spiders in my mobile home over the last year...My dog was just bitten by one, on the tail, and it looks as if her tail will have to be at least partially amputated....I heard of an electronic device that kills bugs but can't find it anywhere...Anyone know the name of the device and where I can find it?? Thank you!
Dogs are not a food source for spiders so it is strange that your dog's tail was bitten. Electronic devices do not work. If you have a serious spider problem calling a pest professional may be your best solution.

4159 I have problems with sow bugs eating my strawberries as soon as they're ripe; they also eat soft vegetables such as zucchini or other vegetables that lie close to the ground. How can I get rid of them without disturbing the balance in the soil?
Move any mulch a foot away from the plants and ONLY water first thing in the morning, so the ground will be dry by the time they come out at night. Sprinkling diatomaceous earth around the plants may also help.

4158 Last night I came home to find a colony of about 200 ants dead in my laundry room. We were only gone from the house for about 1 hour. I believe they are a sugar ant. A few as in about 5 to 7 where over grown the others where mini or average size. They were all light brown and kinds a see threw back section. I am wondering why these ants decided to abandon their nest and die. And how do I kill the rest if that was not all of them. Chris. Levelland, Texas
You should first get a positive identification for the species of the ants. This will help determine where the colony nest is or was located. Something must have disturbed them and caused them to relocate. There may be many more in the colony that you should attempt to locate. If you are not successful call a professional.

4157 Hi, I am writing on behalf of my mother in law I believe I have identified the pest to be either a carpet beetle or a moth as her wool carpets are badly chewed up. The damage has been done quite quickly as we go over on a regular basis and did not notice the carpet damage until this week although we are not always in the living/dining room area where the carpets are located the last time we were in there was about two weeks ago and there did not appear to be any damage. However now the carpet is literally falling to pieces. We have not seen any moths nor beetles. My mother-in-law is elderly and has someone vacuum once every other week and she has not said anything. We need to know what to do about this situation and what you may think this pest is. I did not get a picture but could try the next time I am there. We did put moth balls everywhere. We are very concern and appreciate any help you can give. Thank you. Susan
Without seeing the damage or other evidence and symptoms it is impossible to determine the exact cause of your problem. You may be wise to have a professional do an inspection and treatment for the most likely insect infestation.

4156 We were wondering if pack rats would chew on pecs/pecks plumbing pipes. Not sure how to spell that. Several residents in our park want to install this type of plumbing, and here in AZ pack rats are a pest! thanks. Beverly. Tucson, Arizona.
Pack rats (Wood Rats) like other rodents routinely chew tree branches and almost anything in their natural environment. When they enter a home, plastic pipes and wiring are a good substitute to chew on.

4155 I need to know where in Vancouver I can by a product called Precor 2000. Thank you for any information you can provide. Best Regards, Suzie
Precor is the brand name for the insecticide methoprene. It is an IGR or insect growth regulator that interrupts the life cycle of fleas by preventing flea larvae from maturing. It is not a poison, even to fleas, but they cannot reproduce. It's used as an environmental spray either by itself (in which case it will take several weeks to show much effect) or combined with adult pesticides (like pyrethrins) for a quick wipeout. Precor may only be available to licensed pesticide applicators but you should be able to purchase a product with an adulticide and the IGR from a veterinarian. We do not recommend fogging products. Buy The spray bottles and treat 100% of the floors in your home to kill fleas. You will probably find it will cost less the hire a professional to do the job right with a guarantee.

4154 How can I be sure that the company has a proper liability insurance? Toronto
Ask to see proof in liability insurance. It should be a minimum $1,000,000.

4153 We have weasels under our rental unit who's responsible to cover exterminator costs? Landlord or tenant? Rob. Fort St. John, BC.
This is something that a landlord would normally take care of but some leases may make this a tenant responsibility.

4152 Had pest control out today as we thought we had a wasps nest well we didn't just lots of queens hibernating but he said we also have a cluster fly infestation. He sprayed everything with insecticide walls beams corners floors everything. Lots came into the house trying to get out but later died but now outside is crawling with them. The whole house windows gates garden drainpipes. Everything! Will they die or go away or do I need to get someone else out?
To eliminate cluster flies pest professionals will often fog attic cavities and inject insecticide into the cavities where they are hibernating. Repeat treatments are common.

4151 I live on the 2nd fl of a 2 family home. Landlord is setting off foggers to kill fleas in 1st fl . Do my cats & I have to leave while this is being done for health safety reasons?
You would be crazy to stay in the home while foggers are used. Numerous explosions and fires have been caused by these total release aerosols in addition to the effects of the pesticides. Fogging is a lazy way to solve pest problems and it often is not effective. There are better and safer ways to kill fleas.

4150 looking to purchase a product/chemical to eradicate powder post beatles in my barn. we are in toronto and was hoping you may know A. what product to purchase as well, an outlet in toronto. happy new year and thank you in advance. Nick
One of the best products for powder post beetle control is Tim-Bor. It is only available to and can only be applied by licensed pesticide applicators. Mixing and applying the product for best results requires some experience. Find a professional in our directory here: Ontario

4149 Could you please tell me what controlled, chemical(s) were used to eliminate aphids and ants infestations of trees between 1993-1998? Are the same chemicals used today? I am talking about those that require a permit to use, not those that would be purchased at a Canadian Tire or other store. Thx for your reply. Dave. Calgary.
Sorry Dave we to not have that information in our files. If permits were issued for these applications the Alberta Ministry of Environment will have records with the pesticides used listed. You should contact them.

4148 I have pill bugs all over the place, I get rid of 5 and ten more show up ten mins later..can these be taken care of by a pro ? Or is there something I can do to rid them organically? Mind u its winter ..help me, its driving me crazy
Spraying an insecticide to kill sow or pill bugs is only a short term temporary solution. You must have a humidity problem that pill bugs thrive in.

4147 Recently, I saw a rat not longer then 4 inches in my cold storage (which is below my car Garage) and which came through wall after cutting all anti cold sponch present in the wall.
1. Can I find rats killer bait in any store in GTA ?
2. What are other methods to get rid of these species?
Thanks, Sayed. Mississauga ON
This is a juvenile rat so it probably has 9 ot 10 brothers and sisters. If you poison them you will likely end up with dead rats in the wall cavities of your home. Find and block off the entry points and use traps to kill those living in the home.

4146 We are experiencing problems with earwigs in our basement. Is there a commercially available product that works well? What is the best way to deal with this on our own before we call in an exterminator? Deena. Edmonton.
Earwigs will not breed or survive in a dry environment. Rake away decomposing vegetation from your foundation walls in the summer and reduce the moist environment in the basement.

4145 I DO NOT KNOW WHAT KIND OF ANIMAL IT IS BUT MADE BIG ROUND HOLES ON OUTSIDE AND ALL BIG ROUND HOLES INSIDE CELINGS NO DROPPINGS OR CANT NOT SEE ANYTHING ELSE. CHRISTINE. EAST HADDAM.
Our first guess would be rats, but without a photo or more information we can not be sure.

4144 I have little flying bugs like fruit flies but they aren't fruit flies---I think they might be Aphids---how do I get rid of them?? I believe they came in on my plants when I brought them in from outdoors and usually they die by now---but they aren't dying!!! Thank you. Judy.
Try letting the top layer of the plant soil dry out.

4143 Over the course of the summer my mother had noticed something hopping around her face but was too miniscule to figure out, other than it seems to like her face mouth and nose. As the year progressed she actually finds some and tries treating them with insecticide, raid,vapona, bird mite spray, scabie medication and an artillary of anything she can think of some of which are toxic. She has found them all over her body and they bite and are imbedding her skin.We were thinking they were bird mites or mouse mites but I wonder as you are saying they don't bother humans. They leave white egg sacs everywhere which have a burr like tough shell on them. She is afraid to go out in public now and needs to identify to treat. Her doctor says bed bugs , lice or scabies or spiders. I don't think so. I know you do not reply personally but We really would appreciate feed back she is starting to loose her sanity and talking suicide if this continues. I will try to photograph one but I fear they are too small to identify with a camera pic. Any suggestions were desperate! Juli.
The insecticides and medications may be causing more of a problem than the suspected insects. We do not publish medical information. This matter should be discussed again with a doctor. Consider the possibility of delusional parasitosis.

4142 I have something digging small holes in my lawn. The holes are about the size of a loonie and go quite deep with lots of them in the area. There is a couple of large piles of dirt in the area that looks like whatever is digging the holes is collecting the dirt in a pile. The only thing that I have noticed in the area has been a large porcupine. Gary. Harbourville, NS.
You may have a mole. The best control solution is trapping but it can be frustrating for the inexperienced. More information here: Moles,

4141 WE HAD MOLDY BIRD SEED IN CLOSET. NOW WE HAVE BUGS IN CLOSET. HOW DO WE KILL BUGS. Gene. Lynwood,
Vacuum the closet thoroughly using a crevice tool. You may wish to spray a residual insecticide into all cracks and crevices using an aerosol with a straw. Check all dry foods including pet food in the home for evidence of insects. If you still have a problem call a professional.

4140 Hello. I have dust mites and I am putting all of my clothing into garment bags in the closet and plastic bags for blouses etc., in the dresser drawers. I freeze each article for 3 days in my freezer, then wash and dry. The article is then steam ironed and either put into a garment bag in the closet or some items in plastic sealed bags in the dresser drawers. I do not want the mites to gain entry into these storage items and I understand if I use mothballs and cedar that this will do the job of keeping the mites out. I do not know where to buy the mothballs and cedar for the closets and drawers. Where will I buy them? Luella. Surrey, BC.
Freezing will kill dust mites. You could also put the clothing into the dryer for 10 minutes before bagging. The fumes from moth balls are not healthy but if you must use them they should be available from a garden center with a pesticide dispenser license.

4139 MY HOUSE HAS GARDEN SNAKES. HOW TO GET RID OF THEN AND WHAT TO PUT DOWN? THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE HELP. kathryn flowers, calumet city illinios
Small snakes in the garden can be quite beneficial eating insects and slugs. The solution to your problem is finding out how they enter your home and block it off.

4138 Im being bitten at night while i sleep. Started on my wrists and now all over my body. Different looking rashes all over. I thought it was bed bugs but an expert came over and said no. I have these dark very small dots all over my bedroom walls and mattress. Rash is itching me like crazy. Cant sleep, its getting real and and spreading. Please help! Cant send photo, just small dark dots..
There is no possible way we can identify what you describe as "small dark dots" that are biting you. Perhaps you should speak to a doctor and have a pest professional inspect your bedroom.

4137 hi there i have a friend living in a 18 suite apartment building in Edmonton Alberta. This year alone she has been plagued by the threats of a bed invasion three times. the building has done little to comply with the problem. They have fumigated the building in sporadic stages giving little to no notice to the tenants above or beneath the floor being fumed. I want to know what protocol would you use to properly deal with a growing problem like this. I need to get a better understanding of why my management company isn't taking this matter seriously. Thank you so much for your time i look forward to hearing your reply.
There is something wrong with this story. Fumigation is not used in Canada to control bedbugs in an apartment building. If pesticides were applied by a professional and there was any risk to tenants in the building, they must be informed prior to the application. Normally, adjacent suites to those with bed bugs should be inspected for possible infestations.

4136 Weasels and Mink ... Will ingested fly bait kill these animals? Sharon. Udora, Ont.
Exactly what kind of fly bait do you mean? It is illegal to use any pest control product to control a pest that is not listed on the label.

4135 I have sprayed Chlorpyrifos and water 1:19 ratio in our living room walls for controlling the termites. Is it harmful to our health? what is the remedies if so? Kindly clear me out in this regard.
You may have created a serious health hazard for you and your family. Chlorpyrifos has ben taken of the market along with other organophosphate insecticides in Canada and the USA. Did you follow the directions on the label? To control termites the product should be injected into walls, cracks and crevices, not sprayed on the walls. You could neutralize the insecticide by washing the walls with a diluted solution of bleach and water.

4134 Over the last week, we have had up to 200 black flies clustered on one outside wall of our home. It is quite disgusting as it is by our entrance. Can you explain what might be attracting them to this part of the house, and how can we prevent it from happening. They all seem smallish, but they are house flies. Claire. Delta, BC.
You likely have cluster flies, looking for a place to hibernate for the winter. Read more about them on this web page:
http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/INSECTS/flying%20pests.htm

4133 i want to buy varfarin powder where can i find it.
You probably mean "Warfarin", an old generation rodent poison that is not very popular now because there are much more effective products available. It may still be available at some garden shops. It is also used in a weaker form for human medications. Warfarin belongs to the class of medications called anticoagulants. It is sometimes referred to as a "blood thinner," although it does not actually thin the blood. Your doctor could prescribe this if you need it.

4132 We cleaned the vent over our stove which is fairly old. It was filled with leaves and dust that must have gotten trapped. We also found a small family of lizards dead! Once that was taken care of I thought the problem was gone but it seems that another one is rustling in the leaves that got in again. Please help!
The best solution to this problem would be to install screen over the vent where it exits the home.

4131 We live in Delta, BC. In the last 2 weeks ( it is now December 4th) we have had an annoying number of black flys mostly in our kitchen area. I will swat a couple and kill them and then a few more will appear. Usually there are only 2 or 3 at a time. .As soon as I kill them more appear - very frustrating! We have lived in our house for 34 years and never have had this problem. Suggestions please. My husband called and asked what I was doing and I said hunting flys HELP
At this time of year (December) cluster flies may emerge into your living space from the cavities in you walls and ceiling where they have entered to spend the winter.

4130 Hello, I have a commercial building in Toronto, and I need to install some of the pigeon spike strips around the building, however I have no idea where in Toronto this item can be purchased. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Krissten.
The businesses listed on this web page should be able to help you.
http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/birds.htm

4129 found a dead rat on my front lawn. Should i be worried?
You should be aware of potential problems. Someone in your area may be poisoning rodents and that is a potential risk to other animals. One dead rat will likely indicate the presence of more live rats.

4128 My family is having a problem with a pest. We first though it was a mouse, but now we don' t know what it is. We have set up multiple common mouse traps. We notice that the peanut butter was gone on all of them, but the trap didn't' t go off. Also there was no mouse pooh around them. We though maybe it was a baby mouse so we got glue traps and put peanut butter in the middle. The next day we notice that the peanut butter was gone, again. If someone has a suggestion of what this pest may be, please, please I will appreciate it.
You could have rats that are capable of escaping from mouse traps. What was the original evidence of the problem?

4127 I currently live in a townhouse, and for the past 2 days I have found in my downstairs bathroom tub near the drain, tiny brown ants. It started with one or two but today there were a couple on wall, and the drain which was closed had 4 dead in a little water. I just recently had my house sprayed last week. How can I stop these ants from coming in? Tammy. Charlotte, NC.
You should have the ant species identified. If they are pharaoh ants, spraying may have caused the colonies to bud or split making it a much more difficult task to eliminate them. Some ants are best controlled with good quality baits.

4126 Our house will be fumigated with permethrin for an infestation of bed bugs. I have a cat. What do you suggest should be the waiting time before she is re-introduced into the house. Claire. Ottawa, Ontario
Canadian pest professionals do not FUMIGATE residential structures with permethrin to control bed bugs. Insecticides may be applied in limited quantities to cracks and crevices. Ask the licensed professional about the re-entry times and other precautions as outlined on the pesticide label.

4125 Are there cases of Hantavirus in Nelson. Can this virus be spread by Pack Rats?
The Nelson Public Health Unit should have a record of any Hantavirus cases in that area.
The Alberta Department of Health and Wellness reports The major reservoir in North America is the deer mouse. Deer mice are found primarily in rural and semi-rural areas, often in old buildings and barns. Hantavirus antibodies have also been found in pack rats, chipmunks, and other wild rodents.

4124 We have notice what seem to look like fruit flies. Its December in Michigan. We tried apple cider vinegar to catch them but are not attracted to them. What are they? Richard. Monroe, Michigan.
Fruit flies are often confused with Phorid flies because of their size. See the photo and identification information on this web page: http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/INSECTS/Flies/phorid_flies.htm

4123 What is the best ultra electronic rodent device on the market? Diane.
We do not consider any of the electronic rodent control devices an effective and reliable way to control any pests. Conventional control methods are far less expensive and effective.

4122 Keeping sea otters off docks and boat houses. Jay. Gibsons, BC.
Otters are a protected species in British Columbia so you can not do anything to harm them. Because they can be very destructive and leave quite a mess on boats, some owners have used battery powered electric fences to discourage their presence.

4121 brought some carving to Calgary and was asked to freeze the wood to kill any possible eggs. how long should i freeze them for?
At lease a week in a freezer that is well below freezing temperature.

4120 This time of year (November) i see no ant movement outside but find one or two one centimeter long black ants climbing up a wall per day, could this be a sign of a big problem come spring once it warms up. Paul, Qualicum Beach, BC.
It depends on what species of ants you are seeing. If you send a photo we could identify and advise you accordingly.

4119 Hi, I buy many books including used books locally and that are shipped from the U.S. I have read that a few libraries have been shut down for extermination due to bed bugs now found in books. Are there any suggestions you can give me as to how to prevent them from coming into our home via books. Should we freeze them or buy a packtite (not sure if the packtite is a gimmick) Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much. Martina
If you cook the books in a microwave oven briefly, any insects and eggs should be killed. You could also freeze them in plastic bags but it would take much longer.

4118 i live in an area where the houses are close together and there are a lot of pine trees and maple trees. my question: when it comes to termites is it better to have trees close to the house will it contain termites or just spread them better to have trees or not too near the house. Linda. NJ.
Generally trees close to homes provide a desirable environment for insects. Try to keep branches trimmed back so they do not touch the house. Homes shaded by too many trees tend to have more moisture problems in some climates.

4117 something (mole? )keeps digging into a little crack in the slab of my screen porch. I see dirt the day after I fill the hole. Have put mole repellant into hole, still there. How do I get rid of them. John. Orange, Ct.
This is not typical behavior for a mole. You may have mice or rats. See: Rodents,

4116 I have a house that we have noticed mouse droppings in. We have set traps and plugged in two of the those mouse deterrent things one upstairs and one downstairs. The lady in the house has just sent me a message saying she has found mouse droppings under and in her couch? Also has found mouse droppings on the sticky pads but no mice? What more can I do? Susie. Oshawa, Ont.
Spending your money to hire a professional would have given you better results than buying mouse deterrent devices. You will find good tips on this page: Get Rid of Mice

4115 For two years now, I have been trying to eliminate flour moths, with no success. Will fumigation solve this problem, and if so does all the food in the cupboards have to be removed? Dorothy. West Vancouver.
Fumigation of residential buildings is not allowed in Canada except in rare cases where a permit is required. You should remove and inspect all the food in your cupboards then clean them thoroughly. A pest professional could apply an insecticide in the cracks and crevices.

4114 I notice something rip a bag of raw rice and has been putting it in different places around my house like in shoes and under dirty clothe what could that be. Irma. N.C.
Mice will gather food and store it in many places for later consumption. Put your dry foods in air tight containers and take steps to eliminate the mice. See this page for help. Get Rid of Mice

4113 IN THE LAST FOUR DAYS WE HAVE DOZENS OF LARGE BLACK FLIES WE HAVE KILLED OVER FOURTY OF THEM , WHERE DO THEY COME FROM AND HOW DO WE GET RID OF THEM. Clifton. Windsor, Ontario.
You probably have a cluster fly problem but without a clear photo we can't be sure.

4112 Do they treat trash bags with insecticides. And if they do which brands. Tom. Austin, Tx.
We are not aware of any such products available in Canada. If they are available in the US they will have to be registered with the EPA.

4111 I'm looking to purchase the Maxforce brand of cockroach gel. I can't seem to find any information for distributors of this product. Do you have a listing of stores/distributors for this product? Thank you.
You may be able to obtain this product on this web page but it is a commercial product so they may not sell it to you. .
http://www.nimby.ca/MaxForce-Roach-Bait-Gel.htm

4110 Every morning we find Sow Bugs in our conservatory can they do any damage if so what can we do?. Terence. Leeds, United Kingdom.
It is common to find sow bugs in the high humidity environment of a conservatory. They may nibble very tender plant shoots but seldom cause serious damage in a garden.

4109 I manage an apartment building we now have noticed cockroaches in our suites . As a landlord can I fumigate myself and is cockroach gel still available. Fred. Alberta.
You definitely can not fumigate the suites. We are not familiar with Alberta laws but in BC landlords can only apply domestic registered pesticides unless they are certified applicators with a service license.

4108 I have a 200 year old stone (double wall) house. I finally got rid of the raccoons only to find I have something else running through the walls and living here with me. I thought it was confined to the basement and put out bail blocks. Recently it has been visiting me in my bedroom! I was working on my computer late into the early morning and had a snack of grapes and cheese. I forgot about the snack and went to bed. "Something" ran off with a complete 1/2 wedge of cheese (wrapper and all) in the middle of the night! I got some blue bait blocks, and the first night I put them out they were chewed partially and the second night they totally disappeared. I re-baited with 3 blocks...gone in the morning. I decided to get a live trap and put cheese and a bait block inside. Trap and bait was intact in the morning. That night I put 2 more bait blocks near the trap and added corn to the mix in the trap. Perimeter bait blocks were gone and again...whatever it is didn't go near the trap. I caught a couple of rats in the summer near a woodpile in my acre yard but I also have chipmunks and squirrels that can be a nuisance. Apparently it will take anything, anytime, that is not in the trap but won't go near the baited trap! Any guesses as to what it is and how I can get rid of it? I'm starting to feel like I'm living in some horror movie.
All of the symptoms described indicate a likely rat problem. Live traps seldom work for rats. You should have more success with good quality snap traps properly placed.

4107 I came home today and house plant dirt was all over floor and tunnel was all the way down to bottom of pot. the stones in dirt were all collected and piled up. few nights before pack of crackers were ate. What animal do I have in my house.
Sounds like rats or mice.

4106 How do you prevent lake otters from defecating in boats and on docks?
In BC, otters are a protected species. Some boat owners have had success with battery powered electric fences. It is nearly impossible to keep them off docks.

4105 My tenant has just spotted a bedbug on the wall in afternoon (verified by exterminator). He has noticed over the last 3 years perhaps 3-4 times per year, small bites (1 or 2) but always thought it was spiders. No other signs of the bedbug so is it possible to have an infestation here? Could it be occasionally visiting from a neighbour? Is it possible to determine where it originated? Carol. New Westminster.
If it was verified there was one bed bug there are likely more. Bed bugs are spreading throughout the lower mainland so they could have come from hundreds of locations. A thorough professional inspection should be done.

4104 i work for an insulation company. today for the first time in my 15 years i went into an attic, where there was this white powdery product spread on top of the insulation. it got all over me. im worried if i possibly was inhaling a poisonous product. or exposed to anything dangerous.
Yes the dust could be a toxic insecticide but if you work with insulation in an attic you should have been wearing a respirator with hepa filters. It is not common for pest management professionals to spread insecticide dust over the top of insulation. It is more common under the insulation. A careless uninformed homeowner may have spread the dust.

4103 How do you kill ticks that tested positive for Lymes In your yard? What can you spray that is safe for children to play in the yard after?
See the answer to question #4093.

4102 I have the powder post beetle in a piece of old furniture on one corner. What if I set it outside this winter during freezing days to them. Will this solve my problem? It often gets into the teens (Fahrenheit) here. Thanks, Criag Mills
Yes freezing will kill powder post beetles . Leave the furniture out long enough for the core temperature to reach well below freezing.

4101 Where can you purchase hot lime? Kath.
You should be able to purchase it at a building supply that sells cement products.

4100 Hello, I have a major moth (clothes) problem and I need extermination. I also have 4 cats. I can have them stay with a friend for a day or two. How long will the process take and how much will it cost? We live in a 4 floor SMALL townhouse. Thanks! Elisa
You should launder or dry clean any items that may have eggs or larva on them. Occasionally more than one treatment may be required after more eggs hatch, but most professionals should be able to solve your problem in a few hours. For an estimate call a professional in our directory: http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/toronto%20pest%20control.htm

4099 Hello, We are currently trying to get rid of fleas. But nothing seems to be working. We give our animals flea baths and that won't even kill them off. We used a few different sprays and they're still here, also vacuuming. Our son is allergic to flea bites and this needs to be solved. Do you have any suggestions on how we can get rid of them, what we can use? Thank you.
Take your animals to a vet where they will be treated properly and call a pest professional who will treat your entire home. The cost of professional care is a bargain if your son's health is at risk.

4098 I have a four month old baby. Would it be harmful to have pest control spray in the room he sleeps in?
Spray what? Where will it be sprayed? What is the pest? Can other methods be used to control the pest? Good pest professionals will always use integrated pest management applying pesticides only if necessary. Ask the professional questions about your concerns.

4097 What product works best for repelling rodents in an RV for winter storage. Ken. Winnipeg
There are no reliable products or devices that repel rodents according to all the scientific evidence we have accessed. The best solution is to eliminate any food sources in or near the RV and block off all entry points to the interior. Rats may still chew on wiring under the unit or in a motorhome engine compartment. Traps placed in bait stations near the wheels may reduce this risk.

4096 i called my landlord 2 weeks ago on a Friday and he said that he will have someone come and spray for the BEDBUGS but no show that Wensday....We are getting eating alive here and on my leather couch i had sprayed Hand delizer with alcohol and than i put on some floor chemicals on the couch and it actually worked cause i nevered gotten eating all night....Anyways i am only on a monthly pension and cannot afford for the treatment so i there anyway i can get it done and bill it to my landlord or i just have to move out and throw out everything i owned...The Apartment downstairs had the issue of BEDBUGS and the landlord sprayed that apartment but NOT the others
Because there are two sides to every story, we avoid publishing an opinion on landlord-tenant issues.

4095 Raccoons are digging up lawn looking for grubs. Will ultrasound pest control work to drive them away? The unit I am looking at comes with a high intensity pulsing light. Is this an effective deterrent?
If the raccoons find a sonic device annoying so will all the neighboring dogs and cats. We have never had any professional animal control person report success using ultrasound. The pulsating light sounds like a gimmick. Trapping is probably the best control method.

4094 I have followed the pill bug control suggestions provided above and had previously used chemicals by a professional company also. Neither has worked. I am not the original owner of the home and have inherited this issue. Is there anything else you can suggest or some other kind of professional I can bring in? The bugs are hanging around baseboards in specific areas around the house. I feel powerless in this situation and welcome any advice or support. thanks, Todd
Sow bugs are harmless but they are a symptom of a more serious problem in your home. Eliminate the moisture problem where you see the sow bugs. Fix the cause, not the result.

4093 We have recently moved into the Garry Oaks district in Nanoose Bay. We had the lower level of our yard deer fenced so our dogs could spend time in the yard and now find that is not an option because of the ticks in the yard. The neighbors say that Nanoose Bay, particularly in this section, is infested with the critters. Is there a way that we are able to control (without insecticides) or get rid of these pests. Even the neighbors have had them on their bodies and had to get them removed. Is there a government environmentalist that can look into this problem. Thanks
The U.S. Center for disease control and prevention has an excellent web page with numerous suggestions on how to deal with ticks. http://www.cdc.gov/features/stopticks/

4092 If I use mouse poison will it hurt my cats if the mouse doesn't die fast enough and they catch it? Benedicte. Wetaskiwin.
Mouse traps properly placed where they are not accessible to the cats may be a better control method. Your cats would have to eat more than one poisoned mouse to be affected.

4091 We're supposed to have the pest control coming over in a couple of days for silverfish ; as long as we have a newborn in ,my question is for how long I should be away from the apartment with the baby . And is it safe for our baby or it's better to postponed the spraying . Thank you in advance , Gregor
It is difficult to tell if newborn babies may have any health issues so it is always wise to avoid any situations that could effect their health. Babaies also do not have a strong immune system. There are many ways to control silverfish, some which do not always require the use of insecticides. Ask the pest professional what he will be doing and what products will be used. If you are ot happy with the answers, postpone the treatment. Silverfish are not a serious pest.

4090 I need to kill an annual group of Digger Bees.....I don't want to learn about them, or protect the planet...just keep them from scaring or stinging the neighborhood kids. Thanks. Dyer. Gainesville, Ga. USA
Digger bees are very non-aggressive and will not sting unless handled or trapped in clothing. Their sting is much milder than that of a honeybee or yellowjacket. Male bees cannot sting at all. Females construct a nest a few inches below ground and terminating in a series of cells. Individual bees live about 3-4 weeks. Although the appearance of large numbers of active bees swarming over an area can be distressing, digger bees pose very little risk of stinging. If they occur in an area where they are not wanted, the best long term solution is to change the surface of the nest area, such as incorporated mulch or increased watering to make the site unfavorable for nesting. Insecticidal control can be difficult since the "colony" actually consists of a great many individual nest cells, each requiring insecticide injection.

4089 i have bed bugs and small children. i've gotton the landlord to spray, and now ive got to stay out of my home for 24-36hrs. i have no where to go and no money, who should pay for my accommodation. Shelly. Edmonton
Sorry Shelly we do not offer advice on legal matters.

4088 We always seems to have flies around our house outside. It seems it just keeps getting worse over the last couple of years. It is impossible to have a BBQ outside without flies not just one or two -- I think I could live with that). Yesterday, it being sunny and 15 degrees out, the south side of house was literally covered with flies. Every time the door opened and closed yesterday they managed to come inside. Is it possible that they could be living between the brick wall? How do we get rid of them? Any feedback would be appreciated! Nadine. Waterford, Ontario.
You probably have a cluster fly problem.
The cluster fly is a pest in homes and a wide variety of commercial and institutional buildings. The cluster fly larva lives in the soil and feeds on a particular type of earthworm. As the days shorten in the fall the adult cluster fly emerges from the soil and looks for sheltered places to hibernate for the winter. Often times they will tend to get under the siding of homes or work there way into the home through gaps around window casings or loose fitting sash. Control is generally achieved by applying a pesticide to the exterior walls of the structure in an effort to discourage the insects from entering. This application should be made before any insects enter the structure.

4087 Why do I keep finding earwigs in my fridge and freezer? can they cause contamination? Kim. UK
It sounds like you need to replace the door seals on your fridge and freezer. Insects would not normally crawl into such a cold place. Are you putting them there along with vegetables from your garden?

4086 After purchasing a wool rug about 4 months ago, I recently noticed several moths flitting about. Putting 2 and 2 together, I suspect the carpet as culprit. I noticed that you mentioned traps to be effective and/or insecticides (not permethrin as I have a cat). Where would such things be available? Thank you.. Nancy. London, Ont.
Some pest professionals sell insect traps and pesticides. You could also try a good garden shop with a dispensers license.

4085 How long can a bedbug nymph live after hatching if it doesn't get a meal?
There are very few studies that determine the lifespan of an unfed nymph. Some sources claim they could live up to 3 months under ideal conditions. Temperature plays a significant role in the lifespan of all stages of bed bug0s.

4084 I'd like to erect a bat house on my backyard (in Thornhill), is it legal to do it in Ontario? Do I need any permits? In general does government encourages or discourages to have one in private sector? Should I be in agreement with neighbors? Will I be (legally) responsible for any health hazard outcomes due to that? Thanks
You should ask municipal authorities in Thornhill about any bylaws regarding bats. Bat houses are generally encouraged but there are conflicting opinions about their benefit and success.

4083 Can skunks climb or jump onto tables and chairs? Cheryl.
Yes.

4082 Hi i was wondering if you spray furniture, cause of roach problem. Thank you. Paula, Hamilton, Ont.
Insecticide sprays can be used to kill cockroaches but you must use one registered for that purpose and follow the label directions. Baits are a more favorable method of control.

4081 There has been radio reports of bedbugs in library books. If I put a book in the microwave, will that kill any possible bedbugs that may be in it? Joyce. Vancouver.
Yes microwave ovens will kill almost any living creature. Be sure there are no staples or other metals in the books.

4080 I have piles of dirt all over my lawn but I don't see any animals in sight. Houda. Calgary.
The most common reasons for piles of dirt on a lawn are earthworms or moles. Without more information we can only guess the cause of your problem. .

4079 Is it possible or is it a normal practice for skunks to try to nest in an attic?
Yes. The insulation in an attic provides a comfortable nesting area out of the cold and rain for skunks and raccoons.

4078 I have recently moved into a new building and there are silverfish everywhere. I see them in the kitchen and bathroom the most, but also in closets, the livingroom and my bedroom. I see about 10-20 every day throughout the apartment. How do I go about having my building fumigated or, getting rid of these insects? Danielle. Toronto.
Fumigating residential buildings for insect control is not practiced in Canada. Spot treatment is the normal control method but it could take a number of ongoing treatments to eliminate silverfish. It would also require reducing the humidity level in the building.

4077 I live on the 6th floor in an apartment building. I recently moved in about a two months ago, and the invasion of red ants began immediately. They are everywhere, in the kitchen, bathroom, and living room. I have been told this is not the first time ants have been problematic for tenants here, but I cannot stand them and need a remedy ASAP. If I cook and leave a plate out for 5 minutes they start to converge. Can you please help me? Is my landlord responsible for the removal of ants, or am I?
The ants are likely in other places in the building, especially on lower floors. This should be the responsibility of the landlord. If they are pharaoh ants, spraying pesticides will spread them out even more. A professional should be contacted.

4076 Large number of termites appearing in corner of room near window. have had local treatment for them in other area . what to do. Do not want to tent. Mary. Oceanside, Ca.
It is very difficult eliminating a serious termite problem in a home if you don't have the experience, tools and supplies. Talk to a local termite control professional about the alternatives available to tenting.

4075 We live in a campground and have found out that the owner of the park is spreading mouse poison pellets on the grass. He has not told us he is doing this and I am concerned as I have a small dog that I frequently take out onto the grass. Can the owner legally do this?
Spreading poison where other animals, birds and people may come in contact is a serious violation of the law. If you can, take some photos and contact the local police.

4074 What else can be done for invaded home with rats? The exterminator has been out 6 times in a 3 week period. They put down traps, bait and tracking powder. This rat or rats have not been stopped. They are still living large in my house. I live near trees and a park. Pleas help if you can. Francine
You should eliminate all possible food sources for the rats inside and outside your home. You should also do some exclusion work. Inspect and find all possible entry points around your home and block them off with 1/4 inch screen. You may also ask local authorities to check for a rodent problem in the park.

4073 I would like to purchase Tim-Bor ...we have some furniture pieces (Sheesham wood) from India that is apparently infested with powder post beetles. Can I purchase and treat the furniture myself? Abdullah.
In Canada, Tim-Bor can only be purchased by licensed pest control professionals. You should isolate the infested furniture from anything else that the beetles could also infest.

4072 How does one fumigate bird food such as sunflower seed without harming the birds.First we had a small white worm and now we have a small moth like thing. Dixie
Birds are extremely sensitive to pesticides so don't use them. You can kill insects, eggs and larva in bird seed by placing small quantities in a microwave oven for a few minutes.

4071 I have a serious ant problem and I have 8 day old baby I have been thinking of using raid but I don't know if it will harm my baby. Is it bad for my baby? Carlos
You would be very foolish to spray any insecticide in a home with a baby. Many over the counter pesticides can cause health problems when not used properly. Read the label. Using insecticide sprays could cause some species of ants to spread to other places in your home. A professional could solve your problem without risking the health of your baby.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ants..To get rid of ants u have to kill the nest. There is a product on the market called," Ant-B-Gone". Put a few drops where there traveling and check the drops later. There will be alot of ants drinking the stuff up. They take it back to the nest and the nest is gone, and so are all the ants. Use these drops in places that animals can't get to. The stuff works great, and fast. Gary K.
Editors note: There are numerous ant baits on the market. Some work well, some don't. Most have little or no effect controlling carpenter ants. Most ant baits contain borates and a sweetener. This is a toxic substance especially if children get it on their fingers then into their mouths.

4070 How can mice be differentiated from rats. Nicholas.
See the information on our Rodents page

4070 Hi, we had a wasps nest sprayed about 3 months ago, after about a month we've noticed a strange odour coming through wall around area nest was sprayed from outside. wall is just tiled outside and then lathe and plaster on inside. any ideas at all.
There could be some odor from the dead wasps and larva but it should not last long once they dry out. If a liquid insecticide was used to kill the wasps in a wall cavity it will take longer to dry out. The most common odours in walls are caused by dead rodents. Be sure to eliminate rodents if you have them. (use traps)

4069 We woke up to find a shiny line that looks like a path left behind from an insect, spider or possible a rodent. You can see where it came in from our dog door and travelled around the room. We have not found anything other than this shiny thin line going in a zigzag line. It looks wet but is not. I touched it and it did not leave any residue on my finger.
Your description indicates you probably had a slug crawl across your floor. Slugs excrete a liquid when they leave their normally moist environment.

4068 Recently I have had piles of sand appearing around my garage for no reason I was wondering what might be causing this. Paul. Edmonton, Alberta.
Ants will excavate sand or dirt from their tunnels around building foundations. A photo would make it easier to understand your problem.

4067 I moved out of an apt that was infested with bedbugs. I took extreme measures not to bring them with me to my new place. I moved in here last feb. I still feel something biting me in my bed at night. But there is NO evidence of anything. No bugs, no bites on my body, no blood, no poop, no eggs. Is it possible to have invisible bedbugs or is this in my head?
Karen. London, Ontario.
While bed bugs are not known to transmit disease, they can have a psychological effect on people that have experienced a close encounter with them. Bed bugs can be very difficult to find but they are not invisible. If you are very concerned, have a professional install a bed bug detection unit for a few days.

4066 I was cooking something with honey, and some bees shown up. Since than they keep coming back. I am afaraid to get stung. How should i repell them? Linda
We have not encountered this problem before indoors but wasps are a common problem when cooking almost anything outdoors. Wasp traps will reduce the population outdoors. Window and door screens should keep them out of your kitchen.

4065 I have cedar sideing on my home and have noticed a number of holes chewed thru the sideing about the size of pencil for the most part although some are larger and appear as if they were hacked thru, all are around 5' or higher off the ground and protected by the overhang of the roof. I have not noticed any evidence to aid in identification of the pest aside from the damage. I have not seen any carpenter ants about nor any sawdust collecting. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Perplexed in Pigeon Lake. Brian
There are a number of wood boring insects that could be making the holes. Judging from your size description you could have a carpenter bee problem. Carpenter ants usually make holes a little smaller than a pencil. If the holes are fresh the color of the wood just inside the holes will be lighter than the surface color and the insects will likely still be in that area. Because more serious damage may not be visible, you should probably call a pest professional for an inspection and cost estimate.

4064 My Son lives in an apartment with his wife & young son that is INFESTED with roaches. FINALLY the owner is TENTING 2 get rid of the bugs. How long do they have 2 b out of the building both while tenting & after. My grandson has Asthma so I am very concerned. And legally do the landlords have 2 provide an alternative place for the tenants while the apartments r tented.
Tenting and fumigation is not used in Canada to control cockroaches. Most professionals use bait which does not require vacancy for the treatment. Your son should discuss the treatment with the professional doing the job. He has that right.

4063 How can I get rid of the European crane fly and ensure that I eliminate the grubs before next spring. Nicole. Innisfil, On. The crane fly adults are a nuisance but harmless. They do lay eggs that will develop into larva that can have a devastating effect on your lawn. The larva can be controlled with a simple insecticide spray but this is not allowed in Ontario where there is a ban on pesticides for cosmetic use. Some control can be achieved by letting the lawn dry out, fertilizing and short cutting. This government web site has more information. http://www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/env/final/bugs/crane_fly.html

4062 Another sow bug question. These beasts are driving me nuts. Today I vacuumed up over 150 of the critters. It's my 2 year old shop with concrete floor and perimeter foundation walls. Man door & roll up door are weather sealed. Interior walls are drywalled with wood baseboard in most areas (caulked top & bottom). The bottom plate of walls is pressure treated lumber. There is no vegetation against building although surrounding area is forest. No plant matter in shop although bits of sawdust. As the shop slab floor has settled in areas there are gaps (cracks)between floor & foundation walls & baseboard which I've caulked on several occasions. Could these critters becoming up from under the concrete slab through the few crack areas. It's also been quite dry in this area for months so I just can't imagine a moisture problem. They aren't an issue in our house crawl space 80 feet away across driveway. Thanks.
Did you put a good layer of drainage material and a vapor barrier under the slab? Did you coat the exterior foundations walls with a waterproof material? Do you have good ventilation in the building to reduce humidity? Sow bugs will not enter a dry environment. If they do, they will suffocate because they breath through gills. You must have a humidity problem.

4061 We have had a mouse problem in our house since we bought it 5 yrs. ago and the owners before us also had the problem. We have had exterminators out countless times and we have paid thousands of dollars over that time. All they do is put poison out and then when they come back they just look at the poison and inform us that the mice are eating it! The weird thing is that the mice are only in our drop ceiling in the basement. Nowhere else. Why would they be coming in, it can't be for the food or water because there is none up there. Faye. Vernon, BC.
Find a pest professional that will do a thorough inspection to find the entry points and do some exclusion work and look for any possible food sources to eliminate. Too much poison will attract mice.

4060 There is a noise coming from my wooden floor boards that sounds like crumbling paper or cracking and I can't figure out where it is coming from or what could be causing the noise. Jilly. Gettysburg, pa
You likely have wood boring insects. Possibly carpenter ants or termites. Have a professional inspect for more evidence.

4059 Is it a state law in ct. that says when an exterminator sprays your apartment for bed bugs one day -- that he has to wait a week before he can spray it again. Levilla. new haven ct.
Sorry we do not know what the laws are in every, province state, city or town. The normal procedure is to re-inspect the apartment 10 or more days after the initial treatment and treat again if necessary. Bed Bug eggs can take 10 days to hatch.

4058 I live in a housing co-op therefore I fall under the Coop Act and not the Residential Tenancy Act of BC. Yesterday I received notice of entry to my unit for pest inspection. This inspection is mandated by law under public health. I have searched thru Vancouver Coastal Health and have found no law. Is there one? Bob. Vancouver.
We do not give advice on legal matters but there is probably good reason for the pest inspection and it would be to your benefit to allow it.

4057 We have a mink problem at a marina in downtown Toronto. They have gotten on boats and left "presents" for the boat owners. The minks have left orange and pink stains on the vinyl seating on some boats. Please help me in ways to clean the stains. Please also recommend someone to come to the marina to look at the mink nests and to see how we can prevent them from going onto boats. We have set up snare traps and some other type of trap that i'm not sure of the name currently.All in all, the mink population is very large and we need a way to control them. Or unfortunately, to eliminate them (hopefully in a safe way)! Philip. Toronto.
Sorry we are not cleaning experts. There are professionals in you area that have experience trapping wildlife but it could take some time if there is a large population. The mink may be attracted to a large population of rats on the waterfront.

4056 I have an ever increasing rat problem, but ethically have a huge problem with extermination. It would have to be the last, last, last resort. Please tell me if there is any possible way to get rid of them without killing them. I have set up some live traps but have not caught any. They are very wily. Is there a firm of professionals who could effectively do it for me? Thank you for your help. Gilliam. North Vancouver.
Most experts agree, live trapping rats is a tedious, time consuming task that seldom gets results. Norway rats live only where there are people, so where should live trapped rats be released? They do carry and transmit diseases. Rats consume and contaminate 25% of the worlds food supply while millions of humans starve. Make a serious effort to find and eliminate what is attracting them to your home and the entry points. A local professional could do this for you.

4055 I have flea infestation...frontline and other flea sprays are not working... I am thinking about bringing ladybugs into my house as I have read that they will eat fleas. Ladybug infestation would be so much better than fleas biting you 24/7. Please advise. I don't want anymore chemicals and I have tried everything. Jen.
Lady bugs will not eliminate the eggs, larva, pupa and adult fleas. Most fleas sprays will work if they contain an insect growth regulator along with the adulticide but you must treat all areas where the fleas could be located. This would probably cost more than having a professional do the job.

4054 About 3 years ago we had blown in cellulose insulation put in our attic. Since then every summer we get a small bug coming through the skylight crevices. The bugs are small, brown, and look a lot like a small ant. We hired xxxxxx to eradicate them but they just sprayed around the baseboards and outside of the house with no apparent effect. They said the bugs are ants but in looking on line they appear to be some kind of small weevil. Is there a cure?
If you send a photo, we may be able to identify the insect and suggest a solution.

4053 We had our basement and outside permeter of our house sprayed for carpenter ants. since then I haven't seen any downstairs but I am constantly killing them upstairs in our kitchen now. What's going on and what should we do?
Did you ask the professional to eliminate all of the carpenter ants in your home, or just the basement? Most reputable pest control businesses will want to inspect the entire home and eliminate all satellite nests. This could require more than one treatment to keep pesticide use at a minimum. If the treatment was done this year there will probably be no charge for a second treatment.

4052 We purchased an elm "log round" to use as an end table - it had been kiln dried and oil rubbed. When I moved the round, there was sawdust and tiny black/brown insects underneath. There were a few exit holes in the round, and on further inspection, there are also exit holes on another piece of wooden furniture made from reclaimed wood. Is there any environmentally friendly insecticide that can be used on the finished wood to kill the wood boring insects? I was going to purchase Jecta Gel (a borate based gel) but it is only available in the U.S.
There is not much you can do to eliminate the insects hat have already made their home in the wood. Powder post beetle larva could chew tunnels under the surface for up to 10 years. When they transform into beetles and emerge, they will not lay eggs on a painted or treated surface. Most of the borate products for this use are not available to consumers in Canada. A professional could spray the wood with Timbor. Read the statement below regarding a borate product.

Warning:
Boric acid is probably more toxic to humans than many other registered pesticides. Take a look at the Merk Index for boric acid and you'll find human toxicity symptoms include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, circulatory collapse, tachycardia, cyanosis, delirium, convulsions, and coma. Death has occurred from <5 grams (the weight of a nickel) in infants and from 5 to 20 g in adults. The lesson is to treat all chemicals with respect and don't believe just because a compound is organic or natural is is safer than a registered and thoroughly tested substance. In fact it may be just the opposite.

4051 my neighbor recently did yard reno .. since then i have seen a few small rats ...i cant afford pros .. wat is best way toget rid of them , i've blocked holes n cemented all places i can see they may get in ..i bought an altrasonic rodent repller which dont work worth crap ..i also bought Wilson Predator blocks .. dont seem to work well ..wat is the best legally available thing to buy ...any answer appreciated with thanks. Shawn. Hamilton, Ontario.
It sounds like you have already wasted more money than it would have cost to hire a professional. Ultrasonic rodent repelling devices are useless. Properly placed traps can be effective but they must be placed where other animals and children can not be harmed. If bait is used it should be placed in safe bait stations. Be sure to eliminate any food sources that may be attracting the rats.

4050 My mother has coach roaches in her home and would like to know how to get rid of them without fumigating her home which will be costly. Sherry. Glenevis, Alberta.
Canadian Pest professionals do not fumigate homes to get rid of cockroaches. Good hygiene and quality roach baits will solve most cockroach infestations.

4049 I have a woodpecker that has been pecking holes into my stucco house. I have a cluster of holes on my back wall, and now this woodpecker has started on the front and the side of the house. my house is six years new, there are no bug issues in the interior of the house meaning I have never seen any bugs inside but at the same time not eliminating the pressence of bugs elsewhere. how do i confirm that i dont have an insect issue and that i only have an annoying woodpecker issue, and what do i do to get rid of this bird? Gordana, east York, On.
Wood peckers will sometimes peck on the side of buildings as a mating call in the spring but at this time of year (late summer) they are most likely trying to get at a food source (insects). You may want to have a pest professional inspect your basement or crawl space and attic for signs of an insect problem.

4048 Can you tell us the hazzards in the chemicals used for spraying for bed bugs and their impact on sniffer dogs? are there any sugested guidelines for how long after treatments it is safe to run a sniffer dog? Sherri, Alliston, Ontario.
If the label directions are followed correctly there should be no hazard to humans or pets when a Canadian registered pesticide is applied. Sniffer dogs are used to locate bed bugs BEFORE any treatment is done.

4047 Is there anything that the box elder bug does not like that will keep them away from you home. Christine. Kingston, On.
We are not aware of any product that will repel them but spraying box elder bugs with soapy water will kill them. To keep them out, you will have to caulk all the cracks and crevices on the outside of the home.

4046 I am having problems with in-house centipedes. They seem to just appear on my wall. I cannot find out where they are coming from as much as I try. I think, but not sure, that it might be from the heat/air vent. I have never seen them come out of the vents though. I am terrified to be in my own house. Please help me! Milena. Skokie, Illinois
House centipedes kill and eat numerous insects and spiders so they are considered beneficial. To eliminate them, you must eliminate their food source. See: http://pestcontrolcanada.com/INSECTS/Centipedes.htm

4045 We have a problem with tiny moths. They ate through my cashmere and organic expensive cotton. Nothing cheap - anything that cost they devoured. Our pest people put out traps but later find out these traps were missing the crucial round circle attracting the moths. The problem is out of control. I have filled up at least 5 of the traps and I keep ordering more. I have dry cleaned and cleaned closet clothes twice and I am still finding holes. Any suggestions besides setting the place on fire. I am frustrated. Tessa. Texas.
Adult moths do not damage clothing. The holes are chewed by the moth larva. You must treat the areas where the clothing is stored to kill the eggs and larva. you may have to continue trapping the adults and treating the closet until all the eggs have hatched. Store the clothing elsewhere for a while.

4044 I have been killing wasps outside and inside my home like crazy! I keep finding little hives all around and kill those as well. What can be causing me to have so many wasps? It's very scary because when they get in the house the room they like is my 4 month old son's nursery! Tina, Warwick, RI.
If you can't find all the nests you will just have to prevent their entry with window and door screens. They are territorial so there should not be many nests close to each other.

4043 I have a small hole in my stuco in a corner at the top of my roof. Wasps are going in and out all day long and i am not sure what to do. Looking online so far my best solution is to get insect dust. Is this right and if so where can i get it? Thanks, Brad. Brandon.
Insecticide dust is your best solution but "wasps" must be listed on the label, and you will need the right equipment to inject it in a safe way. It is not something you will want to breath or have drift and make other people or pets sick. Most residual dusts can only be sold to a professional.

4042 We rent an 1st floor patio apartment and have a little garden and we feed the few sparrows that come by in our little garden. The next door neighbor which is 25ft. away came and threw dirt all over my plants and a little tree and yelling like a maniac. It was frightening and very abusive. What should we do about this. Respectfully Yours E. Evans
We discourage feeding wild birds because the feed is a strong attractant for rodents. Perhaps your neighbor is concerned about having rodents near his home or the bird droppings are a problem. The birds can survive quite well and probably be more healthy without your help. Not feeding them should improve the relationship with your neighbour.

4041 We had same mosquitoes when we lived in downtown Gatineau about 3 years ago. I believe we brought them with us from experimental farm. They are beige in color and increase in number exponentially. It took more than a month to get read of them by spraying Raid in the entire house in the evening and coming back late at night. Now that we live in Nepean same mosquitoes entered our condo town home. I suspect we brought them this time from the agriculture museum. Unfortunately, this time "Raid" doesn't work and I haven't slept in a week. They are microscopic when they get out of eggs and come to our face like needles. The most favorite part of the body for them is face mainly eyes, nose and mouth. We have a baby. I think they look for a place to ley eggs since we have tried not to create any standing water. Anyway, we really need help on how to get rid of them. Thank you for your response in advance.
Mosquitoes have a very short life span. You would not have brought them home unless you carried the eggs or larva in water. I hope you did not spray your entire home again with an insecticide. You could seriously harm your baby. If the problem is that serious you should contact the local health department or other municipal authorities.

4040 What will kill sow bugs inside a newly finished downstairs? Linda. Powell River, BC.
DRY AIR! Sow bugs breath through gills and will die shortly after leaving a moist environment. You do not need pesticides. Did you install moisture barriers before finishing the downstairs area?

4039 I live in an apartment building and have recently had a black ant problem show up so the building manager is gonna fumigate. My question is..can I leave my 30gal tank in the apartment? or do I have to move it? Jackie. Calgary/
Professionals do not fumigate apartment buildings to control ants. Depending on the species of ants, the product used will be either a bait or residual insecticide spray in cracks and crevices. If you are referring to a fish tank, you should probably turn off the air pump and cover it with plastic for the day of the treatment. Talk to the professional.

4038 On August 27th, a swarm of ants flew into our yard (they ARE definitely winged ants). We saw them coming over the fence! They are black and less than 0.5 cm long. They landed on the roof, and literally were falling off like waves into the flower bed below. One day later they are still milling around the flower bed, but many of them appear to be dying, and the yellow jackets are feasting on them. Should we worry about ant infestation? Thanks, Sharon
Ants with wings are adult reproductive males and females. Once they have mated, all will die except the fertilized females or future queens that will seek a suitable place to start a new colony. Carpenter ants swarm in spring and early summer but without a photo we can not identify the species you are seeing. They are likely harmless.

4037 My parents' new roof has bees in it. We don't know what kind they are but we see them going in and out throughout the little hole where the rain drain pipe connects with the roof. I want to know if there is even a way to get rid of them as they could be anywhere inside the roof ! If so what would the professional do? Thank you! C. Burnaby.
It is more likely they are wasps. Not bees. A professional would likely use equipment to inject a very fine dust into the entry point. The dust travels like smoke and would likely eliminate the nest.

4036 Living in Westbank I have seen many Black Widows, so when I saw almost the exact spider but Brown with a hourglass on its under belly I was surprised. The legs were striped and the web was circular. On researching this spider I found they are native to the East coast and some have been found recently on the southern west coast. Has anyone seen them in the Northwestern interior? This spider was found near a daycare so I would also like to know the best way to exterminate them as well as their Black cousin's. Lorie-Ann. Westbank, BC.
Widow spiders can be a variety of colours besides black and some are found in western Canada. They are timid and do not seek out humans as a source of food. Most bites occur when their web is disturbed or if they fall onto someone. Frequently brushing down the webs with a broom or vacuum cleaner will reduce the risk of a bite. Keep children out of sheds, pump houses and other out buildings.

4035 I don't have a photo, we cut a pine tree down last fall now there is like a ticking sound and lots of dropping of "sawdust" like from a chain saw but much smaller in size, the there are small droppings like a reddish brown, we have only seen a black winged bug with a red body. What would this be and how do you get rid of them? thank you Laura. Hale.
The western pine beetle is devastating the pine forests of western Canada. Peel off some bark and take a photo of any insects you see. We can publish it for identification on this web page: pest photo identification page

4034 Can or do bedbugs get into leather shoes? If so, how would you get rid of them in the shoes.
Bed bugs can squeeze into any space you could insert a toothpick. Small items can be placed in a plastic bag and in a freezer for at least a week, or heated in an oven or dryer to at least 120 degrees F.

4033 I was just informed that a tenant in the apt. bldg. I live in has bed bugs.. can these creatures somehow get into my apt? I shivering just thinking about it and how can I prevent these bugs from entering my apt.
Unfortunately this is one of the serious and difficult to prevent problems with be bugs. Once in a multiple dwelling building they can migrate to a number of units. The landlord should seek the cooperation of everyone in the building to follow the guidelines and advice of the professional doing the control program.

4032 How do I get rid of Sugar Ants??
Very small species of ants are often mistakenly called sugar ants. Most of these species can be controlled with a good quality ant bait. The best method is to place very small quantities of bait on their trails and replace it every 3 or 4 days. Be patient. Baiting can take a while to eliminate a colony of ants.

4031 We have been noticing quantities of birdseed in containers in our basement. In a pair of shoes that were stored in a shoe box; in a plastic container with a snap on lid. What type of animal could be in our basement? I was surprised one morning when a medium sized black rodent walked along the baseboards of my kitchen cupboards. Deborah. Parisville Michigan.
Mice will often gather food and hide or store it for future consumption. Bird seed if a favorite food and will attract mice for quite a distance.

4030 I have a question about ant traps. The ant traps that I use seem to work for awhile - I see the ants enter leave the traps. However, a few days later I find that all entrances to the traps are "stuffed" with debris, as if the ants know it is dangerous for them. Have you seen this before? Is this normal? Thanks for any help ! Jenn
Ant traps are actually not traps. They are feeding stations that contain a poison that ants eat and take back to feed others in their nest. We have not seen traps with debris stuffed inside. Perhaps thatching ants may have started building a new nest
in the trap.

4029 What happens if you get stung by a lepidopterans? Sheena
There are more than 170,000 species of Lepidopteran. Most of them do not sting. Which species are you referring to?

4028 I have a problem with mice in my apartment. I have plugged every conceivable hole with steel wool, and there is only one place left where I figure they might come from. There is a vent on the top of the wall in the bedroom that is approximately seven (7) feet of the floor. The floor has plush broadloom carpeting on it. The opening in the vent consists of rectangular slits, about 1/4" wide & 3" long. Could they jump from there down onto the rug carpet, IF there was no way they could climb the wall to get back up there . The wall is painted wall-board ? PS: They cannot come under my door because I have the bottom sealed off with a metal extension on the door, so that not even the width of my house key can get through it. Thank You for any time and help you might be able to give me. Yours truly, Orest
Mice have no problem dropping 7 feet without harm and they can easily climb up that distance on a rough surface. 1/4 in slots would be too small for a mouse to get through but 1/2 inch would be large enough. The first place most professionals look for entry points is around plumbing pipes that go through walls. If you are stumped, an experienced pro could be the solution.

4027 I moved into a new apartment yesterday. It's a basement apartment in a very old building. About 5 hours after moving in, we saw a mouse. The apartment had been unoccupied for 2 weeks before we moved in so there wasn't any food there for that time. I really don't want to deal with blood and I want to get rid of the mice in a humane way. Unfortunately, I also don't have a lot of money to deal with this problem. Any suggestions? Does my landlord have any responsibility for this?
Most landlords will be anxious to get rid of mice in their apartments. If not, the local health department may offer some help.

4026 I have a 12 story hotel with spiders on all the windows on the outside with webs, what's best way to get rid of them is there a pest control company that's not afraid of height.
Many tiny spiders perform a feat called "ballooning," which involves letting a long dragline of silk out into the wind. When the pull on the silk exceeds the weight of the spider, then off it goes, riding the wind currents. The spiders have no control once they're airborne, of course, and most of them die--either from being blown too high and freezing, staying aloft too long and starving, or landing in an inhospitable spot. But a few lucky individuals land somewhere they can survive, like your high-rise hotel. Your window cleaners could wash them away with a hose or low pressure portable sprayer. A little soap in the water would probably help.

4025 I live in Bath, Ontario (near Kingston) and am 2 houses away from Lake Ontario. I keep finding fine wood dust (I think that is) on a small shelf right under my kitchen window. I clean it and a week later there will be a small pile. What do I do?
You likely have a wood boring insect in the window sill or frame. Powder post beetles will make holes about the size of a round toothpick but they may not be visible. The holes carpenter ants make will be slightly larger but could be behind the window trim. You could save yourself a lot of future expensed in home repair by calling a professionals to do an inspection. The sawdust you are seeing could be a sign of a more widespread problem.

4024 Is there anywhere in Toronto or the GTA to buy a product with Cypermerthrin, such as Demon WP or Sniper. If not where in buffalo can I purchase this product. I here this is the best product to use to get rid of all cockroaches in my house.
This product is likely only available to licensed or certified pest management professionals in Ontario. Importing and using the product from the USA would be illegal. Pesticides used in Canada must have a Canada Health registration number. Most professionals now use bait to control cockroaches rather than applying a pesticide that could be a health risk.

4023 I am having a problem with confused beetles. I have washed everything out of my cabinets, thrown all food away, sprayed all of my cabinets with Konk 400 w/baygon and still 3 weeks later i am still finding them. I was told they would die once there was no food source .my cabinets have been empty for three weeks now. what can i do ? Maude
There has to be a food source somewhere where eggs are hatching and developing. Pet food and bird seed are often overlooked. Females lay an average of about 450 eggs, which are small and clear white. The eggs are laid loosely on fine materials and broken kernels where the adults reside. Spraying pesticides is the last thing a professional will do after completing a thorough inspection to find and eliminate the food source.

4022 I'm a roofing contractor in south Louisiana. several areas that we work on flat roofs, we find some sort of looks like a beetle. These beetles tunnel into asphalt products and cause leaks. does anyone know what they are and what we could possibly spray on the surface of roofing to keep them away?
It is likely the beetles are chewing from the underside of the asphalt to escape from the roof wood sheeting and rafters. If you try to control this problem you could put your business in a position of liability. You should probably get a pest management professional with proper insurance, to inspect and eliminate the problem.

4021 I have a breeze block basement and around the gas pipe there is a small hole we have wasps that have made a nest in the brick how would we get rid of them ?
See the answer to the question below.

4020 We discovered wasps going into the house at the point where the hydro enters the home. We sealed the entry point. They are in the wall behind the electrical box. They are now coming out into the basement, fly around a bit and die. Approximately 100-120 so far. Will they eventually all die or do we need an exterminator? Thanks.
You definitely do not want to spray a liquid or aerosol insecticide into the area around a hydro meter and electrical box. The wasps trapped inside will continue to try to get out. If they die in the cavity they will be a food source for other insects. You should probably call a professional.

4019 We are seeking advice for long term eradication of carpenter ants in our house. Local pest control companies can deal with short term extermination but we are looking for gov't department to contact for advice on long term solutions. Thank you for any suggestions on which gov't dept can be consulted for advice. Paul. Dartmouth, NS.
The only way to eliminate the re-entry of carpenter ants into your home would be to eliminate all nests on your property and nearby. This would be an almost impossible task and probably not environmentally friendly. Take measures to eliminate the conditions that may be encouraging the ants to re-enter. See more information: Carpenter Ants, with links to government information.

4018 I have a large amount of Boston Ivy that I am not willing to remove (yet). It shades our deck and covers our pergola. The problem is that for the month of August, the wasps attack it relentlessly, chewing the covering off the flowers and causing huge mess and related safety issues. How can i keep the wasps away from the Ivy?
You could try hanging a number of wasp traps around the perimeter of the pergola. The better but more difficult solution would be to find and eliminate the nest. Make your own wasp traps: Wasp Traps

4017 How do we contact the correct people to remove a vicious skunk. Not only does this skunk seem to like a corner of our backyard, it doesn't run that quick from our dog and once it sprays, it comes after the dog and ourselves. It actually charges us!
It sounds like this is a problem best taken care of by a professional. Besides the terrible spray, they can also carry serious diseases. You will find a professional in Calgary to trap and re-locate wildlife on this web page: http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/Alberta%20pest%20control.htm#CALGARY

4016 Will fumigating my home for termites (tenting) get rid of the moths in my house? Anne. Tampa, Fl.
Yes if they are exposed to the fumigant, but eggs and larva in sealed food containers or garment bags may survive.

4015 we have an exterminator coming over to spray today just wondering do i need to leave the house because i have a newborn baby??? Kye.
What kind of pest problem do you have? Are you sure the pest professional is going to spray or will other control methods be used? What is the product that will be sprayed? Have you asked the professional about having to vacate the home? The professional has a legal responsibility to follow the directions and precautions listed on the label of any pest control product used, including re-entry time if it is necessary to vacate.

4014 What could cause coarse "sawdust" from a vent in an older home. Cannot see anything up the hole and it seems to be too large to be from an ant, but.... No sounds are heard in the walls.
We would need more information or a photo to provide a possible answer. What kind of vent? In wall or ceiling? Size of Sawdust? Salt like or rice like?

4013 We have a wasp nest at the side of our house. There is a small crack in the stucco just below a large piece of wood decorative trim. Nest is not visible and we see the wasps going in and out. We did have a sparrows nest in there last year and planned on sealing the crack once they vacated. My father waited until it was dark last night, climbed on a ladder, sprayed some household raid( not the one specifically for wasps). This morning I took a look and spotted wasps. Should we buy wasp spray that shoots 10-15 feet, insect dust ( what brand and easy to find in Rona,Canadian Tire etc?), or should we hire an exterminator for the location of this nest? I'm allergic to wasps, carry an epi pen so would to see them gone soon.
Whenever someone is allergic to wasps we strongly recommend calling an expert to eliminate the nest. When the nest is in a cavity and not visible, the professional will often inject a fine dust that will travel like smoke and eliminate them.

4012 You talk about how to get rid of wasps nests. The nest is gone. The issue is all the wasps that were not in the nest will not go away. They continue to swarm all over where the nest used to be. Which was under a large flat rock in my flower garden. How can I make then go away ?P.
A professional would use a residual insecticide that would kill those that come back to the nest.

4011 how long does the insecticide last after getting your house sprayed for bedbugs?
There are many insecticides that can be .used to control bedbugs. Ask the professional about the residual effect of the product being used.

4010 I caught a red preying mantis in my back yard. Is it rare? do you want it?
The Preying Mantis has the ability to change colour to help it blend in with the surroundings The red ones are quite common.
Thanks for the offer, but I have a pet dog that keeps me busy.

4009 This question concerns carpenter ants. I would like to know if a pest control company. when they come to a home where there are carpenter ants, should they not be looking for the satellite nest and the main nest in order to treat the concern Or is it OK to just apply pesticide at the place that supposedly the ants are coming from without actually confirming the location of the nests. In other words is absolutely necessary to find the nests ir order to do their job correctly Thank you. Marina, Vancouver.
Most professionals will do a thorough inspection looking for evidence of satellite nests and then treat the obvious areas . Killing ants outside the nests will have little or no effect on the colony. It would be rare to find a mother nest and queen in a building. The queens must have very high moisture content where they lay their eggs. Sometimes it is impossible to confirm all satellite nests have been eliminated and secondary treatment will be necessary.

4008 We had new windows put in 4 yrs ago and last year we found ants had been nesting in the foam inside the bay window .Now we have decided to remove all the border to paint, and came across a hole which was moist when I removed the border large black ants came out!!. We thought we had got rid of all them inside the window in the foam. Our neighbour had to have his window removed the same people had put them in 2 years ago. How did they get in and what do we do about the problem.
It sounds like you have carpenter ants. They have no problem finding or chewing an entry way into a home. When you "got rid of them" you may have only got rid of part of a nest, or there could be a number of other satellite nests, or you may have just spread them around using a bug spray. Call a professional to do the job properly without having to remove the window. .

4007 On a certain portion of my property we have an infestation of red moths. When we went to trim the area the moths took flight and then got on us and actually bit us. What can we do to be rid of this? Halle. Virginia.
We are not aware of any evidence of moths that bite. They do not have biting mouth parts, and most moths do not feed in the adult stage. Are you sure they are moths. Please send a clear photo for identification.

4006 I recently discovered we have mice infestation in our attic. I called a pest control company who has come and placed bait in our attic. I've also set snap traps around areas where I've seen droppings and have caught 8 mices. I asked the pest control company about mouse proofing my house and was told that it is impossible to mouse proof a house & that it is waste of money to do that. He said that the best way to prevent reinfestation is to apply bait annually. Is this true? Should I not spend the $$$ to get my house mouse proof? Also when I asked about removing and cleaning the insulation in the attic of mice droppings & urine, he said it wasn't necessary...is this true also? Candy. Mississauga, ON
It is absolutely necessary to make an effort to exclude mice from homes, although some buildings may be impossible to completely do this effectively because of poor construction or deterioration. Cleaning out insulation and disinfecting can be an expensive task and risky for inexperienced professionals. Anyone entering the attic should be aware of and take precautions to prevent health problems relating to mouse feces and urine. Read about Hantavirus,

4005 We seem to have a bat problem out at a summer camp. I think they are up in the roof somewhere, as the attic room (where staff are sleeping), constantly has bats feces all over everything. The smell is also very bad, any solutions on how to get rid of them and clean. Thank You. Janelle. Tofield, Alberta.
The bats may be a blessing. They eat thousands of mosquitoes nightly and Alberta has a real mosquito problem this summer. On the other hand bat droppings can cause serious health problems so the staff should not be sleeping in the attic room. The droppings should be cleaned up professionally when the camp is closed and not occupied. Read more about cleaning up after bats.

4004 Hello. I am curious to know the identity of a very small insect larvae that appears in my driveway in Western Oregon every summer. This insect is unusual in that, like the Mexican "jumping bean," the larvae live inside plant seeds and cause them to hop. The difference is in size... the round, yellow-white seeds are only about 1/32 of an inch in diameter, and the white larvae inside are correspondingly tiny. Despite their small size, I have seen infested seeds hop a distance of an inch or more, at intervals of a few seconds. Since they are most active in broken shade, I assume this activity is intended to escape the heat of sunlight. Walt.
What you describe could be Jumping Oak Galls. The movements are cause by the larva of a cynipid wasp which lays its eggs on oak leaves. This causes the galls to form as a shelter and larder for the wasp's larvae. The galls eventually detach and fall to the ground where the larvae can bounce around. Read more here:
http://www.abundantnature.com/2011/06/jumping-oak-gall.html

4003 DO THEM ELECTRICAL DEVICES GET RID OF SPIDER MITES AND OTHER BUGS.
NO. Some of the suppliers should be charged with fraudulent advertising.

4002 I have a small pond. No fish, but a lot of frogs and toads. Problem is boxelder bugs. How do I kill them without harming toads and frogs?
You will find useful information on out boxelder web page. http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/INSECTS/box_elder_bugs.htm

4001 One of my dining room chairs has 3 small perfectly round holes in it. There is something in the foam stuffing and in the mornings there is a fine layer of residue on the top of the chair. This chair sits next to the wall where the garage is on the other side. What do you think this is and what can I do about it? Marmion. Friendswood TX.
There are numerous insects that could be chewing the holes. Are the holes in the fabric covering the foam or in the wood?
What size are the holes? You may find the information on this page beneficial: Powder post beetles,

4000 Is it legal to bring insecticides for grubs and roses into Ontario from the US when driving across the border? Dana. Toronto, Ont.
Absolutely not. It is a criminal offence to bring pesticides into Canada that are not registered by Health Canada. Ontario also has legislation that prohibits the sale or use of many pesticides.

3099 What is the best way to get rid of the cpb larva. Leo. Bolton, Ontario
The larva of the Colorado Potato Beetle can be controlled in a number of ways including the use of pesticides. Research in New Brunswick proved that Colorado potato beetles (CPB) are no match for the two-spotted stink bug (Perillus bioculatus). Entomologists successfully showed that two-spotted stink bugs will clear a potato field of CPB larvae when applied in large numbers. Read more.

3098 We live in a home where the garage was converted into a family room by the previous owners. This month we decided to rearrange some furniture and found a dirt pile about 1 1/2 ft long, 4 inches wide and about 4-5 inches high. There is a small opening between the baseboard joints where this pile begins. About 5 ft away from this along the same wall is another area a little wider and deeper that has dirt along with grass and wood debris, maybe even some cardboard....could this be a nest? We did have our first mouse problem this past winter. Can those little mice make that big of a pile? Or is it something else? Pauline. Ga.
Mice could be excavating dirt but is sounds like you may have a rat problem.

3097 Why don't you relocate skunks instead of killing them. I've heard it's simple to let them out of a cage. Just hold a tarp in front of you, walk slowly and don't let it see you. No one has the right to take lives. Mary. Quebec.
Pest and wildlife control professionals almost always relocate the animals they trap. Some government wildlife officials think relocation could have bad results because of territorial dominance. New animals may not be welcomed by the existing population.

3096 Our problem is with pillbugs, or sow bugs, or woodlice - they all seem to be the same. They appear (up to 6-7 of them) almost evey morning in the bathroom of our basement suite - dead. The spiders feast on them. Although the basement suite is below ground level outside the bathroom the concrete wall extends well above the ground level. There is a small window, but it has a screen on it. The suite is only used by visiting family members during infrequent visits. There is no sign of water on or at the base of any of the walls. On one side is a carpeted bedroom, the other is a workshop, the hall outside the bathroom is carpeted - no water or dampness in of those locations. There is some dampness in the laundry room, but that is on the opposite side of the basement How do the bugs get there? I have found no access holes. More important how do I get rid of them? Grandaughter is a sissy. She won't go there. Gerry. Bowen Island, BC.
High humidity is not visible but one of the obvious symptoms of a moisture problem is the presence of sow and pill bugs. You can eliminate them by eliminating the moisture or high humidity problem. Better ventilation may solve your problem but you may have to improve outside drainage or install vapor barriers.

3095 I have found out I have bed bugs and am really worried I'll be forced to get rid of all my belongings. I've lived in this apartment for 28 years and have collected a lifetime of memories and research materials such as books and papers. If I had to get rid of these things I'd be crushed, no in fact, I'd want to, well....... I have an extensive DVD and CD collection and if I had to get rid of those things, I don't know what I'd do. I know this may seem trivial, but my things mean so much to me and if I had to part with them...... I also have furniture I've had since I moved in here 28 years ago. I don't want to have to part with those either. Please help me. I'm at the end of my rope and don't know what to do. Annika. Ontario
You do not have to throw out all of you treasures. Most items can be treated if necessary to eliminate adult bed bugs and eggs. Clothing and bedding can be laundered. Most beds and upholstered furniture can be treated but occasionally it would be better to get rid of badly infested pieces. Be sure to have an experienced professional treat the problem but first you should read the information on this web page: Get Rid Of Bed Bugs.

3094 Pill bugs are devouring my Daliahs and scarlet sage and peas. Yes, I use organic mulch and yes it is damp out there. But they are killing my tender plants. I know Diaom. Earth is supposed to work over time, but I want them dead now, Will Sevin do it or just plain malithion send them to the grave?
We discourage the use of pesticides to control pill and sow bugs because it is just a short term solution. The organic mulch is a natural breeding place but you don't want to saturate it with pesticides. Diatomaceous earth is a better solution if you pull back the mulch and sprinkle it close to the plants.

3093 SIR WHAT U THINK ABOUT HOW TO CONTROL BIRD. I AM USING NET TO STOP THE ENTRY OF BIRD IN PREMISES, WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT EAGLE EYE PRODUCT. AMANDEEP. JALANDHAR-INIDA.
Nets are probably the best way to prevent bird entry. There are a number of devices that will scare birds away but birds may get used to them and remain a problem.

3092 On our covered upper deck we have bees going in and out of 2 spots in the corner ceiling. Up until now they were not bothersome and recently they are starting to increase. Knowing that bees or at least some bees are endangered I don't know where to turn or what to do next. Maddy. Calgary.
If you know for sure they are bees and not wasps, you could ask a local bee keeper if he wants to remove them. If they are wasps you should probably call a local pest professional to get rid of them.

3091 I am having a problem with Carpenter ants. One pest contol person says that you have to bait them ant gel which he says is 95% effective. From what I have read baiting isn't effective. What is the truth? Tom. Trenton, Ont.
There may be some ant baits that have some effect in controlling some species of carpenter ants but we have not found a reliable one that worked for Modoc or Vicinus species on the west coast. We collected numerous samples of bait and tried them all while controlling carpenter ants on the west coast for 20 years. We did not find one product that could be considered reliable. Perhaps there are some newer products available now but we can not recommend any.

3090 I moved to this apartment on February of 2011 in downtown Toronto 191 Xxxxxxxxxxxx St and two weeks later we (my wife and I) noticed bed bugs bites, we complaint and they did some kind of treatment but was not successful until two months later and they are still treating it, we also noticed mice and they have put a couple of traps but we still have the problem, we are a very clean couple and never had that problem before. and their excuse is that it comes from the neighbours?? Can I sue this company XXXXXXX living? We have suffered a lot with this problem, bed bug bites, mice defecation in our kitchen, my wife does not even want to stay in the apartment...! I have contact customer service, evryone ...but nothing has been successfully done...I want to take legal actions!
We do not like to voice our opinion on legal matters. The Toronto Health Department may steer you in the right direction.

3089 Something is eating my newly emerging beets, spinach beans etc. as soon as they a visible above ground. Also being devoured are newly transplanted basil and dill herbs. The leaves on newly emerging cukes and sunflower plants are deformed and some are wilting This seems to happen every year and my garden is a disaster but my neighbors isn't Please advise. Sally. P.E.I.
There are hundreds if not thousands of insects that could be eating your garden, as well as slugs and other animals. Without more information it would be impossible to answer your question. Here is a short list of a few things you may look for:
aphids, asparagus beetles, cabbage worms, cabbage loopers, colorado potato beetle, corn borers, corn earworms, cucumber beetles, cutworms, earwigs, flea beetles, leaf miners, Mexican bean beetles, root maggots, squash bugs, and tomato horn worms. Have a look at this web site for more information. http://supak.com/mort/insects.htm

3088 Tent caterpillars are invading my house and eating all domestic and native species in my garden. I do several rounds a day gathering and putting them into a bucket of soapy water. I have never in my 55 years seen such numbers of them. They are now beginning to spin themselves into cocoons and I have been told they become blue moths. In the moth stage what do they feed on, what should I be doing at this stage?
Tent caterpillars tend to cycle reaching a populations peak about every 7 years. They generally eat the foliage of trees but seldom cause permanent damage. In the spring, if webs are present, colonies of young larvae can be removed by clipping and destroying the tents and caterpillars. This is best done when the caterpillars are at rest in the tent, either in early morning, late evening or on cool rainy days. A pole pruner can be used to remove the nests in taller trees. Insect parasites and natural predators like birds and rodents control a certain amount of the population. The adult moth stage is short and they are harmless. To reduce the population next spring, in the fall, look for shiny, dark brown or gray saddle-like cases which straddle or encase twigs of trees which are known to be susceptible to tent caterpillar infestations. Destroy egg cases and cocoons by scraping them off carefully to avoid damage to the bark, and dispose of them in a sealed bag.

3087 I got a what looks like a crab spider on my rose bush. white with 2 pink lines. I have never seen one before. i was wondering if they are common in Squamish, British Columbia. all i can find is they are common in Europe and Wales. i like spiders and think it is very unique. i would like to leave it were it is as long as it won't eat/kill my roses. thank you. Corina
Crab spiders are common in British Columbia. They regularly dine on bees. Instead of constructing an ensnaring web, a crab spider uses itself as a trap. It lurks where a bee might land, often directly atop a colourful flower. It splays its lengthy front legs outward like the pincers of an angry crab. When a bee lands, it grabs, a classic example of what is known as a sit-and wait predator. Crab spiders can slowly change their body colour to match that of the flower. They can be white, or pastel shades of pink, yellow or pale green.

3086 Our cottage had been infested with carpenter ants. A professional exterminator from Kingston, Ontario had been working on the problem. How long will it take to be safe to use the cottage again?
It depends on the extend of the problem, method of treatment and what products are used. A 6 hour vacancy period is common.
Ask the professional about the re-entry time. He is responsible for your safety.

3085 1993 house. Internal wall between bedroom and bathroom. Wood studs, drywall. Over 3 weeks hearing faint CONSTANT scritching/scratchy/ chewing? sounds. Doesn't stop when wall is banged on. Louder with ear to wall. No traces of bugs. Not mice. Carpenter ants? This early? (early June). Help! Thanks!
It could be carpenter ants. The Gulf Islands are heavily infested with them. The sound they make is sometimes described as like crumpling tissue paper or pouring milk on rice crispies. They are most active in homes in spring. Read more about Carpenter Ants,

3084 Living on the ground floor apartment having a bird feeder outside of my door is this legal. Ken. Hensall, Ont.
It may be legal but the owner of the feeder should be informed that bird feed attract rodents. Phone your municipal bylaw enforcement department to check the bylaws.

3083 My neighbour is spreading mothballs around her garbage cans to keep away racoons, and the smell is bothering me when I am in my yard. I'm also worried about the mothball chemicals being absorbed by the vegetables I'm growing, which are less then 10 meters away. Are there any rules or bylaws about spreading mothballs around outdoors in Toronto? Thanks.
It is against the law to use a registered pesticide to control any pest that is not listed on the label. Mothballs are toxic to humans and animals if ingested and the fumes they give off can be a health hazard. The Ontario Ministry of Environment should be made aware of this infraction before someone's pet is killed. Raccoons that are causing problems should be trapped by a professional and removed.

3082 I would like to know what might cause a circle pattern about two feet in diameter on my front lawn. It was only noticed after the snow had melted. The perimeter is a straw yellow color with some spots of yellow inside the circle. In addition, what would be the remedy for such a problem? Thanks, Bill. St. John's NL.
The damaged lawn is likely the result of Leatherjackets chewing at the grass roots. They are the larva of Crane Flies that you may have seen flying around your yard last fall. The problem can be treated by spraying an insecticide unless you live in an area where this is prohibited by a pesticide ban.

3081 We have lived in the house on an acreage for over 2 yrs. The problem is we get flies on our house outside all summer. The flies are all over the windows, our hall way leading to our door. We have used a very expensive spay used to spay on or near cows to get rid of flies. This spray works for a day but it is expensive and toxic. We do not have a barn near, nor dead things no food around but they are above our windows. My spouse grew up on a farm etc and we have never seen anything like this b/c it is all around the house. Talk about the cleaning :( Have looked all over the internet and can't find an answer.
It sounds like you have a cluster fly problem that you may have to deal with over a period of time. They are not easy to get rid of because they lay eggs in rich soil and the larva feed off earth worms. The cracks, crevices and cavities in your home are just a place for the adult flies to spend the winter. A professional experienced with cluster flies will spray a residual insecticide on the exterior of your home in the fall. This may have to be repeated in a year.

3080 my tree in front of my home has over the past few years been loosing all kinds of large branches. many trees of the same type in my area seem to have the same problem. I have noticed many ants climbing and decending the trunk ,over six feet high. Is this normal.
There are numerous reasons for trees to loose branches and it is doubtful that ants have anything to do with it. Talk to a certified and qualified arborist in your area.

3079 We had two holes in our door frame last summer. Now a third hole appeared about two weeks ago, oval in shape. The holes look like they were made by old house bores beetles. We have found no other holes in any wood in our house. What would be the most cost effective way to erradicate this problem? Thank you.
How Big are the holes? There are many insects that chew holes and tunnels in wood, some of their larva living for may years before emerging though the surface. You could try the treatments suggested for Powder post beetles,

3078 I have rodents tunneling under the crawl space. I have stated digging a trench around the house to fill with pea gravel to prevent them from getting in. How deep do I need to go. I am not sure what pest is under my house yet - I see the tunnels and dirt but haven't caught one yet. thanks, susan
Norway Rats have been know to dig tunnels as low as 6 feet below ground level. You should probably look for and eliminate any food sources and start an effective trapping program. Read more about Rats,

3077 Hi, I just noticed some powder dust on my new wood deck. I have the feeling that some kind of a worm is starting to eat it. I also notice a tiny hole its coming from. I need you advise, Pls. help! thanks, Rose
You may have powder post beetles. Find out more on this page: Powder post beetles,

3076 Recently we remodeled our den. When we rem0ved the staircase there was much dried rat feces. It was cleaned out, new steps put in and carpet put over it. Now the biggy. I have been having respiratory problem regularly since. Could the feces have anything to do with this, if so what do I do?
We do not answer medical questions. This is a problem you should discuss with your doctor. There could be a risk when cleaning up rodent droppings and urine infested things. Use the same precautions suggested for cleaning up potential hanta virus problems. Hantavirus,

3075 A 3 year old apple tree died a mysterious death last summer in August. First the leaves faded, than they turned yellow and eventually brown. Not surprisingly this spring there is no sign of life. I am afraid that some kind of microscopic pest may be responsible that could still be in the ground. What could the pest be? Is it still in the ground? What could I do do get rid of this pest? Is it safe to plant another apple tree in the same location. Vita. Canmore, Alberta
There are a numerous things that could have killed your apple tree including drought or too much water as well as insects or chemicals used to kill insects. Take it to a local horticulturist to examine and get a professional opinion. We try hard to identify pests, but the answer to this problem as described would require some psychic powers.

3074 We have either a squirrel or a chipmunk in our wall near the front door, right where we have 4 electrical outlets for outside and inside wires, as well as the unit for the alarm system. We have no idea where it's entrance point was, but are afraid of the animal nibbling through the wires. Any suggestions on how to get the animal out?
Rodents chewing on wires are know to cause numerous fires. Trapping is the common way to eliminate these pests but it may take some time to be successful. Hiring a professional could save you a lot of money in electrical repairs and potential fire damage.

3073 Can you tell me where can i find the DE ( Diatomaceous Earth ) food graded thanks.
Contact this company: Diatomite Canada, 1938 Hwy#20, RR#1 Fonthill, Ontario. L0S 1E6
Web site: http://www.diatomitecanada.com/fossil-shell-flour-diatomaceous-earth.htm

3072 How do i get rid of bats in my attic ???
Wait until the nursing season is over then block off all entry points and install a one way gate that will let them leave but stop their re-entry.

3071 Does anyone know where I can rent or buy a weasel trap in Toronto's east end.
One of the local pest and wildlife control professionals could probably sell or rent you a trap. See the professionals listed in our directory of Toronto professionals.

3070 Hi.. I live in Vanier Ontario.. there's a Skunk that's roaming our vicinity... I have seen him 3 times in the past week.. between 2 and 3 a.m. This is a young kids area, it would be a shame to have some child sprayed with by a skunk.. can you help?
Skunks are shy and are seldom seen in populated areas in daylight. They will not spray unless they are threatened. If it is a real threat it could be trapped by an experienced professional and re-located.

3069 Would a dry vapour steamer be good to use for clothing moths? And, have you ever heard one able to get rid of them completely. I'm desperate. Thanks!! Jacquie. St. Johns
Washing in hot water or dry cleaning would be more effective.

3068 Neighbor out back in summer has this noisy screeching cockatoo.every day in the summer we have to hear this noise .not fair when we sit out back in summer to put up with such a noise.whats the law concerning this.day and night it goes one like that for hours. E.B. Oshawa.
Talk to your municipal by-law enforcement officer about a possible noice by-law infraction.

3067 My house is termite infected, from the garage area. I know there are some professional companies can do the job but the cost is far beyond of my financial ability. Where can I buy the chemical to kill termites and control them by my self in Canada. Thank you very much for your reply.
A home is probably the biggest investment we make in our lives. Homes require maintenance. If you can not afford proper maintenance you should not own a home. If you try to control termites yourself, you will likely fail and the consequences could result in considerable damage that would cost more to repair than having a professional eliminate the termite problem. There is a lot more to pest control than just spraying some magic chemical.

3066 Something is eating the roots from our rose plants during the winter months. What kind of rodent would do this. ?
We are not gardeners but were able to find this information:

Root knot nematodes are listed by the University of California as possible root pests of roses. The microscopic insects are eel-like roundworms that infest and feed on the roots of roses.

The University of California cites oak root fungus as a potential root disease of rose plants. Also referred to as armillaria root rot, the disease is caused by Armillaria mellea. The fungus infects and destroys the major roots of the plant.

Root rot is among the fungal diseases of rose that infects and destroys the plants from roots up, as cited by the University of California. As roots start to die from the infection, the common above ground symptoms include stunted, discolored and wilting foliage. Your problem could also be caused by voles. See this site for more information: http://www.wildlifedamagecontrol.net/voles.php

3065 I have silverfish. I have had for several years. Question-I have read that there are three species that inhabit households. The silverfish take three months to reach sexual maturity. At what size would I know that a silverfish has reached sexual maturity? One-eighth of an inch, a-quater of an inch, or half an-inch? (I have searched everywhere on the Interent to no avail).Also I will mention that I have recently started to use Catchmaster Baited Spider & Insect Glue Traps (at Home Hardware) and have found this works the best for eliminating the bugs as I can put them in areas that normally can not be sprayed, under the sink (cooking pots in adjacent area) and in carpeted areas. I have heard it said that you can't get rid of them, but I do seem to be making some sort of progress with the use of the gluetraps. Please let me know about the size a silverfish reaches sexual maturity.
Most insects reach sexual maturity when they are fully grown. We have never had a reason to find out how long this takes for silverfish. We do know they can live for a number of years. Glue traps are a safe way to monitor insect populations but they are not effective to totally eliminate most species.

3064 Is the pill bug aggressive i need this information for a school project please reply imeedaintlyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you:)Joshua
Pill bugs do not have mouth parts or claws strong enough to be aggressive and harm other creatures. They have a hard shell to protect them from some predators.

3063 I have an Aquaponics system. I have Sow & Pill bugs in my green house. Can I feed the bugs to the bass I use in my Aquaponics System as food ?
Sorry. We are not experts on marine life but think bass would have no problem digesting most insects including sow bugs.

3062 What insecticide can I purchase to kill this bug. We are using de-humidifiers and fans currently.
Don't waste money and contaminate your home with pesticides. The sow bugs you see in a dry environment will die. If that is not fast enough for you, suck them up with a vacuum cleaner.

3063 I have a multitude of DEAD sow bugs littered in my basement (street level) floor. They started appearing a month ago. What could explain why they are dead?? Also, will sow bugs eat the wood frame of a house compromising the structure? Thanks so much.
When sow bugs leave their damp environment and venture into a dry area, they are on a suicidal journey. They do not eat sound wood but will live in and around decaying wet wood.

3062 Is there an electronic device to get rid of sow bugs?
Most electronic pest control devices will get rid of only one thing: your money! You will get some results if you buy a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity in the area you are seeing the sow bugs. .

3061 I have been finding something that looks like a brown larva type thing, i find them in my carpet, i have no food on my floors, just piles of clothes, imp 16 and im completely freaked out and disgusted, please help me and tell me what they are and how i can get RID of them!
Rather than publishing misleading or incorrect information, we do not attempt to identify pests based on a written description. You may find a photo that matches your pest on our "What is this pest" photo identification web page.

3060 Had some mice recently that we've apparently gotten rid of, so maybe this relates to them. Recently found what appear to be clumps of seeds (?) that look like popcorn kernels in an old blanket in the basement. Any idea what this may be?
Mice are hoarders. They will gather food and hide it for later consumption. People who feed birds will find piles of bird seed in many places throughout their home, sometimes under the blankets on their beds.

3059 What is burrowing around in my drywall? Not just on the surface but tunneling through and in the drywall. Ted. San Diego.
How big are the holes? Some insects are able to chew small holes in drywall but mice and rats often travel through wall cavities and chew their way into living areas.

3058 Are Carpenter and leaf-cutter ants the same? Al. San Antonio, TX.
No. There are far too many differences to list here. Read about carpenter ants on this page. There are more than 40 species of leaf cutter ants and none are found in Canada. They are numerous in tropical climate regions.

3057 Hi, I have Pill or Sow bugs in my basement. My basement is finished and the humidity is 35%. Every day i find one or two of these bugs on the carpet or by the walls. When the snow goes away I will check around the house and make sure there are no openings. They must be coming in somewhere. when i see them I kill them hoping it a mama with eggs! Is there any chemical I can use? My wife is starting to get annoyed. thanks. Mike
This question has been asked numerous times and the answer never changes: While the humidity in the room may only be 35%, it must be much higher in the walls where the sow bugs are breeding. They are not coming in from outside at this time of year. Moisture must be stopped from penetrating the concrete basement walls then getting trapped behind the interior finished walls. Spraying insecticides is not the solution.

3056 Is there any safe pesticide to use in an active sewer line to kill sewer flies? There are insect bombs that you can use in a house, could one be used in a sewer line without any adverse effects?
Phorid Flies lay eggs in drain pipes because the grease and other matter stuck to the pipe is a food source for larva.
The most effective control solution is to clean the drain with a foaming enzyme cleaner. You you not need an insecticide. Total release aerosol insecticide sprays have been the cause of numerous explosions that destroyed homes. Perhaps that is why they are called "bombs".

3055 We have been in Thailand for 4 a few weeks. We don't think we picked up any bed bugs but who knows. If we leave the luggage outside at minus 20 to 30 Celsius for a few days and wash all the clothes immediately will this kill anything we might have picked up?
The freezing temperatures are likely to kill any bedbugs on the luggage but you may also want to put the contents in a clothes dryer when you bring them in. There are some arguments about the effect of freezing but heat above 120 degrees F. will definitely kill bedbugs and eggs.

3054 Dear mad,sir i live in a province in Greece close to the sea were we are sorrounded from thousands of acers farming corn and cotton with thousand of kilometers of standing water canals and daily spraying of the fields with water.We face during all the year exept the winter extreme problems with mosquitoes biting and risk of deseases.The problem every year is geting worst.The Mayer of this province is unaible by law to spray by air or use any non friendly products to animals or people.Iwould like a professional opinion how and with witch way we can control this problem to propose to the board of the cities for aproval.Regards George.
There are products that can be put in the water but timing is critical to effectively stop the cycle. This is only something that should be done by a highly qualified professional.

3053 I have mice and roaches in my house. how do I get rid if them without spending a fortune on professional exterminators.
Mice and roaches indoors are always associated with a food source. Very thorough cleaning and hygiene practices will reduce the food they want to eat and slow down or stop the population growth. If they are contaminating your food, it may cost less to spend a little on some professional service.

3052 I have drain flies in my basement stand up shower. I've killed a couple larvae crawling around the bathroom floor. I have about 1 fly per day that I kill. I have yet to see more than one at a time. How do i get rid of them before they become a problem?
Phorid Flies lay eggs in drain pipes because the grease and other matter stuck to the pipe is a food source for larva.
The most effective control solution is to clean the drain with a foaming enzyme cleaner.

3051 i have Asian beetles not lady bugs but they look alike and my dog decided to eat some are they toxic to dogs. they smell so bad why would she eat one anyway? Sarah.
We are not aware of any toxic problems with Asian beetles, but perhaps you should consult a vet about the health of your dog.

3050 How do i get rid of fruit flies in plant soil with out harming the plant.
You probably have fungus Gnats in the plant soil. If you let the top inch or two of the soil dry out, the larva will die, ending the cycle. Read more about control on this web site: http://www.ehow.com/how_9360_control-fungus-gnats.html

3049 where can i find a professional Electric fly zapper, would it also work for fruit flies. Emilio. New York.
Fly traps that use ultraviolet light and glue boards will work for fruit flies. The so called "zappers" that electrocute flying insects with high voltage are not reliable for very small flies. Most pest professionals can supply these devices.

3048 something chewed a hole about 3" round in an outside wood wall and is living in the wall? Kody. Anglemont, BC.
If the hole is close to the bottom or near vegetation touching the wall, you probably have a rat problem. Holes in the middle of a wall could be made by woodpeckers.

3047 do sow bugs bite. Katherine. Edmonton.
No. Read more about Sow Bugs

3046 What pesticides do exterminators spray in Ontario for bedbugs? where can I get a MSDS label? Thanks. Bruno. St. Catharines.
There are not many insecticides registered by the Canadian Pest Management Regulatory Agency with Bed Bugs listed on the label. If manufacturers can not prove the product is not effective with little health risks, then it will not be registered. In order to be effective the product must kill eggs as well as adults and it must have a residual effect to kill newly hatched bugs for some time. Insecticide labels are available on the PMRA web site. MSD Sheets are available from the manufacturers of all registered pesticides. Recent studies are showing that some bed bugs have developed a resistance to many of the products that have been used to control bedbugs.

3045 I have bedbugs, however I am planning on moving out of my apartment and trashing all of my furniture, bedding, mattress', etc.... I was wondering, would it be best if I also trashed all of our clothes, or can I get rid of them, and save the clothes? Also, I have a blanket that I have had since I was little, can this also be treated, or does it need to be trashed? If I can treat these items, what is the proper way to do it? Ashley. Las Vegas.
If your furniture is in good condition and has reasonable value you do not need to discard it. It can be treated in a heat chamber or with Cryonite (freezing). Your clothing and the blanket can be put in a hot dry for 15 minutes to kill any eggs and adult bed bugs. Read more: Get Rid of Bedbugs

3044 we are nearing the end of January and its freezing outside and we have a huge big black ants swarming our house they are in the laundry room bathroom hallway near the front door and are starting to come into the kitchen and bedrooms. the side of my deepfreeze was covered in them they are crawling all over the walls toilet bathtub sink .but there is lots-tried sprays which will keep them amount of them down for a few days. I cant afford to have our home fumigated. is there anything else i can do? Ellen. Brantford, Ont.
It sounds like you have a number of carpenter ant satellite nests. Killing the ones you see outside the nests will not solve the problem. The sprays you used may cause them to move, making the situation worse and more expensive to deal with. The nests must be found and eliminated. Professionals in Canada do not fumigate residential properties to control ants. Call one or two in your area and ask for an estimate. See our directory of Ontario professionals. The cost of eliminating carpenter ants could be considerably less than repairing the damage they could cause.

3043 I have two "pocket doors" in my apartment. One is a bedroom door and one is a bathroom door that is right next to the kitchen. I have seen mice run into the wall through the hole left by the pocket door. I've tried to cover it, but nothing works that will keep it functional. Even if I cover the bottom that has a huge gap, both side of the sliding door have large gaps for mice to crawl in. Any suggestions? J. Baltimore.
There is probably access to the pocket area from the adjoining wall, ceiling or floor that should be sealed off. You may be able to see it using a flashlight. Good professionals could use a boroscope inserted into the cavity to find entry points. Check for gaps around any plumbing pipes in the area and plug them with packed steel wool. Ask the landlord to check the basement, crawl space and attic for evidence of mice. Placing some traps in the area at night might help reduce the population.

3042 HOW LONG DOES THE AIR SMELL AFTER SPRAYING FOR TERMITES. Kaylee. Honolulu.
Only the professional doing the treatment could answer that. It depends on what product is used, how much is used, how it is applied, where it is applied and weather conditions at the time is is applied.

3041 Hi there, 3 weeks ago my girlfriend and i both started getting bites when we were sleeping that looked an awful lot like mosquito bites. we don't have mosquitoes here, especially in January. also there are some smaller bites that are more reminiscent of sand flea bites. regardless of type, there tends to be 2 - 4 of them randomly spaced near each other (within 6"). it's possible that they are also starting in a new place that i have been staying so maybe i carried whatever is causing it here? I've check my mattress for bedbugs and can't see any sign whatsoever. the mattress is very new, I've washed all the sheets, there's no box spring and the frame is a simple and new IKEA setup. thanks so much for any advice you can offer! it's driving us crazy!!!! T. Victoria, BC.
Most people that get bitten by bedbugs never actually see the bugs. If they were that easy to find, the problem would be easy to solve bed bugs would not be the number one pest problem at this time. We can not confirm the existence of a bed bug problem based in a description of the bites, but it sounds pretty familiar. Experienced pest professionals now use monitoring devices that attract and trap bedbugs to confirm their presence. This is less costly than a thorough inspection of your home or apartment.

3040 Do rats raid birdfeeders in subzero degree weather in Michigan?
Yes. Rats will eat the food that is easily available and constantly being replaced. Bird feeders are probably the most common rodent attractant in urban area. People tend to put out more bird seed when the snow falls and the temperature drops.

3039 if you have any answers to my problem, HELP ! I've done the flea extermination, treated my cats, don't have bedbugs but am getting eaten at night by something, and my cats are too. Can't see anything, even with a magnifying glass. Thanks for any possible advice. Terry p.s. -I thought it might be psychosomatic, but left for ten days, was okay, came back to same thing.
Was the flea treatment in your home done by a professional? Do it yourself home treatment often fails. Fleas develop into the pupae stage and can remain dormant in this stage for months and flea sprays have no effect on this stage. A professional spray which includes insect growth regulators will kill adults that emerge from this stage.

3038 A mouse chewed into the corner of several packaged things like brown sugar, cookie mix, muffin mix, etc. Evidently he did not like them & did not eat much. Is the entire bag/box contaminated? Ginny.
If the mouse urine was visible you would probably throw out everything in your cupboards. Mice leave a trail of microdroplets of urine everywhere they step.

3037 Sowbugs are infesting two trees. The tops of the trees were cut and the lower four feet were left as they were against a creosote railway tie wall and we thought that it would offer support to the wall. The two stumps are infested with sowbugs. How can we get rid of them. We can tear the one apart with our bare hands but I heard that they will move on to healthy trees and even into your house. We would not want that! Eradication is my desire. What do we do? Arborists are coming this week to take down 5 trees cant hey cut these somehow and not send the bugs off on a house hunt?
Sow bugs will not move into sound wood or into your home unless is very moist. If you cut off the stumps they will probably move down into the roots.

3036 Dear, Dr. Subject: Did black wasps make honey?. I'm a researcher on a type of a black wasps which make balls of sugar -colored brownish- red color ، The wasp dig tunnels in soft and dry wood of trees . please if you have information on this type of wasps inform me Warm Regards. Abu.
It sounds like you may be referring to carpenter bees. You can read about them and see photos on Wikipedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpenter_bee

3035 We have lots seagulls flying above our restaurant and making a huge mess and now some staff are really complaining and not coming to work. Do we need a permit to get rid of these seagulls? or what are our options? thanks, Sarah.
The seagulls may be protected ( in BC you can not harm them) so you should probably call a professional that understands the laws and has experience controlling flying pests.

3034 We've moved into a new home in a new development and have a little mouse problem. I have 2 kids and one is still crawling that I am concerned about their health with these things around. We have a cat who has "taken care" of the mice and now my concern is whether the cat could be carrying a disease from the mice and whether we would have to get rid of the cat now? So my questions are:
1) Can a cat carry disease from having a mouse in its mouse and does this pose risk to my children since it is an indoor family cat?
2) We haven't found dropping or anything (yet) but how can a safely disinfect the house? (bleach and a mop i presume?)
It is unlikely your cat will be affected by mice but as a precaution you could use a little bleach to disinfect areas where your your child may crawl.

3033 I have been living with Sow Bugs for a couple years now...I am wondering if they could be the cause of my hives. I have a major allergy to fish/shellfish/crustaceans and even the allergists are baffled.
We do not give medical advice but the presence of sow bugs is usually related to moisture problems and that could also indicate a problem with mold. Mold can cause a number of medical problems.

3032 Is it a good idea to destroy carpenter ant nest in the winter. I know there is a nest in our solarium - behind the wood panelling. The window above leaks and the wood gets soaked. The solarium is heated to about 15 degrees. The wall is about 6 inches thick, with aluminum siding on the outside. I thought it might be a good idea to do it in the winter, when they are hopefully dormant. But, I don't want an ant attack if this is a bad idea. Joanne. Montreal.
If you know for sure where the nest is it can be treated at any time of year. You may be wise to hire a professional to ensure some of the ants do not move to other locations in the home.

3031 We are constantly getting numerous Sow bugs and a few centipedes in our basement and from reading the previous posts, i understand that its from high moisture. We have a high end dehumidifier in our household which would explain why all the sow bugs and centipedes are dead with a large amount in one particular corner of the basement. What is the best way to prevent them from entering the house, other than tearing up our carpet to look for cracks.
Talk to a contractor that specializes in moisture control. Sow bugs will not enter a dry area. Clear away vegetation and debris around the exterior perimeter. Clean rain gutters and downspouts. Make sure perimeter drains are not clogged.

3030 My mother has bats coming into her bedroom nightly this winter. She has hired a pest control, but they won't do anything until hibernation is over in the spring. Having bats fly around your bedroom every night for an 80 yr. old lady, is not a good thing. Closing up all the cracks is impossible...they can come through the narrowest places, and the house is old with lots of cracks. Does anyone have any idea what we can do until spring to keep the bats out of the bedroom? Do electronic pest repellents work? Any ideas would be appreciated! Thanks!. Susan. Oh., USA.
You will have to find a way to block off the entry points. Electronic devices will not keep them out. Read more about Bats

3029 I just had a recent invasion of box elder bugs that I had never seen before. Once this happens, does it happen every year? Dinah. Rutland. Vt.
Box Elder Bugs look for a place to hibernate in the fall every year. They will leave in the spring to start a new cycle. You will find some helpful information on this web page: Box Elder Bugs

3028 What is the standard procedure for getting rid of bed bugs, and when after treatment is a place considered pest free? thanks a lot. Regina,
You will find all of the answers on our Get rid of bedbugs web page.

3027 Can bed bugs chew or bite a hole through a bed bug/dust mite mattress or box spring cover? DBM. Ontario.
No.

3026 Sow bugs continue to enter the basement. The outside temp is -15C. We cannot remove vegetation now. Please advise poison that would be effective. Randy. Edmonton.
Sow bugs venturing into the middle of a room would be like humans taking a long walk in the Sahara desert. If they don't find water they will die. Using poison may speed up the process but is not necessary. The sow bugs are not coming in from the cold outdoors, they are in the basement walls. Eliminate the moisture problem. Read more about Sow Bugs

3025 For mice in our house do you spray or inject into the walls. Toni. Portland.
No. Killing mice in the walls could result in a bad odor and health problem. How to get rid of mice.

3024 I had once used a exterminator that used natural products to kill roaches in a apartment/ restaurant 2 floor concrete block building we own in Vancouver. He used pumice dust to kill the roaches. He said he was moving to Prince Rupert about 10 years ago. Do you know someone like that or can you recommend anyone in the lower mainland? We had these guys come in and spray chemicals every month. The chemicals worked marginally. The pumas dust worked great. Thanks in advance. Franco
Most professionals now use bait to control cockroaches rather than spraying insecticides. There are dust control products available but they must be used with extreme caution.

3023 We have something living between our walls....we think. We've heard it several times but if usually wakes us at 3 A.M. and the minute we turn on a light - the noise stops. It appears it hasn't gained access to our home YET...as we have a dog (Boston Terrier - a ratter) and she hasn't picked up on any scents still. The noise sounds like scratching on wood. We have an unfinished basement. we thought perhaps he's either between the walls or under floorboards? We've just had someone from animal services? to come and look and they said the roof is in mint condition and didn't see an opening anywhere. What should we do. Is there anyone we can call. I really don't want to MEET the creature that's lurking in our walls. But since we can't really pinpoint where it is or what it is how do we trap? There are no visible signs of anything anywhere?
You have done the obvious things so perhaps it is time to call in someone who solves these problems daily.. A pest professional may see something that you have overlooked.

3022 I am wondering what the legalities are for evicting a tenant for having Lice and not doing anything to get rid of them. Shauna. Calgary.
We do not give advice on legal matters. Talk to your local health department.

3021 I have paint peeling from my 2ond floor ceiling there is an attic above the worst area of peeling seems to be under an area that does not have floor boards I went up and noticed 1" holes bored into the insulation which is the blown in type looking in the holes I see what appear to be mouse droppings and very small seed shels. Is it possible that mouse urin can be the cause of moisture and the peeling paint the roof is not leaking or condensing and the holes are on slight angels down to the plaster. thank you. Joe
You obviously have a mouse problem but they would not likely be the cause of your paint peeling. You may have a ventilation problem that is causing condensation on the top of the ceiling. How to get rid of mice.

3020 I know a landlord who is trying to get rid of something digging a small hole in front of an apartment, she has place traps outside the doorway where they seem to be. She said she has buried rat poison by the door. She said she took some gyrock out inside and took out the old insulation. She put new insulation, but before sealing it she said she put rat poison in the walls. My question is it safe to live in that apartment? Or does she have to tear it apart and take it out?
For rodent bait to work it has to attract rodents. It is wrong to attract rodents into the wall cavities. If rats eat the poison and they are sealed in, they will die and cause a serious odor problem. Not a healthy situation. Dead rodents also attract flies and other insects. Poison placed outdoors should always be in a child and pet proof bait station. Your landlord may have saved a few dollars by not hiring a professional but in the end her actions could cause serious problems and cost a lot of money to solve.

3019 Three days ago I received notice that my neighbour across the hall has bedbugs. I live in a four story, 30 year old walk up wood frame apartment building. How long will it take for me to get bedbugs? Are there any preventative measures I can take, such as storing all of my clothes and bedding in plastic bins and garment bags or wrapping my mattress in its original plastic bag? Do bedbugs need human blood to live? Should I remove all clothing and linens from the closet? How long can they live without feasting? If I stay away from my apartment will they move out? How do they migrate from one apartment to another? Do they fly? Do they crawl through the dryer vents, baseboard heating or floor joists? If I wrap the perimeter of my mattress with double sided tape will I trap them before they can get to me in my sleep? Can I double-side tape the perimeter of my apartment? How would they know to be gone before I wake up? If I steam wash all my clothes after walking through the hall will I kill anything that may have jumped on me? Should I keep my apartment hotter or cooler than normal to discourage them from setting up camp? Does the sniffer dog that wanders around the building to detect them actually contribute to spreading them?
You will find most of you answers on this web page: Get rid of bedbugs. Bed bugs can survive for a year after a blood meal. They can crawl from one apartment to another through very small cracks. They often follow electrical wiring and plumbing. They do not fly. It is highly unlikely a sniffer detection dog would transport them. The risk of bedbugs spreading throughout a building will be reduced if the problem is treated promptly by an experienced professional.

3018 I have a suite in my basement I was cleaning for a new tenant to move in. I found a few Sow bugs. I sprayed the whole suite and also the up stairs with Raid. There were numerous(5 one day) sow bugs dead on the floor the next day. From your web site I see they came with the moisture in the house. This summer we had an unusual lot of rain. It is now 14 below zero weather. You think the cold would stop them from coming in. Will it? Is there any thing better then Raid to spray them with? They are really creepy things. I found one up stairs which I hope I carried it up on my clothes. Thank you for your help. JOYCE. Saskatoon.
You will always have sow bugs if you do not eliminate the high humidity or moisture in your basement walls. Contaminating your suite with pesticides may kill a few but will not solve the problem.

3017 i was told dust mites can't survive in the edmonton, alberta area by a doctor? what are the facts on this-son tests positive for allergy to dust mites.
Dust mites could live in your home but only if it is always very warm and the relative humidity is above 40%.

3016 RE:3001 PCO sprayed apt.for the 4th time & am still getting a multitude of multiple bites on the front and back of upper torso; and on my skull; in bed each night? -bed is isolated in centre of bedroom.-mattress, boxspring & pillow have encasements -solitary blanket on bed gets sprayed with Kleen Free contact spray nightly -legs on bedframe have been sprayed with Sure Kill residual spray and bedframe wheels sit on pest control sticky pads. What has to be done to put an end to these daily and nightly bites? Is it possible for these bugs to be living in my coat & clothing? Can feel sharp, painful bites at different intervals and times during the daytime,late afternoon and/or evening. DBM. Ontario.
It is impossible to determine what is biting you based on a description of bite but if you feel sharp pain they are not bed bugs. Once again, if you want professionals to solve the problem, stop spraying yourself. You are scattering whatever is getting into your bed.

3015 My husband has been getting bitten at night for a few months now. A few bites every couple of days -- on his legs, stomach, face -- swelling and ichy-ness follows. I have not been bitten. Our place has been exterminated 4 times for bed bugs but the experts have yet to find feces/cast skins/evidence of any sort. I sometimes find poppy-seed like debris - hard and black -- in the bed and have been storing this evidence in a zip-lock bag. We are completely stumped and confused. Any advice on what these creature might be would be much appreciated! Christina. Toronto.
We do not attempt to answer medical questions and can not identify a pest without a photo.

3014 what is the reaction to bedbug to getting the residule of the spray on skin or ingesting it or breathing it in???????
If a professional is applying the right product correctly there should be no risk once it is dry. You should not be present during the application.

3013 We have heard about the Victor Pest Chaser and would like to know if this device is worth purchasing to get rid of the mice in our attic in a Human way. Does this device harm other pets in your home and is it safe? Thank you. Barbara .
We do not endorse the use of ultrasonic pest repelling devices. There is no scientific evidence that proves they are an effective way to eliminate rodents.

3012 pls confirm that plastic mattress and box spring covers that can be purchased at Storage companies are ok to use...thanks.
OK to use for what purpose? For years moving companies have been selling mattress covers to keep them clean. I you want to protect them from bedbugs, there are a number of covers designed for that specific purpose. Many pest professionals sell them. Pest control supplies for consumers

3011 I've asked your organization about powder post beetle before, and now have an additional question. I have the ability to create a plastic tent or compartment to enclosed my 16'to 18' wooden beams and posts. Is there a chemical (ie: borax or sulphide, ammonia, etc) that I can fume the wood by heating in a pan and smoking or steaming as a treatment before sealing the wood with a finish, rather then an expensive exterminators treatment. Thank you, Sam.
If you can legally purchase and safely use a product it would probably cost more in time and materials than to have a professional spray the beams with Tim-Bor. Beams of this size are quite valuable and worth spending a little money to preserve them properly without risking your own health.

3010 i have discarded everything in my cupboards that would attract or has had these little food bugs or beetles as you would call them. I have sprayed my kitchen with a recommended spray. i have emptied out every drawer and shelf and washed everything. Still when i open a cupboard or drawer every now and then, like every other day, i find one. How can i resolve this problem. I even made a mix of hot sauce and garlic and soap and spayed every corner and edge over and under sink and cupboards, which i found in a magazine. What else can i do, if i still find one or some. I only find one at a time.
There is likely something you have not thrown out that is a food source for the insects. (pet food, bird seed ?) You have taken the right steps but hot sauce and garlic may only repel and not kill them. You may have to have a professional do an inspection and apply a residual product that will kill the insects over a long period of time.

3009 i,m putting a tarp on the ground for an ice rink this winter. mice ate a hole through it last year. can i put something on the ground to stop this.
In winter conditions there will not be much food available for mice so it should be fairly easy to trap most of the population before you lay down the tarp. I guess they could get a little upset if you covered the entry to their underground nest.

3008 I had an alexandrine ringneck bird and recently had a lot of mice in the house and found a lot of mice droppings in bird cage and the bird suddenly died and before he died he sounded like he had something stuck in his throat and I was wondering if he ate the mouse droppings would this cause him to die he was 20 years old and n great health please answer as this is very important for me to know thanks babs
Sorry we are not experienced at diagnosing bird health problems. We do know that mice can carry a lot of viruses, parasites and other health related problems. Bird seed is a common mouse attractant. Talk to a vet.

3007 Okay i really need help, i live in a basement apartment north facing, and have discovered a problem i think an infestation of pill/sow bugs. My apartment was sprayed in selected areas as my contents were still in apartment 3 weeks ago, a week after i found more, so 4 days ago it was sprayed again, again in selected areas because i have my stuff in the apartment, tonight i find more, alive and healthy, does not look like they hit and kind of chemical. A de-humidifier has been on since 3 weeks ago and barely any water is in the bucket. They are coming up through the sides of the carpet and wall. Please help me. What is the next step to get rid of these? There is no moisture in my carpet, professionally sprayed twice in 3 weeks and i still have a problem.. Paige. Alberta.
The sow bugs are obviously in the walls which are likely below grade level and holding a lot of moisture. Spraying pesticides will never get rid of them. It will only offer some temporary relief and you don't want your apartment saturated with pesticides. It may be impossible without tearing out the walls, but something has to be done to eliminate the moisture problem.

3006 If I don't know where the mice are coming in and how many might be in the house (and other areas than where I actually see them), but mainly see them in my undersink cabinet: I put peppermint oil and sealing the spaces around pipes with steelwool I might not see them in this location anymore but would they not find other places in the house where I might not be aware of having them (and consequently be able to get rid of them)? What is the advice? Annette. London, Ontario
Getting rid of a mouse problem is usually a process of eliminating food that is attracting them, blocking off the entry points and trapping the existing population. We often overlook problems that a professional will see and take care of. Just keep looking or call someone with experience.

3005 After several(4)professional inspections, it has been determined that we have termites. Though they are licenced or certified, each pest control company, through examination, have simular but quite different opinions about where in the home Termidor should be administered and with a large difference in the prices. Each think they know what is best for the home. How do we decide which is the best company with such the degree of differences? Maxie, Loudoun County Virginia.
Ask how much experience the technician doing the work has. Ask the ones you trust for referrals from satisfied customers. Membership in NPMA is important. Find out what insurance coverage they have and what does it include. Read their written guarantee. Businesses struggling because of their poor reputation will quote lower rates just to get the work. The highest quote may not provide the best service but profitable businesses will be around in the future if you need them to come back.

3004 I have lots of sow bugs and millipedes in my basement. I seem to have to sweep them up every couple weeks. Every once in a while a spot one on the other floors of my house, but this is rare. All of my walls are finished and I don't have any visible signs of a water problem. But I can't see the foundation so I wouldn't be able to see any cracks. I put a dehumidifier down there and its keeps it around 45% humidity, I thought that would help but doesn't seem to have done anything. All of the ground around my house is well below were the wood meets the concrete foundation.
I suspect the moisture level is high behind the finished walls in your basement. There are products available to seal concrete and reduce moisture penetration. This has to be done before the walls are finished. Keep using the dehumidifier and improve the ventilation in the basement. The sow bugs and millipedes are harmless.

3003 How long does Permethrin spray last after PCO applies? How long does Pyrethin spray last after PCO applies?
The residual effect of any insecticide depends on a number of factors including the exact formulations, strength of the solution, method of application and what type of surface the product is applied to. Permethrin is a synthetic version of pyrethrin. Many people erroneously assume that pyrethrin and permethrin are the same thing. Although the names are similar, the similarity ends there. It's important not to confuse the two, because permethrin is very toxic to cats. Permethrin was developed because pyrethrins have a short life. They don't have much of a residual effect, and they must be reapplied often. Scientists addressed this issue by coming up with pyrethrin derivatives called "pyrethroids," including permethrin, which are longer-lasting.

3002 Hi. I just want to know were to buy the products to kill and control Bedbugs, I can not afford to pay a professional, I prefer to do it myself but I don't find the place to buy the products here, in Montr�al, Canada. Thanks. Lola
Killing bedbugs is easy if you can find them Almost any insecticide sprayed directly on a live bedbug will kill it. The problem is finding the live bed bugs and this is even a challenge for professionals. You may just waste your money and time doing it yourself, and this could also increase the cost to have a professional do it right. Read the answer to the next question.

3001 Professional just sprayed & am still getting multiple bites in bed at night. -bed is isolated in centre of bedroom. -mattress,boxspring & pillow have encasements -solitary blanket on bed gets sprayed with Kleen Free contact spray nightly -legs on bedframe have been sprayed with Sure Kill any other suggestions? DBM. Ontario.
Getting rid of bedbugs is a process that often requires 2 or 3, or more treatments because eggs may hatch 10 days after the initial treatment. If you pay a professional to do the job, let them do it. Your help will make the job more difficult for the professional because the spraying has almost no residual effect and could just make it more difficult to find the insects. Read this recent story: All-natural bedbug sprays have little effect.

3000 Recently I had a rooster and 4 hens killed and eaten. Left me head wings feet attached to backbone or sinews.( All in one night) I thought it was a couger or raccoons but have found out raccoons are not "meat eaters' A few night's a go same thing only a small hole was dug under the fence in the chicken yard, Same body left with out the head this time only feet and wings. This is very puzzling. I have had hawks here but this was in the night. I do not know what small animals could kill the first mentioned victims or the latest one. Any help you can send will be much appreciated. P. s. I used to have a big dog who looked after the hens and me etc. but she passed away in the spring. Because we are Srs we do not know how long we will be here (LONG TIME I HOPE) So we hesitate to get another dog but perhaps that is the only answer. Thanks for any help you can send Dorothy Rowse.
Raccoons do eat meat. In fact they are the most common predator on chickens on the west coast. Mink will also kill chickens. One mink can wipe out an entire flock one night but they do not eat them They usually just bite a hole in the neck. Once chickens are dead, other predators, especially rats will come to eat what is left of the carcass. Your problem definitely sounds like you have a raccoon problem. You could try trapping with a rented trap or call a pest professional to trap it. There could be more than one.

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