Professional Pest Control in Nanaimo and Surrounding Areas
The Pest Doctor provides professional pest control in Nanaimo and surrounding areas for a wide variety of insects. In addition to specializing in carpenter ants and termites, we also exterminate and control insects like silverfish, carpet beetles, and case-making moths.
Our trained specialists are available at our main offices in Nanaimo to answer our customers calling in at The Pest Doctor for information or to schedule an appointment. In case a customer call is missed, our staff will promptly and proactively return the call. If you suspect that your home or business has an infestation of one or more of these insects call The Pest Doctor in Nanaimo today.
Carpet Beetle Infestation: What You Need to Know
All types of carpet beetles resemble ladybugs, but are smaller - about 1/3 to 1/2 the size of a ladybug. Although the colouration and patterns of carpet beetles vary, a trained eye can properly identify them.
Carpet beetles live outside, feeding on many types of plants. They can fly so it is easy for them to get inside. The female will lay eggs on surfaces that she feels will provide good food for the larvae when they hatch. Larvae are the stage which causes all the damage. They eat just about anything.
These pests are more common than people realize. Carpet beetles feed and nest out of sight. You are likely to find one or two every now but since they live in hidden areas, their populations will readily grow.
Before Treatment
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Identify all areas of infestation. Though you may have only found a few in one area of the home, it is likely others are elsewhere.
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Plan to be away for at least 6 to 8 hours * after application. This includes most pets. Fish tanks should be covered and the filter turned off. Plants are ok.
a ∗ Small children of age 2 and under, people with respiratory problems, and pregnant women should be out overnight according to the BC Ministry guidelines. Apply these guidelines to special-needs pets.
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Cover and put away all food.
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Turn off all computers.
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To create the best conditions for the treatment to work, heat and/or vacuum each item within the affected area. Pay particular attention to the carpets, including the underside of the area rugs. Carefully vacuum the edges of carpets and floor/wall junctions as well as around any large heavy items of furniture that cannot be moved. Vacuum, launder, or ‘heat’ all your clothes and draperies, and leave them on the stripped and vacuumed bed. Be sure to heat badly infested pieces or consider disposing of them. Vacuum closets and drawers. Vacuum all upholstered furniture, turning each piece upside down to get to the bottom. Pick up all articles off the floor such as toys, papers, boxes, shoes, and clothing. Take the vacuum outside and dispose of its contents securely in an outside bin.
Application
A residual quick-drying chemical is sprayed onto surfaces in the area killing most of the adult and larval population within 12 hours of application. It then kills any new hatchlings within 2 hours of them contacting the treated surface - well before they have a chance to lay more eggs, thereby breaking the life cycle.
After Treatment
Do not clean or vacuum for at least 14 days following the application to ensure the pesticide is still in place when the larvae emerge. Since eggs and pupa could escape a single treatment, closely monitor for any further activity, and give us a call before the population has a chance to get established again.
Silverfish Infestation: What You Need to Know
Silverfish are wingless insects silver to greyish in colour, have two long antennae, and three long appendages extending from the tip of the abdomen. They prefer warm, moist, dark areas and can live up to 2-1/2 years. They are active at night feeding on starches, such as fabrics, cereals, and paste or glue from wallpaper, books, magazines and boxes, but can go without food for several months.
Silverfish live outdoors, but when building conditions are warm and damp they may move inside and adapt to the indoor environment. Once inside, they can be moved around on items transferred from one place to another (i.e., on boxes moved from damp basements or attics into main living areas). These nuisance insects are not a direct health concern, although the damp conditions that they favour may be.
Before Treatment
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Plan to be away for at least 6 to 8 hours after application. This includes most pets. Fish tanks should be covered and the filter turned off. Plants are ok.
a. Small children of age 2 and under, pregnant women, and people with respiratory or cardiac problems should be out overnight according to the BC Ministry guidelines. Apply these same guidelines to special-needs pets.
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The technician would appreciate clear access to the following areas:
Plumbing under sinks;
Crawlspace;
Without moving any furniture, clear a 6-inch wide area along all inside walls of boxes, toys, magazines, shoes, clothing, etc.
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Remove items from infested storage areas, vacuum cracks, crevices, and all baseboards free of lint.
Dispose of infested materials or thoroughly vacuum items before storing them in new or plastic containers.
Store food and garbage in pest-proof containers.
Application
A quick-drying pesticide is applied in emptied storage areas, all baseboards, floor edges, and plumbing.
After Treatment
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Don’ts
Do not wash or vacuum the treated area for at least 30 days following application (light sweeping is OK) as this will degrade the product which otherwise can be effective for up to a year. After this waiting period, regular vacuuming is one of the recommended mechanical controls.
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Reduce Humidity
Effective long-term control may require improving ventilation, repairing leaks, or other moisture controls.
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Seal
Block off any openings leading to wall voids, especially under sinks and other warm and damp areas, e.g. hot water tanks. Seal or caulk previously vacuumed and treated gaps.
What to Expect
Since not all hiding places are accessible, silverfish may continue to be seen after treatment but will die when contacting the product. Mechanical controls in conjunction with pesticides should be effective.
Silverfish Treatment for Tenants
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Plan to be away for at least 6 to 8 hours after application. This includes most pets. Fish tanks should be covered and the filter turned off. Plants are ok.
a. Small children of age 2 and under, pregnant women, and people with respiratory or cardiac problems should be out overnight according to the BC Ministry guidelines. Apply these same guidelines to special-needs pets.
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The technician would appreciate clear access to the following areas:
Plumbing under sinks;
Crawlspace;
Without moving any furniture, clear a 6-inch wide area along all inside walls of boxes, toys, magazines, shoes, clothing, etc.
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Vacuum baseboards, cracks, and crevices free of lint.
Application
A quick-drying residual and/or contact pesticide is sprayed around baseboards, floor edges, and plumbing.
After Treatment
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Don’ts
Do not wash or vacuum treated areas for at least 30 days following application. After this waiting period, regular vacuuming is one of the recommended mechanical controls.
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Reduce Humidity
Additional control may be achieved by using sticky insect traps in areas of high humidity.
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Sanitize
- Remove infested boxes and other materials, thoroughly vacuum, and then restack items in storage areas.
- Store food and garbage in pest-proof containers and keep food preparation areas clean.
- Previously vacuumed and treated gaps may be sealed or caulked.
What to Expect
Since it is difficult to access all hiding places, silverfish may continue to be seen after treatment but will die when contacting the product. Mechanical controls should be effective when used in conjunction with our treatment. On the other hand, control efforts should not rely exclusively on pesticide spraying.
Clothes Moths
Clothes moths larva (caterpillar) stage damages items of animal origin, such as wool, fur, silk, and feathers. The adult moths do not feed. They are rarely seen because they tend to hide in the dark during daylight. The Indian meal moth, a common “pantry pest,” flies about during daylight and is often mistaken for one of these moths.
Casemaking Clothes Moth
The casemaking clothes moth is a buff grey colour and approximately 1/4-inch long with its wings folded along the body. Each front wing has three somewhat indistinct darker spots of scales.
The larva is creamy white with a brown head. It produces a silken tube-like case in which it lives and carries around for protection. The head and legs are exposed only during feeding and movement. This case is camouflaged with bits of the material on which the larva has been feeding. The larva is approximately 1/2-inch long at maturity.
Development from egg to adult is highly variable, depending upon available food and environmental conditions. It may be as little as a month.
Webbing Clothes Moth
The webbing clothes moth is a uniform buff colour, approximately 1/4-inch long. It has a small tuft of red hair on the top of its head.
The larva is whitish-coloured with a brown head. It produces a silk-lined “tunnel” as it eats through or on the surface of a fabric. The moth is approximately 1/2-inch long at maturity. Its developmental time is very similar to that of the casemaking clothes moth.
Control Measures and Prevention
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Conduct a regular inspection program of all susceptible items at least once a year. Take all items out of closets and drawers, and vacuum closets and drawers thoroughly to remove the lint on which larvae may feed.
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When making purchases, look for woollens and wool synthetic blends that have been treated by the manufacturer with a moth-resistant compound.
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Good housekeeping helps keep these pests out. In the home, clean often to prevent lint, dust, or hair from accumulating. Regular vacuum cleaning of rugs, carpets, drapes, upholstered furniture, pet bedding, closets, cracks and crevices in floors, and areas inside and behind heaters, furnace air ducts, and vents is important. Particularly susceptible are areas that are under furniture that is seldom moved and along baseboards where wool lint may accumulate. After using the vacuum, empty the bag because it may contain eggs or larvae. Remove animal nests (birds, rodents, bees and wasps). Trap rodents (NOTE: poisoned baits may result in mice or other rodents dying in inaccessible places-inside walls-and the carcasses can serve as a source of food for fabric pests as well as other household pests.)
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Clean garments regularly. Thoroughly clean garments before storage. Clothes moths are attracted to articles soiled by food, beverages, perspiration, and urine, rather than the clean wool itself. For furs, professional cleaning and cold storage are recommended.
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Store articles properly. Place clean articles in tight storage containers. Good plastic bags (without holes) sealed after the clean item is placed inside should prevent clothes moth infestation as long as the bag remains without punctures or tears. Use storage containers with tight-fitting lids and seal storage containers or cartons with good-quality tape. All seams and joints should be taped over. If garments are completely clean when placed in sealed containers, they should be safe from clothes moths. Note: Cedar chests are good pest-proof containers primarily because of their tight construction, and not the fact that they may release cedar oil. Cedar oil can kill young larvae, but may not affect older ones. Also, as the wood ages, the oils are not as volatile. A light sanding can help release the oils after a year or two of use.
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Place garments in cold storage where temperatures remain below 40°F. Larvae are inactive at temperatures below 40°F. Many people assume that freezing temperatures will control these insects - not always so. Clothes moths have survived for long periods in unheated attics and barns in old furniture, clothing, and blankets exposed to below-freezing temperatures. Although lower temperatures slow down or put a temporary halt to their activities, the clothes moths are usually not directly killed by them.
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If you have infested articles, you can often rid them of larvae and eggs by brushing and sunning them, or by having them dry-cleaned. Vigorous brushing outdoors in bright sunshine, particularly in areas around cuffs, collars, and other hidden places, if done periodically, can be effective in destroying clothes moths. If pillows, mattresses, or upholstered furnishings are infested, you may want to have them treated by a professional pest control firm, or dispose of the infested articles.
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Moth-proofing after cleaning or sunning can help prevent future infestations. Many commercial cleaners offer a moth-proofing process. Infested cabinets or closets should be vacuumed thoroughly to remove any wool lint from between boards or in corners.
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If you have a widespread infestation, it is advisable to enlist the services of a professional pest control firm.
Drugstore Beetle Infestation: What You Need to Know
The drugstore beetle is cylindrical in body shape and has distinctly striated wing covers. It is brown in colour and is about 2 to 3.5 mm long. The last three segments of the antennae are like a saw. Its food is varied and it is said to feed "upon almost anything except cast iron."
The drugstore beetle is a common pest of processed and packaged food products making its way into the home in spite of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs at the processing, distribution, and storage facilities. This stored product pest can cause tremendous damage, mostly in its larval stage. It gets its name from its habit of feeding on prescription drugs. It also feeds on flours, chocolates and other sweets, and spices. Non-food material includes wool, hair, leather, and horn. It is known to bore into books, wooden objects, and, in some cases, lead sheets. Drugstore beetle eggs are laid singly in their food source. The entire life cycle is generally less than two months but can be as long as seven depending on the temperature and food source.
Before Treatment
Locating all sources of infestation is the first and most important step. Heavily infested items should be wrapped in heavy plastic, taken outside and thrown away. All food containers and items should be checked for infestation and disposed of when contaminated. Uninfested items can be cold- or heat-treated to ensure that any undetected stages are killed. To prevent re-infestation, clean up spilled flour, mixes, crumbs, etc. and thoroughly vacuum and clean areas where the contaminated items were stored. Store foods in airtight glass, metal or plastic containers. Clear containers make it easier to check for infestation.
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Plan to be away for at least 6 to 8 hours after application. This includes most pets. Fish tanks should be covered and the filter turned off. Plants are ok.
a. Small children of age 2 and under, pregnant women, and people with respiratory or cardiac problems should be out overnight according to the BC Ministry guidelines. Apply these same guidelines to special-needs pets.
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The technician would appreciate access to all cracks and crevices where the contaminated items were stored.
Application
A residual quick-drying chemical is applied to cracks, crevices, and shelves in storage areas after the removal of stored products.
After Treatment
Do not wash treated areas, cupboard shelves, and drawers for 30 days. Place shelf paper or newspaper on shelves and in drawers before any items are returned to the cupboards. Wash all countertops, cutting boards, fridges, and stove tops with soap and water before using. Open windows if possible.
Always keep your food products in sealed containers and discard contents at the first signs of contamination.
Cockroaches Infestation: What You Need to Know
Cockroaches are medium-sized to large, broad, flattened insects with long antennae. Immature cockroaches look like small adults without wings. Some people confuse them with beetles. They are nocturnal and run rapidly when disturbed. They prefer food preparation areas and bathrooms because they favour warm (70° to 75°F), humid areas that are close to food and water.
In BC, the German cockroach has the greatest potential of becoming persistent and troublesome. Good hygiene practices are crucial to the eradication of the infestation; chemical control alone will not solve the problem. Even tiny amounts of crumbs or liquids caught between cracks provide a food source.
Before Treatment
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Plan to be away for at least 6 to 8 hours * after application. This includes most pets. Fish tanks should be covered and the filter turned off. Plants are ok.
a. Small children of age 2 and under, people with respiratory problems, and pregnant women should be out overnight according to the BC Ministry guidelines. Apply these guidelines to special needs pets.
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For an effective treatment, we ask your cooperation in carrying out the following instructions:
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Kitchen and Bathroom: Remove all items from storage cupboards, vanities, drawers, counters, fridge, and stove tops. Place these items on a table, the bathtub or in the center of the floor and cover them with plastic, blankets, or sheets. Store food in the fridge or where other items are being stored.
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Vacuum the kitchen area, including behind and under appliances, to remove cockroaches, shed skins, and egg capsules. Carefully vacuum food and debris from cracks and crevices. Vacuumed debris should be burnt or disposed of in an outside bin.
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Using a degreasing cleaner, get rid of any dirt, food residue and grease in the kitchen and eating areas, again paying particular attention to appliances.
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Ensure all food is sealed.
Application
A residual quick-drying pesticide is sprayed on all cupboard and storage surfaces. Baseboards and plumbing are also treated. Bait may also be placed in strategic areas at the same time.
After Treatment
Do not wash cupboard shelves and drawers for 30 days. Place shelf paper or newspaper on shelves and in drawers before any items are returned to the cupboards. Wash all countertops, cutting boards, fridge and stove tops with soap and water before using. Opening windows can be helpful.
Maintain good sanitation to avoid encouraging a new infestation.
What to Expect
Cockroaches will continue to hatch up to 8 weeks after treatment but will die when contacting the product.
Other Pests Infestation: What You Need to Know
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Sowbug
Armadillo-like sowbug is a tiny land crustacean that needs moist conditions to survive. They live under rocks or debris where they feed on decaying organic matter.
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Millipede
Wormlike millipedes tend to curl up when disturbed or die.
Once in the home, they soon die because it is too dry for them. They usually die quickly once inside homes because moisture levels are not high enough for them.
Characteristics
Pests such as some types of moths, beetles, and weevils are common pantry pests. Crawling stages are generally not much bigger than a grain of rice and are easily missed. Flying pests are easier to see and identify. Both crawling and moth pests have the same life cycle: egg, larvae, pupa, and adult. Although the duration of time will vary for different species to complete their respective life cycles, controlling each pest is the same. They are easy to kill but you will notice they keep on emerging. The first step to stopping the cycle is to identify and dispose of infested items. The second stage is pesticide application.
Infestation
In most cases, they were brought to your home with some type of stored food product such as flour, pet food, biscuits, pasta, cereal, dried beans, bread, spices, cookies, and other standard pantry items, including birdseed. Although most infestations originate in the kitchen or pantry, be sure to include all areas of the home when trying to identify the main nesting site(s).
Before Treatment
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Locating the source or sources of infestation is the first and most important step. All items should be checked for infestation and disposed of when contaminated. Emptied containers must be disinfected. Heavily infested items should be bagged, taken outside, and thrown away. Uninfested items can be cold- or heat-treated to ensure that any undetected stages are killed. To prevent re-infestation, clean up spilled flour, mixes, crumbs, etc. and thoroughly vacuum and clean areas’ cracks and crevices where the contaminated items were stored. Store foods in airtight glass, metal, or plastic containers. Clear containers make it easier to check for infestation.
-
Plan to be away for at least 6 to 8 hours after application. This includes most pets. Fish tanks should be covered and the filter turned off. Plants are ok.
a. Small children under 2 years of age, people with respiratory problems, and pregnant women should be out overnight according to the BC Ministry guidelines. Apply these same guidelines to special-needs pets.
-
The technician would appreciate access to all cracks and crevices where the contaminated items were stored. Empty affected cupboards and storage units.
Application
A residual quick-drying chemical is applied to cracks, crevices and shelves in storage areas after the removal of stored products.
After Treatment
Do not wash treated areas, cupboard shelves, and drawers for 30 days. Place shelf paper or newspaper on shelves and in drawers before returning any items to the cupboards. Wash all countertops, cutting boards, fridges, and stove tops with soap and water before using. Open windows if possible.
Always keep your food products in sealed containers and discard contents at the first signs of contamination.
