Bug Blog

Why are rats so disgusting? Easy, humans associate rats with illnesses, dirty environments and taboos

The perception of rats as “disgusting” is subjective and can vary from person to person. There are several reasons why some people might find rats unappealing:

  1. Disease Transmission: Rats are known to carry and transmit diseases such as leptospirosis, hantavirus, and salmonellosis, which can be a health concern for humans.
    1. Leptospirosis: This bacterial disease can be transmitted to humans through contact with rat urine. It can lead to symptoms such as fever, headache, and muscle aches.
    2. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS): Hantaviruses are transmitted through the inhalation of aerosolized rat droppings, urine, or saliva. HPS can lead to severe respiratory symptoms.
    3. Salmonellosis: Rats can carry Salmonella bacteria and transmit it to humans through contact with contaminated food or surfaces. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
    4. Rat-Bite Fever: This disease can be contracted through bites or scratches from infected rats. It can cause flu-like symptoms, joint pain, and skin rashes.
    5. Plague: Although rare, rats can harbor fleas that carry the bacteria responsible for the bubonic plague. Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and weakness.
    6. Rat Ringworm: Fungal infections like ringworm can be transmitted from rats to humans through direct contact. It causes itchy skin rashes.
    7. Tularemia: While more commonly associated with rodents like rabbits, rats can carry the bacterium Francisella tularensis, which can cause symptoms like fever, swollen lymph nodes, and ulcers.
  2. Filth and Infestations: Rats are often associated with unsanitary conditions and infestations, particularly in urban areas. Their presence can lead to property damage and contamination.
  3. Fear and Phobia: Some individuals have a fear or phobia of rodents, which can contribute to a negative perception of rats.
  4. Appearance: Rats are often depicted as having long tails, sharp teeth, and a reputation for rummaging through garbage. These physical characteristics can be off-putting to some people.

It’s important to note that not everyone finds rats disgusting, and there are even those who keep pet rats as companions. Rats are intelligent creatures and have been used as service animals. People’s perceptions of rats can vary widely, influenced by their experiences and cultural beliefs.

Sugar Ants in Your House – How dare they !!

If you’re dealing with sugar ants in your house, you’ll want to take steps to eliminate them. Here are some tips and ultimately the only real solution to help you with this common pest problem:

  1. Professional Pest Control: If the infestation is severe and the home remedies suggested below aren’t working, consider contacting Go Green Pest Control Corp. for a more comprehensive solution.
  2. So first, try to identify the Ants, use google lens to take a picture: Make sure you’re dealing with sugar ants and not another type of ant. Sugar ants are small, usually brown or black, and attracted to any food that hits the floor.
  3. Locate the Source: Try to find where the ants are coming from. Look for their entry points into your house. Common entry points include the foundation of your house, cracks in walls, windows, and doors. Although we mention these they rarely work.
  4. Remove Food Attractants: Sugar ants are attracted to proteins and carbohydrates : sugary substances and food crumbs. Keep your kitchen and eating areas clean, store food in airtight containers, and wipe up spills promptly. Although we mention these they rarely work.
  5. Try  Natural Repellents: There are several natural repellents that you’ll find on google that you can use to deter sugar ants, such as vinegar, lemon juice, or cinnamon etc ….. These can be applied to ant-prone areas. Although we mention these they rarely work.
  6. Set Traps: Use ant traps or make your own using a mixture of borax and sugar. The ants will take the bait back to their colony, wishfully eradicating them. Although we mention these they rarely work.
  7. Seal Entry Points: Use caulk or other sealants to block the entry points the ants are using to get inside. Ants are small and this is again is a wish and a prayer attempt. Although we mention these they rarely work.

Remember that consistency is key when dealing with sugar ants. If home remedies aren’t working, consider contacting Go Green Pest Control Corp.  for a more comprehensive solution.

Halloween pests

When it comes to Halloween, people often look for ways to create a spooky and creepy atmosphere. While there are real “Halloween pests” in the traditional sense, you can create a scary ambiance using various decorations and props. Here are some real spooky Halloween pests:

    1. Spiders: Many people are afraid of spiders, especially larger or venomous species like tarantulas and black widows.
    2. Snakes: Venomous snakes, in particular, can be terrifying due to the potential for a deadly bite.
    3. Bedbugs: While they may not look scary, the idea of tiny insects feeding on you while you sleep can be psychologically distressing.
    4. Cockroaches: Cockroaches are often associated with filth and can be frightening to some people.
    5. Rats and Mice: These pests can carry diseases and are often associated with unsanitary conditions.
    6. Wasps and Hornets: These flying insects can deliver painful stings, and some people are highly allergic to their venom.
    7. Centipedes: With their numerous legs and fast movements, centipedes can be unnerving.
    8. Ticks: Ticks can transmit diseases, and the idea of a blood-sucking parasite can be scary.
    9. Bats: While not typically harmful, bats can be frightening due to their association with vampires and potential for disease transmission.

Whether you’re aiming for a family-friendly atmosphere or a truly spine-chilling experience, these ideas can help you create a Halloween ambiance that suits your preferences.

Mice – Rats and Colo Colo – a giant malevolent rat creature.

Pests, including mice, rats and the Colo, can be a common nuisance in many households. If you’re dealing with a pest issue, it’s essential to take appropriate measures to address it. Here’s some information on dealing with these pests:

  1. Mice and Rats and the Colo:
    • Identification: Mice are small rodents with long tails and large ears, while rats are larger and have a more robust appearance.
    • Prevention: To prevent infestations, seal cracks and holes in your home, store food in airtight containers, and maintain a clean environment.
    • Traps and Baits: You can use snap traps, glue traps, or live traps to catch mice and rats. Bait them with food like peanut butter or cheese.
    • Professional Pest Control: If the problem persists, consider contacting Go Green Pest Control
    • Colo Colo, the Giant Malevolent Rat Creature: 
    • It seems that “Colo Colo” is both a real-life pest and a fictional or mythological creature.  The Colo Colo or Colocolo is an evil rat-like creature from Mapuche. The marsupial monito del monte is sometimes called “colocolo” due to its similarity with the mythical beast. The Colo Colo’s aspects differ slightly according to which zone of Chile. In Mapuche the Colo Colo has a serpent form with legs, similar to a long rat. Whereas in the south of Chile, the Huilliche culture represents them as a long mouse with the head similar to a head of a rooster.
      The Colo Colo are born from an egg that was incubated by a “rooster”. Commonly living in the corners or cracks of houses; the malignant creature would be identified as living in the home by listening for an animal that cries like a new born baby.

Pest Control and Hoarders

Pest control and hoarding (covetous) can be interconnected issues, as hoarding can create an environment conducive to pest infestations. Addressing both hoarding and pest control issues requires a comprehensive and empathetic approach to help individuals improve their living conditions and overall well-being.

  1. Understanding Hoarding: Hoarding is a mental health disorder characterized by the excessive accumulation of items, even if they have little or no value. Hoarders often struggle to discard possessions, leading to clutter and disorganization in their living spaces.
  2. Pest Infestations in Hoarded Homes: Hoarded homes can provide ideal conditions for pest infestations. Clutter offers hiding places for pests, while the accumulation of food waste and debris can attract insects and rodents. Common pests in hoarded environments include cockroaches, rats, mice, and bedbugs.
  3. Challenges of Pest Control in Hoarded Homes: Pest control in hoarded environments can be challenging due to the clutter, limited access to affected areas, and the need to address the underlying hoarding issue. Pest control professionals may need to work closely with mental health experts to ensure a comprehensive solution.
  4. Steps to Address Both Issues: To effectively deal with pest control and hoarding simultaneously, consider these steps:
    • Seek help from mental health professionals to address the hoarding behavior.
    • Declutter the home to eliminate hiding spots for pests.
    • Implement pest control measures, such as sealing entry points, traps, and pesticide treatments.
    • Maintain regular cleaning and organization to prevent future infestations.
  5. Legal and Ethical Considerations: When dealing with hoarding situations, it’s essential to be sensitive to the individual’s rights and privacy. In some cases, legal and ethical considerations may come into play, such as involving adult protective services or following local regulations regarding hoarding cleanup.
  6. Professional Assistance: For individuals dealing with both hoarding and pest control issues, it’s crucial to consult with professionals who specialize in these areas. Reach out to local mental health services for hoarding disorder treatment and experienced pest control companies for infestation management.

What nasty pests arrive in the fall  

There are several types of pests that can become more problematic during the fall season. Some of these pests include:

Stink Bugs: Stink bugs are known to gather in large numbers during the fall as they search for shelter to overwinter. They can become a nuisance as they invade homes and emit a foul odor when disturbed.

Cluster Flies: Similar to stink bugs, cluster flies also seek shelter indoors during the cooler months. They congregate in large numbers, often around windows and other entry points.

Spiders: While spiders are present throughout the year, some species tend to become more noticeable in the fall as they seek warmth and shelter indoors.

Rodents: Rats and mice are known to enter buildings in search of food and warmth as temperatures drop. They can carry diseases and cause damage to structures.

Yellow Jackets: Yellow jackets and other wasp species can become more aggressive in the fall as they scavenge for food before winter. Their nests may also be more noticeable during this time.

Fleas: Fleas can be more active during the fall as they seek warmth from hosts. Pets that spend time outdoors can easily pick up fleas, which can then infest homes.

Boxelder Bugs: These bugs are known to gather in large numbers on the sides of buildings and other structures during the fall. While they don’t pose a significant threat, their presence can be a nuisance.

Asian Lady Beetles: These beetles seek shelter indoors during the fall and can congregate in large numbers on the sides of buildings. They can emit a strong odor and may stain surfaces if crushed.

Cockroaches: Certain species of cockroaches can become more active indoors during the fall as they search for food and water sources.

To manage these pests, it’s important to take preventive measures such as sealing cracks and gaps in buildings, cleaning up food sources, and maintaining good sanitation practices. If pest infestations become significant, it’s advisable to call us at Go Green Pest Control @ 778-886-4111 to effectively address the issue.

Why do Wasps and Hornets Sting so often?

Wasps are known for their ability to sting multiple times, unlike honeybees that can only sting once. This is primarily due to differences in their stingers and venom sacs.

  1. Stinger Structure: Wasps have smooth stingers that are not barbed like those of honeybees. When a wasp stings, its stinger can easily penetrate the skin and is not pulled out when the wasp flies away.
  2. Venom Sac: Wasps have a smaller venom sac compared to honeybees. When a honeybee stings, its barbed stinger gets stuck in the skin, and when it tries to fly away, the stinger and attached venom sac are torn from its body. This damages the honeybee and ultimately leads to its death.
  3. Self-Preservation: Wasps can sting multiple times without dying. They use their stingers primarily for defense and hunting. Unlike honeybees, wasps are not as likely to die after stinging, which allows them to protect their colony and capture prey more effectively.
  4. Social Structure: Many wasp species are solitary and don’t have a colony to defend. For those that do live in colonies, like yellow jackets and paper wasps, stinging multiple times helps them defend their nests and protect their young.

It’s important to note that while wasp stings can be painful and cause allergic reactions in some individuals, wasps generally sting humans as a defensive response when they feel threatened. It’s best to avoid disturbing wasp nests and take precautions to prevent encounters to minimize the risk of getting stung.

The wrong way of controlling HORNETS

tempting to remove these pests without proper knowledge and equipment can be dangerous and may lead to stings or other unwanted consequences. For your safety, it’s advisable to consult with us at Go Green Pest Control 778-886-4111 to handle hornet and wasp infestations. Here are some wrong methods that people might attempt:

  1. Burning their nests: Setting fire to hornet or wasp nests can be extremely hazardous. It can cause the nest to explode, releasing a swarm of angry insects that may attack you and others nearby.
  2. Using water hoses: Attempting to spray the nest with a high-pressure water hose might agitate the insects and cause them to defend their colony aggressively.
  3. Swatting or hitting the nest: Physically attacking the nest with a broom, stick, or any object can provoke the hornets or wasps to attack you in self-defense.
  4. Using gasoline or chemicals: Pouring gasoline, diesel fuel, or other harmful chemicals on the nest is not only dangerous but can also contaminate the area and harm the environment.
  5. DIY traps without safety precautions: Creating DIY traps without proper safety measures can lead to accidental stings and worsen the situation.
  6. Covering the nest with objects: Trying to block the entrance of the nest with rocks, mud, or any other object may not be effective and could lead to the insects finding alternative ways to escape.

Remember, hornets and wasps serve important roles in the ecosystem, so it’s always best to consider non-lethal and eco-friendly methods of dealing with them. If you encounter a hornet or wasp problem, it’s best to contact Go Green Pest Control 778-886-4111 to ensure the safe and effective removal of the nest.

Wasp – Hornet Nests

By Randy Bilesky BSF CPA RPF

Wasp and hornet nests can be found in various locations, including residential areas, gardens, parks, and forests. Wasps are commonly encountered during the spring and summer months when their populations are at their peak.

If you have a wasp nest on your property or in a location that poses a risk or inconvenience, it’s important to handle it carefully. Here are a few suggestions on how to deal with wasp nests in BC:

  1. Identify the nest: Locate the wasp nest on your property. Common places for wasp nests include eaves, trees, bushes, or even underground burrows.
  2. Assess the risk: Determine if the wasp nest poses a threat to human safety or property. If it’s located in an area where people frequently pass by or if someone in your household is allergic to wasp stings, it’s best to seek professional assistance.
  3. Consult Go Green Pest Control 778-886-4111: If the nest is large, hard to reach, or if you’re unsure about handling it yourself, it’s recommended to contact us. We have the knowledge, experience, and proper protective gear to remove the nest safely.
  4. DIY methods: If you decide to tackle the nest yourself, make sure to take precautions. Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, pants, gloves, and a veil or hat. Use an insecticidal spray specifically labeled for wasp control, following the instructions carefully. Do this during nighttime when wasps are less active and most of them are in the nest.
  5. Prevent future nests: After removing a wasp nest, take preventive measures to minimize future infestations. Seal off potential entry points, such as cracks or holes in walls, and keep garbage cans tightly sealed.

Remember, it’s essential to exercise caution when dealing with wasp nests, as disturbing them can lead to defensive behavior and potential stings. If you’re uncertain or concerned about your safety, it’s best to consult us at Go Green Pest Control 778-886-4111

Go Green Pest Control – Who we are!!

Go Green Pest Control & Exterminators is a company that specializes in environmentally-friendly pest control services. As an eco-conscious pest control company, Go Green Pest Control & Exterminators employs sustainable and non-toxic methods to effectively manage and eliminate pests while minimizing harm to the environment and human health.

Services provided by Go Green Pest Control & Exterminators include:

  1. Integrated Pest Management (IPM): This approach focuses on pest prevention and uses a combination of techniques such as inspection, exclusion, habitat modification, and targeted treatments to control pests with minimal impact on the environment.
  2. Non-toxic Treatments: Instead of relying entirely on traditional chemical pesticides, Go Green Pest Control & Exterminators utilizes natural and organic pest control products that are safe for people, pets, and the environment. These products may include botanical sprays, biopesticides, and eco-friendly traps.
  3. Pest Identification and Assessment: The company’s trained technicians can identify and assess the extent of pest infestations in residential or commercial properties. They will determine the best course of action based on the specific pest species and the severity of the problem.
  4. Exclusion and Pest-Proofing: Go Green Pest Control & Exterminators can help seal off entry points and vulnerable areas of your property to prevent pests from gaining access. This proactive approach helps reduce the likelihood of future infestations.
  5. Wildlife Management: In addition to pest control, we also offer humane wildlife management services. This can include the removal and relocation of wildlife such as raccoons, skunks and squirrels that may have entered your property.
  6. Ongoing Maintenance and Monitoring: To ensure long-term pest control, Go Green Pest Control & Exterminators provides regular inspections and monitoring services to detect and address any new pest issues before they escalate.