Monthly Archive January 31, 2025

Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF

President at Go Green

January 31, 2025

Sugar ants are often attracted to sugary or sweet substances. If they’re coming into your house, they might have found food sources like crumbs, spills, or even pet food. They can also be drawn to moisture in areas like bathrooms or kitchens. Sugar ants, also known as sweet ants, are a type of small ant that primarily seeks out sugary food sources. While they’re not actually a specific species, the term “sugar ant” is often used to describe several species of ants that prefer sweet foods, especially in homes. They are commonly attracted to things like sugar, syrup, honey, and other sugary snacks, but will also go after greasy or fatty foods if necessary.

The most common species referred to as “sugar ants” they’re typically small, about 1/8 inch long, and can form long trails when they find food.

These ants usually build their nests outdoors, but they can invade homes in search of food, especially during warmer months or if there’s easy access to a food source indoors.

Here’s how to get rid of them:

1. Clean up food sources: Make sure to wipe down surfaces, clean up crumbs, and store food in airtight containers. Also, take out the trash regularly.
2. Seal entry points: Try to figure out where they’re coming in from, such as cracks around windows or doors, and seal those off with caulk.
3. Create barriers: You can use natural deterrents like cinnamon, vinegar, or lemon juice along entry points or ant trails. Sugar ants don’t like strong scents!
4. Ant bait: If the problem persists, ant bait can be helpful. The ants take the bait back to their colony, which can help eliminate them at the source.
5. DIY sprays: A mix of water and dish soap in a spray bottle can work to kill ants on contact, and the soap can block their scent trails.
6. https://gogreenpestcontrol.ca/sugar-ants-in-your-house/
7. https://insectandrodentexterminators.com/sugar-ants-in-your-house/
8. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/sugar-ants-your-house-randy-bilesky-w0s9c

Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF

President at Go Green

January 28, 2025

Unwanted guests in your ceiling—likely mice or rats. Common rodents that tend to invade homes include:

1. House Mice: Small, quick-moving, and can fit through tiny cracks. They are often the culprits in ceilings and walls.
2. Norway Rats: Larger than mice, these rats tend to nest in attics or ceilings and are known for being persistent.
3. Roof Rats: These are also a possibility, especially if you have a high roof or access points in the attic. They’re agile climbers and typically nest in higher places.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Check for Entry Points: Inspect your ceiling, attic, or roof for gaps or cracks that rodents might be using to get in. Seal up any holes you find, particularly around vents, pipes, or ducts.
2. Set Traps: You can use snap traps, live traps, or glue traps. The choice depends on your preference, but snap traps are the most effective for quick kills.
3. Rodent Repellents: Some people have success using ultrasonic repellents, peppermint oil, or commercially available rodent repellents. However, their effectiveness can vary.
4. Clean Up and Remove Food: If you’re leaving food or trash easily accessible, it’s a big invitation for rodents. Make sure your living space is clean and food is stored in sealed containers.
5. Call a Professional: If you’re dealing with an infestation or if you’re not comfortable handling it yourself, calling Go Green Pest Control is the best solution. We can safely remove rodents and help prevent them from returning.

Have you noticed any droppings or sounds in the ceiling? This might help narrow down which type of rodent you’re dealing with.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/rodents-your-ceiling-here-what-you-can-do-randy-bilesky-3sncc

Silverfish come from outside or from neighboring infested areas. They tend to move in through cracks in walls, windows, or even when bringing in infested items like old books, clothing, or cardboard. Because they’re nocturnal and elusive, they can spread unnoticed for a while.

Damage They Cause: Silverfish can cause a fair amount of destruction, especially to things like:

• Books, paper, and wallpaper: They’ll munch on glue, paper, and starches, leaving behind irregular holes or frayed edges.
• Clothing and fabric: They can damage fabric, particularly if it’s made from natural fibers like cotton or linen.
• Food: They’ll often sneak into dry food packages, contaminating them with their droppings.

Getting Rid of Them:

1. Reduce humidity: Silverfish love damp environments, so lowering humidity can make your home less appealing to them. Consider using a dehumidifier or improving ventilation.
2. Seal cracks: Check for gaps around windows, doors, or baseboards, and seal them up to prevent silverfish from getting inside.
3. Remove food sources: Make sure food (especially starchy or sugary foods) is stored in airtight containers. Clean up crumbs or spills promptly.
4. Declutter: Silverfish hide in dark, cluttered areas, so organizing basements, attics, and closets can discourage them.
5. Traps and insecticides: You can use traps to catch silverfish or insecticides that target them, though they typically don’t fully resolve an infestation.
6. Professional pest control: If you have a larger infestation, it might be best to call in the pros, Go Green Pest Control. We can assess the situation and provide more long-term solutions like targeted treatments or pest-proofing your home.

If you’ve noticed any signs of silverfish, like droppings or damage to items, it’s best to act fast to avoid a full-on invasion. Have you noticed any silverfish around your home?

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/silverfish-definitely-arent-most-pleasant-houseguests-randy-bilesky-2fmjc

Feeding raccoons and birds can lead to a variety of problems because it creates an artificial food source that attracts other wildlife, including mice, rats, squirrels, and skunks. Here are some reasons why this can be problematic:

1. Attracting Pests: Leftover food can attract rodents like mice and rats, which are drawn to easy food sources. These animals can become a nuisance and pose health risks by spreading diseases.
2. Wildlife Overpopulation: Regular feeding can lead to increased populations of raccoons and other animals, which can cause competition for resources and lead to aggressive behavior among them.
3. Health Risks: Raccoons and other wildlife can carry diseases such as rabies and leptospirosis. Close encounters with them can increase the risk of transmission to pets and humans.
4. Property Damage: Animals drawn to feeders may dig through trash, chew on structures, or cause damage to gardens and landscaping in search of food.
5. Dependency: Animals may become reliant on human-provided food, which can disrupt their natural foraging behaviors and lead to issues when the food source is removed.
6. Conflict with Pets: Attracting wildlife can lead to dangerous encounters with pets, especially if they feel threatened or are protecting their young.

To minimize these risks, it’s advisable to avoid feeding wildlife and to use bird feeders designed to limit access to larger animals. Keeping outdoor areas clean and securing trash can also help deter unwanted wildlife.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/feeding-birds-raccoons-randy-bilesky-w3yhc

Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF

President at Go Green

January 13, 2025

Raccoons can be a real nuisance when it comes to lawns and gardens. Here’s a summary of how they damage lawns and how to prevent it:

How Raccoons Damage Lawns:

1. Digging Holes: Raccoons dig to find food (like grubs), create dens, or out of curiosity, which leads to unsightly holes.
2. Uprooted Plants: While digging, they can uproot plants, which can disrupt landscaping efforts.
3. Uneven Turf: The digging often leaves behind patches of uneven turf, harming the lawn’s appearance.
4. Torn-Up Mess: After foraging for grubs and insects, raccoons can leave a messy, torn-up lawn behind.

How to Prevent Raccoons from Damaging Lawns:

1. Motion-Sensor Lights or Sprinklers: These can startle raccoons and deter them from using your lawn as a place to search for food.
2. Cover with Netting: If you’ve just laid sod, cover it with bird netting or chicken wire to prevent raccoons from digging it up.
3. Bright Lights: Lights that mimic daylight can help scare raccoons away.
4. Hot Sauce Repellent: A repellent made with hot sauce can be effective in deterring raccoons from digging and foraging.

Other Ways to Raccoon-Proof Your Yard:

• Seal Entry Points: Make sure any access points to your home, such as vents or chimneys, are sealed off.
• Secure Water Sources: Raccoons are drawn to water, so keep outdoor water sources covered or removed.
• Keep Garbage Secure: Always seal garbage cans tightly to prevent access to food.
• Avoid Leaving Pet Food Outside: Raccoons can easily be attracted to pet food, so bring it inside at night.
• Store Bird Feeders Indoors at Night: Remove bird feeders after dusk to prevent attracting raccoons.
• Fence Off Gardens and Fruit Trees: A physical barrier like a fence can prevent raccoons from accessing your plants.
• Keep Your Yard Clean: Regularly clean your yard of food scraps and debris that may attract raccoons.

By taking these steps, you can reduce or even prevent raccoons from causing damage to your lawn and other outdoor spaces.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/raccoons-destroying-your-lawn-randy-bilesky-d5jyc