I have officially declared 2018 the year of the grease ant, or the cousin of the little black ant or a.k.a. the pavement ant. These ants, which usually make their homes under pavement, patio blocks and pavement stones, can also spend the entire year in your house. Yes, a year around nuisance. The colonies […]
Well it has started up again; the invasive fire ant has continued to spread in the Lower Mainland, from the Vancouver airport runways to CP Rail burning soil on the Arbutus corridor and now South Delta. And the pest problem is no longer just the common European fire ant; the lesser-known species labelled the […]
Raccoons might be charming, but like polar bears, African lions, crocodiles, rhinoceros, great white sharks and members of Hedley, they should all be watched on videos or behind protection zoo grade barriers. Now we all should know by now that these animals (dumpster sharks or raquirrels) are far from huggable squishy bears. These rascal tailed […]
Who would have thought that Rock Music would make carpenter ants destroy wood faster? Scientists have discovered that rock bands comprised of a singer, a couple guitars, a bass and drums produce a frequency of about 2.7 KHz that is both distinctive to rock music and that the heavier the sound the better the pulse. […]
Spring is here and it’s time to chase down those dust bunnies, clean those murky windows and clean up (take inventory and purge) the kitchen. When you finally start in on the kitchen – it’s time to turn your messy Betty Crocker play station into a surgical operating room. Our modern kitchens can be, for […]
Here in Delta, we have to contend with birds coming from all directions. Besides the many farms we have, having the Vancouver Landfill kilometers away doesn’t help. There are many ways in which birds can cause a nuisance. Large numbers of birds in urban areas can cause problems due to their noise and fouling, which […]
Pet rabbits owners are being urged to monitor their pets after several cases of Rabbit hemorrhagic disease have shown up in Delta, with no vaccine available in Canada. The disease is exclusive to rabbits as both humans and other animals are not susceptible to this disease. Rabbit hemorrhagic disease causes hemorrhages by distressing the blood […]
It’s about time that we in the pest control industries can show off are humane approach to animals. In Canada, the pest control is a growing industry especially with global warming; there are just that many more critters out there. It is estimated that the pest control industry in Canada is valued at over $400 […]
Squirrel pox (fibromatosis), is a terrible disease that affects squirrels, although it is relatively rare. Squirrel pox makes these rodents sluggish and compromises their immune system, causing mange, scab or lumps, leading to a quick loss of body condition and subsequently death. In contrast to our chicken pox, squirrel pox is not a herpes virus. […]
Mating season is nearly over for raccoons and skunks, and very shortly they’ll be having lots of babies. Skunk and raccoon babies are usually born in mid-to late April – up to mid-June. Mothers will go looking for a den where they can have their babies. Skunks like to have their little one under decks, […]
March 19th begins Poison Prevention week that brings attention to the dangers of retail purchased poisons through the limited and proper use of fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, or rodenticides. An IPM or integrated pest management program (www.epa.gov/managing-pests-schools/introduction-integrated-pest-management) should always be used to control unwanted insects and rodents that include sanitation, trapping and environmental changes. Domestic […]
Often I encounter rat infestations where the rats have gotten into a house and totally run amuck. People are usually worried about the feces they leave behind but rat urine can be equally as dangerous as the diseases in feces. When people come into contact with rat urine there is always the chance that […]
Most newer homes have built in HVAC systems. HVAC is short for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The system is used to provide warm air comfort and improved indoor air quality. Pests can cause many problems if they live inside a HVAC system. They can leave behind feces, urine, cadavers, fur, and exoskeletons which can […]
Yes every year we wait for the arrival of the odorous ants to appear. Late winter they magically appear almost every year in the beginning of March. The most distinguishable feature of this ant is their smell, once crushed they give off a distinctive unpleasant lemony or awful coconut smell. Similar to Pharaoh’s ants, these […]
The German cockroach is one of the most common roaches found in Delta. Cockroaches hitchhike indoors on luggage, boxes or packages. They like moisture, food, and warmth so sanitation is critical in controlling this palmetto bug. All it takes is bringing in one egg capsule, and in six months you will be calling a specialist. […]
Ants attack and defend themselves by biting, stinging and injecting or spraying chemicals, such as acid, alkaloids and piperidines. When some species of ant go to war, the oldest soldiers fight on the front lines, these frontline soldiers (females first) are really just cannon fodder as they are closer to death (just too old) anyway. […]
The introduction of artificial light represents one of the most drastic changes we have made to our environment. Plants and animals depend on earth’s daily cycle of light and dark rhythm to govern life-sustaining behaviors such as reproduction, food, sleep and shelter from predators. Scientific studies have suggested that greenhouse lights at night have a […]
The housefly is the most common insect we encounter. Other than being a nuisance to us, they can be a huge concern due to the impact they can have on consumer health. Their breeding, feeding and how they get around are quite different from most insects we encounter. Houseflies benefit ecologically from their association […]
Yes it’s that time of year again when squirrels are knocking on the door looking for room and board. But of course they never ask, they just move into the attic and hope for forgiveness later. Attic: warm, safe and insulated – what more could a squirrels ask for. Yet, they are far too destructive […]
The second leading cause of death of raccoons is distemper (the #1 is human intervention). Raccoons are susceptible to infection by both canine and feline distemper which causes the illness and death by two completely different viruses. Canine distemper is common when raccoon populations are large. The virus is widespread and mortality in juveniles is […]
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that can cause fatal infection of the kidney, liver, brain, lung or heart. Signs and symptoms can range from mild headaches, muscle pains, and fevers to severe bleeding in the lungs and a person to turning yellow from kidney failure. There are 13 different genetic types of […]
Delta’s long, harsh winter has resulted in a 150% increase in silverfish call-out so far this year. This carrot shaped, armoured plated creature is one of the most primitive of living insects in the world. They can live over three years and survive as long as a year without feeding. They require damp and humid […]
The best result of effective communication is combined understanding and purpose, when communication fails time is wasted and systems can fail. Communication is vital to ant’s survival. Ants are not ruled by their queen particularly but rather by communication amongst the colony. This can be seen when an ant searches for food, the ant will […]
We all know by now that bed bugs aren’t dangerous and don’t spread disease but they do feed on our blood, cause us rashes and allergic reactions. Now it has been discovered that bed bug feces contains a chemical that dawdles after the insects have been eradicated and these chemicals -histamines may cause allergic reactions […]
I’ve had several reports of people seeing skunks out after it gets dark and that sweet smell of friendly skunks. Skunks are now out and about because it’s mating season right up to the end of March. They are nocturnal and don’t cover much territory, apparently in a radius of about 4 meters. Prior to […]
Ok, rodents are smart; believe me I know too well. When most people think of rodents, you may think of mice and rats but there are actually 1,500 types of rodents, including voles, moles, groundhogs, porcupines, muskrats and squirrels – just to mention a few. Although they are all naturally wild animals, some have become […]
We all like to get outside when the weather warms up (even in the rain), and mice and rats are no different. The pest control business usually slows down to a crawl this time of year when we go through cycles of freezing temperatures. This year is a little different because the rodents aren’t being […]
These unwelcome guests will shelter in chimneys, attics, garages, under decks, porches and under hot tubs. They usually breed in the end of January into February. Raccoons do not form bonding relationships but pair only to mate. Babies are born between April & July. Typically, a sow (raccoon mother) will have 2-3 dens already secured […]
Nicotine used in e-cigarette vapour is not as risk-free as originally thought, although vaping is considered less harmful to overall human health than smoking tobacco. Recent studies with mice have shown that vaping actually does cause considerable damage; although these results don’t necessary directly translate to the same risks in humans. A new study has […]
Rats exhibit supportive behaviour just like us humans. It was discovered that rats are more motivated to participate in grooming with another rat if food was received from it and vice versa. They were found to groom willing food-suppliers more often than those rats that did not share food. As a result, the groomers then […]
Groundhogs a.k.a. woodchucks, land beavers or whistle-pigs, are large rodents known for their destructive burrowing habits. Groundhog Day is a tradition celebrated here in Canada on February 2 each year. Groundhogs emerge from their burrows and if they see a shadow due to clear weather, they will retreat to their den and winter will persist […]
Although we don’t actually have mole rats here, they are fascinating and a very weird animal, by my standards. First, they are a cold blooded mammal, because they are unable to regulate their body temperature. Their incisor teeth can move independently of each other and even work together like a pair of chopsticks. They turn […]
I’ve heard about cockroaches in cars but mostly in large hot cities closer to the equator. Recently I had a client call, claiming that there were cockroaches scampering about on the floor and seats of their car. Not one to say no to a customer problems, I approached the situation with a little scepticism. […]
Most resilient species of pests have already found ways to dodge the effects of frigid temperatures, regardless of how cold it gets outside. Actually, most of the insects that pester us during the warm months, like spiders, beetles and ants, are prepared for the frosty temperatures and wet soil long before the winter months even […]
Ingrid Abbott / Delta Optimist JANUARY 23, 2018 02:26 PM I bet you didn’t know there’s a housing shortage for the Norway rats of Beach Grove. The local rats are finding it hard to find shelter from the cold due to demolitions and new construction so they decided our crawl space was a good place to call […]
Guess who moved into the neighborhood, gophers! I’ve received two calls about moles that have turned out to be gophers. Gophers do not hibernate and their excavations continue throughout the winter. After examining the shrubbery in the immediate area, I discovered ragged tooth marks etched on fallen limbs and the bases of the shrubs. These […]
Bird feeders or Rodent feeders? Birds are part of the wildlife experience in Delta. Attracting birds with a bird feeder invites that outdoorsy vibe into your yard. While birds love feeders, they are chaotic eaters and a lot of the seeds end up on the ground. Now some people may think that the wildlife […]
Squirrels use different strategies for caching different types of nuts. Nuts are an optimal source of fat and protein for squirrels. If given a choice, these are the nuts that squirrels prefer: pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios, acorns, cashews, chestnuts, hickory nuts, macadamia nuts, and pine nuts out of pine cones. Squirrels use complex sorting […]
When we get a unusually cold snap here on the coast it maybe tough on plants, but not necessarily on insects, as most can survive even record cold temperatures. Insects have developed tactics for surviving even in the chilliest of temperatures by hibernating in protected areas, be it under ground or in your house. Another […]
Here in Delta, the word predator in the context of waterfowl means coyotes, raccoons and skunks. To waterfowl these predators are the major reasons that wildlife numbers are down. Changes in agriculture land in South Delta have created numerous problems for nesting birds, as the habitat they need to nest has been taken away. Predators, […]
Yes those little bugs that look like mini turtles with that segmented shell are woodlouse, an arthropod found in moist places such as dirt, stacked logs, leaves and under boards or other rubble that lies flush on the ground. In nature, they live comfortably outdoors but given the opportunity they will get into your carport, […]
With the tide levels being so high lately, I wanted to touch on some of the pest issues we would most likely have if the water swamped out homes. Flooding and cold weather can cause big headaches, as well as pest infestation. Many families would certainly be advised to avoid direct contact with floodwater and […]
Ants in a nest work together like cells in a body, with healthy ants acting like white blood cells killing off other ants they recognize as a threat. Researchers have shown that ants kill colony comrades infected with potential diseases. In this way, ants can guard their colony from the occurrence of an endemic. Ants […]
gogreenpestcontrol.ca Ladner Tsawwassen Delta B.C. Randy Bilesky I’m quite often asked how common are mouse infestations? Well statistically 85% of homes show some evidence of mouse activity at one point in the life of the building. Still this doesn’t mean that you should set-up a mouse eradication program but if you’re spotting the little rodents […]
Recently a couple contractors have contacted me about their house renovation projects, more specifically finding carpenter ant satellite nests inside homes as they reworked the framework. During the winter months, the existence of carpenter ants actively moving around in the house is a clear indicator of an indoor infestation. Carpenter ants do not always have […]
There are a number of alternative methods of rodent control other than rodenticides but you still need a measure of care and competence to obtain the most effective results. All non-chemical methods have risks or are not a sure-fire way to get results, as this depends on using the methods properly. Both live and dead […]
So does predator urine or coyote urine actually help keep unwanted raccoons out of your yard. First of all, who is collecting this urine and is it even real. My research suggests that the urine is collected from animals in game farms, zoos and preserves (fully regulated by the appropriate state agencies). The urine […]
Go figure; guess what I got for Christmas, practical gifts indeed and a lot of things related to pest control, to boot. Here are guess a few: A Spider Catcher- a pole attached to some bristles that hold a spider securely while taking it outside and releasing it. Hmm- not many usually make it out […]
A small group of rodents comprised of hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, mice, and rats are commonly found at pet stores and are make good family pets, some better than others. While they are all rodents, they do have varied necessities in caring for them and social contact and have differing merits as pets. Most of […]
Scientists studying hibernating rodents, squirrels and hamsters, have found they have evolved cold-sensing nerve cells with a reduced capability to detect temperatures below 20 degrees celsius, which allows their body temperature to drop for long periods of time without causing them to be stressed by the cold conditions, thus causing their seasonal nap. These two […]
The fear of coyotes predates social media. The thousand-year history of coyotes in urban areas tells a story of adaptation, predation by humans and co-existence. Coyotes have been living near humans for at least 1,000 years, with rodents being the mutual denominator for both parties. It’s a simple food chain where human trash has a […]
At this time of year, if you hear scratching noises it maybe a mouse stirring. Mice are looking for some nice Christmas presents as well and you might not know that you are giving them what they want. During the Christmas holidays, your house is most likely to have all the treats mice love, including […]
So it’s mid-December and the phone is ringing off the hook about moles. Many homeowners in Delta believe that moles hibernate and are not active during late fall and winter months, well no! Their main permanent tunnels and nesting burrows are dug deep underground below the frost line allowing moles to still be active during […]
Pests are animals that we consider to be damaging to us or our goings-on. We create circumstances where populations of these pests exist in much larger numbers than would ever be found in their normal environment and close to us. We provide them with more places for shelter, food supply, for some pests we are […]
Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society here in Delta has said there is a spike in the population of young barred owls and they can set-up shop basically anywhere they want. Their usual targets are rats, mice, moles, voles and pigeons. Barred owls have been culled in some areas of B. C. in order to reduce competition […]
Every year around Christmas, the Pharaoh ants begin to show up in many houses throughout Delta. It’s the combination of the furnaces running a lot more and food, in form of crumbs, hitting the floor. Pharaoh ants eat food of all types, but particularly sweets with lots of sugar and carbohydrates. If you have seen […]
Carpet beetle larvae cause damage to clothing, furnishings, and other natural fibers. The larvae feed on natural fibers but adults feed primarily on plant nectar and pollen. Larvae forage for food in dim and concealed areas. Infestations occur quickly and frequently go unseen until damage is extensive. The larvae feed mainly on animal and plant […]
A new study has revealed that ant colonies guard their nests more courteously than others, suggesting that ant colonies actually have personalities. Trees that have more lively, hostile colonies have smaller amount of foliage damage, signifying that the colony personality determines if the plant will live or die. Researchers discovered that certain types of ants […]
Although we in Delta don’t have a major termite issue, they still do exist here and will cause damage. Termites, like carpenter ants, are often referred to as a silent destructive force. Here is a list of some facts you may not have known about these creatures. Termites will feed on anything that contains wood […]
Winter solstice 2017 in Northern Hemisphere will be at 8:28 AM on Thursday, December 21. For most of us in Delta, that means getting out the big coats, scarves, gloves, hats and waterproof boots. Also, in the late fall months, male spiders leave their isolated nesting areas and explore our homes in search of a […]
Having discussed the effect that neonicotinoids have on pollinating insects in my last blog, researchers now found that these pesticides also cause migrating birds to lose their sense of direction and suffer up to 25% weight loss. In Canada farmland birds have declined drastically in recent decades and pesticides appear to be playing a role. […]
Neonicotinoids, what are they and what do they do? Neonicotinoids are systemic insecticides used to kill various insects including aphids, greenfly, blackfly, weevils and root-feeding grubs. The neonicotinoid family include such insecticides as acetamiprid, clothianidin, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, nithiazine, thiacloprid and thiamethoxam, many of which can be found in your home garden insecticide sprays. Systemic insecticides […]
The holiday season is almost upon us. If you don’t already own an artificial Christmas tree and intend on buying a real live Christmas tree then you are in luck, the stands are already being set-up. Years ago the main concern with real live Christmas trees was candles burning the tree down, then there was […]
Scientists are still researching the causes for the decline in bee populations over the last several years. The general consensus is that pesticides, fungicides, disease and a loss of habitat are all to blame. In fact, pyrethroids are mostly responsible for the decline in honey bees and other pollinators, but there little evidence that link […]
The Smokybrown Cockroaches gets its name from its even brownish-black colour and once mature can be as long as 40 mm. These strong fliers have wings that reach beyond their body and are attracted to light. They can be found in tree cavities, underneath mulch beds and ground hiding places, and around soffits and downspouts […]
New to Delta, the Diamondback moth has been making its way through homes over the last year. This small moth is colored gray and brown with a cream-colored band and shapes of a diamonds on its back. The diamondback moth is considered a pest in areas that do not experience very cold winters. The diamondback […]
Procyon lotor or the raccoon is well known for its nocturnal exploits specifically its love affair with garbage cans. Most home owners are forced to take protective measures so their garbage isn’t scattered nightly. In fact, this single event has made it into many movies and has earned it both our indignation and fondness. The […]
Misconceptions, along with the burden of head lice itself, can lead to great discomfort, anxiety and embarrassment for those affected. Often, individuals feel embarrassed just talking about the condition, not realizing that having head lice is not an indicator of poor hygiene. The need for education and awareness regarding the condition and treatment options is […]
There are plenty of myths surrounding which mouse control methods work the best to help drive out your unwelcome house pest. The common natural mouse repellent or home remedies include: cheese, peppermint, moth balls, ultrasonic sound waves, but do they actually work? Mothballs Keep Mice Away – No, mothballs are thought to be a DIY […]
Where do all those ants go in the winter? Just like the leaves falling in late autumn, ants seemingly disappear (or do they). Short of calling it hibernation, they will enter a dormant stage in which they lay low, feeding off the fats, carbohydrates and proteins they stored. Ants consume large amounts of food in […]
Carpenter ants are very active this time of the year setting up satellite nests in people’s homes so they can over winter their eggs. With so many shows about zombies out there now, I thought that this one would be fitting. I came across an interesting article about carpenter ants that get infected by a […]
Silverfish are nocturnal and secretive. The extent of an infestation may go on for long periods of time, allowing for very large populations. They reproduce very quickly and have destructive feeding habits, ruining paper books, clothing and wallpaper. Their preferred environment is damp areas mainly around the kitchen, laundry room, bathroom, attic and basement. Silverfish […]
Half way through fall and most of the leaves have fallen, the snow is flying and the local ski mountains are opening up. As much as we love our nice comfortable warm houses so do ladybugs. Asian Lady Beetles or ladybugs are not native to the B.C. and populations of the bug have exploded throughout […]
Rodents like rats and mice use (USVs) to communicate similar to the edge-tone mechanism used in a police whistle. Rodents are the only species that produces a whistling sound similar to human whistling. A combination of “imaging technology” and “tissue staining” was used to produce a 3-dimensional image that shows the structures that make up […]
Just like the leaves turning colours and falling off the trees in fall, pests also have a preferred time they like to infest our homes. It doesn’t matter the time of year; there is always one kind of pest eager to invade your personal space. Fortunately, they are creatures of habit and we know when […]
Spiders, bats and other spine-chilling, self-seeking, fawning parasitic sycophants are about to invade your front doorstep tonight – Halloween. But tomorrow morning there still maybe real-life ghoulish pests in your house. Here’s a list of some household sycophants and tips to stop them from turning your home into a 24 – 7 – 365 spooky […]
Spiders and Halloween seem to go together like Santa Claus and Christmas. So what is the connection behind spiders and Halloween, perhaps witches? Spiders, black cats and rats are the evil companions of witches in the barbaric times. Not only have they been used to imply darkness and evil by inhabiting countless haunted houses, vampire […]
The main species of bird we see locally which are responsible for spreading diseases are pigeons, seagulls, sparrows and starlings. Like most pests, there is a range of factors which contribute to how birds spread diseases. The main sources are their feces, feathers and nests. Of these three factors, bird droppings are the most prevalent. […]
Mice are truly the most fascinating and cunning creatures that any pest investigator has discovered, making them one of the world’s most successful pests. But did you know that these small rodents actually sing to their mates with love songs. Although slightly exaggerated, they do use ultrasonic sounds to find a proper partner. It has […]
When rodents get into your car, absolutely nothing good could come of it. Those rodents are actually sharpening their teeth and feasting on car parts. When you go to start your car in the morning and you get the lights popping on warning of electrical problems, engine issues you don’t think about that some varmints […]
Turn on a light outside and you invite all the local light seeking insects. There are several theories to explain why insects are attracted to light. For some insects, a bright light source is a sign of safety which are generally positioned on higher ground than the dangerous environment they are currently in. Light also […]
Now that everyone is spending their evening indoors – rain- we are hearing more about people reacting to different things in their homes, from spiders to moth and everything else that moves. One insect over-looked is the house mite. These little creatures feed on skin shed by people during their sleep or everyday activities, pollen […]
Fall is the time of year when Pharaoh’s Ant starts popping up in the kitchen, bathrooms and around the furnace, boiler and hot water heater. These ants will forage and search high and low for any source of food. People try and eliminate the problem using google remedies and DIY retail store solutions. However, the […]
Of all the insects, cockroaches could be amazing at football! Why would cockroaches make good football players? Cockroaches are one of the world’s most boundless pests, found on almost every continent in the world. It may surprise you, but cockroaches are fast, at 1.6 metres or 55 body lengths per second or the human equivalent […]
There is a theory that a pair of rats could produce nearly half a billion descendants in just three years, however, the population will always be restricted by food and shelter, disease, natural predation and fighting amongst themselves. But the rapid rate of reproduction amongst rats usually comes as a shock. This is the reason […]
Halloween is coming with all the ghouls, zombies, super heroes, creepy crawlers and spiders. Oh yes the spiders are out in force now getting fat for the winter. Oh their bites, spiders only bite as a defence mechanism but that bite can range from being just an irritation to causing severe health problems due to […]
Originating from South America, red fire ants arrived in Florida in the 1930s, attached to the lumber in a cargo ship and spread to other areas. There is an analysis that suggests the ecosystem in Texas and California was devastated by red fire ants, which wiped out two-thirds of local ants. The danger comes from […]
Rats-rats-rats. Rats pass on diseases several ways, through a bite, scratch or other direct contact, although I have not heard of anyone being attracted by a rat. They can also pass on diseases if you breathe in dust contaminated with their urine, saliva or feces, or eat food soiled with their feces. Rats may carry […]
A client that lives in a local apartment complex stated that the entire building was infested with mice, so he bought some traps to catch any that get into his apartment. The instructions on the box of snap traps recommend baiting the traps with peanut butter or chocolate. But what kind of chocolate, it appears […]
Pestaurant is a restaurant that serves edible insects that are delicious (so they say) and have health benefits. Entomophagy is a term used to describe eating insects; apparently millions have embraced this new, alternative source of food. I have to admit the idea of eating insects is unsettling but don’t be too quick to dismiss […]
This last July 2017 was the 391th consecutive month with average global temperatures higher than the average for the 20th century. Global warming is normally thought of as creating greater numbers of extreme events including droughts, floods and storms damage crops and can cause food shortages. Flooding and other major climatic events are the highly […]
Out of all of pests we deal with, rats are the most destructive pest for homes and businesses. It is estimated that almost 50% of electrical damage in homes and businesses are caused by rodents. Rats have a pair of endlessly growing incisor teeth in both their upper and lower jaw that require nonstop gnawing […]
Rodent season is upon us now and like with most pests, the first spotting of rats or mice sends us to the Google to find DIY solutions and home remedies for rodents, but which ones really work? Natural remedies that don’t work include: mothballs and peppermint oil. Rodents are pretty intelligent creatures. By using detailed […]
In the summer, when the air is hot, insects are everywhere. But when temperature drops, the bugs seem to disappear completely until months later, like some kind of enchanted trick they reappear. Where did they go? Some survive as eggs, larvae, or pupae, while others live through the winter as adults. There are three different […]
Centipedes are elongated, with smooth, segmented bodies that have a pair of legs per segment. Centipedes most commonly are brown and reddish orange. Depending on the species, they range in size from 5 to 145 mm. They have small mouths and have big claw like edifices that contain a venom gland. Centipedes are carnivorous and […]
Muskrats are primarily nocturnal, but can be active during the day and are very sociable animals. They get their name from their likeness to stocky rats and from the musky odor created by their scent glands. Muskrats are aquodic animals that prefer marshes, where the water level stays constant. They find shelter in bank burrows […]
Infrared pest control is fast becoming a large necessity for battling infestation from unwelcome ants, rodents and other insects. For quick detection of ant activities and other pest infestations on your property, Go Green Pest Control uses a superior approach and the latest technologies. Over the past year, one of the most-used equipment in the […]
Fruit flies reproduce at amazing rates. Female fruit flies can lay over 500 eggs within their short life spans. Eggs are usually laid on damp, rotting or overripe fruit and vegetables. In one day, fruit fly eggs hatch into larvae known as maggots. Maggots then molt and less than a week the larvae change into […]
This year I saw the largest variety of beetles that I would rarely see outdoors, making their way indoors for moisture. In fact, I couldn’t identify several. Beetles belong to the insect order that is the largest of all insects. There are more than a quarter million species of beetles in the world and over […]
People that have rats in their ceilings or walls can be kept awake for hours with the insistent scratching and fighting. Worse yet, when those people finally fall asleep those rats may just end up in their dreams as nightmares. But, new research points at rats experiencing their own dreams that maybe nightmares about us. […]
Ever seen a scorpion fly, they are nasty looking insects. They have engorged abdomen and reproductive organs, which resemble a scorpion’s tail and stinger. They sometimes hang suspended from a plant branch in order to blend into their surroundings before attacking smaller insects. Scorpion flies generally fly slowly and in irregular patterns although they have […]
Let’s forget spiders today and talk about your house and how it could be at risk for a rat infestation as fall sets in. As Delta rain starts to fall, professionals have warned that the rodents could seek shelter and warmth in houses in over welling numbers this year. Although not common, rats can chew […]
It’s almost fall and the spiders are heading indoors. Different spiders like moisture and are found in basements, crawl spaces and other damp parts of your house and the others like drier warm areas. Spiders come inside looking for prey and they all like to hide in dark areas. Almost all spider species are predators […]
This summer has been particularly bad for pantry beetles. Perhaps because of the hot weather a lot of doors and windows have let them in. Infestations of pantry beetles are not particularly seasonal, but can occur anytime throughout the year. When dealing with these beetles, quick action is very important because they not only damage […]
Fire ant populations have increased this year and now people are asking about control methods. The first method is a broadcast method. Fire Ant baits consist of insecticides on processed corn coated with oil. These baits are best used as a broadcast treatment because they are less expensive and control colonies even when mounds are […]
Wasp and hornet numbers are now beginning to rise after a slow start this summer due to the cold winter that led to some confusion among the stinging pests. A delay of about a month changed their usual pattern of appearance and now they are on the search for sugary indulgences. We are now seeing […]
Mosquitos are not just blood sucking beasts but flower loving doves. They rely on plant nectar to survive. Researchers have produced a sweet smelling potion called Vectrax that contains lethal doses of insecticide that is so seductive that mosquitoes will feed on it almost exclusively and die. Conventional chemical insecticides blanket spray areas where mosquitos […]
Rats!! Why rats, well they are extremely sociable and clever if they grow up being affectionately touched by their owners. Similar to cats, you pick them up and hold them, place them on your shoulders, and they respond willingly to fondling and care. They also like to play games, learn tricks, and they’re easy to […]
This Saturday, August 19th is World Honey Bee Day (previously known as Honey Bee Awareness Day), bee keepers across the country join in a national effort to help safeguard declining honey bee population. Bee enthusiasts are celebrating honey bees but also promoting their involvement in sustainable farming. Bees play a vast role in our everyday […]
At this time of year our garter snakes can be found along streams, rivers, and lakes, marshes, and wet meadows. They spend their days basking in sun yet always prepared to dive under water to avoid predators. They use the position of the sun to orient themselves, and to be able to find their way back […]
Queen bumblebees exposed to thiamethoxam, a commonly used insecticide, are less likely to lay eggs or build colonies, which according to researchers could lead to extinction. Thiamethoxam or the name brand Syngenta is a broad-spectrum insecticide, which means it is absorbed quickly by plants and transported to all of its parts, including pollen, where it […]
Why are there so many mice out there now? I don’t know, but this summer should be called “the summer of the mice”. Usually, the house mouse makes its home in farmers’ fields, grassy fields and forests. They usually build nests in areas that are dark and protected with available food around i.e. your kitchen. […]
The 45th annual Tsawwassen Sun Festival Aug 7 2017 The B.C. Day long weekend festival, Rotary Parade ran down 56th Street at 11 a.m. Go Green Pest Control entered with one of their vehicles and the award winning 2017 soapbox derby cart, the RAT ROD gogreenpestcontrol.ca Ladner Tsawwassen Delta B.C. Randy Bilesky https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/tsawwassen-sun-festival-randy-bilesky?published=t
Mosquito season differs from year to year dependent on temperature, moisture and other conditions. Mosquito season starts slowly in late spring, when warm weather brings out the first of the insects, peaks in summer, and slows down in the fall. Mosquitoes don’t go away for good until the first freeze, followed by temperatures consistently below […]
A shiny black color, oriental cockroaches are a flightless insect intruders that gain entrance underneath doors, open doors or following utility lines, pipes, open drains or sewers. Although an outdoors species found living beneath mulch, leaf piles, storm drains, sewers or beneath stones, they can prosper in wall voids and crawlspaces. They are known for their […]
Bees that burrow into the ground make up 75% of all the solitary bee population. Ground-nesting bees in your garden are very beneficial because they aerate the soil, pollinate the plants and are predators to damaging garden insects. In fact, they are very efficient and effective pollinators to all flowering plants. Usually, this bee is […]
Well the population of fruit flies are beginning to build here in my pest control office. Yes, I can’t seem to eliminate them either. Fruit flies eat fruit (fresh or ripened) and vegetables and fermenting products. Their entire life cycle only lasts about 25 days. These flies hang out around the kitchens, garbage cans and […]
Although horntails look like wasps with their projection on the back of their abdomen they neither bite nor sting. They usually hitch a ride into people’s homes in structural lumber, wood products or inside of firewood that is stored in the home. Female horntails deposit their eggs into the trunks of coniferous and […]
Bats are one of the best at controlling insect populations by consuming hundreds of insects each night, but when they come into contact with humans, and then the problems may begin. Bats that live in social groups are probably the most troublesome type of bat infestation since there can be well over 25 bats in […]
Echinococcus multilocularis, this tapeworm had only been seen once in Manitoba has headed west and is now in Alberta. The tapeworm is a rare and potentially fatal, seen in coyotes and has spread to humans, according to infectious disease experts. In fact there have been four people infected in as many years. Individuals with low […]
This time of year wasp nest call-outs is steady. So why are people so concerned about wasps, especially when the nest is high up on the roof? Wasp stings are common, uncomfortable or significant pain and irritation, and most people recover quickly. The initial sensations can include sharp pain or burning at the sting site […]
Bed bugs are tiny pests that live by nurturing on human blood, typically at night. They are cagey, hiding in cracks and crevices during day light, and coming out when the lights are out to feed. Because of their size and painless bite, bed bugs may go unnoticed for some time. Tell tail signs that you […]
There are 10 different species of silverfish and only one species of firebrat and both are commonly referred to as bristletails (long appendages attached to the tip of the abdomen). Both silverfish and firebrats appear similar. Firebrats have longer antennae and tend to be a mottled gray color with patches of dark gray and lighter […]
These tiny pests have hundreds of species and their see-through bodies are usually green, red, black, yellow, or white. Aphids damage plants by sucking the sap from leaves, twigs, stems, or roots and sometimes spread plant diseases in the process. Aphid colonies can usually be found on the underside of leaves, the tips of branches […]
Foods like peanut butter, chocolate and cinnamon have been used as a bait to lure rats and other rodents. Rats and mice are a problem for agriculture, food storage and processing, and human and animal wellbeing. Now a collection of compounds found in foods is being used to create a long-life rat lures that […]
Kudzu bugs, mistake them for beetles, are a true bug because of their wing type and beak like piercing sucking mouth parts. Kudzu bugs like to feed on kudzu (climbing, coiling, and trailing perennial vines). They use their penetrating mouthparts to draw juices from the plant. They are considered pests because they have a […]
These termites get their name from the decaying, wet wood that they build their nests in. They rarely nest in the soil but prefer decaying wood; in fact, they rarely touch the soil as their cousins the subterranean termites do. Dampwood termites are most common termite found in Delta and are considered an economic pest. Damaged […]
Yes we all know now that it’s just the females that are so bothersome. They lock onto their victim using scent, exhaled carbon dioxide, body heat, and chemicals in the person’s sweat. Then she lands on an area of exposed skin and inserts her proboscis to suck your blood. Yes they are mosquitos’ not female […]
Spider bites have been associated and blamed for flesh eating disease (necrotising skin infection) in many cases worldwide and now here in our back yard. The Brown recluse spiders also known as fiddleback spiders or violin spiders and the venom from a white-tailed spider are the two spiders believed to transmit the disease. As a […]
Our community must share space with wildlife, including raccoons, which can become aggressive in their hunt of an easy meal and accommodations. I had a client who had a raccoon get into the attic. It damaged the attic and left urine that seeped into the ceiling of the house. The individual put in a claim to […]
There are nearly 200 species of wasps known in Delta. Most are considered solitary wasps and most of these have a comparable life history. They capture and paralyze insects, put the insect in a burrow and lay eggs on them. The eggs hatch and then the larvae feed on the paralyzed prey. Next, the larvae […]
Whiteflies are not actually a fly, but belong to the order of true bugs. Whiteflies have a couple pairs of chalky, moth like annexes as adults. They have a very quick reproduction phase and can inflict major harm to house plants, potted plants and plants in the garden. They were originally from tropical regions and are becoming […]
The Darwin’s Bark spider is appropriately named, because its body look like tree bark. This particular spider is an orb-weaver those assertions two extraordinary titles: the silk they produce is the strongest organic material ever discovered and its webs are the largest in the world. In fact, the silk is twice as tough as […]
Adult tiger beetles have big eyes and lengthy, sinewy legs. They have hostile hunting strategies and unbelievable speed. To catch its prey it can run over 100 times its length per second. The tiger beetle’s hunting procedure is imposing and violent. They feed other insects such as spiders and other insects larger then themselves. Their […]
Kissing bugs feed on animals like raccoons, opossums, squirrels and rats. Two of the most common are the bloodsucking conenose bug, and the western bloodsucking conenose bug. Kissing bugs got their name about 100 years ago because they draw blood from the face of the victim. Conenose bugs will enter homes in suburban and rural areas and […]
This insect has a terrifying appearance with long, thin bodies similar to a stick insect. They are found outdoors near water and not indoors as they are incapable of reproducing indoors. The large pincers of the male dobsonfly are harmless but the female dobsonflies use their jaws for protection and can piercing the skin. Dobsonflies do […]
The Engelmann spruce weevil causes widespread damage to many kinds of evergreen trees. These weevils are dark brown with a prominent hooked snout of the weevil. The adults overwinter in debris beneath trees, and in the spring they ascend the vertical stem at the top of the trunk to feed and mate. Trees will lose […]
Rats are difficult to control and research because they are one of nature’s most impeccably adapted creatures, yet they are one of the least studied wildlife in cities. Rats are considered pests that spread disease, ruin our food, turn our homes into theirs and even mess with our cars. They live closely amongst us, in our […]
Delta’s soap box derby a second-annual success 45 kids competed to be the fastest soap box racer in the municipality Delta’s second annual soap box racing derby saw 45 kids race down 6th Avenue in Tsawwassen on June 10. Go Green Pest Control’s Rat Rod Roxy cart, a blue 1930s Buick-inspired soap box racer, won […]
Over the past three years our planet has been the hottest on record, and the changing climate helps many pests thrive, consequently negatively affecting our health. Field mice can carry Borrelia burgdorferi, a bacterium that causes Lyme disease, and they provide the blood meals for blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, which can transmit […]
Flea beetles are small jumping insects, similar looking to pet fleas, found in home gardens early in the growing season. These pests can cause big problems for many vegetable plants. They damage plants by chewing hundreds of holes in the leaves, which make them look as if they have been shot by fine pellets. When […]
One night, all of a sudden, you hear scratching above your head in the ceiling. Your house is infested with rodents. Is it rats, mice, squirrels, skunks or raccoons? Rodent infestation is more common then you may think here in Delta, in fact one in four houses have or have had rodent activity. Here is […]
It’s that time of year where most of our furry four legged animals are reproducing. From mice to raccoons, Delta seems to be bursting with new life. A client spotted a patch of brown grass on their lawn and after investigating the dry patch; it turned out to be a rabbit nest foraged underneath the […]
Delta Optimist June 12, 2017 11:38 AM Racers line up at the starting gates at the second annual Soap Box Derby Saturday in Tsawwassen. Delta Optimist June 12, 2017 11:38 AM Racers line up at the starting gates at the second annual Soap Box Derby Saturday in Tsawwassen. The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen hosted, in […]
Wild animals rely on three main things for survival: water, food, and lodging, which can attract them into suburban neighborhoods. The most contact between wild animals and people is always in the summer. To avoid encounters with wildlife this summer here are a few tips. Clean up the property, close the gaps and sanitize their property. Cleaning around the […]
https://youtu.be/IIpN0vZxb6I Go organic, use less pesticide and plant flowers. These are the words used by researchers that have watched the decline of butterflies globally. More than 90 per cent of all plants need a pollinator to set fruit and seeds. Besides bees, butterflies play an important role as pollinator helping agriculture productivity especially in herbs […]
Meet the bombardier beetles a super hero insect that can shoot a chemical spray at prey or predator with a tremendous pop. It has two chambers in its abdomen; one contains hydroquinone and the other hydrogen peroxide. When the Bombardier Beetle needs it engage it firing apparatus, the two chambers combine the fluids to create […]
Cicadas produce exceptionally loud songs by vibrating drum like tymbals rapidly. They are generally 2-3 cm long and have large, clear wings with many wing veins. Their eyes are large, reddish or black and set apart on each side of the head. Cicadas don’t cause damage by chewing leaves, but do create damage as they […]
Dragonflies are considered beneficial predators eating countless number of insects such as flies and mosquitoes (hundreds a day). Dragonflies are considered one of the first winged insects, going back 250 million years. There are more than 5,000 known species of dragonflies, all with serrated teeth. Hovering like a helicopter: they only eat prey they catch […]
The most commonly encountered species is the cottontail rabbit. A female rabbit is called a doe, a male rabbit is called a buck and a young rabbit is called a kit (or kitten). Rabbit’s lifespan is on average 10 years. Rabbits are small, furry individuals that are ravenous plant eaters and classified as herbivores. They […]
Black gnats are small pests with dark coloring, although they are infrequently really black. Differing to general belief, these tiny flying insects are not children, they are adults. There are other tiny flies people think are black gnats but they are black flies, fruit flies, fungus gnats or phorid flies. Gnats typically are small and […]
I read a report from the UK that sounds pretty scary and could very well be here but we don’t know it yet. Decorative potted plants from retail nurseries have insecticides levels that could have an impact on beneficial insects and pollinators such as honey bees, mason bees etc. The pesticides included neonicotinoid pesticides in […]
We have dozens of different types of wasps in Delta, some so small, you don’t even see them. Most are both pollinators and predators of pest bugs. Common wasps, including the paper wasp, yellow jackets and bald-faced hornet, yet it’s the yellow jackets that scavenge on our food and garbage. Wasps create a new colony […]
Pocket gophers are medium-sized rodents ranging from about 15 to 35 cm in length. Their fur varies in color from black to brown to nearly white and is very soft. The pocket gopher got their name from the fur-lined pouches outside its mouth used to transport food. They are efficient tunnelers, making their way under […]
Is a squirrel, a fuzzy tailed rat, nobody knows. Squirrels cause the most damage in commercial tree seed and seedling orchards by debarking branches and eating tree cones and seeds. In Delta, they normally cause marginal damage to trees and seeds, but can completely damage destroy electrical wires, short out transformers and chew holes in […]
Pavement ants can sting and during the spring, are highly aggressive against other ants. Ants Pavement or paver ants usually make their nets under the driveway pavement, under patio pavers, indoors in walls and under floors. When they are found in walls, under floors, and in insulation the house usually is a slab-on-grade construction, foragers […]
The time of year, ant control is an essential when living with food indoors or outdoors. Scientists suggest that there are one million ants for every human on earth. Some ants flourish near moisture, others are enticed to food and water but all ants can enter through small crack or hole in your building’s foundation, […]
Our social and emotional states are influenced by our sense of smell. There apparently is no evidence that humans have an inferior sense of smell to that of most animals like rats, mice and dogs. As the human brain developed over time to become larger, the olfactory bulb grew proportionally. The statement that humans can […]
The parasitic wasp uses its ovipositor, located on their abdomen, to locate and then inject its eggs next to the larvae of a preferred another wasp deep within a fig (not a fruit but an inverted bunch of flowers). When the fig gives off a perfume that attracts pollinating wasps, the wasp will lay her […]
Sowbugs are not actually bugs but crustaceans like lobsters and shrimp. They are flat, oval, about 1 cm long with 14 legs and two pair of antennae. Sowbugs have gills which need constant moisture, so they spend most of their time in damp places. They are primarily nocturnal, and eat decaying leaf litter and vegetable […]
What has antlers and sucks blood? A moose-quito! In Delta the risk of getting an illness or serious health effects from mosquito bites is very low, although West Nile virus is still out there. Mosquitoes bites, as we know, cause itchiness and irritation, thankfully only the female mosquitoes feed on blood to produce eggs. They […]
Sex chemicals blur male insects into looking for love in all the erroneous places. Each pheromone only targets a single pest species. That leaves helpful pollinators like bees and slayers such as ladybugs uninjured. Some farmers are now turning to the green substitute of pheromones, the alluring chemicals female insects use to attract males. By spraying pheromones […]
The Larder beetle, apply named as a pest of cured meats, will invade your home and moves into the shadowed areas to find its food. Historically a pest of cured meats in Europe, the United States, and Canada, refrigeration has decreased the economic importance of this insect; however, these beetles are still common in museums, […]
These sluggish flies appear in early spring and are collectively comprised of three flies: the cluster fly (gathering in clusters and give off a sickly, sweetish odour), the face flies (usually found near farm homes or homes located near pastures and finally the blow flies (the loud buzzing pest that is attracted by manure or […]
Spiders are excellent pest control agents. They do not transmit any diseases and rarely bite humans. Most spiders are nocturnal, shy, and avoid conflict by running away. Their web begins with a single thread, which begins the rest of the structure. The spider climbs to a starting point and releases a thread into the wind. […]
One of the hardest lawn pests to deal with, white grubs are the larvae of certain beetles. These grubs have fleshy, wrinkled, c-shaped physiques with tan or brown heads and six prickly legs. They will grow as long as 4 cm, depending on the species. The most common white grubs overrunning lawns in Delta are […]
Ladybugs are insatiable and proficient predators of insect pests and are our most beneficial insects. And here is even more good news, they do not sting, carry diseases, or infest our food. Ladybugs can live up to three years if the environment is just right. They hibernate in the winter living on stored fat and […]
The Asian Gypsy moths are damaging insects, specifically the caterpillar feeds on the leaves of mostly conifers (evergreens) trees and some deciduous (leafy) trees, eating an average of one square metre of leaves a day. It gets its name from their talent of traveling by hitchhiking on various objects. The young larvae can be carried […]
Cockroaches have been a pest for millions of years, now residing in restaurants, food facilities, hotels and maybe your home next. Although they have wings, they can’t fly and that’s a really good thing. Cockroaches don’t cause structural damage but they can contaminate food and spread disease. Like us, they will live anywhere there is […]
Tent caterpillars are social insects and build silk trails while travelling between their nest, feeding areas and other caterpillars on a deciduous (trees that drop their leaves yearly) trees. You can see these silken strands when the sunlight shines through an infested tree. Caterpillar moths lay their eggs in late June or early August. The […]
So what are slugs and snails, well there are mollusks, like clams, mussels and oysters. They are also gastropods, which mean the foot located on the stomach is how they get around. They are rather similar, except that the slug doesn’t have a shell to protect it from dry conditions and the sun. Both have […]
This flat wingless bugs have two antennas on their head and three bristles at the back of their body. Silverfish have shiny silver scales that give their body a silver sheen. Firebrats bodies are gray or brown with bands of dark scales. They are both scavengers and love to eat crumbs, dead insects, starch, glue, […]
It’s almost that time again when the bloom of the termites hits the skies. Yearly, to spread their colony, termites swarm and piles of discarded wings can be seen in the aftermath. There are three casts in these colonies: reproductives, soldiers and workers. The Pacific dampwood termite leaves large oval fecal pellets in the nest, […]
The Indian meal moth is also known as the Indianmeal moth, weevil moth, pantry moth, flour moth or grain moth (not to be confused with the meal moth, confused?). Its larvae are a common grain-feeding pest, feeding on grains, flours, dried fruit, cereals, nuts, sugar, dog food, and most other stored products in your cupboards […]
Cotton rats are mainly agricultural pests living in grassy areas and feed on plants. They nest on the ground or in shallow burrows making trails in the grass where they travel. Although cotton rats are not considered structural pests, they can infest homes, garages, barns and storage sheds. The cotton rat is on our radar […]
Mason bees are our native bee and are named for their use of mud (masonry product) in constructing their nests, which in nature, are made in naturally occurring gaps and holes in wood made by wood-boring insects. They are attracted by spring flowering plants and don’t make honey or even live in hives, but they […]
There is a fallacy that earwigs tunnel into your ears while you sleep, well they’re earworms not earwigs that do that. Earwigs have pincers on the back of their abdomens that are pretty scary, but they use them for defense and for fighting with competitor earwigs. Earwigs are active at night eating plants and insects. […]
Blue bottle flies look similar to the house fly but are shiny blue in color. Theses flies are usually found on windows and make brash, energetic sounds. They can spread diseases therefore are considered pests. Blue bottle flies deposit their eggs in decomposing organic matter, so its likely rotting material is close. Examine sewer pipes for […]
The general name hornet is often misrepresented for just about any species of large, ferocious looking and stinging insect. Bald-faced hornets are social insects, although not true hornets. They live in colonies that may contain between 50 and 500 members at their peak. They usually appear in late spring and by mid-summer their populations are […]
Fruit flies can appear to be brown or tan or any time of the year. Although populations tend to increase during the summer, indoor fruit flies are frequently active at all times of the year. They are attacked to ripened fruit and vegetables and fermenting products like beer, wine and spirits. The common fruit fly […]
Caddisflies are not actually flies, they have two sets of wings and there are over 1,000 types of caddisflies in Canada. Adult caddisflies are land-dwelling near fresh water, while larvae are water born. Adult caddisflies are similar in appearance to moths. They have diminished mouthparts and well-developed complex eyes. Caddisflies feed on fallen leaves and other detritus. […]
Millipedes are long, slim creatures. They normally live outdoors in damp soil under flowerbeds and gardens eating live and dead leaves, soft roots, decaying wood particles, small insects, earthworms and snails. Homeowners find millipedes that have entered through a garage door and are taking up residence in their basements since many are dark and […]
Daddy longlegs also go by the names harvestmen or opilionids. They have one body segment, two eyes, eight legs used to crawl, smell and taste. These original daddies’ are not spiders or even insects and can live as long as two years. They aren’t venomous and don’t create silk webs. Although there is an urban […]
It’s that time again when we start seeing bees and wasps, specifically, the yellow jacket queen. The only yellow jacket member to survive the winter is the fertilized queen. The queen over winters in places such as in stumps, under bark, leaf litter, soil cavities, and man-made structures. She will emerge in early spring, select […]
In the battle against the invasive emerald ash borer, Chinese parasitic wasps are beginning grown and released. Over the next couple months 10,000 to 12,000 of these tiny insects will be released and this isn’t the first time the wasps have been bred in Canada. The emerald ash borer is an invasive species and is […]
Mid-march is a busy time for pests as they leave their winter hiding spots in search of food and water. In the pest control industry, we use what’s called Integrated Pest Management to be effective and environmentally responsible when dealing with pest control issues because it focuses on eliminating the conditions that attract pests […]
Carpenter ants are plentiful in Delta, and are common pests in homes, sheds and other buildings. In spring carpenter ants are more active at night and by using a flashlight you can find the main nest outdoors. In structures, the presence of sawdust is a key clue in locating ant nests. The most common […]
A new program, south of the border, called Blue Collar Cats takes feral felines that come in to the shelters and pairs them with rodent infested businesses or homes in exchange for food and shelter. The moggies are cleaner and generally less expensive alternative to pesticides. The cats that are brought in, that don’t show a lot of social conduct towards humans […]
The Nutria is a large river rat, weighing over 5 kg’s and around 700 mm long; it is omnivorous, semiaquatic rodent and the only member of the family Myocastoridae. Originally native to subtropical and temperate South America, it has been introduced to North America in recent years. In parts of the Asian community, they […]
Rotarians set to jump out of airplane Four members of the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen to make the leap in May in fundraiser for the Rotary Foundation Tsawwassen Rotarians Randy Bilesky with Go Green Pest Control, Shane Todhunter and Vicki Paramanathan prepare to take a practice leap off the balcony at the Beach Grove Golf […]
Wood ants protect their ant colonies from disease by creating a strong antibiotic concoction made of tree resin and poison from their own bodies. Ants have all sorts of jobs, from guard to queen and forager to chemist. Now we know that there is an ant pharmacology helping ants evade epidemics. Ants live in colonies […]
The turkey vulture is a scavenger; its main goal is to cleanup animal carcasses. Its head, the colour of exposed flesh, is featherless and tapered perfectly used to tear apart its meals. This bird can detect mercapton, a gas produced by carrion decay, from more than one and a half kilometers away. Turkey vultures have […]
The zebrafish is a tropical freshwater fish belonging to the minnow family and is a popular aquarium fish. The zebrafish has a short gestation period, manipulable embryo, can produce a huge number of offspring, a shorter life span and has a transparent embryos allowing for better imaging. This fish has about a quarter of its’ […]
Starting January the Corporation of Delta has required anyone seeking a demolition permit to ensure the property is free of mice, rats, squirrels, skunks and raccoons. Frustrated by a growing rodent problem in North and South Delta, the corporation wants to keep rodents at bay because this is a public health and safety issue. Property […]
A fatal raccoon parasite that can cause neurological problems has infected several humans in the last two years. Although not all infected with this parasite lead to severe disease. The parasite can spread from raccoons to other wildlife, dogs or humans. Animals can become infected by digging through raccoon feces containing the parasite eggs. […]
Since the early ’90s, reported cases of Lyme disease have tripled and 2017 will be a particularly risky year for the disease. Symptoms of Lyme disease include red rashes or a fever. Mice are efficient transmitters of Lyme disease and infect up to 95 percent of the ticks that feed on them. An individual mouse […]
Barn Swallows build mud nests in eaves and overhangs on buildings. As a protected bird, once an egg is laid in a nest, the nest must remain intact until the hatchlings have left; you are encouraged to take proactive steps to prevent them from settling in and building nests, which can be both unsightly and […]
Our majestic goose can pose a costly nuisance for many property owners. Canada Geese are large water birds with a long neck, large body, large webbed feet, flat bill, black head with white cheeks and chinstrap, black neck, tan breast, and brown back. The birds graze on submerged aquatic vegetation by reaching under the water […]
There’s no end in sight to the boom in Delta’s rat population. So far this year, rat call-outs have outstripped other critter complaints from last year by a large margin and this trend may just continue. Previous mild winters have been fueling Delta’s rat boom. Yet, this year the cold weather has the rats hunkering down, clinging to […]
Are you prepared for signs of the winter activity of the moles, mice and voles that find our perennials, shrubs and trees to be pleasant eating. All live in sensibly built nests below ground. They all feed on plants, including roots, stems, leaves and seeds. They all will eat earthworms, insects, centipedes and each other. […]
Blue Herons spend nearly 90 percent of their time stalking for food. These large birds are a common sight along ditches on Delta farmland, where they hunt for moles, voles, mice, rats, amphibians, and fish. Standing about a meter tall, these s-shaped necked birds can bend their necks backwards, coiling onto itself and then extending […]
Birds, bird droppings and nesting materials can transmit over 59 diseases and ectoparasites (a parasite, such as a flea, that lives on the outside of its host) infectious to us and animals. These pose the most risk to the young, elderly and those living with auto immune diseases. Here is a breakdown of some of […]
Scientists have discovered that the gene responsible for the social organisation of colonies of the fire ant is likely to have evolved via a single event. Red fire ants can have colonies with a single queen while other colonies contain dozens of queens. There is a supergene version responsible for colonies with a single queen, […]
Parabiosis is the cooperation between two species that is a mutually beneficial relationship, and in this case, sharing a common home where they both gain. One is a massive black ant and the other is a tiny brown ant. But together they form a perfect team to build, guard and keep a healthy shared nest. […]
Among the most intelligent of birds, the Northwestern Crows can pose a major problem to property owners. The black birds often gather in enormous flocks, creating noise and leaving their waste behind. They damage roofs and their droppings can eat into and deface a variety of building and vehicle surfaces. Crows often feed in exposed […]
While conducting a cancer study scientists stumbled on a game-changing weight-loss solution in two common cancer-fighting drugs causing a significant weight loss in obese mice, even when the mice continued excessive consumption of a high-fat diet. Two chemotherapy drugs – methotrexate and cyclophosphamide could be used to completely reverse obesity even in mice without cancer. […]
Common Garter Snakes spend the winter underground in dens. They can travel a few kilometres to reach a good den site, and these dens often are shared with other snakes. It is found along streams, rivers, and lakes, marshes, and wet meadows. Males emerge from the hibernacula (underground in dens) first, followed a short time later […]
Coyotes are crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk, although they can be seen during the day as well. They are omnivores so they eat small mammals, pets’ food, insects and fruits and berries. They’ll rid your yard of rodents but coyotes don’t have a bias when it comes to small animals, so smaller dogs […]
There are over 800 species of ground beetles in Canada. They can be found on the ground under logs, rocks, wood, leaves, boards, and other debris preying on ants, aphids, caterpillars, maggots, slugs, and worms. Although beneficial to the environment, these beetles can infest buildings in large numbers yet only reproduce outdoors. When these nocturnal […]
Several thousand years ago in China, cats were attracted to ancient farming villages by small animals, such as rodents that were living on the grain that the farmers grew, ate, and stored. Since then the relationship between humans and cats was started. Not yet domesticated, these cats lived close to farmers, and the relationship was […]
Skunks don’t actually hibernate but remain inactive in their dens for days to weeks during extreme cold as we are experiencing. Skunks typically mate around this time of the year, and the kits are born in mid spring. They are mostly nocturnal carnivores and feed on rodents like moles, voles, squirrels, rats, mice and other […]
Carpet beetles (Dermestid Beetles, Skin Beetles, Larder Beetles), this time of year, yes and they are hungry. Measuring up to 4 mm they have oval-shaped black, white and yellow patterned bodies. The larval stage is this beetle’s damaging stage. Although the adult beetles feed on seeds, plants and flowers, the larvae consume fabric, fur […]
Scientists studying mice have discovered that a key purpose of sleep is to recalibrate the brain cells responsible for learning and they have discovered several important molecules that govern the recalibration process. Now there is more evidence that sleep deprivation, sleep disorders and sleeping pills can interfere with the process. The mouse brain can only […]
Aphids or plant lice, cause more damage to cultivated plants than any other insect. There are over 1,350 species of aphids damaging garden plants, houseplants, coniferous and deciduous trees, and decorative shrubs. Aphids feed on plant sap and prefer new plant growth. They often feed in large numbers and can quickly destroy gardens and flowerbeds. […]
Scientists do not know why tickling results in happiness or why certain body parts are more susceptible to the sensation than others, or why the best tickles occur at the hands of others. So rats were selected because young rats not only feel the sensation, but are also most ticklish on the belly and the […]
According to scientists, wasps have exchange buddies and compete for the best trade agreements. Female wasps have the first choice of cooperative partners. Dominant wasps even negotiate hours with the workers to guarantee they can spend time in their nests. A study looked at wasps across multiple nests monitoring how they apply the economic […]
Bedbugs are small, nocturnal, wingless, parasitic insects that feed on humans and other warm blooded animals. They can travel over 6 meters from their hiding place to you. They hide in small places such as baseboards, cracks in floors, under carpets, behind loose wallpaper, bed frames, sofas and behind picture frames. There are no health […]
A study used two strains of mice, and set them up as roommates in different combinations. They studied the effects by measuring difference traits such as wound healing, body weight, anxiety and depressed mood in both mice. They found that each mouse affected the outcome of its roommates in healing, weight, anxiety and depression. The […]
Gophers are small rodents that burrow tunnels and seldom appear above ground, when it does, it rarely ventures more than a few feet. Gophers are active during the day and are fossorial (live most of their lives underground). Gophers are herbivores (vegetation) eating tops of plants, roots and tubers of the plant. They eat, forage, sleep […]
There has been an outbreak of the dangerous Seoul virus, after contact with infected fancy-pet rats. Seoul virus is carried by rats and is a species of hantavirus that can cause a form of hemorrhagic fever. Symptoms can include fever, headache, back and abdominal pain, chills, impaired vision, redness of the eyes, or rash. […]
Ants are outstanding navigators that keep a straight path, plot the sun’s position and memorize their environment to guide their activities. Ants get their bearings correct regardless of the body’s direction and can find their way home under any condition. Ants may have tiny brains but their cognitive skills are outstanding in circumnavigating their […]
The unique appearance of the owl makes it very distinguishable with its large head and enormous eyes. The owl is a ferocious and powerful hunter and will only consume live animals. Owls are independent birds and do have predators to worry about. They are considered to be top food chain elements. Here are a few […]
In the last several weeks we have received several calls on silverfish infestations. Silverfish are unable to survive in low relative humidity so finding the source of the extra humidity is a start. Because we live in such a wet climate, many homes have silverfish inherently in the walls and ceiling do to captured […]
In the face of danger, opossums go into a catatonic state or playing dead, in self-defense. A nocturnal marsupial, they can recognizable by their pointed snout and rodent like tail. They are solitary creatures living in areas near bogs and marshes. Opossums are omnivores and change their diets as the season’s changes. They eat […]
Humans have a constant dilemma, how do we allocate resources based on responsibilities and energy. It poses a problem for ants as well. It has been determined that ants understand work-life balance better than we do. In a colony of ants only a percentage of them actually work while the balance is inactive conserving food, […]
The rabbits most commonly found in Delta are cottontails and hares. Being herbivores, rabbits eat grasses, clover, herbs, lettuce, peats, dandelions, and the leaves of saplings. But in the winter, their food includes the bark of birch, oak, maple, and dogwood trees, along with twigs, stems, and buds. They are mostly nuisance pests and can […]
Our bats, the only mammals capable of flight, eat great numbers of insects but are considered nuisances, when they choose to roost in homes attics. The little brown bat and big brown bat, roost together in large colonies and can spread diseases and damage your home. The bats droppings are called guano and they make […]
Feral cats are the offspring of domestic cats that have never actually belonged to a person or had any socialization with people. Feral cats are mostly fearful and have trouble acclimatizing to humans. They readily adapt to their environments and prefer to live in colonies. Feral cats can live on garbage, pet food, rodents, birds, […]
Pharaoh ants are infamous indoor pests, colonizing through a process called budding. Budding allows for the insects to spread infestations rapidly and into nearly any area. With pincer-like jaws, Pharaoh ants will bite leaving a painful welt that can last for hours, similar to a flea bite. While Pharaoh ant bites are not poisonous, they […]
South Delta seems to have lost the birds of prey to land development. Where have they gone and why? Most likely answer would be the reduction of farm lands hence the reduction of rodents. If you travel along highway 17 near highway 99 you now can see thousands of birds milling around, drawn in by […]
The number of cockroach infestations reported in the lower mainland last year rose by nearly 69% according to figures recently released. This is the twelfth year in a row in which pest control companies have seen a rise in the number of complaints received relating to these pests in B.C. Cockroaches pose a risk to […]
We all now know that BPS, found in baby bottles, drinking bottles and other places, is a replacement chemical for BPA. Now researchers have found that a BPS may have biological effects. Mice were used to examine the effects of BPS on nurturing behavior and related brain regions. Nesting mothers exposed to BPS during pregnancy […]
The unintended consequence of car manufactures going green makes them taste way too good! There are several systems in the new vehicles that can be damaged by rodents: electrical wiring harnesses, air conditioning and heating ducts, seat cushions, trunk and storage area carpeting and various fluid containers. Many composition materials that are eaten will contain: […]
Ground beetles are beneficial insects that help to curb populations of pests and weeds. They are infrequent invaders, normally seen in the fall; they enter homes in the middle or end of summer. These beetles are attracted to light and are noticeable when they gather around well-lit buildings. When they infest a building the worse […]
Mice skin cells are predetermined to be sweaty or hairy, and their fate is determined by competing signals, during the embryonic growth. Mice have different skin cells that develop hair follicles on their back and designated skin cells that develop sweat glands on their paws. The mice skin cells differ from their hairy backs to their […]
Pest exclusion is designed to stop pest issues before they begin and are a part of the IPM integrated pest management protocol. Pests need three things for existence: food, water and shelter, so it maybe your house, business or the garage in the back. Once these pests find a way in, getting them gone can […]
Now the snow is melting and the cold snap has come to an abrupt end, more rodents have been driven out of the wild in search of food and shelter. Delta’s community is surrounded in vast open farms, bogs, parks and virtually all homes have seen an increase of rodent activities, from mice to raccoons […]
In an experiment, surgeons injected cancerous mice with microscopic probes to locate the tumor. The nanoscale (highly interdisciplinary in nanoscience and nanotechnology) fluorescent probes that turn on when encountering cancer which help remove tumors in mice without harming healthy tissue. The switching on behavior is unique to nanoscale technology, which is measured in billionths of […]
A couple weeks ago when I was moving some firewood at the side of my house, I found carpenter ants hibernating inside one of the cut logs. These guys nest in logs, stumps, hollow trees and our homes. They like to tunnel into moist, rotting wood and other soft materials to make satellite nests, in […]
Masked Hunters you ask? These insects are true bugs, a collection of bugs with sucking mouthparts. When they make their way into homes, they frequent attics and crawlspaces where they can easily camouflage themselves and hunt for food. Thankfully, bed bugs and carpet beetles are their favorite food sources, although they will also feed on […]
Are you guilty of having a sweet tooth? I know that I am! But that’s okay, there’s no shame in chowing down on Christmas cookies or candy this season. With the furnaces cranked up now, the insects are coming inside and literally coming alive. But if you are leaving crumbs behind or those seasonal […]
Why not, if you can get an organic tree then you know that the environment is better off because the tree was grown without pesticides. Organic farming makes sense, those people that grow and harvest the trees are not subjected to the harmful side effects of pesticides, be it insecticides or herbicides, and it’s better […]
Scientists were put to the challenge of determining what a smile on a rat face looks like. Therefore, as scientists do, they experimented with lab rats by photographing their subjects while being exposed to things that might make a rat happy or upset. They looked for facial displays of happy feelings in rats that were […]
If you have ever had a silverfish infestation than it’s most likely that you’ve seen them in the sink or bathtub, that is because they are falling from the ceiling, electrical and plumbing fixtures and can’t get out. Living as long as 3 years and producing over 1000 eggs a year, these night crawlers can […]
Once mice have invaded a home, the residences are on high alert for noises and the little messes they leave behind. It’s that time of year again. Rats little brother the mice are infesting homes across Delta and people aren’t happy about it. This fall, I have received countless reports of mice invading homes all […]
A new study found female rats’ exposure to allergens during pregnancy had an effect on their pups. This new study could help explain how allergies effect the development of ADHD and autism in children. They have discovered changes in the rat brains of fetuses and rat pups exposed to allergens during pregnancy. The adult […]
Scientists have discovered that injecting young (18 year old teenager) human blood plasma into older mice (12 months old) helps to rejuvenate their bodies. The blood plasma made the old mice perform like young ones, running around in open spaces much like the younger mice. But that’s not it either; their power of memory and […]
The warehouse beetle is a pest that is truly insatiable feeder and a health hazard to us and animals, because of the long list of foods that it attacks and how it might affect us if we consume it. The beetle’s prime source of protein includes legumes, nuts, animal feed, barley, wheat, pollen, and stored seeds. […]
Now that our style of winter weather has come, rats and mice often seek shelter in homes and commercial buildings where they can stay warm and well-fed throughout the season. When it comes to rodents, it’s important for home and business owners to remember the importance of year round maintenance. During this colder weather, rodents […]
A study on rats identifies the tickle hub of the warm-blooded vertebrate brain, shows that exciting a certain region can provoke an outbreak of ultrasonic happy squeals. The researchers found that rats are actually enjoying it. The ultrasonic shrills the rats make are expressions of pleasure. The tickling triggers the “neurotransmitter dopamine” in the brains […]
There is now convincing evidence that pain can be transmitted socially. Rodents communicate distress and are affected by the distress of others. Pain odor signals may be transferred from one rodent to another by compounds left in the air. Odor may function as a signal that can transmit pain sensitivity from one animal to the […]
From a raccoon’s perspective, we humans make outstanding neighbors. When raccoons take advantage of the food and shelter we provide, they often get into trouble. Raccoons are an ever-present sight in Delta evening landscape. They have a malleability that allows them live in the wild, suburban setting too our urban jungles. Raccoons have the natural […]
How do pesticides get into our compost? Well, composting of pesticide-treated plants. We have laws that restrict the use of pesticides that should make compost safe from pesticide contamination. But, we still apply synthetic pesticides in our gardens and lawns (although we are not allowed). Many pesticides like herbicides, insecticides and fungicides will break down […]
Honey Bees are vital to crop pollination worldwide and to the global food supply. Honey bees are currently facing colony collapse disorder and Varroa mites: a deforming wing virus that renders a bee’s wings useless. And now, a new virus, dubbed Moku, has been found in a species of wasp that has the potential to […]
Weevils, these small vexations, are one of the most destructive pests across Canada; having a vast influence on our agriculture industry, food supplies, and ornamental plant life. They can defoliate and severely damage entire crop yields. They eat plants, grains and other stored foods and lay their eggs once they have done. They invade our […]
A nice warm dry house is the perfect setting for pests like rats, mice, squirrels, skunks and raccoons to spend fall and winter and conserve energy by escaping the weather. Make time to keep your home pest-free whether you’ve seen signs or heard pest activity or just want serenity at home. Pest Free step […]
New study shows that the Zika virus shriveled male mice’s reproductive parts by 90 per cent, severely reducing fertility. Zika virus ravages the testes of male mice, reducing sperm counts and fertility. The virus attacks the body structure where sperm are made and reach maturity. Experiments found output of useful sperm fell by three […]
Organisms that have been genetically modified have not led to increases in crop yields and chemical pesticide use has not dropped, reported by the New York Times. A genetically modified organism, is an organism that has had its DNA altered or modified with DNA from another organism, these organisms are referred to as “transgenic” organisms. […]
Adult carpet beetles are often carried into houses on plants and flowers. Black furniture carpet beetles cause the most damage during the larval stage, and the first signs of an infestation are adult beetles on windowsills. Their larvae can be detected by irregular holes found in carpets, fabric, clothing, and furniture. Carpet beetles tend to […]
If you are looking to buy a new (older) home or investment property, then you need a pest inspection report of the property just for the peace of mind. Here in Delta, properties are at particular risk of carpenter ants, which can be highly damaging to structure of the building. If any structure is affected […]
Cat-scratch fever, typhus and the plague can all be transmitted by fleas. They inflict painful bites that can leave itchy welts that last for days and the scratching can easily lead to open wounds, sores and infection. Fleas are little parasitic hitchhikers that survive on their hosts’ blood. Flea bites on humans swell up because […]
The majority of pharaoh ant invasions occur during winter rainstorms and summer droughts. These ants are most likely to enter homes in cold, wet conditions, a typical winter in Delta. A smaller peak in the level of infestation occurs during hot, dry conditions typically in August and September. Ants invade kitchens and dining rooms […]
When considering the four legged wildlife we have in the Delta region, the animals (considered to be pests) that I encounter most are raccoons, skunks, squirrels and rats. Each has their distinct territories, life spans and unique social life characteristics. -Raccoon’s life expectancy in the wild is between 1 to 3 years. Territorial sizes vary […]
So what happens when an ant colony with only one queen dies of natural or unnatural causes? The queen produces a variety of pheromones giving directions to the workers. One of the pheromones suppresses the ovary development of the workers, hence they don’t lay eggs. The main purpose of the queen is to lay eggs […]
Between climate changes, new home construction, old abandoned homes and more people and trash- the rats are getting the upper hand. Old houses or rundown, abandoned properties are popular rat reservoirs of rats. When those buildings are demolished, there’s a rat exodus. Then they’ll try to colonize other homes in the neighborhood. Plus, warmer climate […]
There is a specific gene tied to deer mouse’s sperm speed, which one day might help a possible genetic influence on male fertility in humans. The deer mouse has a gene that makes its sperm faster and more virile then the field mouse. The reason is that there is an expanded midsection in the sperm’s tail […]
As Halloween approach, we are seeing more insects invade our homes as they get out of the weather. Some are small and terrible, sending adults and children into a screaming fit or nightmare. Here are a few: 1. Twisted-wing parasite larvae eat their mother. When the babies are ready to come out, they eat […]
The naked mole rats, found in African countries has evolved to feel pain differently, and are mainly unaffected by pain from carbonic acid. This troll like rodent is highly resistant to cancer can live 10-30 years longer than mice and rats. They are small, hairless, and virtually blind and live in colonies up to 300, tunneling […]
Many people confuse Springtails with fleas as they can great heights relative to the size of their bodies. These soil dwelling arthropods reside near food sources of dead, organic materials such as algae, fungi, and decaying matter, which may range from rotting vegetables to animal remains. Their furcula, which looks like a long clasp folding […]
Rodents use ultrasonic songs to claim territory and attract mates with high-pitched love songs. It has been discovered that mice and rats don’t use vibrating vocal folds in their larynx to make ultrasonic sounds but they do it in an unusually different way. Their singing method is similar to that of a jet […]
In Delta there are 3 common domestic or farmyard problematic rodents. These include the house mouse, Norway rat and the roof rat (black rat). Rats and mice are easy to detect and leave plenty of evidence. From chewing through a cereal box in your cupboards to feeding on fruit left on the counter, they can […]
The combination of fall rains and warmer weather has helped encourage the wasps and rat populations to flourish. The last several summers have been rather warm and dry which has changed the comings and goings of pest. The sudden abundance of food and water this late summer, early fall has meant an increase in many […]
The Stoat is a small mammal in the family which also includes weasels, mink, otters, ferret, badgers, and skunks. The Stoat is also known as the short-tailed weasel and they can live up to 7 years of age. Stoats have a long, tube-shaped body and neck, short legs and a lengthy tail. Stoats prefer lowland […]
Drugstore beetles are also known as the bread or biscuit beetle and look like the cigarette beetles. Years ago, Drugstore Beetles used to be major pest concern in pharmacies, feeding on herbs used in medicines. Omnivorous eaters, they mainly feeds on cereal, flour, breads, cookies, seeds, grains, pet foods, spices, red pepper, flour, almost any […]
As the weather cools and days lengthen, your attention may be turning to cleaning up the leaves and re-organizing the shed. It’s time to take inventory of all the pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. You should check the labels for expiry dates (to toss out) and take note of the all the chemicals with multiple formulations […]
In my travels controlling rodents and wildlife, I am often asked what diseases the particular animal I’m dealing with can harbor. In fact, the spread of a disease between animals and humans is called a zoonotic disease. Six out of ten diseases in humans are spread from animals. Zoonotic diseases can be caused by viruses, […]
The great horned owls are super predators. They are the single most successful predator on the planet Earth and can live as long as 28 years. Their talons are the dangerous thing, with five hundred pounds per square inch of pressure that they can exert on their prey; similar to a golden eagle, or to […]
Recent results show tumors in mice were shrunk to half the size in 2 weeks. There was huge success in mice from anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors and epidermal growth factor receptors. Statistically, sixty percent of people are detected in a late stage of the disease with a survival rate below 50 percent. This can change […]
Is it global warming, is it more space, is it better food, changing ecosystems, who knows but raccoons are moving north. They are as adaptable as any species of mammal and are very capable of using what’s available. Raccoons greatest strengths is its skill at finding and digesting a wide variety of food, from hunting and […]
As the winters become milder each year and construction continues to boom in Delta, there has been a vast increase in the rat population, some Delta residents say epic proportions and Delta’s dirty little secret. There is now a new(ish) method for getting rid of man’s oldest pest – rats; Dry ice is an apparent […]
Over the many years of experimenting with lab rats to help cure cancer and thousands of other research projects, rats have been subjected to alcohol. They have learned a lot about the consumption habits of these rodents. It is believed that rats do not get hangovers. It takes almost a thousand genes in rats DNA […]
“Voles are unique and best described as being a little bit like all the other rodents they are so commonly thought to be” stated by some wise guy. Voles are active day and night throughout the year, similar to squirrel behavior. Voles eat seeds, nuts, fruit, bark, bulbs, plants, insects and they will eat dead […]
Capybaras are the world’s largest rodents, which can grow to be about 150 pounds, they are friendly and once you get their scent glands removed, can be amorous pets. The capybaras kind of look like a gerbil on steroids and are herbivores, so they don’t see us as prey or predator. If you are interested […]
How do animals find their direction within their environment? Ground squirrels use information on the position of the sun when they hide and then return to retrieve their stash. The position of the sun serves as a reference point for the animals. Squirrels store their food reserves in several hiding places. Squirrels probably use the […]
Moles will attack your lawn and tunnel throughout it until it looks like a scene from a battle field in WW I. They are not necessarily dangerous, unless you capture one live then watch out for their teeth, they bite! Their submarine like bodies and potent front claws allow the moles to swim through dirt. […]
Although harmless to humans, crickets feed on food of both plants and insects, including other crickets. Crickets are nocturnal and therefore during the day they hide in dark, moist places avoiding predators. They can live in a variety of environments, including fields, trees, tunnels, sheds and even in your garbage. As the weather turns colder, […]
Maple, ash, oak, and pine you are not safe. Damage wooden furniture and wet or rotting wooden structures are the main target of this species of wood-boring insect. Unlike other wood damaging insects these critter leave behind a trail of fine wood sawdust. Although they are very strong flying pests, they are usually introduced to […]
In the war against weeds, the battle grounds have been lost and won by man since time started. Herbicides, pesticides, brushcutters and bobcats have been the go to solutions in recent history but now enter the latest weapon: the goat and sheep. Management of farms, woodlots, waterways or in thick vegetation where mechanized equipment cannot […]
I have received literally hundreds of calls about ants this year. Yards, houses and people’s lives have been attacked by these somewhat beneficial eusocial insects. Some yards have been invaded with not only hundreds but thousands of ants. I have seen driveways, pools, walkways and walls coated with ants. And to add insult to injury […]
If you listen to the radio at all, any station it seems, one of my pest control competitors has been advertising ad nauseam about preparing for the rodent invasion. Although we have several weeks of summer left, as the days grow shorter the four legged animals from mice to raccoons know that they need to […]
Rats can follow wind and other airflows with just a sniff and a tic of their whiskers. New research helps explain how the rodents can do everything from find food to predict weather. The term whisking is a phenomenon used with regards to tracking wind flow. Whisking is when whiskered animal moves its facial whiskers […]
Health Canada is advising Canadians to not use malathion products older than one year due to chemical changes in the product over time. Malathion kills insects by preventing their nervous system from working properly. Malathion is effective in killing mosquitoes, aphids, loopers, moths, beetles, leaf bugs and other pests. Alarmingly, when stored at elevated temperatures […]
These insects have leaf-like enlargements found on their hind legs. The pests feed on tomatoes, numerous nuts, citrus fruits, and ornamental trees and shrubs. Leaf-footed bugs can also damage crops as they feed. If you are a gardener, may notice withered, warped, or emaciated seeds where the Leaf-footed bugs feed. These insects can also damage […]
Like other flies, hump-backed (Phorid) flies have the capacity to transport diseases. The adult females lay their eggs in or on decaying organic materials, such as animal feces or carcasses, sewage, rotting food and plants, and the layers of scum that build up on the sides of drains. Because they breed in corpses (from rats […]
Two rat mating couples can, over an 8 to 12 month life span, generate 15 million descendants. The mating couple guards their territory from neighboring tribes who would invade if there were a sudden drop in population, the cause of poison’s rebound effect. A new birth control for rodents, particularly rats, could soon be available. […]
Why do they call them odorous ants? Crush one and you can smell an off citrus smell. Ladner and Tsawwassen seem to be pledged by these very opportunistic ants, they can live in a variety of nesting sites, moving constantly to avoid detection and unfavorable habitat. I find them in huge super colonies (100,000 ants) […]
It is true that wasps are beneficial since they do pollinate, although less than their furry cousins the bees do. Wasps also help gardeners because they capture garden pests, including caterpillars, maggots and larvae of other insects. Their prey is returned to the nest in large or small portions, chewed and fed to the larva, particularly in the […]
