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4114 |
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Blue Earth MN
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Professional pest control
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Your answer may be on one of these pages:
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Did you know it's against the law...
- to use pesticides
to control any pest that is not listed on the label.
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in a manner that is not in compliance with directions on the label. |
Your answer may be on one of these pages:
Ants,
Ant nest
photos
Ask the
experts,
Bats,
Bedbugs
Bees,
Bee Stings
Birds,
Booklouse
Box
Elder Bugs
Bug
Identification
Bugs for kids
Canadian Pest Management Association,
Canadian Pest Pros.
Carpenter
Ants,
Carpenter ant photos
Carpet Beetles
Centipedes
Choosing a pro,
Classified ads,
Clothes moths
Clover
Mites
Cockroaches,
Controlling
pests,
Employment ads,
Finding a Pro,
Fleas,
Flies
Fleas,
Carpenter Ants
Gnats
Grain beetles
Hantavirus,
Home page,
Index page
Indian Meal Moth
Insects,
I.P.M... ,
Ladybugs
Mice,
Millipedes
Mold
Moles,
Moths,
Orchard bees
Other pests,
Pantry Pests
Pesticides
Pest pro Associations,
Pharaoh
Ants
Phorid Flies
Pill Bugs
Powder
post beetles,
Psocid
Questions and answers
Raccoons,
Rats,
Real
Estate & Pests,
Rodents,
Silverfish
Skunks
Snakes,
Sow Bugs
Spiders
SPMA
of BC,
Stored food pests
Supplies for pest control,
Termites,
Wasps,
Wasp Stings
Wasp Traps
Weevils
West Nile Virus
What is
this pest?
Wildlife pests
Wildlife control products
Let
your mouse do the walking through our
Directory of Pest
Professionals
Your answer may be on one of these pages:
Ants,
Ant nest photos
Bats,
Bees,
Birds,
Carpenter Ants,
Canadian Pest Management Association,
Carpenter ant photos,
Choosing a professional.
Cockroaches,
Controlling pests,
Finding a Pro,
Fleas,
Flies
Getting rid of Carpenter
ants
Hantavirus,
Home page,
Insects,
I.P.M... ,
Mice,
Moles,
Moths, ,
Other pests,
Powder post beetles,
Raccoons,
Rats,
Real Estate & Pests,
Rodents,
Snakes,
Spiders,
SPMA of BC,
Sow Bugs,
Supplies for pest control, Termites,
Wasps,
Wildlife pests
Pest pro
Associations,
C.P.M.A.
(Canada)
SPMA BC (
B.C.)
SPMAO
(Ontario)
Let your mouse do the walking through our
Directory of Pest
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4113 |
|
4112 |
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.
|
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 Montréal, 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. |
2999 Was Really Wondering How to get rid of
spiders. i been finding a lot of black spiders in my house and they look like
black widows. just wondering if u could help in any way? Rebekah.
The best way is to get rid of their food source: insects.
You will find good tips on our
Spiders web page. |
2998 Where can I purchase products like
Boracare or Timbor (in the Vancouver, BC area) to control powder post beetle, or
can I make mixture of boxax and water then use an outdoor sealer when the wood
dries. I have 10 beams 6x10 by 16 feet long being used as structural members for
a studio on Denman Island. The wood came from Douglas Fir trees blown down
during winter wind storms of 2006 and chainsaw milled over the past 2 1/2 years.
Thank you Sam
I believe these products can only be sold to licensed pest
service businesses in Canada. A mixture of borax and water would not be a
strong enough solution to penetrate and have the same residual effect as the
professional products mentioned. If the beams are not already infected with
powder post beetles you should at least coat them with something to discourage
egg laying on the surface. Ask a pest professional in Courtenay for a quote to
come and spray them for you when they are on Denman for other calls. Fir beams
that size are quite valuable. |
2997 i have a 2-month-old child and i was
wondering if its safe to Spray insecticide, and for how long does the effect
last "on human"? and what's the preparations before you come (removing
furniture, clothes, kitchen dishes and appliances for example?"small red ants"
Rawan. Montreal.
A licensed and experienced pest professional will take the
precautions and suggest a vacancy period to prevent any problems for your
family. Discuss this with the professional before he comes.
|
2996 I have fleas brought in by my 2 cats,
and although I have sprayed, they seem to be still with us. Is there any sort of
portable UV wand on the market that is of strong enough power to kill fleas,
does anybody know? My ankles are all bitten, and it wakes me in the night, I
have to scratch. Please help. Rene.
There is no magic wand to eliminate fleas. Talk to a vet
about treating the cats and have a professional treat ALL areas of your home.
|
2995 I have these little winged bugs in my
house that smell like lemons when you crush them. I am just wondering what they
are and how I can get rid of them.
Occasionally, a swarm of winged Citronella ants will enter a building through a
crack in the foundation. These winged swarmer ants are the reproductive members
of the colony and have a darker, red color than the other worker ants. These
winged ants cannot reproduce indoors and will die shortly so there is no cause
for alarm. Citronella ants are bright yellow and have a strong citrus smell when
crushed. |
2994 Do Powder Post Beetles exist in
laminate flooring? Miriam Loeb. Laval,QC
It is possible but not likely because of the resins used
to hold the laminations together. |
2993 We have Asian beetles on our white
vinyl siding. What can get the brownish orange stain off? Washing does not seem
to work.
Cleaning solutions specifically formulated to clean vinyl
siding should be available at a good hardware or building supply store. |
2992 Our basement recently flooded (apprx 4-6
inches in 1400 sq feet) by the municipal storm drains backing up the basement
floor drain. We are cleaned up, but waiting rebuild. Since the flood downstairs,
we have noticed large black beetles coming in the house, and we believe they may
be coming up the same drain. We have 2 large dogs and 2 small kids in our home.
What can we do to deter the beetles? Nicki. Port Hardy.
Sorry to hear about the recent storms and flood problems
in your area. Because insects usually prefer a damp environment, it is
common to find many species in homes that have been flooded. They may be
using the floor drain as their new home. Once things dry out the population
should diminish. Send a photo and we will publish it and provide some
control suggestions.
What is this pest photo identification.
|
2991 With colder nights happening now, does
turning up the heat thermostat make bed bug population increase? and do their
eggs hatch quicker?
Bed bugs seem to have adopted the comfortable environment
that humans prefer. Reproductive activity slows down and eggs take longer to
hatch at lower temperatures. |
2990 I caught and released a hobo spider. I
identified it by the following marks: Chevron markings, six eyes, dark
cephalthorax spot, slender smooth legs, body shape, color. I now have found the
web; a tent like structure of loose architecture, white and sticky. The web is
in my apartment; along the base board in a corner and next to a hole in the
wall. I am concerned about the safety of the building. If I have seen one then
should we expect that there are others? Is there an authority to whom one should
report dangerous insects such as one might report a rabid dog?
Hobo Spiders have been identified in numerous locations in
Southern BC and Alberta. You should certainly inform the building manager and
perhaps the local health department. Keep in mind a large part of the
population has a fear of spiders of any type so authorities could spend a lot of
time chasing down false dangerous spider reports. |
2989 Took possession of a new condo last
December. There are hard wood floors throughout and we kept noticing a granular
white substance accumulating daily upon them. The ducts were checked and it
turns out they are full of pigeon guano -- the builders turned on the heat pump
while the balcony was covered in droppings. Not only are we having health
problems, the builder nor the building management will take responsibility.
Please help. Who can I contact. putoutbypigeons
A duct cleaning service business should be able to solve
your problem. We don't offer advice on landlord/tenant disputes.
|
2988 I have a problem with Saw-toothed
grain beetles. I have been vacuuming every second day to pick up larvae or
eggs and spraying with pesticide every couple of days. Have gone through the
pantry and everything is in bags or plastic containers. I haven't seen any in
the pantry. they are coming out from the base board at the same location in the
kitchen. I have tried pheromone traps. Not sure how effective they are.
What else can I do. I m seeing about 10 bugs per day crawling on the floor.
Chantal. Mississauga.
It sounds like you are doing a lot of the right things. If
they are coming out the base of a wall, you may need to have the wall cavities
injected with a residual insecticide. You should call a professional to do
this. Saw-toothed beetles usually stay close to their food source, not
wall cavities. Another identification might be a good idea.
|
2987 How to get pantry weevils out?
There are a number of species of weevils that will infest
pantry foods. Throw out any possible infested foods including some that
may still be sealed. Store only small quantities of dry foods that
can be used in a short time, especially before expiry dates.
Pet food and bird seed are venerable. Empty all shelves and clean
thoroughly. You could call a pest professionals to inspect further and
apply a suitable control product to eliminate eggs, larva and adults that may be
hiding. |
2986 What does one have to do to pack & move
personal, confidential, necessary, essential paperwork that has been exposed to
bed bugs? DBM. Oshawa..
Please read the information on our bed bug web page about
how to
move and leave the bedbugs behind. |
2985 What is the most effective way to
deter skunks from digging tunnels to get under my out side buildings without
having to use a trap... Kim. Ontario.
Screen them out using heavy wire mesh fastened to the
bottom of walls and buried in the ground with about 2 feet folded out away from
the building. |
2984 Would like to know where you can buy pest control
diametacious or cedar- fog , etc. to do it yourself.
Try a local garden supply store. |
2983 If I clean my wooden end tables &
dresser with a combination of Murphy's Oil Soap and Kleen Free Naturally; will
that suffice and remove any bed bug nymphs/eggs before moving them out to a
Storage Unit?
It may help but you probably won't see them all and it
will not have a good residual effect. |
2982 What are the orange colored four
winged insects flying around in my area...It appears thay just hatched..They are
very lazy or clumsy fliers...ie easy to kill Thnx. G.M., Victoria,
BC
We don't normally identify pests without a photo but this
is too easy because we are located close to you. Termites have been
swarming for the past week in this area. (Second week of September). If
you don't see a lot of them inside they are not a problem. They are
leaving decaying wood to mate and establish new nests. |
2981 Hello, here is my issue. I live in a
multi unit residential apartment. There are pest problems (roaches, mice,
bedbugs) in our building, but not in our particular unit. We received a Notice
for maintenance for this coming Wed Sept 15. The apartment manager is using
their maintenance to spray the units and not a professional pest control
company. We have been given no proper instructions for preparation and we have
been advised that they will not be allowed a change of protective clothing for
each unit. We are extremely concerned that this will spread not control the
problem and that our health and the health of the maintenance staff will be at
risk. We have been told by Landlord and Tenant though that if we do not
co-operate we can be evicted and we do not know what to do. Can you tell us if
there are any licensing boards we can go to? Really appreciate your help.
CM. Windsor, Ontario.
In British Columbia it is against the law for a landlord
to apply non exempt pesticides in a multi-resident dwelling unless they have a
pest control service license and the person doing the work is a certified
applicator. Phone the Ontario Ministry of Environment for advice or
contact the Structural Pest Management Association of Ontario.
SPMAO Tenants have a right to know about pesticides being applied in their
residence. |
2980 What works for pharaoh ant control in
a multi storey appt. type dwelling? If anybody is using home-made baits..what
works please? Tried max Force and had limited success. Can I use any
liquid/aerosols without making the problem worse? tenants are anxious for FAST
results... as always :) James. Guelph, Ontario.
Once again, it is not so much the product but the process
that makes control successful. If pesticides are sprayed, Pharaoh ant
colonies with "bud" or split up at move to new areas. High quality baits
properly placed in the right quantity and in the right frequency will eventually
work. Icing sugar and borax, cinnamon, cyan pepper and numerous other home
remedies would be packaged and patented if they were effective.
Eventually most landlords give up and call a professional. |
2979 What specific non-toxic products are
available that one can spray directly onto the clothes that one is wearing
daily; to kill any bed bugs nymphs/eggs? What about using non-toxic
products such as: "Kleen-Free Naturally"; "Rest Easy"; "Best Yet" which are
primarily contact sprays, rather than being residual. DBM. Oshawa, Ontario.
There is no reason to spray pesticides on clothing that
cant laundered or placed in a hot dryer. The products you mention may not
be registered in Canada as a pest control product. If there was a magic
product that eliminated the problem, everyone would be using it and bed bugs
would not be spreading at such a rapid pace. |
2978 On the Health Canada website under "Bed
Treatment" it is written…. "Bed bugs cannot easily climb metal or polished
surfaces and cannot fly or jump. Treat the legs of beds to keep them away. Coat
the legs with double-sided carpet tape or petroleum jelly, you can also place
the legs of the bed inside glass jars or metal cans" Can the metal
can or glass jars be painted and still work? I understand that bed
bugs can't fly or jump. But, can they walk up a plastic garbage bag? Do they lay
eggs in the creases of the garbage bag where it is tied at the top? Thank you
very much. Sharon. Toronto, Ontario.
Why use painted cans or glass jars? Bedbugs may lay
eggs in the creases of plastic bags. If you know there are bedbugs or eggs
in a garbage bag, dispose of it. (outside) |
2977 I stayed in a hostel in Whitehorse,
Yukon 1 week ago. The next day in the evening I had a lot of bites, especially
on my left hand and arm but also a few bites on the feet, right hand and face.
Could this be bed bugs? I read in the internet about kissing bugs. Are kissing
bugs also in the north of Canada? Because I also have one bite near my eye. Do
bud bugs also bite in the face? Thank you in advance for your answer!
Ariana. Vancouver
We do not try to diagnose insect bite problems. You
should consult a medical professional. Unfortunately hostels are one of
the most common facilities where bed bugs are found. This is probably not a
kissing bug problem. |
2976 My wife and I are currently suffering
from bed bug infestation. Our apartment has hired an exterminator, so we have
some hope, although we are finding it very stressful. I have one question,
however. My wife responds very quickly to bed bugs (such that we knew of the
existence of bed bugs in our apartment a good month and a half before the
exterminator could find any proof) occasionally feels sharp stings when she is
out walking. I say that they are presumably delayed reactions to earlier stings,
as bedbugs don't normally stay on your person during the day, but I realize that
I don't actually know what I am talking about. Do you have any idea how this
should be interpreted?
This is another medical situation that we will not
address. Talk to a doctor. |
2975 How do I
permanently get rid of centipedes in my
house!? I have been finding them in random
areas in my house, but mostly in the basement. We have a dehumidifier going on
24/7 to suck out the dampness and humidity of a basement. We have sprayed with
pretty potent Centipede killer, yet we will still find one. For example this
morning there was one in the tub. It was a big red one. About a month ago there
was a long one in the Kitchen sink….Please help Thank you!
KJ-B.
As long as you have a moisture problem in your home
centipedes will continue to enter. You may be wise to talk to a building
contractor to improve ventilation and moisture bariers.
|
2974 Hello, I have a few questions
regarding what I will have to do to move to a new apartment from old (which had
an infestation of bed bugs). The old apartment was sprayed 3X and they are still
there My questions: 1. What to do with? and How to pack & transport belongings?
(put into card board boxes or plastic sealed containers?) 2. What to do with?
and How to pack & transport electronic devices (TV, DVD
Player,VCR,STEREO,PORTABLE AIR CONDITIONER?) 3. What to do with? and How to pack
& transport personal belongings (DVD MOVIES,PHOTO ALBUMS,FRAMED PHOTOGRAPHS,
FRAMED ARTWORK?) 4. What to do with? and How to pack & transport wooden
furniture (DRESSSER,END TABLES, COFFEE TABLES, BOOKCASES?) 5. All clothing is in
sealed garbage bags and will be laundered prior to moving to new apartment. Plus
any additional tips to ensure that the move to new apartment is "bug free" with
no cross-contamination? Thank-you, DBM . Oshawa.
You may have to call a professional to treat your
furniture. You will find tips to deal with the smaller items on this web page:
leave
the bedbugs behind when you move.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Q: What about Fumigation (Vikane) of all belongings while they are in the moving
truck or trailer?
Is Vikane or an equivalent product available for use by PCO's in Ontario,
Canada?
There are no effective fumigants registered in Canada
for this use. |
2973 I have a problem with wasps. I know
what they are, I just cant get to them. The nest is between the outside and
inside of the house, if that makes any sense. They get in from the corner of the
roof, but when i climb up, there is no nest to be found, and i have been in the
attic, and they are not there. They are in between. How do I combat this?
Robert. Brampton
You will have to find the entry point then inject a
residual insecticide dust or foam into the hole. Most professionals use a
long pole to apply the product without getting stung. |
2972 we have fleas and they are everywhere.
we had moved into apartment that was infested the landlord wouldn't do anything
about it so we moved. Now there in the new place and we done everything sprayed
had the dog flea treated and baths every week my youngest son is being biting
like crazy! please tell me what to do they wont go away!! Do fleas stop laying
eggs in the winter do they die off. Growing up i had a lot of cats never treated
them for fleas but never every had a problem like this. can anyone give me
advice. Krista. Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.
Quite often people spend too much money on the wrong
products to eliminate fleas and more often it is not properly applied.
In the end it will probably cost less to have a professional treat your
apartment but you should vacuum thoroughly before the treatment and have your
pets treated by a veterinarian. |
2971 caught a mouse in the ceiling of the
basement, so well fed what is it living on, no signs of a visitor in the
kitchen? any ideas? Brian. Edmonton.
If mice can find their way into your home they they will
go outside for food and come back. There is plenty of food (seeds) outside
in the summer and fall. Look for and block off entry points.
|
2970 What specific non-toxic products are
available that one can spray directly onto the clothes that one is wearing
daily; to kill any bed bugs nymphs/eggs? DBM. Oshawa, Ontario.
Don't spray pesticides on your clothing. Put them in
a hot dryer for a few minutes. Non toxic products are "non toxic" to bed
bugs. |
2969 I have had a issue with ant hills in
two areas of my yard. All of a sudden, I have winged ants that have dug in a
tiny space between my driveway and garage cement floor. There are thousands of
them. Why are they there all of a sudden and how do I get rid of them? Terri.
Calgary.
At this time of year (Early fall) reproductive
winged ants will swarm. Without a photo we can not identify the species of ants
but they are probably not a real pest. They will not be carpenter ants.
|
2968 Do adult winged ants "swarm" once a
year? Yesterday we witnessed hundreds of thousands of (I assume) winged ants
coming up out of the ground crawling up the blades of grass and taking flight.
The grass looked like a shimmering sea with all of these bugs. We thought it was
just our yard but when driving over to my mother's house we could see these bugs
flying all over town. We noticed that they were coming up out of yards that were
in the sunlight. Shaded yards did not seem to have any or had very few, so the
sunlight seemed to be important to these bugs. We were concerned that they may
be termites but with such a vast amount of them coming out of the ground we
decided they must be winged ants. Are they harmful? Should we be concerned when
we see them "swarm" like this?
Yes. See the answer to the above question.
This is also the time of year when termites swarm. The live in cool damp
places. |
2967 I have recently had an infestation of
book lice in our kitchen. I believe they came into the house originally in a bag
of commercial bird seed which we stored in our pantry bin in our kitchen island.
They've migrated from the bin to underneath the baseboard moulding in my
kitchen. I've vacuumed most of them out and have removed old, open food items as
per recommendations. I live in a very arid climate on the arctic coast of Canada
so the humidity will be dropping very soon as winter sets in. Can you recommend
a good, safe pesticide to use in the nooks and crevices of my kitchen in order
to further rid myself of these pests? Grant. Cambridge Bay, Nunavut.
If they are book lice you could probably kill them with a
hair dryer. There must be moisture where you are seeing them.
|
2966 I think I have an infestation of the
so-called Bathroom or Sewage flies. I can't find the photo on the Pest Control
Canada web site, These are small (2-3 mm) arrrowhead shaped black flies
with wings longer than the body, and when swatted they leave black soot spots. I
can't discover where they are coming from, and there are dozens in the house at
anytime over the last few weeks, so I must have a proper fly farm somewhere in
the house. How do I get rid of them??? Do they do much harm (carry disease?)
apart from being a nuisance? Desperately swatting, -- Nevi from Montreal
You probably have phorid flies. You will find your
answer on this web page:
Phorid Flies |
2965 I have bees coming in my house I can
not find the entrance. I am highly allergic to bee stings. What can I do?
Sheila. McHenry, Il.
Bees do not usually enter homes. Perhaps they are
wasps that have built a nest in a wall cavity or your attic. Look for
activity outside to find the nest and call a professional to treat it.
|
2964 I have this one tree in my side yard.
For years, it has been attracting boxelder bugs. I found that soap and water
work best, but i don't know how to apply it onto the tree. i thought i could
spray it, but my hose doen't reach that far and the bugs have crawled up the
tree so high that i need a latter. i tried using a bucket of soap and water, but
it was very heavy and didn't get in those high to reach places. I don't know
what to do. Megan.
Spraying trees requires specialized equipment. Most
people call a professional to do the job. |
2963 where can i buy doctor doom bed bug
spray in Toronto. i live in the east end East York Melinda.
We have forwarded your question on to the Canadian Distributor:
[doktordoom@shaw.ca] |
2962 I have pet ball pythons, would
ultrasonic pest repellers hurt them. Linda. Lima.
Sorry. We don't have any experience dealing with pet
pythons but the ultrasonic pest repelling devices are not effective so just
don't use them. |
2961 The rat/mouse keeps entering into the
attached garage whenever I pulled my car out. Is it possible for the rat to
enter into the attic space from the attached garage. How can get rid of rats
forever? Raman. Winnipeg.
It is very difficult to keep rats/mice from entering
garages through small gaps around the large door. Once inside it is often
possible for them the gain access to the rest of the house.. Eliminate
anything in the garage that may be an attracting food source including garbage.
Check the door seals to make sure they are as tight as possible. Use traps
in strategic locations.
You will never get rid of rats or mice forever but you can control them around
your home. |
2960 Below is the posting on our city's
website: "playground closed in parc AumaisA section of
the children’s play area in parc Aumais was temporarily closed by the Town
today, July 13, 2010. This measure is necessary because of the dense population
of a type of parasitic wasp, Aphilantops frigidus, which uses the sand covering
the playground as a favourable substrate for nesting and egg laying. This
phenomenon usually only lasts for a few days and there are no natural means of
getting rid of this insect."
It has now been over a month and the tape has not come down, depriving all the
neighborhood kids a play area for the summer.
I have gone ahead a crossed the yellow "danger" tape with no impact whatsoever;
not a single sting. I want to provide the city with the right information on
this "Aphilantops frigidus" which I could not find in any search engine and
suggest methods of controlling either the wasps or the fear they are mongering.
Please help. Thanks! Nadine Mukri. Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue
There are a number of species of parasitic wasps, most of
which are considered beneficial insects. We have no information on "Aphilantops frigidus"
so can not confirm any potential hazard in the playground. |
2959 Just curious is the common house
ant a natural enemy of the German Cockroach? Tanek. Ca.
They may compete for some food sources but are not
effective predators. |
2958 We have mice....... every single year.
We now found them in our B/Q. Awful! Where can we buy the poison that kill them
but also dries them up from the inside. Homedepot and Canadian tire did not have
it last year. Thank you sooooo much for your help. We had them in the house 2
years ago and it was really hard to get rid of them. Susanne . Calgary
There are no rodent products that dry up the dead rodents.
Dehydration will vary depending on the humidity in the location. Traps are
a good alternative if you are concerned about the odor of dead mice. |
2957 We have a problem with flies in our
basement which has been going on for 8 months. We have had the flies analyzed by
a specialist and they are dung flies. We have had all the plumbing lines scoped
for leaks and they are all perfect. We have also removed all drywall and
insulation and have not found any water seepage areas. We have isolated one area
where they seem to originate (at the base of the foundation), but there is no
damp areas and no sign of a nest. Any suggestions? Do we need to just keep
looking for cracks in the foundation? Can these flies reproduce without water?
Linda. Calgary
Adult dung flies are common around decaying
organic material and are abundant in moist places. The larvae live in dung and
decaying plant material and can be very abundant in rotting vegetation and mud
along shorelines. Perhaps you should get a second opinion on the fly
identification. Have you checked all your plumbing drains and floor drains
for breeding flies? If there is a problem they should be cleaned with a
foaming drain cleaner. |
2956 well i have bed bugs and i was
wondering whats the best and cheapest way of getting rid of them cause the
landlord wont pay.
If there was a cheap and easy way to eliminate bed bugs,
the problem would not be spreading rapidly around the world. If you are certain
your did not cause the problem, your landlord should probably pay to have a
professional treat the rental unit.
See: |
2955 Trying to catch rats or mice in
garage. The rat trap bait is eaten but trap not tripped. The mice traps are
sometimes tripped and sometimes the food eaten but trap not tripped. Which do I
have and how do I catch them?
You probably have mice that are not heavy enough to trip
rat traps. If you are not sure put out both mice and rat traps with just a
small quantity of attractant on them. |
2954 I have a healthy (so it seems) large
white cedar tree that is being invaded by carpenter ants (red thorax variety).
Last year I had a professional eradicate a nest of all black carpenter ants in
my attic (dwelling is about 20 feet from cedar tree). There are no signs of ants
in the dwelling. I'd like to save the tree as it provides us with shade and a
wind break. Any ideas? Jeff. Lion's Head, Ontario.
The nest in the tree may be partially underground in the
roots and difficult to eliminate without using excessive amounts of residual
pesticides. The tree sounds like it has real value so hiring a
professional would be a good investment. |
2953 We have a wasp nest IN our back deck
between the wooden planks. It cannot be viewed except for a dried papery pulp on
one side of the deck railing and the dozens of wasps coming & going throughout
the day. After reading online, it indicated that wasps never re-use nests. We
just purchased our home in the winter and have not used the deck this year for
any entertaining as we have no furniture/BBQ etc. However, we definitely will be
using the deck next summer and were wondering if we should just let this
particular colony do its thing for this summer and then they’ll leave in the
fall. Perhaps even remove the planks in the winter when the nest should be
abandoned, then remove the nest.
OR Should we eradicate the nest now? The wasps have not stung or
attacked anyone and are generally well-behaved unless I get too close with the
lawnmower, at which time they simply harass me until I go away. We’re looking
for a professional opinion and I guess the main point would be if this same nest
will restart next spring or if the colony only moves a short distance to another
part of the deck to setup a similar colony. Is it worth addressing now?
Thanks, James
You should probably get rid of the wasp nest now. They
will get much more aggressive in late summer increasing the risk of getting
stung. This will also reduce the chance of having a new nest close to this
one next year. |
2952 What nontoxic insecticide for spiders
last more than 6 months? what kind of grass can repel all insects, manly
spiders? David. Salina Kansas.
If you want to use an insecticide to get rid of spiders it
would have to be toxic to spiders. Non toxic means it would not hurt them.
If you have an abundance of spiders you must have a lot of other insects
that are a food source for spiders. Try to determine what is attracting
them and deal with that problem. |
2951 I have discovered a frog in my
toilet, appears it is coming up from my plumbing lines. We are on community
water/septic. I flushed about 2.5 gallons of clorox down and continued
flushing-I am so scared of a frog! Plz help with any ideas to get rid of this
problem. ( I found a tiny green frog a few months back, it appears as if he has
grown greatly! Upstairs bath with little to no use) Thx so much!!!!! Terry
It would be almost impossible for a frog to get into and
travel inside the plumbing to your toilet. It probably jumped in off the
bathroom floor. The two and a half gallons of bleach you dumped into the toilet
will have destroyed the natural bacteria action in your septic system which will
now cause much more serious problems than a little frog. |
2950 How to kill off honey bee's in a wall.
Gerry. Georgetown, Ontario.
If they are nested in a wall cavity a bee keeper would not
likely be able to remove them. If you have to kill them it could be done
by injecting an insecticide dust registered for that purpose. You
may be wise to call a
local professional. |
2949 I have been catching the small brown
house ants and taking them outside, how far will the small brown ants travel?
There are a number of species of small brown ants that
enter homes. You should have the species identifies
and then the appropriate information could be provided. The ants you are
catching and putting outside probably represent a very small percentage of the
colony population. When foraging workers do not return to the nest, they
are replaced by others so it does not matter how far you transport them.
|
2948 How do I get rid of Yellow Jacket
wasp. We are over run with them. I see thousands of holes in the sand over our
septic feild where they seem to be nesting. Diana. Thunder Bany,
Ontario
This does not seem like normal behavior for Yellow
Jackets. Wild bees will make solitary holes in sandy soil in which they
lay eggs. These bees are seldom a problem for humans.
Read more about these bees. |
2947 After moving into a new home last fall
we noticed the occasional small brown bug and thought nothing of it. In the past
2 months (May and June) they have multiplied at an amazing rate. After spending
hours looking at pictures, we believe the bugs in question are carpophilus spp
(the smaller of the sap beetles) Our town is surrounded by corn fields in 3
directions. These bugs congregate in the dome of our light fixtures and
seem to like crawling in between sheets in our spare room. One evening there
were nearly 100 on our kitchen ceiling. I don't mind living with the odd
bug, but this seems to be quite extreme as they seem to be growing in
population. I kill at least 20 each day and vacuum another 50 or so off the
ceilings. We think they may be getting in through the screens, but ultimately
need to find away to eradicate them from the home. They have not found their way
to the basement, stay away from the laundry room and other than getting into the
sheets, mostly stay on the walls, ceilings and in light fixtures. They do not
bite and stay away from food sources in the house. They also like to hang out in
the towels hanging in the bathroom (I shake it out before each shower and 2
normally drop out) I have tried to take a photo but they are so small it comes
out as just a blur. They seem to be approx 3-5mm in length full grown and look
exactly like to photos I have seen. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Without a photo it is impossible to say for sure what this
pest is. If they are carpophilus spp they should not be inside
your home in great numbers. Little is known about the life cycles of these
beetles. The insects may winter as larvae or adults in decaying vegetation,
debris, and fruit buried in the soil. They emerge in the spring and lay their
eggs on spoiling or rotting vegetation. Later they also lay eggs in the silks
and kernels of damaged corn. The larvae feed in this decaying material until
they are full grown, then they drop to the soil to pupate. Apparently there are
two or more generations each year. They will not normally breed indoors.
|
2946 please help! i have a fly infestation
growing everyday! they are very small black flies with clear wings. attracted to
vinegar. they are living on my walls, cabinets, & bathrooms. leaving tint black
& brown specs everywhere they go. fly traps & home remedies are working but they
are breeding faster than i can kill the. what species are they? how do i rid
them for good? Carolyn. Charleston, S.C.
It sounds like you have fruit flies. Eliminate the food
source/breeding locations and thoroughly clean the areas. Common areas
include garbage, bags of potatoes, onions, bowls of fruit and spilled food under
appliances. They breed rapidly and will move to any food source available.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Definately sounds like fruit flies. The only way to eliminate an infestation is
to A: Eliminate the food source, and B: eliminate the breeding grounds. As far
as A, get rid of any fruit, vegetables, or POTTED PLANTS within the area of
infestation, as well as accumulated garbage, especially BEER and POP/SODA CANS.
These are extremely fertile feeding grounds for fruit flies. As for B, make sure
to target any STANDING LIQUIDS, including open drains, such as in sinks or
bathtubs or showers, or once again, accumulated garbage, especially BEER or
POP/SODA CANS. Be sure to simply plug any drains, DO NOT USE BLEACH OR OTHER
CHEMICAL AGENTS IN EXCESS!!! As with any infestation, targeting the fertility of
the species, both food resources and reproductivity aspects, is the best
defense. Get rid of what they eat and where they hide, and you usually eliminate
the problem. ADAM. |
2945 We recently moved into our new home in
an older established area (lots of trees) and our dog was sprayed by a skunk
early in the morning. I have spoken to neighbours who tell me that its 'skunk
city' neighbourhood! I have seen them in the neighbours yard and apparently they
are seen a lot in the evenings. What is the best Deterrent? I would like to try
to keep them out of our yard as I don't want to go through the dog being sprayed
again! Vicki. Mississauga, Ont.
Skunks can be a real problem in areas where there is a
large June Bug population. Trapping is the best way to eliminate them.
Read the tips and get the recipe for a deodorant on our
skunks web page.
|
2944 I have a dead rodent in my basement
wall. How can I get rid of the dead smell. What can I spray in the walls?
Robbie. Surrey, BC.
There is no easy solution. You could cut a hole in
the wall and remove it, use fans to circulate air until it has dehydrated, or
place odor absorbing products near the source of the smell. |
2943 Can my friend spread bed bugs if she
once slept in a bed with bed bugs (weeks ago) and is staying on my couch now?
She doesn't think she transported them. How possible is it? Mallory.
New York.
It is possible if there were bedbugs or eggs attached to
any personal belongings she brought to your home. |
2942 What is a product that can be used by
use to control the saw-toothed grain beetle? Do you have a distributor in the
Saskatoon area that we can contact? Thank you, Cathy Peters.
Check all possible food sources (grain products) and throw
out anything that may be contaminated. If they have infested a grain
storage facility you should call a licensed professional to fumigate the
building. You can not purchase of legally apply this product yourself.
|
2941 i moved to a place Dec. 2009 my kids
kept getting bites pest control came in sprayed 3 times for fleas which was done
6 weeks apart to find out only my living room was infested with bedbugs no other
place in the house.place got sprayed 3 times for the bedbugs last spray i
removed all the furniture out of my living room been 9 weeks still haven't seen
any or any new bites when can i unpack my stuff and take clothes out of bags. i
don't want to do this to soon as this was the hardest thing that i have ever
done i have 4 kids and only myself i even sleep with a flashlight if i even
sleep that night although nothing was ever found anywhere other then my living
room i still make my kids change there clothes after leaving the living room and
still have no furniture. is there a bedbug sniffing dog in London?
Contact Purity Pest Control or Nimby Pest and Wildlife control. They may
be able to help. See their ads on the
Ontario page of our professionals
directory. |
2940 I have something scratching around in
my wall. It isn't all the time but it does happen. It started around the tub
unit in the bathroom but now it is more in the inside wall. It isn't cold
anymore so I don't know why something would be seeking refuge in there. I have
heard that mice don't really make any noise so that has me concerned. I am also
concerned about whatever it is chewing on wires. Any suggestions?? Rick.
Summerside, PEI.
It is most likely you have a rat problem. They
follow plumbing drain pipes and often get into bathroom wall cavities and under
tubs. If you have plastic water pipes they like to chew them and could cause
considerable damage. Paying a professional for help may save you a lot of
money. |
2739 Problems with the Colorado Potato
beetle What stuff can I get to rid of them I live in Ontario.
According to one Canadian expert, organic control methods are not very
successful for control of this widespread pest. Check this web site for more
detail.
http://www.organicagcentre.ca/ResearchDatabase/res_cpb_companion_tara.asp
This Alberta Government web site has a lot of useful information but does not
specify which insecticides are most effective.
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/prm9583
Because so many pesticides have been taken off the market
in Ontario we are not able to name one that is available and effective. We
suggest you contact the provincial department of agriculture for help.
|
2438 Hi, we live on a grain farm and I have
for the first time ever a problem with rusty grain beetles in the house. I have
sprayed about 6 cans of raid around windows and under baseboards, closets, etc
to try and kill them but they are persistent. My husband and neighbor insist
they will die on their own but that is not happening fast enough for me. I know
that phostoxyn tablets in a closed up grain bin will kill them but pretty sure I
cant use that in the house and also long periods of freezing cold weather. I
vacuum them up and then there are more in their place in a very short time. I
know their body heat can destroy a whole bin of grain and dont want a major
infestation to heat up in the house walls or attic and cause a fire. Any
suggestions as bugs of any kind in the house gross me out. Thanks, Darlene.
MacGregor, Manitoba.
Without a grain food source the larva will not survive and
the adults will all eventually die. Spraying that much pesticide will
cause you more problems than the beetles. It is very unlikely they
could cause anything in your home to heat up to the point of combustion.
Diatomaceous earth can be used for control of grain feeding insects. Blow
a small amount to finely coat the surfaces in cracks and crevices where you see
them. (A turkey baster might work). Fumigants containing aluminum
phosphide, such as Phostoxin, are highly toxic and possibly even fatal to
humans. The use and sale of aluminum phosphide in Manitoba is restricted
to licensed pesticide applicators possessing a valid stored agricultural
products license. |
2437 What can be done to get rid of quite
an over abundance of katydids in the country. Mischelle. San
Antonio, Tx.
There is very little you can do because they are probably
in a very large area. Here is a web site that should help you understand
and deal with the problem.
http://www.ghorganics.com/page12.html
|
2436 This is our second year facing with
pavement ants. We had a really bad year last year when we first discovered it
inside our 7 year old house. We used Terro as bait (ants swamp over it like no
tomorrow, there were over 200 hovering around it, these ants were found in our
living room floor, we tried to identify where they were coming from. I went
outside the house to check and can't find any trail, they seem to come out from
the baseboards. After waiting patiently for 4 weeks and not killing them as I
see them, there were a lot less 3 weeks later) and then sprayed the interior
with "Hot Shots". No ants for 8 months, until May this year, they are back.
Instead of baiting this year, we decided to spray the
inside of our house and then the outside using "Home Defense Max", I even dug up
the dirt to expose the foundation while applying this several times using a 1
gallon spray. Funny thing is, it reduced from 35 ants to about 5 to 7 ants found
daily, most are dying ants. I got worried a bit as I really want to have total
eradication, seems like I got control, but my goal is eradication.
So we hired a local Pest control service, they baited two
corners of the living room and our power room, they also sprayed outside of our
house Today. Two days later I saw several crawlers, but they are not interested
in the bait. My question is, should I bait it using advion ant gel? or is this
too late? is there such a thing as eradicating Pavement ants forever? It seems
like they had build a colony inside our house. Yvonne. Richmond, BC.
Using a quality bait indoors for ants can be a slow and
tedious process but it usually works for some ants. You have to be patient
and persistent. Spraying a pesticide in the same area will stop any effect
the bait has. If you have a crawl space the main colony may be located there and
the external perimeter spray may not be effective. Totally elimination of
all ants on your property that are eventually entering your property may be
impossible. Once again, you can control them but it would not be wise to
keep applying too much pesticide for total extermination. If you hire a
professional to solve your problem, let them do it. Your interference
(help) may negate the efforts of the professional. |
2435 i have 10 cats in my back yard (dont
own a cat ) how can i get rid of them without harming them.
Phone your local animal control officer or the SPCA.
Feral cats can carry around disease that could effect other animals.
|
2434 We have a front Bay window. I believe
we have an infestation of carpenter ants .Below the window along the molding at
floor level there is a long line of a blue powdery material. It is sticky and
must be washed off. Will not vacuum. Any ideas please . John.
Ardrossan, Alberta.
Bay windows often have floor systems that protrude out
from the foundation. They are usually sheeted on the bottom with no
ventilation. Moisture finds it's way into this closed cavity creating an
ideal environment for carpenter ants. The blue powder may be finely chewed
up Styrofoam insulation. Carpenter ants love to burrow tunnels in it.
If there is room to work, a professional could inject a residual insecticide
dust up into the cavities. |
2433 We have teak furniture on our front
porch, this is the first year that something is eating the rails. It looks like
small bite chew marks in a row along the rails of the chairs, legs of the
rocker, and some on the front rail of the 2 seat bench. What could be eating our
teak furniture? Mary. Knoxville, Tn
It sounds like mice or rats are using the rails to keep
their teeth in shape. |
2422 Is it against the bylaws to place
grass clipping in your backyard because mice and rats may use it pile of grass
to build nests? Thanks. Jack. Brockville, Ontario.
Every municipality has it's own bylaws. Phone city
hall. |
2421 I am getting bitten every 2-4 weeks.
Usually 2-3 bites at a time, usually close to each other (within 6 inches),
mostly on the arms and hands and rarely on the legs, neck and face. It started
in November 2009, it is now June 2010. The frequency of being bitten has not
changed, but the severity of the reactions I am getting to the bites is. Three
other roommates in the house don't seem to be getting bit by anything. The
animals are deloused/defleaed regularly every month. There is no carpet in the
house. I have torn apart my room multiple times looking for signs of anything,
the sheets and clothing are washed in hot water. I have spent hours going around
floorboards with a very hot blow-dryer. I can see no typical signs of bedbugs (ie.
sheddings, bloodspots, or the bugs themselves - and wouldn't the whole room be
severely infested 8 months after originally being bit?). So I have two
questions: 1) what are the chances of only having 1 bedbug, and 2) any other
idea what it could be? Any response would be exceedingly greatfully received.
Caroline. Toronto.
Any attempt to identify the pest that is biting you would
be just a guess. If you have pets that need deloused and defleaed monthly, then
you should probably have your home treated as well. You should probably
call a pest professional to come and put an end to your misery. |
2420 How to get rid of marmots coming to my
backyard....and i think they are hiding underneath my cabanon or even digging
the holes underneath my cabanon? Sandy. Brossard, Quebec.
You should first check with provincial wildlife officials
to find out what you may do legally. In B.C. one species of marmot is on
the endangered list and protected. You may be able to trap and
relocate them. To keep them out from under your cabin, you will need to
use screen securely fastened to the perimeter wall and buried in the soil about
18 inches.
|
2419 Inn about 2 hours hundreds of bees
invade my terrace, they form a nest. how to exterminate them ???? Miami,
Florida.
They have probably already left. Bees will swarm and
look for a new place to establish a home. They may stop occasionally and
then move on. |
2418 I NEED TO KNOW IF THE
ELECTRONIC/ULTRASONIC PEST REPELER WORKS FOR RATS AND MICE? WHICH ONE IS THE MOST
EFFECTIVE? Ana. Santa Domingo.
NO. They are not reliable for controlling
rodents. |
2417 What should i do if a salamander come
into my house and hide in my bedroom wall??? And if it dies in the wall will it
smell really bad?? Would it eat warfarin?? i want to get ride of it!!!
Mart. Campbellton, NB.
Definitely do not use Warfarin. It would be against
the law because pesticides can only be used to control pests that are listed on
the label. Glue boards are often used to trap snakes. Perhaps it
will catch the salamander. It could be released using a bit of vegetable
oil. |
2416 I have ants coming up all over my lawn
must be 75 little ant hills, how do i get rid of them? what can i spray on the
hills? the hills are small some the size of a loonie but there is lots and it
looks poor. what can i put down to kill them?
Before you use any control product you will need to have
the ant identified then look for the most suitable product registered.
If you must eliminate them pesticides may not be an option. Many
municipalities and some provinces prohibit the use of pesticides on lawns
for cosmetic reasons. Check your local laws. |
2415 I killed a Black Widow Spider on the
weekend on Rice lake. I confirmed the identity by looking on several
websites and the very black spider with the red marks on its abdomen are fairly
conclusive. Should I report this to any organization. Regards,
Bill. Harwood, Ont.
Black Widow spiders can be found in most parts of Canada.
They do not actively look for humans to bite, but if threatened (crushed in a
bed or inside clothing) they could bite. Your local newspaper may wish to
print a story to warn others in the area. |
2414 I am being invaded by baby
slugs and their parents. How do I get rid of these ugly creatures? Sue.
Yelm, Wa.
Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in a line around the
area you want to keep them out of. |
2413 I live in Edmonton Alberta and no
matter what i do i have sow bugs in my house in the bathroom basement kitchen
etc what can i do to get rid of these bugs. Elaine. Edmonton.
See the answer to the question below.
|
2412 Hi I have woodbugs getting in my house
how can i get rid of them, i wake up and there's like 10 all over the house. I
need some thing to kill them inside and out and something safe for around a dog
and children?? thankyou for taking the time to read this. I hate bugs! Amy.
Victoria.
This question has probably been asked (and answered) a
hundred times in the past on these web pages. The answer does not change. Reduce
the moisture causing conditions around your home. Pesticides will work for only
a short time so don't use them. Read more about sow
bugs. |
2411 I am pretty sure we had springtails
that came in through the air intake/out for my furnace. We started noticing
crawling in Feb (it was melting) and quickly started feeling more and getting
bitten in the early mornings (12-2 am). We had a moist warm damp area behind the
house which I think is where they bred right under the intake. We have sprayed
the furnace intake and in basement with oxine. After about a week, having
cleaned the filter, I felt something on my ankles while sitting near the vent. I
stuck tape over the vent and saw all these tiny (1 mm) opaque white things that
looked like springtails (microscope ID). But they seemed dead. Is it possible
the are living in my air exchange furnace? how often should I spray and at what
intervals. and what should I do to make sure they do not come back in? thanks
Springtails within a home will not bite, feed on household items, nor cause any
significant damage. They can be a temporary nuisance, but migrations usually
last less than a week and springtails trapped indoors soon die out. If
migrations occur try to eliminate all obvious moisture sources around the
building. Alternatively, providing moisture at some point distant from the
building may help divert migrations.
The effectiveness of insecticides to manage springtail migrations is
questionable. Springtails tend to be fairly resistant to most insecticides and
migrations can involve continuous movement of new individuals. However, some
yard and garden insecticides do make claims of springtail control on the label. |
2410 We are having issues with our golf
greens, they over run by dew worms which would not be bad if it wasn't the
greens. We are looking for any info which may help us rid the greens of them.
Thanks. Cody. Alder Flats Alberta.
Here are some suggestions from municipal workers who have
to deal with this problem:
City of Calgary : No chemical controls have been
developed that specifically target dew worms. To eliminate mounds of castings,
spread gypsum (calcium sulphate) over the castings. When this harmless chemical
is spread over the affected area, watered and allowed to dry, the clay will
become crumbly. Use a rake to facilitate the breakage and spread of the clay on
your yard. Keep in mind dew worms do not like abrasive soil materials, so
consider topdressing your lawn with a course sand mixture after aerating your
lawn.
Port Coquitlam |
2409 We have what sounds like crumpling
paper coming from the ceiling in one of our rooms. Any idea's what kind of
insect this could be before opening the ceiling up? We are thinking wasp's?
Cam. Nanaimo, BC.
At this time of year (May) in your location my first
suspicion would be carpenter ants. It is too early in the year for wasps to be
generating much noise. Don't open the ceiling as this may scatter the nest
before you can eliminate them. Call a local professional for an inspection
and estimate. |
2408 I just had Pest Control do their 2nd
round of bed bug spraying in my apartment today. How long do I have to wait
until I put my new mattress down and sleep in my bedroom again? Thank you
for your help. Tracy. Toronto.
Re-entry times after pesticide applications depend on a
number of facts. What pesticide was used, how was it applied, where was it
applied, how much ventilation is there in the rooms it was applied. There are
guidelines and rules that licensed professionals must follow and they should
pass that information on to the residents. It is quite likely more than
one treatment will be necessary to treat bed bugs. |
2407 I have a chipmunk digging a hole in my
flower bed. I have tried stuffing the soil back in, cedar moth balls. Help!!!
Bonnie. Kitchener, Ont.
Chipmunks are just as much a part of nature as the flowers
in your garden. You could kill the rodents using a rat trap, live trap and
relocate them to another area where there is a good chance they will die or you
could feed them nuts and seeds in another part of your yard.
Repellents seldom have any lasting effect and moth balls are not a healthy
addition to the outdoor environment. There are some suggestions on this
web page. :http://www.chipmunkfacts.net/chipmunk_control/chipmunk_control.html |
2406 Are there termites in Sask? We always
thought they were a pest in warmer climates but have been told they are here as
well. Thanks. Joan.
Termite control in Ontario is a thriving business and
winter temperatures there can be as cold as Saskatchewan. We suspect
there will be fewer problems with termites than in the warmer climates.
Carpenter ants, which can cause worse damage than termites are quite plentiful
in all climatic regions in Canada except the far north. |
2405 I have an older deck on the west side
of my house, it seems that hornets are taking an interest in nesting under the
deck. There is no access hole big enough to enter easily, and the sides are
covered by lattice with 2" holes. If I put moth balls under the deck, will it
repel or attract bees, hornets and yellow-jackets? James. Edmonton.
Moth balls will have little effect. Most
professionals have long wands to eliminate hard to reach wasp nests.
|
2404 How to get rid of black carpenter ants
in cottage? Pat
Read the information on our web page: getting rid of
carpenter ants. |
2403 I live in a second floor apt with a
great west facing balcony. My 3 year cat got stung by a wasp last year and
almost died. What can I do to prevent or reduce risk? Thanks Chris.
Edmonton.
Cats are not a food source for wasps so it would not sting
your cat unless it was threatened. If you can't teach the cat to not chase
wasps, perhaps you will have to screen the balcony to keep the wasps out.
|
2402 every year around spring/summer i get
an infestation of larder beetles under my bed. I know that they like to eat
meats and dried food but there is no food at all under my bed. So can you tell
me why they keep going under my bed and how i can prevent them from coming back?
Thank you. Meghan
Have you had the beetles positively identified?
Could they be carpet beetles? If you send us a photo we will publish it
for identification on our
What is this pest web page |
2401 How can I get rid of wild bees in my
grass. Millie. Rochester.
Wild bees are seldom a problem for people. In fact
they can be a real asset pollinating plants. To get rid of them you would
have to find the nest or nests and use an insecticide. Most professionals
would be reluctant to kill a true bee's nest unless there is a risk to humans.
If they are wasps or hornets see the tips on the wasp
page. |
2400 I have drain flies coming from my laundry floor drain, how do I
eliminate them, what product do I use, thanks. Peter.
Purchase a good quality FOAMING drain cleaner from a
janitorial supply store. Follow the directions carefully giving the foam
plenty of time to fully coat the inside of the drain and dissolve the guck the
flies are laying eggs in. This should eliminate the need for an
insecticide. |
2399 Believe it or not I live on the 5th
floor of an 18 storey apartment building and am having a problem with crickets!
This has been going on for about a year. So far I've killed about 7 or 8. How
did they get in and how do I get rid of them once and for all? Thank you for
your advice. Carole. London, Ont.
Apparently crickets are not afraid of elevators because
they are often found on the upper floors of high rise apartments. Try
attracting them into jars with a piece of fresh bread or some molasses. If
that does not work you may have to have a professional spray a long residual
pesticide in suspected areas. |
2398 I live in a apartment complex how
often should it be sprayed for bedbugs? i have lived here for 8 years and have
never seen a bedbug in my suite yet. Derek. Winnipeg, Manitoba
The old saying "If you don't have a problem, don't fix it"
should be considered when it comes to using pesticides. If there is a
problem in your building it may be wise to have your apartment inspected or have
monitors installed for a few days but just randomly spraying pesticides would
probably not prevent them from entering your unit. |
2397 I found and caught a black widow
spider in my backyard yesterday. My 3 young kids play out there a lot and I was
wondering what I should do to minimize the risk of any of them getting biten?
Should I use insecticide to be sure to get rid of them? My daughters (7and 5yrs)
are old enough to understand what to look for but my son is only 17 months old.
Ken. Victoria.
The black widow species found in British Columbia is the western black
widow Spider. This species of cobweb spider, or comb-footed spider, is
widespread in southern BC. The look-alike false black widow spider (Steatoda
grossa) is widespread throughout the province. It may be mistaken for the black
widow, but lacks the red hour-glass on its abdomen. These spiders are very
shy and will do whatever they can to avoid humans but will bite if they are
threatened when there is skin contact. They usually hang out in dark
locations such as in sheds or under logs. Spraying your backyard with an
insecticide would probably not get rid of them and could just kill the
beneficial spiders in the yard. Read more about black widows on this
excellent Alberta Museum web page.
http://www.royalalbertamuseum.ca/natural/insects/bugsfaq/blackwid.htm |
2396 I have so many dew worms in my lawn,
they have made a mess of lumps and bumps. It is very difficult to cut the lawn.
Is there some way I can reduce or eliminate them...Ray. Thunder Bay, Ont.
Whatever you do, please do not try to poison them.
You will kill many worm eating birds. Dew worms aerate the soil and reduce
thatch in you lawn which should make it healthier. You could try letting
the top layer dry out a bit which will drive the worms down deeper but they will
likely come back. The best solution may be to rake out the piles of soil
and accept a few inconveniences of nature.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I disagree, dew worms are not beneficial to the lawn. Dew worms are
different than ordinary earth worms. They soon will take over your lawn and
leave small piles of dirt (similar to mole hills) that are quite hard make you
lawn noticeably uneven. They are indeed a pest and I too am looking for a way to
get rid of them. Barbara. Calgary |
2395 I'm having a problem with pill bugs
all over the walls and siding on the outside of the house its hundreds my house
looks like its chocolate chip. Occasionally one or two will make their way in
why is this happening and how do I I fix it. Susana. La Habra,
California.
You must have a large population of pill bugs in the soil
at the base of the walls. Eliminating decaying matter and letting it dry
out will eliminate most of them. Have a look at the suggestions we have published here:
sow bugs in
the garden. |
2394 I have slaters in my livingroom but I
don't know where they are coming from, in the past few hours, I have killed 10, I
have already contacted our council, who are going to contact pest control,
however that was last year and nothing has been done, I'm looking for something
to kill them as I have a young baby crawling about the floor, and I don't need
slaters about. Id be happy with any suggestions that are givin to me. thank you
We assume what you call slaters are actually Sow Bugs.
They will not harm your baby. If they crawl onto open areas on your floor
they will die. Once again, the solution is :
Eliminate your moisture problem.
See
Sow Bugs
for more
information. |
2393 We have thousands of millipedes and
would like to know if anyone else does and what have they done to get rid of
them. They are under our gravel near the basement and crawl to the bottom of our
stairs EVERY night. Please please help!!!!!!!!!!! Fiona. Lantz, Nova
Scotia
Millipedes feed on damp and decaying
vegetable matter and are beneficial as "recyclers" of organic matter. They are harmless; they cannot bite or
sting and they do not feed upon building structures or furnishings. All
millipedes found inside, wandered in by mistake. They cannot reproduce indoors.
Controls for millipedes are aimed at
keeping them outdoors or reducing their numbers at the source. . Removing
organic matter such as plant mulch and dead leaves from against the house may
help, and damp conditions around the house foundation should be corrected.
|
2392 i have a live nest of sparrows under
my barbecue i do not wish to kill them but relocate them safely how do i do this
without contamination the nest or the baby birds.
You should probably contact a local wildlife rescue
center. A pest professional could remove the nest but may not want to be
liable for the baby bird survival. |
2391 I manage a store that is located in
the mall and we've had problems with silverfish. We spot anywhere from 1-5
daily. After contacting the mall administration they've told me that it is our
responsibility to deal with it and gave me a number to call. Once calling the
exterminators they've told me that they'll have to come in and spray our store.
Is it necessary to spray the store when we've only seen a few a day? Do
silverfish nest? Is it more likely that the nest resides elsewhere in the mall
and they are just making their way into our store? I'm worried that it we spray
our store but don't actually target the right area, then the problem will just
come back. And is there anything we can do ourselves to manage the problem. We
do have a drainage system in the back of our store, but that is something the
mall has situated there and we cannot adjust. Amanda. Calgary.
Silverfish could be living in many wall or ceiling
cavities, especially where it is damp or the humidity is high. Adults can
survive for years so spraying a residual insecticide in some areas may only
eliminate those that attempt to enter your store in that area temporarily.
The mall management should make some effort to eliminate moisture
problems. Controlling silverfish is usually an ongoing process.
|
2390 what is the best way to get rid of
wild garlic without damaging new grass and other flowers? Caroline.
Brighton, England.
We do not claim to be knowledgeable gardeners so you would
get better advice from a good local garden supply store. |
2389 I'm told that spiders rarely bite at
night and that the culprit is probably bed bugs but the bites I see do not look
like bed bug bites, as they are mostly individual bites ( bed bug bites seem to
come in series ) and feel very itchy and last for several days or more. I wonder
if its one spider trying to protect its nest or simply wants me to move " out of
its territory " . there is some swelling but not much and I had a problem with
wasps coming into an open window and wow did they hurt! and again these bites
have actual puncture holes you can see! not sure if bed bugs do that. any
thoughts on the supposed rarity of spiders not biting at night regularly or at
all? also on the harmlessness of most spider bites, if I were bitten by a
black widow spider would it be possible to go for say 2 weeks or more facing
this biting problem without serious physical problems?...( I don’t think so but
its worth asking, widows seem very nasty ).
After examining your bites, a medical professional may
have a hard time determining what bit you. Even with photos we could not
give you a definite answer. With nothing more than a verbal description
we won't even try. Humans are not a food source for spiders so they seldom
bite unless threatened. |
2388 Sow bugs or pill bugs eat my hostas
every time they emerge from the ground. Is there anything that will kill them
without harming earth worms? Thanks
Read the suggestions we have published here:
sow bugs in
the garden. |
2387 my boyfriend has found a spider in his
home and would like to identify it. where in Calgary could he take this large
spider?
Have a look at the identified photos on
these pages. If you don't see yours, send us a clear close up photo to
publish. |
2386 15 floor multi unit building.
Problem: middle floor unit had bedbug infestation discovered over 1 month ago.
infested mattress and other items removed from unit without being properly
bagged and were dragged through hallway and elevator after apt was treated with
pesticides. none of the residents were informed that there was an infestation in
this unit. Question 1: Do you think the residents should have been
notified of the problem (not exact location of unit) and if so when in the
process? Question 2: With such a serious problem, in addition to
visual monitoring, do you ever recommend preventative use of insecticide in the
adjacent condos? If so, how far afield of the affected condo would you recommend
the use of pesticides? Thank you. Sue. Montreal
Most professionals suggest all tenants should be informed
when there is a bedbug problem in the building to reduce spreading the
problem. Adjoining units on each side, above and below an infested unit
should be inspected and treated if necessary. Read:
how to get rid of bedbugs. |
2385 We have noticed sowbugs in our
basement, but we do not have any apparent moisture issues. I did notice in one
of your answers to another question that you suggest creating a "one foot
desert" around the perimeter of the house especially if there is soil to wood
contact. How would you suggest doing this? Mark. Calgary.
You MUST eliminate any wood touching soil.
You should have no vegetation close to or touching the home. If you dig a
trench around the perimeter and fill it with drain rock, exposed on the surface,
this will help keep the home dry. |
2384 We have had holes in our clothes for
over a year. Three months ago, I started a major cleanup when I realized it
could be moths. I have never seen a moth, beetle or larvae. I have pheremone
clothing moth traps in the closets and have completely cleaned all clothing in
high heat. I have used diatomaceous earth in the bedroom drawers and along
baseboards. I have thrown out any item of clothing that contains wool however
the cotton items are being damaged. I don't have a picture of a bug to send to
you because I have never seen one. Could you identify a bug by a hole in
clothing? However even the holes vary. Sometimes they are very small, sometimes
the size of a dime and sometimes they are a long 1" slit. Any suggestions would
be appreciated. Thanks. Michele. Toronto.
If there is no evidence of moths, you could have a carpet
beetle problem. Frequent vacuuming, laundering and dry cleaning may help
but you may have to have a professional spray at least a portion of your home.
|
2383 I have a problem withlkjhkjh in the yard, Is
there anything I can use to rid the pest? Paul. Marana. AZ.
This insect is not a pest we are familiar with in Canada.
We do know these insects secrete an extremely irritating chemical called
cantharadin from joints on their legs and bodies. The chemical can raise
painful, scarring blisters on sensitive parts of the skin. Apparently they
do not stay around in the adult stage for very long. The could be
controlled with an insecticide spray. Consult a local professional for a
registered pesticide name. |
2382 How do you kill ants on your lawn.
Lawrence. Saint-léonard NB.
What kind of ants? Some ants are beneficial
predators on other insect pests. Most ants are harmless in Canadian lawns.
|
2381 Could you tell me if Larder Beetles can
cause structural damage to a house? I noticed some behind the window frame in my
bathroom. How can I get rid of them? Thanks very much. Carol. Pembroke, ON
Larder beetles will not cause structural damage but they
may be a symptom of a moisture problem that should be corrected. Steamy
bathrooms often have insect problems around windows and in walls. |
2380 We have a number of Boxelder bugs that
appeared last summer on one side of our house. They didn't all die off last
winter and are already appearing once again. They hang around the windows &
doors and my greenhouse. We don't have any Boxelder trees on our property or
nearby. We have some Boxwood shrubs but not the trees. Any idea where they might
be coming from and how to get rid of them?
Boxelder bugs cause no damage to structures and very
little if any to trees and shrubs. If you can't find where they are laying eggs
and the larva, you will not be able to control them. |
2379 Where can I buy rodenticides in
Halifax?
You should be able to buy what you need from a
professional listed in our directory.
Halifax professionals. |
2378 I have lived in an attic apartment for
two years, I have had a severe problem with ants, I don't have a camera to my
computer so can not send a picture. These ants are very tiny-almost cannot see
them, They appear to be black or dark brown. When I had my cat food in the
bathroom in a bowel it would be full of these ants, since moving the cat food to
the kitchen this does not occur although the ants are everywhere-I can be
sitting on the couch and feel something on my arm and it is a ant. I also get
bites alot which I assume is from these ants. I have tried ant traps-bait but it
has not helped. Can you please give me information on these ants and how to get
rid of them. Thank you very much. Melanie
If you are attracting ants with cat food, perhaps you
should not leave the cat food out except when the cat needs to eat. Many ants
can be eliminated with a good quality bait but the process may take patience and
persistence. Have you asked your landlord to hire a professional?
|
2377 How do I control pill bugs and sow
bugs in the vegetable garden? they are killing my spinach, damaging the
potatoes, munching on my pepper plants, cantaloupe seedlings and a little bit on
my lettuce. I've tried an organic approach using bone meal with no help at all.
Have a look at the suggestions we have published here:
sow bugs in
the garden. |
2376 I have a skunk digging up my lawn and
making a mess. How do I get rid of it. Gail. Grimsby, Ontario.
The skunk is foraging for food. You likely have
grubs in the grass roots that may eventually do more harm than the skunk.
Unfortunately you are in Ontario where it is against the law to use an
insecticide to get rid of lawn destroying pests. It is a stupid law that
is spreading across the county with the support of radical environmentalists who
use fear rather than scientific evidence in their argument. If used as
directed the right product would cause no harm to people or pets on your lawn.
|
2375 I'm looking for a cat friendly product
to use in the house to keep away ants.
There are small ant bait stations available that may be
effective for some species of ants but not all and some of these stations are
better than others. If you have a dog around that likes to chew things,
make sure it does not have access to the bait stations. You should have
the ant species identified in case you have carpenter ants which should be
treated by a professional. (Bait will likely not work.) |
2374 Can you tell me where diatomaceous
earth can be purchased in and around London Ontario or Stratford Ontario?
Tammy. St. Marys
It is usually available in garden stores in very basic
plastic bag packaging. You will also find it in very expensive packaging
with exotic names. Ask for diatomaceous earth. If they don't
know what you are talking about, you are in the wrong store.
|
2373 My girl friend lives in Whitby in a Trailer
Park and her trailer is absolutely infested with mice. What can she do to get
rid of them and to control the situation. She does not like using traps, and
they were not very effective anyway ! She is also allergic to cats ! Please help
me to help her ! Dennis.
You will have to crawl underneath and plug all the holes
in the sheathing that allow mice to get into the floor system. Inside, you
should pack steel wool around all plumbing coming through the walls or floor.
If you put poison under the trailer it should be in secure bait stations so
other animals can not be harmed. Be prepared for the smell of dead mice.
Traps are better, and they do work when properly placed and baited.
|
2372 I have a black bug with wings
and I live in a basement suit they a appear in the evening more they daytime.
Some people say they are termites, they come from the baseboards or the
fireplace. What can they be? Chrystal. Kamloops
Questions like this are sent to us daily. There is
not enough room on this web page to list all of the species of black bugs with
wings. If you send a photo we will publish it for identification.
See this page. A wild guess
would be reproductive winged carpenter ants which will be emerging from nests
inside homes in your area at this time of year. See
carpenter ant photos. |
2371 I have 7 parrots of 5 different
species, can ultrasonic high frequency pest repellers harm parrots?
It is well known that noise generating devices are
effective in controlling bird populations in critical places such as airports
but there is very little scientific information available from unbiased reliable
sources regarding ultrasonic sound effecting birds. At the Fifteenth Vertebrate
Pest Conference, University of Nebraska - Lincoln Year 1992, William A.
Erickson, Rex E. Marshy and Terrell P. Salmonz of the University of California,
Davis, California presented the following information: "At the present time, it
appears that there is little or no theoretical or scientific basis to support
even a potential efficacy of ultrasonic sound-producing devices since birds
generally do not hear in frequency ranges above 20,000 Hz. A review of the
efficacy studies known to us conducted by various researchers fails to
demonstrate the usefulness of ultrasonic bird control devices." You can read the
entire report here:
http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1025&context=vpc15
If you are thinking about putting ultrasonic devices in
your home to control pests, don't waste your money. See #2364 and #2365. |
2370 I have two questions regarding wasps.
one is it true that wasps are addicted to salt water and why? my 2nd question
what are good baits for wasps and Bees raw meet or a presence of their enemy?
Wasps are not addicted to salt water. In the spring
and early summer they generally prefer carbohydrates. Later in the season they
will be attracted to protein. |
2369 what is the real name for the little
black flying snow bugs that come out when the snow is melting. Sara. Tobique,
N.B.
You may be referring to snow fleas. Although they
have no wings to fly, they are quit capable of hoping some distance.
|
2368 We moved into a brand new constructed
house on January 30. The house sat vacant for 4 months following construction.
We have noticed several wood bugs. Is this normal for a newly constructed house?
Brian. Victoria, BC.
New homes are loaded with tons of moisture that takes a
long time to dissipate from the drywall, paint concrete and wood. Sow bugs like
this high humidity. Many new homes have air exchangers that should be kept
running constantly to extract the moist air in the building.
|
2367 we think we have mice and a larger
rodent in our attic, could be a rat because the droppings that we see is a
little bigger. we hear it at night and during the day scratching between the
walls. It started in our garage so we closed all of the openings that he could
have used as an entrance way, plus we set rat traps and poisoning in the attic,
but the little bugger is still active. Help!!!! Pamela. Brantford,
Ont.
You will have mice or rats, but not likely both.
Rats are much noisier and there is probably more than one which means you could
have 10 baby rats in 22 days. Rats are not stupid. Even some
inexperienced professionals have trouble getting rid of them. It takes training
and experience to learn the tricks to outsmart some smart rats. Discuss
your problem with some local professionals then pick one that seems to know what
he is talking about. |
2366 I live in a old house and have alot of
sow or pill bugs. I understand that moisture has alot to do with it but i'm not
in a financial position to rectify the moisture problem at this time. I was
wondering what or if there is anything I can do for now till my financial
situation gets better. What kind of powder a or spray can i use or what to do.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration in helping me with my
problem I really appreciate it. Take care and have a wonderful day.
Crawling insect aerosol sprays will kill sow bugs and most
insects but sow bugs will come back as along as the moist conditions exist.
Use a vacuum and suck them up until you can fix the moisture problem. |
2365 Just a point to note on the question
as to if these electronic products work or not. THINK PEOPLE it is in the best
interests of the PROFESSIONAL to say that these products DONT work. If they do,
then they would be out pocket or out of business!!! These products offer a CHEAP
solution, which will not require annual repeat treatments costing $'00 or $'000
of dollars at a time. I was quoted $1050 dollars for a barrier treatment against
carpenter ants, which would require annual re-treatment costing $150 for four
years. This would then need to be repeated. I am not saying any of these
products work, just that it is in the best interest of the PRO to say they
don't. I have witnessed the effect of the ultrasonic devices on mice, and use
them in conjunction with snap traps. They are not 100%, but they do have an
impact on changing the mouse's behavior. My local PEST Management company
wanted to SELL me a focused pest management solution for Vermin, Ants, and other
insects for an annual fee of $350 (after the initial treatment detailed above).
Not bad business really!!!! Paul. Vancouver.
It is your right to not trust the word of pest professionals regarding
electronic pest control devices. There are thousands of professionals doing pest
control. Most of them are proud of their reputation and would not resort to
fraudulent actions by using these devices. For ten years we have been asking
anyone to send us scientific data from a reliable unbiased source that proves
these devices are an effective and efficient way to control pests. We have not
received any such evidence. In fact, all entomologists we have communicated with
would never endorse such products. Why don't you try to find out for yourself at
Simon Fraser University Entomology Department. It's your choice. A sucker is
born every day. Waste your money on something that does not work, or use control
measures that are effective. If you don't have the knowledge and experience to
do it yourself then hire a professional. Just remember, your home is probably
the most valuable asset you will ever own. Pest control is part of maintaining
that asset. New tires for your car will cost more than $350.
|
2364 In response to Sam Bryks: (answering
question #122) Thanks for the comprehensive run-down on the electronic pest
repellers. I really appreciate your comments and knowledge. However, I took
issue with your statement that the only people who use these things are lazy
people who don't want to deal w/ other methods. We have mice in a state office
building where children commonly accompany parents to mandatory meetings. Traps
and poison are out of the question, as you can't depend on parents to watch kids
every moment - not that they shouldn't watch them... they just don't. Live traps
have varying degrees of success. The landlord refuses to take responsibility for
the problem. If the electronic devices DID work, it would be great for this
situation. Frustrated in Montana.
Mr. Bryks has had years of experience dealing with tenants
who tried to solve their rodent problem using electronic devices rather than
exercising more caution in disposing of their garbage and cleaning up things
that attracted the rodents. Traps and or poison can be used safely
in tamper proof stations that are placed in locations not accessible to
children. This should only be done by a licensed professional in a public
building. |
2363 Termites - I have been told that there is
only one company in Toronto that has the credentials to say that a house is
termite free and can put this in writing. I know that I have to disclose that my
house has been treated for termites, but would like to have a letter indicating
that it is currently "free". What should I be looking for in company information
that would indicate to me that a company can will do an inspection and write a
letter indicating that my house is "termite free". I'm in the process of selling
my home and thought that this might add to the sale. Carolyn. Toronto.
There are probably a number of pest control businesses in
Toronto that could do an inspection and give you a written report. You
should deal with a business that is well insured and had considerable termite
experience. You will probably find a disclaimer clause in any report that
effectively states that no obvious signs of active termites were observed in the
reasonably accessible areas inspected. See the
directory of Toronto pest
professionals. |
2362 My parents recently found a white weasel
eating out of the cat's food bowl. How can they trap the weasel to get rid of it
from inside the house? Is there a certain distance the weasel must be released
so it doesn't come back to the house? What possible damage could a weasel do
inside a home? Rayanne. Goulais River, Ontario
Place a small live trap close to where it was seen.
Remove the cat dish and and use cat food inside the trap for bait. Weasels
can be quite vicious and not something you want around other animals or small
children. If you catch it, release it a few miles away. |
2361 It is early spring, Mar 27 and we are
already having wasp (yellow-jackets - we think) problems on our back patio, how
do we follow them to find their nest so we can get rid of them.
The early spring is prompting surviving fertilized queens
to emerge from their overwintering sites and start the summer life cycle.
They will forage for food and building material for new nests. They never
go back to an old nest so new nests will be very small and hard to find.
Look for golf ball size spheres under roof overhangs and decks. With much
patience you may follow them a few feet at a time towards the new nest sites.
|
2360 I believe I have a click beetle in my
bedroom. I have not yet seen it, but I hear it click during the night and I have
felt it on my pillow. I vacuum the room frequently, hoping that I suck it up,
but I have not been successful. Can I use cockroach bate to capture it? Is there
an environmentally safe product or method to kill this insect indoors?
Click beetles are not normally an indoor pest although
they will be attracted to outdoor lights at night and may find their way inside.
Their larva is called a wire worm which can be quite destructive to root crops
in the garden. The adults are harmless. If you can tolerate the
clicking sound do nothing. It will not stay around too long.
If not, you may have have to have a professional do a little spraying with a
residual insecticide. |
2359 how long after fumigation should you
wait before steam cleaning the carpet? Nina. Edmonton.
I depends on what type of pest you have. Fumigation in a
residence is seldom practiced in Canada by licensed professionals. Talk to
the professional doing the work. |
2358 How do I stop squirrels from chewing
thru my porch screens?? Don. Prospect Park, PA
Squirrels are rodents. Rodents chew. You have
2 choices: Traps them and relocate some distance away or screen them out
with 1/4 inch mesh. If you don't relocate them they will likely find
another place to chew their way in. If you are feed birds you will
continue to attract them to your property. |
2357 We can hear scratching in one specific
wall of the house, when we first purchased this home 2 years ago we had mice,
and we had a pest control company set bait which eliminated teh problem. There
is no signs of mice this time, no dropping any where, but this scratching in one
area, sounds like somthing either chewing or scratching to get out. it can stop
fro hours at a time and then return. what could it be or who should we call.
Bill. Springwater, Ontario.
See # 2352. This is probably a mouse or rat problem.
You will find a professional in your area on our
Ontario professionals page.
|
2356 WHERE I CAN BUY ELECTRONIC MOUSE TRAP
IN HAMILTON USED/NEW PLEASE? Rana. Hamilton, Ontario.
We are not aware of any "electronic mouse traps" on the
market. If you mean electronic devices that repel mice don't waste you
money. They are not effective. |
2355 I have pharaoh ants in my apartment
building, I am moving out at the end of the month, because I cannot take them
anymore, I am curious if the ants will come with me to the new apartment
building through my furniture or any other way, what can I do to make sure that
this won't happen? Thanks. Brittany. London, Ontario.
You would have to move queens for a new colony to get
established in your new residence and this is highly unlikely. |
2354 I have pill bugs invading my home. I
live in the country and have a large garden. I would like to lay down a chemical
barrier between the surrounding countryside and my home. What would you suggest
to repel these inoffensive creatures. I am tired of showering, sleeping and
living with them everywhere. Vico del Gargano, Italy
Forget the chemicals. It would only reduce the
population for a short time. Eliminate your moisture problem.
See
Sow Bugs for more
information. |
2353 My attached garage frequently has the
odd sowbug (or pill bug), particularly near the garage doors where moisture
often exists. When sweeping the floor near the doors i often find the dead
bodies ofcreatures that are approx. 1/2 inch long and maybe 1/16th inch in
diameter curled into a semicircle. I've never seen one alive but i've been
wondering if they are possibly the Larva. (?) of the sowbugs (or pillbugs
) ? Ernst. Holyrood, Newfoundland.
Pillbugs and Sowbugs do not have a larval stage. You
likely have centipedes which also like moist conditions where pillbugs and
sowbugs are found. They are harmless. |
2352 My daughter has come home from college
and complaining about a scratching sound in the ceiling. It happens only at nite
or early morning. It comes and goes and sounds like its going to come right thru
the ceiling. went up in the attic and pulled up installation and nothing. we did
set peanut butter traps just in case. well yesterday it moved to the other
corner of her ceiling. not sure what it is. we live on a acre of land. looked on
roof and around gutter. now it is snowy and cold out.what can we do please
help.not sure what it is and we do have a log burning fireplace but no where to
come in there then in fire???. please let me know what we can do. it does scare
my daughter and she will be leaving soon. We won't hear it unless it moves on
our side??? please get back to us thank you so much. Teresa. sagamore
hills, Ohio
This sounds like a typical rodent problem. They move
into homes when the weather gets cold. Setting traps baited with peanut
butter is just one way to solve the problem and there are a few tricks to
catching mice and rats that professionals have learned through experience.
Perhaps you should call one to do and inspection. |
2351 I have damage to window screens that
the builder is blaming on insect damage. They are not metal screens and only on
one side of house. There are numerous holes..some pin head size, others quarter
size. It is not a tear because the hole is clean. My pest control says they have
not encountered this problem before and do not have an answer. Before I replace
the screens, I need to know the cause of damage. I can't find any information on
the internet.. Olivia. Florida.
Holes the size of a quarter are commonly chewed in nylon
screen by mice. We are not aware of insects that chew nylon screen but you
have a lot of strange creatures in Florida that are not common in Canada. |
2350 I just had the 1st treatment of
fumigation done in my apartment suite due to bed bugs. My question is do i need
to vacuum right away or do I wait until the 2nd treatment has been done?
Kim. Edmonton.
The more you vacuum before, during and after the
treatment, the more you will help to eliminate eggs and bugs. |
2349 How to keep Asian beetles out of my
bedroom. They are all ove when the weather gets nice. I am trying to get a head
start. Rita. Bronx, N.Y.
The beetles moved into cracks and crevices on the exterior
last fall. They are now emerging into the warm room, thinking it is
spring. The best solution is to suck them up with a vacuum cleaner or
catch them and put them outside. |
2348 Hi there, the property i moved into
has a lot of white thick power on the ceiling, with my ducted air conditioner on
& off for the last 6 months, I have been feeling sick, I have now a lung
infection, could the pest control used in my house making us sick specially with
the air con on, I had birds when i moved in and have died, there are no problem
with insects in the house they all die, are we at risk due to the pest control
chemicals?
If you are renting, you have a right to know if pesticides
were applied, and your landlord is obligated to give you all the information.
There are too many variables for us to give you a reliable opinion. |
2347 what to do to get rid of sow bugs.
Kay. Sydney Mines, N.S.
Sow bugs can be quite beneficial in your compost. If
you have them in your home there is too much moisture. See the
Sow Bugs
web page. |
2346 My question is about sowbugs. Do they
bite humans and if they do is the bite harmful?
No. They do not have mouth parts that could harm
you. They eat soft decaying vegetation. |
2345 Hi, I don't have a picture because i can't find the insect that is
biting me daily and leaving various sizes of extremely itchy bites that itch for
2-3 days then fade away. It's been happening for 3 mths now. First i thought it
was hives (which i've never had before) but 2 doctors have told me it's bug
bites. We've checked the bed, couch and rugs thoroughly to no avail but i keep
getting bitten...........any suggestions as to what these invisible bugs could
be?...........thank you, Karen
The most common biting insect causing problems in the past
few years is Bed Bugs. Most people that get bitten never see the actual
bugs because they are very good at hiding. An experienced bed bug
professional should be able to find them or install a monitor that will confirm
their existence. Spraying pesticides may make the task more difficult.
|
2344 I find in the basement and other main
floor places too..., little round dots....red in color. They are very hard,
about 2 mm diameter, all identical. Don't know if is excrements, or eggs... if
is from insects or rodents....or whatever. To prevent it....i need first to know
what is it.? Ovi. Woodbridge, Ont.
We try hard to identify problems but "little round red
dots" is too much of a challenge. Has someone been playing with a can of
spray paint? |
2343 I have a minor silverfish issue in my
apartment. I plan to move to a townhouse this year and want to ensure that all
my books, boxes etc from the apartment are silverfish-free. Can i freeze my
household goods in a shipping container at a local cold storage business to
ensure that all my goods are insect free? Will this take care of any egg
depositions as well? How long would this container have to be frozen to ensure
all that may be in the goods are deceased? How do i know which number this
response would be?
Freezing will probably kill any adults and eggs if the
temperature is cold enough in the center of your goods.
Cardboard cartons are a favorite place for silverfish. They like the many
little tunnels and the glue. |
2342 I have one hemlock tree on my
property. I have a large porcupine climbing my tree. He eats all day and is
destroying the tree. I put tinfoil around the tree but he climbs over it. I have
more trees and he goes to the others and climbs from one tree to the other. Any
ideas on how to keep him away with out destroying the animal...I feel bad. He
does not know that is my tree and he is only doing what comes natural. Eating
what they like...Thanks for the help...Carol
You could put a tin collar around the trunk that should
stop the guy from climbing that tree, but to stop the damage you may have to
have a professional trap and relocate it. |
2341 I live in an apartment that is on the
basement level and have a creek behind me. I have had these box elders coming
into my apartment for the last few months. The property manager told me there
wasn't much they can do for them, that they were indestrutable. The pest guy
that sprays the apartments says he has never known them to be around this time
of year. I don't know what to do. Is there anything?
We have had a lot of strange weather around the world this
year and along with that some strange insect behavior. The box elder bugs
probably entered cracks and crevices in the building last fall seeking a warm
place to spend the winter. They are now emerging into your home by
accident sensing the warmth and thinking it is spring. They are harmless.
The best solution is to vacuum them up.. |
2340 Tonight while putting away the dishes
I discovered what I think is a Brownbanded Cockroach in one of my cupboards (it
looked, from what I saw of it, identical to one someone else posted on here). I
tried to catch it but it escaped into the crack between the cupboard and the
wall. I have lived in this 12-unit apartment building for 3 years and have never
before had any reason to suspect that we had cockroaches - is this just a fluke
or cause for concern? I did have a new couch delivered two weeks ago...is it
possible that the roach got in that way?
You should monitor the area with baited glue boards. You
may not have a serious problem but if one of your neighbors does, they may be
moving into your unit. Early treatment by a professional could save
you a lot of future problems. |
2339 I am finding many very small cocoons
under our beds and dressers in the bedroom. they range from 1/8" to almost 1/2".
they are mostly white, but some take on the color of the blankets when found on
those items. i am unable to make out a creature on the inside. any suggestions
as to what is constructing these? Thomas. New York City.
There are thousands of insects that build cocoons such as
you describe. Look for larva, beetles or moths. Send us a photo and will
will try to identify on our
photo page. |
2338 Wood bugs or beetles found in woodpile
etc. are they beneficial or harmful? Also I have several mounds of ants in
my pasture. Any benefit to these? Thank you, Angela.
Parksville, BC.
Sow bugs and pill bugs produce more topsoil than
earthworms. Thatching ants that build ant hills can also be beneficial as
they are predators of harmful insects. |
2337 Are there any Brown Recluse Spiders
(poisonous) in Canada ??? Wayne. Medicine Hat Alberta
No. They prefer a warmer year round climate and a
generally found in the southern U.S. |
2336 I own a few apartments and was told
that they found a few roaches which I plan to spray or take care of it myself as
I found that when I hired a co. it was very expensive and it didn't solve the
problem in the past. Can you tell me where I can get the most efficient spray or
what is the best way to handle this problem. thank you. Perla.
Toronto.
Getting rid of cockroaches in an apartment building is a
process that involves a lot more than just spraying a magical pesticide
everywhere. Most professionals now use baits that do not repel and force
the roaches to move elsewhere in the building. (This often happens when
insecticide sprays are not used properly) The expense of hiring a
professional will be considerably less than lost rental income when tenants move
out because of the roaches. A good baiting program includes a good
inspection, suggested sanitation procedures, bait application and follow up
service calls. It takes time. If the tenant or landlord interferes
by applying pesticide sprays, the baiting program will be ineffective.
|
|
2335 I was wondering what the pH of the poison from
bees and wasps differ?
I know that the poison from the bee is acidic
but how much? And that the poison from the wasp is basci but how much?
Looking forward for your answer. Best regards
Martin Wenckens, Denmark
Bee stings and most wasp stings include formic acid,
so the pH is acid. However, the portal of entry of the injected toxin is so
small that an application of baking soda or the like is likely to be
ineffective. The pH of bee venom is between 5.0 and 5.5. The pH of wasp
venom is 6.8 to 6.9: it is almost neutral.
|
2334 How can wee get ride of bed bugs?
Julie. Montreal
Our web page "How to
get rid of bedbugs" is one of the most popular information sources
on the internet. Google has consistently placed it number one in their generic
listings. |
2333 I recently found roaches in my home.
what can i use to get rid of it. Someone told me to use a jell. Susan
Most professionals now use a jell or paste bait but
knowing where, how much and how frequently is as important as what product to
use. Talk to a local professional who sells pest control products. A
hardware store clerk will not have the proper advice. |
2332 do the electronic device keep crickets
away? Bobby. Casa Grande, Az.
NO. |
2331 I have a mouse or squirrel problem in my
attic. For the last couple of months every night my family can hear these things
running around in my attic I have used my own snap traps with cheese for a
couple of weeks to no avail. I then hired a extermination company who sent a guy
out he supposedly filled all the possible spaces where he claims flying
squirrels were getting in (there were dust prints of them). He used metal mesh
and expanding foam. I regret this since they charged many hundreds of dollars
for something I think was not worth it. The noise each night has continued. He
did place 9 large snap traps with squirrel bait. The traps have been there for
over a month and they have not been touched. He has been back numerous times to
block any other holes and put in a one way door. This has not worked because we
still hear movement in the attic. I purchased 2 Smart Mouse Traps which were
highly rated on amazon.com they have not caught anything after two weeks. I am
sort of out of ideas and so is the company. They must be getting in and out
somewhere but no where I can see. Someone suggested using sticky pads since they
don’t go for the bait but this is very inhumane. I have now placed some peanut
butter on a newspaper and placed some baking powder around it to get some prints
to try and positively identify the creature. I am also tempted to place a camera
up there with a light to see what is going on up there at night. If anyone has
any good ideas I would greatly appreciate it. Stephen. Toronto.
The camera might be a good idea but the light will
probably keep them away. Rat traps may be better than mouse traps.
Be careful not to contaminate traps with foreign smells.(off your hands).
Be patient and persistent. Move the traps around. Try different baits.
Sprinkle bird seed over the traps. I may take a while but eventually you
should have success. |
2330 There is a scratching noise coming
from my 1 and a half story house i do not have an attic it is up in the half
story near the window on the roof it doesn't start till late at night could it
be raccoons or rats mice on my roof it isn't in the house the noise is coming
from outside like something trying to get in. months ago i did chase a racoon
away from my garbage. its a very noticeable sound doesn't happen during the day.
only late at night not the evening. Ryan. Peterborough, Ontario.
Mice would not make enough sound outside to hear inside.
Raccoons should be quite visible. I suspect you have a squirrel or rat
problem. Rats will follow plumbing drain vent stacks which pass
through every level in a building and exit through the roof. |
2329 weevils were found in milk powder
tipping station in a factory, what could be the possible cause. Richard.
There are numerous possible sources including the raw
product and the equipment being used at the tipping station. A
qualified pest inspector familiar with food processing plants could save you a
lot of time, expense and contaminated product. |
2328 While packing to move, I discovered an
infestation of white larvae in a wool carpet. Part of the carpet under the couch
was completely eaten away; further inspection uncovered the entire carpet (5x8)
had been infested to one degree or another. The larvae were moving in some
areas. They are predominantly whitish/grey about the size of a grain of rice. I
have removed the carpet to the frigid -18 outdoors, as well as the sections of
furniture. My question is: will a prolonged period of very cold kill any insects
which may be hiding out in the furniture? I don't care about the carpet
especially, but I would rather not have to have the furniture fumigated. Thank
you. L.B. Cowansville, Quebec.
Freezing temperatures should kill the clothes moth larvae
but you should keep a close watch for moths in your new home. |
2327 We have jackrabbits living under our
house. Will they cause structural damage to the house and how can we get rid of
them? Isabel. Edmonton.
Trapping is the best control for rabbits. If they
burrow under the support structure it could eventually cause some damage. |
2326 Heard a scratching noise very early
this morning from underneath the bathtub. We had caught a mouse a few weeks ago
after we heard scratching inside the dryer vent. I am assuming this is just
another mouse under the tub. How the heck am I supposed to get this guy out??
Rick
Look for access to the tub drain P-trap so you can put
traps under the tub. |
2325 We have immature larder beetles. this
pest has been persistent throughout the year. how do we get rid of them?
David. Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Larder beetles are associated with high protein foods including other dead
insects, cluster flies, dead rodents and birds and pet food.
Keep cat and dog food in
well sealed containers. Keep cluster and other flies under control as they
readily attract the larder beetle. Vacuum attics and other areas where dead
flies accumulate. Ensure all ventilation areas in the house are adequately
screened to prevent flies and beetles from entering. Caulk all cracks
around the window and door frames. Also check foundations, chimneys and house
eaves for cracks needing repairs. If pesticides are used, we suggest
calling a professional that will not cause a risk to you and your family.
|
2324 I had a mink get under our house, made
a nest next to our floor. the smell is so bad inside the house, took down
insulation and cleaned it out, sprayed it all down with water hose then sprayed
it all with pine-sol cleaned with water and then pine-sol again. it is a better
but i can still smell it, hope someone can help. thanks John
You have done all the obvious things but if the smell
persists you will have to improve the ventilation under the home. A small
fan blowing fresh air in constantly may hasten the process.
|
2323 In which Canadian store can I find
"Bedlam" insecticide to kill bed bugs. Pls advise. Thanks
We could not find this product in the registry of the
Health Canada Pesticide Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). If it is not
registered in Canada, it would not be a legal product to sell or import.
This product may not meet the registration standards of the PMRA or perhaps the
manufacturer has not submitted it for registration. This is another
product that is currently being marketed in the US as another effective
insecticide for bedbugs. Don't be mislead into thinking there is a miracle
product that will solve this problem. Bedbugs are easy to kill with numerous
products once you find them. The challenge is finding them. |
2322 Just discovered a paper pulp nest high
in our Maple Tree. Does the colony die over the winter? or Do we need to get rid
of this? Sherri. St. Catherine, Ont.
The nest will be vacated and not used again in the spring.
|
2321 A Downie woodpecker is digging holes
into the wood siding of our house. Is there any repellent I can use to keep him
away? Pierre. Lansdowne, Ont.
See the answer to # 2319 below. |
2320 Do bed bugs enbed (bury) themselves
in/under human skin? Theresa. Westgate-On-Sea.
No. They penetrate the skin with their beak, inject
a local anesthetic and anti-coagulate, take their blood meal then go back into
hiding. See: bedbugs |
2319 I have a flicker problem, these pesky
woodpeckers have been pecking holes in my stucco house. In the last 2 weeks I
have at least 15 new holes the size of a fist and about 3 inches deep. They peck
through the stucco into the styrofoam insulation until they reach the plywood.
Is this a quest for food or a mating ritual? How do I stop them? I've tried
stringing rows of fishing a few inches apart so they couldn't land, hanging
reflective tape, hanging battery operated spiders, chasing them with water from
the hose. Nothing seems to work. Susan. Kelowna.
They would not be using the pecking to attract a mate at
this time of year (fall). They could be hearing insects in your walls
(carpenter ants or cluster flies?) and are trying to get at this food source.
They can also make holes to serve as a nest but this usually happens in spring.
Hanging a piece of fish net from the soffit about 6 inches from the wall will
discourage them. |
2318 where i can buy the products for
eradication of roaches like Maxforce, Siege, or Combat gel. thanks. farhat.
missisaug.
Some products are only available to licensed pest
management professionals. Contact one near you to find out what is
available in your area.
Ontario Pest Professionals.
|
2317 hi, I Want to start, pest
control business. I Would like to know which insurance company provide pest
control insurance. list of insurance company. Alex. Mississauga.
There are only one or two companies that provide insurance
to qualified and experienced professionals in Canada. Contact the Ontario
association for more information. APMPO |
2316 i have farrow ants in my home and they
are pretty much everywhere. they get in my food my children's hair biting
the kids at night get in there beds can these ants hurt the kids by biting them
all the time and my 7 months get bite by the ants as well can i make them sick?
Nikki. Niagara Falls.
Pharaoh ants can carry a number of pathogens and they are
know to enter open wounds on humans. Getting rid of them can be difficult
and a slow process. Do not spray insecticides as this will cause the nests
to split up. The best solution involves careful placement of a good quality ant
bait. You would be wise to call a professional to positively identify the
ants and start a baiting program. Read more about
Pharaoh Ants. |
2315 I understand that one of the best way to get
rid of bed bug is using Diatomaceous earth. Do you know where I can this
type of earth in Strathroy or London Ont. ? Thanks. Andre. Strathroy
Diatomaceous earth is one product that may help reduce the
bedbug population but can not be relied on as the total solution. You
should be able to buy it at a good garden shop. You should inject a small
amount into cracks and crevices where bedbugs may be hiding. If you use to
much, they will not crawl over it, thus reducing it's effectiveness. See:
get rid of bedbugs. |
2314 Where can I purchase flea bombs and
how effective are they? Melanie. Nova Scotia.
Many people have destroyed their homes with explosions
caused by flea bombs. They are not an effective solution to a flea
problem. Read the information on this page for better methods.
Fleas, |
2313 We were chased off our back deck this
fall by wasps. Haven't found any nest yet, should we look in the ground or in
the bushes/trees? I'm told they nest in the ground if we are having a warmer
winter? When/if I find the nest how do I dispose of it? Jacqueline.
Rothesay, New Brunswick.|
Wasps in the nest in October will die as the
weather gets colder. Fertilized queens that survive the winter will not
return to the same nest in the spring. |
2312 The last people in my house left
without notice and did not empty the refrigerator. It sat for about 6 weeks with
no power. When we opened it, the contents were covered in maggots and the smell
was unbearable. We were able to empty the contents and spray out the inside. We
now have it sitting in the garage trying to figure out what to do to sanitize
it. I have read that we can clean it with baking soda and water and then use
charcoal and coffee grounds to absorb the smell. We also read that boiling water
kills maggots, but that would melt the plastic. How can we make sure all eggs
are gone so we don't have them come back?
A solution of household bleach and water
should kill the eggs and disinfect the fridge. |
2311 I have a mouse/vole in my basement
suite. my landlord has tried all sorts of traps but cant seem to catch the
little critter- should we use a bait rather than peanut butter on the traps?
also is there a difference in droppings between a mouse and a vole. before you
ask we cannot for the life of us figure out how it got in (my suite is all
concrete no visible cracks) is it possible it came in through the door when i
had it open? Linda. Surrey.
Vole droppings are
cylindrical, have round ends, and are about 5 mm long. Mice droppings are
pointed on one end and are about 3 to 5 mm long. If you left the door open, of
course anything could have wandered in. Mice are much more common indoor
pests than voles. |
2310 why do sow bugs roll up into little
balls? And What is leaf litter? and What other kinds of predators are their for
sow bugs, in other words, what eats sow bugs besides birds?
Rolling up is their best defense against
predators like spiders, birds, rodents and other small animals.
Leaf litter is decomposing vegetation that sow bugs eat.
|
2309 I recently bought a home from a
taxidermist who worked out of his garage. Is there any special indoor pests I
might need to treat for before unpacking my household things?
The most likely thing you should watch for is
carpet beetles. They are about 2-3 mm long, round, and bear a pattern of
black, yellow, brown and white scales. The small, brown, hairy larvae are known
as 'woolly bears'. With experience, the larval cases are easily recognized.
Also watch for the case-bearing clothes moth. The adult form is a small
grey/brown moth of about 4-6 mm in length. The larvae make distinctive tubular
cases that look like small white maggots. |
2308 We have just bought a cottage in the
Addington Township area and we have NO mice, but with winter coming is there
anything that we can do to stop them from coming in the cottage. To our
knowledge there is no openings in the cottage at all. I have been told to place
dryer sheets throughout the cottage and the scent will keep them away. We also
have a plug in device, but in the winter the hydro will be shut off therefore
this device will not work. I do not like the smell of moth balls and am not
convinced they work. We also just bought an 18 foot trailer to use as a bunkee
at the cottage and would like to keep the mice out of there as well. Can you
give me any ideas other then making sure there are no holes for them to get in.
Is there any item that deters them from coming in.
There is no simple, easy solution to
excluding mice. The plug in device is a waste of money. Items that
produce odors like the dryer sheets and moth balls may have a slight effect for
a short time but can not be depended on as a repellent. Use steel wool and wire
screen along with expansion foam to close all gaps around plumbing and wiring.
Trailer floors are usually sheeted in so you must close off any entry points as
large as a pencil, but be aware, they can chew through the soft sheeting
material. See our mice page for more
tips. |
2307 is there a way to get rid of lady bugs
naturally or what kind of spray using home defense and fly roll, Shirley.
Fortmill S. Carolina.
The most natural way is to seal up all the
entry points to your home. Once they have gained access they will stay until
spring. They’re
harmless. They do not bite, they do not breed inside houses, they do not bore
into wood. Only a few should end up in your living space and
they can be eliminated with a vacuum cleaner. |
2306 How do I get rid of roaches, in the
house. I know when I was in an apartment building they placed something that
looked like a chocolate paste/gel around in the corners and cupboards. That
stuff worked. I was wondering if anyone knows what it is called and if there are
any good methods that work beside borax and powdered sugar. Thanks. Mel.
Toronto.
There are new cockroach baits that are very
effective, although some cockroaches may have developed an immunity to some of
them. The important think is to place the right amount in the right
location. Talk to a local professional to determine which product is best
for your situation..
Toronto pest professionals directory. |
2305 We have an invasive insect called the
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug here in New Jersey. Will there ever be some sort of
control for this creature? Its numbers increase each year to very scary numbers.
The best control around your home is
exclusion. This can be a monumental task if there are a lot of cracks and
crevices around the exterior. There are some pesticides that a
professional can spray outside that may reduce the population but will not
likely eliminate the problem entirely. Read more information from Rutgers
University of New Jersey agriculture station.
http://njaes.rutgers.edu/stinkbug/control.asp |
2304 I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THE STINKER
CAN BE REMOVED FROM SKUNKS. I WANT ONE AS A PET.
Yes. The scent glands can be removed from a baby skunk
born in captivity. They can be good pets but require considerable medical
attention. They should be tested for a number of diseases and parasites
including a dangerous round worm. There is some good information on Wikipedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pet_skunk
|
2302 We have moles in our backyard. Do they
cause any damage to the garden or can they harm dogs? We have a leaky bird
feeder. Would the seed be attracting the moles. How do we get rid of them if
they are harmful? Cathy. Aurora, Ontario.
The piles of dirt that moles excavate can
look pretty bad in a lawn or garden. They are harmless to pets. Their food
source is worms and grubs excavated underground. They would not likely be
attracted by the bird seed. Traps are the best control method for moles
but it takes some skill and experience to be successful.
Read more about moles.
|
2301 I need a home recipe to remove skunk
smell from my dog and fast. Sherry. Lascassas, TN
There is a good recipe for skunk deodorizer
on our Skunks web page.
|
2300 we had a visitor today who is infested with bed bugs. Her body is
covered in bites. what are the chances that she has infected my house and other
guests? Apparently she traveled to Scotland and picked up the bugs. She is
going to have her house fumigated and wash all her upstairs clothing etc. I
have removed and washed all tablecloths and thoroughly cleaned the house. Is
there something else I should do?
Worried. Sandy
It is not likely your visitor brought bed
bugs to your home unless she brought items from her home but there is always a
risk. Please read the information on our
bed bug web pages. |
2299 I believe I have carpet beetles- they
are chewing through my cotton t-shirts. They are selective about the cotton- it
is a soft cotton and the holes are always at the bottom of the t-shirts. I have
had the house sprayed but nothing is working. Could Powder Post beetles eat
cotton? what other pest could it be. How should it be treated?
Powder post beetles will not eat your cotton
t-shirts. Read the information about fabric pests including
clothes moths. |
2298 You recommend purchasing squirrel
repellants at a good garden shop. Will this deter my wild birds? I have multiple
bird feeders and love the birds. The squirrels are now crawling on my screens
and even ate some holes in one screen in an effort to access my house. HELP!!!
Most repellants are not effective for a long
enough time to eliminate wildlife. We discourage feeding wild birds
because the seed definitely attracts rodents. Changing the natural
foraging and feeding habits of birds may be detrimental to the species. |
2297 Bed Bugs - it seems to be very
difficult to find and buy bed bug treatments - insecticide dusts or Contact
insecticides or IGRs. I'm looking to buy any of these products: Suspend; Gentrol;
Bedlam; Delta Dust & Demand; Stenfab; Drion Dust. Can somebody help me locate
and buy these products so that I can use then in BC? Thank You.
Many of the products listed on web sites for
bed bug control are not registered for use in Canada. Many that are
registered are only available to licensed pest control businesses with certified
applicators. If you are qualified to use the legally available products, you
will know where to buy them. |
2296 Last spring, I had a rat problem in
the crawlspace under the house. I heavily baited and the rat(s) seem to be gone.
I now keep a stash of rat poison in the crawlspace as a preventative measure -
no other animals can get into the crawlspace, we've made sure of it. I checked
the stash yesterday and while most of the bags of poison are still in place, a
couple of them are empty or near empty with tiny holes in them. I read that rats
tend to hoard food, so could this be the work of mice? My skin crawls at the
thought of either rats or mice, I'd love get rid of them all before it becomes a
problem in my house this winter.
When rats arrive any mice present will leave
that area. If you did eliminate the rats, mice may have returned and eaten
the bait. Mice will hoard or store food more than rats do. Insects
and slugs will also eat rodent bait. It is a good idea to use solid bait
blocks fastened in tamper proof bait stations. This will reduce bait
translocation and insect consumption. |
2295 I was bitten by some sort of spider
about 10 days ago. My initial reaction was vomiting, followed by three days
later a nasty scab on my elbow. I had about four nights of no sleep. To this day
the wound has gotten larger, about 1" around, and resembles a volcano formation.
I am on antibiotics but it continues to ooze clear puss. The wound does appear
to be growing slightly each day and not healing very quickly. With all the
research i have done it looks pretty positive that it is a brown recluse spider
bite but i am not sure. There is no confirmation that these types of spiders are
in Kelowna but we do have black widows and they thrive in the same habitat.
Could you please confirm if this is possible.
Brown recluse spiders are not know to live in
northern climates (Canada) but are plentiful in southern states. Hobo
spiders do live in your area (Okanagan Valley) and the symptoms of their bite
can be similar to the Brown Recluse.
|
2294 I need to know how to safely remove
cockroaches, bedbugs, fleas etc from computers and other electronic devices
(such as Blackberries, PDA) without harming the components that store data. Any
suggestions? Laurie. Toronto.
You may have success sealing these items in a
plastic bag with a few moth balls inside, or you could try placing the bag in a
freezer for a few days. Some insects can survive freezing.
|
2293 My question revolves around house
flies. I have a decent understanding about what sources seem to attract flies,
and that by eliminating these sources this should reduce the overall amount of
activity, however, it is very difficult to eliminate all sources within my
working environment. Other than fly strips and fly lights, is there any other
alternatives within a public environment that helps reduce flies? Thank
you. Rob.
Without knowing what type of flies and more
about the environment where the flies are a problem, we can not recommend
control measures other than fly lights, insecticide sprays and fly strips.
|
2292 Will microban kill the odor of raccoon
urine? My attic was cleaned with microban two days ago, but my house still
smells like raccoon urine. If microban does not work, do you know of a chemical
that will work?
Microban manufactures a number of products
including MICROBAN. We have not had experience with this product so can
not comment on it's efficacy. For more information check the company web
site:
http://www.microban.com/americas/english/products/
A solution of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide
and a little dish soap is quite effective in neutralizing organic odors. Mix in
an open container and do not put a lid on it. |
2291 Is it possibly to have only ONE bed
bug? I found a bug that semi-matches bed bug pictures online and am really
freaking out. I completely cleaned my bed and checked all the mattress creases
and washed all of the bedding. Please help :) Jenny. Laredo, Texas.
Bedbugs are seldom seen in daylight.
They come out in the dark. If it is a bedbug and you saw it during the
day, there are likely more. Have it identified by a pest professional.
|
2290 My husband and I recently bought a new
house. We have not yet moved in but notice every time we go by there are at
least 80 or more pigeons on the roof. Our shingles are totally white at the peak
from the pigeon poop. My question is, will we always have a problem with these
pigeons nesting on our roof and also will the poop decrease the life of the
shingles. Carol. Georgetown, Ont.
Pigeon droppings can be quite corrosive so
there may eventually be some damage to flashings, rain gutters and downspouts.
Your best solution is to install spike strips along the peak. You should
probably ask a professional for a quote. See the
directory of Ontario pest
professionals |
2289 i have residents on both sides of my
townhouse, how do I get rid of existing mice and deter others from entering.
Thank you John. Edmonton.
1. Try to get your neighbors to cooperate in
elimination anything that may be attracting mice to the building, such as bird
seed and garbage. 2. Find the entry points and block them. 3. Use traps
where you are seeing droppings. If this is too difficult, call a
professional listed in the
directory of Alberta professionals. |
2288 how to kill woodbugs (sow bugs)
-spiders and crickets, we have lots of them in our house. Mary.
Sechelt.
You have sowbugs because of a moisture or
high humidity problem. You have spiders because the sow bugs are a good
food source. One suggestion for the crickets is
pour a small amount of cornmeal in the center
of a glue board and place it near where you hear the chirping sound. Within a
day or two, you should have gotten your cricket. |
2287 How do I get rid of a wasp nest and
wasps from under my hollow concrete door step? The entry point visible but can
not gain access to the nest. Ivan. Esterhazy, Sask.
A professional could inject an insecticide
dust into the entry hole that may reach the nest. These nests are
difficult to eliminate. Plugging the hole at night may help but don't
count on it. |
2286 How to get rid of ear wigs. Don.
Bay Roberts, Nl.
This Health Canada web page has a lot of useful information on this pest
including a number of ways to get rid of them.
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/pest/_pnotes/earwig-perces/index-eng.php |
2285 I have bedbugs. I've thrown out all
furniture and beds bagged all clothing from dressers. Can bedbugs live in green
garbage bags and if so for how long? These things have been in green bags closed
tightly for at least 35 days. I have moved un packed a bag today and found a
living bed bug I stepped on it how do i no if i have any more? Brenda.
Toronto.
After having a blood meal, bedbugs go into
hiding where they can survive for a year without eating. Washing clothing in hot
water will kill them. Unwashable items can be placed in the dryer with the
temperature above 130 degrees F. See:
how to get rid of bedbugs.
|
2284 I live about a 150 yards from a fast moving
river, just for back ground. I am being invaded by all kinds of different bugs,
I have the regular house flies, usually brought in by my dogs. But the other
things that are invading my home and my yard. I have grubs, which we have been
working on for years, and now have five separate ant hills, I am not sure what
kind they are but they are black make huge circumference hills and they bite.
Lately there are more spiders then I can keep up with and some of them are huge,
and now there is a mud wasp nest in my carport. This year is way worse then
other years, is there something that is attracting this type of wildlife to my
yard? Is there something that I should be looking for? April. Ontario
Perhaps you should be looking for a concrete
condo in the middle of the city. Just joking. Weather conditions
this summer in much of Ontario have been very favorable for insects. Cool
and damp. Apparently this was the worst year in memory for wasps.
The ant hills are probably made by thatching ants. In some parts of the
world they are a protected species because they are predators on many unwanted
insects. You may be thankful you have them with all the other species invading
your yard. Not everything that moves should be exterminated. |
2283 We have wasps that have built their nests in
a strip of ground between our driveway and our neighbors. I was told that
spreading lime on the ground would kill the wasps (dry them up) but we did do
that and they continue to make new holes in the ground to their nest--is there
something that we can spread on the ground that will kill the wasps?
Do you have to kill them? Are they a
threat? Pest professionals inject a residual insecticide into ground nest
entrances. Caution must be exercised to ensure no other animals will be effected
by the pesticide. Do not just spread toxic things on the ground.
|
|
2282 Hello, I don't have a picture yet, but my grandson was bitten by
something that left a red ring about1.5 inches in diameter around the bite,
don't think it was a tick bite, It was hard around the bite, and red, then some
bumps appeared. Today he pulled something that looked like a very tiny gray or
black worm a little smaller that 1/4inch long, and not much bigger than a sewing
needle in diameter. It appeared to have rings around its body, Do you know of
any type of bugs that cause larvae to grow under the skin, does not look like bot larvae, much thinner and darker in color. This occurred in Rhode Island,
northern area. Right now I am waiting for them to come home from emerge ncy
room, to see if there are any more, or if they have an answers. Thank you.
L. Lafrenais
Without a photo it is impossible to
identify the insect that caused the problem and we are reluctant to discuss
medical problems.
|
2281 My sister lives in s. Carolina and has
something chewing small holes in all their watering hoses that are outside. They
are very small holes so she feels it has to be some kind of insect doing it.
Have you any idea what could be doing it? Jeannie.
It is likely rodents. They must chew things
to keep their teeth from getting too long. Mice and rats are the likely culprits but it could
be squirrels, chipmunks, gophers, porcupines, beavers, hamsters, gerbils, guinea
pigs, prairie dogs, or groundhogs |
2280 We have recently noticed some chewed areas
on our white cedar outdoor shower. We wrapped the legs of the shower with copper
and we thought we outsmarted the pests. But just today we noticed that other
higher areas of the shower are now being chewed. This is the first time this has
happened in 12 years. We do not live in this house, but it is on the same
property as our main house. The only new thing is a growing compost pile
comprised only of garden grass and weeds, no other organic material. We do not
have many squirrels on this island, but I have seen one. Rats, are usually found
near the water and we are about 2 miles from the harbor and ocean. Any ideas as
to why now and what could be doing this? Sally.. Nantucket, Massachusetts.
See the answer to the question above. The compost
could be attracting them. |
2279 How do you get rid of carpenter ants
that have invaded a maple tree? There is a pile of saw dust at the bottom of the
tree and it is starting to look like the bark is going to fall off. My husband
saw a couple ants that look like a carpenter ant. The tree's leaves look healthy
and there was new growth on the tree this year. Gwendelin. Leduc,
Alberta.
Carpenter ants may be chewing on some soft wood that has
started to decay. Eventually this could weaken the structure of the tree
making it dangerous. You do not want to use a pesticide that could leach
into the soil. The best solution is to call a pest professional that will
know what product and what quantity is best suited to eliminate them. |
2278 I keep hearing about a cooper mesh
called Stuf-fit to block entry to mice but I can not find where to buy it. Any
ideas? Bruce. Ottawa
Some pest professionals use Stuff-It rather than steel
wool because it does not rust. Phone a few and ask if they will sell you
some. |
2277 We have moles in our garden and we're
wondering if live traps are effective if you place them in the main tunnels that
lead to their feeding areas. Maryellen. Burnaby, BC
We are not aware of any live trap that will
catch moles efficiently. Even if you were successful in live trapping a
mole it may not survive. According to one mole trap professional, moles
have an extremely fast metabolism which means they need to eat frequently and
can run low on oxygen relatively quickly. A live mole trap would require the
trapper to constantly check the traps to prevent the mole from suffocating or
starving to death. |
2276 The railing to our deck is a hollow
metal tube. I see several yellowjacket wasps flying in and out of an opening in
the tube (which is shared by a spider). I don't hear any activity when I bang on
the tube, day or night. How can I tell if there is a nest in there? Should I
tape the opening shut? Bob. Victoria, BC.
If there are several wasps, not just one
going into the tube, it is likely there is a nest. You could plug the
opening if they are a threat or bothering you. |
2275 One night my wife went to bed at 1am
to turn on the light and find what seemed like 200 BIG, black ants literally
coming out of an electrical outlet. We put Green Earth Care Insect killer powder
in the outlet. Is that enough? What do you think of the whole situation??
Deryk. Dundalk, Ontario.
Big black ants coming our of a wall cavity
are likely carpenter ants. The insecticide powder used will discourage
them from entering the electrical out let but it will not eliminate the
satellite nest in the wall, floor or ceiling. Less than 10 % of the ants will
ever leave the nest. Gather some samples. Show them to a
professional and ask for an estimate. |
2274 I own a 5-year-old house in Vt. The
first year we had "cluster flies" and lady bugs in the upper floors, usually in
the ceiling corners and window casings inside the house. It was advised that we
have a whole-outside-house spray treatment the following August. I was told this
was needed every year when larvae hatch or are deposited. As August now
approaches this "preventive" measure is looming once again. I hate it! The
windows are left dripping with white streaks, it's over $300.00 and because it
is suppose to prevent the return of cluster flies (and does) I never really know
if it is because of the treatment or they would are gone anyway. Question: Do I
need to have this done? Christine
There are a number of insects that seek
shelter in homes to overwinter including cluster flies, ladybugs and box elder
beetles. They crawl into cracks and crevices in siding, window and door frames
and will stay where it's warm until spring, then emerge and start another life
cycle. Spraying a residual insecticide where the insects enter will
probably deter many from entering but the best solutions is to prevent entry by
filling up the cracks and crevices. |
2273 we bought a boat in puerto vallarta
and keeping it in newport oregon..how do we get rid of the termites???
Shelley .
There are products available in Oregon that
have a good residual and could be sprayed or injected into the termite infested
areas. This should probably be done by a professional and the boat should
not be in the water during or soon after the treatment.
|
2272 hi we have a mice in our house im
renting what should i do. my landlord said that he cant do any thing, let me
know please i could hear them at night time, running around. Za. St.
Catherines, Ont.
Usually the landlord is responsible for
rodent control unless the tenant is attracting them with poor hygiene habits.
Your landlord could call a pest professional. |
2271 Hi I was wondering if there is a
spider that lives or survives in bedding and/or clothing, there seems to be alot
of spider bites that I have heard of and people get really sick from it.
HELP---Jan Regina.
Spiders like an environment where there is a
good food source. (insects not people) Their presence in clothing or
bedding would be accidental not intentional. |
2270 How do we control and/or eliminate
Slugs? have many suggestions but no solutions? Fred. Clyde River.
Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in a line around
the area you wish to protect. |
|
2269 When seeing a large bug, roach etc.,
in the house what to do I hate having to try and figure out how to get rid of
these when I rarely seem them, but, I have a question. When this happens is
there any type of pest control tape? For instance, is there a tape that works
sort of like not lint tape as to clothes that when seeing a bug the tape
attached to a pole of some sort is like stamping them and thus stuck to the
tape, quickly tearing of the tape and putting in the garbage can--is there
anything available to buy to do this? Julie. |
2268 Hi, I was wondering if the wings on
termites are always longer than their bodies? Thank You, George.
Swarming termites have 4 wings of equal
length and obviously longer than their body. |
2267 We have had otters for years pooping
in our boathouse and on our docks. We love the little devils as they are so
playful but how do we keep them from using us as their bathroom? Norah.
Kenora, Ont.
First you should check the status of otters
in your location with provincial wildlife officials. In BC they are protected
and can not be harmed. Some boat owners have had success with battery
operated electric fences. It keeps them out without harming them. Pine sol
can be used as a repellant but it may not last long. |
2266 Why do sowbugs like to stay underneath
untouched cutted woods? Harruel. Baguio city.
Because it will provide the moist environment
the require and probably decaying vegetation as a food source.
|
2265 How many eggs will the common
cockroach lay in one batch. I have just found a dead cockroach with one egg
sack. Janis.
The female will lay up to forty eggs at one
time. Some species will mate only once and they will remain pregnant for the
rest of their lives. Adults will live for an average of eight to fifteen months.
Cockroaches reproduce on an average of four times per year. |
2264 I heard a noise in so the and it turns
out that the wall is full of ants, what are my options, Curt.
Thunder Bay.
If you heard them they are likely carpenter
ants. Your best option is to have a professional inspect the entire house
to locate all of the nests then treat the problem. Wall nests are usually
eliminated by injecting a commercial residual insecticide into the cavities,
from the exterior if possible. |
2263 I found this beetle and a lot of
cronies munching on my witch hazel - 2 varieties - at night in early spring in
New Paltz, NY. I'm trying to find out what it is, how to get rid of it and
prevent it in the future using organic methods. It was about 1/2 inch/1.5 cm
long, maybe a little less. I drowned them in soapy water and dumped them on the
ground - 20 or more a night. They were gone by the next day, so I guess maybe
birds ate them? Does anyone know if soapy bugs can harm birds?
We are not aware of any ill effects to birds
that have eaten insects contaminated with soap. If anyone has more knowledge of
this situation please send it. |
2262 i have a squirrel problen in the
garden. i would like to know what i can use thats safe for for the garden and
all natural that i can make at home thats is part of green living. thank you.
Kristy.
Repellents, either home made or commercial
are seldom effective for any length of time. Trapping and relocation may
be your best option. |
2261 EAch day, we have up to ten bees in
our basement where our children play. We capture them and release them outside.
Is it possible that we have a bee's nest somewhere in the house? Can a
professional tell where they're coming from? Jodi. Calgary Alberta.
A professional will look for entry points
around the perimeter. There could be a nest in your walls. Check for gaps
around plumbing hose bibs, dryer vents or other possible gaps in your exterior
walls. |
2260 How to get rid of knats in my finished
basement? Mike. Lees Summit.
They may be breeding in house plants or damp
areas where there could be fungus. Watch this You Tube video for some
suggestions.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igvFeuLWV_E |
2259 How do you stop grey tree frogs from
going all over my deck and steps at night. I can't go out at night because they
are all over and the same color of our deck (grey). Is there something I can use
to keep them from jumping on our deck, steps and reails. I know they live in the
trees and we have a big palm tree next to our building, and we are on the second
floor. And I can't have the tree taken down. Please help I am desparate?
Antoinette. Sanibel
Getting rid of them may result in a worse
problem. The frogs are likely controlling a large insect population living
in the tree and migrating to your deck. Some people encourage their existence
near their homes. Check the tree for an insect problem.
|
2258 I live in a mobile home. I believe we
some mice in the walls and ceiling what can I do to get rid of these pest. I
have a light that no longer works in my kitchen, I'm afraid a mouse may have
chewed through the wires. Please Help. Linda
Mice commonly get into the floor system of
mobile homes then find their way into the walls and ceiling following plumbing
pipes and electrical wiring. Yes they do chew wires and have caused thousands of
fires. You should use control solutions under the home. Bait in
secure animal and child proof bait stations or traps, properly placed. It
will cost less to hire a professional than have your home burn down. |
2257 Good day. I have made a new
biodegredable and inveronment friendly Termiticide .i would like to know does
such product is used in Canada if not is there a market for such product.
Truly yours Dr.Behzad khosropanah
All pest control products marketed in Canada must be
registered through Health Canada. You must provide considerable scientific
data relating to safety and efficacy of the product. It can be a very
expensive process and could take years for approval. Contact PMRA at
Health Canada. |
2256 How long does it take for an ant
colony to replace the queen if it dies? Victoria. Aberdeen.
It may never happen in some ant species. I once saw
a home moved to a new location some miles away. The carpenter ant
satellite nests in that home eventually died off. Meanwhile the colony at
the old location continued to thrive and create new satellite nests because the
queen was located deep inside a stump. We will continue to research this
question and publish more information when we find it. |
2255 Hi we've recently have had a very
large Raccoon taking down our bird feeders. Our solution was to take the feeders
down before dark ( at least the ones he's been targeting). Well that get a
little much after awhile as we have always have to remember and we might not be
home. We can't afford to have someone come and cage it. and on the internet we
have to wait for the delivery to come. We need a solution now really is there
not a homemade solution to the problem where we can mix our own repellant
solution that you can advise? Please e-mail us back as this is very much a great
problem at the moment. One time just before dark my husband may scare the
raccoon where my husband may even get attacked, we know they can be vicious.
Jo-Ann. Jerseyville, Ontario.
Bird feeders attract unwanted wildlife including rodents.
True environmentalists believe that feeding birds disrupts their normal foraging
habits and may have a negative effect on the population eventually. If you
attract raccoons they may also seek out bird nests and eat the eggs. We
discourage wild bird feeding except in extreme winter conditions for those that
do not migrate south. |
2254 Hi, I just saw a huge raccoon climb
out of my eaves at the cottage. I knew I had squirrels underneath and chipmunks,
so took care of them and now I find this raccoon. What do I do? The poison I
bought for the rodents won't kill a raccoon. What is the best way to get rid of
it? It has ruined by roof and ceiling in the cottage, so I need it out first and
then repairs to be undertaken. Thank you. Christine. Ponemah, Manitoba.
It is not legal to poison raccoons or use rodent poison in
such a way that it is harmful to other wildlife. Trapping and relocation is
usually the best control method but check the provincial wildlife laws.
You may need a permit to relocate them. Make sure you are not attracting
raccoons with bird feeders, livestock feed or pet food. |
2253 We have a gopher problem in our yard,
we would like a design for a trap to trap them live and take them miles away
where they can't eat our strawberries. Can you email me plans for building a
live trap? Vima. Chase, BC.
We do not send personal replies to questions. You
may be able to rent or purchase a trap at a good garden supply or hardware
store. If you want to build your own live trap, have a look at squirrel
traps for ideas. Gophers are hard to trap unless you can locate the traps
at the entry tunnels to their burrow. |
2252 How do you get rid of birds on your
roof.
What kind of roof? You could install spike strips
along the peak or netting if it suits the situation. Check out the
birds web page.
Birds |
2251 I have pill bugs coming in my back
door. I do not have a moisture problem, it is extremely bad after it rains. How
do I get rid of them.
If they are bad after it rains, you have a moisture
problem that you may be able to correct. |
2250 Does anyone ever found a bat in their
house in Brossard Quebec? I recently notice an entry for birds, they nested in
the soofit, not in the attic. Will there is risk of attracting Bats in Brossard?
Thanks. Tim
You can eliminate any risk if there is one by simply
screening the entry point. |
2249 i'm close to the water and my issue is
with the spiders!!!i kill at least 6 a night and thats not including the
babies.i searched for cacoons and all, even got rid of a few and my lanlord
sprays every summer and they stay all over inside AND out, they jump me when i
open my front door and there are constantly webs everywhere,just a short time
after i'll clean it off too. What can i do, i was thinking to buy some
pesticides at canadian tire or something, but i heard that the spiders will just
hang from where you applied the pesticide, is there someway i can kill them all
on the spot so they dont have time to try and hide, also something i can put
outdoors??? Liz. LaSalle, Que.
There must be a large population of insects around your
home. That's what spiders eat. Look closely in the webs and try to
determine what is attracting them then eliminate that problem. You should
also turn off outdoor lights that also attract insects at night. |
2248 I have tiny black ants in my kitchen.
How can I get rid of them without hurting my cat? Dumfries Va.
Have the ants identified by a professional. A
professional grade ant bait will probably solve your problem if applied
properly. They are available in bait stations to protect pets.
|
2247 I have a nice patch of strawberries
but something is eating the berries just as they start to turn red. I have
killed a number of snails and have not found any more but something is still
eating the berries. I can not find any bug on the berries day or night or around
them the berries have little bit marks on them and are eat all gone just an
empty stem left. Can anyone help me? Thanks
It sounds like snails or slugs. Talk to your local
garden shop for prevention methods. We are not gardeners.
|
2246 Today i noticed that my basement
carpet was wet against the wall. I figure i have a foundation problem because i
had the house running and the water was running down the brick. When i pulled
the carpet back i noticed that in the pools of water there were hundreds of
almost microscopic clear white bugs moving around. I could see them individually
when i got the flashlight on them and they had some legs but mostly moved like
larva. They squirmed but would almost look they were jumping small
distances.They are much smaller than a grain of rice. My question isnt just
"what the heck are they" but are they there because of the water or could it be
the moist wood behind the wall. Im scared to take the wall down because i dont
know what i will find.
We do not attempt to identify pests based on verbal
descriptions. If you send a photo we will publish it on the
pest photo identification page.
If you correct the serious water problem the insects will probably disappear.
|
2245 we found a mole out on the play ground
that belongs to us we run a child care center my brother caught it and we wanted
to know was it a good idea to keep it and show to the children here at the day
care and keep it as a class room pet for the children we wanted to know if they
will harm the children in any way or whatand would it be safe to keep as aclass
room pet. Karressa. Gainesville.
It would be cruel to keep a mole as a pet. They live
underground where it is always dark and cool. |
2244 where can i buy live lady bugs??
Rob. Markham, Ontario
Check a local gardening store. They may know about a
local source. |
2243 I live in a mobil home, it is
underpinned but animals keep geeting under it and I can hear them brushing
against the air conduits. Is there anything I can blow or sprinkle under it to
discourage these critters. We had a possun die under the home in the insulation,
it was terrible. Desperate. Betty. Texas.
The warm, dry space under a mobile home provides ideal
shelter for numerous critters. The best prevention is pest proof skirting
around the base. Metal roofing sheets work well and they can be placed
below ground level. |
2242 Each spring we notice numerous flies
around our log house. They are similar in size and shape to a honey bee but
black in colour & have no stinger. They seem to bore holes in the logs. I
haven't found an identical species by googling, but they sound similar to the
larger carpenter bee. I have no picture as they've disappeared now but I'm
becoming concerned that they may be doing structural damage. Can you advise me?
Thanks. Glen Cameron. Nanoose Bay, BC.
These could be "Orchard Bees" Have a look at this web page for
identification information.:
..\INSECTS\Orchard Bees.htm |
2241 we have lots of 2" holes in our lawn
with no dirt our garden backs on to farm feilds seen no signs of life can you
help please. thank you b dobson.
We are not aware of any animal that can make a hole in the
earth and make the removed soil disappear. Perhaps some of our magician
friends have the answer. |
2240 If I spread sevendust around the areas
were i am finding so many pill bugs, will that help eliminate the problem? My
bamboo has been almost wiped out and that is the only thing I find that could be
causing the problem. I am looking for a good solution short of getting a duck to
eat them away. :) Thank you. Debbie. San Antonio
SEVIN is a Carbaryl insecticide. It is is a
cholinesterase inhibitor and is toxic to humans. It is classified as a likely
human carcinogen by the United States Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA.) It kills various beneficial insect and crustacean species along with
intended pest victims, so care must be taken when applying where beneficial
non-target species are present. Carbaryl is acutely toxic to honeybees and wasps
destroying colonies of bees foraging in an area where the chemical has been
applied.
Sow bugs eat decaying vegetation and are more effective composters than worms.
They may not be the cause of your problem but are enjoying the dead bamboo as it
decays. |
2239 How do insecticides work? Sheli.
Insecticides work in various ways, depending on what type
they are. Some disrupt the insect's nervous system, others affect their cell
membranes, some are ingested, some scratch or cut the outer skeleton (shell)
causing dehydration and some give the insects a disease. Many insecticides are
not considered harmful chemicals. |
2238 We live on an acreage outside Balgonie
SK. For two years now we have had a severe problem with woodticks, there are so
many they come on the deck and the lawn, my cat comes in crawling with them. I
need to treat my property but am concerned about chemicals that will harm my
pets or grandchildren. What can I use and where can it be bought? Andrea.
If you hire a licensed professional to spray
your yard and follow the guidelines as stated on the product label, there will
be no risk to your pets and grandchildren. Products used are approved by
Health Canada. |
2237 Carpenter ants. We have a cedar siding
house. Some of the siding does need replacing and I'm sure we will see ants. We
had professional companies before and they usually put down some bait, but this
does not seem to do anything. a) Is there a solution that I can do myself\
b) Company that specializes in carpenter ants in the Ottawa area. Mike
It will probably cost a lot less in the end
to have a professional deal with carpenter ants. Check our
directory of Ontario Professionals
to find one near you. |
2236 My question is, Will a ground mixture
of "Sugar" and "Baking Soda", kill ants in any usefull way? I have been told by
Those of a "Green" frame of mind that the formic acid will react with the soda
killing the ant, the sugar acts as the bait. Is this true or more of a urban
myth? David. Red Lake, Ontario
This sounds like another magic formula that
may do more harm than good. There are products on the market that have been
approved by Health Canada as safe when used as directed to control ant
pests. Unfortunately the politicians in Ontario have decided they are more
knowledgeable about such products and have banned their sale and use. Get used
to insect pests in your yard and be careful about home remedies. |
2235 we currently found out we have bed
bugs. ewww. our apartment has been fumigated and we have washed and/ bagged to
be washed all the bedding, blankets,curtains anything with material. we have
disposed of our beds and couches. and i have been constantly cleaning and using
spray on the baseboards to kill eggs and such. we are moving in a few days. what
can i do to not take this problem with me? i do not want these nastly little
bugs to move with us!!! help!!!! Stacey. Edmonton.
It sounds like you have done all the right
things but few people (even many professionals) have difficulty finding bed bugs
and their eggs. After a bad experience trying to deal with the problem
themselves, most people call in a professional that has experience and
success dealing with bedbugs. Read
more about bed bugs. |
2234 Our pests are skunks , what is the
best mixture to set out so they will not come into our yard. Thank you.
Alayne.
There are very few repellants that have
lasting effect on wildlife. They seem to adapt to the smell if there is a
food source or shelter they want. Motion sensing water sprinklers are
available to frighten animals without harming them. See the CONTECH ad on our
suppliers page.
|
2233 I have been trying to get on top of a
spider beetle infestation. I had a recent leaky tub situation, as well as a
leaky roof, both since repaired, that I thought may be the reason for their
appearance. It was almost by accident that I noticed them, primarily on the top
floor of an old home in the bathroom and lurking in the old bedroom broadloom.
As mentioned, the leaks have been fixed and I am diligently vacuuming and
eliminating pests daily -- usually two per morning when I flick on the lights
and go on the hunt. Would it still take a while, for old wood to dry up, for
these beasts to move on or should I assume (after two weeks) that the
infestation is not as a result of the leaks? I have spotted them in the basement
as well, but that's not as creepy as the bedroom. Trixie. Toronto.
Have you had them identified.
Spider beetles are mainly scavengers on plant and animal substances and are
usually seen in grains infested by some other stored product beetle. These
beetles prefer the dark and are most active at night or continually in darkened
areas. Spider beetles harbor during daylight hours inside crevices, between food
packaging and other darkened areas. The damp bathroom are is a comfortable
environment for many species of insect. If there is a moisture problem you may
have to have a contractor correct the problem. |
2232 IS THERE AN HOME REMEDIES THAT I CAN
USE TO KEEP CATS OUT OF MY YARD, THEY ARE TEARING OUT MY TRASH AND BESIDES I'M
VERY FEARFUL OF CATS. Delisha. Texas.
Some home remedies could be harmful and get
you in trouble with cat owners. Motion sensing water sprinklers are available to
frighten animals without harming them. See the CONTECH ad on our
suppliers page.
|
2231 We recently moved into a new house
(very old), and noticed right away there was a mouse problem. After cleaning up
all the feces, we set traps and narrowed the problem down to a specific corner
of the kitchen which is the opposite side of an exterior wall with fairly large
cracks. In the past week alone, our traps have caught 10 deer mice, both adults
and babies. Is it possible for this many mice to live inside the house already,
or are the mice probably entering from the outside cracks? We're worried that
boarding up this specific area in the kitchen will only cause the mice to seek
out another part of the house to enter, and right now, the kitchen is the only
place they seem to be. What is the best way to solve this problem, and
preferably prevent their entry? We also have numerous pet rats, and are worried
for their safety should we use poisons/pest control companies/noise
emitters/etc. Marie. Guelph, Ont.
1. Eliminate the food source that is attracting mice.
2. Block the entry points.
3. Continue trapping to eliminate the population.
If you can handle rats living in your home, mice will usually stay away.
Most of us would rather have neither. |
2230 I think a racoon has invaded my attic
yesterday, because I can see an 'entrance' at the joint where the lower part of
my side-split meets the higher part. But, what has me puzzled is that yesterday
morning one section of soffit what pushed out of the eaves +-16-18' above a
vinyl siding wall and approx 12' from either end of that wall. I've had problems
with racoons before at this house but they always gain access from trees up to a
round vent on the roof that they would rip open. So I'm at a loss - during the
day I hear or see absolutely anything which is also different than previously.
But the soffit exit ??? I had to see it to believe it!!! Marie.
Sudbury, Ont.
It's time to call a wildlife trapping
specialist. Besides the damage they can cause, raccoons can be a serious health
hazard. |
2229 We have a manitoba maple tree that we
have just chopped down due to MILLIONS of box elder beetles reproducing in our
yard. How can we eliminate or minimize these bugs in our landscaping? The keys
and seeds also reproduced millions of shoots that are germinatiing everywhere
throughout the landscaping. Do you have any advice to keep these new shoots
away. We have spent hours pulling them out and new shoots keep growing.
A gardening/landscape professional could
probably offer better advise than a pest professional.
|
2228 we live on a acer lot that is behind thousands of acers of woods and
we have a storage building we have built and are trying to work on our
garden/pond. in the storage building, wasps are always inside when we go in and
always, wasps, bumbel bees and other bees and things that will sting are always
swarming around the building. the pond erea that we are trying to work on have
bees flying around everywhere, where we can't work on anything or even get
around without taking the chance of getting stung.
is there anything we can do to resolve or kill this problem. Adamsville,
Alabama
Wasps and bees are excellent pollinators and most
gardeners are glad to have them around. If they are getting into your shed
install screen to keep them out. Most stinging insects will not bother you
unless you threaten them or their nest. |
2227 There was a mouse in my house Deer Mouse) someone put green poison
blocks one behind my stove the others in my attic, How toxic are these blocks ?
and can we still use our oven and stove, I have kids and really need to know
.Thank you For Your Time It Is Very Much appreciated Cecile, Ontario
It is not a good idea to put rodent poison in a kitchen.
Rats or mice may move some of it and contaminate food. You may also end up
with dead mice in the stove insulation which could cause a serious odor and
health problem. Use traps behind the stove. |
2226 I live in a basement apartment. I have ants and no matter how much I
spray they always seem to be waiting for a crumb of food. I have sprayed the
outside area also hoping that would help. What can I use as a deterrent? I keep
a very clean house and the ants are driving me crazy! Help! Cathy.
Brooklyn, NY.
Killing ants outside the nest will seldom have any effect.
You must identify the species of ant , find the nests, then apply the proper
treatment. Spraying pesticides will cause some species to split up the
nests making the problem even worse. A quality and bait works best for
some species if properly placed and maintained over a period of time. |
2225 how do yu tell if a wood bug (pill bug) is a girl or boy?
Kelsey. Canada
We have never had a reason to find out, but some
entomologists say it can be very difficult to tell the difference. |
2224 how can i get rid of cockroaches preferably without the use of
chemicals? Helen. Athens, Greece.
Most professionals now use a quality poison bait placed
strategically where the cockroaches will eat it. I don't know what products are
available in your country. |
2223 I am looking for a portable pest repeller, mainly for fleas and
ticks. What is the best one? Thank you,
Martha Laddim
There are no effective electronic devices that we are
aware of. |
2222 I want to get rig of my Hamsters, would you pleaser give me some your
advise how to do its or where can I bring its to. Thank you. Binh. Mississauga,
On.
Phone your local SPCA. |
2221 Do pillbug/sow bugs eat old decaying wood re my old house has a very
old rafter and sill system? Wayne.
See the answer to the question below. |
2220 I am doing a lab on sow bugs. I have to find out what they eat, what
environment they live in where do they live, classification, description in what
kind of food they eat. How long they can live for. How big they can get. Do you
have any specific websites that I can look at to find this information. Thank
You!!! Ashlie.
Google rates our Sow
Bugs web page #1 |
2219 Can one obtain garter snakes, or something similar, for controlling
mice in one's yard? We have cat allergies, so THAT's ruled-out. The mechanical
traps are horrible to clean and rust, the bait/blocks don't seem to work and the
glue traps--while effective and neat--fill full of leaves and crud in a day.
Adam. Calgary
Pet shops may be able to steer you in the right direction
but there is not much market for garter snakes. |
2218 I found and killed a house centipede crawling on the wall in my
bedroom this morning. Since they eat other bugs, does this mean that I have a
lot of other bugs in my apartment/bedroom that I am unaware of? I haven't seen
too many bugs in my apartment this year, maybe a few in the bathroom every now
and then, but never in my bedroom. I am afraid that my bedroom is crawling with
other bugs. Is this a valid fear? Is this worth calling the exterminator about?
David. Iowa City.
You should not be too concerned about just one house
centipede. If you see them on a regular basis the food source they
are after should be just as obvious. |
2217 This is the third spring that a pair of Northern Flicker woodpeckers
have returned to the north side of our house to drill holes in it -- four so
far. We thought that covering the previous holes with planks of hardwood
flooring would discourage them but, alas, they just move over slightly. We've
had the cedar siding checked and there are no bugs in or around it. We've been
told that these birds could want to nest in the insulation (they drill close to
the roof peak, into the attic area) and/or the male is just drilling to show off
to his mate. We're thinking about installing vinyl siding or hardiboard which
has concrete in it. Do woodpeckers drill through these products too?? In the
meantime, a pest company is going to install netting (for ~$300) so I'd also
like to know if this has ever been worked? Many thanks. Pat. Maple Ridge.
BC.
Did the person who checked for insects know what to look
for? Carpenter ant nests in the walls or ceiling are not always obvious.
These birds do peck holes in old soft trees to make nests. They also use
hollow trees, metal chimneys and walls as a sounding board to attract a mate.
The netting will work if hung loosely down the wall. The hardiboard should
discourage them but not sure about the vinyl siding. |
2216 do ants have to fly to mate. Kevin.
Many species of ants (including carpenter ants0 mate in
flight. Some species mate in the nest. |
2215 We moved into this 3 storey building approximately 4 years ago. We
occupy the top floor of this commercial building and ever since we arrived every
Spring and Fall, we have an infestation from the common house fly. Our landlord
said no sense covering the many vents/openings on the roof with mesh as the
flies can get in too small a space. We have had Abel confirm they are not
cluster flies. The flies especially on the North/West end of the building infest
our living space, and each morning during the infestation I come in first and
find dead flies cover the carpet and live flies flitting on the windows. We are
looking for any and all solutions that will prevent them from getting into our
space. The flies are so dopey and stupid during the day, they drop onto staff
and their workstations throughout the day and it does not make a very nice work
environment for a number of weeks throughout the year. The second and first
floors do not seem to have this problem, so we think the flies are in the large
space in the drop ceiling above. Unfortunately we occupy an area that was
originally field/marsh years ago and is still a growing residential area as well
as a large box store area but we still back onto empty fields. It is suggested
that the flies breed in this fieldy area and then come through any
cracks/crevices up high and then come into our space to go against the sunny
windows. Again any precautions/preventions you can suggest to limit/prevent this
would be appreciated. Diana. Ancaster, Ont.
It sounds very much like cluster flies. Another
identification might be worthwhile. Cluster flies lay eggs in soil where
there are worms. The maggots attach to the worms as a food source until
they transform into adult flies. In the fall when the weather starts to
cool, they migrate into warm locations such as nearby buildings. |
2214 i got a squirrel in my basement and he is in between the floor and
the ceiling, how can i gets this pest before it have more than one thier.
Terrence. Clarenviulle
Find the entrances and block them off. Install a one
way door on an obvious entry so they can exit but not return. If this is
too difficult, call a pest professional. |
2213 I have silverfish in the washroom. My question is, if I use
preventative measures like keeping the light on and turning the heat on, will
they just move to another room in the apartment? Are there natural sprays I can
use? I have a young one crawling around and I don't want her crawling with bugs.
Our room is right next to the washroom. Dana. Sudbury.
Bathrooms often have moisture problems if exhaust fans are
not used when needed, if there are plumbing leaks or if shower stalls/bath tubs
seals have failed. Silverfish will breed in the walls, floor or ceiling.
They can live for years and it is difficult eliminating the entire population.
Do everything possible to eliminate the moisture problem first. Some so
called "natural sprays" can be toxic to humans and seldom have the residual
effect needed to keep killing these pests. A good residual insecticide
applied in minimum quantity in the right places may solve the problem if the
moist conditions are eliminated. Even a professional may have to treat the
problem more than once. |
2212 My questions are in regards to carpenter ants living within the house
structure.
1) Can Tim-bor be sprayed into exterior wall stud cavities that contain
fiberglass batt insulation & be considered an affective method of killing
carpenter ants?
2) Would the insulation not reduce the spread of this product in the cavity ?
3) For an 8 foot high wall how many holes would need to be drilled in each stud
cavity to ensure the Tim-bor has an affectively filled the stud cavity?
4) Would spray or powder be the best method for this?
5) Is there a better product that could be applied from the exterior of the home
into the stud cavities, obviously trying to minimize the # of drill holes?
Mike. Vancouver, BC.
Having treated a few thousand homes with carpenter ant
problems, Tim-Bor is not my favorite choice of products to properly eliminate
the problem using the least amount of pesticide. It works well if ingested but
carpenter ants do not eat the wood they burrow out of tunnels. Carpenter ants
are listed on the label but once again it is more important to know where, how,
and how much product to use rather than expecting a certain product to magically
eliminate all the carpenter ants in a building. Tim-Bor (Disodium Octaborate
Tetrahydrate) is labeled "Commercial" in Canada so it can only be used by
certified pesticide applicators working for a licensed pest management provider.
See: Pest Management Regulatory Agency [Health Canada]
http://pr-rp.pmra-arla.gc.ca/PR_SOL/pr_web.ve1?p_ukid=9303
An experienced pest professional would know the likely location of carpenter ant
satellite nests and would narrow that down with thorough inspections then apply
a residual product directly into or as close as possible to those nests. It
would not be necessary to totally coat all surfaces in wall cavities. Insulation
definitely prevents the product from flowing freely in the cavities. The
products used can be liquid, aerosol, foam or dust depending on conditions in
the nest locations. Most of the products used by professionals have a good
residual effect and are usually labeled "Commercial". Saturating your home with
Tim-Bor is not considered "Integrated Pest Management". A good professional
practicing I.P.M. will do a thorough inspection looking for the reasons for the
problem, recommending corrective action to prevent recurrence of the problem. If
you insist on doing it yourself, read the label on products used, follow safety
precautions and be prepared for failure. If you scatter the nests, it will cost
more to have a professional do the job properly.
Larry Cross. Pest Control Services Gulf Islands.
www.nobugs.ca
Tim-Bor Professional is a water soluble
inorganic borate salt with insecticidal, termiticidal, and fungicidal
properties. This product can be used for preventative treatment of wood in
existing structures (before signs of infestation) and for remedial treatment of
wood infested with termites and wood-boring beetle larvae. |
2211 I live on the 2nd floor of an apartment building near downtown vancouver
and every week or two i wake up with several bites. the bites are quite large,
about an inch in diameter with a central bite point; they have the spider-like
quality of having been bit twice. the problem is i've never actually seen any
bugs. i've cleaned all the linins and sprayed my room with no success. the
building is about 60 years old and has a few cracks here or there. anyway if you
could shed any light on what could be biting me that would be great.
Based on numerous reports of bed bug problems in Vancouver
apartment buildings and your description of the bites, you should probably ask
your landlord if there have been bedbug problems in the building. If there is a
problem he should call a professional. Read more about getting rid of
bedbugs ...\INSECTS\get_rid_of_bed_bugs.htm
|
2210 We put some decking down in our garden last year and for the past
2months we have caught 6 mice, they must have a cosy nest underneath the
decking, We have been letting the caught mice loose in a field about half a mile
away, is it possible the mice can find their way back.??? Lynda. West
Sussex.
Yes. They will find their way back fairly rapidly
overcoming many difficult conditions. Here is a quote from a field study
we have published:
One mouse
returned after being released 500 m and 1,000 m, then 750 m, and 1,200 m from
the house at consecutive daily trapping sessions of 3 days.
Read more about live trapping and releasing mice:
http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/Rodents/mice.htm#Live_Trap |
2209 Hello we live in a older home and have found a place in a rec room
that has hundreds that we see? small tiny tiny ants. I do not know what they are
they are dark coloured and wondered what they are and how to get rid of them
without using strong pesticides. Thank you. Susan. Oshawa,
Ont.
There are many species of "tiny" ants. Some should be
treated with ant bait and some nests should be sprayed with a residual
pesticide. Gather a few specimens in a pill bottle and have them
identified by a professional then the proper treatment can be determined. |
2208 We bought a house that sat vacant for one year and we now have
an Indian meal moth problem. We find larva crawling near the ceilings and we
vacuum them up. We also bought traps online that kill the moths, but we still
have a problem. What are they living off of? I bought containers to seal our
food in and we keep things in the fridge. Please help!!! Tera.
Indiana
Somewhere in the house there is a food source for the
larva. Wild bird seed and pet foodis a common method of importing them.
The moths you caught in traps have probably already laid eggs in or near the
food source. If you can't find that food source you may have to hire a
professional that knows what to look for. Spraying pesticides randomly is
not the solution. |
2207 how do you get rid of carpenter ants in the beams of my house?
Sherry. Langley BC.
Most homeowners that attempt to eliminate carpenter ants
usually fail and often make the problem more difficult for a professional to
deal with. Read the information on our
get rid of carpenter ants
web page.
Most professionals will do a basic inspection and give you a quote to eliminate
carpenter ants.
Directory of
professionals serving the Langley area |
2206 are termites harmful to dogs or humans. Joei. North York,
Ont.
We are not aware of any health problems for humans or
animals posed by termites. Termites that have been in contact with
pesticides may carry a small residual of the product that might pose a slight
risk. |
2205 We have loads of sowbugs under panel wall downstairs and are coming
out from under it on to the cement. what product can we use to completely
kill these critters. We have tried Raid, Home and Garden pesticide AND SOME FOAM
Products. None of these have worked. Kay. Sherwood Park, Alberta.
ONCE AGAIN.....Pesticides are not the solution for sow
bugs. We have said over and over again, the problem is moisture and they will
continue to return if you don't correct the problem.
Read more about sow bugs. |
|
2204 My question is that my exterminator will spray the inside of my
cabinets today? How long should i wait to return dishes, etc. into the cabinets.
My problem is silverfish. I find them in closets, in bathroom and kitchen
floors. Not alot, but enough to annoy. Sometimes on cabinet, ughhhhh. I am a
very clean person.
|
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