So today's post is somewhat different than previous ones. Normally, I would post an article like this in the link round up, but seeing as how most of this article is about a topic that has already been written about, I thought I would change things up a bit today.
You can find the article here on the CityNews Toronto website and it's called "Bats, snakes among species in danger in Canada".
So the article talks about how with 10th anniversary of the federal Species At Risk Act approaching, dozens of animals and plants are now considered at-risk. One of the animals added to the list was the Massasuga rattle snake which can be found on the Georgian Bay Islands.
Also on the list of animals in danger is three species of bats. Now this is what we've written about before. If you've read our past blogs then you might have read the one entitled "White Nose Syndrome". If not, then go read it.
Anyway quick recap on White Nose Syndrome...It is a disease named for the distinctive fungal growth
around the muzzles and on the wings of hibernating bats. It is a poorly
understood disease that has been associated with the deaths of more than
5.5 million bats within North America. The first known case was in Schoharie County, New York cave back in 2006. It has since spread and as of 2010 has been found all over the United States and into Quebec, Ontario, Nova
Scotia and New Brunswick. The first known case in Ontario was in
March 2010. Since being discovered research has been done and in late 2011 it was
shown that the syndrome appears to be caused by a fungas called Geomyces destructans. Unfortunately, despite knowing the cause there is still no known treatment or means of prevention. There is way more information available here on the blog or you can Google it if you want.
So back to the article. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada released a report card about the species at risk. This committee basically issued a dire warning about the three species of bats (the species being little brown myotis, northern myotis and tri-coloured bats). These species have all declined by about 90 percent in Eastern Canada in the last two years because of White Nose Syndrome.
Graham Forbes, director of the New Brunswick Co-operative Fish and Wildlife Research Centre and professor at the University of New Brunswick was quoted in the article saying "There's virtually no bats left."
Overall there is now a total of 668 wildlife species listed--297 endangered, 159 threatened and 190 are of special concern. Twenty-two
species are considered extirpated, which means that they are no longer found in the wild.
There's a lot more to the article but it was specifically the bats and White Nose Syndrome I was interested in sharing. Make sure you go read the full article as it is an interesting read and it's not all bad news either. One species (The Salish sucker) was upgraded from endangered to threatened and the spotted, northern and Atlantic wolffish are all showing signs of recovery.
If you have any pest problems or you want to take some preventative measures for this winter against pests, give Cottage Country Pest Control a call at 705-534-7863 or email us.
Showing posts with label bats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bats. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Just Add Water Festival and Trade Show
Cottage Country Pest Control will be there today, so if you are in the area stop by and come find us!
Friday, February 10, 2012
And We're Back! With Bats!
After taking some time off, we are back with a brand new post all about bats and what we can do if you have them.
Bats
Bats will soon be starting to return and that means it's time to start bat proofing for the Spring and Summer.
Did you know that there are 8 species of bats in Ontario, but only 2 species are commonly found in homes? These 2 species are the big brown bat(Eptesicus fuscus) and the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus).
Both these bats will hibernate in places such as caves and old mines, but they can also be found in attics and during the hot summer months they can also be found behind shutters, under porch overhangs and other cool dark spaces.
Bats are nocturnal, so you likely won't see them during the day. They also have poor vision and rely on echolocation to catch their prey.
Their prey consists of live insects that they will catch while flying and at night they can consume very large amounts of insects.
If you think you have bats in your home it's important to know how to handle their removal. Bat droppings (or guano) are linked to several health concerns. Guano can cause a persistent and strong odor and old droppings carry the potential to harbor histoplasmosis, which is an infection that occurs from breathing in the spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Bat guano can often be found where the bats are roosting such as attics and under roof peaks or outside lights where they will sit at night.
So what can Cottage Country Pest Control do for you?
We can come in and bat proof, which is the best and most permanent way of eliminating a bat colony from your home. To do this, sealing all the openings where they can enter is very important. Little brown bats only need a 1 cm hole to enter, so we can locate and seal these holes. We also ensure that all existing guano is removed and that the area is disinfected.
Having bats around isn't always so bad, you just don't want them in your house. So we also offer seasoned bat houses for sale. Bat houses are great to have around because bats will be attracted to them and will be more than happy to hang out in one. The benefit for you? It means there will be bats around in the summer to take care of those pesky mosquitoes and other insects and they won't be in your house!
Call Cottage Country Pest Control at (705)534-7863 today or email us at ccpestcontrol@gmail.com to book your appointment!
Bats
Bats will soon be starting to return and that means it's time to start bat proofing for the Spring and Summer.
Did you know that there are 8 species of bats in Ontario, but only 2 species are commonly found in homes? These 2 species are the big brown bat(Eptesicus fuscus) and the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus).
Both these bats will hibernate in places such as caves and old mines, but they can also be found in attics and during the hot summer months they can also be found behind shutters, under porch overhangs and other cool dark spaces.
Bats are nocturnal, so you likely won't see them during the day. They also have poor vision and rely on echolocation to catch their prey.
Their prey consists of live insects that they will catch while flying and at night they can consume very large amounts of insects.
If you think you have bats in your home it's important to know how to handle their removal. Bat droppings (or guano) are linked to several health concerns. Guano can cause a persistent and strong odor and old droppings carry the potential to harbor histoplasmosis, which is an infection that occurs from breathing in the spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Bat guano can often be found where the bats are roosting such as attics and under roof peaks or outside lights where they will sit at night.
So what can Cottage Country Pest Control do for you?
We can come in and bat proof, which is the best and most permanent way of eliminating a bat colony from your home. To do this, sealing all the openings where they can enter is very important. Little brown bats only need a 1 cm hole to enter, so we can locate and seal these holes. We also ensure that all existing guano is removed and that the area is disinfected.
Having bats around isn't always so bad, you just don't want them in your house. So we also offer seasoned bat houses for sale. Bat houses are great to have around because bats will be attracted to them and will be more than happy to hang out in one. The benefit for you? It means there will be bats around in the summer to take care of those pesky mosquitoes and other insects and they won't be in your house!
Call Cottage Country Pest Control at (705)534-7863 today or email us at ccpestcontrol@gmail.com to book your appointment!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Quick Fact - Bats
In Ontario, bats congregate in caves to spend the winter in hibernation.
Which means that NOW is the time to clean up any bat problems you may have. Cottage Country Pest Control will remove guano, seal up entry points, and provide seasoned bat boxes so that in the spring, when your bats return, they will stay outside where they belong.
For help to solve all of your pest control problems, call Cottage Country Pest Control at (705)534-7863, or email us at ccpestcontrol@gmail.com
Monday, August 23, 2010
Bats in the Belfrey
.... or, more likely the attic or soffits of your home or cottage?
Have you looked into the cost of a bat job in Huronia or the Kawarthas area lately? They can be expensive.
One thing that you should know about Cottage Country Pest Control is that we will NOT recommend a full out bat job unless that is actually what you need.
Ross has been doing a lot of bat-related inspections lately ... but so far, only a couple of places he has visited have had a serious problem that is going to require significant work. The majority have been relatively minor - people call because they have had one or two bats in the house this season.... a very good idea, that!
When we get that sort of call, Ross goes out, checks the home or cottage thoroughly for signs of infestation. If there is a significant bat problem there will be guano. That needs to be dealt with properly because there are health concerns associated with it - and because it's just plain nasty to have critters pooping in your house.
But if there is NOT guano - or only a very small amount - Cottage Country Pest Control will not recommend or charge you for a full bat job. What Ross does in those cases is ensure there are no bats inside, find & seal any points of entry, install seasoned bat boxes if you wish, and carry on his way.
Honest, reliable, responsible pest control: that is what Cottage Country Pest Control offers.
The earlier you get your bats dealt with, the better .... for you and your pocketbook.
If you suspect you may have a bat problem - or if you just want to have some batboxes that bats will actually use installed so that you avoid ever developing one - send us an email, or call (705)534-7863, or in Peterborough & the Kawarthas (705)741-6245.
Have you looked into the cost of a bat job in Huronia or the Kawarthas area lately? They can be expensive.
One thing that you should know about Cottage Country Pest Control is that we will NOT recommend a full out bat job unless that is actually what you need.
Ross has been doing a lot of bat-related inspections lately ... but so far, only a couple of places he has visited have had a serious problem that is going to require significant work. The majority have been relatively minor - people call because they have had one or two bats in the house this season.... a very good idea, that!
When we get that sort of call, Ross goes out, checks the home or cottage thoroughly for signs of infestation. If there is a significant bat problem there will be guano. That needs to be dealt with properly because there are health concerns associated with it - and because it's just plain nasty to have critters pooping in your house.
But if there is NOT guano - or only a very small amount - Cottage Country Pest Control will not recommend or charge you for a full bat job. What Ross does in those cases is ensure there are no bats inside, find & seal any points of entry, install seasoned bat boxes if you wish, and carry on his way.
Honest, reliable, responsible pest control: that is what Cottage Country Pest Control offers.
The earlier you get your bats dealt with, the better .... for you and your pocketbook.
If you suspect you may have a bat problem - or if you just want to have some batboxes that bats will actually use installed so that you avoid ever developing one - send us an email, or call (705)534-7863, or in Peterborough & the Kawarthas (705)741-6245.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Our Heron
Apparently some people just don't get the heron as logo thing.
We are having a video made for one of our online listings; first attempt was just sent to us for approval. Uh ..... NO!!!! No, no, no!
They included our lovely heron right where the narrator says "...and other pests"
DUH!
C.C. hanging out at our dock
We chose the heron because we love them. We have one that hangs out right at the edge of our waterfront - and when we are taking care of your pest problems we are always aware of the need not to do anything that puts our heron - and our environment - at risk.
We care about our environment.
Some pest control companies talk the talk - but that is all it is - talk. They do things like use more product than is required, or worse, spray it over open water.
Cottage Country Pest Control will not do these sorts of things. We will solve your pest problems - but we will do it in such a way as to preserve the things that we love about cottage country.
Give us a call at (705)534-7863 or Peterborough (705)741-6245, or email us to arrange your pest solutions.
We care about our environment....and we take care.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Cottage Country Mystery
Well, I solved our mystery!
Recently we have been getting a lot more calls from people who seem to be actually looking for another pest control company that works in this area.
They tend to be rather confused about who the heck they are actually calling. Until today - in the spirit of fairness - I have had no hesitation about sending them on to the other company. After today? Maybe not so much.
I discovered, after a rather odd phone call and a quick google search, that the other company has started inserting the words Cottage Country into their business name! They are advertising for us - isn't that nice of them?
Anyway, just to be clear, there are in fact 2 pest control companies in Victoria Harbour - and only one of them is called Cottage Country Pest Control.
We are fully licenced and insured, and members of the Structural Pest Management Association of Ontario.
And we are always ready to assist you to solve pest problems at your home, business, or cottage at a time that is convenient for you.
If you have - or think you might have - ants, spiders, bed bugs, roaches, mice, bats, or any other aggravating pests (other than the ones you brought into the world yourself; we don't do those) - we will be happy to provide you with an estimate and a solution. Give us a call at (705)534-7863 or in Peterborough @ (705)741-6245, or email us at ccpestcontrol@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
Recently we have been getting a lot more calls from people who seem to be actually looking for another pest control company that works in this area.
They tend to be rather confused about who the heck they are actually calling. Until today - in the spirit of fairness - I have had no hesitation about sending them on to the other company. After today? Maybe not so much.
I discovered, after a rather odd phone call and a quick google search, that the other company has started inserting the words Cottage Country into their business name! They are advertising for us - isn't that nice of them?
Anyway, just to be clear, there are in fact 2 pest control companies in Victoria Harbour - and only one of them is called Cottage Country Pest Control.
We are fully licenced and insured, and members of the Structural Pest Management Association of Ontario.
And we are always ready to assist you to solve pest problems at your home, business, or cottage at a time that is convenient for you.
If you have - or think you might have - ants, spiders, bed bugs, roaches, mice, bats, or any other aggravating pests (other than the ones you brought into the world yourself; we don't do those) - we will be happy to provide you with an estimate and a solution. Give us a call at (705)534-7863 or in Peterborough @ (705)741-6245, or email us at ccpestcontrol@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
And Another Question - Pets and Pest Control
The other question that people want to know the answer to is whether the products we use are safe for their pets (and kids, of course - but most of the people I have been talking to so far are living up here in cottage country and seem to have more pets than pes... kids).
You will - assuming that you have either (kids or critters) be happy to know that Cottage Country Pest Control makes very sure that the products we use are effective and safe.
We do ask that kids, critters, and anyone with health issues not be present while premises are being sprayed. For example, while spraying outside, we will ask that you keep any dogs inside. When doing interior work, if you will need to make arrangements for your kids and critters, we will make sure you know ahead of the time - and in most cases, that will be only for the length of time it takes to spray. Once it settles, everyone - four-footed or two - can return.
If you have questions about any aspect of the services we offer, please do give us a call, or email ccpestcontrol@gmail.com
You will - assuming that you have either (kids or critters) be happy to know that Cottage Country Pest Control makes very sure that the products we use are effective and safe.
We do ask that kids, critters, and anyone with health issues not be present while premises are being sprayed. For example, while spraying outside, we will ask that you keep any dogs inside. When doing interior work, if you will need to make arrangements for your kids and critters, we will make sure you know ahead of the time - and in most cases, that will be only for the length of time it takes to spray. Once it settles, everyone - four-footed or two - can return.
If you have questions about any aspect of the services we offer, please do give us a call, or email ccpestcontrol@gmail.com
Friday, April 23, 2010
Bats in the Belfry?
... or in the attic? Or anyplace else you don't want them?
If you had bats inside last year, now is the time to think about addressing the problem BEFORE the bats return from their winter get-aways. And they WILL come back - bats are territorial; once they have a good place to live, they will return to it as long as they are able.
It is much easier to prevent bats from getting in - redirecting them to well-placed, seasoned bat boxes - rather than having to evict them once they take up residence.
To arrange a site visit & estimate, give us a call at (705)534-7863 (Midland, Barrie, Honey Harbour, Muskoka.....) or (705)741-6245 (Peterborough/Kawarthas)
Services include bat removal and exclusion; guano clean up (+ deoderize & disinfect the area) - all with a one year guarantee.
We also provide seasoned bat boxes.
If you had bats inside last year, now is the time to think about addressing the problem BEFORE the bats return from their winter get-aways. And they WILL come back - bats are territorial; once they have a good place to live, they will return to it as long as they are able.
It is much easier to prevent bats from getting in - redirecting them to well-placed, seasoned bat boxes - rather than having to evict them once they take up residence.
To arrange a site visit & estimate, give us a call at (705)534-7863 (Midland, Barrie, Honey Harbour, Muskoka.....) or (705)741-6245 (Peterborough/Kawarthas)
Services include bat removal and exclusion; guano clean up (+ deoderize & disinfect the area) - all with a one year guarantee.
We also provide seasoned bat boxes.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Spring!
Guess what I saw today?! A spider - out building a web already!
Which reminded me about the CBC radio interview I heard a few days ago.... they were talking to a weather guy, and he was saying that because we had such a mild winter, the bugs had an easy winter, and would likely be a royal pain this spring: more of them, much earlier than we are used to in Ontario.
Isn't that good news?!
Well, okay... maybe not for you, if you're stopping by this blog... sorry about that. But it is very good news for me. I need hubby to be out working more... not for the $$, although of course I like that too... but mostly, it is that I am absolutely positively SWAMPED with school work right now, and the busier he is, the more writing I get done.
So...give him a call to handle all of your spider, fly, bat, ant, bedbug, roach, mice or other nasty critter problems.
If you are in the Barrie, Midland, Orillia area, call Cottage Country Pest Control at (705)534-7863.
In Peterborough, Lindsay, Kawarthas area, call (705)641-6245. We still split our time between the 2 areas, so you may need to leave a message; we will get back to you.
Or, for a quicker response, send us an email. And remember, the earlier you treat, the easier (and therefore cheaper) it is.
Which reminded me about the CBC radio interview I heard a few days ago.... they were talking to a weather guy, and he was saying that because we had such a mild winter, the bugs had an easy winter, and would likely be a royal pain this spring: more of them, much earlier than we are used to in Ontario.
Isn't that good news?!
Well, okay... maybe not for you, if you're stopping by this blog... sorry about that. But it is very good news for me. I need hubby to be out working more... not for the $$, although of course I like that too... but mostly, it is that I am absolutely positively SWAMPED with school work right now, and the busier he is, the more writing I get done.
So...give him a call to handle all of your spider, fly, bat, ant, bedbug, roach, mice or other nasty critter problems.
If you are in the Barrie, Midland, Orillia area, call Cottage Country Pest Control at (705)534-7863.
In Peterborough, Lindsay, Kawarthas area, call (705)641-6245. We still split our time between the 2 areas, so you may need to leave a message; we will get back to you.
Or, for a quicker response, send us an email. And remember, the earlier you treat, the easier (and therefore cheaper) it is.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Now Serving Peterborough and the Kawarthas
.... in addition to, not instead of Midland, Orillia, Muskoka and the surrounding areas, that is.
At this point, we are spending our time here, there and everywhere - I attend Trent U in Peterborough, so we are here for a couple of days a week; the rest of the time we try to be at home in Victoria Harbour. And of course, Ross can be wherever he needs to be - and he's the one that is important; I'm just the geek.
So - if you should happen to have a mouse, spider, bat, bee, carpenter ant, bedbug, flea - what did I miss? ... oh well.... pest problem (other than your kids; those we can't help you with), drop us an email, or call us at
(705)534-7863 (Midland area)
or (705)741-6245 (Peterborough)
Both phones have answering machines that are checked regularly; we will get back to you.... but email is even faster; love my Blackberry! The only time you won't get an immediate response to email is if I happen to be in a class or asleep at the time.
At this point, we are spending our time here, there and everywhere - I attend Trent U in Peterborough, so we are here for a couple of days a week; the rest of the time we try to be at home in Victoria Harbour. And of course, Ross can be wherever he needs to be - and he's the one that is important; I'm just the geek.
So - if you should happen to have a mouse, spider, bat, bee, carpenter ant, bedbug, flea - what did I miss? ... oh well.... pest problem (other than your kids; those we can't help you with), drop us an email, or call us at
(705)534-7863 (Midland area)
or (705)741-6245 (Peterborough)
Both phones have answering machines that are checked regularly; we will get back to you.... but email is even faster; love my Blackberry! The only time you won't get an immediate response to email is if I happen to be in a class or asleep at the time.
Friday, September 11, 2009
'Tis the Season
No, not THAT season - not quite yet, although it is coming faster than you think.
But now is a very good time to give a bit of thought to ensuring that you've done what is needed about pest control to prepare for winter.
Most importantly - deal with any bat issues!
Bats are great - outside - but inside, they can cause HUGE amounts of damage. Bat guano harbours mites and other parasites - and on top of that, it STINKS.
You do not want bats inside your home or cottage.
And this is the best time of year to get any bat issues taken care of.
Bats typically leave for winter nesting spots in fall - and once they are out, the process of clean up, and preventing their return - is much easier, and thus cheaper for you.
If you have bats in your belfry, or in your home, garage or cottage, now is a very good time to call Cottage Country Pest Control at (705)534-7863.
But now is a very good time to give a bit of thought to ensuring that you've done what is needed about pest control to prepare for winter.
Most importantly - deal with any bat issues!
Bats are great - outside - but inside, they can cause HUGE amounts of damage. Bat guano harbours mites and other parasites - and on top of that, it STINKS.
You do not want bats inside your home or cottage.
And this is the best time of year to get any bat issues taken care of.
Bats typically leave for winter nesting spots in fall - and once they are out, the process of clean up, and preventing their return - is much easier, and thus cheaper for you.
If you have bats in your belfry, or in your home, garage or cottage, now is a very good time to call Cottage Country Pest Control at (705)534-7863.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Another Way Cottage Country is Different
Today was a good example of another way that Cottage Country Pest Control is different from many other pest control companies.
We know that it can be a royal pain to make sure that someone can be at the cottage to let our guy in to provide you with services. We are lucky enough to live at our cottage year round - so we make a point of providing you with services when it is convenient for you.
Ross just got back from a follow up visit to a cottage.
Yes, on a Sunday afternoon - and no, no extra charge - not for the follow up, not for the island call, and not for the Sunday afternoon service. Try arranging that with another pest control company; not likely.
For excellent service to solve your pest problems, give Cottage Country Pest Control a call at (705) 534-7863.
We know that it can be a royal pain to make sure that someone can be at the cottage to let our guy in to provide you with services. We are lucky enough to live at our cottage year round - so we make a point of providing you with services when it is convenient for you.
Ross just got back from a follow up visit to a cottage.
Yes, on a Sunday afternoon - and no, no extra charge - not for the follow up, not for the island call, and not for the Sunday afternoon service. Try arranging that with another pest control company; not likely.
For excellent service to solve your pest problems, give Cottage Country Pest Control a call at (705) 534-7863.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
August Special
Just added a new special to the Cottage Country Pest Control website.
Our usual cost for an inspection & quote for potential bat, rodent or carpenter ant problems is around the same price as a spider treatment(using either chemicals or a insecticidal soap) - for this month only, the inspection cost will be waived with the purchase of a spider treatment.
If you have any issues with spiders, bats, mice, carpenter ant - or just about any other creepy crawlie you can think of, give us a call at 705-534-7863 and Ross will help you solve it.
Our usual cost for an inspection & quote for potential bat, rodent or carpenter ant problems is around the same price as a spider treatment(using either chemicals or a insecticidal soap) - for this month only, the inspection cost will be waived with the purchase of a spider treatment.
If you have any issues with spiders, bats, mice, carpenter ant - or just about any other creepy crawlie you can think of, give us a call at 705-534-7863 and Ross will help you solve it.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Why the heron?
A couple of people have asked why 'a pest control company' (you can imagine the tone and probably be pretty close) would choose to use a heron as a logo.
Do we consider them pests that we want to get rid of?
Of course not! The heron in the picture is OUR heron - it flies in to feed on our waterfront almost every evening. Unlike many of our neighbours, we leave a buffer zone between the lawn and the water ...which means we get the heron and they get the geese (and copious amounts of goose poop). We much prefer the heron.
Ross has been interested in environmental issues since long before going green became popular. He has spent a lot of time reading, researching, experimenting.... and yeah, when he was first offered a job working for a pest control company, he had some concerns about that.
But the thing is that when pest control is done properly, it does not have to be damaging to the environment. In fact, using a pest management company like Cottage Country Pest Control can be less damaging than the do it yourself approach.
Insects develop resistance to pest control products - repeated use of ineffective DIY products is a lot more likely to facilitate that than professional products applied by professionals.
The key, in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), is to use the least intensive product or technique that is available. A lot of pest control companies use the buzzwords - and it is highly unlikely you would find one, these days, that doesn't claim to be "environmentally responsible".
Truth is though, that for many of them, that means they'll tell you that the product they use is safe because it is "made from chrysanthemums", spray, and be on their way.
For Ross, that's just not good enough. When there are nonchemical approaches that can be used to minimize pest infestations, he will happily recommend those.
He's working, right now, for example, on developing good strategies for convincing geese to go elsewhere - no chemicals involved at all. He is also specializing in bat management, because that is another area where he can make a difference without chemicals.
Of course there are times when spraying is the best line of action - spiders like to be near water, for example, and to control them generally means spraying. But he will NOT allow spray to end up in the lake/river (unlike some companies I could mention). And he will NOT spray if there are other alternatives, nor will he sell you on 5 sprays per season when 2 or 3 will do.
Well established infestations of critters like roaches, fleas and bed bugs often require spraying to
get them under control - and Cottage Country Pest Control will provide those services. But then we'll also let you know what you can do to avoid further problems.
Why use our heron as the logo for Cottage Country Pest Control?
Because we love living on Georgian Bay.
We love our heron.
And we are committed to managing our business - and your pest problems - so that the heron will be around for many years to come.
Do we consider them pests that we want to get rid of?
Of course not! The heron in the picture is OUR heron - it flies in to feed on our waterfront almost every evening. Unlike many of our neighbours, we leave a buffer zone between the lawn and the water ...which means we get the heron and they get the geese (and copious amounts of goose poop). We much prefer the heron.
Ross has been interested in environmental issues since long before going green became popular. He has spent a lot of time reading, researching, experimenting.... and yeah, when he was first offered a job working for a pest control company, he had some concerns about that.
But the thing is that when pest control is done properly, it does not have to be damaging to the environment. In fact, using a pest management company like Cottage Country Pest Control can be less damaging than the do it yourself approach.
Insects develop resistance to pest control products - repeated use of ineffective DIY products is a lot more likely to facilitate that than professional products applied by professionals.
The key, in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), is to use the least intensive product or technique that is available. A lot of pest control companies use the buzzwords - and it is highly unlikely you would find one, these days, that doesn't claim to be "environmentally responsible".
Truth is though, that for many of them, that means they'll tell you that the product they use is safe because it is "made from chrysanthemums", spray, and be on their way.
For Ross, that's just not good enough. When there are nonchemical approaches that can be used to minimize pest infestations, he will happily recommend those.
He's working, right now, for example, on developing good strategies for convincing geese to go elsewhere - no chemicals involved at all. He is also specializing in bat management, because that is another area where he can make a difference without chemicals.
Of course there are times when spraying is the best line of action - spiders like to be near water, for example, and to control them generally means spraying. But he will NOT allow spray to end up in the lake/river (unlike some companies I could mention). And he will NOT spray if there are other alternatives, nor will he sell you on 5 sprays per season when 2 or 3 will do.
Well established infestations of critters like roaches, fleas and bed bugs often require spraying to
get them under control - and Cottage Country Pest Control will provide those services. But then we'll also let you know what you can do to avoid further problems.
Why use our heron as the logo for Cottage Country Pest Control?
Because we love living on Georgian Bay.
We love our heron.
And we are committed to managing our business - and your pest problems - so that the heron will be around for many years to come.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
New Profile Picture
Did you notice the new profile picture?
The picture is of a blue heron that likes to hang out around our dock and fish most evenings.... this shot is clearly the best one I've ever managed to get of him.
Things are still moving right along with our new business start up.
Today I checked our Google placement for several of the communities we serve, along with the words pest control - Victoria Harbour, Port McNicoll, Tiny Township, Tay Township, Huronia.
Doing well with all of those - not so well re: Midland, Penetanguishene, Barrie or Orillia pest control services - but we'll get there before long, I have no doubt.
I'm away at a conference in Ottawa this week, but once I get back, will be adding several pages to the website about additional pest control services that Cottage Country Pest Control will provide.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Cottage Country Web Site
Well... we're off & running!
We decided to start our new pest control business on Wednesday evening of this week. Now it is Friday and already we have
We decided to start our new pest control business on Wednesday evening of this week. Now it is Friday and already we have
- a name: Cottage Country Pest Control
- a website ccpestcontrol.com. Lots more to add to it - but the main page is done, and we've added one about spider control and another about managing bats. Lots more to come - geese, mice, bedbugs, roaches, bees, ants, etc. etc.... To begin with, CCPC will deal with any pests covered under Ontario's Structural Exterminator's License, and add services as we obtain additional licenses.
- business cards
- customers (only 2 - but, hey, it's a start)
- equipment purchased and product on its way
- and of course, this blog.
Hmmm...I suppose my next order of business should be to add a link to this blog from the website! Coming right up.
And then I think I might contact my favourite blog designer and set her to work for me again :) I needs me a badge at least - one for this blog and one for the website, I think.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Got Pests?
No - not the 2 legged kind you chose to bring into the world - we're talking bedbugs, mosquitos, ants, roaches, bats, mice, spiders, snakes, geese... whatever sort of pests you might be dealing with.
Those are the sorts of annoying critters I'll be talking about here.
Cottage Country Pest Control provides reliable and responsible pest management services in Barrie, Orillia, Midland, Penetanguishene, Victoria Harbour, Port McNicoll, Honey Harbour, Port Severn, Warminister - well, you get the idea. If you're in the Georgian Bay area - or Simcoe County - or Huronia - or Tiny/Tay Townships, our licensed technician is available to rid you of pests.
For information about our services and specials visit us at Cottage Country Pest Control.
Those are the sorts of annoying critters I'll be talking about here.
Cottage Country Pest Control provides reliable and responsible pest management services in Barrie, Orillia, Midland, Penetanguishene, Victoria Harbour, Port McNicoll, Honey Harbour, Port Severn, Warminister - well, you get the idea. If you're in the Georgian Bay area - or Simcoe County - or Huronia - or Tiny/Tay Townships, our licensed technician is available to rid you of pests.
For information about our services and specials visit us at Cottage Country Pest Control.
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