Monthly Archive April 14, 2025

Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF 

President at Go Green

April 14, 2025

Organic pest control can be a great alternative to synthetic chemicals, but there are several reasons why it doesn’t always work as effectively as people might hope. Let’s break it down:

1. Limited Efficacy in Certain Situations

• Targeting Specific Pests: Many organic methods are less broad-spectrum than synthetic chemicals, meaning they may only target specific pests and not all potential threats. For instance, some natural pesticides might kill a particular type of insect, but leave others unaffected, which can lead to imbalances in the ecosystem.
• Lower Potency: Organic pesticides (like neem oil, diatomaceous earth, or insecticidal soaps) can be less potent than their synthetic counterparts. This can make them less effective in heavy infestations, requiring multiple applications or more time to see results.

2. Resistance Over Time

• Just like chemical pesticides, pests can develop resistance to organic solutions. For example, certain insects may evolve to tolerate natural insecticides, which is a common problem in the pest control world.

3. Application Timing

• Organic methods often require precise timing to be effective. If the pests are too established or the treatment is applied too late or inconsistently, it may not work well. Pesticides like neem oil, for instance, need to be applied when pests are in a vulnerable stage (like larvae) and not once they’re fully grown and well-established.

4. Environmental Factors

• Weather plays a significant role in the effectiveness of organic pest control. Rain can wash away natural sprays, and high winds can spread them unpredictably, reducing their impact. Extreme temperatures can also affect the efficacy of organic treatments, making them less reliable in certain climates.

5. Complexity of Ecosystems

• Organic pest control methods often focus on specific pests, but ecosystems are incredibly complex. For example, introducing natural predators (like ladybugs or predatory beetles) to control aphids can work, but it can also upset the balance if those predators begin feeding on beneficial insects, such as pollinators.

6. Labor-Intensive and Slow-Acting

• Organic pest control methods tend to be more labor-intensive. You might have to manually remove pests, introduce beneficial organisms, or apply natural remedies frequently. This requires more time and effort compared to using chemical pesticides that are easier to apply and often faster-acting.

7. Perceived Ineffectiveness

• Sometimes, organic pest control doesn’t seem to “work” because people expect quick results, and it can take longer for organic methods to show noticeable effects. If someone is impatient, they might give up before seeing the full benefits.

8. Product Variability

• Not all organic products are created equal. Some may be diluted or improperly formulated, reducing their effectiveness. Quality control can vary, and not every natural pesticide will perform well in every situation.

Why Still Use Organic Methods?

Despite these challenges, organic pest control has benefits, like being more environmentally friendly, less toxic to beneficial organisms (like bees), and safer for humans and pets. It’s just important to understand that it often works better as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy rather than a sole solution.

In many cases, a combination of organic methods, preventative measures, and sometimes even synthetic solutions (when absolutely necessary) works best to keep pests at bay.

https://gogreenpestcontrol.ca/organic-pest-con…but-does-it-work

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/organic-pest-control-does-work-randy-bilesky-3jvuc

Organic Pest Control but Does it Work?

Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF 

President at Go Green

April 8, 2025

Carpenter ants typically excavate wood at a slow to moderate pace. The actual rate of excavation can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the colony, the type of wood, and the environmental conditions. In general:

• Small to medium colonies: These might remove a small amount of wood over several weeks or months, depending on the size of the nest and how much wood is available.
• Larger colonies: Larger colonies can excavate wood more quickly, but it still tends to be a gradual process. In some cases, a large colony could remove up to a few cubic inches of wood over a few months.

However, carpenter ants don’t consume the wood they excavate. Instead, they create galleries and tunnels by scraping the wood into small bits, which they then push out of their nests. This process results in piles of fine wood debris or “sawdust” near the nesting site.

So while they can excavate wood over time, it’s generally a slow process. Significant damage typically occurs over several years if left unchecked, especially in the case of larger or older infestations.

: https://gogreenpestcontrol.ca/how-fast-do-carp…hrough-your-home/

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-fast-do-carpenter-ants-excavate-through-your-home-randy-bilesky-jwcgc

How fast do carpenter ants excavate through your home?

Wasp season typically starts in late spring to early summer and lasts through the fall, with peak activity occurring from mid-summer to early autumn. Here’s a breakdown:

1. When does wasp season start and end?

• Start: Wasps usually become more active in late spring or early summer (around May or June). This is when the queen starts building a nest and laying eggs.
• Peak season: July to August is when most wasps are active, as nests are at their largest.
• End: Activity typically wanes in late autumn (October) when the cold sets in, and most of the colony dies off, except for new queens that will hibernate over the winter.

2. How many wasps are there?

• The number of wasps varies by species, but in general, a mature colony can have anywhere from several hundred to a few thousand workers, depending on the species and the size of the nest.
• At the peak of the season, you could have a large number of wasps in a single nest.

3. How long does the wasp season last?

• Wasp season lasts several months, typically from late spring to late fall. However, the most noticeable and active period is in the summer months.

4. Colony Life Cycle:

• In early spring, only the queen survives from the previous year’s colony, and she starts a new nest.
• As the nest grows, workers emerge, and the colony becomes busier. In late summer and fall, the queen will produce new queens and male wasps, which will leave to mate. These new queens are the only ones to survive the winter.

So, overall, wasp season runs from about May through October, with peak activity in the hotter months of summer. Does that help clarify the timeline?

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/wasp-season-here-randy-bilesky-t3jzc

Wasp Season Is Here

Wasp Season Is Here

Fleas in your house can be a common problem, especially if you have pets, but they can also come in from outside environments, like your yard or even when you’ve visited other homes. Here’s why they might be in your house and what you can do to get rid of them:

Why There Are Fleas:

1. Pets: Fleas often hitch a ride on pets like cats or dogs. If your pet goes outside or interacts with other animals, fleas can jump onto them and come inside.
2. Outside Environment: Fleas can also live in your yard, especially if there are animals like squirrels or stray pets in the area.
3. Previous Infestation: If fleas have been present before, they can leave eggs and larvae in carpets, bedding, or upholstery. Those can hatch later on.
4. Human Passengers: Fleas can also attach themselves to your clothing or shoes and be carried inside.

What You Can Do:

1. Treat Your Pets: Use flea treatments such as topical medications, flea collars, or oral medications. You can consult a vet for the most effective and safe treatment.
2. Vacuum Regularly: Flea eggs and larvae often hide in carpets and upholstery. Vacuuming frequently and thoroughly can help remove them. Make sure to dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister into an outside trash can.
3. Wash Bedding: Wash your pet’s bedding, your own bedding, and any soft furnishings like throw pillows or blankets in hot water to kill any fleas or eggs.
4. Use Flea Sprays or Powders: There are several sprays and powders available for treating your home. Look for products that target adult fleas, eggs, and larvae. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and leave the house ventilated afterward.
5. Professional Pest Control: If the infestation is severe, call Go Green Pest Control – a professional pest control service to treat your home.
6. Flea Traps: You can also use flea traps, which attract fleas with light and then trap them, helping to reduce the population.

Note: Fleas can be persistent, so it might take several treatments and efforts to fully get rid of them..

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/fleas-my-house-what-can-done-randy-bilesky-ejcvc

https://gogreenpestcontrol.ca/fleas-in-my-hous…what-can-be-done

Fleas in my house and what can be done