Pest Questions 1701 to 2000

Note: The volume of questions submitted is much greater than we are able to publish on this page.
We have selected questions that we feel are of interest to most of our web site visitors.

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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
Get rid of :
     Bedbugs
     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

Just a THANK YOU for your great help with id. and non-toxic control! Jean.
Blue Earth MN

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“NOT IN MY BACK YARD”
Wildlife & Pest management

Your ALT-Text here

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Your answer may be on one of these pages:

Ants,
Ant nest photos
Bats,
Bees,
Birds,
Carpenter Ants,
Canadian Pest Management Association,
Carpenter ant photos, Choosing a professional. Cockroaches,
Controlling pests,
Finding a Pro,
Fleas,
Flies
Getting rid of Carpenter ants
Hantavirus,
Home page,
Insects,
I.P.M. ,
Mice,
Moles,
Moths,  ,
Other pests,
Powder post beetles, Raccoons,
Rats,
Real Estate & Pests, Rodents,
Snakes,
Spiders,
SPMA of BC,
Sow Bugs,
Supplies for pest control, Termites,
Wasps,
Wildlife pests

pro Associations,
C.P.M.A. (Canada)
SPMA BC ( B.C.)
SPMAO (Ontario)

Did you know it's against the law...

- to use pesticides to control any pest that is not listed on the label.

- to use pesticides in a manner that is not in compliance with directions on the label.

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

Your answer may be on one of these pages:

Pest pro Associations,
C.P.M.A. (Canada)
SPMA BC ( B.C.)
SPMAO (Ontario)

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BRAEMAR PEST CONTROL
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Industrial, commercial, residential,
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Calgary,
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2000 Is a dead mouse toxic if a10 mo. old baby got ahold of it and may placed it in his mouth. what do I need to worry about.
There are many health issues you should be concerned about just having your baby in a location where mice have been present. Read about some diseased that rodents carry in this CDC publication. Pests and health hazards

1999 We are plagued with feral cats from the surrounding farms. Over the last 22 years we have rescued approximately 29 cats. We paid for all the fixing, meds, and even supplied food, litter boxes, and cat carriers free of charge to the new owners. We are now retired and can no longer afford to do this. Is there an electronic device available to repel the cats without harming them? We have two licensed indoor cats will not be effected by this device.
We are not aware of scientific evidence that will support the use of electronic devices to repel mammals. An electric fence will keep them out of the garden and not harm the cats. There are a number of spray repellants but most are just effective for a short time.

1998   Question 1: I have large numbers of Sow/Pill Bugs in my vegtable garden. Is there an effective homemade bait/killer mixture or trap I can make and use to reduce the severe damage these things cause to my veggies?
Sow/pill bugs will only eat vegetation that is over ripe, starting to decay or the very young tender shoots of new plants.   They turn vegetation into compost better than worms so you should ot kill them all. Try sprinkling diatomaceous earth around the base of plants affected.
Question 2: What would be an effective homemade attractant to put in the plastic 2 ltr. bottle trap for Paper Wasps/Yellow Jackets/Large Red Hornets?
In the spring when they are feeding larva, they prefer carbohydrates so anything sweet with a good smell should work. (Soda pop)   Later in the season they may want protein so try a piece of fish.

1997 I have a prob with pill bugs (rollie pollie's) in my bathroom. Is there any way to get rid of them? The house is on a slab, no basement or loft. The outside water faucet froze on that side of the house (winter 06-07) and most likely left moisture in the wall - so I'm sure that promotes pill bug presence.
I see ads for TALSTAR and BIFEN indicating pill bug control. Any other thoughts what might help? Thanks, J. Moser
The pill bugs are just a symptom of the much more serious problem.....moisture in the wall. Pesticides will not solve that problem but drying things out will get rid of the bugs. You will probably also have mold growth an the wood will start to decay.

1996 It is the beginning of March (snow and ice outside!) and the ants are starting already!!! We have been seeing them for a couple of weeks now. Last summer was our first time having large black ants...not huge like carpenter ants...kind of 'medium-sized'...but really big compared to the little black ants we were used to having...(which also didn't start coming until warm weather, in May/June) These larger black ants are also pretty aggressive and really quick. What can we do???? We are seeing more and more...like 5-10 a day...and I, being a bug hater, am positive that means there are oodles more that we aren't seeing!!! We usually put out 'ant syrup' a commercial product containing borax for the little guys, will this also be effective for these big monsters??? I didn't want to start a swarm in case it wouldn't actually get rid of them...I don't want to attract them :) Also...do they bite??? I have a 2 and a 1/2 year old who is just starting to notice them... Shelley. Canning, Nova Scotia.
It is very likely you have carpenter ants that are emerging from the warm cavities of your home because they think it is spring. It's too cold outside for any ants to be active.. There are about 5 different sizes in a colony, not all are huge. The "ant syrup" with borax will have no effect on carpenter ants. They do not intentionally bite but can pinch with their strong mandibles and could pierce tender baby skin if threatened. Most homeowners who try to get rid of carpenter ants loose the battle, often making the process more difficult and costly for a professional. Call a local professional on this web page for an estimate. Nova Scotia pest professionals.

1995 How do we keep rodents from nesting in our autos both inside and outside the garages?
Ruth. Lubec, Maine
1. Eliminate any food sources in the area that may be attracting them. (bird seed, pet food, garbage, compost) Place a number of traps in protected boxes in the area. You may try putting one near each vehicle wheel. If the problem persists, call a professional. Read more about controlling rodents.

1994 Are pill bugs bad? Do they bite or hurt in anyway?
Pill bugs are not harmful. Like all living creatures they do have a purpose on earth. They eat decaying vegetation and speed up the process of turning it into compost.

1993 Does a sonic pest repeller work with skunks....or how do I get rid of skunks under my house?
Dorothy. California.
We are not aware of any scientific evidence that would support the use of these devices. Dealing with skunks can be a messy job. A professional can solve your problem.

1992 I believe I have what is referred to as Pavement Ants in my home. Can they be eliminated before they arrive if I know the exact entry points? They are most abundant in the kitchen under the sink where the water pipes are although they do show up everywhere. I have sprayed with Raid Ant Killer in excessive amounts which kills them immediately but they keep arriving for about a week after so multiple sprayings are necessary. There is definitely a colony outside my apartment among the flowers and the neighbors have rose bushes next to the ants. I have been told rose bushes will attract ants. True or not? The flying ants are the most irritating as they are in my bedroom entering from under the heat register. This is a very uncomfortable feeling when I am sleeping as I keep freaking out in the middle of the night thinking they are on my bed but thank my lucky stars they haven't been yet. I have had this problem for 3 years now and they keep returning even though I have saturated the entry points. I know there entry points from their obvious presence but they also leave small piles of sand and granules at entry. I hope I don't have to wait for them to arrive to effectively kill them for it is very traumatizing to be infested. Your prompt response and advice will be greatly appreciated as the arrival date is soon and the weather is getting warmer and may spark early arrival. Marc. Vancouver. BC.
At this time of year (February) it is doubtful the ants you are seeing inside your home are pavement ants. They generally live outside and will not be active until the weather gets much warmer.. It is common to see carpenter ants inside as they emerge from warm cavities in your walls, floor or ceiling. Spraying insecticides on the ones you see will have no effect on the nest. If anything it may encourage them to split up the nest making it much harder to find and eliminate. Ants with wings emerging from under the heat register, indicate there is a nest in that area that has been there for at least 3 years. Have a professional do a quick inspection and estimate. As you will see on this page, this is not a do it yourself project. Get Rid of Carpenter Ants.

1991 Ladybugs are coming into my daughters room. Neither of us are comfortable with this. How can I get rid of these Pests? Thank you for your time. Alexandra. Stamford.
The ladybugs entered cavities in the home through cracks last fall. A few will continue to emerge inside until the weather gets warmer and the rest go out the way they came in. To prevent the problem next year, seal up the cracks and crevices on the exterior of your home.

1990 I have raccoons in an unused chimney in my bungalow. They were there last year and I thought they had gone. It is now the end of January and I can hear them again. How can I get rid of them. The chimney has a clean out vent in the basement. The chimney had been connected to an old furnace which is no longer there. Should I get a chimney cleaner and have the chimney capped?
Sheila. Barrie, Ontario
They will have to come out to eat. They can be trapped and re-located. Probably a job for a professional. See this page for professionals in your area. Ontario Pest Professionals.

1989 We have a heated floor in out basement and ants have moved in over the winter, guess I can't blame them, but how can I get rid of these unwanted house guests. Diane. White city Sask.
You must first have the ant species identified before the right treatment can be prescribed. Most ants that appear in homes during the cold winter months are carpenter ants. If that is the case, you would be wise to call a professional to inspect the problem and offer a solution. Spraying them with a pesticide may make to problem more difficult to eliminate. See this web page: Carpenter ants.

1988 Perhaps one of your associates can help me find a better mouse trap for sale. I have a plastic mouse trap with the label: "Safeset. Patent Pending. Made In Canada". I was given it by a Chevron garden chemicals marketing person over 20 years ago. It was designed somewhat like a clam shell with a small bait platform which, when agitated, snapped the upper shell closed. The upper shell is slightly smaller than the lower shell and has a serrated edge which hits the mouse in the back of the neck, holding the deceased mouse in the clam shell. A light coil spring provides the power. I think it is superior to the common mouse traps with a wooden board and a wire that snaps down. It is a little easier to set up and to empty. My problem is that the small plastic protrusion on one side has snapped. (The protrusions, one on each side, act as pivots or a hinge between the upper and lower portion of the clam shell.) Local Hardware Stores and Garden Centers appear to only stock the old board and spring type of trap. Do you know if such traps are still made and where they can be purchased? M.B. (Jim) Jackson

Here is a photo of the Bell Snapper snap trap commonly used by many professionals. There are similar traps available from other manufacturers. This model has teeth on both the top and bottom jaws ensuring a caught mouse will not escape. It is very safe and easy to use. If you can not find these in your local hardware or building supply store, ask a few local pest professionals if they will sell you some. (Click photo to enlarge.)

1987 There is a problem with maple bugs in the whole town and every day there is some in our house. how do you get rid of them? Denise. Maple Creek Saskatchewan.
Box Elder bugs are also commonly called Maple Bugs. You will find control information on this web page: Box Elder Bugs. and also on this Saskatchewan Royal Museum web site:
http://www.royalsaskmuseum.ca/research/faqs/ls_9.shtml

1986 Do termites make an audible sound? Bet. Waterboro, SC.
Yes. It is a faint rustling or clicking sound generated by their chewing.

1985 We have an ongoing problem with mice! We live in the country, and live in an old store converted into a house. When we moved in there we several holes from downstairs (dirt and partial dirt basement) and to the outside, that we have tried to plug with expandable foam (which they seem to just chew through), and also steel wool. It appears that the mice have actually been "pulling" the steel wool through the holes so as to get through again!!!! There is nothing else that has access to the location of these plugged areas, and therefore we know it is the little XXXXXXXX (so what else can we use to plug them)?! They are even chewing through the wood!! I was wondering if a mixture of cement/concrete and steel wool might work? If you could please give me some insight on what to use, I would be very appreciative!!! Thanks so much, Amber. Rimby, Alberta
These symptoms seem to apply more to a rat than a mouse, but supposedly there are no rats in Alberta. Good quality snap traps placed next to the holes should eliminate the problem. Traps are most effective when placed on the route rodents travel.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For sealing rodent openings, stuff the holes first with copper stuffing. Pack it in very tightly using a stick or knife. It is available at www.pestsupplies.ca (steel wool rusts and rots quickly in damp environments) and then foam it in place. This makes a tight seal that rodents, including rats cannot get through. If you are sealing outside, once the foam dries, cut excess with a sharp knife and give it a shot of spray paint to protect it from UV which breaks down the foam over time. Glen Robertson. Robertson's Wildlife and Pest Control.
http://www.wildliferemoval.ca/services.html

1984 A few of my peacocks have been infested with sticktight fleas, (Echidnophaga gallinacea). Can Nitenpyram be used with poultry to control this pest? If not, what do I use to control these pests? Carl. Live Oak, Florida.
I believe Nitenpurum was developed for flea control o dogs and cats. If birds are not listed on the label, it would be illegal to use on your peacocks. Birds are more sensitive to pesticides than most other animals. See this web page for information on the product.
http://www.capstar.novartis.us/dog/en/label.shtml?SearchField=product+label

1983 Hello, we live in a condo building and we have a bat that has landed on the balcony and will not leave. It has been very cold the last couple of days so we created a shelter with blankets to try and keep it warm. The other problem is we have a puppy which is the one that discovered the bat and she may have hurt it when she found it. It has been 3 days and the bat is still alive, but still on the balcony. I don't want our dog to get it, and I don't want the bat to die from the cold either. Is it harmful to move the bat to a different outside location, and if not what type of location would be best. Or is it best to just leave the bat where it is. Thanks for your help, Heather. Kitchener, Ont.
Bats that are easy to catch are often sick and caution should be taken when handling them.
You could throw a towel over it then pick it up wearing leather gloves and put it in a box indoors.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Have you called animal control? They should take the bat, care for it, and assess it for rabies. If your dog has had contact with it, this should be done soon. Just a thought.
Heidi

1982 How to get rid of pigeons that land on your porch. George. Beaumont, Alberta
The best solution is mechanical. Use netting or spikes strips. See our bird control web page.

1981 What color are rodents more attracted to?
There are literally hundreds of rodent species on our earth and we have no knowledge about most of them. Species that are night active normally have no color vision. The more they are active during daylight, the better they can see colors. Rats, rabbits and hamsters are color blind. The house mouse can see red and yellow.

1980 Do bedbugs go into TV's & VCR's? If yes how do you get rid of them or is it necessary to throw these items out too? Rose Ann.
Yes. Put them in a plastic garbage bag and store in a freezer for a few days if possible. They may also be treated in a chamber by a pest professional.

1979 MY CLOTHES AND BEDDING ARE INFESTED WITH LICE. I HAVE USED HEAD LICE MEDICATION BUT THIS HAS NOT HELPED WITH THE BEDDING & CLOTHES. IS THERE A COMPANY THAT WILL COME IN AND DELOUSE MY APARTMENT IN STRICT CONFIDENTIALITY?
For information and treatment see our LICE web page.

1978 Drain fly has been identified in my downtown home. Could you advise me what to use to get rid of them for good and keeping them away. The house I live has been recently renovated and has a new kitchen, new bathrooms(3), laundry room in the basement and two floor drains (they are covered by carpet) in the basement. Abid
The drains should be cleaned with a special foaming cleaner. It will clean the top of the pipes which is where the phorid (drain) flies may be breeding. See this web page: Phorid Flies

1977 Is there a product sold in retail stores that kill bed bugs. Jamie.
There is no "magic bedbug killer" in a can. There are products available with bedbugs listed on the label. Bed bugs are as easy to kill as most other insects if you spray an insecticide on the adults.. Spraying non residual pesticides will have no long term effect if it does not come in contact with the bugs while still wet. The problem is finding them. They are so thin they can crawl into a very small crack some distance from their food source and stay there without a new meal for months. If you are successful finding and killing all the bedbugs in a home or apartment, hundreds of pest management professionals would like to hire you. Do lots of research before you try to deal with this problem yourself and you will eventually realize it is a job for professionals. Start on this web page: How to get rid of bedbugs.

1976 We are having a terrible problem with stink beetles in our home. We have noticed that the warmer the weather the worse they are. We have tried everything we can think of from spraying pesticides out side the house and in. We just can't get rid of them. Is there anything we can do. We are afraid to think of what will happen when Spring comes. We have thought about calling professionals and evacuating. Please Help!!!!!!!!!!! Cindy
The best solution is to prevent their entry into the cracks and crevices on the outside of your home but this is almost impossible in most homes. You may be able to reduce the population by spraying the vegetation on your property in the summer. Ask you local garden supply for the best time to spray and product to use.

1975 I have a cat in my apt. My apt manager will conduct pest control for our apt in a couple of days. Will this harm my cat? Sarah. San Francisco.
It really depends on what pest is being controlled, who is doing the work and what products they will use. You have a right to have this information. If a licensed professional is doing the work talk to him about your concerns to prevent any problems. In British Columbia, Canada, landlords of buildings with four or more units must have a pest control service license and the person doing the work must be certified in integrated pest management.

1974 Can using a home humidifier at 50% encourage and attract sub-terrainian termites in slab construction? My neighbor's house was pre-treated during construction, but she later had an extension to her patio added, that was not treated. She also has a tree very close to her house and the branches are on her roof. She claims that none of this matters, and that she was just un-lucky and now has termite tunnels inside her house. She seems to think that calling the exterminator one time, will solve the problem. Could they have made another nest in her attic also?
It seems that homeowners who ignore pest problems and conditions that encourage pests are unlucky. Most insects like high humidity. Tree branches should always be trimmed so they don't touch the house. If it's a bad area for sub-teranian termites, prevention steps should be taken for all construction.

1973 We keep getting yellow jacks in our basement, like one a day, when it get warm outside. It's a mid January. The nest is probably between the walls somewhere. How do we find it? How do we get rid of them before spring comes?
It is unusual to see activity in January. Only some queens survive over the winter. Is it possible you brought them into your basement with firewood? The change in temperature will wake up the queens hiding under the bark or in cracks.

1972 We have seen and caught about 12 cockroaches of several species introduced to our home in a bag of potatoes 6 weeks ago, including 3 last week. We are leaving the house to freeze over the next 2 weeks in January having removed all water from plumbing etc and shutting off the electricity to all appliances and electronics. Upstairs windows have been opened. Is 2 weeks long enough to eradicate further stragglers by freezing ? (It works at cottages on Lake Erie over winter.)
You may be successful eliminating the existing populations of adults but cockroaches have amazing survival abilities. You should concentrate your efforts on eliminating the reason you have cockroaches. Usually it is a hygiene problem.

1971 Where do I find spray to get rid of bedbugs. Eileen. Surrey. BC.
There are very few products registered in Canada for bedbug control. Just spraying pesticides will rarely solve the problem because they very capable of hiding. The more you read about bedbugs, the more you will realize control should be left to an experienced pest professional who will take a number of steps before using pesticides. See our web page "get rid of bedbugs."

1970 We found an Eyed elater (click beetle) in our basement. I live in Morgan, Minnesota and am wondering if these are common here. I have never seen one before. Thanks for any information you can give me. Shirley

1969 We live in a townhouse project with a common underground garage. We have mice. Must the entire complex be exterminated in order for us, as an individual townhouse owner to successfully eradicate the mice? Benjamin.
Because townhouses will all likely have the same potential entry points the entire complex should be inspected and treatment conducted where there is activity.

1968 Is there a natural household product that can be used against dog flea problem (puppy)
It is important in flea control to kill or stop the development of eggs and larva. Larva eat adult feces. Cleaning up this feces with a fine tooth comb, vacuum cleaner and good shampoos will help but the most effective control is an insect growth regulator (IGR) mixed with an adulticide. the control information of this page: "Fleas".

1967 After a Quintox packet is eaten into by a mouse, does the packet need to be replaced or will another mouse eat more of the poison? Linda
You can leave the leftover poison but be careful using loose bait. Mice will often transport it to hiding places to eat later. Solid bait blocks are safer.

1966 we live in this old looking house that was made into 2 apartments and lately we have been finding many gross cockroaches. One of the cats ate one and we were wondering if it was harmful to the pets here. It would be greatly appreciated if we knew. Thanks. Krisara. Ottawa.
Eating a cockroach should not harm your cat unless it has been contaminated with a pesticide.

1965 I have a problem with little worms that turn into little brown bugs, they do not fly, they crawl, but they are in my cupboards, and I could see them on my floors, but hide under the fridge and cupboards, what are they? How can I get rid of them? They go into my pots and pans in the cupboards even, and it is very disturbing to see! Can you help me, how do I get rid of them? Charlene.
Most food infesting beetles come from a larval stage that is often found in dry cereals and grain products. You should probably throw out open packages of dry foods and examine closed ones thoroughly. Check dry pet food and bird seed. You can kill the larva by freezing the food. Clean ALL your cupboards with a strong disinfectant. You could have a professional spray the cracks and crevices with a residual product..

1964 Is it possible to import Dermestid Beetles into Canada from the United States for Taxidermy purposes?
Canada Customs will have your answer.

1963 How do we get rid of Pharaoh Ants? Dianne. Sarnia.
The worst thing you can do is spray pesticides. I will make matters worse. See why on our Pharaoh Ant web page.

1962 we have no pets but we seem to have flees. How did this happen and how do I get rid of them. Annette.
Fleas will hitch a ride on many animals including humans. You could have picked them up in many public places. For control information see our FLEA web page.

1961 We discovered bed bugs in our apartment last week and told our landlord immediately, hoping she would offer to get pest control ASAP to prevent them from spreading any further or coming back if they were coming from elsewhere. She said that I should call pest control. I called a few places last week and when I finally found one I could almost afford, she told me that instead they would have their pest control company come but since we "brought them in" we would have to pay for it. Can they do this? We are in Ontario. Thanks. Amy
We do not offer advice on landlord/tenant issues. It would be difficult to prove how the bedbugs got into the building but if you are the only tenant with the problem you are the most likely cause. See this web page for legal information on landlord/tenant issues: http://www.canlaw.com/tenants/tenantinfo.htm

1960 I have been getting bites that mostly just show up during the mornings/daytime. I have been getting the most of them and my husband some. They usually are in multiples of at least 2 bites in the same area. They started around my ankles and now are showing up on my upper thighs, back, hands. These bites are extremely itchy and I have prescription strength anti-itch cream that is not helping. They are developing into dark spots on my legs and throughout. I thought they were bedbugs, and thus, I have covered my boxspring w/ a plastic cover that cover the top of the boxspring and the entire mattress. I have vacuumed the seams of the mattress, boxspring, we have no rugs in our master bedroom. But I have vacuumed every square inch of our bedroom and change our sheets weekly. I am a clean-freak and germophobe and can't understand where this is coming from. We do have spiders in the house and sometimes little brown ants in the cracks of our bathroom, but when I see these, I seal up the joints with caulking. I'm at a loss of where to go and what to do. Please help with what you think this might be or where I can go in the Toronto area.
Thank you very much for your attention to this email and I very much look forward to your response. Vivian
If you do have a bedbug problem you have taken some steps that could reduce the population but there are numerous locations where they could be hiding, not just in or near the bed. Most people who try to get rid of this problem themselves fail. Even the professionals have difficulties in some situations but they will eventually solve your problem.
Phone 2 or 3 for information and service charge estimate. List of Toronto professionals.

1959 how to get rid of hobo spiders threw out the garage and yard. without spending so much money on pesticides, .maybe a home remedy! Frank.
Reducing trash and rubble around the house and sealing windows and door jams will help to reduce the numbers of most spiders and other arthropods that can gain access into the home. In the garage (a well-known haven for spiders), use plastic bags tightly closed to store all gardening apparel (gloves, old shirts, boots) and sports gear (baseball mitts, roller skates) that is used only sporadically. Remember that this will minimize encounters with spiders, but not eliminate. Typically, pesticide control of spiders is difficult unless you actually see the spider and are able to spray it. It is just as easy and much less toxic to crush the spider with a rolled up newspaper or your shoe. Sticky traps placed along floorboards out of the reach of pets and young children offer a noninsecticidal way to trap spiders as well as provide an idea of population levels in the structure.

1958 During the night we are hearing scratching noises in the attic above us. I have some Christmas gifts up there, which includes some packaged Christmas candy. I am also hearing the crinkling of bags. I usually don't hear the noise during the day. Any suggestions? Thank you. Joe
I suspect rats have decided to join you for Christmas. They like candy and will enjoy opening the gifts with their long teeth. Read about rodent control.

1957 Can you use a solution of bleach and water to kill termites? If so what is the ratio of bleach to water?
Bleach may kill the termites that come in contact with it but this will not eliminate the colony which may be underground. If you value your home, call a professional. You should read more about termites

1956 We have been using "Boot Hill" mouse poison pellets, what happens to the mice after they eat the poison? Will they die inside the house? Tammy. New Brunswick.
Quite often they die somewhere close to where they were nesting. If the populations is large you will have an odor problem and probably flies. Be careful using poison pellets. Mice will transport it to other locations where it cause a problem for other animals or children. Bait blocks and bait stations are much safer.
Have you read the three "R's" of rodent control?

1955 I have had a few ladybugs over the last few weeks coming into my house. They are progressively getting worse and we are out of options. We have sucked them up with the vacuum cleaner, but the more we do that- the more they come. Any suggestions? Katie. Alabama
There is not much you can or should do once they have found their way into the cavities of your home to spend the winter. Spraying pesticides will not have any effect on those in the wall cavities. (They will leave in the spring). They are not intentionally coming into your living space. Your vacuum cleaner is a good and environmentally friendly pest control tool.

1954 We are having a problem with hundreds of lady bugs, or what looks like lady bugs, clinging to our house and doors. How can we eliminate this problem? Cassaundra. Warrensburg, MO.
The earth friendly solution is to spray them with soapy water before they crawl into cracks and crevices where they will spend the winter.

1953 we have centipedes and pill worms in our basement...i didn't think it was damp at all, as we run a dehumidifier all summer...when i looked up the solution i'm confused on this suggestion...CONTROL: Controlling these pests should start with reducing the moisture and humidity in the basement, then using household sprays....WHAT HOUSEHOLD SPRAY??? SHOULD I USE?? Shirlee. Oakbank, Manitoba.
Any insecticide spray labeled for crawling insects should kill the visible populations but long term control will require reduced humidity year round. Read more about centipedes

1952 I would just like to know if bearded dragons consume the beetles, that are typically flying around this time of year to come in from the winter,...is it harmful to them? Nad. Syracuse
Bearded Dragons eat insects but not being reptile experts we can not tell you what they prefer and what may be harmful. Check this web site for some expert advice: http://www.dachiu.com/care/abeard.html

1951 Are yellow jacket color blind, or what color attract yellow jackets.
Bees and wasps are much less sensitive than humans to long-wave light, and have difficulty discriminating among shades that we perceive as red. And there are colors that they can see - those between 300 and 380 nm -that are invisible to us! So flowers that are visually attractive to bees may not be as noticeable, attractive, or easily distinguishable to birds, and vice versa. Many bee-pollinated flowers are yellowish and bird-pollinated flowers are often red or orange. Flowers pollinated by moths are usually white to pale yellow, while bat-pollinated flowers are usually white to brown. Butterflies are often attracted to yellow or blue flowers. Luis. Elmont NY

1950 I live in Victoria, B.C. and have many spiders around my house, particularly in my shed. Looking at your web site, i can identify that the spiders that mainly occupy my shed (which i endlessly have to empty, clear away spiders, and replace everything) are large European spiders and grass spiders. I use spider sprays all the time but they do not seem to work on these larger spiders. I was told that a good deterrent is to spread walnuts around as it will deter spiders from entering. Is this true? Are there other things that may work better? I would rather not try this method if it wont work as it may also attract mice. Please let me know what you think is best. Mark.
There are many home remedies for pest control and some of them are effective but walnuts. chestnuts and citrus fruit do not deter spiders according to Rod Crawford at the
Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture, University of Washington. Read his comments at: http://www.washington.edu/burkemuseum/spidermyth/myths/skineggs.html
You will find a list of spider myths on this web page"
http://www.washington.edu/burkemuseum/spidermyth/index.html

1949 I had a mouse infestation in my apt. April/06. Was told mine was the only unit (out of 48) who had mice! Impossible!!! Apartment owners are slow to remove garbage and old furniture left by tenants at the dumpster site - breeding ground for rodents. It's getting cold again and the mice want to come inside. Have asked for pest control to investigate apt. bldg. and fill up any holes, etc. to prevent mice entering building. No cooperation from landlord. What do I do next? Cheryl. Edmonton.
Sorry. We do not give advice on landlord / tenant issues. You are right, the mice will be moving in as the weather gets cold.

1948 WE require a company for spider eradication on exterior of highrise condominium building 24th to 34th floors (no balconies) at these levels in Toronto
Nature should eradicate your spiders, especially at this elevation when the temperature drops to well below freezing later this month (November) or in December.

1947 we have centipedes and pill worms in our basement...i didn't think it was damp at all, as we run a dehumidifier all summer...when i looked up the solution I'm confused on this suggestion...CONTROL: Controlling these pests should start with reducing the moisture and humidity in the basement, then using household sprays....WHAT HOUSEHOLD SPRAY??? SHOULD I USE??
Most crawling inset sprays will probably work but you should read the label and be sure the pest you have is listed. (It's the law).

1946 Is there more recent info on freezing bed bugs? Soon it is winter, but I also may have access to a walk in freezer that begins at -23 and reaches -40 in cycles. What amount of time to freeze stuff?
Loretta.
We are not aware of any recent studies on freezing to control bedbugs. It is important that the temperature has to be well below freezing for a period long enough to penetrate to the center of the object infested. One week should be sufficient.

1945 Are the electronic pest devices safe for pregnant women? Do they harm the baby in any way?
These devices have little or no effect on mice and rats so they should be safe for humans. If you are thinking of buying one don't waste your money. Buy your wife some flowers. See the answer to question #1930

1944 We recently bought a house and our contractor found rat bait poison in the attic. Evidently, the people who lived there before us had had a problem a year or so before selling and had put poison in to handle it. My question is, can this poison be removed, if so, how safely, and are there any professionals who offer this service? Glyn
No special care has to be taken to remove rodent poison except to see that it is disposed of safely.

1943 How can I get rid of a smell in attic of dead mice or birds. I cant find how they get in but it seems every year I have this problem. I need something that will take the smell away as it stinks for about 4 to 6 weeks. Mary. limerick. Ireland.
Mice and rats often follow plumbing from basements and crawl spaces up into the attic. There is no food source for them in the attic so you should not put poison there, It will only attract them. You should attract them down to the basement to eat poison or food on a trap. To get rid of the smell get rid of the dead animal or use a fan to improve the ventilation.

1942 I've noticed several Asian Flying Cockroaches in my condo. Not only is it freaking me out - these things are huge AND they fly - I have an acute phobia of bugs! I'm a very clean person and am confused as to what they are trying to get at. I've noticed them primarily in my bedroom and one or two in my living room. Are there exterminators that specialize solely in eliminating this species of cockroach? I'm assuming because I live in a condo, the possibility of getting rid of them may be difficult -- but I'll do whatever it takes. Any advice?? Thanks in advance. Denise. Los Angeles, CA
Most pest professionals in your area should have experience with Asian cockroaches. Phone a few and ask them if they are able to offer control using bait rather than spraying pesticides.

1941 Just wanted to drop you a line and tell you thank you folks for an outstanding site. I guess you could call me an amateur entomologist in South Carolina and I have been using your site for my little "taxonomic quiz of the week". I do have one question though...I recently found one of my collections that is contaminated with Dermestid beetles. I threw in a couple of moth balls and will begin assessing the damage in a few days. Is Naphthalene the best prevention/cure for this, or is there something better? Thank you! Bryan
Re: dermestids infesting insect collections - Mothballs (naphthalene) are problematic at best for deterring these beetles. Paradichlorobenzene (PDB) is generally more toxic to them than is naphthalene, but it will react with and melt some hard plastics, such as polystyrene and Styrofoam. Also, other plastics may soften and melt following prolonged contact with PDB. If feasible for you, place any infested collection in a freezer for a couple of days. This will kill any dermestids present, but obviously, it will not prevent future infestation. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

1940 Which Has a 3 Stage life Cycle Ant-Bee-powderpost beetle -Drywood termite .What Does 20-23 -25 percent moisture reading mean in structural pest control
Termites undergo an incomplete metamorphosis, with three developmental stages:. Egg; Nymph; Adult. In structural pest control the percentage of moisture usually refers to a measurement of the amount of moisture in wood.

1939 I have noticed for the last 3 days that I have white worm like things on my kitchen ceiling. We remove them but in no time they are back. We can't see where they are coming from its like they just appear. We did have a leak about 3 months ago in the bathroom upstairs and I'm wondering if that my have something to do with it. Susan. Toronto.
If you check the dry foods in your cupboards you may find more. Indian meal moth larvae will often leave their food source climbing walls and across ceilings. Look in everything that is not sealed in an airtight container. They somehow manage to get into new unopened crackers, cereal and pasta. See this web page: Indian Meal Moth

1938 My companion has a house in the country that has had a fly infestation problem for 13 years. The flies are in the attic and in the walls. They show up in large numbers on the windows every day and especially in the heat. I have suggested to have it fumigated, but he is concerned of the problems breathing the pesticides afterwards. Please help. Carol. New Brunswick
These are cluster flies. Total elimination is almost impossible without spraying or fogging some parts of the home with a short term fast knockdown insecticide. There should be no health risk if the professional follows guidelines for such treatment and the owner vacates the home for the prescribed period of time. (Usually 6 to 24 hours).

1937 We moved out of our house two months ago and there is nobody living in it. A family member went into the house (bedroom with old carpet) and indicated that the house was infested by what he thought were fleas. He is not sure which room they came from, he is assuming they came from the bedroom. Small black bugs, they either fly or jump very quickly, he noticed them on his clothes (mainly pants) when he was leaving the house. I did not notice any bugs when we were living there...and he said he noticed " a lot of them" we had a dog and he was in the house often, but he is now living with someone else and was just groomed and does not have any fleas. and he has not been in the house for at least 7 weeks. we are pulling the carpet upstairs and painting the room anyway, but there is another carpet downstairs...
1. Any guesses as to what they are..?
2. Since we are pulling the carpet...will that help?
3. Will steam cleaning the other carpet make a difference..?
4. We don't live in an area with good access to pest control either..
5. what would be my best course of action..
FLEAS. Read the answer to question 1935. Get rid of the carpet then vacuum, vacuum, vacuum the entire house every day for 3 days. Total elimination usually requires spraying an adulticide mixed with an insect growth regulator. You will have to spray all carpeted areas and all the baseboards and cracks in ALL other areas. You must read and follow directions on the label of the product you use. You should also probably wear a respirator. Enough product to do this properly will likely cost more than having a professional do the job safely..

1936 what are wood bugs? and why are they in my house? what do they eat? and how do i get rid of them? Shawna. Vancouver.
Many people use the term wood bugs and wood lice referring to sow bugs and pill bugs. You will find the answers to your questions on this web page: Sow Bugs

1935 My wife and I recently moved into a new apartment, and shortly after moving in we started noticing that we were getting bit around our ankles when we walked across the carpet. Also, the bites seem to continue when we are in bed. The problem is that we thought it might be flees but we can seem to find any. Then we thought it might be bed bugs but we can't seem to locate any of these type of bugs in the house. Keep in mind that the house is about a 100 years old and has a dirt floor basement. Are there any other type of indoor insects that bite and cause itching?
The most likely cause of your bites is fleas. They have a voracious appetite when their previous food supply (blood from a dog or cat) moves out. The larva develop into the pupa stage and stay dormant until a new food source moves in. Walk around in some white socks and you might see a few jump on. Ask the landlord to have professional flea control done.

1934 How do you get rid of raccoons in the attic?
The best solution is exclusion. Find out how they are getting in and block it off. You could also trap them outside your home a relocate. Check the regulations regarding wildlife in your area. It might be better to call a pest and wildlife control professional.

1933 how can i get rid of wolf spiders they are in my house and they are all over I have a baby and need to get something to help I had Terminix here but they said they can not do anything with wolf spiders there has to be something to kill them thanks, Shirley OH
Regular housecleaning is very important in the control of spiders indoors. Large, persistent spider populations indoors indicate the presence of a significant insect population that serves as their food. Remove papers, boxes, bags, and other clutter to minimize favorable sites for spiders. Remove webbing with a broom or vacuum, and destroy any egg sacs and spiders that are found. Look especially around windows, in corners and other relatively quiet places. Eliminate insects that serve as a food supply, especially when large numbers exist. Check particularly in and under webs to see what insects have been captured. You can supplement your sanitation efforts with an insecticide treatment. Treat especially behind base-boards, in cracks and crevices, and other places where spiders may hide. General treatments on surfaces and fogs are not effective. Bites from a wolf spider can cause pain, redness and swelling. The large jaws/fangs can cause a tear in the skin as they bite. Swollen lymph glands may develop. The skin area at the bite may turn black. Swelling and pain can last up to ten days.

1932 will a wolf rat eat or harm my new born baby. Crystal. Tullahoma Tn.
We are not aware of a rodent called "wolf" rat.

1931 I would like to know how to clean spider feces off our WHITE vinyl siding. Please answer. Thank you.
You can purchase vinyl siding cleaner from a good building supply store.

1930 Please would the "experts" here take the time to learn the difference between a sonic pest controller, and one that disrupts the frequency in your home wiring. These two types of device work very differently, yet information about one is being used to answer questions about the other.
I have been using the xxxxxxxxxxxx brand as well as one of the other people who have answered this question, and it is fantastic! This old house had many rodents when we bought it, two years ago and after only 2 weeks of using xxxxxxxxxxxx, there was never another rat or mouse until just this week. The drawback to these units being only that they wear out after about 2 years. At that time the light stops working so you know its time for a replacement. I found this website while looking for somewhere online to purchase a replacement. Please don't trash all electronic devices, they are not all the same. Corinne, Newfoundland.
Thank you Corrine for your input. We do understand there is quite a difference between ultrasonic other types of electronic pest devices, but we still feel that neither is an effective way to control pests. It is not uncommon to find large rodent populations in vacant buildings and for most or all of the rodents to leave when the building is re-occupied, especially if no new food source is introduced. The light bulbs or led's in these devices are no different than the lights in many other electrical devices. They burn out. This does not mean the device is worn out. The light is only there to make you think the device is controlling pests. It will probably become increasingly more difficult to buy these devices as regulatory authorities take action on the false advertising claims. Until we see scientific evidence from an unbiased reliable source (a university study) showing the efficacy of these devices, this web site will not endorse their use. We invite anyone to send us such information. If they were effective, every pest management professional in the industry would be selling and installing them. Most professionals rely on the opinion of rodentologists like the world renowned Dr. Bobby Corrigan who have nothing good to say about the effectiveness of these devices. It's your money. Waste it as you please.

1929 what do i use to get rid of ferrow ants. Ken. Portsmouth, my. use
Pharaoh ants can be very difficult to control and if not done right the problem will often get worse. Read the control information on our Pharaoh Ants page.

1928 I was cleaning out my closet and my wooden floor that is over cement had a hole in it the wood was soft and found thousands of tiny white bugs no wing maybe 3mm in size are they termites or what are they. They ate though a box of shoes. I removed the part of the floor that I could and spray with bleach. My landlord is in fl. What can I do in the mean time. Thank you Maureen
Without photos it is impossible to say for sure what kind of insect you have. Whatever the problem is, I expect your landlord would be anxious to know before it gets worse. A professional inspections would be wise.

1927 2 years ago we hired a pest control to place few bowls of pink medicine at the basement area. It seems worked. But few days ago We found that some of bowls were empty. We suspected a new mouse came in our house again!! There're my questions: 1. Did the pink medicine still work? 2. Do we need to hire pest control again? Thanks for help. Four. Toronto
The "pink medicine" you refer to is rodent bait (poison). Proper rodent control involves more than just placing bait to eliminate the existing population. Professionals who practice integrated pest management will do an inspection to determine what food may be attracting rodents to your property and your home, how they are gaining entry and what environmental changes can be made. Rodents are attracted to bait because is smells like a food they will like. This smell dissipates and the bait should be replaced, probably 2 or 3 times per month. Too much bait in the wrong locations may attract rodents that would not normally enter your home. Sometimes traps are a better method of control. Larry. Pest Control Services, Gulf Islands. Read more about controlling mice. Mice,

1926 We have black widow spiders - this year we noticed a few of them had not only the red hourglass marking on the underside but also a red stripe on the back. Is this a black widow or something else? We started noticing these ones late in August. Lori. Kelowna, BC
We do not like to provide identifications without a photo. Compare your spider with the black widow photos we have published on our spider page. Spiders

1925 We found a mud-like nest, very large, in our attic and we have been reluctant to touch it. Then today we found a similar smaller nest under the bottom row of the siding on the outside of the house. We broke it open and found larvae about an inch in length, yellow-brownish in colour, each one encased in the mud and the nest being almost brick-like. We'd like to know what we are dealing. Thank-you. Susan. Wedgeport, Nova Scotia
If by large you mean about the size of a tennis ball, then you are probably looking at a Mud Daubers nest. Its a solitary wasp that encases its larvae and food for the larvae in a ball of mud. They are basically harmless and very docile. You can control them by destroying the nest and swat the adult tending the nest. They disappear in winter but may return in spring.

1924 We have just moved into an apartment that is above an un-occupied old theater, in Medford, Ontario. We have, what I have come to learn, are House Centipedes. All information I have seen tends to lead towards, filling cracks, making sure windows are sealed etc. Unfortunately our building is over 100 years old, and it's rented, so making sure every nook and cranny is filled is definitely out of the question. How do I rid my place of these disgusting creatures? I have a 6 month old daughter, and I don't want bugs crawling on the floor with her. I don't mind using chemicals as we can leave and go to a family members house for as long as necessary. Your help would be very very much appreciated!
Spraying insecticides into the cracks and crevices may give temporary relief but eliminating their food source (other insects) may be more effective. Try to determine what they are eating then take measures to eliminate that problem. Centipedes are considered quite beneficial outdoors. See this page for more tips: Centipedes

1923 How should I kill boxelders? Quickly and safely. also cheap. Taelin. Eagan, MN
Spray them with soapy water. See this page for more information: Box Elder Bugs

1922 I have pigeons on the window sills and I hate them and their cooing. Dee. New York.
You should be able to purchase spike strips from a local pest professional. This will force the pigeons to roost somewhere else.

1921 We Build a new home a year ago and from the first day we moved in I seen huge spiders. I have a pest control company spray every 3 or 4 months and they have told me we have wolf spiders. over this summer they have gotten out of hand .this month I am having pest control spray for the second time (none scheduled) and every time I go in the basement I see a few died ones and a few walking around. I am so afraid they may come upstairs and I have 3 small children. I also had My husband clear out the storage room and put every thing in plastic bins. Please, please give any advice. Tanya. Hudson, Ohio
Thoroughly vacuuming the walls, floor and ceiling in a basement on a regular basis should reduce or eliminate the population. Reducing the humidity level (dampness) could also eliminate their food source (insects). Read more about spider control on this page: Spiders

1920 I have a science experiment...I was wondering if the light increase or decrease the activity of a sow bug? Kecia.
Sow and Pill bugs prefer cool, very damp conditions. They avoid spending much time in the light, especially sun light. Read more about them here: Pill Bugs

1919 I go to bed every night and in the morning I have red welts on my legs and arms that weren't there at night. Is there bugs in my bed? H. Oxford, Ohio.
There could be. Read the information about Bedbugs

1918 We have a 1920's house being gutted and renovated. The flies are everywhere - between walls even - so many that our renovators do not want to continue until we get rid of them. Any suggestions? There is no pest control expert in the area that we know of. Thank you! Debbie. Rocky Mountain House.
You likely have a cluster fly problem. You should consider have a professional spray or fog while the cavities are open. For more information see the Urban Pest Control page.

1917 How long can silver fish live without water or food?
The common silverfish lives in damp, cool places. Gray silverfish can be found throughout the house even in dry areas such as crawl spaces and in the attic. The fourlined silverfish may be found in extremely dry or moist conditions inside and outside the home. These insects have a long life span. Some live as long as seven years. It may take up to two years for silverfish to become adults. Silverfish can withstand long periods of starvation. Some specimens have been reported to live 307 days without food. See our Silverfish web page.

1916 pest control. We have a infestation of mice in my building they are throughout the unused heating vents. Is my landlord responsible for ridding my building for mice or do i just need to worry about my own apartment. Tanya. Kingston, Ontario
We do not provide advice on landlord/tenant issues but you should make sure you are not attracting them to your unit with a food source. See our Mice page for tips.

1915 I have purchased a trailer that is kept at a park all summer and winter - how do I keep the mice out in the winter while I am not there? I have heard that mothballs are effective but they tend to leave an odor...any tips on keeping the rodents out? Jennifer. Picton, Ontario
There is no miracle solution. Electronic devices are not effective and mothballs have little effect. You will have to physically block off entry points. If they still manage to get in, use traps and check them frequently. Read more about mouse control: Mice,

1914 do you have any photo's of farrow ants and where do they thrive in your home. Christine. London, Ontario.
There are pictures on our Pharaoh Ants web page

1913 Our tenant has bedbugs and cockroaches and wants us to fumigate. They have four children, the youngest a 2 month old baby, also a 5 year old that puts everything in his mouth. They have tons of clutter and dirty dishes and no vacuum. We are concerned about the children's health if we fumigate. What is our safest course of action?   Dianne. North Bay, Ontario
1) Fumigation is not the best solution for a bed bug problem.
2) You will be legally responsible for any problems you cause if you try to solve this problem yourself.
3) It is common to find bed bugs in adjoining rooms on each side, above and below where they have been active. If you live there, you may have the problem too!.
4) Even professionals sometimes have difficulty eliminating bedbugs with one treatment. They are a difficult pest to deal with but an experienced, licensed and insured professional will not cause risks to your tenants. They know where and what to look for and will use the minimum amount of pesticides, only where and when they will be effective.
5) If you want to take the risk of doing it yourself then you should Read more about bedbugs.

1912 Will diazinon kill and/or control termites? Eric. Guelph, Ontario.
Diazinon is a wide spectrum insecticide that will kill most insects but it is no longer available in Canada except for some specific agricultural applications. If you have a termite problem, it is more important to know how, when and where to apply an insecticide than just what product to use. If the problem is in a building, hiring a professional would be a wise investment that could save you a lot of money later. See the directory of pest professionals in the Guelph area

1911 I live in a Toronto Community Housing building at Bleecker street, Toronto, ON. I live in 4th floor and my neighbor has 2 cats. She never clean and the smell is too musty I can't stand it and, as my kid has asthma make it worst. I already complained but nothing done what can I do
This is a landlord/tenant problem that we do not give advice on. Keep complaining to the management

1910 Hi, I found your website out of desperation. Our wall stinks to high heaven. We believe some type of rodent, mouse/rat, died in the wall. It smells so bad it is making my family sick. Anything we can spray into the wall to get rid of the smell? Help Please, a ill family in desperation!!! Ed.
Dead rodents are a health hazard. You may have to cut open the wall to remove it. Spraying a disinfectant through a drilled hole may reduce the risk but will not eliminate the odor.

1908 I have Armadillos digging up my grass. I have lots of earth worms and nite crawlers. Would like get rid of this problem, also would like to get rid of some of these worms. They really cause a rough lawn. Thanks.
Armadillos are not a problem in Canada so you would probably get better advice from a wildlife control/pest professional in your state.

1907 How can I get rid of the very small farrow ants? They are in many rooms now. Thank you, Russ
You will find the answer on our Pharaoh Ants web page

1906 Behind our furnace in the basement, there is insulation between the inside of the home and foundation. Its basically ground level where the insulation is. Recently, I've been hearing some crackling noises coming from behind the insulation and sometimes a whistling like sound. I tapped on the insulation and a steady whistling sound started and then faded. Any idea what could possibly be behind the insulation. I don't want to remove it without possibly knowing as I have a baby in the house. Thanks from NY.
Could be a number of things. Our guess based on your description of the sounds: a rodent. (mice or rats)
It should not be much of a risk to pull out the insulation to find out for sure. It is a good idea to wear a respirator when handling insulation, especially if there is rodent evidence.

1905 Our dock is infested with dock spiders, to my children's (but not my own) delight. Any way to discourage (i.e. kill!) them? Ste Adele, QC

1904 We have a problem with sow bugs coming in to the basement. The bugs are almost always dead when we find them, only a few are still alive. Our basement is dry, fairly new and there is no vegetation around the foundation. I have caulked all obvious crevices. What can I do to prevent these bugs from coming in? There a hundreds of them in a given week. There are fewer during the Winter but as soon as the weather begins to warm up they increase in numbers. I have had an exterminator twice with no success. Is there something I can pour around the foundation to kill them before they get inside? Linda. Gabarus, Nova Scotia.
You probably can't buy a product that is residual enough to make much of a difference. Even the best residual products will not eliminate the problem for long. They are coming from a moist location that you must find and correct. When they crawl into a dry area they die.

1903 I have two questions, one about carpenter ants and the other about mice.
I suspect that I have a mouse or two in my attic because I occasionally hear scratching and pitter-patter noises. This year my family is also considering hiring a company to do roof work. Should we fix the roof first or hire a company to exterminate the mouse first?
Get rid of the mice as soon as you can and continue control after the roof is fixed.

Regarding carpenter ants, how many ants should I find to consider my home infested? Over the past two days, I've already found five carpenter ants and very possibly a queen (there was a really big brown flying thing in my room that I squashed unsuccessfully). Are there any type of trick questions I should ask a pest company to find out if they know what they're doing?
Flying ants (future queens) indoors is an indication that there is at least one well established nest in the home. You don't need trick questions. Ask the technician how long he/she has been treating homes with carpenter ant problems. If you read the information on our carpenter ant pages you may learn more than some inexperienced technicians.

1902 Every morning we go out to the pool there are anywhere from 50 to 100 pillbugs at the bottom of the pool. What can we do to get rid of these pest?
If you have wood divider strips in the deck around the pool, remove them and fill the gaps with a mortar product. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth along the outside edges of the pool deck to kill the pillbugs before they cross the deck to the pool. They may be breeding under vegetation in the area. Let the soil dry out as often as you can without harming the plants.

1901 Hi! We are new to Canada and new to the flat of course. Our problem is so we are bitten by some carpet pest I guess but I have no idea how they are called. It's really bad at night it doesn't matter weather you are on the bed or sitting on the carpet. It itches then in the morning it disappears. I thought they were bed bugs and tried some special solution but it didn't help. The kids suffer most. What shall I do? Thanks
Elena. Calgary.
My guess is fleas but bed bugs are also common in many locations. Read about them on our web pages to know what the symptoms are and how to get rid of them. Fleas Bedbugs

1900 How can I get the smell of mice out of my oven and cabinets? I turn my oven on or the eyes of my stove and it smells terrible. If you can help I will gratefully appreciate it. Thank you. Mae. Virginia
If the mice got into the stove insulation you will have to have an appliance repair man replace it. Washing the cupboards with a mild solution bleach should kill the odor. You could also sprinkle baking soda to absorb odors then vacuum it out.

1899 We live in a cedar sided home in Creston, British Columbia. We have a severe problem with bats in the outer walls of our chimney which is also cedar sided from ground level up to stories. Because of the cedar siding there are many knot holes, etc. for them to enter. They are returning every year in greater numbers leaving our deck and windows a bat toilet. Could you please help me with any information on a safe way to deal with this problem? Thank you, Marjorie van Rijn

Bats are a protected species in British Columbia because they are considered a valuable predator of insect pests. It is against the law to harm them. The best control solution is exclusion. You will have to block all of the entry points where they are nesting. This may be a monumental task but you really have no choice.

1898 We have had a severe infestation on Brown Stink Bugs in our home for about 3 years now & don't know what to do. We spray & vacuum constantly but they are everywhere. Our home is an old stone farmhouse built in the 1740's. Is there anything we can do?
Stink bugs should be controlled in the summer where they are feeding. It will probably require spraying an insecticide on the vegetation they are eating.

1897 We have a brand new home. It is spring here and we have had lots of rain. I have rolly polly bugs coming in one of my drains all the time (only one drain). How and why might they be coming in? Is there something our construction company might have done incorrect as we are still under warranty? What can I do? Lori
Talk to your local garden shop about products that are available in your area. Floor drains in basements are often connected to the perimeter drains around your home. There should be a P trap that will stop most insects and odors from entering your home.

1896 We have a rat infestation in Moosomin, Saskatchewan. Who do we report this to?
What action will they take?
Contact the nearest health inspector or the provincial ministry of health. If you do not get satisfactory action, contact your member of the Saskatchewan legislature for assistance.

1895 We have several all wool rugs in our bedrooms. We are noticing that the corners of the rugs are being "eaten" and the tufts of the rugs are becoming loose in that area. We prefer to use a non-toxic "mothocide" HELP Douglas
Unless you use a mechanical means (vacuum) to eliminate the insect, anything else must be "toxic" to kill the insects. Some carpet cleaners are toxic to both insects and humans. The vapors can be harmful and explosive. You could spread diatomaceous earth all over the carpets, rubbing it in to where the larva are chewing. This may be toxic to the insect but will create quite a mess. Often the least toxic, simple way to eliminate pests is to have a professional apply the right amount of the right product following label directions and specifications.

1894 I know I have carpenter ants. I have seen them over the last couple of years, in the kitchen & upstairs bathroom. This year is the first time I have seen flying ants. They are showing up mostly in an upstairs bathroom. Over the last 5-6 days, I have been seeing winged carpenter ants. Days 1-3, 3 or 4 per day. with increasing numbers until I have seen 10 to 15 or more last night. I have also seen 3 or 4 per day in the kitchen area, which is directly below the bathroom. I have also seen normal large carpenter ants, but only a few. The winged ones far outnumber the non winged ones.
My question is do you think this is in the house or coming from outside. I have placed baits around the areas where they are, but I haven't sprayed anything yet. I have not been successful at determining where they are coming from yet. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks, Jim

I could write a book on "how to find carpenter ant nests" and it would not be enough to train a new pest management technician. It takes at least 60 days of on the job intensive inspections for a technician to learn the likely locations of nests in a typical home, to recognize conditions that encourage carpenter ant nesting and to recognize all the symptoms outside the nests. It takes much longer if the technician does only occasional carpenter ant inspections. With 17 years of experience as a carpenter ant specialist, I still occasionally get stumped trying to find all the nests in a home. It is understandable that the average homeowner can not find the nests. If you have winged ants in your home they emerged from a nest that has been in the home for more than 3 years. They did not come in from outdoor nests. If there is a satellite nest 3 years old, there will likely be more satellite nests. Winged ants are reproductive and the future queens must get outside to start new colonies in wet wood. They have no reason to come indoors. Killing ants outside the nest will only remove the symptoms, not the problem. Dead ants can't tell you anything. Live ones may lead you to their nest. The most costly carpenter ant control I perform is usually in homes where the owner has tried to solve the problem himself. Don't waste your money on "ant traps" and ant baits. When your car needs maintenance you spend the money and have a professionals fix it. The car continues to depreciaten value. When your home needs maintenance, (to eliminate pests) hire a professional. Your home will then continue to appreciate in value. Larry Cross. Pest Control Services, Gulf Islands. www.nobugs.ca

1893 i don't have a garden, i do treasure my window boxes, i have a miniature yucca tree in one and ivy hanging plant in the other but i have general black ants in the room with the window boxes i think they are nesting in them. what do u suggest. jo. London, England.
Window planter boxes are a good breeding place for may insects including ants. Wooden boxes often have carpenter ants. If you insist on having them, there should be a 2 or 3 inch air space between the box and the building.

1892 I just want to know, can a rat REALLY come up a toilet in a person's CLEAN residential, LIVED in home??? Has it ever happened and can it happen here in Vancouver, WA. We're not in a farming area or a rural area, we live in the city. Please help me answer this question, I'm actually a bit scared to have the toilet seats up. Thank you so much!! Veronica
There are a number of stories about rats coming up toilets but some of them are probably fictitious. Rats are good swimmers but sewer systems should be totally sealed preventing their entry and it would be difficult for a rat to climb vertically any distance and then maneuver through the toilet trap system. Possible but not very likely.

1891 I had a rather old infestation of honey bees under my porch. Last year after many attempts and products I was able to get things under control and this spring removed as much of the honey comb as possible (150lbs+). I am removing and building a new porch this year (that's why I needed them gone in the first place) but there will be some honey soaked wood left where the new porch will attach to the house. Is there any products or procedures to remove the honey from the wood or to at least cover up the scent of it so as I don't have a repeat of this in the future. Malcolm, Neepawa, MB
Spraying the surface with bleach may eliminate the attracting smell. If the bees do come back, ask a local bee keeper to remove them. Some bee keepers will be pleased to help.

1890 ASIDE FROM VACUUMING AND PROPER LAUNDERING, ETC. ...
WILL OZONE GENERATORS, USED RESIDENTIALLY, AND IF RUN FOR 24-48 HOURS, *KILL* BED BUGS AND THEIR EGGS ??? I WOULD LIKE TO AVOID USING CHEMICAL PESTICIDES UNLESS NECESSARY, AND/OR WOULD LIKE TO USE OZONE TO BACK UP ANY CHEMICAL PEST CONTROL USED. JD. Montreal.
If ozone generators were an effective tool for bed bugs, every professional in the country would be using them. We are not aware of any evidence showing ozone is an effective bed bug control solution.

1889 How does one get rid of bed bugs? Are there any home remedies? How much does an exterminator cost and how many visits do they need to do? Melissa. Mississauga, Ont.
If there were some simple home remedies, bed bugs would not be such a major problem at this time. The only effective solution is to find the nesting sites which can be difficult for the inexperienced. Pest professionals will charge according to the difficulty of the job. A clean uncluttered environment will help keep the costs down.

1888 We have snakes in the wall of our house. Do you have any suggestions on how to get rid of them?
Ann. Bothwell, Ont.
Snakes in buildings are a rare problem in Canada so most professionals are not familiar with removal and prevention solutions. Try calling a local wildlife control professional.

1887 This is a question about Wasps. It is now early spring and last year, we had a wasps nest in the house overhang. We plan to paint and caulk very very soon. We have not removed the old nest. Question, since it was mentioned in your article that wasps do not reuse the old nest and other references point to wasps seeing a nest, see it as a threat, should the old nest just be left? It really does not matter to us, and if it is a discouragement to them if they ever got in again, we say just leave it. Any thoughts on this? Thank you for your advice. Kurt. Winnipeg, Manitoba
The old nest will eventually fall apart and leave residue so you may as well take it down and paint the surface.

1886 I have a problem with centipedes. Uniqueness: I live in a one level house, have a 3 year old and a cat, so am nervous to use anything that either of them could get sick on, and I am completely phobic of bugs, I can not get near them or squish them or even remove the carcass. It is a really bad phobia. I just moved in, and am ready to move to fix the problem. what do I do? Help please. Jennifer. Hamilton, Ont.
Your problem could probably be controlled by a pest professional using limited crack and crevice treatment with an insecticide. The solution will not be permanent until environmental conditions are changed. High humidity will encourage their presence. Centipedes are predators on other insects so in some way they may beneficial.

1885 Is it bad to spray chemicals when it rains? We have termites in our wall and they ripped it out and sprayed with this stuff in a can. Does the water have any effect on the chemicals and is it harmful? Redding, California
Rain water could dilute the insecticides and possibly cause them to run into undesirable locations. It is usually safer to inject pest control products into wall cavities if control will be effective.

1884 Exterminator said the slowly moving, approx. size of 3 x's (xxx)oval shaped, grayish in color, "things" in the master bathroom are bag worms. He said he dusted the room and I should have no more problems. However, even after five days, I'm still killing 30-40 a day. What can I do to rid the bathroom of these things. They started appearing two weeks ago. Also, I thought they lived in trees/shrubs. Where might they be coming from inside a bathroom??? Thank you Kay
It sounds like you have Plaster Bag Worms which are related to and similar to case making clothes moths. If you are seeing that many it must be a very bad infestation. Do a thorough inspection of your home to find their food source. The larva feed on spider webs; however, they will also feed on fabrics made of natural fiber as well. You may also find them attached to the underside of chairs, bookcases, and other furniture. They are often found along the edge of rugs, near baseboards, or on the lower edges of walls. Bagworms are quite common in garages and underneath buildings. You may have to call the pest professional back to do more dusting.

1883 I BELIEVE A RAT OR RODENT HAS DIED UNDER MY HOUSE HOW DO I GET RID OF THE SMELL
Romona. West Hills, CA.
If you cant find and remove it, increase the ventilation under the house. You may have to blow in fresh air through one of the vents with a fan.

1882 Hi, I live in a ground floor apartment rental. I did not live there last spring, but I did have ants last summer. Now I have tiny tiny winged ant like things in my kitchen. I have NO idea where they are coming from. They are maybe two or three millimeters long and are kind of reddish. They look like winged ants but I've never seen winged ants that small. They mostly just crawl on the floor, and crawl under the baseboards and under the metal carpet edge. Are these ants? How do I get rid of them? Pamela. Calgary
There are 2 or 3 ant species that could fit your description and the treatment to control can be quite different for each species. Your landlord should be made aware of this problem because it could spread throughout the building. The ants should be identified and an inspection done by a professional. Calgary professionals.

1881 Our back lawn backs onto a field. This spring as the snow melted we noticed about 8 mounds of earth on the lawn, which range from about 1 foot in diameter to about 3 feet in diameter. These mounds are up to about 8-9 inches high and seem to be just dirt not turned over sod. There are a few small holes, about an inch to an inch and a half in diameter near the mounds. Could you give me an idea what this might be? We had a problem with skunks a couple of years ago but this looks completely different. Thanks. Ken. Ottawa.
Like the 2 questions below below, you have the symptoms of moles. See controlling moles.

1880 I have recently moved into a new townhouse which had new sod laid in the fall. When the snow melted there were several channels apparent in my new lawn. I've been told the tunnels were made by moles which have been displaced by the building occurring in the area. The tunnels lead to my front stairs, which appear to be sinking. Is there an exterminating company in my area that specializes in this kind of problem
Mice and voles will make trails in lawns under the snow but this could be a mole problem. See the answer to #1879 below. To find a local professional in Markham check the businesses listed in our directory:
Pest professionals. Markham.

1879 How do I get Rid of moles in my yard. Virgil. Radcliff, KY
The most effective mole control is by trapping. This can be a very frustrating process for the inexperienced. Professionals that offer this service usually guarantee success. See controlling moles.

1878 How early should I spray for earwigs invading my house. Carole. Toronto.
It is best to control earwigs outside. It is against the law to spray pesticides outdoors in Toronto for this type of problem. Do your best to keep mulch, leaves and debris away from the home and keep the soil level below the top of the concrete foundations. This will eliminate nesting sites for this insect.

1877 HOW DO YOU KILL MAPLE BUGS. I HAVE HAD THEM ALREADY THIS YEAR. Gerald. Wallaceburg, Ontario.
Some Box Elder or maple bugs leave their natural habitat to spend winter in the wall and ceiling cavities of our homes. They emerge indoors by accident in early spring.. They will all eventually emerge outside to start another life cycle. Spraying the trees they move to in the spring may have some effect but it is a job for a professional tree sprayer.

1876 Hi, I have identified my pest as the Indian Meal Moth and I can't seem to get rid of them. I've thrown out my grain, flour, salt, rice, dried fruits, baking stuff...etc, super cooled newly purchased items for at least 7 days and even had no grain products for weeks hoping to get rid of them and just when I think it's safe, a moth appears. I'm very frustrated. I just found two tonight and thoroughly checked all my foods for webbing and still I can't locate where they are coming from. It's March now...could it be that the worms from the last infestation are now deciding to pupate? Should I throw out all my grain, etc again? Help! Should I call professionals to help me at this point? Kim. Markham, Ontario.
It sounds like another cycle and the adult moths have laid more eggs. I could cost less in the long run to call in a professional to do an inspection and crack and crevice treatment. Be sure to check any pet food and bird seed you may have in your home.

1875 We live in Montreal. We bought a piece of IKEA furniture last June: A painted solid wood bookshelf made in India. Last summer we noticed small mounds (3mm) of sawdust like material. It took a while to identify that there were 1 mm size holes in the furniture. We tried to stick ANT-BE-GONE in the hole, scotched taped it and the mounds stopped appearing. Today we noticed new mounds and new holes. We put it outside. Should we throw away? fumigate? Are we likely infested? Who to call? Karine.
You probably have a species of powder post or other wood boring beetles. Using pesticides on the surface will not have any effect on the larva chewing tunnels under the surface. Sometimes fumigation in a chamber will kill the larva. Freezing for an extended period may also work on tropical insects. If the infestation is heavy they could migrate to other furniture or wood in the home. Try to collect a beetle sample and have it identified by a pest professional. Montreal Pest Professionals.

1874 How true is the information that pandan leaves can repel cockroach? Kissha. San Pablo City, Laguna
There are a number of stories about the use of pandan leaves to repel cockroaches especially in the middle and far east. We are not aware of any scientific studies to prove or disprove this natural pest control method. There are no products made from these leaves that are registered in Canada for pest control.

1873 Where do I purchase Pantry Moth Traps in Toronto?? Carol
Contact Phero Tech for the name of a retail outlet in your area. See the ad on our supplier page.

1872 I lived in a residence in Vancouver and in the last month there (possibley earlier) the room was infested with bedbugs. I borrowed a suitcase for a trip to London at the beginning of the month and returned around on January 14th then returned the suitcase. On the 21st of the same month I went to Edmonton with my suitcase and returned on the 24, a few days later. -I did not realize at the time but I was bitten by the bedbugs. -both suitcases were on the bed during the month of January. Open with contents around. I saw the first bedbug around January 26th and the second at the end of the month. They were engorged with blood. I moved out on February 6th. Found one egg that was in my food steamer at the end of February. It must have been steamed as I used the steamer on the 9th for the first time. No sign of bedbugs, bites etc. I am told by the BC Health Canada nurse that they can live a year without feeding, and to be on the safe side I SHOULD DRY-CLEAN OR WASH ALL THE CLOTHING AS IT COULD BE AFFECTED. IS THIS TRUE? I ALSO PHONED A PEST CONTROL COMPANY AND WAS TOLD BEDBUGS CAN GO DORMANT FOR UP TO THREE YEARS. - but I do not see anything on your website or other literature that states this. IS THAT TRUE? Also- DOES STEAMING get rid of the problem in clothes? I think I have a moral obligation to inform all those affected and pay for an inspection. Please advise. Christine
Whoever told you bedbugs can remain dormant for up to 3 years, is not a reliable pest professional. One year is generally the accepted maximum. Dry-cleaning or washing in hot water will kill bedbugs and eggs on clothing and bedding. Very hot steam will kill bedbug adults and eggs but steaming mattresses could result in mold growth. You are wise to advise your travel hosts of the problem to prevent spreading the problem even further. Read How to get rid of bedbugs.
For a reliable pest professional see Vancouver pest professionals

1871 I definitely have a Sow bug problem in my basement and I am trying to narrow down where they may be coming from. How deep in the ground can sow bugs live? I suspect they are coming through cracks in the foundation wall (due to seeing them come through one already, which got sealed up), but can they also come through the foundation floor? My floor is about 6-7 feet below the ground surface, but it covered by a subfloor so I can't see. Could they be living 6-7 feet underground? Thank you, Scott. Edmonton.
If the sub floor is build on sleepers there will be cavities where moisture gets trapped. This is an ideal environment for the sow bugs and they will find a way to get in. Young sow bugs are very small and can slip thought tiny cracks.

1870 I have these pill bugs that have invaded my basement. This happened after I put in a great deal of bark chips around my flower beds next to the house . How do I deal with these little critters?? Thanks and look forward to your response. George. Edmonton, Alberta.
Bark mulch provides the ideal environment for sow bugs. Simple solution: rake it away from thee house.

1869 Throughout the winter, I've noticed a number of flies on one window on the 2nd floor of my house. I'm not sure why how or why they are getting in - the chimney is in this room. Any ideas? Andy. Fredericton, NB.
You could have cluster flies overwintering in the attic. They can find their way into your living space through very small cracks, perhaps where around the chimney. See the next 2 questions and answers.

1868 we seem to have an infestation of big black flies. maybe cluster flies. How do you get rid of them and will they ever go away on there own? Kelly. Arlington, Va.
See the answer to the question below.

1867 I have house flies in my new house, perhaps in the ventilation system or the bathroom exhaust fans. If the house is warmer they multiply quickly. I dread what might happen in spring and summer. We had the ducts cleaned, but that did not do it. Please help. Stephen. Richmond Hill Ontario.
They could be cluster flies. See photo on our flying insect page. They will leave in spring and a new batch will return in the fall. Read information from a cluster fly specialist: Dr. Bug.

1866 I have tiny ants coming into the house on walls adjacent to the chimney in winter, January/February. I think the heat from the gas fireplace is warming the earth near the chimney awakening the ants from winter sleep. I don't have ants in summer months, only winter. I have a 30 yr. old, solid brick, house. I noticed that I had many ants near concrete sidewalks this past summer. The temperature outside is warmer now that it is March and I have not seen any ants indoors since the warmer weather. Do I need an exterminator? I did find an ant species called Concrete Ants in one web site. I don't believe they are carpenter ants since there is no wood or trees around the house. Donna. Niagara Falls, Ont.
More than likely the ants have a nest in the wall near the chimney. They will not be coming in from outside. It is too cold. Ants in the wall think it is spring so they are coming out to forage for moisture or food. In the summer they will go outside to forage and you will not see them crawling around inside. At this time of year (March) I suspect they could be carpenter ants but you should collect a few and have them identified by a local pest professional. Click to see professionals in the Niagara Falls area.

1855 What kind of bird (at least from November to March) flies by and poops on the sides (yes, sides--siding and windows) of houses? We have poop about every square foot on the entire west side of our home! ....and, most importantly, what can be done to prevent or discourage this? I have never seen the birds nor anything like this! Please help. Franklin. East Berlin, PA.
It is impossible to identify a bird just by a description of it's defecating habits. A description of the bird might help. A photo would be much better.

1854 I have moths in my pantry think I have them cleaned up now but would like to put out a few moth balls what is the harm in this says on box not to put in place that is not air tight, which of course my pantry is opened a hundred times a day thank you Linda
Do not put toxic things like moth balls near your food.
The moths are the adult stage of pests that have invaded your food. Killing the moths will not get rid of the larva unless you contaminate the food with a pesticide or toxic fumes. There are two different types of moth balls used to combat the moths. In one type, the main ingredient is naphthalene, and in the other it is paradichlorobenzene. The idea with both chemicals is to kill moths and moth larvae with the fumes. Both naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene sublimate, meaning they transition from a solid straight to a gas. The gas is toxic to the moths. For either of these chemicals to be effective, they need to be placed in a sealed container so the fumes can build up and kill the moths. In a sealed atmosphere like this, the fumes are not harmful to people because they are contained. The main threat would occur when opening the containers or eating the contents. Read more about Indian Meal Moths.

1853 I just recently bought a house that is 1.5 acres. The entire lawn has large dirt piles. These piles have no holes or anything in them, they are just piles scattered sporadically throughout the yard. Is this a bug or animal? What kind?? Regina, Springhill, Florida.
It depends on the size and shape of the dirt piles. You could have a problem with moles. The information on our Moles page may helpful.

1852 MY QUESTION IS' HOW CAN I CONTROL MY BEDROOM BEDBUGS INFESTATION? I AM LIVING IN A FLAT. Sajahan. BANGLADESH, CHITTAGONG
View this page: Get Rid of Bedbugs

1851 We have had wood bugs get in behind a brick wall and attack moist wood that was tarpaper, sheathing, and 2x4's ..... they demolished it and we had to replace the wall and want to ensure they don't come back ..... does anyone know if there is any poison i can put around the perimeter to stop their chewing march? thanks. Craig. Comox, BC.
You should first have the insects identified. Are they powder post beetles, carpenter ants or termites? The treatment is different for each. If they are sow bugs or pill bugs they did cause the damage. They just enjoyed living in the damp environment. There are sprays that can be applied to wood that will eliminate or discourage many insects. Tim-Bor is a good choice but it must be applied by a certified applicator. Another option is to have a professional inject a residual insecticide dust into the wall cavities after the vapor barrier is sealed in place. See the directory for professionals on Vancouver Island.

1850 We are looking for a local source of traps for flour beetles that we can safely use in a pantry. So far we have only been able to source these from the US and the companies will not ship to Canada. Please advise if you know of any place we can obtain these. Thank you, Laura.

Contact Phero Tech. See their ad on our Suppliers page. If you tell them where you are located they will let you know who sells their products in your area.

1849 How can you get rid of these tiny farrow ants? Thay have invaded our home. Paul
Read the information on our Pharaoh Ants web page. Do not spray pesticides and make the situation worse.

1848 Hello, we have a 35 year old 4-level split home and we've noticed for the last few years now a growing issue with finding sow bugs in our basement (4th level). We are also seeing them on our 3rd and 2nd levels. All levels of our home are finished. We find the bugs on our ceiling, walls and stairs. Information that I've read suggest these bugs like moisture and typically do not survive indoors. The perimeter of our home outside consists of flowers in a rock bed on two sides, a wood deck (raised 2.5 feet, dirt underneath) on another side and grass on the 4th side. Is the increased presence of these bugs telling me I have a foundation problem? How can I get rid of them? We are also seeing an increased amount of spiders and centipedes.
Michael. Edmonton, Alberta.
You may have leakage in the foundation. Being 35 years old it is not likely there is a good vapor barrier system in the home. You may just need more ventilation to reduce the high humidity. Be sure to use your bathroom and kitchen extraction fans. Sow Bugs

1847 I am writing a scientific paper on sow bugs. I am aware that sow bugs prefer moist environments over dry ones, but given the choice between an overly saturated environment and a slightly moist environment, which would they prefer. Elaina. Rochester, NY
While sow bugs like very moist conditions they will leave any location that is flooded with water.

1846 We have two dogs, we are having problems with small flying bugs that remind you of fleas, gnats or fruit flies, but they are not bothering the dogs, they are in my kitchen real bad and if one of the kids leave a glass of pop, or juice sitting out they seem to fly around the glass, and if the dishes don't get done they also seem to be around the dirty dishes, what kind of bugs are these and what can I do to get rid of them? April. La Porte.
It sounds like a fruit fly problem. Have some identified by a professional. There are traps available for fruit flies but the best solution is eliminate food sources and breeding sites. garbage?)

1845 I saw two little black spiders that look like tiny crabs & when you touch them they roll into a small ball, what are they? April. Oshawa, Ontario.
They may be pseudo scorpions. See photos #1119, 1083 and 1072 on our What is this pest pages.
See also the photo of a crab spider #1140.

1844 Is it true that rats and mice will frequent areas where used cigarette butts are thrown on the groud? I have heard that they use then to line their nests. Tabatha. Salsbury.
Cigarette butts would make good nesting material. but mice and rats will avoid food and traps that smell like nicotine.

1843 I am in Dublin, OH. I have a soft sided water bed with foam rubber mattress. Recently we noticed what I believe are mealworms (or some other moth larva) are in the mattress. Some are alive & have some have died and dried up. Please tell me how I can get rid of them. Can they be unhealthy for humans (I don't believe so but want to double check). Thank you, Beth
It's difficult to identify without a photo. You could take a sample to a local pest professional and ask for guidance in getting rid of this'd problem.

1842 I have pill or sow bugs in my basement. This happened the year after I put a large amount of tree bark around my shrubs, flower beds and part way into my lawn. What do I spray my basement with to get rid of them Thanks. George. Edmonton, Alberta.
Like a smoke detector, sow bugs warn you of a problem; Too much moisture. Spraying pesticides will not provide a long term solution. A de-humidifier might be the solution. If you insist on using pesticides, call a professional to do a perimeter spray around your home using a residual insecticide at the appropriate time of year. (spring). Don't expect the sow bugs to be gone forever.

1841 We are looking to buy a house & we found one about 40 years old it has been remodeled inside, new electric etc. Our first look at the house we noticed 10 dead flies in 2 of the bedrooms around the window. Our second trip to look through the house it seemed to be more & 1 was moving. I asked the realtor & their answer was old houses have flies. I said wasn't this remodeled? The answer given to me was yes & I said it shouldn't have flies then. I am wondering if the fly eggs are in the wall, or what could be going on? I wish they would vacuum the dead flies up so, I could see how many die in one day. Could the flies have gotten into the house while they replaced the windows & now with the heat on they are hatching? Any suggestions on what to do? I don't want to be attacked in the summer by flies? Help please. Lou7 Ann.
You should have the flies identified. They may be there because a rodent got inside and died somewhere or they could be cluster flies that are not easy to control. A local pest professional should be able to help.
Se photos on our flying pests web page for identification.

1840 Could you please let me know what is the best to get rid of cockroaches. I am using tins and tins of insecticide, without any success. The problem gets worse. Thank you - Maria. South Africa
You should not need a lot of pesticide if it is the right one and you are applying it properly. In North America, baits are now the preferred products to control cockroaches. We do not know what products are available in your country. You will probably save yourself a lot of frustrations if you call a pest professional.

1839 I keep finding dead black ants on the floor in my living room. It is minus 25 degrees outside. Where are they coming from and how do I get rid of them. Donald. Ottawa.
You should have the ants identified. Carpenter ants will sometimes swarm indoors at this time of year. If they are carpenter ants, they have entered your living space from a nest in the exterior walls, floor or ceiling of your home. The interior warmth has fooled them into believing it is spring and time to start foraging for food. Read more about carpenter ants.

1838. Why do you not publish any positive information about electronic pest devices. J.R. Toronto
We would be pleased to publish this information if it existed. We have never received any scientific evidence from a reliable source indicating electronic devices are an effective way to control pests. We are not alone in this position. Ken Martin, a sales manager with Atlanta-based Do-It-Yourself Pest Control
( www.doyourownpestcontrol.com ), says some merchants sell a variety of plug-in devices that emit an ultrasonic wave meant to keep bugs at bay. Mr. Martin isn't sold on the products. He has tested 15 types of plug-in repellents, which run from $6 to $600, and hasn't found one that works as advertised.
You may wish to read the results of a complaint to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission regarding one of these devices. http://www.ftc.gov/os/2003/07/globalcmp.pdf . Much more evidence condemning these devices is available if you do a little research.

1837 Within the past day we have developed an odour in our front entry way that in all honesty smells like a dead animal. It can almost knock your socks off, but seems to remain contained within that area. I have searched the outside for entry points, thought maybe something got into the wall, and have not found any, even if I do, what can I do. If there is say a dead rat or something in the wall, etc. I say rats because we border on a green belt and I have seen rats in the bush and in our back shed, which I dealt with by putting out some bait, which is maybe now coming back to haunt me. Any suggestions on how to deal with this?
Brian. Vancouver
When poison is used to control rodents we have to be prepared for the possible consequences. Dead rats can be worse than live ones. There is obviously one under or in the walls of your entryway. If you can't find it try some odor absorbing blocks, increase ventilation under that area using a fan, or cut open the wall if you think that is where it is.

1836 I have new babies in the house and pet cats. I just moved into a house close to the river. It is full of very brave mice. How can I quickly and safely rid my home of these rodents? (with or without killing the mice) Chris. Winnipeg.
The quickest and easiest way is to call in a pest professional. If you want to try it yourself see our MICE web page. You may be feeding your cats too much!

1835 Dear Pest Experts, My family has been living with bed bugs as well as horrible bites and sleepless nights. Those tiny blood suckers ruined our life for almost a year and a half. Even our close fiends and relatives stopped visiting us for fear of bugs spread..Even when we threw our mattresses and once we used spray and had o be outside our home for 3 hrs, they went to our clothes, bags, books.. carpet everywhere!
Is it because we should have let it be for more than 3 hrs that's why it didn't work? Or my dad bought cheap spray? I don't have the budget to call professional help nor would my dad spend, so Im seeking advice from you. Please give me ideas that would permantley wipe those life-ruiners out.. Please reply back. Thank you so much. Princess
There is no easy solution or magic pesticide to eliminate bed bugs. It is a best to let an EXPERIENCED pest professional deal with them. See: How to get rid of bedbugs.

1834 There seems to be some sort of animal living in the ceiling of our basement. It sounds like rapid wing beats whirring from one side of the room to the other. It is too fast and not on the tiles so does not seem like mice or squirrels. We wonder about bats but it is the dead of winter and we are in Central Alberta. Any ideas?
You may find a clue by checking all possible entry points to that area including any plumbing pipes that pass through the the ceiling. Also check the chimney chase if there is one. Something may be coming down from the attic.

1833 I have recently discovered what I thought were mosquito hawks all over my back yard. After some research, I found out that they are actually crane flies. While I understand they're harmless, I would like to get rid of them. What would be the best way to do that? Thanks, Andrea. Northwest Louisiana.
The Crane Fly is the adult stage of this insect, measures about 1 inch long and is brownish in colour. It also looks like a large mosquito but will not bite you. The Leather jacket is the larva stage of this Crane fly, also measures about 1 inch long and is grey to greenish brown in colour. These insects actively feed on turf grasses in the spring and fall and this is the best time to control them. The adult does not damage the grass but will fly around breeding and depositing eggs in the grass. One Crane fly can lay several hundred oval block eggs in the moist turf soil. When the eggs hatch the larvae can cause severe damage to all types of grasses, feeding on the roots and grass leaves. Contact a lawn care specialist for control.

1832 I have lived in the same apartment building for over three years now and I have dealt with flying ants, carpenter ants and now farrow ants. I'm sick with to my limits with them. Recently the farrow ants are the worse. **** has been called to "deal" with them and have given me ants traps and the landlord, they don't seem to be working. They are called constantly and apparently show up once a month although I have only seen them myself twice in this 3 yr time.
       I've tried laying salt down around the bases of my cupboards and where food is stored. They are now finding their ways into SEALED packages, including the plastic of cookies, cereal etc.
      The owner of the building refuses to bomb the building because he's too cheap and now they are also in my bed and my children's beds. I have a seven yr and a 11 month old and two cats. I need a remedy to get theses pests out without causing conflict with my children and pets lives or health.
      I am a neat freak so telling me to make sure that I have no crumbs, garbage or access to their food is no help. There is no way for them to get to it, especially since I seal up everything with baggies or Tupperware and they still get into it. I don't even have crumbs on my counters. And food is not allowed in the bedrooms. And yet I have been to other tenants in this building that live in pig sty with food all over the floor, garbage every where and crumbs and they don't seem to have the problem, PLEASE HELP!! Tara. London, Ontario
Residential buildings are not "bombed" to control insects in Canada. See the answer to #1822 below.

1831 I found seeds, which look like unpopped popcorn kernels in several shoes in my closet as well as a few in between my mattress and box spring. I do not see any evidence of mouse droppings, nothing is chewed. What could be leaving this hard little seeds? Jo Ann
The problem is most likely mice but with so little evidence we can not be certain.

1830 Just moved into a new rental house and started to get small lumps almost immediately. I seemed to be the only one getting them. Doc's thought it was chicken pox, and then scabies but i found out on my own that the house was infested with fleas. The pest control has been out and sprayed but i'm still getting bitten, although not as much. Initially I kept the rest of the family out including the dog but now everyone is moved in. The dog does not seem bothered and i've checked and cannot see anything even though he has been scratching a little bit, my son has two bites and I have about 50. What else can I do? James. Port Perry, Ontario.
Depending on the degree of infestation and physical conditions in the house, flea control can sometimes require more than one application of the proper control chemicals. A good residual in adulticide mixed with an insect growth regulator should be used. You should also ask your vet fore something to control fleas o the dog, even though the symptoms may not be obvious.

1829 There are small circular worms in the basement of our home always at the baseboards where the wall meets the floor. Any idea what these could be and how to get rid of them. I had these once before in another home in upstate NY also in the basement and couldn't seem to get rid of them. Theresa
You may have centipedes or millipedes. Our web page Centipedes and Millipedes has photos, descriptions and control suggestions.

1828 I have fruit fly type flies breeding in my fish tank. How do I get rid of them? Sue. Ketchikan.

1827 since the month of September , my body was itching and i thought that it was an allergy but it turned out to be .. bed bugs (my brother and my husband found two big ones one day).. i don't know where they come/came from? it's very disturbing and i can't locate their nests bec i can't see any dark spots or anything like that. i looked everywhere in the appt. and we'll be moving within two days. i have a 10 months old baby and I'm really worried about this problem. any solutions plz a.s.a.p. thanks. Dana. Quebec.
Locating the hiding places for bed bugs can be a frustrating challenge, especially for the inexperienced. Because you have a baby you should call a professional to inspect and eliminate the bedbugs. It may take 2 or 3 service calls. Read "How to get rid of bedbugs"

1826 We arrived at a new rental home in the countryside north of Toronto last night to discover large piles of seed hulls (each perhaps 1/8th" in length) underneath the pillows on two beds. I'm guessing the seeds come from a conifer of some sort. There were a few droppings as well, which I assume are mouse droppings (they are the same or slightly smaller than the seed husks). There was no evidence that the rodents were constructing nests, as the only material introduced into the area was the seed hulls. Does this sound like a mouse problem to you? We've not heard squirrels in the ceilings, which I think we'd hear if they were there, and I can't imagine that any self-respecting rat would eat such small seeds. Thanks for your help. Chip
Mice commonly hoard food, carrying it to possible nesting areas. They also like to eat where they feel protected from predators. Try to find and plug the entry points. See our "MICE" page for more tips.

1825 We have something living in our roof rafter. We here it at night and it sounds like it is eating something we really don't here it make any other sounds and it seems to stay in the same area. We know how it got in but we don't want to seal it up till we know it is out. I would say it is living about 9 or 10 feet up the roof rafter. We have had an exterminator come, but they don't know what it is because they couldn't see any droppings. They set different kinds of traps but nothing has worked yet. We don't know what else to do or how we can determine what it is, please help. Thanks. Chris
I smell a rat! Because there will be no food source in your roof system, they will have to come down to eat. This usually happens after dark. You could try using traps properly placed at the entry point.

1824 There is an animal (or more than one) chewing in the walls and under the kitchen cabinet. There was a pile of droppings about the size of rabbit pellets but oval under the table. It has carried apples, pears, a tomato, and a mango from the dining room table to a space between the kitchen cabinets. It has taken grapes and a tomato from the live trap without being caught. It at a large piece from a pineapple on the kitchen table == but, unlike the mice we had before, it does not run on the counters or eat bread that is left out. What is it and how do we get rid of it? Becky
It sounds like rats. Live traps are not very successful. Use lethal snap traps baited with some of the food that they have been eating. Read more about rats.

1823 I recently had my apartment sprayed to kill silverfish for the second time. The person came into do it twice. the first time we were told to stay out of our apartment for 24 hrs due to our son who was five months the second time we were told to stay out for 6 hrs but we stayed out for 24 hrs. But since then my partner, my son, and myself have all got ear infections. I know that our ear infections are not contagious. I was wondering if the pesticide could have caused it. Josie. Abbotsford
Ear infections are not a symptom of pesticide effects on humans. Silverfish prefer living in a damp environment. If your apartment is damp this may be a cause of the ear infections. Talk to a medical professional.

1822 What are farrow ants and how can they be eliminated completely in a apartment? Zaida.
The ants in your apartment are likely part of a colony that may be spread throughout the entire building.
Controlling Pharaoh ants in an apartment building could take numerous treatments using a good quality ant bait. This should be done by professional. If tenants continue to spray pesticides, the problem may never be eliminated. Read more about Pharaoh ants.

1821 After a recent snow storm I think a rodent got into our dryer or dryer vent or heating ducts. The odor seems mainly to be coming from the dryer area and emanating elsewhere. How do we go about finding and removing it? If we can't find it will the smell eventually go away? Is there any harm in not getting it out? Thanks. Marnie. Coquitlam, BC
If you think it may be in the dryer vent or perhaps in the dryer you should open them up and inspect. Most often rats follow plumbing in wall cavities and die near a bathroom or laundry room. Smell the electrical outlets and light switches to narrow down the location. In damp weather it could take weeks for the smell to diminish to a tolerable level.

1820 Hi, I'm having trouble finding cockroach baits and borate powder in downtown Toronto? where do i find it exactly? i tried Canadian tire they don't have. Dan.
There are a number of professionals in Toronto that could probably sell you the products, but you will be wasting your time and money if you don't apply them properly in the correct locations.

Directory of pest professionals in the Toronto area.

1819 We moved into a house and after a few weeks thought we had fleas because we saw these bugs jump and had bites around the ankles. We bought a product from a pet shop specifically for fleas and followed instructions meticulously as well as other methods vacuuming etc. . After viewing some images on your site we think they may be bed bugs, since these bugs look oval What's the difference between the bed bugs and fleas? Would the methods used for one work with another? Santo. Hamilton, Ont.
Bed bugs don't jump. Fleas do. The flea spray you used will probably have some effect on bedbugs if applied in the proper locations and if the product contained an insect grown regulator as well as a residual adulticide. I have seen many customers fail to get rid of fleas using one or two bottles of spray from a pet shop. A professional will usually apply the right product mixture with professional equipment designed to penetrate cracks and crevices where fleas nest and it often costs less than trying to solve the problem yourself. If you have bedbugs, you definitely need to hire a professional..

1818 what is the reproductive cycle of a carpenter ant. Lynn.
You will find a full explanation and photos on our web page: Carpenter Ants

1817 Is it safe to exterminate for termites if you are pregnant? Nichole
A well qualified pest professional will always take extra precautions or postpone application of pesticides whenever there is a risk to pregnant women, elderly people with respiratory problems and those who are hyper sensitive to chemicals. Some termite control can be carried out around the exterior perimeter of the premises. Be sure to discuss your situation with the professional doing the treatment.

1816 I owned a commercial building and in the front office it was so bad with rolly polly bugs I would honestly sweep up and vacuum several hundred a day. It was so bad, that the office had a smell about it and I became very sick last winter. I also seen signs of mold and the area is a wet land area. I tried every thing I knew to kill them, but to no success. I noticed that they were died in between the walls and with no way to remove them. Is this a potential health issue. The smell was so bad I would some times vomit. I gave up the building and want to know If I can report this to the health dept. I also think the walls may be rotten. Please advice... Al. Tennessee.
The pill bugs (rolly pollies) are just one symptom of the much more serious problem, mold. The wet environment, decaying wood and high humidity in the wall cavities attracted the pill bugs. The bugs did not cause the problem and likely had nothing to do with your illness. Read more about pill bugs

1815 I have a relative who has recently experienced an infestation of bed bugs at their home. This relative wishes to visit me and I am scared of thought of bed bugs in my home...what are the odds they will carry a bed bug into my house on their clothing? Bob. Hamilton, Ontario.
When treating for bedbugs it is suggested all clothing should be removed from infested areas, laundered, then stored in plastic bags. If your relative has been diligent in following these and other procedures and had an inspection and treatment by a professional, then the odds are reduced considerably.
Read more about controlling bedbugs.

1814 I have been dealing with a pesky chipmunk, or two, which seem to be under my mobile home. I have checked everywhere, around the house, and closed up, potential entry areas, but I still hear them, at night. I have been using "Shake Away" to deter them, and thought it was under control, but I am starting hear the noises, again. I have put the product, around the perimeter, of my home, every 10-12 feet, and I can't find out where they are getting in. Can you recommend any other product, to get rid of these pests? Please help! Thank you, Fran
We are not familiar with "Shake Away" as it is not available in Canada. Most repellants on the market have little effect on pests on a long term basis. You should probably try to live trap and relocate the chipmunks.

1813 Mice have been getting into the engine of our car and chewing the wires and hoses. We are looking for a deterrent we can use to keep them out of the engine compartment of our car. We've heard that ivory soap and peppermint oil will keep them out. Has anyone heard of other safe, homemade recipes that we can place in the engine compartment that will keep the mice away?
We are not aware of any repellant that has been scientifically proven to totally eliminate mice. Use conventional methods to reduce the population in the area you park the car. Use bait stations for poison and to secure traps. Try putting glue boards on the ground next to the tires.

1812 I have house spiders I can't seem to get rid of them I clean I spray they are in the bathroom they are in the corners they are in the closet. when I kill them more come back is there some way I can get rid of them. I'm at my wits end. Please help me thank you. Joan. Boca Raton Fl.
Spider populations are proportional to food sources. Spiders eat insects and Florida is probably North America's insect paradise. Try to determine what insects the spiders are preying on then concentrate on eliminating that food source. You may need the assistance of a professional to get started.

1811 Thank you for posting this information on the Web in a way that was easy for me to find. I live in Jacksonville, FL. Florida is, I believe, the insect heaven of the continental US. We have nice long hot summers, short mild winters, a lot of rainfall, and year-round high humidity. There is lush vegetation, and lots of slow moving or nearly stagnant water. Rarely are the winters cold enough to reduce the numbers of insects (or mice and rats and snakes, for that matter). The ingenious and ancient species of insects, who have been on the planet longer by far than puny man, merely move inside or outside according to where the warmth and humidity suit them today. They come home from the store with you in packaging. They go with you when you move (such as German roaches inside the motor spaces of your refrigerator), and they even live in the works of the microwave oven or the gas stove and oven.
My husband has several times been caught up in the advertising for these insect repellers that you plug into a wall socket. They are small, and usually have some kind of dim light (for decoration, I guess). They are supposed to either make sound waves or electronic impulses, or something, that insects and vermin do not like. This is will encourage the pests to leave your house and go elsewhere. Recently, I began to think, how long do these things last? Some of ours are several years old. Also, in the dog room, where the dogs have their beds and food, there are 3 of the things, and we still have cockroaches and palmetto bugs, and lately, ants. Some of the cockroaches are huge, and can carry off a chunk of kibble. I don't think the plug-ins work. It is with great glee that I have read your page. Starting now, as I find those dust catchers, I am tossing them out. And I will advise my spouse to spend his time and money on proven forms of alternative pest control. Thank you again. Ellen. Jacksonville FL USA
Thank you for your input Ellen. We hope this will discourage others from wasting money on these useless devices.

1810 I have dead mice behind my counter in the kitchen and they are staring to smell bad, what can I use to get rid of the smell since I can't get them out of the wall? Angel. East Liverpool.
There is not much you can do unless you rip something apart. You could try placing odor absorbing blocks in the area but they are limited in their effectiveness.

1809 We bought our house in late spring, and noticed a lot of house flies, but as the summer went on, the number decreased. Now, it's November - and it appears they are trying to take over the house! They're everywhere! I've never seen so many. You kill them, and more come. Any suggestions??? PLEASE!!!!
Tam. Sussex, NB.
I sounds like you have cluster flies. They leave in the spring and return to overwinter in the fall. For identification see the photos on our flying insect page. Control sometimes requires an annual professional treatment. Talk to a professional in your area.

Directory of New Brunswick pest professionals

1808 I have flea problem in the basement. I was reading on the internet that flea foggers could be effective solution for big places like basement. Can you advice me where I can buy flea foggers? Vicky. Vancouver , BC
Flea foggers are not a good way to eliminate fleas. You will need to have your pets treated with a product from your vet. You should have a professional apply an adulticide mixed with an insect growth regulator in all appropriate areas of your home. Total release aerosol products (bombs) can be very hazardous. The fine mist they generate can act like a huge bomb if ignited accidentally. Call 2 or 3 professionals for an estimate. It could cost less than buying enough quality spray products to do the job properly yourself.

Directory of Vancouver Pest Professionals.

1807 I have a mouse problem my cat has found 3 but my cat is still suspicious i can see her trying to find them i don't want to bye any thing but use house hold item's please tell me how to get rid of them with out using any money. Vanessa. Hammond, IN
I think you already have the solution if you don't want to spend any money. Let the cat do what comes naturally. (Be careful with the cat food. It will attract mice)

1806 Is it ok to stack firewood (from an old willow type looking tree in our yard) against the house? We have already seen signs of, I believe, termites in the house over the last couple of years. They are small white/transparent bugs that eat a small pin-size hole in the inside wall and then build up a big sand-like tunnel on the wall inside the house. I have been treating the areas with termite spray. My boyfriend tells me it is no problem to stack wood up against the house and I disagree. It seems like the wood might bring more termites into the house. He is stacking the wood up against the house as I write this email. Can someone please provide some insight on this issue? Thanks you very much. Dee.
It is never a good idea to stack firewood against a home. Many insects will find the woodpile is a perfect hiding place and possibly a food source. Quite often the bottom layer never gets used so it becomes punky. Termites and carpenter ants love damp wood.

1805 Hello, about a year ago my family discovered an infestation of what we assume to be pecan bud moths in an old bag of Pecans. They are about a cm long, with dark grey coloring and a lighter grey stripe across their wings. We got rid of the bag of course but the moths were in abundance in our kitchen, after cleaning all of our cupboards thoroughly and sealing all the food... we still find the moths and their larvae. What can we do about this particular infestation? Emily. Abbotsford, BC.
You will just have to keep looking in all your dry foods including pet food. If you have wild bird seed, put it outside. They could still be breeding in some hiding spots but the larva must have a source of food. A local pest professional may see something you have overlooked.

Abbotsford pest management professionals directory

1804 My apartment building is 22 years old and never had a ant problem before now. This year the building is infested with these wee light brown 2mm size pharaoh ants I think. They are everywhere in everyone's apartment. The pest control people are not helping. The ants are in the bedrooms and bathroom and kitchen. I bought some raid powder but it is not working. What should I buy and where should I put it? I am desperate. I live in Canada, Ontario, Ottawa. Thanks, Evelyn
Controlling Pharaoh ants in an apartment building could take numerous treatments using a good quality ant bait. If tenants continue to spray pesticides, the problem may never be eliminated. Read more about Pharaoh ants.

1803 need an battery operated electronic mice controller, suggestions? Larry. Moose Jaw, Sask.
I suggest you save your money and donate it to something worthwhile. Electronic mouse control devices will not solve your problem. Read some good advice on this rodent page.

1802 I have noticed a dozen holes or so in my backyard, ranging in size from 2-6". Mostly in raised gardens and beside tree trunks. We've had rats in the past so I've been putting out the single feed poison, Ratattack. The poison keeps disappearing (several bags) but new holes keep popping up. Someone thought they could be moles and to put cat poop down the holes to encourage them to move but they just make new holes. Any advise would be appreciated Charlene. Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
It is difficult to tell from your description if your problem is rats or moles. You should be very careful using rat poison outdoors. It should always be secured (use blocks) in a lockable bait station that other animals can not get into. Thousands of dogs and cats are poisoned every year by careless use of rodent poison. If the poison you used has disappeared, something is dead. Moles would not likely take the poison.

1801 I have recently seen a pigeon on my apartment balcony and apparently it is roosting there because I see evidence of a lot of droppings now. Are there any home remedies that I can use to get it to leave. I don't want to kill it, but I don't want it on my balcony and I am not able to spend alot of money for store bought items. Adrianne, Landover Hills, Maryland
A piece of wire stretched out a few inches above the rail will prevent pigeons from roosting. There are a number of other inexpensive deterrents available from professionals specializing in bird control.

Q1800 I just moved into an apartment, I was told that the building has cockroaches in some area but they had pest control 2 days before I moved in. They painted the whole apt and renovated and cleaned that right before I moved in. However, there are cockroaches everyday and I'm really really afraid of that and I really want to cry everyday. This is a school housing and I can't effort other private housing. Please help me.
Pamela. Toronto.
Cockroach control in an apartment building may not be effective if suites adjoining the infested unit are not treated. The roaches will migrate from one apartment to another, especially if insecticide prays are used. Modern treatment includes the use of poison baits placed in the roach hiding and feeding locations. More than one service call is necessary in most cases.

Q1799 hi i moved in to a apt a month ago there was no Cockroaches at that time but in the apt in front moved out i start to see some here and in the hall way to i was wondering what would be the best way to stop them with out using harmful stuff as we got a dog thank you very much :) Scott. Toronto.
See the answer to Question #2000

Q1798 Can bedbugs survive on an air mattress? Kim. Ann Arbor
Yes, especially if there are any seams of hiding places. Bed bugs will hide in numerous locations in a bedroom including side tables, dressers, behind pictures, baseboards and chairs. Read how to get rid of bedbugs.

Q1797 Can any "unqualified" person(s) within the Sudbury Housing Authority, to perform pest control acts, mainly "Pharaoh Ants" to which "are very hard to control", do their own inspections, and are they allowed the use of said pesticides. I would like to have the laws concerning the regulations of such inspections, and "who" may do/use such inspections as well as the applications of such Pest Control Products. I am dealing with a client with concerns on the subject stated above, and your help will be greatly appreciated. Pastor R. Manning
The Ontario Ministry of Environment, Pesticide branch governs the application of pesticides in Ontario. The regulations will state what qualifications are necessary for application of each pesticide category. In British Columbia, starting Jan. 1/07, landlords will have to be licensed and certified to apply most pesticides in multiple dwelling buildings. It is expected most will hire a pest professional.

Q1796 where can i order diazinon pest control. Derrick. Cambridge, Ontario
Diazinon has been taken off the market in Canada. There may be some very limited use permitted in agriculture but the product would be difficult to purchase.

Q1795 How can I get rid of centipedes/millipedes inside my house, and outside as well? I am not sure how they get in, but they do, and appear upstairs as if by magic. I recently found one in my bedroom! I have indoor cats, so do NOT want to resort to using something that may harm them; any suggestions as to what homemade natural products I can use that will get rid of them once and for all? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Marie
You could try placing a number of insect glue traps in areas where you often see them. Read more about centipedes House centipedes usually are found in damp, dark places, such as under stones, leaf mulch, or logs. Indoors, centipedes may occur in damp areas of basements, closets, or bathrooms, or anywhere in the home where insects occur. During the day they hide in dark cracks and crevices, coming out at night to search for insects to eat. House centipedes are actually beneficial--they capture flies, cockroaches, and other small household pests. They never damage plants or household items.

Q1794 I would like to put out a bird feeder on my 15th floor balcony but I don't know if the birds would find it? Jennifer. Hamilton, Ontario.
Unfortunately some birds may find it and all the tenants directly below your balcony will suffer. Bird droppings are not very nice on your balcony railing. True environmentalists do not feed wild birds.
Bird seed attracts rodents. Wild bird seed is often infested with grain beetles and Indian meal moths. Some pest professionals charge good money to get rid of bird pests. I hope you get the message.

Q1793 Hi, my apartment complex has a pest problem, I do believe they are bed bugs. What does a person have to do or what kind of instructions does one have to follow before they come. Cheryl. Edmonton.
Start by reading the information on this web page; Get Rid of Bedbugs. The apartment manger should have a professional inspect all suites that are suspected to have bedbugs and all adjoining suites. It may be difficult to get all tenants to cooperate but they may regret it later. The total solution is a process that may take a number of service calls and some tome.

Q1792 hello, i have taken the pesticide course, however i am trying to locate where i can purchase phostoxin

- to fumigate, for rusty grain beetles. i live in Regina, Saskatchewan. please help me, as i check a few places out. Johnny
What pesticide course? There are many. If you are a certified pesticide applicator with a fumigators endorsement you will know where to buy fumigants and that they are only available to qualified applicators.

Phosphine is the method of choice for many producers and elevator operators. However, it is an extremely toxic compound and must be handled with great care. In the past, producers could purchase phosphine at their local grain elevator and apply it themselves. However, there has been a change in the phosphine label, and now all people who use phosphine will have to be licensed by the provinces. In Manitoba, this will require successful completion of two courses, and until producers take the courses they will have to hire applicators to treat their grain for them. Also, because of the increased insurance liability for transporting and storing, phosphine it is not as readily available.. These factors will make it more expensive to use phosphine to control insects in farm bins. Recent reports also indicate that insect resistance to phosphine is rapidly spreading throughout the world.

Q1791 I started some renovations and have found what looks like Carpenter Ant damage in some of the framing (no ants though). I also found large winged ants in the house. I removed the affected lumber and upon reassembly of the walls placed Advance Carpenter Ant bait at the base of the wall framing under the batt insulation. It contains Abamectin. Could this bait cause problems for the inhabitants of the home by being placed in the wall cavity? Thanks for you help. Syd. Hamilton, Ontario.
This bait in this location will have no effect on inhabitants and likely little or no effect on ants. Bait is an attractant and should not be placed where it will attract ants. It should be placed carefully along foraging trails. A better solution to pre treat the wall cavities is have a professional apply a residual insecticide. (preferably a dust) By the way, I have personally conducted many trials using the bait mentioned above on Modoc and Vicinus carpenter ants. The effect was negligible. Larry Cross, Pest Control Services Gulf Islands

Q1790 I have been using (Insectigone) to deal with bedbugs. How long should I leave it down? Joan. Victoria.
You may have to leave it there forever. Bed bugs can survive without a blood meal for a year. Diatomaceous earth will have no effect on eggs. If you can use a dust bulb and inject it into all the cracks and crevices, electrical outlets, under baseboards, behind pictures, on the bed frame and behind the headboard, you may eliminate some of the adult population. Most pest professionals have concluded that dealing with bed bugs is a process that takes time. There are no simple and easy solutions or products. Read: How to get rid of bedbugs.

Q1789 For the past 6 months something has been biting me at home and I have no idea what it is. At first I tried to eradicate the problem on my own with insect spray from Home Depot; didn't work. Then I thought it was bed bugs because I was being bitten at night; got a new mattress and everything but was unsure because I never saw any bed bugs. Finally I called Terminx (pest control specialists) a month ago. They didn't find bed bugs but a few carpet beetle larva; they said those don't bite though. They did an initial treatment and I didn't notice any bites for a few days. I'm starting to notice a few again here and there and it's driving me insane! I call myself watching very carefully and I don't see any insects in sight. What could this be?? (P.S. Terminx is scheduled to come out for the second treatment in a few days). This has never ever happened to me before and it's really annoying since I don't know what's biting me. Please help! Could I be allergic to something in my house? It's very odd.
Because there has been a huge resurgence of bed bugs in the past few years, I would suspect that is your problem. Getting rid of the old mattress may not solve the problem. They can hide almost anywhere in a bedroom including furniture. You could also have fleas but the pest professional should have detected that.
It is common to have professionals do 2, 3 or more treatments to eliminate bed bugs. Read the answer to the question above.

Q1788 Does light affect the activity of sowbugs
Most bugs prefer dark, damp locations. Sowbugs can not survive in dry air so they avoid exposure on sunny days.

Q1787 I have mice in the hen house - If I use mouse and rat poison will that kill my cats if they eat a mouse that has eaten the poison - Is there a natural mouse poison that will not harm cats? thanks Pete. New York.
Some rodent bait has a low risk of secondary poisoning. Ask a local pest professional which one is available in your area. The cats would have to eat all of a number of mice to have any serious effect. Be sure to use enclosed secure bait boxes and fasten solid block bait inside.

Q1786 While bringing in firewood a snake must have gotten into our house. It's just a garter snake but I would like to get rid of it, Does anybody know how I can accomplish this ? Thanks. John, Limestone, New Brunswick
If you can't find it you could place a number of mouse or rat glue traps around the house. If you catch the snake, it can be released with a bit of cooking oil.

Q1785 I have encountered wasps in my house. They are inside one of my walls I believe I cannot find a nest. I live in The West Kootenays. I have killed around 40 to 50 yellow jackets in my living room in the past 3 weeks. I have not been able to find out where they are coming from. They land on my floor or the window sill. When it was -5 I did not see any for 5 days. Yesterday I killed 10 of them. One was really quite large. What do I do about this---------If I keep killing them will I get them all? Will they be here inside my house all winter? Will they come alive in the spring and will I have a bunch of them inside my house. If I keep killing them will the nest empty and will they all be gone?? I am not sure what to do, I really don't want to have my house fumigated as the stuff they use is not good for one to breathe. Please give me some suggestion. Thanks Eleanor Nichol
When cold weather arrives all the wasps leave the nest and die except the fertilized queens. They will seek a warm place to hibernate until spring to start the cycle over again. Old nests will never be used again. The wasps in your living space got there accidentally when they emerged from the nest in your wall. Pest professionals do not FUMIGATE living spaces to kill wasps. A small amount of pesticide is injected directly into the nest. This should not be necessary at this time of year (November).

Q1784 What can I do to eliminate bats from my ceiling ? Marilyn. Trinidad.
You will have to screen off the entry points and make a one way door for them to get out. This can be a simple piece of screen hung loosely over an exit hole in the screen.

Q1783 Are there any long term toxic effects caused by mothballs. I am storing the clothes from my son in the event we have another boy. Will any odour fully dissipate over a few months/years? And what is the best way to get rid of any lingering moth ball odours? Thanks Walter
The clothing should be stored in plastic bags with the moth balls. The odor should dissipate by hanging the clothing outdoors for a few days.

Q1782 I have couple of termite tunnels entering in the house . I am planning to get the house treated. I got few of the companies to give me the quotes. some are suggesting me not to treat the sink & toilet bowl areas while some want to do that. Please tell me should we treat those areas or not. We are in Louisiana. Thank you. Shashi
What is the reasoning they give for not treating the sink and toilet bowl areas?

Q1781 I have an infestation of pin-like roaches in my kitchen. I have bombed them sprayed them and they keep multiplying. When lights go out in my kitchen fifty or so show up. They are are now migrating to my upstairs. What can i do? Lynn
Most pest professionals now use bait to control cockroaches rather than spraying pesticides. You need to know what to use, how much, where and how often should it be replaced. Contact a local pest professional.

Q1780 I have a problem with centipedes in my basement. I know that they have always been there, but I have been seeing them more often and sometimes thay travel up into my kitchen. My basement has a shower in it and an area that usually gets water when there is a heavy rain shower--so getting rid of the sporatic dampness would be rather difficult. I do have a dehumidifier running in the basement. Is there any way to get rid of them? Are there any nontoxic remedies? Janet. Ford City
You could try placing a number of insect glue traps in areas where you often see them. Read more about centipedes

Q1779 Can ticks that are attached to a person be killed if the person soaks in a hot tub treated with chlorine?
If the chlorine is at a safe level for humans it may have no effect on the ticks.

Q1778 Good afternoon…I live in Oakville Ontario and I need someone to quote me on treating my house to get rid of house centipedes. Can you please email me with someone to call. Thank you. Jay.
You will find some competent Oakville professionals in our directory of professionals, Ontario page

Q1777 I see adult larder beetles every now and then (3 this summer) but I have seen several of what appear to be tiny larder beetles each week for the past few weeks, all in my kitchen or dining room. Are they a problem besides being creepy, and how can I get rid of them? Susan
Sanitation is the first step in controlling established larder beetle problems. Clean up and remove infested food sources and make uninfested sources inaccessible to larder beetles. Store dry pet food in a metal or heavy plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Also keep stored fur and feather items in similar containers. Store cheese and dried meats in a refrigerator. Infested materials such as dry pet food or animal pelts can be frozen at 0° F for 48 hours to kill eggs, larvae, and adults. When flies or dead animals are the source of the infestation, it's often difficult to find and remove the food source. Larder beetles will go away on their own once the food source is eaten. If larder beetles are a problem every year, it's necessary to exclude flies and animals from the building to avoid attracting larder beetles.

Q1776 Do fleas die in the cold ?
Adult fleas do not survive in extreme cold but it only takes a few survivors in a home to multiply rapidly in a warm environment.

Q1775 We had two dogs. The one passed away at my mother-in-laws house. She put him in the garage until we got back into town. When we saw him he was covered in fleas. Our other dog came to see her mate and then also got fleas. Now our home is infested. We are all getting flea bitten. We bombed the house last weekend...but are getting new bite again in the last two days. We have hardwood floors and only one throw rug in the house. Can fleas hide in dresser drawers. I have tried to re-wash all laundry that was not put away... Please help. Thanks
Too often people rely on "bug bombs" as an easy and instant way to eliminate insect pests. When it comes to fleas, the easy way is not the best way. All stages of the flea life cycle must be controlled not just the adults. This is accomplished by using veterinary products on pets, a thorough spray in the home using a good residual adulticide mixed with an IGR (insect growth regulator). It usually costs less to hire a professional to do the job right than buying the wrong products and not applying them properly yourself.
(Note: bug bombs are responsible for explosions in homes on a regular basis.)

Q1774 I live in apartment building and apparently the lady who lives upstairs will be flea bombing 2 apartments and the hallways. Should we all be leaving the building? And should our animals and fish also leave? I don't think this is safe to me and my children newborn baby, and a 2 year old.
You should be very concerned unless the lady upstairs is a trained, certified and experienced pesticide applicator. She should also have lots of liability insurance in case she causes any health problems for any tenant living in the building. you should tell the landlord a professional should be hired to solve the flea problem. BUG BOMBS CAN ALSO CAUSE EXPLOSIONS AND FIRES.

Q1773 Hi. I have never had to deal with mice or any type of rodents prior to this year and I am afraid that I may be the cause of my current mice/rodent problem. Last summer when I was closing up our cottage, that we had just bought, I placed mouse poison at points where I thought maybe mice might be able to enter the cottage. So over the past year we had no problems. I however did not remove any of the poison and have now experienced 1 live and 1 dead mouse, plus evidence that we have had other little visitors.
I'm afraid I never quite grasped the concept of "bait" and am afraid that I may have been inviting them in, because what I did was add more "bait" to where they were entering the cottage. So, did I unwittingly send out an invitation and supply the food? I am not sure how I was supposed to handle this. Also, this September I set out poison under the trailer and am afraid I am only making the problem worse. How do you deal with this? When do you use bait, bait and traps? When shouldn't you use bait and are you supposed to remove it? I need direction! Cheryl.
We like to suggest the three "R"s to control rodents. 1) Eliminate the Reason they are there. Food
2) Eliminate the Route they take to get in. Block entry points. 3) Remove the rodents with traps or poison.
Too much bait (poison) could attract new mice once the original inhabitants have been eliminated. You should never put bait where you don't want the rodents. Put it at the lowest level in the home: (basement or crawl space). They are probably already in the habit of coming DOWN for their food.

Q1772 How do you get rid of springtails in and around your home? Leslie.
The most likely cause of a large springtail populations is high humidity. They may be breeding in the soil of plants that are over watered. Keep your home well ventilated and use a de-humidifier if necessary. More information: http://www.ext.vt.edu/departments/entomology/factsheets/springta.html

Q1771 Yesterday I discovered what I believe to be a carpet beetle larva. I found one on the tile bathroom floor and didn't know what it was, but identified it with the help of your website. Later I noticed about a dozen larvae on our carpeted bedroom floor (directly on the other side of the wall from where the one was spotted in the bathroom) and then another dozen in our walkthrough closet and ensuite bathroom floor. Our house is kept very clean and we only have one wool sweater (which I have thoroughly checked - it's OK). I can't figure out where they are coming from! We live in a townhouse and share walls with a neighbour. I am not sure of their housecleaning practices. Can carpet beetle larvae pass between connecting townhomes? Will continuing to keep our house clean help stave off an infestation? I should also note. We had a rat visiting our balcony this summer and it has since "been dealt with" by using poison left by a pest control company. Could there be a connection? I'm pretty confident that there was no rat activity in our walls or roof. Any advice would be appreciated. I'm completely grossed out. Yvonne. Burnaby, BC.
It's not likely the beetles came from an adjoining unit. Vacuuming ia a good way to reduce ay insect problems. A dead rat in a cavity could be a food source for carpet beetles. You should consider having a pest professional inspect and treat your home. He may discover another source of the problem.

Q1770 Where I work you can hear mice running around in the ceiling, and you hear the feces russling around up there. What is the health concern for people breathing mouse feces and being around the feces.
Trap and pest control have been in but not helping yet. Jason. Sudbury, Ontario.

In six months, one pair of mice can eat about 4 pounds of food and during that period produce some 18,000 fecal droppings.
Deer mice are a primary vector of Hantaviral infections which cause hemorrhagic fevers.
Mice may infect food with their droppings transmitting such organisms as salmonella and the microscopic eggs of tapeworms.
Mice transmit disease in a number of ways including biting, infecting human food with their droppings or urine, indirectly via the dog or cat and bloodsucking insects (fleas)
More information about mice

Q1769 what is the name of a large ant colony that are black and red and build nests 2-3 feet high and 2-3 feet around? Gerald. Lakeorion, Michigan.
Thatching ants. They are common in many areas throughout the world and in some places considered a beneficial insect. Read more about Thatching ants

Q1768 will a penny taped over a bee sting cure the sting? Buck. Hideaway, Tx.
We've never heard of this one. If you try it, be sure to remove the stinger first.

Q1767 throughout the winter, i find mosquitos in my house. where might they be coming from and how can i get rid of the source? thanx. pegie.
Are you sure they are mosquitoes. Some people mistake gnats for mosquitoes which rarely breed indoors. They need stagnant or standing water for the larval stage. Check you house plants for insect activity.

Q1766 For centipede control, I put glue trap trays for mice in corners around the basement and I also run a dehumidifier. Amy. Toronto.

Q1765 I have a Otter as a new resident in my boathouse...They have been xxxxxxxxx everywhere. How or what do I use to make them leave my place and move on to the next Neighbour...What do Otters Hate...???
Terry. Vancouver.
Read the answer to the question below.

Q1764 I have lived on a lake for 20 yrs. Just a few weeks ago I saw 2 otters romping on my dock...now they leave evidence daily that they are returning. How can I scare them away without endangering them. The mess they leave is not pleasant. Is there a electronic sound device I could play or something that would scare them off?
Otters are a protected species in British Columbia and probably in other areas. You can not do anything to harm them. We are not aware of any scientific evidence that sound devices will make them leave or even discourage them. We know of some boat owners who set up an electric fence that was quite effective. Their fur, wet with salt water is a good electricity conductor so it gives them enough of a jolt to keep them away but causes no physical harm. (Electric fencing material is available from farm suppliers)

Q1763 This is not a question but a Thanks!! I loved learning about the Pill Bugs and Sow Bugs. I have just moved here and found many Pill Bugs (the kind that curl) up in my home. I have always thought that they were cute since I was a kid. Since there are so many here in my house, I thought that I would look in to their origins. Good to know that they are harmless. Will try and reduce the moisture, but honestly, they don't bother me at all. Kind of cute! Aleigh. Vancouver

Q1762 I am writing hoping you can give me some information. I would like to know how to exterminate Powder Post Beetles. Any information would be greatly appreciated. I look forward to hearing back from you.
Kindest Regards, Andrew. Bahamas
Check our web page: Powder Post Beetles. There is no easy way to eliminate them all at one time but if you are persistent for a few years they can be controlled.

Q1761 how can you kill ferrow ants? i heard that they only come out after theres a million of them. is that true? Ingrid. Saskatoon.
A typical Pharaoh ant colony could have 100 thousand ants or more with numerous queens and many workers that make themselves quite visible when they hunt for food. The worst thing you can do is spray them with pesticides. You must use a quality bait. There is more information on our Pharaoh ant page.
You must be persistent and patient. It can take numerous treatments and you may be wise to hire a professional.

Q1760 We detected a problem a little over a week ago. We noticed shavings on some of the fire wood logs. We have started using these infected ones just now. Could you be kind enough to let me know what I could do to get rid of this infestation. We live in Montreal. Please let me know the name and brand of products that I could purchase. I do not mind going to Ontario, if need be to purchase any pest product. Desperate. Leslie
It sounds like powder post beetles
First: make sure the wood pile is not near your home. Second: Do not spray pesticides on the wood. When it is burned it could produce very toxic fumes. If you did spray, it will not kill the larva chewing below the wood surface. Third: Why worry about it? If you are going to burn the wood, you will eliminate the beetles. Read more about powder post beetles.

Q1759 How long does it take to get rid of bedbugs? I had someone come and fumigate my one bedroom apartment on Oct. 14/06. I was told that the chemical that they sprayed in my apartment lasts up for three weeks. Can you ever really get rid of bedbugs? Any information is appreciated. Laurence. Calgary
There is a lot more to getting rid of bed bugs than just spraying a residual pesticide. Fumigation is not a practical option in living spaces. It may take 2 or 3 service calls to eliminate them. Read: How to get rid of bedbugs

Q1758 My parents live in a house aprox. 60 yrs old. They have what I have identified as Indial meal moths. How can we get rid of them. We have thrown away boxes of food that were not open but they were able to infest. We see them mostly at night flying a little but mostly just sitting. This has been an on going problem. thank you. Ellen
Check all pet food, bird seed or other animal food. Be sure to thoroughly clean cupboards where the dry food was stored, especially any cracks or joints. If that fails, you may have to have a professional do a crack and crevice spray.

Q1757 My white vinyl siding was sprayed with skunk urine. How can I clean this and remove the yellow stain. We are sure that the skunk smelled the dog and was marking his territory but we need to clean this. We are hoping you can help. Judy. Cold Lake, Alberta
Try using the skunk odor formula on our skunk page. The peroxide should work well but try a little on a test spot first.

Q1756 We are losing sleep due to squirrels invasion of our attic. Please advise effective and permanent remedies. We dont want them dying and rotting in the attic. Our home is surrounded by many cedar trees. We eagerly await your advise and help. Warm regards...The Kumar Family
Cut back the tree branches close to the house. Find entry points and screen. them. Make a trap door they can get out but not back in. You could also try trapping them

Q1755 Do squirrels ever eat fish in a backyard Koi pond? If so, how do you get rid of them? Alice. Long Beach, CA.
NO. Not squirrels. You may have raccoons or mink visiting your pond. A local wildlife professional could probably trap it for you.

Q1754 Hello… I am hoping you can give me some insight and some information on spiders. I live in London Ontario in a new subdivision and I have an unfinished basement. I have encountered small spiders here and there but the other day went to the basement and at the end of the stairs I found a big chuncky spider(about the size of a fingertip)….it was black and the legs were chuncky. I honestly had never seen a spider that size here in Ontario. A second time I found another one almost that size in my garage. I am concerned since I have a small baby and I am afraid that he can get bit. Any idea of what kind of spider it is and is my family at risk? What can I do to get rid of them since I have no cluster in my house and I ensure it is clean. Please help. Thank you so much for your time. Sincerely Vanda
You will find identification information and control suggestions on the spider page.

Q1753 what chemical spray/powder will kill woodlice, I have recently purchased a home that had been vavant for 2 years I have sealed and repaired outside areas and want to eradicate the woodlice in the home
Rosalynne.. Feltham.
We assume you mean pill bugs or sow bugs. Don't waste money or time using pesticides, If you don't change the environmental conditions (too much moisture) they will keep returning. Try to dry out the home with ventilation.. More information on sow and pill bugs

Q1752 Mold damage to personal belongings. What is the responsibility of the landlord. How do I get money for my losses. Ed. Prince Edward, Island.
Sorry Ed, we do not get involved with legal matters. Talk to the provincial rental authorities, your local health department or a lawyer.

Q1751 I woke up with a pill bug "suctioned" onto my neck it was well attached much like a tick feels when it is attached is there anything to be concerned about, as far as toxins/etc. ? Rod W.
Pill bugs do not have mouth parts or legs that can attach themselves firmly to anything. They certainly do not have the ability to bite and are considered harmless to humans. More information on sow and pill bugs

Q1750 I am moving from a cockroach infested apartment into a basement apartment of a house. How can I avoid bringing cockroaches with me? Thank you.
Here are some good suggestions from the University of Minnesota extension department
I am moving from a cockroach infested apartment into a basement apartment of a house. How can I avoid bringing cockroaches with me? Thank you.
Here are some good suggestions from the University of Minnesota extension department.
(http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/housingandclothing/DK1003.html)

Take preventive measures to minimize moving cockroaches with you. When possible, use boxes and packing material from a place un-infested with cockroaches. When packing, watch for cockroaches and their egg capsules (fig. 7), removing and destroying any you find. The capsules are dark-colored and about the size and shape of a dry kidney bean. Ideally, it is best to take all boxes out of the home by night time and store in place that is un-infested with cockroaches. If boxes must be stored overnight in infested buildings, keep them off the floor and away from walls by placing them on chairs or tables. During the winter, you can store boxes in unheated locations, such as garages. Once you have arrived at your new home, again watch carefully for egg capsules and cockroaches that may have survived the trip. If you are not sure whether you brought any cockroaches with you, set out sticky traps to determine if they are present. It is much easier to deal with a small population of cockroaches right away than to allow them to become abundant and then try to treat them.

Q1749 Where can we get pheromone traps for the Webbing Clothes moth? Is there any retail out let in Toronto or we send away for them? John Morris
Contact PHEROTECH. See their ad on the Supplies for pest control pages. They may have a dealer in Toronto or can ship to you directly.

Q1748 We have small white maggots in our new basement bathroom, coming out from under the toilet, under the baseboards close to the shower. What are they and what can be done? Gisela, Markham, Ont.
Without seeing a photo it is impo0ssible to offer a positive identification. Scan through the pictures on the "What is this pest" pages to find something similar.

Q1747 We moved to the main floor of a house, we have a serious centipede problem in the house ,patios and garden, do you have any idea how we can get rid of them as quickly as possible? It's been 4 months and I'm tired of killing at least 2-3 of them each and every day!!!! Thanks.. Celine. Ottawa, Ontario.
Centipedes prefer to live in damp portions of basements, closets, bathrooms, under the house and beneath the bark of firewood stored indoors. House centipedes feed on small insects, insect larvae, and on spiders. control consists of drying up and cleaning, as much as possible, the areas that serve as habitat and food source. Insecticides can be used but are not necessary.

Q1746 We have had Pillbugs living in our septic system ever since our little girl dumped a jar full of them into the tub several years ago and I washed them down the drain. Now every night they come up our drains into the tubs and sinks by the dozens/hundreds. The tubs and sinks have traps. We are hesitant to dump a poison into our septic system. Any suggestions? Thanks! The bugs you find in the sinks and tub are not coming up the drains. They must have other entry points from a damp location.
You may have Pillbugs living in and around your septic tank but not under water and the jar full your little girl flushed was not likely responsible for the existing population. Look for other entry points and try to seal them.

Q1745 I live in a big old house out next to a corn field, and we have thousands of Asian ladybugs. I spray 7 insecticide almost daily, but I need something to make them want to leave, and stay away. Any ideas, such as herbs or something that they would hate. Thanks Sandy
Rather than using an insecticide you could try spraying with soapy water. It can be just as effective and better for your health and the environment. (use a pressure garden sprayer.) There is not much you can do to discourage them from coming to your house but you may be able to prevent their entry. by caulking and sealing some of the cracks and crevices around window frames, doors and in the siding. Read more about ladybugs

Q1744 Are there any inspections services available in the Red Deer area to determine air quality, presence of mold etc. I am looking for a qualified company to do an in depth inspection of a private residence. Your assistance is appreciated.Carson
The Alberta Pest Management Association may be able to put you in touch with a professional. Contact Amin at Ecopest: Phone: 780- 448-2661

Q1743 My daughter has a horse called bobby he has maggots in one of his hoofs, could you please tell me what is the cause and is there any treatment she can give to him has he is getting stressed. Tony. St. Helens Merseyside England
This is a problem that you should discuss with a veterinarian. Pest control is not the answer.

Q1742 Is there something or some product that will remove dried spider feces from white vinyl home siding? I think I've tried about everything shy of a wire brush. Some comes off easily, while some is baked on. Water and soap doesn't seem to break it...what will break down spider feces????
A good building supply store will sell a special cleaner for vinyl siding.

Q1741 i just moved into a new apartment and it's on the top (3rd) floor. At nite the pill bugs come out around both bedroom windows. I need a pet friendly way to get rid of 'em. Cathi.
Do you mean an apartment in a new building? If so, there is probably a lot of moisture still coming out of the plaster board finishing material. Try to reduce the humidity level with move ventilation. Always use the bathroom fan during and after a shower and the stove hood fan to extract moist air. Pill bugs can ot survive in dry air.

Q1740 I have a skunk that has gotten in under my house. I would like to chase it out of there without harming the animal or him spraying. Is there anything you can suggest for me to do. I do have access to the Michigan basement and know where it is getting in.. Patti
You can rent a trap and put it near the entry point. If successful put a tarp over the trap before transporting. Consult local laws re moving wildlife. You would probably be better off hiring a wildlife control professional

Q1739 there was a possum in our house for (2) days and finally removed this eve, but i want to know what dangers if any that of the possums carry. Will be disinfecting the entire bedroom where it was, but any info thanks.
Opossums can be carriers of a number of diseases including: tuberculosis, relapsing fever, herpes virus, tularemia, salmonella, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, Chagas Disease, yellow fever, and rabies (rarely). They are important reservoirs for leptospirosis (hemorrhagic jaundice) in wildlife and humans. Leptospirosis is transmitted through the urine and feces of infected animals. Humans frequently pick up the disease by eating unwashed produce or windfall fruit, or by putting umwashed hands to their mouth (gum, cigarettes, etc.). Opossums are also heavily infested with fleas, ticks, mites and lice which are known carriers and transmitlers of disease.

Q1738 I have what I believe is a burrowing rodent under my interlocked bricks and concrete sidewalk (I know there is room between the sidewalk and the ground do to shifting). I assume it is a burrowing rodent because I have filled the holes with crushed gravel and rocks and the creature eventually digs his way out... If I lift up the interlocking brick I can see a single path dug though the sand. How is the best way to remove this rodent and what do you suspect it is. Thanks. Don. Regina, Sask.
Rats, mice, moles and gophers all dig underground tunnels. If it the tunnels are large enough it is probably a rat. You could try using a trap at the entry hole. Cover it with a box with a 2 inch hole in each end. This should be strong enough to keep other animals out of the trap.

Q1737 My job is community based and go into a lot of different homes, I am concerned about all the rat and mice droppings. The droppings are all over the house and am concerned of what we are breathing in at the home and how dangerous? Leanne. Port Simpson, BC.
Rats and mice can carry numerous diseases and spread them in their urine and feces. You should be concerned, especially for the residents in these homes. Perhaps an educational program should be implemented before the whole community gets ill. Remember, one third of the world's population was wiped out by the black plague, spread by rat fleas. Read more about rodents

Q1736 Is there a way to get rid of termites in a mobile home without a professionals help. and how can I tell the difference between a termite and a winged ant...and is their destruction the same...thanks Sue. Surrey, BC.
The easiest way to tell the difference: termites have a two part body. Ants have a three part body. If you have termites, they are likely dampwood termites. They are only found in wet decaying wood. The simple solution is get rid of the wet decaying wood and stop the leaks in your trailer. Carpenter ants can survive quite well in dry sound wood so they can be much more destructive. To avoid a lot of frustration, expenses and potential damage, call a professional to get rid of carpenter ants. It will cost less in the end and the job will be done right. Phone 2 or 3 for an estimate. Directory of professionals in Surrey

Q1735 We have pet Love Birds. When we buy bulk seed for them, we always have an outbreak of moths in our home. We don't want to resort to packaged seed because bulk is so much cheaper. We thought about toasting the seed for a while, but are aftraid of them not liking the seed afterwards. Does anyone have any suggestions to how we can kill the eggs that are probably already in the seed? Michelle.
You are importing Indian Meal moth eggs and larva. Packages bird seed can be just as bad because it is not treated for human consumption. Try freezing the seed for a few days. Store it in containers with tight lids. (not in your pantry. garage is a good place) Check all your dry foods for small worms and throw out anything that has been open for a while. Read more about meal moths

Q1734 A cat got the sticky substance from a sticky rat trap all over her fur. How do we remove it? Rose
Cooking oil will release the glue from the fur.

Q1733 How do you exterminate a mice infestation when there are pet cats in the house. A company came in and layed down five black box poison traps. This not only did not get rid of the mice, but the mice chewed holes in my living room set and crawlde up inside and died. The stench is impossible to get out ,even after professionals came and cleaned my living room set four times. Two years ago I was bitten by a mouse and got a permanent disease from it. Therefore I will not touch any kind of mouse. Does your company do followups to check the traps and look for rotting dead mice that may have crawled up in the furniture? Leaving traps has proven to be VERY ineffective as even with the traps here, I was killing at least five mice a day. What would be your professional solution? Eunice. Calgary, Alberta
A professional should do a thorough inspection to determine what food sources are attracting mice. What routes they are taking to enter your living space and then provide a solution to get rid of the existing population. There are not a lot of choices: traps or poison. Using traps requires daily maintenance and this can get expensive paying a professional for service calls. Poison is usually the most effective method but there is a risk of having dead mice decay in undesirable places. Traps and poison should not be placed in your living space if there is a crawlspace or basement below it. You don't want to attract them where you don't want them!

Q1732 Our house has been infested with inch long, black/brown, hard shelled worms. Each and everyday I find them all over the house. They seem to be "asleep" in the sunlight and curl up into a ring. In the evening when they are interrupted while walking, they also curl up into a ring. What are these. Is there anyway to get rid of them. I don't want to share my house with these worms any longer. It's awful. We also have house pets and I'm very concerned these worms may pass something onto my pets. Any suggestions? Is there a spray or powder or anything that I can use to get rid of these worms. NIXX. Newmarket, Ontario
I sounds like you have centipedes or millipedes. Millipedes are harmless. Some centipedes can inflict a painful sting. Rake away leaves and other moisture holding debris around the perimeter of the home. Caulk any cracks cracks in the foundation, lower stucco or siding. Their entry is a seasonal thing and should not last too long.

Q1731 Does any body know how to remove centapede stingers imbedded in a persons skin. i have several of them. i was able to pick-out some of them in tiney pieces over a week or so. i now have some on my back and they are extreemly painful. any info or direction of who to ask would be greatly appreciated. thanks ken
Centipedes use their 2 front legs to pierce their prey and inject a venom. They do not leave a stinger behind. you may have brushed off a centipede and broke off the legs but not likely a number of centipedes. The reaction to these stings can linger on and cause considerable pain. You should consult your Doctor.

Q1730 Can mice chew through ABS pipe like the pipe that comes up out of a sump pump. I can here one below our floor and it sounds like it is chewing the pipe??? Trevor. Peterborough, Ontario.
Yes. Rodents chew constantly and plastic pipe is a common target. If it is very loud I would suspect it is a rat. They cause millions of dollars damage chewing into plastic water pipes.

Q1729 I have an apple wood branch that I intended to use for a pet parrot tree. When I was removing the bark, I noticed some small pin holes which are probably the result of Powder Post Beetles. According to a site for making homemade bird perches, they advised to bake the small branches and wrap the larger in plastic for 30 days to kill any bugs. I currently have the branch wrapped in plastic and duct tape. I do not feel that 30 days would be long enough. I am looking for advice as to whether or not keeping it wrapped over the winter would be sufficient or is there another means to insure there will be no bugs. Pesticides are NOT an option.
Lori.
Wrapping the branch in plastic will not kill powder post beetles. Try to find a freezer large enough that you can leave it in for about a week. That should kill the larva.

Q1728 How true is the information that pandan leaves can repel cockroach? What chemical do this leafs have?
We are not aware of any scientific evidence that specifically proves the effectiveness of Panden leaves on cockroaches but the Singapore science center. has an interesting web site that discusses the topic of natural substances used for pest control.
http://www.science.edu.sg/ssc/detailed.jsp?artid=1518&type=6&root=5&parent=5&cat=59

Q1727 I have read your description of bedbug control and haven't seen this addressed. Can paint be used to seal the bugs harboring in cracks in wood that is used as a mattress platform? This would be done in addition to other measures, of course, but can it be effective? Valerie. Boulder, Co.
Sealing any cracks with wood filler, caulking or paint will reduce hiding places for bed bugs. If there are bedbugs in the wood platform, you could have a professional spray it with a residual insecticide. Bedbugs.

Q1726. I'm fighting a rat invasion in my house, and I've heard that mothballs repel rats. Truth or fiction?
Melissa, Oklahoma City.
According to the best rodentologist, Dr. Bobby Corrigan, moth balls have no effect. Rats need food and shelter. If both are available, moth balls will not deter them. Moth balls may help disguise the odor of rat urine and feces. Stick with conventional solutions: eliminate the food source, block off entry points. Use traps or poison bait. A pest professional can show you how. Read more about rats.

Q1726 We have cement steps at the front of our house and entrance. There is a crack between the bottom step and the adjacent sidewalk and we have a wasp nest inside. They bother the mailman etc. Can you provide any advice on how to get rid of them without using liquids like gas or kerosene which we don't want to pour into the ground? Stan. Grand Prairie, Alberta
The best solution is have a professional inject a residual insecticide dust into the crack. You are wise not to pour gas or kerosene into the ground. .

Q1725 How can I get rid of skunk odor outside my house? Joy. Michigan
If you can determine what the skunk has sprayed, you may be able to wash it using the formula on our skunk web page.

Q1724 I have a question about tiny black ants in Fairview Oregon, USA, in a brand new row-housing development. We had these ants since we moved in. I believe they come out from under the floor, where the carpet meets the linoleum, or possibly a wall? If a piece of cereal or sugar is dropped on the carpet, or kitchen floor, then we have ants, otherwise they stay hidden--gross! They also seem to come out at night more than the day. Do you think they have a nest under the carpet? I can feel something round shaped in some spots, and don't know if it's cracking foundation, or huge ants nests. My husband won't let me rip up the carpet, but I can't stand these things! Our home is built on a floating foundation, would that help them get in? Should I look for cracks in the foundation outside and poison w/ baits then seal the concrete outside if it has cracks? Thanks. Joy.
It's not likely to have a nest under the carpet but they are probably traveling under the baseboard from a nest Under your foundation or outside. Seal up the cracks in the basement floor or foundation with caulking. Take a sample of the ant to a professional that sells pesticides and buy the correct bait. Use the bait sparingly but replace it frequently. READ THE LABEL.

Q1723 i have fleas in my mattress what home remedie can I use to get rid of them? Or over the counter stuff?
Home remedies will not stop the cycle of eggs and larva into adult fleas. You may be able to purchase a product with and adulticide and growth regulator from a local pest. professional or veterinarian but READ THE LABEL. Spraying pesticides on a mattress is not a good idea.

Q1722 I have bees that are making a nest in my flower bed. I have big rocks that a chippy made a hole and they are using it to make a nest with the lose ground. They bees were in 5 different hole in the yard next to the flower bed most of the summer. They did chase me last week when I mowed the yard. Now I have them building a BIG nest. I did spray once but it did not do any good. Help! How do I get rid of them, will they die now that it's getting cold? Will the same nest be back next year in the same spot? Anxiously awaiting a response, thanks. .Penny.
It's pretty natural to have bees in a flower bed. Bees are seldom a threat except when their nest is threatened. Wasps and hornets can get quite aggressive in the fall. When the cold weather arrives they will be gone. Surviving queens do not return to the same nest in the spring but may build a new one nearby.

Q1721 I have a dead mouse somewhere inside the heating ducts, i am wondering if turning on the heat will pose a health risk by sending "bad air" throughout my house.
It could cause a problem if there is any dust in your air ducts. Mice carry viruses that are in their urine and feces. These viruses can attach to dust particles, become airborne, and be inhaled by occupants in the home..
Read about hantavirus.

Q1720 We have these bugs that crawl up our walls or our bathroom floor. They look like cocoons of grey cotton and they have a little reddish worm that crawls out of the top and pulls the cocoon along. Do you know what this is? I thought it was an early stage of a silver fish, but I am not sure. Can you help us? Thanks, S

You may have Casemaking clothes moths. The Casemaking clothes moth encloses itself in a portable case that it drags about wherever it goes. Clothes moths will eat a wide range of fibers including hair, fur, silk, felt and feathers. Serious infestations of clothes moths can develop undetected in a home, causing significant damage to clothing, bedding, floor coverings and other articles. See the photos on this page: clothes moths

Q1719 a bunch of bugs came poring out of my bag of parrot food. They were really small and black. They didn't look like they had wings. Please help what are these? Kelly.
It is common to find insect pests in bird seed because it is not treated for human consumption. Many of these insects are "small and black". Have a look at the photos on the Stored Food Pests page for identification.

q1718 hi there, im sorry i do not have a photo.
A spider was on my shoulder at 6:30 am in my apartment kitchen. it must have fell from the ceiling and when it saw it it really freaked me out. This happened a few days ago and i've been looking on the internet for a similar picture of the spider. The one one that comes close is a black widow. Being from Winnipeg, Manitoba i don't really see how it could have been. But it was the same really dark shinny black skin (shivers) and the same freaky legs (ewwww) the butt of the spider was the same up turned butt as the black widow. must have been about the size of a loonie with legs around an inch and a half or so. i'm begging for some help with this matter since it really did install a tremendous amount of fear into me the moment i saw it and still...you know when you see and feel a creepy bug on you and for the next little bit you just keep swatting the spot the bug was on your body? well, i've been doing that for 4 days now, and i dont think it'll stop till i know what it was...please, help. . Take Care, Donna
p.s. thank you for the wonderful website, im truly enjoying the photos of all the crazy bugs!
Black widow spiders have a red hourglass shape marking on the underside. See the photo and description on the spider page.

Q1717 Are there any birds or insects that eat boxelder bugs in their diet and what is the best way (environmentally safe) to rid masses of them other that cutting down the tree? I have done the detergent spray and they are still all over in rocks, etc.

Q1716. Spiders are making a real mess on my white siding what can I do to stop it.
Keep spraying them with soapy water. It will kill the spiders and clean your siding at the same time.

Q1715 I had a problem years ago with a wasp nest in my attic, above my daughters bedroom. Yes, 6 feet above her head there were thousands of wasps! It literally scared the s--t out of us. Anyway, the layer of paper was the only thing between her and the wasps. Will wasps eat drywall and if not what caused the drywall (gypsum board) to deteriorate??
Yes. I have seen wasps chew through a drywall ceiling. There may be something in the drywall that is used to build their nest.

Q1714 Hi there, I just have a quick question for you. My cottage is in Kingston ontario. I have seen a few insects that really resemble cockroaches out side of the cottage, under stuff on the deck. Random stuff like a cardboard box or potted plants. I have also seen one in the basement of my house.They scurry away as soon as you lift whatever they are hiding under has been moved. Now it said in your site, which is wonderful by the way ( I found the other bug i was looking for, collembolan), that cockroaches wont tolerate cold climate and the cottage is not winterized. Could you let me know if you know of any bugs that look like roaches? I'm really quite weirded out. Thanks so much. Have a great day!

If you sent a photo we could probably identify them for you. There are a number of species of roaches that appear quite different from each other.

Q1713 We just left a house of a person and have fleas all over us. What is a home remedy to get them out of hair. Jo
They can be removed with a flea comb but washing your hair with a strong shampoo should get rid of them.

Q1712 How do I get rid of slugs in my yard without harming my puppy?
Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the vegetation they are eating or make some traps: small cans buried to the rim and filled with beer. .

Q1711 I live in a cement condo/apartment buliding, underground parking and I'm the 15th stoey, last floor.
This year I have noticed these flat silver/black/shiny grey tear drop or a drop of water shaped bugs throught-out my apartment. These bugs move very quickly, slithering very fast. They are just flat like a piece of paper and they appear to have no legs (not a silver fish). It appears that they move with the whipping of their tails (sperm like tail movement but not as thin). When trying to catch them, they slither and disapear under baseboards head first leaving just the tip of the tail out. When trying to trap them they move very quickly even my cat can not catch them!. Are they dangerous? I have called the building maintenace and they know about this but they do not have a sample to know exactly what they look like and I dont have a picture. They asked if I could trap one before the 18th of September and then they will know what they are dealing with. How do I trap them? They seem to only appear when its dark, like a bathroom, closet, or the dining room when not lite. MY cat sits at the base boards and waits, they come out but as soon as there is movement they are gone. What are these strange bugs? Priscilla, Gloucester, Ontario
Are your sure they are not silverfish? You may purchase some insect monitor traps to place around the baseboards. They will stick to the glue in the traps and then you can have them positively identified.

Q1710 Sir: I my be the "victim" of a group of friends who live in Northern Ontario -- I am from southern Ontario -- they are trying to tell me that there is a "bush spider" about four inches big. Is this just another "tall tale" or this case a "many legged tale"? Thank you Anne

Q1709 i didnt know what what outside but it was huge and then we caught it with its prey and there both still alive the the cicada is paralyzed, my daughter wants to bring it to school to show her science teacher and my question is how can i keep them alive and when with the cicada become un paralyzed?
thank you. angie. lake Charles, Louisiana
The cicada will likely die. The wasp should live for some time in a jar if it is kept in a cool shady place.

Q1708 i will be moving soon i already have been exterminating for roaches by aardvark my question is can i save my stove refrigerator and washer and dryer or get new ones to replace old. Joseph.
Yes. Thoroughly clean them then have the professional inspect and treat if necessary.

Q1707 I have sow (pill) bugs crawling into my house. I am going crazy killing them each morning. I left moth balls all over. Will bay leaves help? Any suggestions? Thank you so much for your help and feedback! Molly.
There may be some household remedies that will discourage sow/pill bugs but the only solution to eliminate the problem long term is to eliminate the reason they are there: TOO MUCH MOISTURE. As we have said many times before, they can not survive in a dry environment. Read more about sow bugs

Q1706 I have hundreds of Milkweed bugs in my garden this year. Are they a pest or damaging? I know they feed on seed, but do they do damage to the plants? They are hatching everywhere! Should I be concerned or not? I’m having a hard time finding out anything on the web about control of them. Thanks for any help you can give me, Jennifer
We are not garden experts but understand these insects are not much of a problem.

Q1705 I have roaches and fleas, how much does it cost to get rid of them? Tiffany. Toronto
Contact 2 or 3 professionals and ask for a rough estimate. See our directory for a list of Toronto professionals.

Q1704 For several years now on and off during the year, some kind of animal, I suspect (squirrel or chipmunks) some how is getting into my closed off attic, no excess. I have had several contractors look at fairly new house and no one, even environmental conservation personal have been able to figure out how something could get in. I usually hear it at night,at dark storing food I think, I have have a heart traps set, and have tried alot of different things, any suggestions or home poison I could try, I am afraid it will cause extensive damage, fire or something to the attic, I see squirrel and chipmunks some in the day. thank you L
You may have rodents following the plumbing vent stacks from under your house up to the attic. Look for droppings to determine what rodent it is then take appropriate action.

Q1703 How do we get rid of a Mother Raccoon and her two kits??? They have made their home in our attic. We have aluminum wiring & very worried about a fire! We have already tried to catch & relocate them via a HAVEAHART cage, the trap was set with ribs & on a later occasion with fish. NO LUCK so far. Thanks. Karl. Scarborough, Ont.
The risk seems high enough and the damage serious enough that it would probably be a good investment to hire a professional. Raccoons are pretty smart and it takes some experience to trap them.

Q1702 when painting my back steps I discovered what I believe are the exit holes of "woodworm" and piles of sawdust .on the steps and on the painted wooden siding near the steps. the holes are small, about the size of the head of a sewing pin or slightly larger. One of the boards on the corner of my house is completely rotten with them and the pinholes probably extend over an area of about 8-12 sq feet on the siding. (Latex paint recently but possibly oil originally ) Can this be home -treated or do I need professionals? Can it be done without taking off the siding? Would the whole house have to be treated? Thanks for your great site. Bea, Vancouver, BC
It sounds like you have powder post beetles. They can be treated without removing the siding but total elimination is very difficult. This is explained on the powder post beetle page.

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