Monthly Archive August 10, 2026

ByRandy Bilesky BsF CPA RPF

What Are Wasp Nests Made Of? Where Wasps Get Their Building Materials and What Happens to the Nest After They Die

When most people see a wasp nest hanging from a roofline, tucked under a deck, or hidden inside a wall, they may wonder: What is that nest actually made of?

Unlike honeybees, wasps don’t make their nests from wax. Many common wasp species build their nests from a remarkable material that is essentially paper — created by the wasps themselves from chewed-up wood fibres mixed with saliva.

At Go Green Pest Control, we often get questions about wasp nests, where wasps find the materials to build them, and whether an old nest can become active again.

Here’s what you need to know.

What Are Wasp Nests Made Of?

Most paper wasp and yellowjacket nests are made from wood fibres and other plant-based cellulose materials.

The wasps collect small amounts of weathered wood, bark, plant fibres, and other cellulose-containing material from their surroundings. They chew these materials into a pulp and mix them with saliva.

Once the pulp dries, it becomes a lightweight, paper-like material.

That’s why wasp nests can have such an interesting appearance. Depending on the species and the materials available, the nest may range from grey to brown or even have different shades and patterns.

The wasps are essentially making their own building material.

Where Do Wasps Get the Material for Their Nests?

Wasps are surprisingly resourceful.

They don’t have to travel very far to find suitable materials. A colony may collect fibres from many sources around a property.

Common sources can include:

  • Weathered wooden fences
  • Decks
  • Sheds
  • Untreated wood
  • Tree branches
  • Dead trees
  • Bark
  • Wooden structures
  • Cardboard
  • Paper products
  • Other plant material containing cellulose

You may even see wasps scraping small amounts of wood from a fence or wooden structure.

They use their jaws to remove tiny fibres from the surface. Those fibres are then chewed into a pulp and transported back to the nest.

Why Does a Wasp Nest Look Like Paper?

The paper-like appearance is the result of the wasps’ building process.

The insects chew wood fibres into a wet pulp and spread that material over the developing nest. As the pulp dries, it hardens into thin layers of paper-like material.

Different types of wasps may use different fibres and construction techniques, which is why nests can look very different.

Some nests are enclosed in a papery outer shell, while others have exposed honeycomb-like cells.

The structure isn’t just decorative. It provides shelter and protection for the developing young and helps create a suitable environment for the colony.

How Do Wasps Build a Nest?

Nest construction generally begins when a queen starts a new colony.

Depending on the species, she finds a suitable protected location and begins building the first cells. She lays eggs in these cells and cares for the developing young.

As workers emerge, they take over much of the nest-building and food-gathering work.

The nest can then grow rapidly as the colony expands.

A small nest in early summer can become a much larger and more active colony later in the season.

That’s one reason homeowners sometimes notice what appears to be a sudden increase in wasp activity during the warmer months.

Where Do Wasps Build Their Nests?

Wasps are experts at finding protected locations.

Depending on the species, nests may be found:

  • Under roof overhangs
  • Beneath decks
  • Inside wall voids
  • In attics
  • Around sheds
  • Under eaves
  • In trees and shrubs
  • Inside bushes
  • Beneath outdoor structures
  • Underground
  • Around garages
  • In gaps around buildings

Yellowjackets can be particularly troublesome because some species build nests underground or inside concealed spaces.

A nest that isn’t immediately visible doesn’t necessarily mean there isn’t one nearby.

If you notice a steady stream of wasps entering and exiting a small hole in a wall, roofline, ground area, or other opening, there may be a nest hidden nearby.

What Happens to the Nest When the Wasps Die?

This is one of the most interesting things about wasp nests.

For many wasp species, the colony is seasonal.

As the season ends and temperatures drop, the colony’s activity declines. In many species, the workers and males eventually die, while newly produced queens may survive the winter elsewhere.

The old nest is then abandoned.

Does the Same Nest Get Used Again?

Generally, no.

Most social wasps do not simply move back into last year’s nest and start using it again.

Instead, a new colony typically begins construction of a new nest the following season.

This means an old, abandoned wasp nest hanging under your eaves isn’t necessarily an active nest.

However, that doesn’t mean you should assume every nest you find is abandoned.

If you’re seeing wasps actively entering and leaving the nest, treat it as potentially active and avoid disturbing it.

Does an Old Wasp Nest Eventually Disappear?

Yes.

Once abandoned, the nest is exposed to weather, moisture, insects, birds, and other environmental conditions.

Over time, the paper-like structure deteriorates.

Rain and moisture can weaken the material, while wind and natural decay gradually break the nest apart.

Eventually, the old nest may collapse and disappear.

How quickly this happens depends on where the nest is located and how well it is protected from the weather.

A nest underneath a sheltered roof overhang may remain visible for quite some time, while an exposed nest can deteriorate much faster.

Should You Remove an Old Wasp Nest?

If you have confirmed that a nest is completely inactive, removing it is generally more of a maintenance or cosmetic decision than a necessity.

An abandoned nest doesn’t normally continue producing wasps.

However, the more important question is whether the nest is actually abandoned.

Never assume a nest is inactive simply because you don’t see wasps flying around it at a particular moment.

Wasp activity can change throughout the day, and some nests are hidden from view.

If you’re unsure, it’s better to have the nest assessed rather than taking the risk of disturbing an active colony.

Why Are Wasp Nests a Problem Around Your Home?

Wasps play an important role in the environment. They prey on many insects and can help control other pest populations.

The problem begins when they establish a nest close to people.

A nest near a doorway, patio, children’s play area, deck, attic, or other frequently used part of your property can create a significant stinging hazard.

As the colony grows, wasp activity around the nest can increase.

Disturbing the nest — intentionally or accidentally — can also cause defensive behaviour.

That’s why DIY nest removal can be dangerous, particularly when the nest is large, hidden, high up, or located inside a wall or other enclosed space.

What Should You Do If You Find a Wasp Nest?

The safest first step is simple:

Don’t disturb it.

Keep children and pets away from the area and avoid hitting, spraying, poking, or knocking down the nest.

If you’re seeing significant wasp activity, especially around your home or business, professional pest control can help identify the species, locate the nest, and determine the appropriate treatment.

At Go Green Pest Control, we can help homeowners deal with wasp problems before they become a bigger issue.

Have a Wasp Nest on Your Property?

Don’t take unnecessary risks trying to remove it yourself.

Call Go Green Pest Control at 778-886-4111 to discuss your wasp problem and arrange professional pest control service.

Go Green Pest Control
📞 778-886-4111
🌐 gogreenpestcontrol.ca

Whether the nest is under your deck, inside a wall, around your roofline, or hidden somewhere on your property, getting professional advice can help you deal with the problem safely and effectively.

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ByRandy Bilesky BsF CPA RPF

Silverfish in Summer: Why They’re Invading Your Home and How to Get Rid of Them

Seeing silverfish in your home this summer? You’re not alone. These fast-moving, silvery insects are common in homes throughout the Lower Mainland, and warm summer weather can make them especially noticeable.

At Go Green Pest Control, we regularly hear from homeowners who are wondering the same thing: Why are silverfish suddenly showing up in my house, and how do I get rid of them for good?

The good news is that seeing a silverfish doesn’t necessarily mean your home is dirty. Silverfish are attracted to the conditions found in many homes — especially areas that are dark, damp, warm, and undisturbed.

The bad news? If you’re seeing them regularly, there may be more hiding nearby.

What Are Silverfish?

Silverfish are small, wingless insects with a distinctive silvery appearance and long, tail-like appendages. They move quickly and often disappear into cracks, closets, bathrooms, basements, storage areas, and other dark spaces when disturbed.

They are primarily nocturnal, which means you may not see them during the day. Finding one during daylight hours can sometimes indicate that there is a larger population hiding out of sight.

Silverfish feed on carbohydrates and starchy materials. They can eat things such as paper, cardboard, book bindings, wallpaper paste, fabrics containing starch, and other household materials.

While silverfish aren’t known for biting people, they can become a nuisance and may damage household belongings over time.

Why Do You See More Silverfish in the Summer?

Summer can create ideal conditions for silverfish activity.

Warmer temperatures can increase their activity and reproduction, while moisture in and around your home provides the environment they prefer. Changes in temperature and humidity can also cause silverfish to move around more in search of food, shelter, and suitable conditions.

Homes with crawl spaces, basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, garages, storage areas, and other damp or humid spaces can be particularly attractive.

You may also notice silverfish more often during the summer simply because they are more active.

Common places to find silverfish include:

  • Bathrooms and around plumbing
  • Basements and crawl spaces
  • Laundry rooms
  • Under sinks
  • Around water heaters
  • Closets and storage rooms
  • Garages
  • Areas with cardboard or paper storage
  • Cracks and gaps around baseboards
  • Dark areas that are rarely disturbed

Why Are Silverfish in My Home?

Silverfish don’t enter your home because it’s dirty.

They’re looking for three basic things:

Food.

Silverfish can feed on starches, carbohydrates, paper products, adhesives, fabrics, and other materials commonly found in homes.

Moisture.

Damp conditions are highly attractive to silverfish. Leaks, condensation, high humidity, and moisture in basements or crawl spaces can all contribute to an environment they like.

Shelter.

Silverfish prefer dark, protected areas. Cracks, wall voids, storage areas, boxes, and spaces underneath or behind household fixtures can provide excellent hiding places.

If your home provides all three, silverfish may have little reason to leave.

Are Silverfish Dangerous?

Silverfish are not considered dangerous to people or pets, and they aren’t known for transmitting diseases in the way some other household pests can.

However, that doesn’t mean you should ignore them.

A small number of silverfish can be difficult to notice, particularly because they are nocturnal and excellent at hiding. If you’re seeing them regularly, there may be a population established somewhere in your home.

Silverfish can also damage certain household items, particularly paper products, books, wallpaper, cardboard, and materials containing starch or adhesives.

In other words, one silverfish isn’t necessarily an emergency — but repeated sightings are worth investigating.

How Can You Reduce Silverfish Numbers?

There are several things homeowners can do to make their property less attractive to silverfish.

1. Reduce Moisture

Start by looking for sources of excess moisture.

Check for:

  • Leaking pipes or faucets
  • Condensation
  • Plumbing leaks
  • Damp basements
  • Moist crawl spaces
  • Poor ventilation in bathrooms
  • Water intrusion around windows or foundations

Using ventilation or a dehumidifier in damp areas can also help reduce humidity.

2. Remove Clutter

Silverfish love dark, undisturbed hiding places.

Reduce clutter in basements, garages, closets, and storage areas. Avoid leaving piles of cardboard, paper, clothing, or other materials sitting undisturbed for long periods.

3. Store Paper Products Properly

If you have boxes of books, documents, photographs, or other paper materials stored in a basement or garage, consider moving them into sealed plastic storage containers.

Cardboard boxes can provide both food and shelter for silverfish.

4. Seal Cracks and Gaps

Inspect areas where silverfish may enter or move around your home.

Pay particular attention to:

  • Baseboards
  • Around pipes
  • Around doors and windows
  • Foundation cracks
  • Utility penetrations
  • Gaps around cabinets
  • Cracks in walls and flooring

Sealing these areas can help reduce potential entry points and hiding places.

5. Fix Water Problems

If there is an underlying moisture problem, simply killing the silverfish you see may not solve the issue.

A leaking pipe, damp crawl space, drainage problem, or excessive humidity can continue to create conditions that attract them.

Addressing the reason they’re there is just as important as treating the insects themselves.

Can You Stop Silverfish Completely?

Getting rid of silverfish isn’t always as simple as spraying the ones you can see.

Because silverfish are good at hiding, there can be insects in cracks, wall voids, storage areas, and other locations you can’t easily reach.

The most effective approach is usually a combination of:

Moisture control + sanitation + exclusion + targeted pest treatment.

The goal isn’t simply to kill the silverfish running across your bathroom floor.

The goal is to identify why they’re there, where they’re hiding, and how they’re getting into or moving through the home.

When Should You Call a Pest Control Professional?

If you’re seeing a silverfish once in a while, there may not be a major infestation.

But if you’re seeing them:

  • Several times a week
  • In multiple rooms
  • During the daytime
  • In bathrooms and bedrooms
  • Around your basement or crawl space
  • In closets or storage areas
  • Despite cleaning and reducing moisture

…it may be time for a professional inspection.

A pest control professional can look beyond the silverfish you can see and help identify conditions that may be supporting the population.

Don’t Let Silverfish Take Over Your Summer

Silverfish are small, but a recurring infestation can be frustrating — especially when you keep seeing them despite trying to eliminate them yourself.

The key is to address the source of the problem, not just the insects you happen to see.

If silverfish have become a regular sight in your home, Go Green Pest Control can help identify the conditions contributing to the problem and develop a targeted plan to reduce their numbers and prevent them from coming back.

Seeing Silverfish? Let’s Deal With Them.

Don’t spend the summer chasing silverfish around your house.

Call Go Green Pest Control at 778-886-4111 to discuss your silverfish problem and arrange an inspection.

Go Green Pest Control
📞 778-886-4111
🌐 gogreenpestcontrol.ca

Your home should be a place where you can relax — not a place where you’re constantly watching the floor for silverfish.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/silverfish-summer-why-theyre-invading-your-home-how-get-randy-bilesky-nx2xc

ByRandy Bilesky BsF CPA RPF

What Causes a Bad Smell in Your Walls or Attic? It Could Be a Dead Rat

Have you noticed a strong, unpleasant smell coming from your walls, ceiling, attic, or crawl space? A persistent odor that seems to get worse over several days is often a sign that a rat or mouse has died inside your home. Unfortunately, this is a common problem, especially after rodents have entered a home looking for warmth, food, or shelter.

At Go Green Pest Control, we help homeowners throughout the Lower Mainland identify the source of foul odors, remove rodents, and prevent future infestations. If you’re dealing with a mysterious smell, it’s important to determine the cause before it becomes a larger health or pest issue.

Why Would a Rat Die Inside Your Walls or Attic?

Rats and mice frequently travel through wall cavities, attics, crawl spaces, and ceilings. They may die for several reasons, including:

Natural Causes

Rodents have relatively short lifespans. Older or weakened rats sometimes die while nesting inside a home.

Poison Baits

If rodents consume poison, they often return to hidden areas such as walls, insulation, or attics before they die. This can leave homeowners with a strong odor for days or even weeks. In many cases, the exact location of the carcass is difficult to reach without opening walls or ceilings.

Injuries

Rodents may suffer injuries from encounters with predators, falls, or becoming trapped inside wall cavities or building materials.

Lack of Food or Water

A rodent that becomes trapped without access to food or water may eventually die inside the structure.

What Does a Dead Rat Smell Like?

The odor is usually:

  • Strong and foul
  • Similar to rotting meat
  • Sweet yet putrid
  • More noticeable in warm weather
  • Strongest near walls, attics, crawl spaces, or vents

As decomposition progresses, the smell can spread through HVAC systems, electrical outlets, and small openings in drywall.

How Long Does the Smell Last?

The length of time depends on several factors:

  • Size of the animal
  • Indoor temperature
  • Humidity
  • Air circulation
  • Accessibility of the carcass

In most homes, the odor lasts:

  • Small mouse: 3–7 days
  • Large mouse or small rat: 1–2 weeks
  • Adult rat: 2–4 weeks

Warm summer temperatures can speed decomposition but may also make the smell much stronger. Cooler temperatures can slow the process, causing the odor to linger longer.

Even after the carcass has completely decomposed, odors may remain in insulation or surrounding building materials until they naturally dissipate or are professionally cleaned.

Is the Smell Dangerous?

While the odor itself is unpleasant, a dead rodent can also attract other pests such as:

  • Blow flies
  • Flesh flies
  • Carpet beetles
  • Dermestid beetles
  • Maggots

Decomposing rodents may also contribute to poor indoor air quality and contaminate insulation with bacteria and bodily fluids. For this reason, professional removal is recommended whenever possible.

Can You Remove the Dead Rat?

If the location of the carcass is known and safely accessible, removal is usually the best option. However, many rodents die inside enclosed wall cavities or beneath insulation where access is limited.

Avoid attempting to tear open walls without first confirming the location, as unnecessary damage can become expensive.

Professional technicians use inspection equipment and experience to locate odor sources while minimizing damage to your home.

Eliminating the Source of the Problem

Removing a dead rodent solves the immediate odor, but preventing future infestations requires finding how rodents entered your home.

A complete rodent control program includes:

  • Thorough inspection
  • Identification of entry points
  • Sealing gaps and openings
  • Rat and mouse control
  • Attic and crawl space inspections
  • Sanitation recommendations
  • Prevention strategies

Without exclusion work, new rodents may simply replace those that have been removed.

Preventing Future Rat Problems

Homeowners can reduce the risk of rodent infestations by:

  • Sealing openings around pipes and utility lines
  • Repairing damaged roof vents and soffits
  • Trimming tree branches away from the roof
  • Storing garbage securely
  • Keeping food in sealed containers
  • Removing clutter around the home
  • Scheduling regular pest inspections

Early intervention is far less expensive than repairing damage caused by an established rodent infestation.

Contact Go Green Pest Control

If you’ve noticed a strong odor coming from your walls, attic, crawl space, or ceiling, don’t ignore it. A professional inspection can determine whether a dead rodent or an active infestation is responsible.

Go Green Pest Control

Phone: 778-886-4111

Website: https://gogreenpestcontrol.ca

We proudly serve Delta, Tsawwassen, Ladner, North Delta, Surrey, White Rock, Richmond, Burnaby, Langley, and surrounding communities with professional, environmentally responsible rodent control, wildlife removal, and exclusion services.

Call today to schedule an inspection and restore a clean, healthy home.

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ByRandy Bilesky BsF CPA RPF

Pest Droppings Identification Guide: What Animal Droppings Can Tell You About Your Home

Finding droppings inside your home, garage, attic, or crawl space is often the first sign that unwanted pests have moved in. Identifying the size, shape, and location of droppings can help determine which pest is present and how serious the infestation may be. More importantly, pest droppings can carry harmful bacteria, parasites, and viruses that may pose health risks to your family or employees.

At Go Green Pest Control, we provide professional inspections, humane wildlife removal, rodent control, exclusion services, and sanitation recommendations throughout Delta, Tsawwassen, Ladner, North Delta, Surrey, White Rock, and surrounding communities. Our environmentally responsible approach focuses on identifying the pest, eliminating the problem, and preventing future infestations.

Mouse Droppings

Size: 3–6 mm (about the size of a grain of rice)

Shape: Small with pointed ends

Colour: Dark brown or black when fresh, turning gray as they age

Mice leave dozens of droppings every day, usually near food sources, cupboards, basements, garages, and wall voids.

Health Risks:

  • Salmonella
  • Hantavirus (rare in Canada but possible)
  • Allergic reactions from contaminated dust

Rat Droppings

Size: 12–20 mm

Shape: Capsule-shaped with blunt ends

Colour: Dark brown to black

Rat droppings are much larger than mouse droppings and are commonly found in crawl spaces, attics, sheds, and along walls where rats travel.

Health Risks:

  • Leptospirosis
  • Salmonella
  • Rat-bite fever
  • Contamination of stored food

Squirrel Droppings

Size: 8–12 mm

Shape: Oblong with rounded ends

Colour: Dark brown when fresh

Squirrel droppings are often mistaken for rat droppings but are usually slightly thicker and found in attics or around roof entry points.

Health Risks:

  • Salmonella
  • Parasites such as fleas and ticks
  • Contaminated attic insulation

Raccoon Droppings

Size: 20–30 mm long and 15–20 mm wide

Shape: Tubular with blunt ends

Appearance: Often contains seeds, berries, or undigested food

Raccoons frequently create communal bathroom areas called latrines on roofs, decks, attics, woodpiles, and garages.

Health Risks:

  • Raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis)
  • Leptospirosis
  • Salmonella

Raccoon droppings should never be handled without proper protective equipment because roundworm eggs can remain infectious for years.

Skunk Droppings

Size: 25–50 mm

Shape: Tubular with tapered ends

Appearance: Often contains insect parts, berry seeds, and fur

Skunks usually leave droppings near decks, sheds, crawl spaces, and den entrances.

Health Risks:

  • Salmonella
  • Roundworms
  • Parasites

The presence of skunk droppings often indicates a den nearby that should be professionally removed.

Bat Droppings (Guano)

Size: 4–8 mm

Shape: Small pellets that crumble easily

Appearance: Sparkly due to insect exoskeletons

Bat guano is commonly found beneath attic roosts, roof vents, or entry holes.

Health Risks:

  • Histoplasmosis (caused by fungal spores growing in accumulated guano)
  • Respiratory irritation
  • Secondary insect infestations

Large accumulations of bat guano should only be cleaned by trained professionals using appropriate protective equipment.

Cockroach Droppings

Size: Less than 1 mm to 3 mm

Shape: Fine black specks or tiny cylindrical pellets

Appearance: Similar to black pepper or coffee grounds

Cockroach droppings are commonly found inside kitchen cabinets, behind appliances, under sinks, and in bathrooms.

Health Risks:

  • Food contamination
  • Triggering asthma and allergies
  • Spread of bacteria including Salmonella and E. coli

Cockroach droppings are often one of the earliest signs of an active infestation.

Why You Should Never Ignore Pest Droppings

Droppings are more than an unpleasant mess. They can indicate:

  • An active infestation
  • Structural damage from rodents or wildlife
  • Contaminated insulation
  • Food contamination
  • Increased health risks for your family or employees

Many homeowners discover pests only after finding droppings in the attic, basement, garage, or kitchen. Early identification and prompt action can prevent extensive property damage and reduce cleanup costs.

Professional Pest Inspection and Removal

If you’ve found unidentified droppings, avoid sweeping or vacuuming them, as this can release harmful particles into the air. Instead, isolate the area and arrange for a professional inspection.

Go Green Pest Control provides:

  • Wildlife removal
  • Mouse and rat control
  • Bat exclusion
  • Cockroach treatments
  • Entry-point sealing and exclusion
  • Preventative inspections
  • Humane, environmentally responsible pest management

Our experienced technicians will identify the pest, explain your treatment options, remove the infestation, and help prevent future problems.

Contact Go Green Pest Control

If you’ve discovered pest droppings in your home or business, don’t wait for the problem to get worse.

Go Green Pest Control

Phone: 778-886-4111

Visit: gogreenpestcontrol.ca

Serving Delta, Tsawwassen, Ladner, North Delta, Surrey, White Rock, Richmond, and surrounding communities with professional, environmentally responsible pest control and wildlife removal services.

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ByRandy Bilesky BsF CPA RPF

How Rats Get Onto Your Roof – And What You Can Do to Stop Them

If you’ve been hearing scratching noises in your attic or ceiling, there’s a good chance rats have found their way onto your roof. In Delta, BC, and throughout the Lower Mainland, roof rats are excellent climbers and can access homes in surprising ways. Understanding how they reach your roof is the first step in preventing a costly infestation.

At Go Green Pest Control, we help homeowners identify rodent entry points, eliminate infestations, and prevent future problems using effective, environmentally responsible methods.

How Do Rats Get Onto the Roof?

Many homeowners assume rats simply climb trees, but they’re capable of much more than that. These agile rodents can scale rough surfaces, leap impressive distances, and exploit even the smallest structural weaknesses.

1. Trees Touching the Roof

Overhanging branches are one of the most common “bridges” rats use to access a home.

Fruit trees, cedar hedges, and large ornamental trees that touch or hang over the roof provide a direct pathway into your attic.

Prevention Tips:

  • Trim branches at least 6 to 10 feet away from your roof whenever possible.
  • Remove fallen fruit regularly.
  • Keep vines from growing onto your home.

2. Shrubs Growing Against the House

Dense shrubs and hedges give rodents shelter from predators while they climb toward the roofline.

Tall cedar hedges, ivy, and climbing plants are especially attractive because they provide both food and cover.

Prevention Tips:

  • Keep shrubs trimmed well below windows.
  • Leave a gap between vegetation and exterior walls.
  • Avoid allowing ivy or vines to climb the building.

3. Climbing Brick Chimneys

One of the biggest surprises for homeowners is that rats can climb straight up exterior brick chimneys.

Brick provides excellent traction, allowing rats to scale vertical walls with ease before entering through damaged flashing, roof intersections, or uncapped chimneys.

Prevention Tips:

  • Install a properly fitted chimney cap.
  • Repair damaged mortar joints.
  • Inspect flashing around the chimney annually.

4. Utility Lines and Cables

Power lines, telephone cables, and internet wires often act like highways for roof rats.

They can travel considerable distances above the ground before jumping onto the roof.

Prevention Tips:

  • Keep tree branches away from utility lines.
  • Have your roof professionally inspected if lines terminate close to the house.
  • Seal every potential roof entry point.

5. Downspouts and Gutters

Rats are excellent climbers and can easily scale metal downspouts.

Once on the gutters, they often enter through damaged fascia boards, roof gaps, or deteriorated soffits.

Leaves and debris inside gutters also provide hiding places and signs of rodent activity.

Prevention Tips:

  • Clean gutters regularly.
  • Repair damaged fascia boards.
  • Replace rotting wood around the roofline.

6. Rough Exterior Walls

Stucco, brick, textured concrete, and even some wood siding provide enough grip for rats to climb vertically.

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that a rat does not need a tree nearby—it can simply climb the side of the house.

7. Decks, Fences, and Pergolas

A fence that meets your home or a pergola attached to the roof can become another easy access route.

If rodents can climb onto these structures, reaching your roof becomes much easier.

Why the Roof Matters

Once rats reach the roof, they begin searching for tiny openings.

Common entry points include:

  • Roof vents
  • Plumbing vent flashings
  • Damaged soffits
  • Gaps beneath roof tiles or shingles
  • Loose flashing
  • Chimneys
  • Attic vents

Rats can squeeze through surprisingly small openings and may enlarge weak spots by gnawing. Sealing potential entry points is one of the most effective long-term prevention strategies.

Signs Rats Are Using Your Roof

Watch for these warning signs:

  • Scratching noises at night
  • Droppings in gutters or the attic
  • Greasy rub marks on roof access points
  • Gnaw marks on wood or plastic vents
  • Insulation damage
  • Unpleasant odours coming from the attic

Early detection can prevent extensive damage.

Protect Your Delta Home

The best rodent control combines inspection, exclusion, sanitation, and targeted control methods. Simply trapping rats without sealing entry points often results in new rodents moving in shortly afterward. Integrated pest management focuses on removing food sources, trimming vegetation, and blocking access to the home.

Need Professional Rat Control in Delta?

If you suspect rats are climbing onto your roof or have already entered your attic, don’t wait until the problem gets worse.

Go Green Pest Control provides professional rodent inspections, rat removal, exclusion work, and long-term prevention for homes throughout Delta, Ladner, Tsawwassen, Surrey, Richmond, and the Lower Mainland.

Call Go Green Pest Control today at 778-886-4111 to schedule your rodent inspection and keep your home rat-free year-round.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-rats-get-onto-your-roof-what-you-can-do-stop-them-randy-bilesky-kt9dc

ByRandy Bilesky BsF CPA RPF

Bees vs. Wasps vs. Hornets: How to Tell the Difference in Delta, BC

If you’ve spotted a buzzing insect around your home or business in Delta, BC, you may be wondering whether it’s a bee, a wasp, or a hornet. While these insects can look similar at first glance, they have very different behaviours, nesting habits, and risks. Knowing the difference can help you decide whether to leave them alone or call a professional.

At Go Green Pest Control, we specialize in the safe, environmentally responsible removal of stinging insects throughout Delta and the Lower Mainland.

Bees: Nature’s Essential Pollinators

Bees play a vital role in pollinating flowers, gardens, and crops. Most bee species are gentle and will only sting if they feel threatened.

How to identify bees:

  • Fuzzy or hairy bodies
  • Thick, rounded shape
  • Usually golden brown with black stripes
  • Often found collecting pollen from flowers

Nesting habits:

Honey bees typically build wax hives inside hollow trees, wall cavities, or other protected spaces. Bumble bees often nest underground or in sheltered areas.

Should bees be removed?

Not always. Because bees are valuable pollinators, relocation is often the best solution whenever possible. However, if a colony has established itself inside your home’s walls, attic, or another structure, professional removal is recommended to prevent damage and future infestations.


Wasps: Aggressive Defenders

Wasps are more aggressive than bees and can sting multiple times. Unlike bees, they have smooth bodies and are natural predators that help control other insect populations.

How to identify wasps:

  • Smooth, shiny body
  • Thin “waist”
  • Bright yellow and black colouring
  • Fast, darting flight

Nesting habits:

Paper wasps build umbrella-shaped nests under decks, eaves, railings, and roof overhangs. Yellowjackets frequently build nests underground, inside walls, or in attics.

Are wasps dangerous?

Yes. Wasps become especially aggressive when defending their nest, making DIY removal risky. Since they can sting repeatedly, they pose a greater threat to children, pets, and anyone allergic to insect stings.


Hornets: Large and Powerful Wasps

Many people don’t realize that hornets are actually a type of wasp. They are generally larger than common wasps and build large paper nests.

How to identify hornets:

  • Larger than most wasps
  • Smooth body
  • Black with white or yellow markings depending on the species
  • Loud buzzing flight

Nesting habits:

Hornets often build large enclosed paper nests in trees, shrubs, or under roof eaves. In British Columbia, bald-faced hornets (which are technically aerial yellowjackets rather than true hornets) are commonly encountered around homes.

Are hornets aggressive?

Hornets can aggressively defend their nests if disturbed. Their colonies may contain hundreds of insects by late summer, making professional removal the safest option.


Quick Comparison

FeatureBeesWaspsHornets
BodyFuzzySmoothSmooth and larger
ShapeRoundSlimLarge and robust
StingUsually once (honey bees)Multiple timesMultiple times
TemperamentGenerally gentleAggressive near nestsVery defensive near nests
NestWax hivePaper nests or undergroundLarge paper nests
BenefitPollinationPest controlPest control

When Should You Call a Pest Control Professional?

Contact a professional if:

  • You discover a nest inside your home.
  • The nest is near a doorway, patio, playground, or walkway.
  • You notice increased wasp or hornet activity.
  • Someone in your household has a sting allergy.
  • You’re unsure whether you’re dealing with bees, wasps, or hornets.

Attempting to remove a nest without proper equipment can provoke hundreds of defensive stings.

Go Green Pest Control – Safe Wasp & Hornet Removal in Delta, BC

At Go Green Pest Control, we provide safe, effective, and environmentally responsible solutions for wasps, hornets, and other stinging insects. Our experienced technicians inspect your property, identify the species, and recommend the safest treatment while minimizing environmental impact.

Whether you’ve found a small paper wasp nest under your deck or a large hornet nest in a tree, we’re here to help.

Go Green Pest Control
📍 Serving Delta, BC and surrounding communities
📞 778-886-4111

Don’t wait until a small nest becomes a major problem. Contact Go Green Pest Control today for fast, reliable service and peace of mind.

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