Yearly Archive September 20, 2024

Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF

President at Go Green

September 20, 2024

Rats may be attracted to your hot tub for several reasons:

1. Water Source: Hot tubs provide a consistent source of water, which is essential for rats.
2. Warmth: The heat from the hot tub can be appealing, especially in cooler weather, as it offers a warm place to rest.
3. Shelter: The area around a hot tub can provide shelter and hiding spots for rats, making it a safe place for them.
4. Food Sources: If there are food scraps or debris nearby, this can attract rats looking for easy meals.
5. Nesting Material: If there are soft materials around, rats might find them suitable for building nests.

To deter rats, ensure your hot tub area is clean, remove any food sources, and consider securing the area to prevent access.

If you have rats under your hot tub, here are some steps you can take:

1. Identify Signs: Look for droppings, gnaw marks, or nests to confirm their presence.
2. Remove Attractants: Make sure there’s no food or trash nearby that could be attracting them.
3. Seal Entry Points: Inspect the area for holes or gaps where rats might be entering and seal them up.
4. Traps: Use humane traps or snap traps to catch them. Place them near their entry points or signs of activity.
5. Repellents: Consider using natural repellents like peppermint oil or commercial rat repellents.
6. Consult Professionals: If the problem persists, it might be best to contact Go Green Pest Control, experts for safe and effective removal.
7. Monitor: After taking action, keep an eye on the area to ensure they don’t return.
8. https://gogreenpestcontrol.ca/rats-under-your-hot-tub-2/
9. https://insectandrodentexterminators.com/rats-under-your-hot-tub-2/
10. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/rats-under-your-hot-tub-randy-bilesky-ayuoc

Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF

President at Go Green

September 13, 2024

The nasty smell of a deceased rodent is typically caused by the decomposition process. As it’s body breaks down, it releases gases and compounds that produce a foul odor. This smell can be quite intense and pervasive, especially if the rat has been dead for some time or if it’s in an enclosed space.

Here’s what you can do to address the problem:

1. Locate the Source: Try to find where the rat is. Common places include attics, walls, basements, and under floors. You might need to look for signs like droppings, nesting materials, or other indicators.
2. Remove the Body: If you can locate the dead rat, wear gloves and use a tool (like tongs or a shovel) to remove it. Place the rat in a sealed plastic bag and dispose of it properly according to your local regulations.
3. Clean the Area: After removal, clean the area thoroughly with disinfectant. This helps eliminate any remaining odor and bacteria. Make sure to ventilate the area well.
4. Odor Neutralizers: Use odor-neutralizing products to help with any lingering smell. Options include activated charcoal, baking soda, or commercial odor neutralizers. Place them in the affected area to absorb and mask the odor.
5. Inspect for Entry Points: Check for and seal any entry points where rats might have gained access. This helps prevent future infestations.
6. Consider Professional Help: If the smell persists or if you’re unable to locate the source, it might be worth calling a pest control professional. They can help locate and remove the dead rat, as well as address any ongoing pest issues.

The foul odor from a deceased animal, such as a rat, is due to a mix of gases and compounds produced during decomposition. Here are some of the key contributors to that unpleasant smell:

1. Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S): This gas has a distinctive smell of rotten eggs. It is produced by the breakdown of proteins in the body.
2. Putrescine and Cadaverine: These are biogenic amines produced by the bacterial decomposition of amino acids. They have strong, unpleasant odors often associated with rotting flesh.
3. Methane (CH₄): While not as pungent, methane is produced during the decomposition process and can contribute to the overall odor.
4. Ammonia (NH₃): Ammonia is released from the breakdown of urea and other nitrogenous compounds. It has a sharp, irritating smell.
5. Skatole and Indole: These compounds are derived from the breakdown of tryptophan and other amino acids. They can contribute to the characteristic “fecal” smell.
6. Fatty Acids: Decomposing fat produces short-chain fatty acids, which can contribute to the rancid odor.

These compounds are released as bacteria and other microorganisms break down the tissues in the animal’s body. The smell can be quite intense and pervasive, making it important to address the source of the odor promptly.

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Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF

President at Go Green

September 12, 2024

Adult mice can be tricky to catch for a few reasons:

1. Speed and Agility: Mice are very quick and agile. They can dart around and change direction rapidly, making them hard to catch.
2. Small Size: Their small size allows them to squeeze into tight spaces and evade capture. They can hide in tiny crevices or behind objects.
3. Nocturnal Behavior: Mice are primarily active at night, which can make them harder to catch during the day when they are more likely to be hidden and less active.
4. High Sensitivity: Mice have keen senses, especially their sense of smell and hearing. They can detect human presence or disturbances and often avoid areas where they sense danger.
5. Sense of Smell: Mice have an excellent sense of smell, which they use to detect food, danger, and other mice. They can pick up on very faint odors, which helps them locate resources and avoid threats.
6. Hearing: Mice have sensitive hearing and can detect high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans. This helps them pick up on the sounds of predators or other mice, aiding in their survival.
7. Touch: Mice use their whiskers to explore their environment. Their whiskers are highly sensitive and can detect tiny changes in their surroundings, helping them navigate in the dark and avoid obstacles.
8. Taste: Their taste receptors are also finely tuned, helping them identify and avoid potentially harmful substances while seeking out food sources. These heightened senses contribute to their ability to evade traps and avoid detection.
9. Learning and Adaptability: Mice are intelligent and can learn to avoid traps or catch methods if they’ve been exposed to them before.

If you’re trying to catch a mouse, using baited traps and placing them in areas where you’ve noticed mouse activity can be effective. Eliminate their food sources and potential nesting sites to make your environment less hospitable to them.

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Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF

President at Go Green

If you have had a wasp nest in the attic that was sprayed, several things might happen that could lead to wasps continuing to enter the house:

1. Delayed Effect: Insecticides often take some time to kill the wasps. If you spray a nest, some wasps might still be alive and active for a while afterward, even though the queen has expired. The larvae may continue to hatch and begin searching for food.
2. Disruption: Spraying can disrupt the nest, causing disoriented or panicked wasps to leave the nest and fly around in search of a new place to go, which might lead them into the house.
3. Entrances and Exits: Wasps might use other entry points to get into the house, especially if the attic is not perfectly sealed. If there are gaps or openings, wasps might continue to come in even after the nest is treated.
4. New Nests: If the nest was not completely destroyed or if some wasps survived, they might establish a new nest or find a different place to live.
5. Attractants: If the house has food or sugary substances, it might attract the remaining wasps looking for food.

To prevent this issue, it’s important to thoroughly treat the nest and ensure all entry points into the house are sealed.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/end-wasp-season-why-do-wasps-continue-come-house-randy-bilesky-iq1ac

Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF

President at Go Green

August 28, 2024

Rats and mice typically start seeking shelter in homes as the weather begins to cool down, usually in the fall. As temperatures drop, these rodents look for warmer environments and reliable food sources, making homes an attractive option. They can also become more active indoors during the winter months when the outside conditions become harsher. If you’re noticing signs of rodent activity, it’s a good idea to check for potential entry points and take preventative measures before they settle in for the season.

1. Seal Entry Points: Check for gaps and cracks in your home’s exterior, including around pipes, vents, and foundations. Use materials like steel wool, caulking, or weather stripping to seal these openings.
2. Secure Food Sources: Store food in airtight containers and keep your kitchen and pantry clean. Don’t forget to secure pet food and bird seed.
3. Maintain Cleanliness: Regularly clean up crumbs and spills, and avoid leaving pet food out overnight. Rodents are attracted to easy food sources.
4. Trim Vegetation: Keep shrubs, trees, and other vegetation trimmed back from your home. Rodents can use these as pathways to get closer to your house.
5. Check Your Home’s Exterior: Inspect your home for any potential nesting sites and remove clutter from around the exterior of your house.
6. Install Rodent Deterrents: Consider using rodent repellents or traps as additional measures.

Taking these steps can help reduce the likelihood of rodents finding their way into your home.

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Spider bites can sometimes cause itching, redness, and swelling, but if you’re experiencing severe pain, spreading redness, or other symptoms like fever, it’s important to seek medical attention.

Here are a few things you can do in the meantime:

1. Clean the Area: Wash the bite with soap and water to help prevent infection.
2. Apply a Cold Compress: This can help reduce swelling and numb the area.
3. Use Antihistamines: Over-the-counter antihistamines can help with itching.
4. Apply a Topical Cream: Hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion may help reduce itching and inflammation.
5. Avoid Scratching: This can worsen the irritation or lead to infection.

If you start to experience more severe symptoms or if the bite looks unusual, it’s best to get it checked out by a healthcare professional.

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Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF

President at Go Green

Here are some prevention tips that are spot on! Here’s a quick summary and a few extra suggestions to keep in mind when you are dealing with bed bugs.

1. Inspect Secondhand Items: Always check for signs of bed bugs before bringing used items into your home.
2. Use Protective Covers: Mattress and box spring encasements can prevent bed bugs from taking up residence.
3. Reduce Clutter: Fewer hiding places mean fewer spots for bed bugs to live and breed.
4. Vacuum Regularly: Frequent vacuuming helps remove any bed bugs and eggs from surfaces.
5. Be Cautious When Traveling: Keep your luggage away from beds and inspect hotel rooms for any signs of bed bugs.
6. Seal Cracks and Crevices: Prevent entry and hiding places by sealing up gaps in walls and floors.
7. Monitor for Signs: Regularly check your home for bed bugs, especially in areas where they are known to hide.

Additional Tips:

• Use Bed Bug Monitors: These devices can help detect bed bugs early by attracting them with heat or carbon dioxide.
• Professional Inspections: Periodic inspections by a Go Green Pest Control can help catch infestations early.
• Proper Washing and Drying: Wash and dry bedding, clothing, and other fabric items on high heat to kill any bed bugs and eggs.

If you ever do suspect an infestation, early action and a quick call to Go Green Pest Control are key to managing and eliminating the problem effectively.

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• Mice: Female mice typically become sexually mature around 6-8 weeks of age, while males may reach maturity slightly later, around 8-10 weeks. They can start mating as soon as they reach this stage of maturity.
• Rats: Female rats usually become sexually mature around 5-6 weeks of age, while males reach maturity around 6-8 weeks. Like mice, they are capable of mating once they reach this level of maturity.
• Physical Development: By 2-3 months, the animals are fully developed physically, which can lead to healthier pregnancies and litters.
• Behavioral Maturity: Older animals are typically more stable and less likely to exhibit stress-related behaviors that can affect breeding and offspring.
• Health Considerations: Younger animals might still be undergoing growth and development, which can sometimes lead to complications in pregnancy and birth. Waiting until they are a bit older helps ensure that they are in better overall health.
• Reduced Risk: Breeding at a slightly older age can reduce the risk of health issues for both the breeding pair and the offspring.
• Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF
• President at Go Green
• August 26, 2024

It’s worth noting that for optimal health , breeding often happens when the animals are a bit older than the minimum maturity age, typically around 2-3 months old.

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Randy Bilesky BScF RPF CPA

President at Go Green

August 22, 2024

When it comes to painful stings, the bullet ant holds the top spot with the most excruciating sting. However, if you’re specifically asking about wasps and hornets, here are a few that are known for their particularly painful stings:

1. Asian Giant Hornet: Also known as the murder hornet, its sting is very painful and can cause severe allergic reactions. The venom contains toxins that can damage tissue and lead to significant pain and swelling.
2. European Hornet : This hornet’s sting is quite painful, though not as intense as the Asian Giant Hornet. It can cause a burning sensation, redness, and swelling.
3. Bald-faced hornets: The hornet is aggressive and will attack anyone or anything that invades their space. This is unlike other stinging insects that may only rarely sting when they feel extremely threatened. This makes bald-faced hornet removal, which should be left strictly to a professional for safety, somewhat difficult.
4. Yellow Jacket : While technically a type of wasp, yellow jackets are notorious for their aggressive behavior and painful stings. They can sting multiple times, which increases the pain and potential for an allergic reaction.
5. Paper Wasps : Their stings can be quite painful as well, though they typically don’t sting as aggressively as yellow jackets or hornets.

Each person’s reaction to a sting can vary, and some individuals may experience more severe reactions due to allergies or sensitivities severe allergic reactions. The venom contains toxins that can damage tissue and lead to significant pain and swelling.

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Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF

President at Go Green

August 14, 2024

Silverfish and firebrats are small, wingless insects known for their fish-like appearance due to their wriggling movement. They often seek out dark, damp environments, which can make your cupboards an attractive place for them. Here’s what you can do to deal with them:

Silverfish Identification

• Appearance: Silverfish are usually about 1/2 to 1 inch long, with a slender, elongated body covered in tiny scales that give them a metallic sheen.
• Behavior: They are nocturnal and prefer dark, humid environments. They’re often found in basements, attics, or in storage areas like cupboards.

Prevention and Control

1. Reduce Humidity: Silverfish thrive in damp conditions. Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to reduce moisture levels in your home. Fix any leaks and ensure good ventilation.
2. Clean Regularly: Vacuum and clean your cupboards and other infested areas regularly to remove any potential food sources and silverfish themselves. Pay special attention to corners and cracks.
3. Store Food Properly: Store dry goods in airtight containers to prevent silverfish from feeding on them. Make sure your cupboards are clean and free of crumbs or food debris.
4. Seal Cracks and Gaps: Seal any cracks or gaps in walls, floors, or around cupboards to prevent silverfish from entering and moving around.
5. Use Silverfish Traps: Commercial traps can help monitor and reduce silverfish populations. You can find them at hardware or home improvement stores.
6. Natural Repellents: Silverfish dislike strong scents. You can use natural repellents like cedar blocks, bay leaves, or diatomaceous earth in your cupboards to deter them.
7. Insecticides: For severe infestations, consider using insecticides specifically designed for silverfish. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consider consulting a pest control professional for persistent problems.

By addressing moisture issues, maintaining cleanliness, and taking preventive measures, you can effectively manage and reduce silverfish in your cupboards.

Firebrats vs. Silverfish

• Appearance: Firebrats are similar in shape to silverfish but are usually darker, ranging from gray to brown with a mottled appearance. They also have a more rounded body compared to the slender, elongated shape of silverfish.
• Habitat Preferences: While silverfish are often found in cooler, damp places, firebrats prefer warmer environments. They are commonly found in places with higher temperatures, such as near heating vents or in attics.

How to Manage Firebrats

1. Temperature Control
2. Moisture Management
3. Cleanliness
4. Proper Food Storage
5. Sealing Entry Points
6. Natural Repellents
7. Traps and Monitoring
8. Chemical Solutions
9. Call Go Green Pest Control Corp. 778-886-4111

Addressing the environmental factors that firebrats thrive in, along with cleanliness and sealing entry points, will help you manage and eventually get rid of these pests.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/silverfish-firebrats-your-cupboards-every-where-else-randy-bilesky-iz2rc