Bug Blog
Spider Farming For Pest Control
- Species selection: Different species of spiders have varying prey preferences and hunting behaviors. Farmers would select species that are known to prey on the target pests in their specific environment. Common pest-eating spider species include jumping spiders, wolf spiders, orb-weavers, and cellar spiders.
- Habitat management: Spider farms would need to provide suitable habitats for the spiders to thrive. This includes providing appropriate shelter, humidity levels, temperature, and access to prey. Farms might utilize specially designed enclosures or natural environments that mimic the spiders’ natural habitats.
- Feeding and maintenance: Spiders would need to be regularly fed and cared for to maintain healthy populations. This might involve providing a steady supply of live prey, such as insects or other small arthropods. Farmers would also need to monitor the health and behavior of the spiders and address any issues that arise.
- Release strategies: Depending on the scale and target of pest control efforts, farmed spiders could be released directly into agricultural fields, greenhouses, or other areas where pest populations are a problem. Alternatively, spiders could be used in conjunction with other pest control methods, such as integrated pest management (IPM), where they complement existing practices rather than serving as the sole means of pest control.
- Monitoring and evaluation: Farmers would need to monitor the effectiveness of spider populations in controlling pest populations. This might involve regular surveys of pest populations, as well as assessing the health and abundance of spider populations. Adjustments to farming practices may be necessary based on the results of monitoring efforts.
Benefits of spider farming for pest control include:
- Reduced reliance on chemical pesticides, which can have negative environmental and health impacts.
- Targeted control of specific pest species, minimizing damage to crops and reducing the risk of pesticide resistance.
- Promotion of biodiversity by supporting natural predator-prey relationships.
- Potential cost savings for farmers compared to traditional pest control methods.
Overall, while spider farming for pest control shows promise as a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to pest management, further research and development are needed to optimize farming practices and address potential challenges.
Why Seeing Ants In Your Home In The Winter Could Mean
Carpenter ants typically become more active in the spring and summer months when the weather is warmer. However, there could be several reasons why you’re observing carpenter ants in January:
- Mild Winter Weather: If the winter temperatures are unusually mild, it could trigger early ant activity. Carpenter ants are more active in warmer conditions.
- Indoor Nests: Carpenter ants might have established nests inside structures, such as homes, where the temperature is more stable. This allows them to be active even during colder months.
- Seeking Food: If there is a food source available, carpenter ants may become active earlier. They could be foraging for food within your home or nearby.
- Colony Growth: Large colonies of carpenter ants may have matured and grown to a size where some individuals are active year-round.
If you are concerned about carpenter ants in your home, it’s advisable to inspect for potential nesting sites and address any conditions that may be attracting them. If the issue persists, consulting with Go Green Pest Control to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
Small Flying Sugar Ants
Small flying sugar ants are likely referring to a species of ants commonly known as sugar ants or flying ants. It’s important to note that “sugar ant” is a general term that people use for various ant species, and the appearance and behavior can vary.
If you’re dealing with small flying ants in your home, they could be winged reproductive ants, also known as swarmers. These ants are usually looking to establish new colonies, especially during certain times of the year.
To manage small flying sugar ants, consider the following tips:
Identify the Species: Knowing the specific ant species can help you understand their behavior and tailor your control methods accordingly.
Cleanliness: Keep your living space clean, especially in areas where food is stored or prepared. This can help reduce the attractiveness of your home to ants.
Seal Entry Points: Make sure to seal any cracks or openings in doors, windows, and walls to prevent ants from entering your home.
Remove Food Sources: Store food in airtight containers, clean up crumbs promptly, and avoid leaving open food containers around.
Natural Repellents: Some natural substances, such as cinnamon, vinegar, or lemon, can act as ant repellents. Sprinkle these around entry points or areas where ants are seen.
Professional Help: If the infestation persists, consider seeking help from Go Green Pest Control for more targeted solutions.
Remember that effective ant control may require a combination of these methods.
Why are Skunks in your Yard ! ? !
- Food Sources:
- Garbage: Ensure that your garbage cans are tightly sealed, as skunks are attracted to food scraps.
- Pet Food: If you have outdoor pets, don’t leave their food bowls outside overnight.
- Gardens and Lawns:
- Grubs: Skunks feed on insects, especially grubs. If you have a lawn, treat it for grubs to reduce their presence.
- Shelter:
- Under Decks or Porches: Skunks often seek shelter under decks or porches. Seal off these areas to prevent access.
- Secure Structures:
- Fencing: Install a fence around your property to keep skunks out. Make sure it extends below the ground to prevent them from digging underneath.
- Natural Repellents:
- Citrus Peels: Skunks dislike the smell of citrus. Placing citrus peels in your yard may deter them.
- Ammonia: Soak rags in ammonia and place them in areas where skunks frequent. However, be cautious as ammonia has a strong odor.
- Motion-Activated Lights or Sprinklers:
- Skunks are nocturnal, and they often prefer dark areas. Installing motion-activated lights or sprinklers can startle them and discourage their presence.
- Professional Assistance:
- If the skunk problem persists, consider contacting Go Green Pest Control 778-886-4111
Do You Hear Rodents in the Walls, Attic or Crawlspace?
If you suspect there is a rodent in your wall, attic or crawlspace, there are several steps you can take to address the issue:
- Listen for Sounds: Try to listen for any scratching or scurrying sounds coming from the wall. Rats are often active at night, so you might hear them more clearly during the evening. Squirrels are active during day light and mice are active all day long.
- Inspect for Entry Points: Look for any openings or cracks in and around your home, especially near the suspected wall. Rodents can enter through small gaps, so sealing these entry points can prevent further infestation.
- Set Traps: Consider setting traps to catch the rodent. There are various types of traps available, including snap traps, live traps, and electronic traps. Place them in areas where you suspect rodent activity.
- Use Bait: Bait the traps with appropriate food, such as peanut butter. This can attract the rodent to the trap.
- Consult Go Green Pest Control 778-886-4111
- Clean and Sanitize: Rodents can leave behind droppings and urine, which may pose health risks. Clean and sanitize the affected areas to reduce the chances of disease transmission.
- Prevent Future Infestations: Take measures to prevent future rodent infestations by keeping food stored in sealed containers, maintaining a clean living environment, and addressing any potential entry points.
Remember, if you’re unsure about how to handle the situation, seeking the help of Go Green Pest Control 778-886-4111 service is a prudent step.
Raccoons, Skunks and Crows TEARING up your Lawn
Raccoons, skunks and crows can be a nuisance when they start digging up lawns. They usually do this in search of grubs. Thankfully, there are several methods you can try to deter them from tearing up your lawn. Here are some effective solutions:
- Make it difficult for them to dig: They won’t waste a lot of effort digging if it’s difficult for them. Consider installing a chain-link fence or laying netting over the area they are prone to dig. This makes it harder for them to access the soil.
- Apply nematodes: Nematodes are natural predators of grubs, which are a common food source for them. Apply nematodes to your lawn in late summer or early fall when the grub larvae are young and vulnerable. This can help reduce their food source and discourage them from digging.
- Keep the soil wet: They prefer to dig in dry soil, so keeping the soil wet can make it less attractive to them. Water your lawn regularly, especially in areas where they frequently dig.
- Use cayenne pepper: Sprinkle cayenne pepper around the areas where raccoons typically dig or mix it with water to create a spray. However, note that this method may be hit or miss and may need to be reapplied regularly.
- Unroll chicken wire: If your lawn is small enough, unrolling chicken wire over the areas where raccoons dig can frustrate them. Be sure to move the wire every few days so it doesn’t become embedded in the lawn.
- Motion-activated sprinklers: Consider installing motion-activated sprinklers, such as “the scarecrow,” in your yard. These sprinklers can startle raccoons when they approach and deter them from digging.
- Develop a healthy lawn: Maintaining a healthy lawn with strong roots can make it more difficult for raccoons to dig. Focus on proper lawn care practices, such as fertilizing, aerating, and over-seeding, to promote a healthy, well-rooted lawn.
Remember, these animals are smart and stubborn, so it may take a combination of these methods to successfully deter them from digging up your lawn. It’s also important to note that prevention is key. By addressing the underlying issue of grubs and maintaining a well-kept lawn, you can reduce the likelihood of them being attracted to your yard.
Rats in Your Garage !!!
If you have rats in your garage, it’s essential to address the issue promptly to prevent potential damage and health concerns. Here are some steps you can take:
- Identify Entry Points:
- Inspect your garage for any openings or gaps that rats could use to enter. Seal these openings with materials like steel wool or caulk. Although, the rat may have snuck in while the garage door was opened.
- Remove Attractants:
- Keep food sources sealed in airtight containers. This includes, grass seeds, bulbs and even fertilizer.
- Remove any standing water, or any water in plastic bottles, as rats need water almost daily to survive.
- Set Traps:
- Place rat traps in strategic locations. Use bait like peanut butter or dried fruit.
- Consider humane traps if you prefer catch-and-release methods.
- Use Rodenticides:
- If traps alone aren’t effective, you may use rodenticides, although retail rodenticides are now not available, only horn husks. Follow instructions carefully and place them in areas inaccessible to pets and children.
- Clean and Organize:
- Declutter your garage to eliminate potential hiding spots.
- Regularly clean up any food crumbs or spills.
- Professional Help:
- If the infestation persists, consider hiring a Go Green Pest Control service to assess and address the issue.
Remember to take precautions when handling traps or rodenticides, and prioritize methods that are safe for both humans and pets. Regular maintenance and vigilance will help prevent future infestations.
Rats under your hot tub?
- Identify Entry Points:
- Inspect the area around your hot tub for potential entry points. Rats can squeeze through small openings, so check for gaps or holes in the structure.
- Seal Entry Points:
- Once you identify entry points, seal them with materials that rats cannot easily chew through. Steel wool, wire mesh, or expanding foam can be effective.
- Remove Attractants:
- Ensure there is no readily available food source around the hot tub area. Secure garbage cans, clean up any spilled food, and avoid leaving pet food outside.
- Trim Vegetation:
- Trim back any overgrown vegetation around the hot tub. Rats may use dense vegetation as cover and a pathway to reach the area.
- Use Traps:
- Set traps strategically around the hot tub. Snap traps or live traps can be effective.
- Consider Natural Deterrents:
- Some natural repellents, such as peppermint oil or ammonia, may deter rats. Soak cotton balls in these substances and place them near entry points.
- Professional Help:
- If the problem persists, consider using Go Green Pest Control services. We can assess the situation, identify the root cause, and implement effective measures.
- Maintain the Hot Tub:
- Regularly clean and maintain your hot tub to remove any potential nesting materials or attractants. Rats may be attracted to warm, sheltered spaces.
Remember, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly, as rats can carry diseases and cause damage to property. If you’re unsure about how to proceed, or if the problem persists despite your efforts, consulting with a pest control professional is advisable.
Moles in your lawn?
- Castor Oil:
- Mix castor oil with dish soap and water.
- Spray the mixture on your lawn. The smell and taste will deter moles.
- Mole Repellents:
- There are commercial mole repellents available. These products often contain ingredients that create unpleasant odors or flavors for moles.
- Grub Control:
- Since moles feed on insects, reducing the insect population in your lawn may discourage them.
- Use nematodes to control grubs.
- Flooding:
- Moles dislike wet environments. Flooding their tunnels may encourage them to leave.
- However, this method may not be practical for large lawns and could harm the grass.
- Traps:
- Mole traps can be effective, but they require proper placement and careful handling.
- Natural Predators:
- Encourage natural predators like owls, snakes, and domestic pets to help control the mole population.
- Vibrating Stakes:
- Some products emit vibrations into the ground, simulating larger animals or machinery. This can deter moles but is generally a waste of money.
- Professional Assistance:
- If the mole infestation is severe or persistent, consider help from Go Green Pest Control.
When do the wasp nest die-out for the year?
The lifecycle of a wasp nest typically follows a seasonal pattern. In Delta and similar regions with temperate climates, wasp nests often start to decline in the late summer and fall. As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, the production of new workers decreases, and the focus shifts to producing new queens and males for the next generation.
By late summer or early fall, the worker wasps are no longer bringing in as much food, and the activity around the nest diminishes. As winter approaches, the colony declines further, and the workers, males, and old queens die off. The newly mated queens seek shelter to hibernate through the winter. By the time winter is in full swing, the wasp colony is effectively “dead” as the workers and males have died, and the queens are in hibernation. The old nest is usually abandoned, and you are less likely to encounter active wasp nests during the winter months.
It’s important to note that the timing can vary depending on the specific species of wasp and local environmental conditions. If you’re dealing with a wasp nest on your property, it’s generally safer to address it in the early spring or late fall when the colony is less active. It’s worth noting that wasp colonies are seasonal, and the lifespan of individual wasps within the colony is relatively short. However, the colony as a whole may persist for a few months, depending on environmental conditions and available food sources.
