Author Archive Randy Bilesky BsF CPA RPF

Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF

President at Go Green

May 2, 2025

Wasp and hornet stings can be a real nuisance, especially during the warmer months when these insects are more active. Here’s a quick guide on what you should know about wasps, hornets, and how to handle their stings:

1. Key Differences Between Wasps and Hornets:

• Wasps: Generally smaller and more slender with bright yellow and black coloring. They tend to be more aggressive, especially if their nest is threatened.
• Hornets: Larger, more robust, and typically darker in color (often black with white or yellow markings). They are a type of wasp but are more aggressive and can defend their nests more aggressively.

2. Why Wasps and Hornets Sting:

• Defense: Wasps and hornets are protective of their nests, and they sting when they feel threatened.
• Seasonal Behavior: In late summer and fall, the nest’s colony size peaks, and the wasps become more irritable, especially as food sources decrease. This is when stings are more common.

3. Symptoms of a Sting:

• Pain: Sharp, immediate pain that usually lasts a few minutes.
• Swelling and Redness: The area around the sting can become swollen and red.
• Itching: After the pain subsides, itching may occur.
• Increased Risk for Allergies: If you’re allergic to wasp or hornet venom, stings can lead to more serious reactions, such as difficulty breathing, swelling in areas away from the sting site, dizziness, or even anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction).

4. What to Do If Stung:

• Stay Calm: Don’t panic, as this could provoke more aggression from other wasps or hornets nearby.
• Remove the Stinger: If you’re stung by a wasp (not a hornet, since hornets don’t leave their stinger behind), you can use a flat edge (like a credit card) to scrape the stinger off.
• Clean the Area: Wash the sting site with soap and water to avoid infection.
• Ice or Cold Compress: Apply ice to the sting site to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
• Over-the-Counter Treatments: Hydrocortisone creams, antihistamines, or pain relievers can help with swelling and pain.

5. Allergic Reactions to Watch Out For:

• Mild Reactions: Redness, swelling, and itching at the site.
• Severe Reactions: Trouble breathing, swelling of the lips, throat, or face, dizziness, or a rapid pulse. If this happens, seek medical help immediately. Carrying an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) is recommended for people with known allergies to stings.

6. Preventing Stings:

• Avoid Nesting Areas: Keep away from areas where wasps or hornets nest. These are often found in eaves, attics, tree branches, and sheds.
• Wear Protective Clothing: When gardening or doing outdoor work, wear long sleeves, pants, and gloves to minimize exposed skin.
• Stay Calm Around Wasps and Hornets: Avoid swatting at them, as this can provoke them. Instead, calmly walk away from the area.
• Seal Trash and Food: Wasps are attracted to food sources, so keep food covered when eating outdoors and seal trash tightly.

7. Dealing with Nests:

• If you discover a nest on your property, it’s best not to try to remove it yourself, especially if it’s large. You can call a pest control professional who will handle the nest safely.
• Some people use DIY methods, like hanging a decoy wasp nest to deter other wasps, as they tend to be territorial.

8. Natural Remedies for Sting Relief:

• Baking Soda: A paste of baking soda and water can help neutralize the acidity of the sting.
• Vinegar: A vinegar compress can help reduce pain and swelling.
• Honey: A small amount of honey can soothe the sting area, and its antimicrobial properties can reduce the risk of infection.
• https://gogreenpestcontrol.ca/wasp-season-agai…wasp-and-hornets/
• https://insectandrodentexterminators.com/wasp-season-again-what-you-need-to-know-about-wasp-and-hornets/
• https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/wasp-season-again-what-you-need-know-hornets-randy-bilesky-fddyc

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

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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/

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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?

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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..

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

Fleas in my house and what can be done

Bed bugs and cockroaches are both common household pests, but they have distinct differences in terms of behavior, appearance, and the issues they cause.

Bed Bugs

• Appearance: Bed bugs are small, flat, oval-shaped insects with a reddish-brown color. They grow to about the size of an apple seed (4-5 mm).
• Habitat: Bed bugs are typically found in cracks, crevices, and hidden spots near where people sleep—usually in and around beds, mattresses, and furniture.
• Feeding Habits: Bed bugs are blood-feeding insects. They bite humans (or other animals) while they sleep, causing itchy red welts. They tend to feed at night, hiding during the day.
• Life Cycle: Bed bugs can survive without feeding for months, making them difficult to get rid of. They reproduce quickly, laying eggs in hidden locations.
• Health Risks: While they don’t transmit diseases, bed bug bites can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and secondary infections due to scratching.

Cockroaches

• Appearance: Cockroaches are larger, with long, flat bodies and antennae. They range in color from brown to black and can grow up to 2 inches or more (depending on the species).
• Habitat: Cockroaches prefer dark, warm, and moist environments like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. They are often found near food sources and in cracks in walls, under appliances, and in trash.
• Feeding Habits: Cockroaches are omnivores and scavenge on various organic materials, including food scraps, garbage, and even paper.
• Life Cycle: Cockroaches reproduce quickly, with females producing egg cases that hatch into nymphs. Cockroaches can also survive without food for long periods, but they need water.
• Health Risks: Cockroaches can spread bacteria, allergens, and pathogens that may lead to respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and infections.

Key Differences

• Feeding: Bed bugs only feed on blood, while cockroaches eat a wide variety of food, including garbage and organic waste.
• Appearance: Bed bugs are much smaller and more flattened, while cockroaches are larger and have long antennae.
• Habitat: Bed bugs are mostly found in sleeping areas, while cockroaches are more common in kitchens, bathrooms, and other places with food.
• Health Issues: Bed bugs are mainly a nuisance with itchy bites, but cockroaches pose a broader health risk by spreading diseases and allergens.

Both pests can be difficult to eradicate, but their methods of control differ based on their behaviors and environments.

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Bed bugs vs Cockroaches

Bed bugs vs Cockroaches

Yes, feral cats can be effective at keeping rodent populations in check. They are natural hunters, and their presence can help reduce the number of mice, rats, and other small animals in an area. However, their effectiveness depends on several factors, including the size of the rodent population, the environment, and the cat’s hunting abilities.

Feral cats are particularly skilled at controlling rodents in urban or rural areas, where there may be a high density of prey. But while they can reduce the population of rodents, they may not completely eliminate them. Additionally, some concerns arise about feral cats harming wildlife and other animals, especially birds, and their impact on local ecosystems.

In areas where rodent control is the goal, a combination of strategies, such as using traps or other pest control methods, is often more effective and humane than relying solely on feral cats.

A feral cat is a domestic cat that has either never been socialized to humans or has reverted to a wild state after being abandoned or lost. Unlike house cats that are accustomed to human interaction, feral cats tend to avoid humans and can be wary or fearful of them. They are typically born in the wild or in environments where they have little to no contact with people.

Feral cats live outdoors and often form colonies in places like alleys, fields, or near food sources. They are self-sufficient, hunting for their food, such as small rodents, birds, or insects. Feral cats are different from strays, who are lost or abandoned cats that were once socialized to humans and might be more comfortable around people.

While feral cats can sometimes be socialized and adopted into homes, they generally prefer to live independently in the wild or in urban environments where they can maintain their distance from humans.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/feral-cats-good-keeping-rodent-population-low-randy-bilesky-yonhc

:https://gogreenpestcontrol.ca/are-feral-cats-g…t-population-low/

Are feral cats good at keeping the rodent population low?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by Leptospira bacteria, commonly spread through water or soil contaminated with urine by rats.

How It Spreads:

• Rats and other animals (dogs, livestock, and wildlife) carry Leptospira in their urine.
• The bacteria enter the body through cuts, mucous membranes, or by drinking contaminated water.
• Flooding and poor sanitation increase the risk.

Symptoms in Humans:

• Fever, chills, headache, muscle aches (flu-like symptoms).
• Severe cases can lead to kidney damage, liver failure, meningitis, or even death.

Prevention:

• Avoid contact with contaminated water (wear boots/gloves if working in high-risk areas).
• Control rodent populations by managing waste and sealing food sources.
• Vaccinate pets and livestock where possible.

Treatment:

• Antibiotic Therapy: Early administration of antibiotics is crucial. Common choices include doxycycline or penicillin. For severe cases, intravenous antibiotics may be necessary.
• Supportive Care: This may involve hospitalization for intravenous fluids, dialysis for kidney failure, or mechanical ventilation for respiratory distress.

Recent Outbreaks:

• New York City, USA (2023): The city reported 24 cases—the highest number in a single year—with infections largely associated with exposure to environments contaminated by rat urine. nyc.gov+1forbes.com+1
• Valencia, Spain (2024): Two probable cases were identified among volunteers assisting in flood cleanup efforts. Both individuals showed good recovery after treatment. cadenaser.com+1as.com+1
• Finland (2024): Several dogs were diagnosed with leptospirosis, raising concerns due to the zoonotic potential of the disease. huffingtonpost.es

Leptospirosis outbreaks are often linked to heavy rainfall, flooding, and areas with poor sanitation. Preventive measures include avoiding contact with potentially contaminated water, wearing protective clothing, and controlling rodent populations.

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Rats and Leptospirosis

Rats and Leptospirosis

1. Food: Cockroaches are omnivorous and eat almost anything, but they especially love greasy foods, sweets, starches, and protein. Even tiny crumbs or spilled liquids can be enough to attract them. Kitchens, where food is often prepared or stored, are prime locations for roaches to find food.
2. Water: Like all living creatures, cockroaches need water to survive. Kitchens have easy access to water from sinks, dishwashers, refrigerators (especially those with water dispensers), and even pet water bowls.
3. Shelter: Cockroaches like dark, secluded places where they can hide during the day and emerge at night to forage. Kitchens have many such areas, such as behind the fridge, under cabinets, or inside appliances like stoves and dishwashers.
4. Warmth: Cockroaches are drawn to warmth. Kitchens, with cooking appliances like stoves and ovens, provide a comfortable environment for cockroaches.

Signs of a Cockroach Infestation

• Visible Roaches: If you see cockroaches during the day, it could be a sign that you have a larger infestation. Cockroaches are nocturnal, so seeing them during the day could indicate they are no longer hiding as much.
• Droppings: Cockroach droppings resemble small black pepper-like specks. They are often found around areas where cockroaches feed or hide.
• Egg Casings: Cockroaches lay eggs in casings known as oothecae. These casings are typically brown or black and can be found in hidden areas.
• Smell: A strong, musty odor can sometimes indicate a cockroach problem, especially if there are many of them.

Why Cockroaches Are Hard to Get Rid Of

• Resilience: Cockroaches are extremely resilient creatures. They can live for weeks without food and survive without their heads for several days. They can also adapt to many chemicals and environments.
• Reproduction: Cockroaches reproduce quickly. A female can lay up to 40 eggs at a time, and the eggs hatch within a few weeks. This rapid reproductive cycle can lead to a full-blown infestation in a relatively short amount of time if not addressed.
• Hiding Places: Cockroaches are skilled at hiding. They can squeeze into tiny cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and cabinets, making it difficult to find all of them and eliminate the problem.

How to Prevent and Get Rid of Cockroaches

1. Cleanliness:
2. Seal Entry Points: Inspect your kitchen and home for cracks or gaps in walls, around windows, doors, pipes, and vents. Seal them to prevent roaches from entering.
3. Fix Water Leaks: Address any plumbing issues in your kitchen. Cockroaches are drawn to moisture, so leaky pipes or faucets should be repaired immediately.
4. Use Traps and Baits: Cockroach traps: Sticky traps can help you monitor the extent of an infestation. These can be placed in areas where cockroaches are likely to pass through, like behind the fridge or under cabinets. Bait stations: These contain poison that cockroaches will eat and carry back to their hiding places. It can help to eliminate roaches over time.
5. Use Insecticides: If the infestation is larger, you may need to use cockroach insecticides. There are sprays, powders, and gels available that can help eliminate cockroaches. Boric acid is a commonly used and effective treatment for cockroaches, as it’s toxic to them when ingested. It’s best applied in areas that roaches frequent.

Health Risks

Cockroaches can be more than just a nuisance—they can also pose health risks. Some of the potential issues include:

1. Allergies and Asthma: Cockroach droppings, shed skins, and saliva can trigger allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals or children. Their presence is a common trigger for asthma symptoms.
2. Disease Transmission: Cockroaches can carry bacteria, viruses, and pathogens on their bodies. They can contaminate food, kitchen surfaces, and utensils by walking across them, leading to foodborne illnesses such as Salmonella, E. coli, and even parasitic infections.
3. Bacterial Growth: Cockroaches can transfer bacteria from dirty environments to clean areas. Their feces can also contribute to bacterial growth, further increasing the risk of contamination.

Conclusion

Finding cockroaches in your kitchen usually points to factors like available food, water, and hiding spaces. If the problem is minor, regular cleaning and sealing up potential entry points can help. However, if you see signs of a large infestation or continued sightings, you may need to take further action, such as using traps, baits, or professional pest control services.

It’s important to act quickly, as cockroaches can reproduce rapidly and become harder to eliminate the longer they’re allowed to stay.

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Why Cockroaches Are Attracted to Kitchens

Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF

President at Go Green

March 13, 2025

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a sustainable approach to managing pests that combines various strategies to minimize the use of chemical pesticides and reduce environmental impact. It focuses on long-term prevention and control of pest populations through a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods. Here’s a breakdown of the key components of IPM:

1. Prevention

• Cultural Practices: Crop rotation, selecting pest-resistant plant varieties, and proper irrigation methods help create an environment less favorable for pests.
• Sanitation: Removing plant debris and cleaning tools or equipment reduces the habitat for pests.
• Exclusion: Using barriers like screens or nets to prevent pests from entering an area.

2. Monitoring

• Regular Inspections: Monitoring pest populations through visual inspections, traps, or sensors helps detect problems early before they become severe.
• Pest Identification: Proper identification of pests is critical to implementing the most effective control methods. Some pests may require different treatments based on their life cycle, behavior, or resistance to certain chemicals.

3. Biological Control

• Natural Predators: Introducing or encouraging natural predators like ladybugs, predatory mites, or birds can help control pest populations.
• Biopesticides: These are natural substances or organisms, such as bacteria or fungi, that can control pests.

4. Mechanical and Physical Control

• Traps: Sticky traps, pheromone traps, and mechanical traps are used to capture pests.
• Barriers and Fencing: Physical barriers such as row covers or netting can be used to protect crops from insect pests.
• Hand-Picking: In some cases, pests can be removed by hand (e.g., picking off caterpillars from plants).

5. Chemical Control

• Selective Pesticides: When pest populations exceed the action threshold, targeted and selective use of chemical pesticides may be necessary.
• Reduced Toxicity: The goal is to use chemicals that are less toxic to non-target species (such as beneficial insects or humans) and to apply them in a way that minimizes environmental impact (e.g., using the least amount necessary).

6. Thresholds

• Action Thresholds: These are pest population levels at which control measures are needed to prevent damage to crops or structures. The idea is to act before pest numbers reach a level that causes economic or aesthetic harm.

7. Education and Collaboration

• Educating farmers, gardeners, and the public about IPM practices helps them make informed decisions and collaborate in reducing pest-related problems. Sharing knowledge and data, such as pest forecasts or emerging pest threats, can aid in overall pest management efforts.

IPM is adaptive, meaning it is continuously modified based on monitoring data, new scientific knowledge, and feedback from pest management experiences. Its overall goal is to manage pest populations in a way that balances environmental health, economic costs, and social concerns.

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