Author Archive Randy Bilesky BsF CPA RPF

If you’re dealing with a potential rodent problem in your neighborhood, it’s important to act quickly. Being proactive can help prevent a larger infestation! Here are some steps you can take:

1. Inspect Your Property: Look for signs of rodent activity, such as droppings, gnaw marks, or burrows.
2. Seal Entry Points: Rodents can squeeze through small openings. Check for gaps in walls, around pipes, and under doors, and seal them up.
3. Keep Food Secure: Store food in airtight containers and avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
4. Maintain Cleanliness: Keep yards tidy and remove any debris or clutter where rodents could hide.
5. Contact Neighbors: If you suspect a wider issue, talk to your neighbors to see if they’re experiencing similar problems.
6. Consider Professional Help: If the problem persists, it might be time to call Go Green Pest Control for a thorough assessment and treatment.

Eliminating potential food sources is crucial in managing a rodent problem. Here are some effective steps to take:

1. Secure Trash: Use rodent-proof trash cans with tight-fitting lids. Make sure to dispose of garbage regularly.
2. Store Food Properly: Keep all food in airtight containers. This includes pet food, birdseed, and any other stored food items.
3. Clean Up Spills: Promptly clean up crumbs and spills in the kitchen and dining areas. Don’t forget to vacuum regularly.
4. Limit Bird Feeders: If you use bird feeders, consider taking them down during peak rodent activity or ensure they are designed to minimize spills.
5. Remove Outdoor Food Sources: Clear fallen fruit from trees, and keep compost piles well-maintained to minimize attraction.
6. Store Firewood Properly: Keep firewood elevated and away from the house to prevent rodents from nesting.
7. Secure Recycling: Rinse out recyclable containers to remove food residues before storing them.

By taking these measures, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of attracting rodents to your property.

Minimizing suitable nesting and harboring sites is key to deterring rodents. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Maintain Landscaping: Trim back shrubs, bushes, and tall grass to reduce cover for rodents. Keep trees well-pruned to prevent branches from touching your house.
2. Clear Debris: Remove piles of leaves, wood, or other debris where rodents could hide. Regularly clean up any clutter in your yard.
3. Secure Storage Areas: Store items like firewood and building materials away from your home, preferably on elevated platforms. Keep them organized and covered.
4. Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for gaps and cracks in the foundation, walls, and around doors and windows. Use caulk or other materials to seal these openings.
5. Limit Outdoor Furniture: Minimize the use of outdoor furniture that can provide hiding spots. If you do have furniture, keep it clean and stored away when not in use.
6. Control Moisture: Fix leaks and ensure proper drainage to avoid creating moist environments, as rodents are attracted to water sources.
7. Use Mulch Wisely: If you use mulch in your garden, consider using less attractive options for rodents, such as gravel, instead of wood chips.

By following these steps, you can create an environment that is less inviting to rodents, helping to protect your property.

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Having rats in the crawl space can be a significant issue. Here are some steps to address the problem:

1. Identify Entry Points: Inspect the exterior of your home for gaps, holes, or cracks where rats might be entering. Pay close attention to areas around pipes, vents, and foundations.
2. Seal Entry Points: Use steel wool or caulk to seal any openings. Rats can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces.
3. Set Traps: Place snap traps or other types of traps in the crawl space, focusing on areas where you’ve seen signs of activity, such as droppings or chew marks.
4. Remove Food Sources: Ensure there are no food sources in the crawl space. Store items in airtight containers and keep the area clean.
5. Use Repellents: Consider natural repellents like peppermint oil or commercial products designed to deter rodents.
6. Consider Professional Help: If the infestation is significant, it may be best to contact a pest control professional who can assess the situation and provide effective solutions.
7. Regular Monitoring: After addressing the issue, continue to monitor the area to ensure no new signs of rat activity appear.

Taking prompt action can help prevent further problems and protect your home from damage. There are several types of repellents you can use to deter rats. Here are some common options:

Natural Repellents

1. Peppermint Oil: The strong scent can repel rats. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them in areas where you’ve seen signs of rat activity.
2. Eucalyptus Oil: Similar to peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil can deter rats with its strong smell.
3. Cayenne Pepper: Sprinkling cayenne pepper in areas where rats are active can help repel them due to its strong scent and irritant properties.
4. Garlic: The odor of garlic can also be unappealing to rats. You can place crushed garlic cloves in areas of activity.

Commercial Repellents

1. Ultrasonic Repellents: These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are supposed to be unpleasant for rodents but inaudible to humans.
2. Chemical Repellents: There are various commercial rodent repellents available that use specific scents or chemical compounds designed to deter rats.

Other Methods

1. Traps and Barriers: While not repellents in the traditional sense, using traps and sealing entry points can be effective in keeping rats away.

Tips for Use

• Regular Reapplication: Natural repellents often need to be reapplied regularly, especially after cleaning or rain.
• Combine Methods: Using a combination of repellents and preventive measures (like sealing entry points and removing food sources) can increase effectiveness.

Keep in mind that while repellents can help deter rats, they may not eliminate an existing infestation, so addressing the root of the problem is crucial.

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Rats can be cautious about entering snap traps for several reasons:

1. Learned Caution: Rats are intelligent and can learn to avoid traps if they have previously encountered danger.
2. Suspicion: They are naturally wary of new objects in their environment, especially if they perceive them as potential threats.
3. Bait Issues: If the bait isn’t appealing or is not placed correctly, they may not be attracted to the trap.
4. Trap Placement: If traps are not placed in areas where rats commonly travel, they might not encounter them at all.
5. Size and Design: Some traps may not be designed effectively for the size or behavior of the rats in the area.

There are several types of rat snap traps available, each designed to effectively catch rats. Here are some common types:

1. Traditional Snap Traps: These are the classic wooden or plastic traps that snap shut when triggered. They usually have a bait tray to attract rats.
2. Plastic Snap Traps: These are similar to traditional traps but are made of plastic. They are often easier to set and clean.
3. Heavy-Duty Snap Traps: Designed for larger rats, these traps have a stronger spring mechanism for a quicker, more humane.
4. Multi-Catch Traps: While not traditional snap traps, some designs allow for multiple rats to be caught at once, using a mechanism that snaps shut when triggered.
5. Enclosed Snap Traps: These traps have a cover to prevent non-target animals from being caught, making them safer to use in residential areas.
6. Electronic Snap Traps: These traps deliver a quick electric shock to dispatch the rat instantly, though they work differently from traditional snap traps.

The best bait for rat snap traps is typically something that is highly attractive to rats. Here are some effective options:

1. Peanut Butter: Its strong scent and sticky texture make it a favorite among rats.
2. Dried Fruit: Items like raisins or apricots can be very enticing.
3. Nuts: Unsalted nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, can attract rats due to their high-fat content.
4. Meat: Small pieces of cooked bacon or sausage can be very appealing.
5. Dog or Cat Food: These high-protein foods can work well, especially if they are slightly crushed to release more scent.
6. Chocolate: Many rats are attracted to sweet foods, so small pieces of chocolate can be effective.

When using bait, make sure to apply it in small amounts and place it securely in the bait tray to ensure that the rats have to trigger the trap to get to it.

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Mice in buildings and mall complexes can be a significant problem due to the availability of food, shelter, and nesting sites. Their presence can lead to health concerns and damage to property.

Challenges in Getting Rid of Mice:

1. Access Points: Mice can enter through small cracks and gaps. Identifying and sealing these entry points is crucial but can be challenging in large, complex structures.
2. Hiding Places: Malls often have many nooks, crannies, and hidden spaces that provide ideal nesting spots. This makes it difficult to locate and eliminate infestations.
3. Food Sources: Food courts and retail stores can attract mice. Ensuring cleanliness and proper food storage is essential but can be hard to maintain consistently.
4. Behavior: Mice reproduce quickly, so even a small population can grow rapidly if not addressed promptly.
5. Pest Control Methods: Options include traps, bait, and professional pest control services such as Go Green Pest Control Corp. Each method has pros and cons, and effectiveness can vary based on the situation.

Solutions:

1. Preventive Measures: Regular inspections, sealing entry points, and maintaining cleanliness can deter mice.
2. Professional Help: Engaging Go Green Pest Control Corp – pest control experts can provide tailored solutions and ensure thorough eradication.
3. Monitoring: Setting up monitoring traps can help assess the severity of the problem and track progress.
4. https://gogreenpestcontrol.ca/mice-in-the-structure-of-buildings/
5. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/mice-structure-buildings-randy-bilesky-ynvqc

Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF

President at Go Green

October 23, 2024

Rodent bait boxes should be strategically placed to maximize their effectiveness while ensuring safety. Here are some key locations and considerations:

Location

1. Near Entry Points: Should place bait boxes near potential entry points like cracks, holes, or gaps in walls and foundations where rodents might enter.
2. Along Walls: Rodents tend to travel along walls rather than open spaces. Position bait boxes flush against walls, particularly in corners.
3. High Activity Areas: Look for signs of rodent activity, such as droppings or gnaw marks, and place bait boxes in these areas.
4. Basements and Attics: These spaces often harbor rodents, so check and place boxes in these areas.
5. Outside: If you have a yard, place bait boxes around the perimeter of your property, especially near shrubs, woodpiles, or trash bins.

Considerations

• Safety: Ensure bait boxes are secured to prevent pets or non-target animals from accessing the bait.
• Visibility: Use tamper-resistant boxes that can be monitored without opening them frequently.
• Regular Checks: Monitor the bait boxes regularly to assess rodent activity and replenish bait as needed.

By following these guidelines, effective management of rodent populations while minimizing risks to pets and wildlife.

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Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF

President at Go Green

October 23, 2024

Spider bites can vary in pain and danger depending on the type of spider involved. Here’s a breakdown.

Pain and Danger

• Pain: Some spider bites may cause minor redness and irritation, while bites from more venomous spiders (like black widows or brown recluse spiders) can be quite painful and lead to more serious symptoms.
• Danger: Most spider bites are harmless. However, bites from certain species can lead to severe reactions, including muscle pain, cramps, fever, and in rare cases, systemic illness.

When and Where

• Location: Spider bites can occur anywhere spiders are found, typically in homes, gardens, or areas with a lot of vegetation. Common spots include dark corners, basements, and woodpiles.
• Time of Year: Spiders are generally more active in warmer months, so bites are more likely in spring and summer, although they can occur year-round.

What’s in a Spider Bite

• Venom: The venom of some spiders contains neurotoxins or cytotoxins, which can affect the nervous system or destroy tissue. The composition varies by species. Neurotoxins: These affect the nervous system and can cause symptoms like muscle spasms, pain, and in severe cases, paralysis. For example, the venom from black widow spiders contains a potent neurotoxin called latrotoxin. Cytotoxins: These can destroy cells and tissues at the site of the bite. Brown recluse spider bites are known to cause necrotic lesions due to cytotoxins in their venom, leading to tissue damage.
• Bacteria: Infections can sometimes develop after a bite, especially if the bite is scratched.

If you suspect a spider bite and experience severe symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention.

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Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF

President at Go Green

October 22, 2024

The Japanese beetle poses a serious threat to both urban landscapes and agricultural crops in B.C.. Introduced in 1916, this invasive pest can damage a wide range of plants. Here’s a brief overview of its impact:

• Landscape Plants: Adults consume flowers and foliage, leading to aesthetic and health issues in ornamental gardens.
• Turf Damage: Larvae feed on the roots of grass, causing brown patches in lawns, parks, and sports fields.
• Gardens: They target fruits and vegetables, impacting yield and quality.
• Ornamental Plants: Nurseries can suffer losses as adult beetles damage a variety of ornamental species.
• Agricultural Crops: Their appetite for over 300 plant species includes economically important crops like blueberries and grapevines.

Japanese beetle larvae and various wildlife, including raccoons, skunks, and crows, interact in interesting ways in the ecosystem.

Japanese Beetle Larvae:

• Life Cycle: The larvae, known as grubs, primarily feed on the roots of turf grasses and other plants, leading to significant damage in lawns and gardens.
• Habitat: They thrive in moist, organic-rich soils, making them prevalent in well-watered lawns and gardens.

Wildlife Interaction:

• Raccoons and Skunks: These animals often dig in lawns to find and eat Japanese beetle grubs. Their foraging can lead to additional lawn damage as they uproot grass while searching for food.
• Crows: Crows are known to peck at the soil to uncover grubs. They can consume large quantities of larvae, helping to reduce their population.

Ecological Impact:

While raccoons, skunks, and crows can help control Japanese beetle larvae, their digging and foraging can also cause further damage to lawns and gardens. This dynamic illustrates the balance between pest control and potential collateral damage in managing invasive species like the Japanese beetle.

https://gogreenpestcontrol.ca/the-japanese-beetle-and-the-damage-it-does/

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Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF

President at Go Green

October 21, 2024

Fruit flies can be a nuisance in the fall, often because of overripe or rotting fruit and vegetables that might be left out. They’re also attracted to sugary substances and fermentation, so any spills or leftovers can draw them in. As the weather cools, they might move indoors seeking warmth and food sources. To reduce their presence, try to keep your kitchen clean, store fruits in the fridge, and take out the trash regularly. Fruit flies are generally not considered major disease carriers. They can carry some bacteria on their bodies, but the risk of them spreading diseases to humans is low. However, they can contaminate food with bacteria from surfaces they land on, so it’s a good idea to keep things clean and covered. If you have fruit flies, it’s best to eliminate their breeding sources to minimize any potential risks.

There are several effective traps you can use to catch fruit flies:

1. Vinegar Trap: Fill a small bowl with apple cider vinegar and cover it with plastic wrap. Poke small holes in the wrap. The flies will be attracted to the vinegar and get trapped inside.
2. Wine Trap: Leave a little bit of leftover wine in a bottle. The flies will be drawn to it and won’t be able to escape.
3. Beer Trap: Similar to the wine trap, a bit of beer in a container can attract fruit flies.
4. Fruit Trap: Place a piece of overripe fruit in a jar with a funnel on top. The flies will enter for the fruit but have a hard time getting out.
5. Commercial Traps: There are also ready-made traps available that use attractants to catch fruit flies.

Setting up a few of these traps around your kitchen can help reduce their numbers significantly.

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Randy Bilesky BScF CP RPF

President at Go Green

October 21, 2024

Yes, it’s a wildlife adventure in your yard! Those little bandits can really make a mess. Raccoons, skunks, and crows are all opportunistic foragers, and your lawn is like a buffet for them! They dig around looking for grubs and insects, which are a tasty source of protein. Grubs are particularly attractive to these animals because they’re easy to dig up and full of nutrients. Plus, crows are smart and will scavenge just about anything they can find. It’s a natural part of their behavior, but it can definitely be frustrating if they’re tearing up your yard!

If it gets too out of hand, some people try deterrents like motion-activated sprinklers or noise makers to encourage them to find dinner elsewhere.

The only proven biological strategy to defeat chafers is to use nematodes – microscopic organisms. These are watered into the grass in summer and attack the developing chafer larvae. However, there is only a narrow window of opportunity to use nematodes effectively, usually in the third or fourth week of July or the first week of August. The ground needs to be moistened in advance and ideally the nematodes should be applied in the evening or on a cloudy day.

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Here are some signs that you may have a cockroach infestation. If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to take action to prevent a larger infestation.

1. Droppings: Look for small, dark brown or black droppings, which resemble coffee grounds or black pepper. They may be found near food sources or hiding spots.
2. Egg Cases: Cockroach egg cases are small, brown, and oval-shaped. You might find them in hidden areas like cabinets or behind appliances.
3. Smell: A musty or oily odor can indicate a large infestation.
4. Sightings: Spotting live cockroaches, especially at night when they are most active, is a clear sign.
5. Shed Skin: Cockroaches shed their skin as they grow, leaving behind molted exoskeletons.
6. Damage: Check for damage to food packaging or small holes in materials like cardboard.

Spotting live cockroaches at night is a common indicator of an infestation. Here are some tips for observing them:

1. Nighttime Activity: Cockroaches are nocturnal, so they are most active after dark. If you notice them scurrying around when the lights are low, it’s a sign.
2. Lighting: Use a flashlight to look in dark corners, under sinks, and behind appliances. Cockroaches often flee from light, so you might see them darting away.
3. Frequent Hiding Spots: Check areas like kitchen cabinets, pantries, basements, and bathrooms where food and moisture are available.
4. Listen for Sounds: You might hear them rustling in the walls or behind furniture, especially in quiet environments.
5. Bait Traps: Setting out bait traps can help attract and capture them, giving you a clearer idea of the infestation level.

If you consistently spot live cockroaches, it’s important to take steps to eliminate them and prevent future infestations.

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