Author Archive Randy Bilesky BsF CPA RPF

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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Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF

President at Go Green

October 18, 2024

Dealing with rats in attics and crawl spaces can be a serious issue. Addressing the problem promptly can help prevent further damage and keep your home safe. Here are some steps you can take to address the problem:

1. Identify Entry Points: Inspect your home for holes or gaps where rats can enter. Common areas include vents, pipes, and cracks in the foundation.
2. Seal Entry Points: Use materials like steel wool, caulk, or metal mesh to seal these openings.
3. Remove Food Sources: Ensure that food is stored in airtight containers, and keep garbage sealed and inaccessible.
4. Set Traps: Snap traps or humane traps can be effective. Place them in areas where you suspect rat activity.
5. Maintain Cleanliness: Keep the attic and crawl space clean and free of clutter to reduce hiding spots.
6. Consider Professional Help: Hiring Go Green Pet Control Corp. may be necessary.
7. Monitor for Signs: Regularly check for droppings, gnaw marks, or nests to assess the situation.

Rats can access roofs in several ways:

1. Climbing: Rats are excellent climbers and can scale trees, walls, or drainpipes to reach roofs.
2. Overhanging Branches: Trees or branches that touch or are near the roof can provide a bridge for rats.
3. Utility Lines: Rats can traverse power or telephone lines to reach rooftops.
4. Gutters and Downspouts: They may climb up gutters or downspouts, especially if they are in disrepair or clogged.
5. Ventilation Shafts: Open or damaged ventilation systems can serve as entry points.
6. Loose Shingles or Openings: Any gaps or loose materials on the roof can allow rats to enter.

To prevent this, trim trees away from the house, secure utility lines, and regularly inspect your roof for potential entry points.

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Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF

President at Go Green

October 16, 2024

Delta’s temperate climate indeed supports a variety of fly species. Here are some of the most prevalent types you might encounter:

1. House Flies: As mentioned, they are common near human activity and can be found around food sources.
2. Fruit Flies: Often seen in kitchens, especially around ripe or rotting fruit, these small flies are attracted to fermenting sugars.
3. Blow Flies: Recognizable by their metallic sheen, blow flies are often found around decaying organic matter. They are important decomposers but can be a nuisance when they invade homes.
4. Flesh Flies: Similar to blow flies, flesh flies are attracted to decaying flesh and carrion, playing a role in breaking down dead animals.
5. Drain Flies: These small, moth-like flies are often found in moist areas like sinks or drains. They breed in organic matter that accumulates in plumbing.
6. Stable Flies: More aggressive than house flies, stable flies bite and are often found near livestock, but they can also invade urban areas.
7. Midges: These tiny, often swarming flies are common near water bodies. They can be a nuisance, especially during the warmer months.

Each of these species has its own ecological role and can impact human activities differently, making them interesting subjects for study and management in urban environments.

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Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF

President at Go Green

October 16, 2024

An unguarded source of birdseed can turn your yard into a buffet for rats and mice. These rodents can become quite bold, especially if food is plentiful. They might venture out during the day, making their presence more noticeable. Bird feeders can unintentionally attract rodents for several reasons:

1. Spillage: Seeds often spill from feeders, creating a food source on the ground that is easily accessible to rodents.
2. Seed Types: Some bird seeds, like sunflower seeds and peanuts, are particularly appealing to rodents. They may be drawn to the feeder for these tasty snacks.
3. Shelter: Bird feeders can provide cover and shelter for rodents, making them feel safe while they forage.
4. Accessibility: If feeders are placed low to the ground or are easily reachable, it makes it simpler for rodents to access the food.

To prevent this, consider the following strategies:

1. Elevate Feeders: Hang feeders high or use pole-mounted feeders that are harder for rodents to access.
2. Choose Design Wisely: Opt for squirrel-proof feeders that limit access to larger animals.
3. Regular Maintenance: Clean up any spilled seeds or debris around the feeder to reduce the food supply for rodents.
4. Use Baffles: Installing baffles can help prevent rodents from climbing up to the feeders.
5. Limit Nighttime Feeding: If possible, take feeders in at night to avoid attracting nocturnal rodents.

By being proactive, you can enjoy the sight of birds without inviting unwanted guests!

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Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF

President at Go Green

October 15, 2024

Hamsters and rats are distinct species, though they share some similarities as small mammals. Hamsters belong to the subfamily Cricetinae and are typically kept as pets, while rats are part of the family Muridae.

Hamsters have stockier bodies, shorter legs, and a more rounded appearance, whereas rats have longer, more slender bodies and tails. In terms of behavior, hamsters are generally more solitary and nocturnal, while rats are social animals that thrive in groups. So, while they might look somewhat similar at a glance, they’re quite different in terms of biology and behavior!

Hamsters can carry and transmit a few diseases, although they are generally considered lower-risk pets. Some of the diseases associated with hamsters include:

1. Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCMV): A viral infection that can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected droppings, urine, or saliva.
2. Salmonella: Hamsters can carry this bacteria, which can cause gastrointestinal illness in humans, especially if proper hygiene isn’t practiced.
3. Hantavirus: Although rare, some species of rodents can carry hantavirus, which can be transmitted through urine, droppings, or saliva.
4. Ringworm: A fungal infection that can be transmitted to humans and other pets through direct contact.
5. Bacterial Infections: Hamsters can also harbor bacteria like Pasteurella and Streptococcus, which can sometimes lead to infections in humans.

Good hygiene practices, such as regular cleaning of cages and washing hands after handling pets, can significantly reduce the risk of disease transmission.

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