Cottage Country Pest Control Winter Maintenance & Prevention

This year, because we've done a few posts about pest control and the colder months, Cottage Country Pest Control is now offering a Winter Maintenance & Prevention service. Check out the ad below and give us a call to book your appointment.

Pest control in the Fall

Fall is a great time to get your pest control done before the snow comes. There are many insects and bugs that will begin to diminish in numbers once the weather starts to get colder, however in many cases insects, bugs, rodents, etc will try to locate a warmer environment such as your home, cottage, garages and other buildings you may have on your property.

Fall is a good time to not only take steps to prevent pest infestations but to also take care of existing infestations. If you leave a pest problem over the winter (or for any extended period of time), it will be much worse to deal with and also more expensive.

Some helpful hints

• close off & fill any holes found in your foundation, walls, ceilings, etc--rodents especially will look for holes they can use to enter your home or cottage
• seal any food in airtight containers to prevent rodents and insects from being drawn to the food
• turn water off completely at your cottage before leaving for an extended period of time as moisture can draw some insects in
• consider bat proofing--like rodents they will look for holes in your roof or walls to enter your home and cottage, so by finding and filling those holes you can prevent bats from entering.

If you know you you have a pest problem or you want to take preventative measures heading into winter, give Cottage Country Pest Control a call at 705-534-7863 or email us today.

Friday Link Round Up

Toronto Star- West Nile virus cases in Toronto reach highest level in decade

Toronto Star- Ottawa says it's streamlining environmental review process, reducing "paperwork"

CTV news- Biologist: N.L. seabirds abandoning chicks for cooler waters

CTV news- Endangered whales invade California coastal waters

CTV news- Officials investigate black 'ooze' on Vancouver beach

Environment Canada- Canada half way to meeting 2020 Greenhouse Gas Emission Target

Globe and Mail- Kitimat refinery would be a game changer

Vancouver Sun- To bee or not to bee: Endangered species vanishing without explanation


As always, if you have a pest problem or just suspect you do, give Cottage Country Pest Control a call at 705-534-7863 or email us today to book your appointment or get more information.

Flea: Revisit

• The most common type of flea found in North America is the Cat flea (ctenocephalides felis) 
• Despite its name can also be found on dogs and humans
• Another type of flea sometime found in North America is the Dog flea (ctenocephalides canis)
• The Dog flea is most commonly found in Europe
• Adult fleas are approximately 1/8-inch long and are dark in colour
• Adult fleas are wingless but can jump large distances because of their 6 legs
• Fleas have 4 stages in their life cycle: egg, larva, pupae and adult
• An adult female can lay up to 40-50 eggs a day IF she has a good blood meal
• Larva are completely blind, however they are considered negatively phototaxic, which means they can sense light
• Larva will primarily feed on dried blood in adult flea feces, but they will also eat shed skin, fur and feathers
• Following the larva stage is the pupae stage
• In this stage they can remain dormant for several months until the conditions are right for the adult flea to emerge
• For them, the ideal conditions include pressure, vibrations, presence of carbon dioxide, correct temperature and humidity
• When these are right, it means there's a suitable host that the adult fleas can use as a food source
• If your pet is excessively scratching, it would be a good idea to check his or her fur for signs of fleas
• Some signs to look for (aside from the obvious excessive scratching) is reddened skin, flea dirt (which is not actually dirt, but dried blood) and another obvious sign: fleas!
• Just confirming that your pet has fleas will unfortunately not confirm just how bad the infestation is, since adult fleas found on pets only comprise about 5% of the total flea population
• By applying a spot treatment to your pet(s)' fur, you will be able to fight the fleas found on your animal(s). 
• To treat the fleas located in your home, you have 2 options: find a home remedy (which are NOT always effective or hire a professional, such as Cottage Country Pest Control to help rid your home of fleas

Cottage Country Pest Control can help rid your home of fleas at all stages of their life cycle, using one or more of our treatments for fleas. For more information, pricing or to book your appointment call us today at 705-534-7863 or email us today

Identifying: Wood Roaches

Wood roaches have:

• A flat, oval body with long antenna
• Spiny legs 
• Overall chestnut brown colour
• A male is usually about 25 mm while a female is up to 19 mm 
• Generally the males appear to have a bit of a tan colour because of the colour of their wings
• Adults and large nymphs of the wood roach can be recognized by the pale, creamy white or transparent stripe on the outer edge of the thorax
• The pale edge extends onto the first 1/3 of the front wings on adult roaches

• Wood roaches are common outdoor dwelling insects that are native to North America
• Are found throughout Ontario
• They are most commonly found in moist woodland, ground litter, mulch, firewood, potted plants, shingles and rain gutters

• Wood roaches that have entered a home will act differently than other roach species 
• They are not secretive, they are active day and night and they are less likely to run when approached
• They will also wander around a house, without stay localized to a specific area such as the kitchen
• Wood roaches will not thrive or reproduce indoors, because they require specific habitat to do so
• They need a consistently moist environment such as under wood piles, loose bark and decaying logs into order to reproduce

Male wood roach. Notice the difference in size and colour.

Female wood roach. Noticeable is the the slightly smaller size and difference in colour.

So what can Cottage Country Pest Control do? Well, by practicing IPM (which if you are not familiar with, you can read about here) we can approach the infestation and find the best way to solve the problem using environmentally responsible and people-friendly ways.

Contact Cottage Country Pest Control through email or call us at 705-534-7863 to book and appointment or to find out more information. 

Friday Link Round Up

CBCnews- Giant algae blooms thriving under thinning Arctic sea ice

CTVnews- Shipping change puts right whale back on healthy course

The Globe and Mail- Cleanup of latest Alberta oil spill could take all summer

Newscanada.com- Fruits in abundance for Canadians due to pest control products

Newscanada.com- Do what you can to save the honey bee

Newscanada.com- How to deal with local wildlife the right way

The Globe and Mail- Former Reform MP rakes Harper over environmental coals

The Toronto Star - How the family cat infected an Oregon man with Black Death

Phorid Flies: Part 2

Phorid flies generally breed in a number of locations such as in dung, on fungi, in decaying plant matter or in drain pipes. Phorid flies most commonly feed on decaying matter and can often be found around moist and decaying matter and decaying plants, but they can be found anywhere in your home and because they love unsanitary conditions they may transport various disease-causing organisms to your food.

Phorid flies are found worldwide but there is a greater number of species found in the tropics.

Their lifecycle consists of egg, larvae, pupae, adult. They will develop from an egg and go through both the larave and pupal stage to become adults in approximately 25 days although it can vary from 14-37 days depending on the species. A female phorid fly can lay anywhere from 1 to 100 eggs at a time and in their lifetime can lay up to 750 eggs.

After the eggs have been laid, the larvae will begin to emerge within a day, and they will feed from 8-16 days before they pupate.

We cover a broad area - Tiny & Tay townships, Simcoe, Muskoka and beyond. We're also available at your convenience - weekend service available at no extra charge, and we do island calls.

For more information or to book an appointment, call us at 705-534-7863 or email us today.

Small Flies: Tephritidae

Tephritidae fruit fly

Tephritidae (fruit flies) are one of two fly families that is commonly referred to as "fruit flies". Tephritidae however, does not include the common fruit fly. There are almost 5,000 described species of the tephritidae fruit flies that are categorized in almost 500 genera.

The subfamilies of tephritidae are:
Blepharoneurinae (5 genera and 34 species)
Dacinae (41 genera and 1,066 species)
Phytalmiinae (95 genera and 331 species)
Tachiniscinae (8 genera and 18 species)
Tephritinae (211 genera and 1,859 species)
Trypetinae (118 genera and 1,012 species)

The fruit flies in the tephritidae family are sometimes referred to as peacock flies because of their elaborate and colourful markings.

They are also considered to be of major importance when it comes to agriculture, with both positive and negative impacts. Some of the negative effects include a variety of species that can cause damage to fruit and other plants. An example of this is the Bactrocera, which is part of the Dacinae subfamily. The bactrocera has worldwide notoriety because of the destruction it has on agriculture.

On a positive note, some fruit flies are used as agents of biological control, for reducing the population of various pest species.

Most of the fruit flies in this family lay their eggs in plant tissues because this is where the larvae will be able to easily find food when they are born. Adult flies have a short lifespan and some species will only live for a week or less. However, fruit flies are able to reproduce quickly and in large numbers (given the opportunity a fruit fly can lay up to 500 eggs at a time), which means that getting a fruit fly infestation under control can be tricky.

If you have any questions or to book an appointment call us at 705-534-7863 or email us today.

Raccoons

The raccoon is a medium-sized mammal native to North America. They are the largest of the procyonid family at about 16-28 inches in length and about 8-20 pounds.

Raccoon

 

Raccoons are nocturnal and omnivorous. Their diet consists of about 40% invertebrates, 33% plant foods and 27% vertebrates.

They have a greyish coat that is about 90% dense undercoat that mainly protects in cold weather. They also have extremely dexterous front paws and their well-known black masks. Raccoons are also known for their intelligence.

Raccoons originally lived in deciduous and mixed forests in North America but because they are extremely adaptable they have extended their range into mountainous areas, coastal marshes and urban areas (which is where they are most often to be considered pests).

Previously, raccoons were believed to be solitary animals however now it has been shown through studies that raccoons engage in gender-specific social behaviours especially when it comes their dens and living arrangements. For example, related females will live together in one den and unrelated males will live together.

Raccoon babies

 During the mating and breeding season (late January through mid March) males will roam their home ranges in search of females in an attempt to court them during the three to four days when conception is possible. The gestation period for females is generally 63-65 days (however it is possible to be about 50-70 days as well). The litters will typically be 2 - 5 kits. When born, the kit are born blind and deaf, but their masks are visible. At about 18-23 days old their ear canals will open and just after that their eyes will open for the first time. The kit will begin exploring outside the den and begin consuming solid food around six to nine weeks old and they will usually be weaned by 16 weeks old.

If you have any questions or to book an appointment call us at 705-534-7863 or email us today.

Skunks

Sorry for the extended delay, but we're back with an all new post all about skunks.

Striped skunk

 Striped skunks are found in Canada, the United States and Mexico. They are generally 13-18 inches long and weigh about 3-10 pounds. The striped skunk is easy to recognize because of their white stripes that run from their nose and down their backs to their tails.

Skunks are omnivorous, solitary animals that will eat insects, mice, rats, birds, eggs and fruit. While breeding they will stop being solitary and occasionally when living in colder temperatures, they will gather with other skunks to keep warm in communal dens. They typically mate in early spring and successful males with usually mate with more than one female. Females give birth in May to a litter of four to seven kits.

When born, skunk kits are blind, deaf and covered in a soft fur. At about three weeks old the kits will open their eyes and then at about two months old they will have been weaned. Their mother will be very protective and will spray at any sign of danger.

Skunks are without a doubt very well known for their spray. They use their anal scent glands as a defensive weapon. They have two glands and are able to produce a mixture of sulfar-containing chemicals such as methyl and butyl thiols traditionally called mercaptans. They have muscles located near the glands that gives them the ability to spray with a high degree of accuracy, as far as 10ft (3 metres).

If you have any questions or to book an appointment call us at 705-534-7863 or email us today.

Salmonellosis

So after writing yesterday's blog post on Mice, I decided to do a quick follow up on salmonellosis, which is one of the most common illnesses caused by mice in humans.

Salmonellosis is a bacterial food poisoning that is caused by bacteria of the genus Salmonella. Symptoms can appear 12-72 hours after ingesting the bacteria, which can be passed from mice to humans through infected stool. Basically this means that if you have a mouse infestation and 1 (or more of them have this bacteria) and they use the food in your cupboards as a bathroom and you well...hopefully you get the idea.

Generally, the illness will only last 4-7 days and most people will recover without the treatment of a doctor, however sometimes the patient can become severely dehydrated and should seek treatment at a hospital. Patients who end up in the hospital may receive I.V. fluids to treat the dehydration, and may be given medications to provide symptomatic relief.

In very severe cases, the infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and could continue spreading to other body sites which if left untreated, could cause death.

The people most likely to suffer from severe cases of salmonellosis include the elderly, infants and small children and anyone with a weakened or impaired immune systems.

Symptoms of salmonellosis include:

• Gastrointentinal
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Rose spots

More severe cases can sometimes be complicated by septicemia, menegitis, endocarditis and various focial lesions (such as on kidneys).

In order to prevent possibly getting salmonellosis (at least from mice), it's important you take steps to get rid of an infestation if you know you have one and if you aren't quite sure, take the steps to confirm or not. Cottage Country Pest Control can help and we can do it using environmentally responsible ways. Contact us through email or call us at 705-534-7863 to book your appointment today.

Mice

Deer Mouse

 Aren't mice cute? Maybe a little, but that doesn't mean you want them running around your home. There is a variety of small rodents found in Ontario but for today, I'll be talking about mice. Specifically deer mice and house mice.

Both these species can be found in Urban and Rural areas and often in close contact with humans.
First up: Deer Mice

Deer mice (peromyscus) are usually about 5-8 inches long and can be distinguished from common house mice by their larger eyes and two-toned bodies. Generally, a deer mouse will have a darker colour over their backs with white on their abdominals and limbs.

Their name is in reference to their agility and deer mice are known to be accomplished jumpers and runners, especially in comparison to house mice.

While mice can be cute, they are a pain, because not only will they gnaw on food storage and leave little brown "presents" for you, they can be a health problem. Deer mice are the primary reservoirs for Hantavirus and they can carry lyme disease and they can also be carries of Ehrlichiosis (tick-borne bacterial infection), Babesiosis (maleria-like parasitic disease), salmonellosis (baterial food poisoning) and bubonic plague.
Now: House Mice

House mice are considerably smaller than deer mice at only about 2 inches long. This species is the most common rodent pest in most parts of the world because they are able to adapt to changing conditions and they breed throughout the year.

They are the most domesticated and as pets, fancy or labratory mice. As labratory mice, they are one of the most important model organisms in medicine and biology and they are the most used genetically altered labratory mammal.

Their appearance can vary in colour from white to grey or light brown to black and they have short hair with very little hair on their tails and ears.

House mice are adept at thriving under a variety of conditions and can be found in and around homes and commerical structures as well as in open fields and agricultural lands. They can live anywhere in a house--they will nest in wall spaces, under floors and around cupboards or under counters.

There are diseases that house mice can carry and potentially pass along to humans. These include:

• Leptospirosis-aka. Weil's Syndrome, 7-day fever, canicola fever, canefield fever, nanukayami fever, Rat Catcher's Yellow, Fort Bragg fever, black jaundice and Pretribal fever. It is one of the most common diseases transmitted from animals to people, however it is a relatively rare bacterial infection in humans. The infection is commonly transmitted to humans by allowing water that has been contaminated by animal urine to come in contact with unhealed breaks in the skin, eyes or with the mucous membranes.
• Murine typhus-aka. endemic fever. This is a form of typhus
• Rickettsialpox- This is an illness caused by a bacteria of Rickettsia
• Tularemia-aka. Pahvant valley plague, rabbit fever, deer fly fever and Ohara's fever- this is a serious infectious disease caused by bacterium Francisella Tularensis.
• Lymphocytic choriomengitis- this is a rodent-borne viral infectious disease the presents as aseptic meningitis, ensephalitis or meningencephalitis.
• Salonellosis- bacterial food poisoning, infection with or disease caused by bacteria of the genus Salmonella typically marked by gastroenteritis but often complicated by septicemia, meningitis, endocarditis, and various focal lesions (as in the kidneys) when food is contaminated with infected rodent feces.
• Bubonic plague.

 Signs of a mouse infestation

• Live sightings (obvious right?)
• Droppings
• Tracks/footprints
• Gnaw marks
• Rub marks
• Nests
• Damaged goods such as food

If you find evidence that you have a mouse infestation and you want them gone, give Cottage Country Pest Control a call at 705-534-7863 or email us to book an appointment. We have environmentally (and people) friendly ways of handling all your pest problems.

mice

The house mouse has large ears, pointed nose and small eyes. The tail is as long as the head and body combined.

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.

Quick Facts - House Mouse

A house mouse can jump 30 cm high and pass through an opening only 12mm in diameter.

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.

Quick Fact

Mice generally stay within 25 feet of their home range.

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.

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.

Bugs Bugs Bugs

Wow!

I happened to look out my kitchen window this afternoon and noticed all sorts of little bugs flying around.

They really ARE early this year, aren't they?!

I have been seeing spiders already too - although not 'round my house, of course.

It's rather odd being married to a pest control guy. Me I always used to just relocate spiders that wandered into my house. Now I never have any!

I like spiders - well, their webs, anyway. Not the ones that make the outside of your house look messy and dirty - but the ones that collect the dew and look SO beautiful in the sun.

'Course, I didn't used to live on the water, either - on waterfront properties the spiders DO make a heck of a mess... not the same thing at all.

ANYWAY.... as I was saying... I think? ... the critters are starting early this year... call us now to arrange your spider spray package.

(705)534-7863 .. or better yet, email us at ccpestcontrol@gmail.com

Hotel Bedbugs

Barb wrote:

Bedbugs freak me out. I have enough trouble sleeping in motels but the thought
of bedbugs would keep me up all night. What's a squeamish traveler to do??

You're in luck. Unlike some other nasties, bedbugs are relatively easy to see:

(Image from Imprint, Bell Museum of Natural History)

If you are travelling and concerned about bedbugs (and you should be, as they're very happy hitch-hikers) ...as soon as you get into your hotel/motel room (or friends or family or wherever):

1. leave your luggage by the door - away from the bed!


2. completely strip the bed, (me, I would include any mattress cover as well) placing the bedding someplace other than where you've put your luggage


3. carefully examine the mattress, paying particular attention to corners, seams, and in the cracks of any furniture


4. bedbugs are large enough to see - and they also tend to leave dirt behind


5. if you see any possible indications of either - exit stage left, get your money back and find someplace else to stay