pest control questions and answers

2953 We have a wasp nest IN our back deck between the wooden planks. It cannot be viewed except for a dried papery pulp on one side of the deck railing and the dozens of wasps coming & going throughout the day. After reading online, it indicated that wasps never re-use nests. We just purchased our home in the winter and have not used the deck this year for any entertaining as we have no furniture/BBQ etc. However, we definitely will be using the deck next summer and were wondering if we should just let this particular colony do its thing for this summer and then they’ll leave in the fall. Perhaps even remove the planks in the winter when the nest should be abandoned, then remove the nest.
OR Should we eradicate the nest now? The wasps have not stung or attacked anyone and are generally well-behaved unless I get too close with the lawnmower, at which time they simply harass me until I go away. We’re looking for a professional opinion and I guess the main point would be if this same nest will restart next spring or if the colony only moves a short distance to another part of the deck to setup a similar colony. Is it worth addressing now? Thanks, James
You should probably get rid of the wasp now. They will get much more aggressive in late summer increasing the risk of getting stung. This will also reduce the chance of having a new nest close to this one next year.

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Your answer may be on one of these pages:

Ants,
Ant nest photos
Ask the experts,
Bats,
Bedbugs
Bees,
Bee Stings
Birds,
Booklouse
Box Elder Bugs
Bug Identification
Bugs for kids
Canadian Pest Management Association,
Canadian Pest Pros.
Carpenter Ants,
Carpenter ant photos
Carpet Beetles
Centipedes
Choosing a pro,
Classified ads,
Clothes moths
Clover Mites
Cockroaches,
Controlling pests,
Employment ads,
Finding a Pro,
Fleas,
Flies
Fleas,
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Gnats
Grain beetles
Hantavirus,
Home page,
Index page
Indian Meal Moth
Insects,
I.P.M. ,
Ladybugs
Mice,
Millipedes
Mold
Moles,
Moths,
Orchard bees
Other pests,
Pantry Pests
Pesticides
Pest pro Associations,
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Phorid Flies
Pill Bugs
Powder post beetles,
Psocid
Questions and answers
Raccoons,
Rats,
Real Estate & Pests,
Rodents,
Silverfish
Skunks
Snakes,
Sow Bugs
Spiders
SPMA of BC,
Stored food pests
Supplies for pest control,
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Wasp Stings
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Weevils
West Nile Virus
What is this pest?
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Did you know it's against the law...

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Your answer may be on one of these pages:

Ants,
Ant nest photos
Ask the experts,
Bats,
Bedbugs
Bees,
Bee Stings
Birds,
Booklouse
Box Elder Bugs
Bug Identification
Bugs for kids
Canadian Pest Management Association,
Canadian Pest Pros.
Carpenter Ants,
Carpenter ant photos
Carpet Beetles
Centipedes
Choosing a pro,
Classified ads,
Clothes moths
Clover Mites
Cockroaches,
Controlling pests,
Employment ads,
Finding a Pro,
Fleas,
Flies
Fleas,
     Carpenter Ants
Gnats
Grain beetles
Hantavirus,
Home page,
Index page
Indian Meal Moth
Insects,
I.P.M. ,
Ladybugs
Mice,
Millipedes
Mold
Moles,
Moths,
Orchard bees
Other pests,
Pantry Pests
Pesticides
Pest pro Associations,
Pharaoh Ants
Phorid Flies
Pill Bugs
Powder post beetles,
Psocid
Questions and answers
Raccoons,
Rats,
Real Estate & Pests,
Rodents,
Silverfish
Skunks
Snakes,
Sow Bugs
Spiders
SPMA of BC,
Stored food pests
Supplies for pest control,
Termites,
Wasps,
Wasp Stings
Wasp Traps
Weevils
West Nile Virus
What is this pest?
Wildlife pests
Wildlife control products

Let your mouse do the walking through our Directory of Pest Professionals

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BRAEMAR PEST CONTROL
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2952 What nontoxic insecticide for spiders last more than 6 months? what kind of grass can repel all insects, manly spiders? David. Salina Kansas.
If you want to use an insecticide to get rid of spiders it would have to be toxic to spiders. Non toxic means it would not hurt them. If you have an abundance of spiders you must have a lot of other insects that are a food source for spiders. Try to determine what is attracting them and deal with that problem.

2951 I have discovered a frog in my toilet, appears it is coming up from my plumbing lines. We are on community water/septic. I flushed about 2.5 gallons of clorox down and continued flushing-I am so scared of a frog! Plz help with any ideas to get rid of this problem. ( I found a tiny green frog a few months back, it appears as if he has grown greatly! Upstairs bath with little to no use) Thx so much!!!!! Terry
It would be almost impossible for a frog to get into and travel inside the plumbing to your toilet. It probably jumped in off the bathroom floor. The two and a half gallons of bleach you dumped into the toilet will have destroyed the natural bacteria action in your septic system which will now cause much more serious problems than a little frog.

2950 How to kill off honey bee's in a wall. Gerry. Georgetown, Ontario.
If they are nested in a wall cavity a bee keeper would not likely be able to remove them. If you have to kill them it could be done by injecting an insecticide dust registered for that purpose. You may be wise to call a local professional.

2949 I have been catching the small brown house ants and taking them outside, how far will the small brown ants travel?
There are a number of species of small brown ants that enter homes. You should have the species identifies and then the appropriate information could be provided. The ants you are catching and putting outside probably represent a very small percentage of the colony population. When foraging workers do not return to the nest, they are replaced by others so it does not matter how far you transport them.

2948 How do I get rid of Yellow Jacket wasp. We are over run with them. I see thousands of holes in the sand over our septic feild where they seem to be nesting. Diana. Thunder Bany, Ontario
This does not seem like normal behavior for Yellow Jackets. Wild bees will make solitary holes in sandy soil in which they lay eggs. These bees are seldom a problem for humans. Read more about these bees.

2947 After moving into a new home last fall we noticed the occasional small brown bug and thought nothing of it. In the past 2 months (May and June) they have multiplied at an amazing rate. After spending hours looking at pictures, we believe the bugs in question are carpophilus spp (the smaller of the sap beetles) Our town is surrounded by corn fields in 3 directions. These bugs congregate in the dome of our light fixtures and seem to like crawling in between sheets in our spare room. One evening there were nearly 100 on our kitchen ceiling. I don't mind living with the odd bug, but this seems to be quite extreme as they seem to be growing in population. I kill at least 20 each day and vacuum another 50 or so off the ceilings. We think they may be getting in through the screens, but ultimately need to find away to eradicate them from the home. They have not found their way to the basement, stay away from the laundry room and other than getting into the sheets, mostly stay on the walls, ceilings and in light fixtures. They do not bite and stay away from food sources in the house. They also like to hang out in the towels hanging in the bathroom (I shake it out before each shower and 2 normally drop out) I have tried to take a photo but they are so small it comes out as just a blur. They seem to be approx 3-5mm in length full grown and look exactly like to photos I have seen. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Without a photo it is impossible to say for sure what this pest is. If they are carpophilus spp they should not be inside your home in great numbers. Little is known about the life cycles of these beetles. The insects may winter as larvae or adults in decaying vegetation, debris, and fruit buried in the soil. They emerge in the spring and lay their eggs on spoiling or rotting vegetation. Later they also lay eggs in the silks and kernels of damaged corn. The larvae feed in this decaying material until they are full grown, then they drop to the soil to pupate. Apparently there are two or more generations each year. They will not normally breed indoors.

2946 please help! i have a fly infestation growing everyday! they are very small black flies with clear wings. attracted to vinegar. they are living on my walls, cabinets, & bathrooms. leaving tint black & brown specs everywhere they go. fly traps & home remedies are working but they are breeding faster than i can kill the. what species are they? how do i rid them for good? Carolyn. Charleston, S.C.
It sounds like you have fruit flies. Eliminate the food source/breeding locations and thoroughly clean the areas. Common areas include garbage, bags of potatoes, onions, bowls of fruit and spilled food under appliances. They breed rapidly and will move to any food source available.

2945 We recently moved into our new home in an older established area (lots of trees) and our dog was sprayed by a skunk early in the morning. I have spoken to neighbours who tell me that its 'skunk city' neighbourhood! I have seen them in the neighbours yard and apparently they are seen a lot in the evenings. What is the best Deterrent? I would like to try to keep them out of our yard as I don't want to go through the dog being sprayed again! Vicki. Mississauga, Ont.
Skunks can be a real problem in areas where there is a large June Bug population. Trapping is the best way to eliminate them. Read the tips and get the recipe for a deodorant on our skunks web page.

2944 I have a dead rodent in my basement wall. How can I get rid of the dead smell. What can I spray in the walls? Robbie. Surrey, BC.
There is no easy solution. You could cut a hole in the wall and remove it, use fans to circulate air until it has dehydrated, or place odor absorbing products near the source of the smell.

2943 Can my friend spread bed bugs if she once slept in a bed with bed bugs (weeks ago) and is staying on my couch now? She doesn't think she transported them. How possible is it? Mallory. New York.
It is possible if there were bedbugs or eggs attached to any personal belongings she brought to your home.

2942 What is a product that can be used by use to control the saw-toothed grain beetle? Do you have a distributor in the Saskatoon area that we can contact? Thank you, Cathy Peters.
Check all possible food sources (grain products) and throw out anything that may be contaminated. If they have infested a grain storage facility you should call a licensed professional to fumigate the building. You can not purchase of legally apply this product yourself.

2941 i moved to a place Dec. 2009 my kids kept getting bites pest control came in sprayed 3 times for fleas which was done 6 weeks apart to find out only my living room was infested with bedbugs no other place in the house.place got sprayed 3 times for the bedbugs last spray i removed all the furniture out of my living room been 9 weeks still haven't seen any or any new bites when can i unpack my stuff and take clothes out of bags. i don't want to do this to soon as this was the hardest thing that i have ever done i have 4 kids and only myself i even sleep with a flashlight if i even sleep that night although nothing was ever found anywhere other then my living room i still make my kids change there clothes after leaving the living room and still have no furniture. is there a bedbug sniffing dog in London?
Contact Purity Pest Control or Nimby Pest and Wildlife control. They may be able to help. See their ads on the Ontario page of our professionals directory.

2940 I have something scratching around in my wall. It isn't all the time but it does happen. It started around the tub unit in the bathroom but now it is more in the inside wall. It isn't cold anymore so I don't know why something would be seeking refuge in there. I have heard that mice don't really make any noise so that has me concerned. I am also concerned about whatever it is chewing on wires. Any suggestions?? Rick. Summerside, PEI.
It is most likely you have a rat problem. They follow plumbing drain pipes and often get into bathroom wall cavities and under tubs. If you have plastic water pipes they like to chew them and could cause considerable damage. Paying a professional for help may save you a lot of money.

2739 Problems with the Colorado Potato beetle What stuff can I get to rid of them I live in Ontario.
According to one Canadian expert, organic control methods are not very successful for control of this widespread pest. Check this web site for more detail. http://www.organicagcentre.ca/ResearchDatabase/res_cpb_companion_tara.asp
This Alberta Government web site has a lot of useful information but does not specify which insecticides are most effective. http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/prm9583
Because so many pesticides have been taken off the market in Ontario we are not able to name one that is available and effective. We suggest you contact the provincial department of agriculture for help.

2438 Hi, we live on a grain farm and I have for the first time ever a problem with rusty grain beetles in the house. I have sprayed about 6 cans of raid around windows and under baseboards, closets, etc to try and kill them but they are persistent. My husband and neighbor insist they will die on their own but that is not happening fast enough for me. I know that phostoxyn tablets in a closed up grain bin will kill them but pretty sure I cant use that in the house and also long periods of freezing cold weather. I vacuum them up and then there are more in their place in a very short time. I know their body heat can destroy a whole bin of grain and dont want a major infestation to heat up in the house walls or attic and cause a fire. Any suggestions as bugs of any kind in the house gross me out. Thanks, Darlene. MacGregor, Manitoba.
Without a grain food source the larva will not survive and the adults will all eventually die. Spraying that much pesticide will cause you more problems than the beetles. It is very unlikely they could cause anything in your home to heat up to the point of combustion. Diatomaceous earth can be used for control of grain feeding insects. Blow a small amount to finely coat the surfaces in cracks and crevices where you see them. (A turkey baster might work). Fumigants containing aluminum phosphide, such as Phostoxin, are highly toxic and possibly even fatal to humans. The use and sale of aluminum phosphide in Manitoba is restricted to licensed pesticide applicators possessing a valid stored agricultural products license.

2437 What can be done to get rid of quite an over abundance of katydids in the country. Mischelle. San Antonio, Tx.
There is very little you can do because they are probably in a very large area. Here is a web site that should help you understand and deal with the problem. http://www.ghorganics.com/page12.html

2436 This is our second year facing with pavement ants. We had a really bad year last year when we first discovered it inside our 7 year old house. We used Terro as bait (ants swamp over it like no tomorrow, there were over 200 hovering around it, these ants were found in our living room floor, we tried to identify where they were coming from. I went outside the house to check and can't find any trail, they seem to come out from the baseboards. After waiting patiently for 4 weeks and not killing them as I see them, there were a lot less 3 weeks later) and then sprayed the interior with "Hot Shots". No ants for 8 months, until May this year, they are back.
Instead of baiting this year, we decided to spray the inside of our house and then the outside using "Home Defense Max", I even dug up the dirt to expose the foundation while applying this several times using a 1 gallon spray. Funny thing is, it reduced from 35 ants to about 5 to 7 ants found daily, most are dying ants. I got worried a bit as I really want to have total eradication, seems like I got control, but my goal is eradication.
So we hired a local Pest control service, they baited two corners of the living room and our power room, they also sprayed outside of our house Today. Two days later I saw several crawlers, but they are not interested in the bait. My question is, should I bait it using advion ant gel? or is this too late? is there such a thing as eradicating Pavement ants forever? It seems like they had build a colony inside our house. Yvonne. Richmond, BC.
Using a quality bait indoors for ants can be a slow and tedious process but it usually works for some ants. You have to be patient and persistant. Spraying a pesticide in the same area will stop any effect the bait has. If you have a crawl space the main colony may be located there and the external perimeter spray may not be effective. Totally elimination of all ants on your property that are eventually entering your property may be impossible. Once again, you can control them but it would not be wise to keep applying too much pesticide for total extermination. If you hire a professional to solve your problem, let them do it. Your interference (help) may negate the efforts of the professional.

2435 i have 10 cats in my back yard (dont own a cat ) how can i get rid of them without harming them.
Phone your local animal control officer or the SPCA. Feral cats can carry around disease that could effect other animals.

2434 We have a front Bay window. I believe we have an infestation of carpenter ants .Below the window along the molding at floor level there is a long line of a blue powdery material. It is sticky and must be washed off. Will not vacuum. Any ideas please . John. Ardrossan, Alberta.
Bay windows often have floor systems that protrude out from the foundation. They are usually sheeted on the bottom with no ventilation. Moisture finds it's way into this closed cavity creating an ideal environment for carpenter ants. The blue powder may be finely chewed up Styrofoam insulation. Carpenter ants love to burrow tunnels in it. If there is room to work, a professional could inject a residual insecticide dust up into the cavities.

2433 We have teak furniture on our front porch, this is the first year that something is eating the rails. It looks like small bite chew marks in a row along the rails of the chairs, legs of the rocker, and some on the front rail of the 2 seat bench. What could be eating our teak furniture? Mary. Knoxville, Tn
It sounds like mice or rats are using the rails to keep their teeth in shape.

2422 Is it against the bylaws to place grass clipping in your backyard because mice and rats may use it pile of grass to build nests? Thanks. Jack. Brockville, Ontario.
Every municipality has it's own bylaws. Phone city hall.

2421 I am getting bitten every 2-4 weeks. Usually 2-3 bites at a time, usually close to each other (within 6 inches), mostly on the arms and hands and rarely on the legs, neck and face. It started in November 2009, it is now June 2010. The frequency of being bitten has not changed, but the severity of the reactions I am getting to the bites is. Three other roommates in the house don't seem to be getting bit by anything. The animals are deloused/defleaed regularly every month. There is no carpet in the house. I have torn apart my room multiple times looking for signs of anything, the sheets and clothing are washed in hot water. I have spent hours going around floorboards with a very hot blowdryer. I can see no typical signs of bedbugs (ie. sheddings, bloodspots, or the bugs themselves - and wouldn't the whole room be severely infested 8 months after originally being bit?). So I have two questions: 1) what are the chances of only having 1 bedbug, and 2) any other idea what it could be? Any response would be exceedingly greatfully received. Caroline. Toronto.
Any attempt to identify the pest that is biting you would be just a guess. If you have pets that need deloused and defleaed monthly, then you should probably have your home treated as well. You should probably call a pest professional to come and put an end to your misery.

2420 How to get rid of marmots coming to my backyard....and i think they are hiding underneath my cabanon or even digging the holes underneath my cabanon? Sandy. Brossard, Quebec.
You should first check with provincial wildlife officials to find out what you may do legally. In B.C. one species of marmot is on the endangered list and protected. You may be able to trap and relocate them. To keep them out from under your cabin, you will need to use screen securely fastened to the perimeter wall and buried in the soil about 18 inches.

2419 Inn about 2 hours hundreds of bees invade my terrace, they form a nest. how to exterminate them ???? Miami, Florida.
They have probably already left. Bees will swarm and look for a new place to establish a home. They may stop occasionally and then move on.

2418 I NEED TO KNOW IF THE ELECTRONIC/ULTRASONIC PEST REPELER WORKS FOR RATS AND MICE? WICH ONE IS THE MOST EFECTIVE? Ana. Santa Domingo.
NO. They are not reliable for controlling rodents.

2417 What should i do if a salamander come into my house and hide in my bedroom wall??? And if it dies in the wall will it smell really bad?? Would it eat warfarin?? i want to get ride of it!!! Mart. Campbellton, NB.
Definitely do not use Warfarin. It would be against the law because pesticides can only be used to control pests that are listed on the label. Glue boards are often used to trap snakes. Perhaps it will catch the salamander. It could be released using a bit of vegetable oil.

2416 I have ants coming up all over my lawn must be 75 little ant hills, how do i get rid of them? what can i spray on the hills? the hills are small some the size of a loonie but there is lots and it looks poor. what can i put down to kill them?
Before you use any control product you will need to have the ant identified then look for the most suitable product registered. If you must eliminate them pesticides may not be an option. Many municipalities and some provinces prohibit the use of pesticides on lawns for cosmetic reasons. Check your local laws.

2415 I killed a Black Widow Spider on the weekend on Rice lake. I confirmed the identity by looking on several websites and the very black spider with the red marks on its abdomen are fairly conclusive. Should I report this to any organization. Regards, Bill. Harwood, Ont.
Black Widow spiders can be found in most parts of Canada. They do not actively look for humans to bite, but if threatened (crushed in a bed or inside clothing) they could bite. Your local newspaper may wish to print a story to warn others in the area.

2414 I am being invaded by baby slugs and their parents. How do I get rid of these ugly creatures? Sue. Yelm, Wa.
Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in a line around the area you want to keep them out of.

2413 I live in Edmonton Alberta and no matter what i do i have sow bugs in my house in the bathroom basement kitchen etc what can i do to get rid of these bugs. Elaine. Edmonton.
See the answer to the question below.

2412 Hi I have woodbugs getting in my house how can i get rid of them, i wake up and there's like 10 all over the house. I need some thing to kill them inside and out and something safe for around a dog and children?? thankyou for taking the time to read this. I hate bugs! Amy. Victoria.
This question has probably been asked (and answered) a hundred times in the past on these web pages. The answer does not change. Reduce the moisture causing conditions around your home. Pesticides will work for only a short time so don't use them. Read more about sow bugs.

2411 I am pretty sure we had springtails that came in through the air intake/out for my furnace. We started noticing crawling in Feb (it was melting) and quickly started feeling more and getting bitten in the early mornings (12-2 am). We had a moist warm damp area behind the house which I think is where they bred right under the intake. We have sprayed the furnace intake and in basement with oxine. After about a week, having cleaned the filter, I felt something on my ankles while sitting near the vent. I stuck tape over the vent and saw all these tiny (1 mm) opaque white things that looked like springtails (microscope ID). But they seemed dead. Is it possible the are living in my air exchange furnace? how often should I spray and at what intervals. and what should I do to make sure they do not come back in? thanks
Springtails within a home will not bite, feed on household items, nor cause any significant damage. They can be a temporary nuisance, but migrations usually last less than a week and springtails trapped indoors soon die out. If migrations occur try to eliminate all obvious moisture sources around the building. Alternatively, providing moisture at some point distant from the building may help divert migrations.
The effectiveness of insecticides to manage springtail migrations is questionable. Springtails tend to be fairly resistant to most insecticides and migrations can involve continuous movement of new individuals. However, some yard and garden insecticides do make claims of springtail control on the label.

2410 We are having issues with our golf greens, they over run by dew worms which would not be bad if it wasn't the greens. We are looking for any info which may help us rid the greens of them. Thanks. Cody. Alder Flats Alberta.
Here are some suggestions from municipal workers who have to deal with this problem:
City of Calgary : No chemical controls have been developed that specifically target dew worms. To eliminate mounds of castings, spread gypsum (calcium sulphate) over the castings. When this harmless chemical is spread over the affected area, watered and allowed to dry, the clay will become crumbly. Use a rake to facilitate the breakage and spread of the clay on your yard. Keep in mind dew worms do not like abrasive soil materials, so consider topdressing your lawn with a course sand mixture after aerating your lawn.
Port Coquitlam

2409 We have what sounds like crumpling paper coming from the ceiling in one of our rooms. Any idea's what kind of insect this could be before opening the ceiling up? We are thinking wasp's? Cam. Nanaimo, BC.
At this time of year (May) in your location my first suspicion would be carpenter ants. It is too early in the year for wasps to be generating much noise. Don't open the ceiling as this may scatter the nest before you can eliminate them. Call a local professional for an inspection and estimate.

2408 I just had Pest Control do their 2nd round of bed bug spraying in my apartment today. How long do I have to wait until I put my new mattress down and sleep in my bedroom again? Thank you for your help. Tracy. Toronto.
Re-entry times after pesticide applications depend on a number of facts. What pesticide was used, how was it applied, where was it applied, how much ventilation is there in the rooms it was applied. There are guidelines and rules that licensed professionals must follow and they should pass that information on to the residents. It is quite likely more than one treatment will be necessary to treat bed bugs.

2407 I have a chipmunk digging a hole in my flower bed. I have tried stuffing the soil back in, cedar moth balls. Help!!! Bonnie. Kitchener, Ont.
Chipmunks are just as much a part of nature as the flowers in your garden. You could kill the rodents using a rat trap, live trap and relocate them to another area where there is a good chance they will die or you could feed them nuts and seeds in another part of your yard. Repellents seldom have any lasting effect and moth balls are not a healthy addition to the outdoor environment. There are some suggestions on this web page. :http://www.chipmunkfacts.net/chipmunk_control/chipmunk_control.html

2406 Are there termites in Sask? We always thought they were a pest in warmer climates but have been told they are here as well. Thanks. Joan.
Termite control in Ontario is a thriving business and winter temperatures there can be as cold as Saskatchewan. We suspect there will be fewer problems with termites than in the warmer climates. Carpenter ants, which can cause worse damage than termites are quite plentiful in all climatic regions in Canada except the far north.

2405 I have an older deck on the west side of my house, it seems that hornets are taking an interest in nesting under the deck. There is no access hole big enough to enter easily, and the sides are covered by lattice with 2" holes. If I put moth balls under the deck, will it repel or attract bees, hornets and yellow-jackets? James. Edmonton.
Moth balls will have little effect. Most professionals have long wands to eliminate hard to reach wasp nests.

2404 How to get rid of black carpenter ants in cottage? Pat
Read the information on our web page: getting rid of carpenter ants.

2403 I live in a second floor apt with a great west facing balcony. My 3 year cat got stung by a wasp last year and almost died. What can I do to prevent or reduce risk? Thanks Chris. Edmonton.
Cats are not a food source for wasps so it would not sting your cat unless it was threatened. If you can't teach the cat to not chase wasps, perhaps you will have to screen the balcony to keep the wasps out.

2402 every year around spring/summer i get an infestation of larder beetles under my bed. I know that they like to eat meats and dried food but there is no food at all under my bed. So can you tell me why they keep going under my bed and how i can prevent them from coming back? Thank you. Meghan
Have you had the beetles positively identified? Could they be carpet beetles? If you send us a photo we will publish it for identification on our What is this pest web page

2401 How can I get rid of wild bees in my grass. Millie. Rochester.
Wild bees are seldom a problem for people. In fact they can be a real asset pollinating plants. To get rid of them you would have to find the nest or nests and use an insecticide. Most professionals would be reluctant to kill a true bee's nest unless there is a risk to humans. If they are wasps or hornets see the tips on the wasp page.

2400 I have drain flies coming from my laundry floor drain, how do I eliminate them, what product do I use, thanks. Peter.
Purchase a good quality FOAMING drain cleaner from a janitorial supply store. Follow the directions carefully giving the foam plenty of time to fully coat the inside of the drain and dissolve the guck the flies are laying eggs in. This should eliminate the need for an insecticide.

2399 Believe it or not I live on the 5th floor of an 18 storey apartment building and am having a problem with crickets! This has been going on for about a year. So far I've killed about 7 or 8. How did they get in and how do I get rid of them once and for all? Thank you for your advice. Carole. London, Ont.
Apparently crickets are not afraid of elevators because they are often found on the upper floors of high rise apartments. Try attracting them into jars with a piece of fresh bread or some molasses. If that does not work you may have to have a professional spray a long residual pesticide in suspected areas.

2398 I live in a apartment complex how often should it be sprayed for bedbugs? i have lived here for 8 years and have never seen a bedbug in my suite yet. Derek. Winnipeg, Manitoba
The old saying "If you don't have a problem, don't fix it" should be considered when it comes to using pesticides. If there is a problem in your building it may be wise to have your apartment inspected or have monitors installed for a few days but just randomly spraying pesticides would probably not prevent them from entering your unit.

2397 I found and caught a black widow spider in my backyard yesterday. My 3 young kids play out there a lot and I was wondering what I should do to minimize the risk of any of them getting biten? Should I use insecticide to be sure to get rid of them? My daughters (7and 5yrs) are old enough to understand what to look for but my son is only 17 months old. Ken. Victoria.
The black widow species found in British Columbia is the western black widow Spider. This species of cobweb spider, or comb-footed spider, is widespread in southern BC. The look-alike false black widow spider (Steatoda grossa) is widespread throughout the province. It may be mistaken for the black widow, but lacks the red hour-glass on its abdomen. These spiders are very shy and will do whatever they can to avoid humans but will bite if they are threatened when there is skin contact. They usually hang out in dark locations such as in sheds or under logs. Spraying your backyard with an insecticide would probably not get rid of them and could just kill the beneficial spiders in the yard. Read more about black widows on this excellent Alberta Museum web page. http://www.royalalbertamuseum.ca/natural/insects/bugsfaq/blackwid.htm

2396 I have so many dew worms in my lawn, they have made a mess of lumps and bumps. It is very difficult to cut the lawn. Is there some way I can reduce or eliminate them...Ray. Thunder Bay, Ont.
Whatever you do, please do not try to poison them. You will kill many worm eating birds. Dew worms aerate the soil and reduce thatch in you lawn which should make it healthier. You could try letting the top layer dry out a bit which will drive the worms down deeper but they will likely come back. The best solution may be to rake out the piles of soil and accept a few inconveniences of nature.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I disagree, dew worms are not beneficial to the lawn. Dew worms are different than ordinary earth worms. They soon will take over your lawn and leave small piles of dirt (similar to mole hills) that are quite hard make you lawn noticeably uneven. They are indeed a pest and I too am looking for a way to get rid of them. Barbara. Calgary

2395 I'm having a problem with pill bugs all over the walls and siding on the outside of the house its hundreds my house looks like its chocolate chip. Occasionally one or two will make their way in why is this happening and how do I I fix it. Susana. La Habra, California.
You must have a large population of pill bugs in the soil at the base of the walls. Eliminating decaying matter and letting it dry out will eliminate most of them. Have a look at the suggestions we have published here: sow bugs in the garden.

2394 I have slaters in my livingroom but I don't know where they are coming from, in the past few hours, I have killed 10, I have already contacted our council, who are going to contact pest control, however that was last year and nothing has been done, I'm looking for something to kill them as I have a young baby crawling about the floor, and I don't need slaters about. Id be happy with any suggestions that are givin to me. thank you
We assume what you call slaters are actually Sow Bugs. They will not harm your baby. If they crawl onto open areas on your floor they will die. Once again, the solution is : Eliminate your moisture problem. See Sow Bugs for more information.

2393 We have thousands of millipedes and would like to know if anyone else does and what have they done to get rid of them. They are under our gravel near the basement and crawl to the bottom of our stairs EVERY night. Please please help!!!!!!!!!!! Fiona. Lantz, Nova Scotia
Millipedes feed on damp and decaying vegetable matter and are beneficial as "recyclers" of organic matter. They are harmless; they cannot bite or sting and they do not feed upon building structures or furnishings. All millipedes found inside, wandered in by mistake. They cannot reproduce indoors. Controls for millipedes are aimed at keeping them outdoors or reducing their numbers at the source. . Removing organic matter such as plant mulch and dead leaves from against the house may help, and damp conditions around the house foundation should be corrected.

2392 i have a live nest of sparrows under my barbecue i do not wish to kill them but relocate them safely how do i do this without contamination the nest or the baby birds.
You should probably contact a local wildlife rescue center. A pest professional could remove the nest but may not want to be liable for the baby bird survival.

2391 I manage a store that is located in the mall and we've had problems with silverfish. We spot anywhere from 1-5 daily. After contacting the mall administration they've told me that it is our responsibility to deal with it and gave me a number to call. Once calling the exterminators they've told me that they'll have to come in and spray our store. Is it necessary to spray the store when we've only seen a few a day? Do silverfish nest? Is it more likely that the nest resides elsewhere in the mall and they are just making their way into our store? I'm worried that it we spray our store but don't actually target the right area, then the problem will just come back. And is there anything we can do ourselves to manage the problem. We do have a drainage system in the back of our store, but that is something the mall has situated there and we cannot adjust. Amanda. Calgary.
Silverfish could be living in many wall or ceiling cavities, especially where it is damp or the humidity is high. Adults can survive for years so spraying a residual insecticide in some areas may only eliminate those that attempt to enter your store in that area temporarily. The mall management should make some effort to eliminate moisture problems. Controlling silverfish is usually an ongoing process.

2390 what is the best way to get rid of wild garlic without damaging new grass and other flowers? Caroline. Brighton, England.
We do not claim to be knowledgeable gardeners so you would get better advice from a good local garden supply store.

2389 I'm told that spiders rarely bite at night and that the culprit is probably bed bugs but the bites I see do not look like bed bug bites, as they are mostly individual bites ( bed bug bites seem to come in series ) and feel very itchy and last for several days or more. I wonder if its one spider trying to protect its nest or simply wants me to move " out of its territory " . there is some swelling but not much and I had a problem with wasps coming into an open window and wow did they hurt! and again these bites have actual puncture holes you can see! not sure if bed bugs do that. any thoughts on the supposed rarity of spiders not biting at night regularly or at all? also on the harmlessness of most spider bites, if I were bitten by a black widow spider would it be possible to go for say 2 weeks or more facing this biting problem without serious physical problems?...( I don’t think so but its worth asking, widows seem very nasty ).
After examining your bites, a medical professional may have a hard time determining what bit you. Even with photos we could not give you a definite answer. With nothing more than a verbal description we won't even try. Humans are not a food source for spiders so they seldom bite unless threatened.

2388 Sow bugs or pill bugs eat my hostas every time they emerge from the ground. Is there anything that will kill them without harming earth worms? Thanks
Read the suggestions we have published here: sow bugs in the garden.

2387 my boyfriend has found a spider in his home and would like to identify it. where in Calgary could he take this large spider?
Have a look at the identified photos on these pages. If you don't see yours, send us a clear close up photo to publish.

2386 15 floor multi unit building. Problem: middle floor unit had bedbug infestation discovered over 1 month ago. infested mattress and other items removed from unit without being properly bagged and were dragged through hallway and elevator after apt was treated with pesticides. none of the residents were informed that there was an infestation in this unit. Question 1: Do you think the residents should have been notified of the problem (not exact location of unit) and if so when in the process? Question 2: With such a serious problem, in addition to visual monitoring, do you ever recommend preventative use of insecticide in the adjacent condos? If so, how far afield of the affected condo would you recommend the use of pesticides? Thank you. Sue. Montreal
Most professionals suggest all tenants should be informed when there is a bedbug problem in the building to reduce spreading the problem. Adjoining units on each side, above and below an infested unit should be inspected and treated if necessary. Read: how to get rid of bedbugs.

2385 We have noticed sowbugs in our basement, but we do not have any apparent moisture issues. I did notice in one of your answers to another question that you suggest creating a "one foot desert" around the perimeter of the house especially if there is soil to wood contact. How would you suggest doing this? Mark. Calgary.
You MUST eliminate any wood touching soil. You should have no vegetation close to or touching the home. If you dig a trench around the perimeter and fill it with drain rock, exposed on the surface, this will help keep the home dry.

2384 We have had holes in our clothes for over a year. Three months ago, I started a major cleanup when I realized it could be moths. I have never seen a moth, beetle or larvae. I have pheremone clothing moth traps in the closets and have completely cleaned all clothing in high heat. I have used diatomaceous earth in the bedroom drawers and along baseboards. I have thrown out any item of clothing that contains wool however the cotton items are being damaged. I don't have a picture of a bug to send to you because I have never seen one. Could you identify a bug by a hole in clothing? However even the holes vary. Sometimes they are very small, sometimes the size of a dime and sometimes they are a long 1" slit. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks. Michele. Toronto.
If there is no evidence of moths, you could have a carpet beetle problem. Frequent vacuuming, laundering and dry cleaning may help but you may have to have a professional spray at least a portion of your home.

2383 I have a problem withlkjhkjh in the yard, Is there anything I can use to rid the pest? Paul. Marana. AZ.
This insect is not a pest we are familiar with in Canada. We do know these insects secrete an extremely irritating chemical called cantharadin from joints on their legs and bodies. The chemical can raise painful, scarring blisters on sensitive parts of the skin. Apparently they do not stay around in the adult stage for very long. The could be controlled with an insecticide spray. Consult a local professional for a registered pesticide name.

2382 How do you kill ants on your lawn. Lawrence. Saint-léonard NB.
What kind of ants? Some ants are beneficial predators on other insect pests. Most ants are harmless in Canadian lawns.

2381 Could you tell me if Larder Beetles can cause structural damage to a house? I noticed some behind the window frame in my bathroom. How can I get rid of them? Thanks very much. Carol. Pembroke, ON
Larder beetles will not cause structural damage but they may be a symptom of a moisture problem that should be corrected. Steamy bathrooms often have insect problems around windows and in walls.

2380 We have a number of Boxelder bugs that appeared last summer on one side of our house. They didn't all die off last winter and are already appearing once again. They hang around the windows & doors and my greenhouse. We don't have any Boxelder trees on our property or nearby. We have some Boxwood shrubs but not the trees. Any idea where they might be coming from and how to get rid of them?
Boxelder bugs cause no damage to structures and very little if any to trees and shrubs. If you can't find where they are laying eggs and the larva, you will not be able to control them.

2379 Where can I buy rodenticides in Halifax?
You should be able to buy what you need from a professional listed in our directory. Halifax professionals.

2378 I have lived in an attic apartment for two years, I have had a severe problem with ants, I don't have a camera to my computer so can not send a picture. These ants are very tiny-almost cannot see them, They appear to be black or dark brown. When I had my cat food in the bathroom in a bowel it would be full of these ants, since moving the cat food to the kitchen this does not occur although the ants are everywhere-I can be sitting on the couch and feel something on my arm and it is a ant. I also get bites alot which I assume is from these ants. I have tried ant traps-bait but it has not helped. Can you please give me information on these ants and how to get rid of them. Thank you very much. Melanie
If you are attracting ants with cat food, perhaps you should not leave the cat food out except when the cat needs to eat. Many ants can be eliminated with a good quality bait but the process may take patience and persistence. Have you asked your landlord to hire a professional?

2377 How do I control pill bugs and sow bugs in the vegetable garden? they are killing my spinach, damaging the potatoes, munching on my pepper plants, cantaloupe seedlings and a little bit on my lettuce. I've tried an organic approach using bone meal with no help at all.
Have a look at the suggestions we have published here: sow bugs in the garden.

2376 I have a skunk digging up my lawn and making a mess. How do I get rid of it. Gail. Grimsby, Ontario.
The skunk is foraging for food. You likely have grubs in the grass roots that may eventually do more harm than the skunk. Unfortunately you are in Ontario where it is against the law to use an insecticide to get rid of lawn destroying pests. It is a stupid law that is spreading across the county with the support of radical environmentalists who use fear rather than scientific evidence in their argument. If used as directed the right product would cause no harm to people or pets on your lawn.

2375 I'm looking for a cat friendly product to use in the house to keep away ants.
There are small ant bait stations available that may be effective for some species of ants but not all and some of these stations are better than others. If you have a dog around that likes to chew things, make sure it does not have access to the bait stations. You should have the ant species identified in case you have carpenter ants which should be treated by a professional. (Bait will likely not work.)

2374 Can you tell me where diatomaceous earth can be purchased in and around London Ontario or Stratford Ontario? Tammy. St. Marys
It is usually available in garden stores in very basic plastic bag packaging. You will also find it in very expensive packaging with exotic names. Ask for diatomaceous earth. If they don't know what you are talking about, you are in the wrong store.

2373 My girl friend lives in Whitby in a Trailer Park and her trailer is absolutely infested with mice. What can she do to get rid of them and to control the situation. She does not like using traps, and they were not very effective anyway ! She is also allergic to cats ! Please help me to help her ! Dennis.
You will have to crawl underneath and plug all the holes in the sheathing that allow mice to get into the floor system. Inside, you should pack steel wool around all plumbing coming through the walls or floor. If you put poison under the trailer it should be in secure bait stations so other animals can not be harmed. Be prepared for the smell of dead mice. Traps are better, and they do work when properly placed and baited.

2372 I have a black bug with wings and I live in a basement suit they a appear in the evening more they daytime. Some people say they are termites, they come from the baseboards or the fireplace. What can they be? Chrystal. Kamloops
Questions like this are sent to us daily. There is not enough room on this web page to list all of the species of black bugs with wings. If you send a photo we will publish it for identification. See this page. A wild guess would be reproductive winged carpenter ants which will be emerging from nests inside homes in your area at this time of year. See carpenter ant photos.

2371 I have 7 parrots of 5 different species, can ultrasonic high frequency pest repellers harm parrots?
It is well known that noise generating devices are effective in controlling bird populations in critical places such as airports but there is very little scientific information available from unbiased reliable sources regarding ultrasonic sound effecting birds. At the Fifteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference, University of Nebraska - Lincoln Year 1992, William A. Erickson, Rex E. Marshy and Terrell P. Salmonz of the University of California, Davis, California presented the following information: "At the present time, it appears that there is little or no theoretical or scientific basis to support even a potential efficacy of ultrasonic sound-producing devices since birds generally do not hear in frequency ranges above 20,000 Hz. A review of the efficacy studies known to us conducted by various researchers fails to demonstrate the usefulness of ultrasonic bird control devices." You can read the entire report here: http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1025&context=vpc15
If you are thinking about putting ultrasonic devices in your home to control pests, don't waste your money. See #2364 and #2365.

2370 I have two questions regarding wasps. one is it true that wasps are addicted to salt water and why? my 2nd question what are good baits for wasps and Bees raw meet or a presence of their enemy?
Wasps are not addicted to salt water. In the spring and early summer they generally prefer carbohydrates. Later in the season they will be attracted to protein.

2369 what is the real name for the little black flying snow bugs that come out when the snow is melting. Sara. Tobique, N.B.
You may be referring to snow fleas. Although they have no wings to fly, they are quit capable of hoping some distance.

2368 We moved into a brand new constructed house on January 30. The house sat vacant for 4 months following construction. We have noticed several wood bugs. Is this normal for a newly constructed house?
Brian. Victoria, BC.
New homes are loaded with tons of moisture that takes a long time to dissipate from the drywall, paint concrete and wood. Sow bugs like this high humidity. Many new homes have air exchangers that should be kept running constantly to extract the moist air in the building.

2367 we think we have mice and a larger rodent in our attic, could be a rat because the droppings that we see is a little bigger. we hear it at night and during the day scratching between the walls. It started in our garage so we closed all of the openings that he could have used as an entrance way, plus we set rat traps and poisoning in the attic, but the little bugger is still active. Help!!!! Pamela. Brantford, Ont.
You will have mice or rats, but not likely both. Rats are much noisier and there is probably more than one which means you could have 10 baby rats in 22 days. Rats are not stupid. Even some inexperienced professionals have trouble getting rid of them. It takes training and experience to learn the tricks to outsmart some smart rats. Discuss your problem with some local professionals then pick one that seems to know what he is talking about.

2366 I live in a old house and have alot of sow or pill bugs. I understand that moisture has alot to do with it but i'm not in a financial position to rectify the moisture problem at this time. I was wondering what or if there is anything I can do for now till my financial situation gets better. What kind of powder a or spray can i use or what to do. Thank you very much for your time and consideration in helping me with my problem I really appreciate it. Take care and have a wonderful day.
Crawling insect aerosol sprays will kill sow bugs and most insects but sow bugs will come back as along as the moist conditions exist. Use a vacuum and suck them up until you can fix the moisture problem.

2365 Just a point to note on the question as to if these electronic products work or not. THINK PEOPLE it is in the best interests of the PROFESSIONAL to say that these products DONT work. If they do, then they would be out pocket or out of business!!! These products offer a CHEAP solution, which will not require annual repeat treatments costing $'00 or $'000 of dollars at a time. I was quoted $1050 dollars for a barrier treatment against carpenter ants, which would require annual re-treatment costing $150 for four years. This would then need to be repeated. I am not saying any of these products work, just that it is in the best interest of the PRO to say they don't. I have witnessed the effect of the ultrasonic devices on mice, and use them in conjunction with snap traps. They are not 100%, but they do have an impact on changing the mouse's behavior. My local PEST Management company wanted to SELL me a focused pest management solution for Vermin, Ants, and other insects for an annual fee of $350 (after the initial treatment detailed above). Not bad business really!!!! Paul. Vancouver.
It is your right to not trust the word of pest professionals regarding electronic pest control devices. There are thousands of professionals doing pest control. Most of them are proud of their reputation and would not resort to fraudulent actions by using these devices. For ten years we have been asking anyone to send us scientific data from a reliable unbiased source that proves these devices are an effective and efficient way to control pests. We have not received any such evidence. In fact, all entomologists we have communicated with would never endorse such products. Why don't you try to find out for yourself at Simon Fraser University Entomology Department. It's your choice. A sucker is born every day. Waste your money on something that does not work, or use control measures that are effective. If you don't have the knowledge and experience to do it yourself then hire a professional. Just remember, your home is probably the most valuable asset you will ever own. Pest control is part of maintaining that asset. New tires for your car will cost more than $350.

2364 In response to Sam Bryks: (answering question #122) Thanks for the comprehensive run-down on the electronic pest repellers. I really appreciate your comments and knowledge. However, I took issue with your statement that the only people who use these things are lazy people who don't want to deal w/ other methods. We have mice in a state office building where children commonly accompany parents to mandatory meetings. Traps and poison are out of the question, as you can't depend on parents to watch kids every moment - not that they shouldn't watch them... they just don't. Live traps have varying degrees of success. The landlord refuses to take responsibility for the problem. If the electronic devices DID work, it would be great for this situation. Frustrated in Montana.
Mr. Bryks has had years of experience dealing with tenants who tried to solve their rodent problem using electronic devices rather than exercising more caution in disposing of their garbage and cleaning up things that attracted the rodents. Traps and or poison can be used safely in tamper proof stations that are placed in locations not accessible to children. This should only be done by a licensed professional in a public building.

2363 Termites - I have been told that there is only one company in Toronto that has the credentials to say that a house is termite free and can put this in writing. I know that I have to disclose that my house has been treated for termites, but would like to have a letter indicating that it is currently "free". What should I be looking for in company information that would indicate to me that a company can will do an inspection and write a letter indicating that my house is "termite free". I'm in the process of selling my home and thought that this might add to the sale. Carolyn. Toronto.
There are probably a number of pest control businesses in Toronto that could do an inspection and give you a written report. You should deal with a business that is well insured and had considerable termite experience. You will probably find a disclaimer clause in any report that effectively states that no obvious signs of active termites were observed in the reasonably accessible areas inspected. See the directory of Toronto pest professionals.

2362 My parents recently found a white weasel eating out of the cat's food bowl. How can they trap the weasel to get rid of it from inside the house? Is there a certain distance the weasel must be released so it doesn't come back to the house? What possible damage could a weasel do inside a home? Rayanne. Goulais River, Ontario
Place a small live trap close to where it was seen. Remove the cat dish and and use cat food inside the trap for bait. Weasels can be quite vicious and not something you want around other animals or small children. If you catch it, release it a few miles away.

2361 It is early spring, Mar 27 and we are already having wasp (yellow-jackets - we think) problems on our back patio, how do we follow them to find their nest so we can get rid of them.
The early spring is prompting surviving fertilized queens to emerge from their overwintering sites and start the summer life cycle. They will forage for food and building material for new nests. They never go back to an old nest so new nests will be very small and hard to find. Look for golf ball size spheres under roof overhangs and decks. With much patience you may follow them a few feet at a time towards the new nest sites.

2360 I believe I have a click beetle in my bedroom. I have not yet seen it, but I hear it click during the night and I have felt it on my pillow. I vacuum the room frequently, hoping that I suck it up, but I have not been successful. Can I use cockroach bate to capture it? Is there an environmentally safe product or method to kill this insect indoors?
Click beetles are not normally an indoor pest although they will be attracted to outdoor lights at night and may find their way inside. Their larva is called a wire worm which can be quite destructive to root crops in the garden. The adults are harmless. If you can tolerate the clicking sound do nothing. It will not stay around too long. If not, you may have have to have a professional do a little spraying with a residual insecticide.

2359 how long after fumigation should you wait before steam cleaning the carpet? Nina. Edmonton.
I depends on what type of pest you have. Fumigation in a residence is seldom practiced in Canada by licensed professionals. Talk to the professional doing the work.

2358 How do I stop squirrels from chewing thru my porch screens?? Don. Prospect Park, PA
Squirrels are rodents. Rodents chew. You have 2 choices: Traps them and relocate some distance away or screen them out with 1/4 inch mesh. If you don't relocate them they will likely find another place to chew their way in. If you are feed birds you will continue to attract them to your property.

2357 We can hear scratching in one specific wall of the house, when we first purchased this home 2 years ago we had mice, and we had a pest control company set bait which eliminated teh problem. There is no signs of mice this time, no dropping any where, but this scratching in one area, sounds like somthing either chewing or scratching to get out. it can stop fro hours at a time and then return. what could it be or who should we call. Bill. Springwater, Ontario.
See # 2352. This is probably a mouse or rat problem. You will find a professional in your area on our Ontario professionals page.

2356 WHERE I CAN BUY ELECTRONIC MOUSE TRAP IN HAMILTON USED/NEW PLEASE? Rana. Hamilton, Ontario.
We are not aware of any "electronic mouse traps" on the market. If you mean electronic devices that repel mice don't waste you money. They are not effective.

2355 I have pharaoh ants in my apartment building, I am moving out at the end of the month, because I cannot take them anymore, I am curious if the ants will come with me to the new apartment building through my furniture or any other way, what can I do to make sure that this won't happen? Thanks. Brittany. London, Ontario.
You would have to move queens for a new colony to get established in your new residence and this is highly unlikely.

2354 I have pill bugs invading my home. I live in the country and have a large garden. I would like to lay down a chemical barrier between the surrounding countryside and my home. What would you suggest to repel these inoffensive creatures. I am tired of showering, sleeping and living with them everywhere. Vico del Gargano, Italy
Forget the chemicals. It would only reduce the population for a short time. Eliminate your moisture problem.
See Sow Bugs for more information.

2353 My attached garage frequently has the odd sowbug (or pill bug), particularly near the garage doors where moisture often exists. When sweeping the floor near the doors i often find the dead bodies ofcreatures that are approx. 1/2 inch long and maybe 1/16th inch in diameter curled into a semicircle. I've never seen one alive but i've been wondering if they are possibly the Larva. (?) of the sowbugs (or pillbugs ) ? Ernst. Holyrood, Newfoundland.
Pillbugs and Sowbugs do not have a larval stage. You likely have centipedes which also like moist conditions where pillbugs and sowbugs are found. They are harmless.

2352 My daughter has come home from college and complaining about a scratching sound in the ceiling. It happens only at nite or early morning. It comes and goes and sounds like its going to come right thru the ceiling. went up in the attic and pulled up installation and nothing. we did set peanut butter traps just in case. well yesterday it moved to the other corner of her ceiling. not sure what it is. we live on a acre of land. looked on roof and around gutter. now it is snowy and cold out.what can we do please help.not sure what it is and we do have a log burning fireplace but no where to come in there then in fire???. please let me know what we can do. it does scare my daughter and she will be leaving soon. We won't hear it unless it moves on our side??? please get back to us thank you so much. Teresa. sagamore hills, Ohio
This sounds like a typical rodent problem. They move into homes when the weather gets cold. Setting traps baited with peanut butter is just one way to solve the problem and there are a few tricks to catching mice and rats that professionals have learned through experience. Perhaps you should call one to do and inspection.

2351 I have damage to window screens that the builder is blaming on insect damage. They are not metal screens and only on one side of house. There are numerous holes..some pin head size, others quarter size. It is not a tear because the hole is clean. My pest control says they have not encountered this problem before and do not have an answer. Before I replace the screens, I need to know the cause of damage. I can't find any information on the internet.. Olivia. Florida.
Holes the size of a quarter are commonly chewed in nylon screen by mice. We are not aware of insects that chew nylon screen but you have a lot of strange creatures in Florida that are not common in Canada.

2350 I just had the 1st treatment of fumigation done in my apartment suite due to bed bugs. My question is do i need to vacuum right away or do I wait until the 2nd treatment has been done? Kim. Edmonton.
The more you vacuum before, during and after the treatment, the more you will help to eliminate eggs and bugs.

2349 How to keep Asian beetles out of my bedroom. They are all ove when the weather gets nice. I am trying to get a head start. Rita. Bronx, N.Y.
The beetles moved into cracks and crevices on the exterior last fall. They are now emerging into the warm room, thinking it is spring. The best solution is to suck them up with a vacuum cleaner or catch them and put them outside.

2348 Hi there, the property i moved into has a lot of white thick power on the ceiling, with my ducted air conditioner on & off for the last 6 months, I have been feeling sick, I have now a lung infection, could the pest control used in my house making us sick specially with the air con on, I had birds when i moved in and have died, there are no problem with insects in the house they all die, are we at risk due to the pest control chemicals?
If you are renting, you have a right to know if pesticides were applied, and your landlord is obligated to give you all the information. There are too many variables for us to give you a reliable opinion.

2347 what to do to get rid of sow bugs. Kay. Sydney Mines, N.S.
Sow bugs can be quite beneficial in your compost. If you have them in your home there is too much moisture. See the Sow Bugs web page.

2346 My question is about sowbugs. Do they bite humans and if they do is the bite harmful?
No. They do not have mouth parts that could harm you. They eat soft decaying vegetation.

2345 Hi, I don't have a picture because i can't find the insect that is biting me daily and leaving various sizes of extremely itchy bites that itch for 2-3 days then fade away. It's been happening for 3 mths now. First i thought it was hives (which i've never had before) but 2 doctors have told me it's bug bites. We've checked the bed, couch and rugs thoroughly to no avail but i keep getting bitten...........any suggestions as to what these invisible bugs could be?...........thank you, Karen
The most common biting insect causing problems in the past few years is Bed Bugs. Most people that get bitten never see the actual bugs because they are very good at hiding. An experienced bed bug professional should be able to find them or install a monitor that will confirm their existence. Spraying pesticides may make the task more difficult.

2344 I find in the basement and other main floor places too..., little round dots....red in color. They are very hard, about 2 mm diameter, all identical. Don't know if is excrements, or eggs... if is from insects or rodents....or whatever. To prevent it....i need first to know what is it.? Ovi. Woodbridge, Ont.
We try hard to identify problems but "little round red dots" is too much of a challenge. Has someone been playing with a can of spray paint?

2343 I have a minor silverfish issue in my apartment. I plan to move to a townhouse this year and want to ensure that all my books, boxes etc from the apartment are silverfish-free. Can i freeze my household goods in a shipping container at a local cold storage business to ensure that all my goods are insect free? Will this take care of any egg depositions as well? How long would this container have to be frozen to ensure all that may be in the goods are deceased? How do i know which number this response would be?
Freezing will probably kill any adults and eggs if the temperature is cold enough in the center of your goods.
Cardboard cartons are a favorite place for silverfish. They like the many little tunnels and the glue.

2342 I have one hemlock tree on my property. I have a large porcupine climbing my tree. He eats all day and is destroying the tree. I put tinfoil around the tree but he climbs over it. I have more trees and he goes to the others and climbs from one tree to the other. Any ideas on how to keep him away with out destroying the animal...I feel bad. He does not know that is my tree and he is only doing what comes natural. Eating what they like...Thanks for the help...Carol
You could put a tin collar around the trunk that should stop the guy from climbing that tree, but to stop the damage you may have to have a professional trap and relocate it.

2341 I live in an apartment that is on the basement level and have a creek behind me. I have had these box elders coming into my apartment for the last few months. The property manager told me there wasn't much they can do for them, that they were indestrutable. The pest guy that sprays the apartments says he has never known them to be around this time of year. I don't know what to do. Is there anything?
We have had a lot of strange weather around the world this year and along with that some strange insect behavior. The box elder bugs probably entered cracks and crevices in the building last fall seeking a warm place to spend the winter. They are now emerging into your home by accident sensing the warmth and thinking it is spring. They are harmless. The best solution is to vacuum them up..

2340 Tonight while putting away the dishes I discovered what I think is a Brownbanded Cockroach in one of my cupboards (it looked, from what I saw of it, identical to one someone else posted on here). I tried to catch it but it escaped into the crack between the cupboard and the wall. I have lived in this 12-unit apartment building for 3 years and have never before had any reason to suspect that we had cockroaches - is this just a fluke or cause for concern? I did have a new couch delivered two weeks ago...is it possible that the roach got in that way?
You should monitor the area with baited glue boards. You may not have a serious problem but if one of your neighbors does, they may be moving into your unit. Early treatment by a professional could save you a lot of future problems.

2339 I am finding many very small cocoons under our beds and dressers in the bedroom. they range from 1/8" to almost 1/2". they are mostly white, but some take on the color of the blankets when found on those items. i am unable to make out a creature on the inside. any suggestions as to what is constructing these? Thomas. New York City.
There are thousands of insects that build cocoons such as you describe. Look for larva, beetles or moths. Send us a photo and will will try to identify on our photo page.

2338 Wood bugs or beetles found in woodpile etc. are they beneficial or harmful? Also I have several mounds of ants in my pasture. Any benefit to these? Thank you, Angela. Parksville, BC.
Sow bugs and pill bugs produce more topsoil than earthworms. Thatching ants that build ant hills can also be beneficial as they are predators of harmful insects.

2337 Are there any Brown Recluse Spiders (poisonous) in Canada ??? Wayne. Medicine Hat Alberta
No. They prefer a warmer year round climate and a generally found in the southern U.S.

2336 I own a few apartments and was told that they found a few roaches which I plan to spray or take care of it myself as I found that when I hired a co. it was very expensive and it didn't solve the problem in the past. Can you tell me where I can get the most efficient spray or what is the best way to handle this problem. thank you. Perla. Toronto.
Getting rid of cockroaches in an apartment building is a process that involves a lot more than just spraying a magical pesticide everywhere. Most professionals now use baits that do not repel and force the roaches to move elsewhere in the building. (This often happens when insecticide sprays are not used properly) The expense of hiring a professional will be considerably less than lost rental income when tenants move out because of the roaches. A good baiting program includes a good inspection, suggested sanitation procedures, bait application and follow up service calls. It takes time. If the tenant or landlord interferes by applying pesticide sprays, the baiting program will be ineffective.

2335 I was wondering what the pH of the poison from bees and wasps differ?

I know that the poison from the bee is acidic but how much? And that the poison from the wasp is basci but how much? Looking forward for your answer. Best regards

Martin Wenckens, Denmark

Bee stings and most wasp stings include formic acid, so the pH is acid. However, the portal of entry of the injected toxin is so small that an application of baking soda or the like is likely to be ineffective. The pH of bee venom is between 5.0 and 5.5. The pH of wasp venom is 6.8 to 6.9: it is almost neutral.

2334 How can wee get ride of bed bugs? Julie. Montreal
Our web page "How to get rid of bedbugs" is one of the most popular information sources on the internet. Google has consistently placed it number one in their generic listings.

2333 I recently found roaches in my home. what can i use to get rid of it. Someone told me to use a jell. Susan
Most professionals now use a jell or paste bait but knowing where, how much and how frequently is as important as what product to use. Talk to a local professional who sells pest control products. A hardware store clerk will not have the proper advice.

2332 do the electronic device keep crickets away? Bobby. Casa Grande, Az.
NO.

2331 I have a mouse or squirrel problem in my attic. For the last couple of months every night my family can hear these things running around in my attic I have used my own snap traps with cheese for a couple of weeks to no avail. I then hired a extermination company who sent a guy out he supposedly filled all the possible spaces where he claims flying squirrels were getting in (there were dust prints of them). He used metal mesh and expanding foam. I regret this since they charged many hundreds of dollars for something I think was not worth it. The noise each night has continued. He did place 9 large snap traps with squirrel bait. The traps have been there for over a month and they have not been touched. He has been back numerous times to block any other holes and put in a one way door. This has not worked because we still hear movement in the attic. I purchased 2 Smart Mouse Traps which were highly rated on amazon.com they have not caught anything after two weeks. I am sort of out of ideas and so is the company. They must be getting in and out somewhere but no where I can see. Someone suggested using sticky pads since they don’t go for the bait but this is very inhumane. I have now placed some peanut butter on a newspaper and placed some baking powder around it to get some prints to try and positively identify the creature. I am also tempted to place a camera up there with a light to see what is going on up there at night. If anyone has any good ideas I would greatly appreciate it. Stephen. Toronto.
The camera might be a good idea but the light will probably keep them away. Rat traps may be better than mouse traps. Be careful not to contaminate traps with foreign smells.(off your hands). Be patient and persistent. Move the traps around. Try different baits. Sprinkle bird seed over the traps. I may take a while but eventually you should have success.

2330 There is a scratching noise coming from my 1 and a half story house i do not have an attic it is up in the half story near the window on the roof it doesn't start till late at night could it be raccoons or rats mice on my roof it isn't in the house the noise is coming from outside like something trying to get in. months ago i did chase a racoon away from my garbage. its a very noticeable sound doesn't happen during the day. only late at night not the evening. Ryan. Peterborough, Ontario.
Mice would not make enough sound outside to hear inside. Raccoons should be quite visible. I suspect you have a squirrel or rat problem. Rats will follow plumbing drain vent stacks which pass through every level in a building and exit through the roof.

2329 weevils were found in milk powder tipping station in a factory, what could be the possible cause. Richard.
There are numerous possible sources including the raw product and the equipment being used at the tipping station. A qualified pest inspector familiar with food processing plants could save you a lot of time, expense and contaminated product.

2328 While packing to move, I discovered an infestation of white larvae in a wool carpet. Part of the carpet under the couch was completely eaten away; further inspection uncovered the entire carpet (5x8) had been infested to one degree or another. The larvae were moving in some areas. They are predominantly whitish/grey about the size of a grain of rice. I have removed the carpet to the frigid -18 outdoors, as well as the sections of furniture. My question is: will a prolonged period of very cold kill any insects which may be hiding out in the furniture? I don't care about the carpet especially, but I would rather not have to have the furniture fumigated. Thank you. L.B. Cowansville, Quebec.
Freezing temperatures should kill the clothes moth larvae but you should keep a close watch for moths in your new home.

2327 We have jackrabbits living under our house. Will they cause structural damage to the house and how can we get rid of them? Isabel. Edmonton.
Trapping is the best control for rabbits. If they burrow under the support structure it could eventually cause some damage.

2326 Heard a scratching noise very early this morning from underneath the bathtub. We had caught a mouse a few weeks ago after we heard scratching inside the dryer vent. I am assuming this is just another mouse under the tub. How the heck am I supposed to get this guy out?? Rick
Look for access to the tub drain P-trap so you can put traps under the tub.

2325 We have immature larder beetles. this pest has been persistent throughout the year. how do we get rid of them? David. Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Larder beetles are associated with high protein foods including other dead insects, cluster flies, dead rodents and birds and pet food. Keep cat and dog food in well sealed containers. Keep cluster and other flies under control as they readily attract the larder beetle. Vacuum attics and other areas where dead flies accumulate. Ensure all ventilation areas in the house are adequately screened to prevent flies and beetles from entering. Caulk all cracks around the window and door frames. Also check foundations, chimneys and house eaves for cracks needing repairs. If pesticides are used, we suggest calling a professional that will not cause a risk to you and your family.

2324 I had a mink get under our house, made a nest next to our floor. the smell is so bad inside the house, took down insulation and cleaned it out, sprayed it all down with water hose then sprayed it all with pine-sol cleaned with water and then pine-sol again. it is a better but i can still smell it, hope someone can help. thanks John
You have done all the obvious things but if the smell persists you will have to improve the ventilation under the home. A small fan blowing fresh air in constantly may hasten the process.

2323 In which Canadian store can I find "Bedlam" insecticide to kill bed bugs. Pls advise. Thanks
We could not find this product in the registry of the Health Canada Pesticide Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). If it is not registered in Canada, it would not be a legal product to sell or import. This product may not meet the registration standards of the PMRA or perhaps the manufacturer has not submitted it for registration. This is another product that is currently being marketed in the US as another effective insecticide for bedbugs. Don't be mislead into thinking there is a miracle product that will solve this problem. Bedbugs are easy to kill with numerous products once you find them. The challenge is finding them.

2322 Just discovered a paper pulp nest high in our Maple Tree. Does the colony die over the winter? or Do we need to get rid of this? Sherri. St. Catherine, Ont.
The nest will be vacated and not used again in the spring.

2321 A Downie woodpecker is digging holes into the wood siding of our house. Is there any repellent I can use to keep him away? Pierre. Lansdowne, Ont.
See the answer to # 2319 below.

2320 Do bed bugs enbed (bury) themselves in/under human skin? Theresa. Westgate-On-Sea.
No. They penetrate the skin with their beak, inject a local anesthetic and anti-coagulate, take their blood meal then go back into hiding. See: bedbugs

2319 I have a flicker problem, these pesky woodpeckers have been pecking holes in my stucco house. In the last 2 weeks I have at least 15 new holes the size of a fist and about 3 inches deep. They peck through the stucco into the styrofoam insulation until they reach the plywood. Is this a quest for food or a mating ritual? How do I stop them? I've tried stringing rows of fishing a few inches apart so they couldn't land, hanging reflective tape, hanging battery operated spiders, chasing them with water from the hose. Nothing seems to work. Susan. Kelowna.
They would not be using the pecking to attract a mate at this time of year (fall). They could be hearing insects in your walls (carpenter ants or cluster flies?) and are trying to get at this food source. They can also make holes to serve as a nest but this usually happens in spring. Hanging a piece of fish net from the soffit about 6 inches from the wall will discourage them.

2318 where i can buy the products for eradication of roaches like Maxforce, Siege, or Combat gel. thanks. farhat. missisaug.
Some products are only available to licensed pest management professionals. Contact one near you to find out what is available in your area. Ontario Pest Professionals.

2317 hi, I Want to start, pest control business. I Would like to know which insurance company provide pest control insurance. list of insurance company. Alex. Mississauga.
There are only one or two companies that provide insurance to qualified and experienced professionals in Canada. Contact the Ontario association for more information. APMPO

2316 i have farrow ants in my home and they are pretty much everywhere. they get in my food my children's hair biting the kids at night get in there beds can these ants hurt the kids by biting them all the time and my 7 months get bite by the ants as well can i make them sick? Nikki. Niagara Falls.
Pharaoh ants can carry a number of pathogens and they are know to enter open wounds on humans. Getting rid of them can be difficult and a slow process. Do not spray insecticides as this will cause the nests to split up. The best solution involves careful placement of a good quality ant bait. You would be wise to call a professional to positively identify the ants and start a baiting program. Read more about Pharaoh Ants.

2315 I understand that one of the best way to get rid of bed bug is using Diatomaceous earth. Do you know where I can this type of earth in Strathroy or London Ont. ? Thanks. Andre. Strathroy
Diatomaceous earth is one product that may help reduce the bedbug population but can not be relied on as the total solution. You should be able to buy it at a good garden shop. You should inject a small amount into cracks and crevices where bedbugs may be hiding. If you use to much, they will not crawl over it, thus reducing it's effectiveness. See: get rid of bedbugs.

2314 Where can I purchase flea bombs and how effective are they? Melanie. Nova Scotia.
Many people have destroyed their homes with explosions caused by flea bombs. They are not an effective solution to a flea problem. Read the information on this page for better methods. Fleas,

2313 We were chased off our back deck this fall by wasps. Haven't found any nest yet, should we look in the ground or in the bushes/trees? I'm told they nest in the ground if we are having a warmer winter? When/if I find the nest how do I dispose of it? Jacqueline. Rothesay, New Brunswick.|
Wasps in the nest in October will die as the weather gets colder. Fertilized queens that survive the winter will not return to the same nest in the spring.

2312 The last people in my house left without notice and did not empty the refrigerator. It sat for about 6 weeks with no power. When we opened it, the contents were covered in maggots and the smell was unbearable. We were able to empty the contents and spray out the inside. We now have it sitting in the garage trying to figure out what to do to sanitize it. I have read that we can clean it with baking soda and water and then use charcoal and coffee grounds to absorb the smell. We also read that boiling water kills maggots, but that would melt the plastic. How can we make sure all eggs are gone so we don't have them come back?
A solution of household bleach and water should kill the eggs and disinfect the fridge.

2311 I have a mouse/vole in my basement suite. my landlord has tried all sorts of traps but cant seem to catch the little critter- should we use a bait rather than peanut butter on the traps? also is there a difference in droppings between a mouse and a vole. before you ask we cannot for the life of us figure out how it got in (my suite is all concrete no visible cracks) is it possible it came in through the door when i had it open? Linda. Surrey.
Vole droppings are cylindrical, have round ends, and are about 5 mm long. Mice droppings are pointed on one end and are about 3 to 5 mm long. If you left the door open, of course anything could have wandered in. Mice are much more common indoor pests than voles.

2310 why do sow bugs roll up into little balls? And What is leaf litter? and What other kinds of predators are their for sow bugs, in other words, what eats sow bugs besides birds?
Rolling up is their best defense against predators like spiders, birds, rodents and other small animals.
Leaf litter is decomposing vegetation that sow bugs eat.

2309 I recently bought a home from a taxidermist who worked out of his garage. Is there any special indoor pests I might need to treat for before unpacking my household things?
The most likely thing you should watch for is carpet beetles. They are about 2-3 mm long, round, and bear a pattern of black, yellow, brown and white scales. The small, brown, hairy larvae are known as 'woolly bears'. With experience, the larval cases are easily recognized. Also watch for the case-bearing clothes moth. The adult form is a small grey/brown moth of about 4-6 mm in length. The larvae make distinctive tubular cases that look like small white maggots.

2308 We have just bought a cottage in the Addington Township area and we have NO mice, but with winter coming is there anything that we can do to stop them from coming in the cottage. To our knowledge there is no openings in the cottage at all. I have been told to place dryer sheets throughout the cottage and the scent will keep them away. We also have a plug in device, but in the winter the hydro will be shut off therefore this device will not work. I do not like the smell of moth balls and am not convinced they work. We also just bought an 18 foot trailer to use as a bunkee at the cottage and would like to keep the mice out of there as well. Can you give me any ideas other then making sure there are no holes for them to get in. Is there any item that deters them from coming in.
There is no simple, easy solution to excluding mice. The plug in device is a waste of money. Items that produce odors like the dryer sheets and moth balls may have a slight effect for a short time but can not be depended on as a repellent. Use steel wool and wire screen along with expansion foam to close all gaps around plumbing and wiring. Trailer floors are usually sheeted in so you must close off any entry points as large as a pencil, but be aware, they can chew through the soft sheeting material. See our mice page for more tips.

2307 is there a way to get rid of lady bugs naturally or what kind of spray using home defense and fly roll, Shirley. Fortmill S. Carolina.
The most natural way is to seal up all the entry points to your home. Once they have gained access they will stay until spring. They’re harmless. They do not bite, they do not breed inside houses, they do not bore into wood. Only a few should end up in your living space and they can be eliminated with a vacuum cleaner.

2306 How do I get rid of roaches, in the house. I know when I was in an apartment building they placed something that looked like a chocolate paste/gel around in the corners and cupboards. That stuff worked. I was wondering if anyone knows what it is called and if there are any good methods that work beside borax and powdered sugar. Thanks. Mel. Toronto.
There are new cockroach baits that are very effective, although some cockroaches may have developed an immunity to some of them. The important think is to place the right amount in the right location. Talk to a local professional to determine which product is best for your situation.. Toronto pest professionals directory.

2305 We have an invasive insect called the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug here in New Jersey. Will there ever be some sort of control for this creature? Its numbers increase each year to very scary numbers.
The best control around your home is exclusion. This can be a monumental task if there are a lot of cracks and crevices around the exterior. There are some pesticides that a professional can spray outside that may reduce the population but will not likely eliminate the problem entirely. Read more information from Rutgers University of New Jersey agriculture station. http://njaes.rutgers.edu/stinkbug/control.asp

2304 I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THE STINKER CAN BE REMOVED FROM SKUNKS. I WANT ONE AS A PET.
Yes. The scent glands can be removed from a baby skunk born in captivity. They can be good pets but require considerable medical attention. They should be tested for a number of diseases and parasites including a dangerous round worm. There is some good information on Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pet_skunk

2302 We have moles in our backyard. Do they cause any damage to the garden or can they harm dogs? We have a leaky bird feeder. Would the seed be attracting the moles. How do we get rid of them if they are harmful? Cathy. Aurora, Ontario.
The piles of dirt that moles excavate can look pretty bad in a lawn or garden. They are harmless to pets. Their food source is worms and grubs excavated underground. They would not likely be attracted by the bird seed. Traps are the best control method for moles but it takes some skill and experience to be successful. Read more about moles.

2301 I need a home recipe to remove skunk smell from my dog and fast. Sherry. Lascassas, TN
There is a good recipe for skunk deodorizer on our Skunks web page.

2300 we had a visitor today who is infested with bed bugs. Her body is covered in bites. what are the chances that she has infected my house and other guests? Apparently she traveled to Scotland and picked up the bugs. She is going to have her house fumigated and wash all her upstairs clothing etc. I have removed and washed all tablecloths and thoroughly cleaned the house. Is there something else I should do?
Worried. Sandy
It is not likely your visitor brought bed bugs to your home unless she brought items from her home but there is always a risk. Please read the information on our bed bug web pages.

2299 I believe I have carpet beetles- they are chewing through my cotton t-shirts. They are selective about the cotton- it is a soft cotton and the holes are always at the bottom of the t-shirts. I have had the house sprayed but nothing is working. Could Powder Post beetles eat cotton? what other pest could it be. How should it be treated?
Powder post beetles will not eat your cotton t-shirts. Read the information about fabric pests including clothes moths.

2298 You recommend purchasing squirrel repellants at a good garden shop. Will this deter my wild birds? I have multiple bird feeders and love the birds. The squirrels are now crawling on my screens and even ate some holes in one screen in an effort to access my house. HELP!!!
Most repellants are not effective for a long enough time to eliminate wildlife. We discourage feeding wild birds because the seed definitely attracts rodents. Changing the natural foraging and feeding habits of birds may be detrimental to the species.

2297 Bed Bugs - it seems to be very difficult to find and buy bed bug treatments - insecticide dusts or Contact insecticides or IGRs. I'm looking to buy any of these products: Suspend; Gentrol; Bedlam; Delta Dust & Demand; Stenfab; Drion Dust. Can somebody help me locate and buy these products so that I can use then in BC? Thank You.
Many of the products listed on web sites for bed bug control are not registered for use in Canada. Many that are registered are only available to licensed pest control businesses with certified applicators. If you are qualified to use the legally available products, you will know where to buy them.

2296 Last spring, I had a rat problem in the crawlspace under the house. I heavily baited and the rat(s) seem to be gone. I now keep a stash of rat poison in the crawlspace as a preventative measure - no other animals can get into the crawlspace, we've made sure of it. I checked the stash yesterday and while most of the bags of poison are still in place, a couple of them are empty or near empty with tiny holes in them. I read that rats tend to hoard food, so could this be the work of mice? My skin crawls at the thought of either rats or mice, I'd love get rid of them all before it becomes a problem in my house this winter.
When rats arrive any mice present will leave that area. If you did eliminate the rats, mice may have returned and eaten the bait. Mice will hoard or store food more than rats do. Insects and slugs will also eat rodent bait. It is a good idea to use solid bait blocks fastened in tamper proof bait stations. This will reduce bait translocation and insect consumption.

2295 I was bitten by some sort of spider about 10 days ago. My initial reaction was vomiting, followed by three days later a nasty scab on my elbow. I had about four nights of no sleep. To this day the wound has gotten larger, about 1" around, and resembles a volcano formation. I am on antibiotics but it continues to ooze clear puss. The wound does appear to be growing slightly each day and not healing very quickly. With all the research i have done it looks pretty positive that it is a brown recluse spider bite but i am not sure. There is no confirmation that these types of spiders are in Kelowna but we do have black widows and they thrive in the same habitat. Could you please confirm if this is possible.
Brown recluse spiders are not know to live in northern climates (Canada) but are plentiful in the southern states. Hobo spiders do live in your area (Okanagan Valley) and the symptoms of their bite can be similar to the Brown Recluse.

In North America, hobo spiders reside in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Southwestern Canada. Although hobos are found near human habitation, they are not "house" spiders. However, the smaller male may sporadically stray into a dwelling, seeking a mate. Outside, however, they can be found around foundations and underneath rocks and woodpiles.Read more: http://spiders.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_hobo_spider_aka_aggressive_house_spider#ixzz0Ru24SzPO

2294 I need to know how to safely remove cockroaches, bedbugs, fleas etc from computers and other electronic devices (such as Blackberries, PDA) without harming the components that store data. Any suggestions? Laurie. Toronto.
You may have success sealing these items in a plastic bag with a few moth balls inside, or you could try placing the bag in a freezer for a few days. Some insects can survive freezing.

2293 My question revolves around house flies. I have a decent understanding about what sources seem to attract flies, and that by eliminating these sources this should reduce the overall amount of activity, however, it is very difficult to eliminate all sources within my working environment. Other than fly strips and fly lights, is there any other alternatives within a public environment that helps reduce flies? Thank you. Rob.
Without knowing what type of flies and more about the environment where the flies are a problem, we can not recommend control measures other than fly lights, insecticide sprays and fly strips.

2292 Will microban kill the odor of raccoon urine? My attic was cleaned with microban two days ago, but my house still smells like raccoon urine. If microban does not work, do you know of a chemical that will work?
Microban manufactures a number of products including MICROBAN. We have not had experience with this product so can not comment on it's efficacy. For more information check the company web site: http://www.microban.com/americas/english/products/
A solution of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and a little dish soap is quite effective in neutralizing organic odors. Mix in an open container and do not put a lid on it.

2291 Is it possibly to have only ONE bed bug? I found a bug that semi-matches bed bug pictures online and am really freaking out. I completely cleaned my bed and checked all the mattress creases and washed all of the bedding. Please help :) Jenny. Laredo, Texas.
Bedbugs are seldom seen in daylight. They come out in the dark. If it is a bedbug and you saw it during the day, there are likely more. Have it identified by a pest professional.

2290 My husband and I recently bought a new house. We have not yet moved in but notice every time we go by there are at least 80 or more pigeons on the roof. Our shingles are totally white at the peak from the pigeon poop. My question is, will we always have a problem with these pigeons nesting on our roof and also will the poop decrease the life of the shingles. Carol. Georgetown, Ont.
Pigeon droppings can be quite corrosive so there may eventually be some damage to flashings, rain gutters and downspouts. Your best solution is to install spike strips along the peak. You should probably ask a professional for a quote. See the directory of Ontario pest professionals

2289 i have residents on both sides of my townhouse, how do I get rid of existing mice and deter others from entering. Thank you John. Edmonton.
1. Try to get your neighbors to cooperate in elimination anything that may be attracting mice to the building, such as bird seed and garbage. 2. Find the entry points and block them. 3. Use traps where you are seeing droppings. If this is too difficult, call a professional listed in the directory of Alberta professionals.

2288 how to kill woodbugs (sow bugs) -spiders and crickets, we have lots of them in our house. Mary. Sechelt.
You have sowbugs because of a moisture or high humidity problem. You have spiders because the sow bugs are a good food source. One suggestion for the crickets is pour a small amount of cornmeal in the center of a glue board and place it near where you hear the chirping sound. Within a day or two, you should have gotten your cricket.

2287 How do I get rid of a wasp nest and wasps from under my hollow concrete door step? The entry point visible but can not gain access to the nest. Ivan. Esterhazy, Sask.
A professional could inject an insecticide dust into the entry hole that may reach the nest. These nests are difficult to eliminate. Plugging the hole at night may help but don't count on it.

2286 How to get rid of ear wigs. Don. Bay Roberts, Nl.
This Health Canada web page has a lot of useful information on this pest including a number of ways to get rid of them. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/pest/_pnotes/earwig-perces/index-eng.php

2285 I have bedbugs. I've thrown out all furniture and beds bagged all clothing from dressers. Can bedbugs live in green garbage bags and if so for how long? These things have been in green bags closed tightly for at least 35 days. I have moved un packed a bag today and found a living bed bug I stepped on it how do i no if i have any more? Brenda. Toronto.
After having a blood meal, bedbugs go into hiding where they can survive for a year without eating. Washing clothing in hot water will kill them. Unwashable items can be placed in the dryer with the temperature above 130 degrees F. See: how to get rid of bedbugs.

2284 I live about a 150 yards from a fast moving river, just for back ground. I am being invaded by all kinds of different bugs, I have the regular house flies, usually brought in by my dogs. But the other things that are invading my home and my yard. I have grubs, which we have been working on for years, and now have five separate ant hills, I am not sure what kind they are but they are black make huge circumference hills and they bite. Lately there are more spiders then I can keep up with and some of them are huge, and now there is a mud wasp nest in my carport. This year is way worse then other years, is there something that is attracting this type of wildlife to my yard? Is there something that I should be looking for? April. Ontario
Perhaps you should be looking for a concrete condo in the middle of the city. Just joking. Weather conditions this summer in much of Ontario have been very favorable for insects. Cool and damp. Apparently this was the worst year in memory for wasps. The ant hills are probably made by thatching ants. In some parts of the world they are a protected species because they are predators on many unwanted insects. You may be thankful you have them with all the other species invading your yard. Not everything that moves should be exterminated.

2283 We have wasps that have built their nests in a strip of ground between our driveway and our neighbors. I was told that spreading lime on the ground would kill the wasps (dry them up) but we did do that and they continue to make new holes in the ground to their nest--is there something that we can spread on the ground that will kill the wasps?
Do you have to kill them? Are they a threat? Pest professionals inject a residual insecticide into ground nest entrances. Caution must be exercised to ensure no other animals will be effected by the pesticide. Do not just spread toxic things on the ground.

2282 Hello, I don't have a picture yet, but my grandson was bitten by something that left a red ring about1.5 inches in diameter around the bite, don't think it was a tick bite, It was hard around the bite, and red, then some bumps appeared. Today he pulled something that looked like a very tiny gray or black worm a little smaller that 1/4inch long, and not much bigger than a sewing needle in diameter. It appeared to have rings around its body, Do you know of any type of bugs that cause larvae to grow under the skin, does not look like bot larvae, much thinner and darker in color. This occurred in Rhode Island, northern area. Right now I am waiting for them to come home from emerge ncy room, to see if there are any more, or if they have an answers. Thank you. L. Lafrenais

Without a photo it is impossible to identify the insect that caused the problem and we are reluctant to discuss medical problems.

2281 My sister lives in s. Carolina and has something chewing small holes in all their watering hoses that are outside. They are very small holes so she feels it has to be some kind of insect doing it. Have you any idea what could be doing it? Jeannie.
It is likely rodents. They must chew things to keep their teeth from getting too long. Mice and rats are the likely culprits but it could be squirrels, chipmunks, gophers, porcupines, beavers, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, prairie dogs, or groundhogs

2280 We have recently noticed some chewed areas on our white cedar outdoor shower. We wrapped the legs of the shower with copper and we thought we outsmarted the pests. But just today we noticed that other higher areas of the shower are now being chewed. This is the first time this has happened in 12 years. We do not live in this house, but it is on the same property as our main house. The only new thing is a growing compost pile comprised only of garden grass and weeds, no other organic material. We do not have many squirrels on this island, but I have seen one. Rats, are usually found near the water and we are about 2 miles from the harbor and ocean. Any ideas as to why now and what could be doing this? Sally.. Nantucket, Massachusetts.
See the answer to the question above. The compost could be attracting them.

2279 How do you get rid of carpenter ants that have invaded a maple tree? There is a pile of saw dust at the bottom of the tree and it is starting to look like the bark is going to fall off. My husband saw a couple ants that look like a carpenter ant. The tree's leaves look healthy and there was new growth on the tree this year. Gwendelin. Leduc, Alberta.
Carpenter ants may be chewing on some soft wood that has started to decay. Eventually this could weaken the structure of the tree making it dangerous. You do not want to use a pesticide that could leach into the soil. The best solution is to call a pest professional that will know what product and what quantity is best suited to eliminate them.

2278 I keep hearing about a cooper mesh called Stuf-fit to block entry to mice but I can not find where to buy it. Any ideas? Bruce. Ottawa
Some pest professionals use Stuff-It rather than steel wool because it does not rust. Phone a few and ask if they will sell you some.

2277 We have moles in our garden and we're wondering if live traps are effective if you place them in the main tunnels that lead to their feeding areas. Maryellen. Burnaby, BC
We are not aware of any live trap that will catch moles efficiently. Even if you were successful in live trapping a mole it may not survive. According to one mole trap professional, moles have an extremely fast metabolism which means they need to eat frequently and can run low on oxygen relatively quickly. A live mole trap would require the trapper to constantly check the traps to prevent the mole from suffocating or starving to death.

2276 The railing to our deck is a hollow metal tube. I see several yellowjacket wasps flying in and out of an opening in the tube (which is shared by a spider). I don't hear any activity when I bang on the tube, day or night. How can I tell if there is a nest in there? Should I tape the opening shut? Bob. Victoria, BC.
If there are several wasps, not just one going into the tube, it is likely there is a nest. You could plug the opening if they are a threat or bothering you.

2275 One night my wife went to bed at 1am to turn on the light and find what seemed like 200 BIG, black ants literally coming out of an electrical outlet. We put Green Earth Care Insect killer powder in the outlet. Is that enough? What do you think of the whole situation?? Deryk. Dundalk, Ontario.
Big black ants coming our of a wall cavity are likely carpenter ants. The insecticide powder used will discourage them from entering the electrical out let but it will not eliminate the satellite nest in the wall, floor or ceiling. Less than 10 % of the ants will ever leave the nest. Gather some samples. Show them to a professional and ask for an estimate.

2274 I own a 5-year-old house in Vt. The first year we had "cluster flies" and lady bugs in the upper floors, usually in the ceiling corners and window casings inside the house. It was advised that we have a whole-outside-house spray treatment the following August. I was told this was needed every year when larvae hatch or are deposited. As August now approaches this "preventive" measure is looming once again. I hate it! The windows are left dripping with white streaks, it's over $300.00 and because it is suppose to prevent the return of cluster flies (and does) I never really know if it is because of the treatment or they would are gone anyway. Question: Do I need to have this done? Christine
There are a number of insects that seek shelter in homes to overwinter including cluster flies, ladybugs and box elder beetles. They crawl into cracks and crevices in siding, window and door frames and will stay where it's warm until spring, then emerge and start another life cycle. Spraying a residual insecticide where the insects enter will probably deter many from entering but the best solutions is to prevent entry by filling up the cracks and crevices.

2273 we bought a boat in puerto vallarta and keeping it in newport oregon..how do we get rid of the termites??? Shelley .
There are products available in Oregon that have a good residual and could be sprayed or injected into the termite infested areas. This should probably be done by a professional and the boat should not be in the water during or soon after the treatment.

2272 hi we have a mice in our house im renting what should i do. my landlord said that he cant do any thing, let me know please i could hear them at night time, running around. Za. St. Catherines, Ont.
Usually the landlord is responsible for rodent control unless the tenant is attracting them with poor hygiene habits. Your landlord could call a pest professional.

2271 Hi I was wondering if there is a spider that lives or survives in bedding and/or clothing, there seems to be alot of spider bites that I have heard of and people get really sick from it. HELP---Jan Regina.
Spiders like an environment where there is a good food source. (insects not people) Their presence in clothing or bedding would be accidental not intentional.

2270 How do we control and/or eliminate Slugs? have many suggestions but no solutions? Fred. Clyde River.
Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in a line around the area you wish to protect.

2269 When seeing a large bug, roach etc., in the house what to do I hate having to try and figure out how to get rid of these when I rarely seem them, but, I have a question. When this happens is there any type of pest control tape? For instance, is there a tape that works sort of like not lint tape as to clothes that when seeing a bug the tape attached to a pole of some sort is like stamping them and thus stuck to the tape, quickly tearing of the tape and putting in the garbage can--is there anything available to buy to do this? Julie.

2268 Hi, I was wondering if the wings on termites are always longer than their bodies? Thank You, George.
Swarming termites have 4 wings of equal length and obviously longer than their body.

2267 We have had otters for years pooping in our boathouse and on our docks. We love the little devils as they are so playful but how do we keep them from using us as their bathroom? Norah. Kenora, Ont.
First you should check the status of otters in your location with provincial wildlife officials. In BC they are protected and can not be harmed. Some boat owners have had success with battery operated electric fences. It keeps them out without harming them. Pine sol can be used as a repellant but it may not last long.

2266 Why do sowbugs like to stay underneath untouched cutted woods? Harruel. Baguio city.
Because it will provide the moist environment the require and probably decaying vegetation as a food source.

2265 How many eggs will the common cockroach lay in one batch. I have just found a dead cockroach with one egg sack. Janis.
The female will lay up to forty eggs at one time. Some species will mate only once and they will remain pregnant for the rest of their lives. Adults will live for an average of eight to fifteen months. Cockroaches reproduce on an average of four times per year.

2264 I heard a noise in so the and it turns out that the wall is full of ants, what are my options, Curt. Thunder Bay.
If you heard them they are likely carpenter ants. Your best option is to have a professional inspect the entire house to locate all of the nests then treat the problem. Wall nests are usually eliminated by injecting a commercial residual insecticide into the cavities, from the exterior if possible.

2263 I found this beetle and a lot of cronies munching on my witch hazel - 2 varieties - at night in early spring in New Paltz, NY. I'm trying to find out what it is, how to get rid of it and prevent it in the future using organic methods. It was about 1/2 inch/1.5 cm long, maybe a little less. I drowned them in soapy water and dumped them on the ground - 20 or more a night. They were gone by the next day, so I guess maybe birds ate them? Does anyone know if soapy bugs can harm birds?
We are not aware of any ill effects to birds that have eaten insects contaminated with soap. If anyone has more knowledge of this situation please send it.

2262 i have a squirrel problen in the garden. i would like to know what i can use thats safe for for the garden and all natural that i can make at home thats is part of green living. thank you. Kristy.
Repellents, either home made or commercial are seldom effective for any length of time. Trapping and relocation may be your best option.

2261 EAch day, we have up to ten bees in our basement where our children play. We capture them and release them outside. Is it possible that we have a bee's nest somewhere in the house? Can a professional tell where they're coming from? Jodi. Calgary Alberta.
A professional will look for entry points around the perimeter. There could be a nest in your walls. Check for gaps around plumbing hose bibs, dryer vents or other possible gaps in your exterior walls.

2260 How to get rid of knats in my finished basement? Mike. Lees Summit.
They may be breeding in house plants or damp areas where there could be fungus. Watch this You Tube video for some suggestions. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igvFeuLWV_E

2259 How do you stop grey tree frogs from going all over my deck and steps at night. I can't go out at night because they are all over and the same color of our deck (grey). Is there something I can use to keep them from jumping on our deck, steps and reails. I know they live in the trees and we have a big palm tree next to our building, and we are on the second floor. And I can't have the tree taken down. Please help I am desparate? Antoinette. Sanibel
Getting rid of them may result in a worse problem. The frogs are likely controlling a large insect population living in the tree and migrating to your deck. Some people encourage their existence near their homes. Check the tree for an insect problem.

2258 I live in a mobile home. I believe we some mice in the walls and ceiling what can I do to get rid of these pest. I have a light that no longer works in my kitchen, I'm afraid a mouse may have chewed through the wires. Please Help. Linda
Mice commonly get into the floor system of mobile homes then find their way into the walls and ceiling following plumbing pipes and electrical wiring. Yes they do chew wires and have caused thousands of fires. You should use control solutions under the home. Bait in secure animal and child proof bait stations or traps, properly placed. It will cost less to hire a professional than have your home burn down.

2257 Good day. I have made a new biodegredable and inveronment friendly Termiticide .i would like to know does such product is used in Canada if not is there a market for such product. Truly yours Dr.Behzad khosropanah
All pest control products marketed in Canada must be registered through Health Canada. You must provide considerable scientific data relating to safety and efficacy of the product. It can be a very expensive process and could take years for approval. Contact PMRA at Health Canada.

2256 How long does it take for an ant colony to replace the queen if it dies? Victoria. Aberdeen.
It may never happen in some ant species. I once saw a home moved to a new location some miles away. The carpenter ant satellite nests in that home eventually died off. Meanwhile the colony at the old location continued to thrive and create new satellite nests because the queen was located deep inside a stump. We will continue to research this question and publish more information when we find it.

2255 Hi we've recently have had a very large Raccoon taking down our bird feeders. Our solution was to take the feeders down before dark ( at least the ones he's been targeting). Well that get a little much after awhile as we have always have to remember and we might not be home. We can't afford to have someone come and cage it. and on the internet we have to wait for the delivery to come. We need a solution now really is there not a homemade solution to the problem where we can mix our own repellant solution that you can advise? Please e-mail us back as this is very much a great problem at the moment. One time just before dark my husband may scare the raccoon where my husband may even get attacked, we know they can be vicious.
Jo-Ann. Jerseyville, Ontario.
Bird feeders attract unwanted wildlife including rodents. True environmentalists believe that feeding birds disrupts their normal foraging habits and may have a negative effect on the population eventually. If you attract raccoons they may also seek out bird nests and eat the eggs. We discourage wild bird feeding except in extreme winter conditions for those that do not migrate south.

2254 Hi, I just saw a huge raccoon climb out of my eaves at the cottage. I knew I had squirrels underneath and chipmunks, so took care of them and now I find this raccoon. What do I do? The poison I bought for the rodents won't kill a raccoon. What is the best way to get rid of it? It has ruined by roof and ceiling in the cottage, so I need it out first and then repairs to be undertaken. Thank you. Christine. Ponemah, Manitoba.
It is not legal to poison raccoons or use rodent poison in such a way that it is harmful to other wildlife. Trapping and relocation is usually the best control method but check the provincial wildlife laws. You may need a permit to relocate them. Make sure you are not attracting raccoons with bird feeders, livestock feed or pet food.

2253 We have a gopher problem in our yard, we would like a design for a trap to trap them live and take them miles away where they can't eat our strawberries. Can you email me plans for building a live trap? Vima. Chase, BC.
We do not send personal replies to questions. You may be able to rent or purchase a trap at a good garden supply or hardware store. If you want to build your own live trap, have a look at squirrel traps for ideas. Gophers are hard to trap unless you can locate the traps at the entry tunnels to their burrow.

2252 How do you get rid of birds on your roof.
What kind of roof? You could install spike strips along the peak or netting if it suits the situation. Check out the birds web page. Birds

2251 I have pill bugs coming in my back door. I do not have a moisture problem, it is extremely bad after it rains. How do I get rid of them.
If they are bad after it rains, you have a moisture problem that you may be able to correct.

2250 Does anyone ever found a bat in their house in Brossard Quebec? I recently notice an entry for birds, they nested in the soofit, not in the attic. Will there is risk of attracting Bats in Brossard? Thanks. Tim
You can eliminate any risk if there is one by simply screening the entry point.

2249 i'm close to the water and my issue is with the spiders!!!i kill at least 6 a night and thats not including the babies.i searched for cacoons and all, even got rid of a few and my lanlord sprays every summer and they stay all over inside AND out, they jump me when i open my front door and there are constantly webs everywhere,just a short time after i'll clean it off too. What can i do, i was thinking to buy some pesticides at canadian tire or something, but i heard that the spiders will just hang from where you applied the pesticide, is there someway i can kill them all on the spot so they dont have time to try and hide, also something i can put outdoors??? Liz. LaSalle, Que.
There must be a large population of insects around your home. That's what spiders eat. Look closely in the webs and try to determine what is attracting them then eliminate that problem. You should also turn off outdoor lights that also attract insects at night.

2248 I have tiny black ants in my kitchen. How can I get rid of them without hurting my cat? Dumfries Va.
Have the ants identified by a professional. A professional grade ant bait will probably solve your problem if applied properly. They are available in bait stations to protect pets.

2247 I have a nice patch of strawberries but something is eating the berries just as they start to turn red. I have killed a number of snails and have not found any more but something is still eating the berries. I can not find any bug on the berries day or night or around them the berries have little bit marks on them and are eat all gone just an empty stem left. Can anyone help me? Thanks
It sounds like snails or slugs. Talk to your local garden shop for prevention methods. We are not gardeners.

2246 Today i noticed that my basement carpet was wet against the wall. I figure i have a foundation problem because i had the house running and the water was running down the brick. When i pulled the carpet back i noticed that in the pools of water there were hundreds of almost microscopic clear white bugs moving around. I could see them individually when i got the flashlight on them and they had some legs but mostly moved like larva. They squirmed but would almost look they were jumping small distances.They are much smaller than a grain of rice. My question isnt just "what the heck are they" but are they there because of the water or could it be the moist wood behind the wall. Im scared to take the wall down because i dont know what i will find.
We do not attempt to identify pests based on verbal descriptions. If you send a photo we will publish it on the pest photo identification page. If you correct the serious water problem the insects will probably disappear.

2245 we found a mole out on the play ground that belongs to us we run a child care center my brother caught it and we wanted to know was it a good idea to keep it and show to the children here at the day care and keep it as a class room pet for the children we wanted to know if they will harm the children in any way or whatand would it be safe to keep as aclass room pet. Karressa. Gainesville.
It would be cruel to keep a mole as a pet. They live underground where it is always dark and cool.

2244 where can i buy live lady bugs?? Rob. Markham, Ontario
Check a local gardening store. They may know about a local source.

2243 I live in a mobil home, it is underpinned but animals keep geeting under it and I can hear them brushing against the air conduits. Is there anything I can blow or sprinkle under it to discourage these critters. We had a possun die under the home in the insulation, it was terrible. Desperate. Betty. Texas.
The warm, dry space under a mobile home provides ideal shelter for numerous critters. The best prevention is pest proof skirting around the base. Metal roofing sheets work well and they can be placed below ground level.

2242 Each spring we notice numerous flies around our log house. They are similar in size and shape to a honey bee but black in colour & have no stinger. They seem to bore holes in the logs. I haven't found an identical species by googling, but they sound similar to the larger carpenter bee. I have no picture as they've disappeared now but I'm becoming concerned that they may be doing structural damage. Can you advise me? Thanks. Glen Cameron. Nanoose Bay, BC.
These could be "Orchard Bees" Have a look at this web page for identification information.:
..\INSECTS\Orchard Bees.htm

2241 we have lots of 2" holes in our lawn with no dirt our garden backs on to farm feilds seen no signs of life can you help please. thank you b dobson.
We are not aware of any animal that can make a hole in the earth and make the removed soil disappear. Perhaps some of our magician friends have the answer.

2240 If I spread sevendust around the areas were i am finding so many pill bugs, will that help eliminate the problem? My bamboo has been almost wiped out and that is the only thing I find that could be causing the problem. I am looking for a good solution short of getting a duck to eat them away. :) Thank you. Debbie. San Antonio
SEVIN is a Carbaryl insecticide. It is is a cholinesterase inhibitor and is toxic to humans. It is classified as a likely human carcinogen by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA.) It kills various beneficial insect and crustacean species along with intended pest victims, so care must be taken when applying where beneficial non-target species are present. Carbaryl is acutely toxic to honeybees and wasps destroying colonies of bees foraging in an area where the chemical has been applied.
Sow bugs eat decaying vegetation and are more effective composters than worms. They may not be the cause of your problem but are enjoying the dead bamboo as it decays.

2239 How do insecticides work? Sheli.
Insecticides work in various ways, depending on what type they are. Some disrupt the insect's nervous system, others affect their cell membranes, some are ingested, some scratch or cut the outer skeleton (shell) causing dehydration and some give the insects a disease. Many insecticides are not considered harmful chemicals.

2238 We live on an acreage outside Balgonie SK. For two years now we have had a severe problem with woodticks, there are so many they come on the deck and the lawn, my cat comes in crawling with them. I need to treat my property but am concerned about chemicals that will harm my pets or grandchildren. What can I use and where can it be bought? Andrea.
If you hire a licensed professional to spray your yard and follow the guidelines as stated on the product label, there will be no risk to your pets and grandchildren. Products used are approved by Health Canada.

2237 Carpenter ants. We have a cedar siding house. Some of the siding does need replacing and I'm sure we will see ants. We had professional companies before and they usually put down some bait, but this does not seem to do anything. a) Is there a solution that I can do myself\ b) Company that specializes in carpenter ants in the Ottawa area. Mike
It will probably cost a lot less in the end to have a professional deal with carpenter ants. Check our directory of Ontario Professionals to find one near you.

2236 My question is, Will a ground mixture of "Sugar" and "Baking Soda", kill ants in any usefull way? I have been told by Those of a "Green" frame of mind that the formic acid will react with the soda killing the ant, the sugar acts as the bait. Is this true or more of a urban myth? David. Red Lake, Ontario
This sounds like another magic formula that may do more harm than good. There are products on the market that have been approved by Health Canada as safe when used as directed to control ant pests. Unfortunately the politicians in Ontario have decided they are more knowledgeable about such products and have banned their sale and use. Get used to insect pests in your yard and be careful about home remedies.

2235 we currently found out we have bed bugs. ewww. our apartment has been fumigated and we have washed and/ bagged to be washed all the bedding, blankets,curtains anything with material. we have disposed of our beds and couches. and i have been constantly cleaning and using spray on the baseboards to kill eggs and such. we are moving in a few days. what can i do to not take this problem with me? i do not want these nastly little bugs to move with us!!! help!!!! Stacey. Edmonton.
It sounds like you have done all the right things but few people (even many professionals) have difficulty finding bed bugs and their eggs. After a bad experience trying to deal with the problem themselves, most people call in a professional that has experience and success dealing with bedbugs. Read more about bed bugs.

2234 Our pests are skunks , what is the best mixture to set out so they will not come into our yard. Thank you. Alayne.
There are very few repellants that have lasting effect on wildlife. They seem to adapt to the smell if there is a food source or shelter they want. Motion sensing water sprinklers are available to frighten animals without harming them. See the CONTECH ad on our suppliers page.

2233 I have been trying to get on top of a spider beetle infestation. I had a recent leaky tub situation, as well as a leaky roof, both since repaired, that I thought may be the reason for their appearance. It was almost by accident that I noticed them, primarily on the top floor of an old home in the bathroom and lurking in the old bedroom broadloom. As mentioned, the leaks have been fixed and I am diligently vacuuming and eliminating pests daily -- usually two per morning when I flick on the lights and go on the hunt. Would it still take a while, for old wood to dry up, for these beasts to move on or should I assume (after two weeks) that the infestation is not as a result of the leaks? I have spotted them in the basement as well, but that's not as creepy as the bedroom. Trixie. Toronto.
Have you had them identified. Spider beetles are mainly scavengers on plant and animal substances and are usually seen in grains infested by some other stored product beetle. These beetles prefer the dark and are most active at night or continually in darkened areas. Spider beetles harbor during daylight hours inside crevices, between food packaging and other darkened areas. The damp bathroom are is a comfortable environment for many species of insect. If there is a moisture problem you may have to have a contractor correct the problem.

2232 IS THERE AN HOME REMEDIES THAT I CAN USE TO KEEP CATS OUT OF MY YARD, THEY ARE TEARING OUT MY TRASH AND BESIDES I'M VERY FEARFUL OF CATS. Delisha. Texas.
Some home remedies could be harmful and get you in trouble with cat owners. Motion sensing water sprinklers are available to frighten animals without harming them. See the CONTECH ad on our suppliers page.

2231 We recently moved into a new house (very old), and noticed right away there was a mouse problem. After cleaning up all the feces, we set traps and narrowed the problem down to a specific corner of the kitchen which is the opposite side of an exterior wall with fairly large cracks. In the past week alone, our traps have caught 10 deer mice, both adults and babies. Is it possible for this many mice to live inside the house already, or are the mice probably entering from the outside cracks? We're worried that boarding up this specific area in the kitchen will only cause the mice to seek out another part of the house to enter, and right now, the kitchen is the only place they seem to be. What is the best way to solve this problem, and preferably prevent their entry? We also have numerous pet rats, and are worried for their safety should we use poisons/pest control companies/noise emitters/etc. Marie. Guelph, Ont.
1. Eliminate the food source that is attracting mice.
2. Block the entry points.
3. Continue trapping to eliminate the population.
If you can handle rats living in your home, mice will usually stay away. Most of us would rather have neither.

2230 I think a racoon has invaded my attic yesterday, because I can see an 'entrance' at the joint where the lower part of my side-split meets the higher part. But, what has me puzzled is that yesterday morning one section of soffit what pushed out of the eaves +-16-18' above a vinyl siding wall and approx 12' from either end of that wall. I've had problems with racoons before at this house but they always gain access from trees up to a round vent on the roof that they would rip open. So I'm at a loss - during the day I hear or see absolutely anything which is also different than previously. But the soffit exit ??? I had to see it to believe it!!! Marie. Sudbury, Ont.
It's time to call a wildlife trapping specialist. Besides the damage they can cause, raccoons can be a serious health hazard.

2229 We have a manitoba maple tree that we have just chopped down due to MILLIONS of box elder beetles reproducing in our yard. How can we eliminate or minimize these bugs in our landscaping? The keys and seeds also reproduced millions of shoots that are germinatiing everywhere throughout the landscaping. Do you have any advice to keep these new shoots away. We have spent hours pulling them out and new shoots keep growing.
A gardening/landscape professional could probably offer better advise than a pest professional.

2228 we live on a acer lot that is behind thousands of acers of woods and we have a storage building we have built and are trying to work on our garden/pond. in the storage building, wasps are always inside when we go in and always, wasps, bumbel bees and other bees and things that will sting are always swarming around the building. the pond erea that we are trying to work on have bees flying around everywhere, where we can't work on anything or even get around without taking the chance of getting stung.
is there anything we can do to resolve or kill this problem. Adamsville, Alabama
Wasps and bees are excellent pollinators and most gardeners are glad to have them around. If they are getting into your shed install screen to keep them out. Most stinging insects will not bother you unless you threaten them or their nest.

2227 There was a mouse in my house Deer Mouse) someone put green poison blocks one behind my stove the others in my attic, How toxic are these blocks ? and can we still use our oven and stove, I have kids and really need to know .Thank you For Your Time It Is Very Much appreciated Cecile, Ontario
It is not a good idea to put rodent poison in a kitchen. Rats or mice may move some of it and contaminate food. You may also end up with dead mice in the stove insulation which could cause a serious odor and health problem. Use traps behind the stove.

2226 I live in a basement apartment. I have ants and no matter how much I spray they always seem to be waiting for a crumb of food. I have sprayed the outside area also hoping that would help. What can I use as a deterrent? I keep a very clean house and the ants are driving me crazy! Help! Cathy. Brooklyn, NY.
Killing ants outside the nest will seldom have any effect. You must identify the species of ant , find the nests, then apply the proper treatment. Spraying pesticides will cause some species to split up the nests making the problem even worse. A quality and bait works best for some species if properly placed and maintained over a period of time.

2225 how do yu tell if a wood bug (pill bug) is a girl or boy? Kelsey. Canada
We have never had a reason to find out, but some entomologists say it can be very difficult to tell the difference.

2224 how can i get rid of cockroaches preferably without the use of chemicals? Helen. Athens, Greece.
Most professionals now use a quality poison bait placed strategically where the cockroaches will eat it. I don't know what products are available in your country.

2223 I am looking for a portable pest repeller, mainly for fleas and ticks. What is the best one? Thank you,
Martha Laddim
There are no effective electronic devices that we are aware of.

2222 I want to get rig of my Hamsters, would you pleaser give me some your advise how to do its or where can I bring its to. Thank you. Binh. Mississauga, On.
Phone your local SPCA.

2221 Do pillbug/sow bugs eat old decaying wood re my old house has a very old rafter and sill system? Wayne.
See the answer to the question below.

2220 I am doing a lab on sow bugs. I have to find out what they eat, what environment they live in where do they live, classification, description in what kind of food they eat. How long they can live for. How big they can get. Do you have any specific websites that I can look at to find this information. Thank You!!! Ashlie.
Google rates our Sow Bugs web page #1

2219 Can one obtain garter snakes, or something similar, for controlling mice in one's yard? We have cat allergies, so THAT's ruled-out. The mechanical traps are horrible to clean and rust, the bait/blocks don't seem to work and the glue traps--while effective and neat--fill full of leaves and crud in a day. Adam. Calgary
Pet shops may be able to steer you in the right direction but there is not much market for garter snakes.

2218 I found and killed a house centipede crawling on the wall in my bedroom this morning. Since they eat other bugs, does this mean that I have a lot of other bugs in my apartment/bedroom that I am unaware of? I haven't seen too many bugs in my apartment this year, maybe a few in the bathroom every now and then, but never in my bedroom. I am afraid that my bedroom is crawling with other bugs. Is this a valid fear? Is this worth calling the exterminator about? David. Iowa City.
You should not be too concerned about just one house centipede. If you see them on a regular basis the food source they are after should be just as obvious.

2217 This is the third spring that a pair of Northern Flicker woodpeckers have returned to the north side of our house to drill holes in it -- four so far. We thought that covering the previous holes with planks of hardwood flooring would discourage them but, alas, they just move over slightly. We've had the cedar siding checked and there are no bugs in or around it. We've been told that these birds could want to nest in the insulation (they drill close to the roof peak, into the attic area) and/or the male is just drilling to show off to his mate. We're thinking about installing vinyl siding or hardiboard which has concrete in it. Do woodpeckers drill through these products too?? In the meantime, a pest company is going to install netting (for ~$300) so I'd also like to know if this has ever been worked? Many thanks. Pat. Maple Ridge. BC.
Did the person who checked for insects know what to look for? Carpenter ant nests in the walls or ceiling are not always obvious. These birds do peck holes in old soft trees to make nests. They also use hollow trees, metal chimneys and walls as a sounding board to attract a mate. The netting will work if hung loosely down the wall. The hardiboard should discourage them but not sure about the vinyl siding.

2216 do ants have to fly to mate. Kevin.
Many species of ants (including carpenter ants0 mate in flight. Some species mate in the nest.

2215 We moved into this 3 storey building approximately 4 years ago. We occupy the top floor of this commercial building and ever since we arrived every Spring and Fall, we have an infestation from the common house fly. Our landlord said no sense covering the many vents/openings on the roof with mesh as the flies can get in too small a space. We have had Abel confirm they are not cluster flies. The flies especially on the North/West end of the building infest our living space, and each morning during the infestation I come in first and find dead flies cover the carpet and live flies flitting on the windows. We are looking for any and all solutions that will prevent them from getting into our space. The flies are so dopey and stupid during the day, they drop onto staff and their workstations throughout the day and it does not make a very nice work environment for a number of weeks throughout the year. The second and first floors do not seem to have this problem, so we think the flies are in the large space in the drop ceiling above. Unfortunately we occupy an area that was originally field/marsh years ago and is still a growing residential area as well as a large box store area but we still back onto empty fields. It is suggested that the flies breed in this fieldy area and then come through any cracks/crevices up high and then come into our space to go against the sunny windows. Again any precautions/preventions you can suggest to limit/prevent this would be appreciated. Diana. Ancaster, Ont.
It sounds very much like cluster flies. Another identification might be worthwhile. Cluster flies lay eggs in soil where there are worms. The maggots attach to the worms as a food source until they transform into adult flies. In the fall when the weather starts to cool, they migrate into warm locations such as nearby buildings.

2214 i got a squirrel in my basement and he is in between the floor and the ceiling, how can i gets this pest before it have more than one thier. Terrence. Clarenviulle
Find the entrances and block them off. Install a one way door on an obvious entry so they can exit but not return. If this is too difficult, call a pest professional.

2213 I have silverfish in the washroom. My question is, if I use preventative measures like keeping the light on and turning the heat on, will they just move to another room in the apartment? Are there natural sprays I can use? I have a young one crawling around and I don't want her crawling with bugs. Our room is right next to the washroom. Dana. Sudbury.
Bathrooms often have moisture problems if exhaust fans are not used when needed, if there are plumbing leaks or if shower stalls/bath tubs seals have failed. Silverfish will breed in the walls, floor or ceiling. They can live for years and it is difficult eliminating the entire population. Do everything possible to eliminate the moisture problem first. Some so called "natural sprays" can be toxic to humans and seldom have the residual effect needed to keep killing these pests. A good residual insecticide applied in minimum quantity in the right places may solve the problem if the moist conditions are eliminated. Even a professional may have to treat the problem more than once.

2212 My questions are in regards to carpenter ants living within the house structure.
1) Can Tim-bor be sprayed into exterior wall stud cavities that contain fiberglass batt insulation & be considered an affective method of killing carpenter ants?
2) Would the insulation not reduce the spread of this product in the cavity ?
3) For an 8 foot high wall how many holes would need to be drilled in each stud cavity to ensure the Tim-bor has an affectively filled the stud cavity?
4) Would spray or powder be the best method for this?
5) Is there a better product that could be applied from the exterior of the home into the stud cavities, obviously trying to minimize the # of drill holes?
Mike. Vancouver, BC.
Having treated a few thousand homes with carpenter ant problems, Tim-Bor is not my favorite choice of products to properly eliminate the problem using the least amount of pesticide. It works well if ingested but carpenter ants do not eat the wood they burrow out of tunnels. Carpenter ants are listed on the label but once again it is more important to know where, how, and how much product to use rather than expecting a certain product to magically eliminate all the carpenter ants in a building. Tim-Bor (Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate) is labeled "Commercial" in Canada so it can only be used by certified pesticide applicators working for a licensed pest management provider.
See: Pest Management Regulatory Agency [Health Canada]
http://pr-rp.pmra-arla.gc.ca/PR_SOL/pr_web.ve1?p_ukid=9303
An experienced pest professional would know the likely location of carpenter ant satellite nests and would narrow that down with thorough inspections then apply a residual product directly into or as close as possible to those nests. It would not be necessary to totally coat all surfaces in wall cavities. Insulation definitely prevents the product from flowing freely in the cavities. The products used can be liquid, aerosol, foam or dust depending on conditions in the nest locations. Most of the products used by professionals have a good residual effect and are usually labeled "Commercial". Saturating your home with Tim-Bor is not considered "Integrated Pest Management". A good professional practicing I.P.M. will do a thorough inspection looking for the reasons for the problem, recommending corrective action to prevent recurrence of the problem. If you insist on doing it yourself, read the label on products used, follow safety precautions and be prepared for failure. If you scatter the nests, it will cost more to have a professional do the job properly.
Larry Cross. Pest Control Services Gulf Islands. www.nobugs.ca
Tim-Bor Professional is a water soluble inorganic borate salt with insecticidal, termiticidal, and fungicidal properties. This product can be used for preventative treatment of wood in existing structures (before signs of infestation) and for remedial treatment of wood infested with termites and wood-boring beetle larvae.

2211 I live on the 2nd floor of an apartment building near downtown vancouver and every week or two i wake up with several bites. the bites are quite large, about an inch in diameter with a central bite point; they have the spider-like quality of having been bit twice. the problem is i've never actually seen any bugs. i've cleaned all the linins and sprayed my room with no success. the building is about 60 years old and has a few cracks here or there. anyway if you could shed any light on what could be biting me that would be great.
Based on numerous reports of bed bug problems in Vancouver apartment buildings and your description of the bites, you should probably ask your landlord if there have been bedbug problems in the building. If there is a problem he should call a professional. Read more about getting rid of bedbugs ...\INSECTS\get_rid_of_bed_bugs.htm

2210 We put some decking down in our garden last year and for the past 2months we have caught 6 mice, they must have a cosy nest underneath the decking, We have been letting the caught mice loose in a field about half a mile away, is it possible the mice can find their way back.??? Lynda. West Sussex.
Yes. They will find their way back fairly rapidly overcoming many difficult conditions. Here is a quote from a field study we have published: One mouse returned after being released 500 m and 1,000 m, then 750 m, and 1,200 m from the house at consecutive daily trapping sessions of 3 days. Read more about live trapping and releasing mice: http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/Rodents/mice.htm#Live_Trap

2209 Hello we live in a older home and have found a place in a rec room that has hundreds that we see? small tiny tiny ants. I do not know what they are they are dark coloured and wondered what they are and how to get rid of them without using strong pesticides. Thank you. Susan. Oshawa, Ont.
There are many species of "tiny" ants. Some should be treated with ant bait and some nests should be sprayed with a residual pesticide. Gather a few specimens in a pill bottle and have them identified by a professional then the proper treatment can be determined.

2208 We bought a house that sat vacant for one year and we now have an Indian meal moth problem. We find larva crawling near the ceilings and we vacuum them up. We also bought traps online that kill the moths, but we still have a problem. What are they living off of? I bought containers to seal our food in and we keep things in the fridge. Please help!!! Tera. Indiana
Somewhere in the house there is a food source for the larva. Wild bird seed and pet foodis a common method of importing them. The moths you caught in traps have probably already laid eggs in or near the food source. If you can't find that food source you may have to hire a professional that knows what to look for. Spraying pesticides randomly is not the solution.

2207 how do you get rid of carpenter ants in the beams of my house? Sherry. Langley BC.
Most homeowners that attempt to eliminate carpenter ants usually fail and often make the problem more difficult for a professional to deal with. Read the information on our get rid of carpenter ants web page.
Most professionals will do a basic inspection and give you a quote to eliminate carpenter ants.
Directory of professionals serving the Langley area

2206 are termites harmful to dogs or humans. Joei. North York, Ont.
We are not aware of any health problems for humans or animals posed by termites. Termites that have been in contact with pesticides may carry a small residual of the product that might pose a slight risk.

2205 We have loads of sowbugs under panel wall downstairs and are coming out from under it on to the cement. what product can we use to completely kill these critters. We have tried Raid, Home and Garden pesticide AND SOME FOAM Products. None of these have worked. Kay. Sherwood Park, Alberta.
ONCE AGAIN.....Pesticides are not the solution for sow bugs. We have said over and over again, the problem is moisture and they will continue to return if you don't correct the problem. Read more about sow bugs.

2204 My question is that my exterminator will spray the inside of my cabinets today? How long should i wait to return dishes, etc. into the cabinets. My problem is silverfish. I find them in closets, in bathroom and kitchen floors. Not alot, but enough to annoy. Sometimes on cabinet, ughhhhh. I am a very clean person.
Jan. Raceland, Louisiana.
I depends on what product is sprayed. The profession will have the correct information. Just Ask.

2203 I have been finding clusters of small holes in clothing; particularly cotton... dress shirts, khakis, t-shirts etc. What I notice before the hole comes is a tiny spec of brown and once ironed a hole develops very quickly... does this sound like something moth related? Shelly. Fredericton, NB.
It could be moths or even carpet beetles. Examine new damage with a magnifying glass, looking for small larva. If it is moths larva you should see adult moths at some time in the same area.

2202 We have a closet in our garage that is insulated we use it for storage. Well there is "something" living in it we have tried a live trap , mousetraps rat traps peanutbutter mixed with antifreeze. It has trails and holes all over the place its eaten books etc. I need help before i lose my mind. I HATE critters that are hiding in my stuff. We did catch 3 voles ? in a mouse trap but i am wondering if this is a squirell terrorizing my life.
Tracy. Brighton.
Your "antifreeze" poison is not a good idea. You might end up killing the wrong animal. Stick with standard, approved methods. There are a lot of little tricks to using traps successfully. Read more on our rodent page or call a professional.

2201 TERMINIX SPRAYED MY CELLAR FOR THE BARK BEETLE. IS THE SUBSTANCE USED HARMFUL TO CATS?
It would help to know the name of the substance used! Terminix is a reputable business that provides all technicians with excellent training on the use of pesticides. They would not apply a product that could be harmful to people or pets if they were aware of any potential contact with that product. By law, consumers have the right to know what pesticides have been applied in their home by anyone including pest management professionals, landlords or contractors.

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