Category Archive Uncategorized

Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF

President at Go Green

August 12, 2024

Mice are drawn to houses for a few reasons:

1. Food Sources: Homes provide easy access to food. Crumbs, pet food, and pantry staples are all attractive to mice.
2. Shelter: Houses offer warmth and protection from predators. Mice seek out cozy, secluded spots like inside walls, attics, or basements.
3. Water: Besides food, mice need water, which they can often find in homes through leaky pipes, pet water dishes, or even condensation.
4. Temperature: Mice are sensitive to temperature changes. A house provides a stable environment, which is especially appealing in colder months.
5. Nesting Materials: Homes offer a variety of materials for nesting, such as insulation, paper, and fabric.

Nesting Behavior

1. Materials: Mice use a variety of materials for nesting, including paper, cardboard, fabric, insulation, and even dryer lint. They’ll gather these materials to build a comfortable and insulated nest.
2. Location: Mice prefer to nest in hidden, quiet areas that provide safety and warmth. Common nesting sites include inside walls, attics, basements, under appliances, and in cluttered storage areas.
3. Construction: The nest is usually a compact, round structure. Mice use their front paws to shape and arrange the materials. They line the nest with softer materials for added comfort.
4. Breeding: A well-constructed nest provides a safe environment for breeding. Female mice can reproduce quickly, with each litter consisting of several pups. The nest ensures that the young are kept warm and protected.

Why Nesting Matters

1. Safety: A good nest protects mice from predators and harsh environmental conditions. It gives them a secure place to rest and raise their young.
2. Temperature Regulation: Nesting materials help insulate mice from temperature extremes, which is especially important in colder months.
3. Resource Efficiency: By nesting in a home, mice can easily access food and water, making it a convenient environment for their survival and reproduction.

Preventing Nesting

1. Seal Entry Points: Close off potential entry points to your home, such as gaps around pipes, vents, and doors.
2. Store Food Properly: Keep food in airtight containers and clean up crumbs and spills promptly.
3. Maintain Cleanliness: Reduce clutter and keep your home tidy to minimize nesting sites.
4. Regular Inspections: Check for signs of nesting, such as droppings, gnawed materials, or nests themselves, and address any problems promptly.

Understanding how mice build and use their nests can help you take effective steps to prevent them from making themselves at home in yours.

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Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF

President at Go Green Pest Control Corp.

August 9, 2024

BBQs and pests can definitely be a troublesome combo! Here are a few tips to help you keep those unwanted guests at bay:

1. Clean Up Thoroughly: After cooking, make sure to clean up any spills and crumbs immediately. Pests are attracted to food residue, so keeping your BBQ area spotless is key.
2. Secure Trash: Keep trash cans tightly sealed and dispose of waste promptly. If you’re using a trash bin, consider one with a lid that closes securely.
3. Use Repellents: Natural repellents like citronella candles, essential oils (e.g., eucalyptus, lavender), or even a bowl of soapy water can help deter mosquitoes and flies.
4. Avoid Sweet Smells: Sweet and sugary foods can attract insects, so be mindful of what you’re cooking and how you store it.
5. Cover Food: Keep food covered until it’s ready to be served. This helps prevent pests from getting a taste of your delicious BBQ.
6. Create Barriers: If possible, set up physical barriers like screens or netting to keep pests away from your food.
7. Inspect for Nests: Before starting your BBQ, check for any nests or hives nearby and take appropriate measures to handle them safely.

Wasps can be a real nuisance during BBQs. Here’s how to manage them and keep your outdoor feast pleasant:

1. Avoid Sweet Foods and Drinks: Wasps are particularly attracted to sugary foods and beverages. Try to keep sugary items covered and avoid leaving them out.
2. Use Wasp Traps: Commercial wasp traps or DIY traps made from a soda bottle with a sugary liquid can help lure wasps away from your BBQ area. Place them away from your eating area to draw the wasps away.
3. Keep Food Covered: When not serving, cover your food with lids or wraps to minimize the chances of attracting wasps.
4. Clean Up Spills Promptly: Any spilled food or drinks should be cleaned up immediately to avoid attracting wasps.
5. Seal Trash: Ensure trash cans are tightly sealed to prevent wasps from being attracted to food scraps.
6. Use Wasps’ Predators: Some natural predators, like certain species of birds or hornets, can help keep wasp populations in check. Encouraging these predators might help control wasp numbers around your BBQ.
7. Be Cautious with Perfumes and Scents: Strong scents, including perfumes and scented lotions, can attract wasps. Opt for unscented products if you know wasps are a concern.
8. Handle Wasp Nests Safely: If you spot a wasp nest near your BBQ area, avoid disturbing it. Contact a professional pest control service to handle it safely.
9. Wasp Repellents: Some people use natural repellents like peppermint oil or vinegar solutions to keep wasps at bay. Spray these around your BBQ area to deter them.

Mosquitoes can definitely put a damper on a BBQ. Here are some strategies to help keep them away:

1. Use Mosquito Repellents: Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin. Look for products containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus for effective protection.
2. Set Up Mosquito Traps: Use mosquito traps or zappers around your BBQ area to help reduce the mosquito population.
3. Use Citronella: Citronella candles or torches can help deter mosquitoes. They work by masking the scents that attract mosquitoes and providing a barrier around your BBQ area.
4. Avoid Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Check your outdoor area for any sources of stagnant water, like puddles or flowerpot saucers, and eliminate them.
5. Install Mosquito Netting: If you have a larger outdoor area or a tent, installing mosquito netting can create a barrier between you and the mosquitoes.
6. Use Fans: Mosquitoes are weak fliers. Setting up fans can create a breeze that makes it more difficult for them to land on you.
7. Wear Appropriate Clothing: Long sleeves and pants can help reduce mosquito bites. Light-colored clothing is also less attractive to mosquitoes.
8. Plant Mosquito-Repellent Plants: Plants like lavender, marigolds, and basil are known to repel mosquitoes. Consider planting these around your BBQ area.
9. Keep Your Yard Tidy: Overgrown vegetation can provide resting places for mosquitoes. Keep your yard well-maintained to reduce potential hiding spots.
10. https://gogreenpestcontrol.ca/summer-bbqs-and-those-pests/
11. https://insectandrodentexterminators.com/summer-bbqs-and-those-pests/
12. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/summer-bbqs-those-pests-randy-bilesky-1tmmc

Black widow spiders are fascinating but can be a bit intimidating!

Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF

President at Go Green

August 8, 2024

1. How often will you see one? Black widow spiders are more common in certain regions, especially in the southern and western parts. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas like piles of wood, sheds, or under rocks. If you live in an area where they are common, you might encounter them occasionally, but they’re not usually aggressive and tend to avoid human contact.
2. Why do they have venom? Like many spiders, black widows use venom primarily to subdue their prey. Their venom contains neurotoxins that affect the nervous system, allowing them to immobilize and digest their prey more easily. It’s a defense mechanism too; the venom helps protect them from potential threats.
3. How strong is the venom? The venom of a black widow is quite potent compared to many other spiders, but it’s not usually deadly to humans. The effects can be severe, though, particularly for children, the elderly, or those with compromised health. Symptoms of a bite can include severe pain, muscle cramps, and nausea.
4. What is in the venom? Black widow venom contains a mix of compounds, primarily neurotoxins, which affect nerve cells. The most notable component is a protein called latrotoxin. This toxin interferes with the release of neurotransmitters, causing excessive stimulation of nerves, which leads to the symptoms of a bite.

Latrotoxin is a fascinating and complex protein found in the venom of black widow spiders. Here’s a bit more detail about it:

• Function: Latrotoxin targets the nervous system. It causes the release of neurotransmitters from nerve cells, leading to excessive stimulation of the nerves. This disruption results in symptoms like intense pain, muscle cramps, and other systemic reactions.
• Mechanism: The toxin binds to the surface of nerve cells and forms pores in the cell membrane. This allows calcium ions to enter the cell, triggering an overwhelming release of neurotransmitters like acetylcholine. This massive neurotransmitter release causes continuous nerve signaling, which manifests as pain and muscle contractions.
• Effects: The symptoms of latrotoxin exposure can be quite severe and include intense pain at the bite site, muscle cramps, sweating, nausea, and in some cases, systemic reactions affecting the whole body. Fortunately, while the bite can be very painful and distressing, it is rarely fatal with proper medical treatment.
• Medical Treatment: Antivenom is available and can be effective in treating severe cases. Pain management and supportive care are also crucial in managing symptoms.
• https://insectandrodentexterminators.com/black-widow-spider-the-widow-maker/
• https://gogreenpestcontrol.ca/black-widow-spider-the-widow-maker/
• https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/black-widow-spider-maker-randy-bilesky-gdpkc

If you’re dealing with a lot of big flies in your house, several factors could be at play. Here are some common causes:

1. Food Sources: Flies are attracted to food, especially if it’s decaying or rotting. Check for any exposed food, overripe fruits, or spills that might be attracting them.
2. Garbage: Overflowing or improperly sealed trash cans can be a major draw for flies. Make sure your garbage is properly contained and disposed of regularly.
3. Pet Waste: If you have pets, their waste can attract flies. Regularly clean up after pets and keep their living areas sanitary.
4. Drain Issues: Sometimes, flies breed in drainpipes, especially if they’re clogged or have standing water. Clean your drains and check for any buildup.
5. Open Windows or Doors: Flies can come inside through open windows and doors. Ensure screens are intact and consider using fly traps near entry points.
6. Moisture: Flies, especially fruit flies, can be attracted to moist environments. Check for any leaks or damp areas in your home.
7. Nesting Sites: Some flies, like cluster flies, can nest in wall voids or attics. If you have a persistent problem, you might want to inspect these areas.

8. Organic: If you’re finding a lot of flies in your house and suspect a dead rat might be the cause, you’re probably dealing with a serious issue. Here’s what you should do:

A. Locate the Source: Try to find the dead rat. Common places where rats might die include behind walls, in attics, basements, or inside crawl spaces. You might notice a bad odor or an increase in fly activity near the source.

B. Remove the Dead Rat: Once you locate the dead rat, remove it carefully using gloves and a disposable bag. Be cautious, as decomposing rats can carry diseases. If you’re unable to find or safely remove the rat, you might need to contact a pest control professional.

C. Clean the Area: After removing the rat, thoroughly clean and disinfect the area. Use a mixture of water and bleach or a commercial disinfectant to ensure all contaminants are eliminated.

D. Check for Residual Odors: Sometimes, the smell of decay can linger even after the body is removed. Use odor neutralizers or air purifiers to help eliminate any remaining smell.

E. Seal Entry Points: Ensure all potential entry points that rats could use to get into your home are sealed. This helps prevent future infestations.

F. Inspect for Other Issues: Make sure there aren’t other dead animals or nesting sites that could be attracting flies. Also, address any potential sources of food or water that might be attracting pests.

G. Monitor and Treat Fly Problem: Use fly traps or fly baits to help control the fly population. Make sure to follow any instructions for safe and effective use.

Consider calling Go Green Pest Control @ 778-886-4111 – a professional pest control service for addressing any ongoing pest issues.

Bald-faced hornets have smooth stingers, so they can sting repeatedly and the venom can cause a life threating situation. These hornets are notable for their large nests, defensive behavior, and extremely painful stings. While they are beneficial as predators of other insects, their presence near human habitation can pose risks, particularly for those allergic to their stings. It’s important to exercise caution and seek the help of Go Green Pest Control Corp – Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF and his team of professionals, to help for nest removal if necessary to avoid confrontation with these aggressive insects.

Nest Size and Structure:

• Nest Size: Bald-faced hornet nests can vary in size but are typically large, reaching up to 14 inches in diameter or more. They are usually pear-shaped and constructed from paper-like material made from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva.
• Colony Size: A mature colony can contain anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand hornets, depending on factors like food availability and environmental conditions.

Life Cycle and Queens:

• Queen Production: Towards the end of the summer, new queens and male drones are produced in the colony. These new queens mate with males and then leave the nest to overwinter in protected locations. The remaining colony members, including the workers and old queen, typically do not survive the winter.

Behavior and Defense:

• Aggression: Bald-faced hornets are known for their defensive behavior and can be aggressive when their nest is disturbed. They will vigorously defend their nest by stinging repeatedly if they perceive a threat.
• Sting: The sting of a bald-faced hornet is painful and can cause significant reactions in people who are allergic to insect stings. It injects venom that can cause swelling, pain, and in severe cases, allergic reactions that may require medical attention.

Importance in Ecosystem:

• Predators: Despite their defensive nature, bald-faced hornets play a role in ecosystems by preying on other insects, which helps control populations of potential pests.
• https://insectandrodentexterminators.com/the-bald-faced-hornet-the-repeating-stingers/
• https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/bald-faced-hornet-repeating-stingers-randy-bilesky-drjpc
• Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF
• President at Go Green
• July 23, 2024

Rats and mice can cause significant damage annually, especially in urban and agricultural areas. Estimating the exact financial damage caused by mice and rats globally each year is challenging due to the wide range of factors involved, including varying environments, types of infrastructure affected, and methods of estimation. However, several studies and reports provide some insights into the economic impact:

1. Agricultural Damage: Rats and mice consume and contaminate crops, leading to substantial losses in agricultural productivity. They can destroy stored grain and other food products, affecting both farmers and food distribution networks. Rodents such as rats and mice are known to damage crops, especially grains and stored food products. According to estimates from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, rodents cause significant losses to food crops worldwide, impacting both production and post-harvest storage.
2. Infrastructure Damage: Rodents can chew through wiring, insulation, and structural materials in homes, businesses, and vehicles. This not only causes direct damage but can also pose fire hazards due to exposed wiring. Repair and replacement costs for such damage can be substantial, especially in urban areas.
3. Health Impacts: Rats and mice are carriers of various diseases, including hantavirus, salmonella, and leptospirosis. These diseases can affect humans directly through contact with rodent urine, feces, or bites, or indirectly through contaminated food and water sources.
4. Economic Costs: The economic impact of rodent damage includes costs for pest control services, healthcare expenses due to rodent-borne illnesses, and losses in productivity across various sectors.
5. Pest Control Expenditures: Businesses and households spend considerable amounts on pest control services and products to manage rodent infestations. These costs include purchasing traps and baits, and implementing preventive measures, OF WHICH RARELY WORK AS RETAIL STORES ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SELL POISONS ANY MORE, rather hiring Go Green Pest Control Corp, real professionals is the only real option.
6. Indirect Costs: Indirect costs include loss of productivity, reduced property values in infested areas, and impacts on tourism and hospitality industries.

While specific global figures for the financial damage caused by rodents can vary, studies suggest that the cumulative economic impact is substantial. For instance, in Canada alone, the economic losses due to rodents have been estimated in the billions of dollars annually when considering crop damage, infrastructure repair, healthcare expenses, and pest control efforts.

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Randy Bilesky BsF CPA RPF

President at Go Green

July 23, 2024

Insecticides, for an example permethrin, is a synthetic insecticide that works primarily by disrupting the nervous system of insects. Here’s how it functions:

1. Neurotoxin: Permethrin targets sodium channels in nerve cells, causing prolonged opening. This leads to continuous nerve firing, resulting in paralysis and death. These refer to a substance that disrupts the normal functioning of the nervous system. In the case of permethrin, it primarily affects sodium channels in nerve cells, leading to:

1. Prolonged Nerve Activation: It causes nerves to fire continuously, resulting in paralysis.
2. Disruption of Signal Transmission: This interferes with the insect’s ability to move, feed, and ultimately survive.

Overall, neurotoxins like permethrin are effective in controlling pest populations by targeting their nervous systems directly.

1. Contact and Ingestion: Insects can be affected by direct contact with permethrin or by ingesting it when feeding on treated surfaces.
2. Broad-spectrum Activity: It is effective against a wide range of pests, including mosquitoes, ticks, and various agricultural insects.
3. Residual Activity of Permethrin refers to its ability to remain effective on treated surfaces over time. Here are key points about this property:
4. Longevity: Permethrin can provide protection for days to weeks after application, depending on environmental conditions.
5. Surface Stability: It adheres well to surfaces like fabrics, plants, and buildings, maintaining efficacy even after exposure to weathering.
6. Continued Protection: This residual effect allows for ongoing control of pests, reducing the need for frequent reapplications.
7. Application Methods: Commonly used in sprays, treated clothing, and agricultural applications to ensure long-lasting pest management.

This residual activity makes insecticides a valuable tool in pest control strategies.

1. Termites: Particularly the Eastern subterranean termite, which can damage wooden structures and foundations.
2. Carpenter Ants: These ants hollow out wood for nesting, which can weaken wooden structures.
3. Powderpost Beetles: These beetles infest and damage hardwood and can weaken furniture and structural wood.
4. Rats and Mice: Rodents can chew through insulation, wiring, and wood, leading to structural damage and fire hazards.
5. Woodpeckers: While not a pest in the traditional sense, they can peck holes in siding and roofing in search of insects.
6. Cockroaches: They can contaminate food and surfaces, leading to health issues, though they are not structurally destructive.
7. Squirrels: They can gnaw on wires, insulation, and wood, leading to damage and potential fire hazards.
8. Silverfish: They can damage paper products, books, and clothing, though they are less destructive than other pests.

Taking preventive measures and addressing infestations quickly can help minimize damage from these pests.

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1. Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for gaps or holes where rats could enter. Seal these openings with steel wool, caulk, or other materials.
2. Remove Food Sources: Ensure that all food is stored in sealed containers and that there are no pet foods or garbage left accessible.
3. Declutter: Remove clutter in the crawl space and surrounding areas that could provide hiding places for rats.
4. Set Traps: Use snap traps or electronic traps in areas where you’ve noticed rat activity. Place them along walls and near entry points.
5. Bait Stations: If necessary, consider using bait stations with rodenticide, but follow local regulations and safety guidelines.
6. Maintain Cleanliness: Regularly clean the area to discourage rats from returning. Keep vegetation trimmed and remove debris outside your home.
7. Professional Help: If the problem persists, consider hiring Go Green Pest Control who can assess the situation and provide effective solutions.
8. Monitor: Keep an eye on the traps and signs of activity to ensure that the problem is being resolved.

Taking these steps can help you manage and eliminate the rat issue effectively.

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Carpenter ants can be found both outside and inside buildings for several reasons:

1. Nesting Behavior: Carpenter ants typically nest in wood, and they prefer moist or decaying wood. If your housing complex has any areas with damp wood or structural issues (like leaks), these ants may find it attractive for nesting.
2. Foraging: Ants forage for food sources, such as sugary substances, crumbs, or other organic matter. If there are food sources around your housing complex that ants can access easily, they will continue to return.
3. Weather and Seasonal Patterns: During certain times of the year, especially in warmer weather, ants may become more active and visible as they search for food and expand their colonies.
4. Entry Points: Ants can enter buildings through tiny cracks, gaps around doors and windows, or even utility lines. Once inside, they may establish satellite nests if conditions are suitable.
5. Colony Size and Expansion: Carpenter ant colonies can be quite large, containing thousands of workers. If the population grows, you may notice more ants indoors and around the complex.

To manage carpenter ants effectively, it’s important to identify and eliminate their nesting sites and food sources. This might involve fixing leaks, repairing damaged wood, sealing entry points, and practicing good sanitation to reduce available food. If the infestation is severe, Go Green Pest Control services may be necessary to safely and effectively eliminate the ants.

https://gogreenpestcontrol.ca/why-are-carpente…-indoors-as-well

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