Monthly Archive September 9, 2025

ByRandy Bilesky BsF CPA RPF

MICE – Here’s why they’re so hard to evict (and how to fight back like a mouse-slaying warrior 🛡️🐱):

❓ Why Mice Are Hard to Get Rid Of:

  1. They’re tiny ninjas 🥷
    Can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime. Yes, a DIME. You patch a wall and they’re like “Nice try, Karen.” 😎
  2. They reproduce like Netflix series 📺🐁
    One mouse couple can make dozens of babies in a few months. You’re dealing with the Mousetrix Reloaded.
  3. They snack like stoners at 2AM 🍕🍫
    Crumbs? Cereal? Dog food? That old tortilla under the fridge from 2022? They’re into it. You’re basically running an all-you-can-eat buffet.
  4. They live in secret underground lairs 🕳️🏰
    Okay, maybe just inside your walls. But still, trying to find them is like playing hide-and-seek with invisible rodents.

✅ Solutions: Eviction Plan for Mickey and Friends

  1. Seal the gates! 🛠️
    Plug every hole with steel wool + caulk. Mice hate chewing metal. It’s like giving them a mouthful of regret.
  2. Set traps like you’re in “Home Alone” 🪤💥
    Snap traps, electric traps, humane traps—just don’t let them get comfy. No room service here.
  3. Smell warfare 🧄🌿
    Peppermint oil, cloves, garlic—make your home smell like an herb garden run by Dracula. Mice hate strong smells.
  4. Clean like your in-laws are visiting 🧼🧹
    No food, no crumbs, no water = no mouse party. Cut off the buffet and they’ll pack up.
  5. Get a cat. Or at least borrow a mean one 😼🐾
    Nothing says “Get out” like a feline lurking with murder in its eyes.
  6. Ultrasonic repellents: the Jedi mind trick ⚡🎧
    Some people swear by these little plug-ins that annoy mice with high-pitched sounds. Others say it’s mouse jazz and they vibe to it. Worth a shot.

Bonus Tip:

If all else fails…
Name them, start charging rent, and make a reality show.
🎥 “Keeping Up with the Cheese Dashians”.


Want help picking specific traps or sealants? I got you.

https://gogreenpestcontrol.ca/mice-heres-why-t…ying-warrior-

ByRandy Bilesky BsF CPA RPF

Bald-faced HORNETS 🐝😱

Bald-faced hornets—sound scary, right? But let’s break them down and explore why these little devils aren’t as bad as they seem… if you don’t mess with them. 🐝

What are Bald-faced Hornets? 🤔

They aren’t actually hornets—shocking, right? These critters are technically yellowjackets (but let’s not tell them that—ego issues). They’re named after their bald, black-and-white faces that look like they’re constantly mad about something. (Maybe it’s just bad lighting?)

Their scientific name is Dolichovespula maculata, which sounds way more ominous than “bald-faced hornet,” but who wants to say that out loud? 😜

What Do They Look Like? 🧐

  • Size: They’re about 1/2 to 5/8 inch long, which is decently chunky for a wasp. 🐝
  • Color: Classic black-and-white, like the coolest bouncer at the insect nightclub. 🖤🤍
  • Wings: Their wings are a transparent, slightly bluish color—like they’re trying to look all mystical and stuff. ✨

Where Do They Live? 🏠

  • Nests: They build those giant, papery nests in trees, shrubs, or sometimes in the eaves of your house.
  • Location: You’ll mostly find them in North America (especially in forests), so if you’re in the U.S. or Canada, you may be neighbors.

Fun Fact: Their nests can get pretty massive. A bald-faced hornet nest can reach the size of a basketball! 🏀 (Don’t try playing with it though… trust me.)

Why Are They Scary? 😱

  • Sting Power: Their sting isn’t just a “mild inconvenience” like a mosquito bite. No, they pack a punch! Their venom can cause pain, swelling, and it might even make you want to cry for a second. 😭
  • Aggressive Defense: Mess with their nest, and they’ll go into full S.W.A.T. team mode—aggressively defending it. And, yes, they can sting more than once. It’s like getting a bunch of bad reviews all at once, but in the form of pain. 😬

How to Avoid Them (Or Not Get Stung) ⚠️

  1. Stay Calm: If you see one, don’t swat at it like you’re swatting a fly. You’ll just make them mad. 😡
  2. Avoid Nests: If you find a nest, don’t make it your new weekend project to “investigate.” 🏚️
  3. Wear Protective Gear: If you’re doing something near their territory (like gardening), maybe wear a full-body suit? 😂 I’m kidding, but seriously, wear light-colored clothes—they love darker shades.
  4. If You Get Stung: Don’t panic. Clean the sting with soap and water, apply some cold compress, and maybe grab a cup of ice cream for comfort. 🍦 (It won’t help with the pain, but it’ll make you feel better.)

What Are They Good For? 🤷‍♀️

  • Pest Control: They eat other bugs—like flies and spiders—so they’re basically tiny, airborne janitors of your yard. 🕷️
  • Pollination: Yes, they also help with pollination. So, if you’re a fan of your plants thriving, you’ve got some backyard “helpers” to thank. 🌻

Conclusion: 🏁

Bald-faced hornets are kinda like that grumpy neighbor who’s got a perfectly manicured lawn but will throw a tantrum if you step on it. They can be dangerous if you mess with them, but if you leave them alone, they’ll leave you alone.

Remember: Respect their space, don’t poke the hornet’s nest (literally), and you’ll be fine! 🤝🦸‍♂️

Stay safe out there, and keep the hornets on their side of the fence! 😎

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/bald-faced-hornets-randy-bilesky-9me3c

ByRandy Bilesky BsF CPA RPF

🦨 Why Are There So Many Skunks Around Right Now?

It’s not a Skunk Uprising… yet. 😂

You’re seeing more skunks now because of timing. Skunks are most active in late summer and fall for a few reasons:

  • 🍼 Baby skunks (called “kits”) are all grown up!
    Around August–September, the youngins born in spring are finally big enough to leave the den and explore the world… or your garbage cans.
  • 🍔 They’re food-focused!
    Fall is a snack attack season. They’re bulking up for winter like little, waddling bodybuilders. Expect them sniffing out fallen fruit, bugs, or pet food left outside.
  • 🏠 On the hunt for winter homes
    They’re scouting cozy spots to hunker down in the colder months (wood piles, crawlspaces, under decks — the Airbnb of skunkdom).

💕 When Do Skunks Get Lovey-Dovey?

  • Mating season: 🥀 February–March
  • Babies born: 👶 Around May–June
  • Kits start roaming: 🌎 August–September

So the skunks you’re seeing now? Probably teens who just got their learner’s permit and are out causing mischief before bedtime.


🛑 What Should You Know (besides “Don’t startle them”)?

  • 👃 That spray? It can hit up to 10 feet away!
    It’s like nature’s pepper spray with a side of rotten eggs.
  • 🧼 If you or a pet gets sprayed:
    Tomato juice = MYTH.
    Try this DIY de-skunker: 1 quart hydrogen peroxide ¼ cup baking soda 1 tsp dish soap Mix, lather, rinse — but avoid eyes and mouths!
  • 🗑️ Keep trash sealed, pet food indoors, and entry points blocked. Skunks are like smelly raccoons in stealth mode.

Fun(ky) Skunk Facts

  • 🖤 Their stripes act like a “Back off!” sign in nature.
  • 🐈 Skunks are related to… ferrets and weasels!
  • 🧠 Despite their stink, skunks are smart and curious. They even purr when content. 😺 (weird, right?)

Let me know if you want skunk-proofing tips for your yard or how to make your place way less appealing to a stink squad 😎

You said:

skunk-proofing tips for your yard or how to make your place way less appealing to a stink squad

ChatGPT said:

Ah yes — time to turn your yard from a Skunk Spa & Snack Bar™ into a No-Stink Zone! 🛑🦨✨
Here are some skunk-proofing tips that actually work, with a sprinkle of humor and a dash of “seriously, do this.”


🏡 How to Skunk-Proof Your Yard (and Life)

1. 🗑️ Lock Down the Buffet

Skunks are nature’s little dumpster divers.

  • Use sealed garbage cans with tight lids (think raccoon-level secure).
  • No pet food outside overnight. That’s basically filet mignon for skunks.
  • Pick up fallen fruit from trees. 🍎 To you: compost. To skunks: a juicy invitation.
  • Bird feeders: Skunks love spilled seed. Use a catch tray or clean the area.

2. 💡 Turn on the Lights (but not the mood lighting)

Skunks are shy and hate the spotlight. Literally.

  • Motion-activated lights freak them out like they’re on “America’s Got Talent.”
  • Bright areas = less appealing. Bonus: you’ll also scare off raccoons, opossums, and nosy neighbors. 😎

3. 🪵 Seal the Skunkbnb

Skunks LOVE:

  • Under decks
  • Sheds
  • Wood piles
  • Crawl spaces

Block off access with:

  • Wire mesh or hardware cloth (½ inch or smaller — they’re sneaky!)
  • Bury it a few inches underground – skunks dig like they’re in a prison break movie.

Pro Tip: Before sealing a hole, make sure no skunks are inside! 🫣
You don’t want to trap a skunk. Trust me. They’ll let you know. With their… fragrance.


4. 🌿 Plant with Purpose

Skunks hate strong smells — ironic, right?

Try planting:

  • 🌱 Lavender
  • 🌿 Mint
  • 🌼 Marigolds
  • 🧄 Garlic or onions

Also works as natural air freshener for you. Win-win.


5. 💩 Remove Grub Grub

Skunks love grubs (the bugs, not Taco Bell).

  • Treat your lawn for grubs in late summer/fall.
  • Less bugs = less skunks digging moon craters in your yard overnight.

6. 🛡️ Add Repellents (Smell vs. Smell)

Skunks hate:

  • 🔥 Ammonia
  • 🌶️ Cayenne pepper
  • 👃 Predator urine (fox or coyote — yes, you can buy this online 😅)

Soak cotton balls or rags and place around den entrances. It’s like spraying “Skunk: Do Not Enter” signs.


🧠 Bonus Tips

  • 🚫 No open compost piles. Use a closed bin.
  • 🛁 Keep pet doors closed at night. Or you might have a surprise guest in the kitchen.
  • 🧽 Clean up spilled grease or BBQ drippings. The smell is irresistible to stinkbutts.

🎯 Summary

✅ Do This❌ Avoid This
Seal off crawlspacesLeaving trash out overnight
Clean up fruit & foodLetting pets chase skunks
Install motion lightsLeaving decks open underneath
Treat lawn for grubsHoping they’ll just “go away”

Want me to help you with a checklist or customized yard plan? Or maybe you wanna prank-proof your pets from skunks too? I got you. 😎

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-so-many-skunks-around-right-now-randy-bilesky-nfk2c

-why-are-there-…around-right-now/

ByRandy Bilesky BsF CPA RPF

Hundreds of mouse and rat complaints in schools across the Lower Mainland

Over 300 complaints about mice and rats were reported in public schools over the past school year, revealing widespread rodent issues across more than 80 institutions. Staff reports included sightings, droppings, strong odors, and infestations in classrooms, cafeterias, and offices, with some students having to switch rooms due to the disruptions. The findings were uncovered through documents released via a freedom of information request.

The local school district spent around $280,000 on pest control, including the salaries of two full-time staff responsible for prevention and response. Despite efforts, reports showed ongoing problems, often worsened by cluttered rooms and poor food storage. Several school cafeterias were also cited by health inspectors for signs of rodent activity or failing to meet sanitation standards.

Concerns have been raised about the impact on students’ learning environments and the lack of transparency from school authorities. Experts say rodents pose both physical and mental health risks and argue for improved exclusion methods and waste management. Some advocates are calling for independent oversight and a clearer communication strategy to track progress and protect vulnerable spaces like schools.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/hundreds-mouse-rat-complaints-schools-across-lower-mainland-bilesky-djrpc

https://gogreenpestcontrol.ca/hundreds-of-mous…e-lower-mainland