8 Things Attracting Rats to Your Home

Rats are certainly unwelcome house guests; however, they can be sneaky and nestle their way into your home without you even noticing. You may not know it, but your home may be attracting rats to it. It is important to be aware of what things in your or around your home may be attracting rats to your living space. Read our list to find out what may be attracting rats to your home and what precautions you should be taking.

Garbage

Leaving your garbage cans out without proper securement can attract rats to your home. Rats have a very good sense of smell, if they smell food around your home, they will find their way. When you leave out waste in a garbage can that does not have proper securement rats can easily make their way into them. Rats are sneaky and they will make themselves comfortable near your waste, especially if it is easily accessible. We highly recommend getting a secure garbage can in order to avoid rats being attracted to your home.

Unsecured Food

As mentioned, rats have a great sense of smell and when it comes to food they are determined to access it in any way possible. If you have a lot of food in your home that is not secured well, such as sitting in a plastic bag, unwrapped, or sitting in opened boxes, rats will make their way to it when they can. Rats do not discriminate when it comes to food, they won’t only go for human food they will also go for bags of pet food or bird seeds. Seal your food and put them into containers whenever possible.

Pet waste

If your pet uses your yard as a bathroom, it is important to clean it regularly. Even though waste may not seem like food to humans, to rats it is still considered a meal. Leaving pet waste in the yard will attract rats. Not only will they easily be able to follow the sent to your home, but they also will find this as a simple and accessible meal. Likely rats will hang around your home in the hopes of a new meal. They may even become brave enough to venture into your home

Holes and cracks – even small ones

Make sure your home does not have any holes or cracks that a rat can enter through. Be mindful that rats can enter your home through cracks as small as ½ of an inch. They are very good at squeezing through small spaces. Though we may be quick to seal large holes or cracks in the house, we may be slower to seal smaller ones. However these cracks are still accessible for rats, and you ignoring them will not do you any good – however the rats will appreciate it.

Clutter

Rats like clutter as it provides a safe and hidden shelter. If it is outside in your yard or around your garage, they will use it as a shelter from the weather. Clutter in your home is also a great hiding place for rats. They may quickly make this their home and start breeding – increasing your infestation. If you have a lot of clutter in your home, this could certainly attract rats and allow them to stay since it is an inviting place and easy for them to hide from you. If you are concerned about an infestation, it is best to contact professionals.

Plants

Both indoor and outdoor plants can attract rats – especially ones that produce fruit. Plants provide shelter, soft soil, water and possibly food as well – a perfect nest for a rat to build its home. If you keep large or bushy plants in your home, it also is a good place for a rat to hide. As a bonus for a rat, because it is in your home it provides extra shelter and warmth. Check your plants often for any signs of rats.

Drainpipes

A leaky pipe, hose, bird bath or outdoor water bowls for your pet can be attracting rats. A leaking hose outside in the garden may not seem like its causing harm, however, this constant source of clean water is attracting rats into your home. Rats will stick around areas where they can find food or water with ease. If your home is providing water for them, they will certainly begin to make themselves comfortable. Eventually, the rats may try and make their way into your home, where there is shelter, warmth and food. Keep rats away by ensuring you do not have any sources of clean water that they will find appealing to be near.

Comfort and Warmth

Your home is paradise for a rat. They crave warm and comfortable environments to sleep and to live in. Your home is likely an ideal environment for rats. Even if you follow this list thoroughly and ensure you keep all your food packed away, clean up after your pet, ensure that your home is not accessible, your waste is secure, etc. It may still be difficult to keep rats away, so it is important to be mindful and keep an eye out for any rats. If you are worried that your home may have rats, it is best to contact the professionals for rat removal services as soon as possible, to prevent the situation from escalating.

Taking the precautions to prevent rats is crucial in preventing a rat infestation. However, although you may be taking all the right steps and precautions, rats will still be attracted to your home. If they can make their way inside and make themselves at home, they certainly will. If you are concerned about a rat infestation, it is best to contact professionals before the situation escalates. Hire an experienced exterminator who has knowledge and experience in this field. SOS Wildlife Control cares about the health and safety of our customers. We provide long term benefits that prevent future infestations, all while keeping your health, your family’s health and/or the office’s health in mind – pets included! If you are concerned that you may have an infestation in your home or your office, contact us for safe elimination that does not jeopardize your health and safety.

If you find a rat on your property call us at (647) 994-9453 or 1-800-981-0330 or speak to a local pest technician immediately. If you’ve seen one there is probably many more.

7 Signs of Cockroaches in Your Home

Cockroaches are certainly unwelcome houseguests. They can quickly invade your home and infest your space. If they make their way into your home and get comfortable, they may reproduce quickly, increasing the problem. It is important to catch cockroaches early in order to prevent a large infestation from occurring. With our years of experience at SOS Wildlife Control, our experts have seen many tell-tale signs of cockroach infestations. We have created this list in order to help you identify your problem and seek professional help.

  • You See A Cockroach

Although not all signs may be obvious, this one definitely is. If you see a cockroach (or two) in your home, this may be a sign that you have cockroaches. Cockroaches are nocturnal, which means they typically come out at night. This means the best time to catch a cockroach is at night. If you are finding cockroaches during the day, this can be a sign of large infestation occurring in your home.

  • Skin Shedding

Cockroaches shed their skin around 5-8 times in their life cycle. If you often find what appears to be the shedding of insect casing, particularly in similar areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, or around the garbage, this may be a sign of cockroach infestation.

  • Cockroach eggs

Cockroaches reproduce quickly, meaning that it is likely that you may find their eggs, or the casing of the eggs called oothecae. The eggs and their casings are oblong in shape and brown in colour. It may be more difficult to find eggs with the unhatched cockroaches inside as often, they are hidden in areas that may be difficult to find. However, the casings that are left behind after a cockroach has hatched and left, are much easier to spot and are a good sign that there are cockroaches in your home, and they have made themselves comfortable. Places you may find oothecae are around pantries, in cracks, behind furniture, in books as well as other protected and sheltered areas.

  • Cockroach droppings

Cockroaches have a large appetite and a fast metabolism; this means that you are likely to find their droppings as they digest food quickly. These pests basically eat what they can find, such as human food, plant matter, feces and dead skin. Likely if it is accessible to them, they will eat it. These pests and their large appetites often lead to them leaving a lot of droppings behind.  Cockroach feces range in appearance such as appearing similar to coffee grounds, oval pellets, specks that resemble pepper and sometimes brown stains. If you are noticing there is a large amount of feces left behind, this is a good indicator of a large infestation. You may find these droppings in high traffic cockroach areas such as around sinks, in pantries and cupboards, behind the stove or refrigerator, as well as other areas where you may store food. Check these areas and remove any dirt, waste or food to prevent cockroaches from having access to food.

  • You Smell Them

As cockroaches defecate, they leave behind a musty order which sends signals to other cockroaches to congregate. Although one cockroach alone can leave an odour, the more cockroaches there are, the worse the smell. This apparent smell can indicate a large infestation. Also, as cockroaches die and their bodies decompose, this will also create a scent, indicating to you that you may have a cockroach infestation.

  • Smearing

Cockroaches that are attracted to water may leave behind smear marks. As they crawl through water, they may leave behind smear marks that appear brownish in colour. Check for smear marks around sinks, bathrooms, showers and tubs.

  • Signs of Damage

As cockroaches are not very polite houseguests and make themselves very comfortable in your home, they may leave behind signs of damage. Check areas where you keep food, food packaging, as well as books or leather. If you notice damage to these goods, this may be a sign of cockroaches.

Call the Professionals

Cockroaches are not pleasant houseguests and are likely causing damage or distress to your household, as well as pose risks to you and your families health. Although there are signs in order to determine if you have a cockroach infestation, it may not always be apparent. If you suspect that you may have an infestation, it is always wise to call the professionals in order to assess and deal with the pests. Here at SOS Wildlife Control we care about our customers and their satisfaction with our work. Our experts have the skill and experience to provide effective and efficient solutions for your pest problem. We pride ourselves on our work and the positive feedback we receive from our clients. If you suspect that you may have a cockroach infestation or require professional assistance in effectively removing an infestation call us at (647) 994-9453 or 1-800-981-0330 for all of your pest removal needs and we guarantee your satisfaction.

How to Prevent Lymantria dispar dispar (European gypsy moth) in Ontario

This season has definitely brought an unpleasant experience for many Ontarians as a species of caterpillars called Lymantria dispar dispar (European gypsy moth) have begun to take over their properties. These are an invasive species of moth caterpillars that have overtaken many peoples’ properties and stripped trees bare. As they are an invasive species, they can be difficult to get rid of once they have made themselves at home. However, there are ways to prevent these creatures from getting too comfortable and ruining your property. If you are seeking methods to prevent Lymantria dispar dispar (European gypsy moth) from overtaking your yard, continue reading!

Identify Lymantria dispar dispar (European gypsy moth)

In order to appropriately prevent these creatures from invading, it is important to be able to identify them and tell them apart from other critters. When they are in their caterpillar stage, they are identified by the blue and red dots on their backs. They have 5 pairs of blue dots and six pairs of red dots, lined on their backs. When they are adults the females are around 5cm in wingspan, they are white, and they cannot fly. Whereas males are brown, have a wingspan of around 2.5cm and they can fly. When spotting a female, you may also notice egg masses, which are where the females store their eggs, they are tan in colour and appear fuzzy. If you notice the egg sacs it is important to dispose of them as soon as possible and using the correct method. We will further explain those methods below! Identifying these moths early on is important in order to plan ahead and prevent them from running rampant on your property.

Get rid of the Egg masses

If you spot moth egg masses on your property, it is likely you may already have an infestation. Lymantria dispar dispar (European gypsy moth) egg masses will often hatch the following spring. In order to prevent a second infestation the following season, it is important to get rid of and destroy egg masses. These female moths prefer to lay their eggs masses in shaded and protected areas. These areas include stacks of firewood, under picnic tables, lawn furniture, trailers, bases of trees and tree trunks. In order to prevent the return of these moths next season, simply removing them will not be enough. If you have found an egg mass, remove it and place it into a bucket of soapy water. You can also bury them or burn them. Getting rid of these egg masses are important in preventing the return of Lymantria dispar dispar (European gypsy moth) the following season.

Barrier Bands

Lymantria dispar dispar (European gypsy moth) are attracted to the trees on your property, leaving the trees and your property in a complete mess. Barrier bands are a helpful method in order to prevent them from climbing up your tree and destroying its leaves. You can select sticky barrier bands which are wrapped around the trunk of your tree and trap the caterpillars before they can continue to the top. Wrap the bands around your tree at around chest level. Another method is using burlap bands around your trees. The caterpillars will often become caught and tangled underneath the burlap bands. These methods have been effective in trapping and preventing caterpillars from destroying trees. If caterpillars are unable to gain access to trees, they are likely to remove themselves from your property in order to find what they are looking for. You can check daily to remove any caterpillars you may find caught in your bands and add a new band to the tree.

Keep your Yard Tidy

As mentioned above, female moths prefer to lay the egg sacs in shaded and protected areas. If you have any lawn furniture, firewood, tables or other items in your yard causing clutter, it would be wise to clean out your yard. Leaving your yard filled with clutter could be inviting these moths to return throughout the seasons. If you have an infestation, cleaning out your yard will help in preventing female moths from making your yard the shelter and shade they seek for their eggs.

Call the professionals

Lymantria dispar dispar (European gypsy moth) infestations can certainly be troublesome and getting rid of them yourself can be overwhelming. If you are unsure how to prevent or get rid of these caterpillars and moths, contact us at SOS Wildlife control for our Lymantria dispar dispar spraying services and we will do our best to answer your questions and meet your needs. With our expertise and knowledge of pests, we can provide you with our insight and services!

Although these caterpillars and moths can be difficult to prevent once they have taken over, there are methods to ensure that they do not return next season. Ensure that you are able to identify the caterpillars and moths, keep your yard clean, get rid of egg masses and use barrier bands. At SOS Wildlife Control we are trusted for safe and effective pest control and wildlife removal for Toronto and the surrounding GTA. If you suspect an infestation or need assistance in effectively removing wildlife from your space call us locally at (647) 995 – 9453 or toll free at 1-800 – 981 – 0330 for all of your wildlife removal needs.

Are Cockroaches Dangerous for Your Health?

Finding a cockroach in your living space is certainly an unpleasant feeling. Cockroaches are considered pests that are particularly dirty, as they will feast on anything including feces, waste as well as dead skin. These pests are known to be dangerous for your health due to their unhygienic habits that can be passed along to humans. We at SOS Wildlife Control understand that a cockroach infestation can be a scary situation due to the health risks associated with them. If you suspect an infestation, call the professionals  to asses and solve your cockroach problem.  

Diseases

Cockroaches are known to carry diseases and spread bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, as well as parasitic worms. They are can also be carriers of diseases that impact the intestines such as typhoid fever, cholera, dysentery and diarrhea. These diseases can be passed along if you and a cockroach have shared the same food or in some cases if you come into contact with them.

Allergens

Cockroaches have an impact on individuals with allergies as well as asthma. They can trigger allergies and asthma as they are among common sources of indoor allergens. It is believed that the enzymes that are produced in a cockroach and excreted through shedding, eggs, saliva and excrements can cause allergic reactions among humans. There are some way to try to remove cockroaches by yourself, but its best to leave these to professionals as you never know where they are hiding.

Coming into Contact

Coming into contact with cockroaches can potentially pose a risk to your health. Although they do not bite, they can scratch. They have heavy leg spines which can pierce the skin and become infected. They could also transfer any diseases they may be carrying onto you.

Cockroaches and Your Pets

In most cases cockroaches view your furry friend as a threat and will typically flee to avoid contact with your pet. However, in some rare cases, if cockroaches are desperate for food, they may feed off of the skin of your pets. Your pet may have some discomfort and itching from the bites. They also may potentially get infections from the bites as well. Keep in mind that although it is rare, it is still possible.

If you are concerned  that you may have a cockroach infestation, it is best to call the professionals as cockroaches can carry diseases which can be transferred to you, your family and potentially your pets. Here at SOS Wildlife Control we care about our customers and their satisfaction with our work. Our experts have the skill and experience to provide effective and efficient solutions for your pest problem. We pride ourselves on our work and the positive feedback we receive from our clients. If you suspect that you may have a cockroach infestation or require professional assistance in effectively removing an infestation call us at (647) 994-9453 or 1-800-981-0330 for all of your pest removal needs and we guarantee your satisfaction.  

10 Ways to Get Rid of Termites

Termites are difficult pests to manage. Once you have an infestation you may feel as though you are unable to control the situation. Here at SOS Wildlife Control we want to offer some of our tips that may be helpful in managing termites if the situation is not too escalated. Continue reading to find a tip that may work for you! 

Liquid termite barrier 

Liquid termite barrier is a type of liquid poison. In this method you spread the liquid outside across the perimeter of your home, near the base and the foundation. Once a termite is impacted by the poison it is slow affecting, meaning the impacted termite can spread the toxicity to other termites in the colony before it dies. This slowly works through the colony. However, this method can be costly considering the amount that needs to be used across the perimeter of your home. It also is not an effective method for drywood termites or for infestation inside the home as it is meant for the outside of the home. It also could pose health risks to your family or pets if you are not careful. 

Chemical Treatment 

If you are struggling with a termite infestation inside the home, you may need to use a direct chemical treatment. Many are offered as foam which is much more effective for termites than spray. This method also kills both subterranean and drywood ants. However, there could be health risks involved if exposed. Additionally, this method is unlikely to be effective to kill the entire colony. 

Poisonous Bait

Bait is a great way to attract termites towards their doom. When termites are attracted to the poisonous bait, they bring it back to their colony where the rest of the termites feast on it until their demise. However, although this may sound simple, it is not effective against drywood termites. There is also the risk of poison that is associated with poisonous bait. We recommend being very careful with poisonous bait, especially if you have any small children or pets. 

Boric Acid 

Boric acid is a powder and it is not as poisonous or toxic as the other options mentioned. This is also a low-cost method for dealing with termites. It impacts the termites by affecting their digestive system over the course of 3 – 7 days. Simply spread the powder around the impacted area. However, this method does not last very long and needs to be reapplied often. If using this outside it is important to remember that if it rains it must be reapplied as the rain will impact the effectiveness. It also is not very effective in dealing with a large colony of termites and will likely be ineffective in the long run if the colony is large. 

Diatomaceous Earth 

This method is the best choice for natural removal of pests and is completely non-toxic. It works by impacting their exoskeletons and leaves their bodies dehydrated which will eventually lead to their death. Simply spread the dirt around the affected area. Although it is a great way to manage a small colony, it will not be effective for a large infestation. Additionally, it is only effective for above ground termites, not subterranean termites. 

Beneficial Nematodes 

This is another method that is natural and non-harmful for humans. These nematodes are small roundworms that destroy harmful insects by invading its body and feeding off of it. They breed and multiply while they are feasting on the termites, which means more nematodes to destroy the termites. This particular method can only be used outdoors and cannot be used on termites that are inside the home. They are also unfortunately not effective on drywood termites. 

Cardboard Trap

A simple and cost-effective way to manage a termite problem. With a couple large strips of cardboard, wet them and stack them on top of the affected area. The termites will be attracted to the wet carboard and feed off of the cellulose. Once the cardboard is overtaken with termites, bring the cardboard to a safe area and burn it. You may need to repeat the process multiple times to make a dent in the colony. Although this method may not be effective for removing the entire colony, it is a quick way to remove many termites at once. 

Use Sunlight 

If you have wooden items or furniture that is infested, you may be able to salvage it by placing it outside on a very sunny day.  Termites thrive in darkness and humidity; therefore, the heat and the light of the sun can kill them. It is best to let the item sit in bright hot sun for 2 – 3 days. Although this method may be effective for salvaging an item, it is not effective for getting rid of large infestations. 

Freeze Termites 

If you are not in a sunny place or the season is off, freezing termites may work just as well. The freezing temperatures can kill of the termites that are feeding off of your wood item or furniture. However, this method does not work for an entire termite colony. In fact, termite colonies are not dormant in the winter, they typically hide underground and remain active in the winter. Be careful not to assume because it is winter that your termite infestation will go away. 

Call the Professionals 

Although there are different methods to get rid of termites, not all of them are necessarily effective, long lasting or particularly safe. It is important to consider the health and safety of yourself and your family when looking at treating termites. You also need to consider the effectiveness of the treatment to avoid increasingly difficult infestations that can completely destroy your home and pose safety risks to you and your family. 

Termites are capable of causing real damage to your home. This puts you and your family’s safety at risk. Although we may want to take care of the situation ourselves, the methods are not always effective and are not always effective. It is important to catch termites early to avoid infestations becoming too severe and dangerous for your family. We highly recommend that you hire an experienced exterminator who has knowledge and experience in this field. SOS Wildlife Control cares about the health and safety of our customers. We use eco-friendly materials to remove the infestations in order to counter any adverse effects of chemicals. We provide long term benefits that prevent future pest infestations, all while keeping your and your family’s health in mind – pets included!  If you are concerned that you may have a termite infestation in your home or your office, contact us for safe elimination that does not jeopardize your health and safety. 

Call us at (647) 994-9453 or 1-800-981-0330 if you have any questions regarding pest removal.

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