Category: Pest Control

How to prevent a swarm of angry wasps terrorising a peaceful summer picnic is an age-old quandary, but scientists have proffered a simple solution: take a hostage. Quick-witted picnickers who spot a lone “scout” wasp should attempt to trap the insect under a glass or mug, thereby preventing it from returning to its nest where it can recruit other wasps to come and raid the food. While the same effect can be achieved simply by killing the creature, entomologists argue the act would be… Read more »

Stung by a wasp this summer? It might not be the spiteful yellowjacket. The first European paper wasp was found Monday in Edmonton, an invasive species already common in Medicine Hat and evidently moving north. Matthias Buck, assistant curator for invertebrate zoology at the Royal Alberta Museum, caught the European paper wasp with a net during his lunch break Monday and officially added it to the museum collection. It delivers a sting at least as painful as the yellowjacket’s, and likes to… Read more »

Because of its quick lethality to freshly hatched flies and the ability to halt egg production, the artificial sweetener behind Truvia could be a potent but safe pesticide, according to a new study by Drexel University researchers. The polyol (sugar alcohol) that was tested, Erythritol, eliminated the larvae of flies in the study within three days, long before they could have reached adulthood. On top of that, as long as flies were feeding off of the sugar substitute, they were… Read more »

Tips to Avoid Raccoon Infestations Raccoons, common in the Vancouver region, are happy and curious little scavengers. They are not a direct threat to people although when they lose their fear of people they can show aggression pose harm to our pets. Raccoons, most active at night, are intelligent like cats and dogs and ultimately they are after fine food and shelter. They have a good memory and will return to places that offer the best. Damage and mess that… Read more »

Home damage from pests A home, whether it be a house, townhouse or apartment, for many people would most likely be considered their most prized possession. We all work hard to earn a living so we can not just enjoy our homes, but maintain and protect it. The invasion of unwanted guests unfortunately happens from time to time and we’re not talking about those relatives that show up unannounced at your doorstep. Rodents, insects and even wildlife also have a… Read more »

As the temperatures warm up here in the Fraser Valley, we will see more and more pests. The rodent mammals, like rats, mice and raccoons are out of hibernation and looking for food to eat. Beetles, moths and insects are all hatching from their eggs to fly and explore. Here are some of the pests that are common to Vancouver. Bees & Wasps Extermination If we look closely at bees and wasps specifically, we see that they are very beneficial… Read more »

How Rodents Get Into the Home While we are still in the midst of winter, temperatures are cold and our homes are warm. While this is enjoyable for us, there are pests out there that want to join in on our creature comforts. Rodents seek out warm homes for themselves, so you could find mice and rats in your living space. The first step to preventing these little critters from becoming permanent residents begins with understanding how they get in.… Read more »