Yearly Archive May 18, 2023

The dislike or fear of rats is a common sentiment found in many cultures around the world. There are several reasons why humans tend to have a negative perception of rats:

1. Disease Transmission: Rats are known to carry and transmit various diseases, including plague, leptospirosis, and salmonellosis. These diseases can be harmful or even fatal to humans, which has contributed to the negative image of rats.
2. Property Damage: Rats have a tendency to gnaw on objects, including electrical wires, pipes, and furniture. Their constant chewing behavior can cause significant damage to homes, buildings, and infrastructure. This property destruction can be costly and frustrating for people.
3. Filth and Unsanitary Conditions: Rats are associated with unclean environments and are often found in places with poor sanitation. They can contaminate food supplies, water sources, and living areas with their urine, feces, and hair. This association with dirtiness and unsanitary conditions contributes to the negative perception of rats.
4. Urban Pests: Rats are commonly found in urban areas, particularly in densely populated cities. They thrive in human settlements due to the abundance of food and shelter available. Their presence in close proximity to humans can be unsettling and lead to a negative perception.
5. Cultural and Historical Influences: Throughout history, rats have been associated with negative symbolism. In many cultures, they have been linked to death, destruction, and disease. These cultural associations have contributed to the negative connotations surrounding rats.

It’s important to note that not everyone dislikes rats, and some people even keep them as pets. However, the reasons mentioned above are some of the common factors that have shaped the general perception of rats in society.

A rat and a muskrat are two distinct species of rodents with some notable differences. Here’s a comparison between the two:

Physical Appearance:

• Rats (Rattus spp.): Rats are small to medium-sized rodents with long tails, pointed snouts, and large ears. They come in various colors, including brown, gray, black, and white. Rats have a sleeker body shape compared to muskrats.
• Muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus): Muskrats are medium-sized rodents with stout bodies, rounded heads, and small ears. They have dense, waterproof fur that is typically brown in color. Muskrats have a more robust and beaver-like appearance.

Habitat:

• Rats: Rats are highly adaptable and can be found in various habitats worldwide, including urban areas, forests, and fields. They often live in burrows or nest in buildings, attics, and sewers.
• Muskrats: Muskrats are semi-aquatic rodents that inhabit wetlands such as marshes, ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. They are excellent swimmers and build dome-shaped lodges using vegetation, sticks, and mud.

Behavior:

• Rats: Rats are generally social animals that live in colonies. They are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night. Rats are known for their ability to climb, jump, and squeeze through small openings.
• Muskrats: Muskrats are primarily solitary creatures, although they may form small family groups. They are well adapted to an aquatic lifestyle, spending much of their time in the water. Muskrats are also primarily nocturnal.

Diet:

• Rats: Rats are omnivorous and have a diverse diet. They consume grains, fruits, vegetables, seeds, insects, small animals, and even garbage. Rats are known to be opportunistic and will eat almost anything they can find.
• Muskrats: Muskrats are herbivores and mainly feed on aquatic vegetation like cattails, bulrushes, and other aquatic plants. They may also consume some small invertebrates and mussels.

Importance and Impact:

• Rats: Rats can be considered pests in urban areas due to their ability to damage property, contaminate food, and transmit diseases. However, they also play important ecological roles and are used in scientific research.
• Muskrats: Muskrats are ecologically significant as they modify wetland habitats through their feeding and construction activities. They can help maintain wetland health and diversity. Their fur has also been historically used in the fur trade.

In summary, while both rats and muskrats belong to the rodent family, they have distinct physical features, habitats, behaviors, and diets. Rats are adaptable and found in various environments, while muskrats are semi-aquatic and live in wetland habitats.

The sugar ant, scientifically known as Monomorium minimum, is a species of ant that is commonly found in various parts of the lower mainland.  Sugar ants are small in size, typically measuring about 1.5 to 2.5 mm in length. They have a dark brown to black coloration, making them easily distinguishable. These ants prefer to build their nests indoors particularly seeking out sweets and other food sources. The sugar ants are omnivorous, meaning they consume a wide range of food. They are particularly attracted to sugary substances, such as nectar, honeydew, and sweet foods. They also feed on dead insects, plant material, and occasionally protein-based food sources.

Sugar ants are known for their organized foraging patterns, forming well-defined trails between their nests and food sources. They communicate using chemical signals called pheromones. These ants are not aggressive towards humans and are generally considered to be nuisance pests rather than harmful yet they do bite if they have something to push against.

Sugar ants live in colonies that can consist of thousands of individual ants. Each colony has a queen who lays eggs and is responsible for the reproduction of the colony. The worker ants, which are sterile females, gather food, maintain the nest, and care for the brood.

When the queen and her colony is disturbed by ant bait stations or other retail purchased ant poisons the queen ant and a small group of worker ants leave, this is called “budding” the parent colony and establish a new satellite colony nearby. This process can also occur for various other reasons, including the following:

When the parent colony becomes overcrowded and resources become limited, budding allows for the expansion of the ant population by creating new colonies.

Budding helps ants to exploit new resource-rich areas. By establishing satellite colonies, ants can access different food sources, nesting sites, or expand their foraging range.

Satellite colonies can act as insurance against potential threats or risks to the parent colony. If the parent colony is attacked, faces environmental challenges, or experiences disease outbreaks, the satellite colonies increase the chances of survival for the ant species.

Budding allows ants to claim and occupy new territories, increasing their overall presence and dominance in a particular area.

It’s important to note that not all ant species engage in colony budding, and the specific mechanisms and frequency of budding can vary among species. Additionally, budding is just one method of colony propagation among several other strategies employed by ants for reproduction and survival.

If sugar ants become a problem in your home, it’s best to focus on eliminating their food sources and sealing off potential entry points. Keep food stored in airtight containers, clean up spills promptly, and maintain a clean living environment. If the infestation persists, don’t buy retail ant solutions, as you will be wasting your money, as they will not work in the long term, contact us at Go Green Pest Control.  

Ticks are small, blood-sucking arachnids that belong to the order Ixodida. They are external parasites that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, reptiles, and sometimes amphibians. Ticks are known for transmitting various diseases to humans and animals, making them a concern for health and veterinary professionals.

Here’s everything you need to know about ticks:

1. Tick Anatomy: Ticks have a distinctive body structure. They have a tough outer shell called the exoskeleton, which protects their internal organs. Ticks have four pairs of legs as adults, while the larvae and nymphs have six legs. Their mouthparts are designed for piercing the skin and sucking blood.
2. Life Cycle: Ticks go through four stages in their life cycle: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. They require blood meals at each stage to progress to the next. Depending on the species, the life cycle can range from a few months to several years.
3. Habitat: Ticks can be found in a variety of habitats, including grassy areas, forests, shrubs, and even urban environments. They prefer humid environments and are most active during warm months.
4. Feeding Behavior: Ticks are hematophagous, meaning they feed on the blood of their hosts. They detect potential hosts by sensing vibrations, heat, and carbon dioxide. Once a host is located, ticks climb onto the host’s body and attach themselves to the skin. They then insert their mouthparts into the skin and begin feeding.
5. Diseases: Ticks are notorious for transmitting diseases to humans and animals. Some common tick-borne diseases include Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii. Other diseases include babesiosis, anaplasmosis, e

Retail  products, which are typically environmentally friendly and non-toxic, can be effective at controlling many types of pests. However, they may not always be effective at controlling ants, particularly carpenter ants. There are a few reasons for this:

1. Ants are highly adaptable: Ants are able to adapt to changing conditions quickly, and this includes adapting to new products or methods of pest control. This means that while retail purchased products may work initially, ants may eventually develop resistance to them and continue to thrive.
2. Carpenter ants are difficult to control: Carpenter ants are notoriously difficult to control, and they often require professional-grade pesticides and specialized knowledge to effectively eliminate. Retail products may not have the strength or potency necessary to control a carpenter ant infestation.
3. Retail products may not be targeted: Retail purchased products are often designed to be broad-spectrum, meaning that they are effective against a wide range of pests. However, this also means that they may not be specifically targeted at ants or carpenter ants, and may not be as effective at controlling these pests as products that are specifically designed for them.

In summary, retail purchased products can be effective at controlling many types of pests, but they may not always be the best choice for controlling ants, particularly carpenter ants. If you have an ant infestation, it is important to consult with us and we can recommend the most effective and appropriate treatment plan for your situation.

A carpenter ant satellite nest is a smaller nest that is established by carpenter ants in addition to their primary nest. Carpenter ants are social insects that live in large colonies, which typically consist of a primary nest and one or more satellite nests.

The satellite nests are established by worker ants, which are responsible for locating suitable locations for new nests. Satellite nests are typically smaller than the primary nest and are usually located within a few hundred meters of the main colony.

Carpenter ant satellite nests are important for the survival of the colony, as they provide additional living space and allow the colony to expand its territory. Satellite nests also serve as a backup in case the primary nest is destroyed or becomes uninhabitable.

However, satellite nests can also be a problem for homeowners, as they can cause damage to wood structures in and around the home. If you suspect that you have a carpenter ant infestation, it is important to contact us at 778-886-4111 so we can identify the location of any satellite nests and develop an effective treatment plan.

Carpenter ants do not actually consume wood like termites do, but they can still cause significant damage to wooden structures. These ants excavate wood to create nesting galleries and tunnels, which they use to live in and rear their brood. Over time, this excavation can weaken the structural integrity of the wood, causing it to become hollow and brittle.

Carpenter ants are attracted to damp and decaying wood, so they often infest areas where there is moisture or water damage. They can enter a home through small cracks or openings, such as gaps in window frames or doorways, and then make their way into the wood structures.

Once they have established a colony, carpenter ants will continue to excavate wood to create more living space. This can cause significant damage to wooden structures, and in some cases, can even compromise the safety of a building. 

Seal all openings that are bigger than ¼ in.
A mixture of steel wool and caulking may be used
for smaller holes.  Regularly inspect and repair entry points by
covering with heavy gauge screening or 5 mm
hardware cloth or metal mesh, ideally woven and
galvanized to prevent edges from being gnawed
and to prevent rust. Use elastomeric sealants to seal long gaps, such as
those between walls and floors. Seal gaps anywhere pipes meet walls with
escutcheon plates, securing to the wall with screws
or sealant. Install sheet metal kick plates on door exteriors. Consider industrial door sweeps designed for exclusion (not just weather stripping).
 Build outbuildings like sheds on concrete pads,
not bare ground. Native plants like wild mint are used by some
Indigenous peoples to discourage rodents. Prune back branches at least 2 meters from
balconies, eaves and roofs. Inspect and seal all structural lines that connect with
or enter buildings at any level, such as utility lines
and vents, pipes, electrical lines, sewer lines and
drains, cable lines, dryer vents and exhaust vents. Consider hiring a professional to identify problem areas and design a long-term IPM strategy.
Gaps under doors may allow rodent entry.  
Inspect and repair any holes or gaps around your home that may create
rodent entry points.  
Mice can gain access through a dime sized opening, while rats only need a
quarter-sized hole

Be prepared to leave the home during treatment and for 6 hours afterward.

Remove all pets from the home during the time of treatment except for fish tanks. Fish tanks are to be covered with plastic wrap, and pumps turned off until you are allowed to reoccupy the home.

Remove all sheets, covers, dust ruffles, or any other bedding covers from the mattresses and box spring in all bedrooms. Wash all bed linens in the hottest water possible. Do not replace the bed linens until six hours after treatment.

If any mattresses, box springs, or other furniture are in poor or ripped condition and infested, they should be placed in large plastic storage bags (available from moving or storage stores), then removed from your home and discarded.

Remove all personal items including clothes, toys, shoes, stored materials, etc., from the furniture and floor area throughout the home.

Remove everything from all closets. Completely empty all bedroom drawers and empty all books and items from bookcases prior to treatment.

Clean or launder all clothing in the hottest water possible and store in clean storage bags for up to two weeks after treatment. Any stuffed toys or other fabric-based personal items should be run through a pre-heated, hot dryer cycle for at least 15 minutes.

Vacuum all carpeting, bedding, bed frames, backs of pictures, and other areas where bedbugs have been seen. Immediately empty the vacuum cleaner bag and dispose of it in an exterior dumpster or trash.

To give the treatment time to work, do not shampoo or clean floors or carpet for at least three weeks after the treatment. The vacuum should be used regularly.

Move all items and furniture away from walls, access is required for all baseboards and behind all furniture. (Everything may be returned to its original location after the treatment is completed.)

The bathtub, kitchen counters, dining room tables, and coffee tables can be used to place items during treatment.

Ants are showing up all over, invading homes and gardens and annoying people who see them crawling everywhere. “They’re looking for sweets; they’re looking for carbohydrates, they’re looking for crumbs. Anything they can take back to their nest and store it for the winter time.” explained Randy Bilesky of Go Green Pest Control in Delta B.C.
Bilesky says he’s been staying busy with calls from customers who want to get rid of ants. He says spraying around foundations outside– and baseboards inside can get rid of the pests. It’s important to locate the nest. “To find the nest, feed the ants and follow the ants,” Bilesky said. Sugar will attract the ants, and then people can see where they go and take steps to get rid of them. Finding the nest lets you target the entire colony, which can contain hundreds of thousands of ants. You can also buy ant baits at the store or use recipes from the internet that utilize ingredients available at home such as borax, sugar and warm water. Recipes recommend that you dip a cotton ball in the mixture and put it in the path of the ants.
Remember to keep ant bait away from children and pets.

Oh those rats and mice and other furry creatures can give you all kinds of nasty issues: 
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is a serious illness caused by a virus that may be
transmitted by rodents. The virus is only found in one type of wild mouse – the deer
mouse – that can spread the virus in their urine, droppings or saliva. House mice, Norway rats and roof rats are not known to transmit the virus. People can be infected when they breathe in contaminated air or, rarely, if they bitten by a deer mouse with the virus. To protect yourself, avoid contact with deer mice and take extra care if living, working, or playing in areas near deer mouse habitats. If cleaning up rodent infestations that may be deer mice, additional precautions should be taken to avoid potential exposure.