The Essential Role of Bees in Our Ecosystem

Bees, often thought of as mere honey producers, play a far more vital role in our ecosystem. Responsible for producing 1/3 of our food supply and providing half of the world’s fibers, oils, and other raw materials, bees are essential workers within nature. The tiny but mighty bees help maintain a healthy ecosystem by exhibiting natural pest control abilities, similar to their buzzing counterparts like wasps and hornets, and contributing significantly to biodiversity. By pollinating flowering plants, they not only add to the beauty of nature but also support the survival of other wildlife species.

Food Production and Environmental Impact

Imagine a world without almonds or coffee becoming a luxury. This could very well become our reality in a world without bees. Their disappearance may not lead to human extinction, but it will definitely lead to a severe hit in our dietary diversity and food affordability. Envisaging a world without bees paints a grim picture, especially when considering their indispensable role in food production and maintaining environmental balance. Bees are paramount pollinators, and without them, the pollination of many of our favorite fruits, vegetables, and nuts would be severely compromised. This could lead to a significant reduction in crop yields, escalating food prices, and potential food scarcity in some regions.

Beyond our plates, the absence of bees would disrupt ecosystems. Many plants rely on bees for reproduction; without pollination, they would gradually die out, affecting the species that feed on them and triggering a domino effect throughout the food chain, leading us to question if it’s all about the bees or if other pollinators are just as vital. Moreover, the beautiful landscapes we cherish, filled with wildflowers, ladybugs, and vibrant plant life, would become barren over time. The loss of bees would not only signify a food crisis but also herald a profound environmental upheaval, underscoring their critical importance in the intricate web of life.

Supporting and Protecting Bee Populations

We can all contribute to the preservation and growth of bee populations. The global bee population has been under threat due to habitat loss and rampant use of harmful pesticides, though there are non-toxic pest control alternatives that can be just as effective. Despite these challenges, bee populations are slowly bouncing back. As per 2021 estimates, there were approximately 25.1 million bee colonies worldwide with beekeeping and apiculture seeing a significant rise.

Planting a bee-friendly garden with diverse native flowers that provide bees with nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. Reducing or eliminating the use of harmful pesticides in gardens and agricultural fields can mitigate direct threats to bee health. Setting aside wild spaces and promoting organic farming can offer bees the natural environments they require to thrive.

Furthermore, supporting local beekeepers, who play a crucial role in maintaining bee health and educating the community about various threats, including unexpected ones like bed bugs on planes, can make a significant difference. Every individual effort, no matter how small, contributes to a collective impact in ensuring that these invaluable pollinators continue to buzz vibrantly, supporting our ecosystems and food supply.

Conclusion

Bees are more than just the architects of nature’s sweetest golden nectar; they are the unsung heroes that underpin the balance and productivity of our ecosystems. Their irreplaceable role in supporting the diversity and abundance of our food and ensuring the health of our natural landscapes cannot be overstated. While the challenges they face are immense, from habitat loss to harmful pesticides, our collective actions, like ensuring our homes are pest-checked responsibly, can pave the way for their recovery. From backyard gardeners to commercial farmers, from consumers to educators, each of us holds a piece of the puzzle in safeguarding the future of bees. By understanding their importance, taking steps to protect them, and advocating for bee-friendly practices, we can ensure that these vital pollinators, and by extension our world, flourish for generations to come.

Take Action Now!

Our environment and the very food we eat depend on the health and vitality of bees. Don’t wait for the situation to get dire; you can make a difference right in your backyard! If you’re facing pest issues or just want to ensure a bee-friendly environment, our team of experts is here to help. Whether you’re in West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby & New West, the Coquitlam & Tri-Cities area, or Richmond we’ve got your back. Join us in the mission to protect and preserve our invaluable pollinators. Reach out today!

The Impact of Climate Change on Pest Control: How Rising Temperatures are Affecting Pest Populations

Climate change is a pressing issue that is affecting various aspects of our lives, including pest control. Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns have significant impacts on pest populations, leading to various consequences for homeowners. In this article, we will explore the effect of climate change on insect pests, the pests most affected by increasing temperatures, the long-term consequences of rising temperatures on pest populations, strategies to manage and control pest populations in the face of climate change, and steps homeowners can take to minimize the impact of climate change on their own properties.

What impact is climate change having on the overall pest population?

Climate change has a complex influence on pest populations. While some pests thrive in warmer temperatures, others are negatively affected. When temperatures and precipitation levels become too high, it can slow the growth and reproduction of some pest species, ultimately leading to their destruction. High temperatures also have the potential to wash away the eggs and larvae of pests from host plants, reducing their populations. However, it is important to note that the impact of climate change on pest populations varies depending on the specific pest species and their adaptation capabilities.

Which pests are the most adversely affected by increasing temperatures?

Increasing temperatures and extreme weather events have a significant impact on crop production and agricultural pests. Pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites are particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures. These pests rely on specific environmental conditions to thrive, and even a slight increase in temperature can disrupt their life cycles and lead to population declines. For example, increased heat stress can interfere with their ability to reproduce and survive, ultimately reducing their numbers.

What are the long-term consequences of rising temperatures on pest populations?

Rising temperatures have several long-term consequences on pest populations. Firstly, it can lead to an increase in overwintering insects. Warmer winters allow more pests to survive and overwinter successfully, resulting in larger populations in the following seasons. Additionally, rapid population growth is a common consequence of rising temperatures. Pests can reproduce more frequently and produce larger numbers of offspring, leading to outbreaks and infestations.

Moreover, rising temperatures can also impact host plants. Changes in host plant resistance, driven by climate change, can influence the vulnerability of plants to pest attacks. Some pests may find alternative host plants due to changes in the availability and suitability of their usual hosts. This can result in the introduction of new pests or an increase in the population of existing ones. Additionally, the emergence of insect-transmitted diseases can occur as rising temperatures can create favourable conditions for disease vectors to thrive and spread.

What strategies can be used to manage and control pest populations in the face of climate change?

In the face of climate change, it is crucial to adopt effective strategies to manage and control pest populations. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic approach that combines various tactics to minimize the reliance on chemical pesticides. Some of the strategies utilized in IPM include:

1. Host Resistance: Breeding and cultivating plants with natural resistance to pests can reduce the vulnerability of crops to infestations.

2. Biological Control: Introducing natural enemies of pests, such as predators or parasites, can help regulate pest populations.

3. Cultural Control: Implementing cultural practices like crop rotation, intercropping, and proper sanitation can disrupt pest life cycles and reduce their numbers.

4. Mechanical Control: Physical methods like trapping, hand-picking, or using barriers can directly remove pests from infested areas.

5. Sanitation: Proper waste management and removal of potential pest breeding grounds can reduce pest populations.

6. Chemical (Pesticide) Control: As a last resort, targeted and judicious use of chemical pesticides can be employed, taking care to minimize non-target impacts and prioritize environmentally friendly options.

It is important to remember that the choice of control strategy should be tailored to the specific pest species, the severity of the infestation, and the potential environmental impacts.

What steps can homeowners take to minimize the impact of climate change on their own properties?

Homeowners can play a vital role in minimizing the impact of climate change on their properties by implementing simple yet effective measures. These steps not only contribute to pest control but also promote energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. Some steps homeowners can take include:

1. Regularly changing air filters: Clean air filters improve indoor air quality, reduce energy consumption, and prevent the entry of pests.

2. Proper use of a programmable thermostat: Adjusting temperature settings based on occupancy and comfort levels can conserve energy while minimizing the conditions favorable for pests.

3. Annual maintenance of heating and cooling equipment: Having heating and cooling systems inspected and serviced by licensed professionals ensures optimal performance, and energy efficiency, and reduces the risk of pest harborage.

4. Sealing gaps and cracks: Properly sealing gaps and cracks in windows, doors, and foundations can prevent pests from entering homes.

5. Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene: Regular cleaning, proper waste management, and prompt removal of standing water can eliminate potential pest breeding grounds.

Implementing these measures can create a healthier and more comfortable home environment while reducing the likelihood of pest infestations.

What are the most effective methods of integrated pest management for controlling pest population growth in the long term?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) offers the most effective long-term approach to controlling pest population growth. Within IPM, chemical control methods are commonly utilized. Chemical pest control methods involve the use of pesticides to manage pest populations. However, it is essential to note that chemical control should be employed judiciously and as a last resort. Pesticides should be used in a targeted manner, with a focus on minimizing non-target impacts and selecting environmentally friendly options. Additionally, chemical control should be integrated with other IPM strategies, such as biological control and cultural control, to ensure sustainable and effective pest management.

Conclusion

Climate change has a significant impact on pest populations, affecting their growth, reproduction, and survival. While some pests experience declines in populations due to rising temperatures, others may thrive. The long-term consequences of climate change on pest populations include increased overwintering insects, rapid population growth, and changes in host plant resistance. To effectively manage and control pest populations in the face of climate change, integrated pest management strategies should be adopted. Homeowners can also play a role in minimizing the impact of climate change on their properties by implementing simple measures and practicing good pest control habits. By understanding the effects of climate change on pest control and taking appropriate actions, homeowners can mitigate the challenges posed by rising temperatures and help create a more sustainable and pest-free environment.

Rodenticide: How Does the Ban Effect Your Rodent Problem?

The BC Ministry of Environment recently announced an eighteen month ban on the use of Second Generation Anticoagulated Rodenticides (SGARs).  But what exactly does this ban mean to homeowners and business owners with rodent problems?

First off, let’s understand what SGARs are exactly. SGARs are the most widely used rodenticides in the pest technician’s toolbox. They have a quick knock down effect on rodents. The rodent only has to eat the bait once for the poison to work. The downside is the rodent’s natural predators like hawks and owls can die or suffer long-term effects from eating poisoned rodents.

The highlighted active ingredients in the grid below are what the BC government have banned. The BC pest control industry can still use First Generation and Non-Anticoagulant rodenticide. However, when using these types of rodenticide, the rodent must continue to feed on it multiple times over several days. It can be difficult to get the rodent to do this, especially during the summer months when there is an abundance of food for them outside.

Rodenticide Classification

rodenticide classifications

It is the pest control industry’s duty to uphold the health and safety of the public and structures. The use of SGARs is the most effective way to keep down the mouse and rat population by far.  So how will we treat rodent problems without the use of SGARs?  We will be mixing it up with the use of snap traps inside the exterior bait stations and 1st generation rodenticide. We will also provide advice and recommendations on how to rodent proof your home or business.

There are exceptions to the ban which are listed here. The exceptions do not include residential homes, offices or non-food retail outlets, to mention a few.

Let’s now focus on the top rattiest cities in BC.

Rats. It’s not the most flattering list to be on. And to add insult to injury, if Coronavirus hasn’t been disheartening enough already, COVID-19 is being blamed for rodents moving from downtown areas into residential neighbourhoods. Believe it or not, this is a true fact and a phenomenon around the world for the pest control industry.

Orkin’s Top 20 Rattiest Cities in BC in 2020

TOP 10
THE REST
  • Vernon
  • Delta
  • Port Coquitlam
  • Duncan
  • Chilliwack
  • Sidney
  • Nanaimo
  • Maple Ridge
  • Terrace
  • Powell River

Vancouver topped the list as being the rattiest city in BC for a fourth straight year. Followed by Victoria, Burnaby, Richmond and Surrey. Lower Mainland communities took eight of the top 10 spots. The rankings are based on the number of commercial and residential rodent (rats and mice) treatments Orkin carried out in BC from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020.

After reading these statistics, we clearly have a rodent problem in the Lower Mainland.

If you’re in need of a professional to end your rodent problem, we service the following areas: 

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Organic Pest Control – GreenPro Certified!

Ants, rodents and all other pests certainly don’t have a place in a clean and healthy home. Before you go ahead and hire the first pest control company you see advertised on Google, make sure that they are GreenPro certified. Especially if you want an organic pest control service. So what does it mean to be GreenPro certified?

ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE SOLUTIONS

Eco-friendly has been around for a while and it has never been more important than now. In order to stay competitive, companies need to ensure they can meet the changing requirements in their industry. Of course, pest control companies are no different. Did you know we are required to adhere to strict environmental standards? This certification is a hallmark that our GreenPro methods are unquestionably environment-friendly.

CREDIBILITY AND INTEGRITY

GreenPro certified means we are committed to delivering effective, high-quality pest control services to our clients. Our GreenPro accreditation is from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).  This is the only truly ‘green’ pest control qualification in the pest control world.

HONESTY AND TRANSPARENCY

GreenPro certified companies openly talk about the differences between traditional pest management techniques and their innovative green solutions. Even though we are knowledgeable about the traditional methods, we also use newer green strategies for pest control. In extreme cases where the better option is to use a pesticide, we work out a plan to ensure minimal impact.

Your GreenPro service includes:

  • We first inspect and monitor the property.
  • If we find a pest problem, we will first eliminate the sources of food, water and shelter that pests need to survive (for example, we may seal cracks, recommend the installation of screens or remove debris from the exterior of the building).
  • If we need to use a pesticide, we will use products in a manner that minimizes any risk to people, pets or the environment.
  • Before making a traditional pesticide application, we must first discuss it with you and obtain your consent.

GreenPro is the mark of excellence in pest management. This program is increasing the professionalism of the industry through self-regulation. It does this through  stimulating consumer demand through increased confidence and a higher public perception of industry professionalism.  GreenPro provides marketing opportunities to pest control companies by recognizing commitment to excellence and higher performance standards. In a nutshell, we offer organic pest control services. To learn more about what makes Pestcheck Pest Control a GreenPro certified company, give us a call today!

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We Are QualityPro Certified!

Pestcheck Pest Control is proud to be one of a few pest control companies in Canada to earn the QualityPro designation.  In fact, we are the 22nd company out of 1,281 pest control companies in Canada to certify! QualityPro is an industry program, exclusive to NPMA (National Pest Management Association) members. It sets Pestcheck apart from the competition and especially illustrates our expertise in the industry.

What does QualityPro mean for me as a client?

Because of the strict guidelines we follow, you can feel comfortable every time one of our technicians comes to your door. As active members in this program, every one of our employees has the following qualities:

  • Are drug-free
  • Have safe driving records
  • Passed a criminal background check
  • Receive numerous hours of continuing education each year to ensure that they stay up to date on the latest trends and techniques in the industry

What can I expect during my appointment?

  • Licensed technician arrives in a marked company vehicle
  • Does a thorough inspection
  • Provides paperwork to you after each visit that reflects the actions taken during your appointment

The Pestcheck QualityPro Difference

Pestcheck is committed to meeting your pest control needs. But more than that, Pestcheck promises to treat your home and your family with the utmost care. After all, it’s you that we’re working for and we want a repeat client!

All of our employees not only have the deeper level of pest control but also the training to help work with you on meeting all of your pest control needs both now and well into the future.

Other companies are not obligated to follow these expectations. At Pestcheck, we want you to be satisfied with the work we’ve done and a QualityPro certification only continues to ensure that your house will be in good hands. By doing business with us, you can feel confident in your selection of a qualified pest management provider. To learn more about our certification or to book an appointment, please contact us today.

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Naked Truth About Bugs

Most of us want nothing to do with pests, outside of hiring someone else to get rid of them for us. We’d rather not dwell on the naked truth about bugs or rodents. For those of you who have an interest in these creatures, this post is pretty cool. For those of you who are fairly squeamish about pests around your home, this post may be the stuff of nightmares.

Not all insects are bugs, but all bugs are insects

It’s a bit confusing, right? So to make things simpler: within the insect world, not all of them are bugs but all of them are insects. Although it’s acceptable to interchange the two words, true bugs lack teeth and have tough fore wings. They also have a stylet, a straw-like mouth that is intended for sucking. Insects, on the other hand, have three-part bodies and usually have two pairs of wings and three pairs of legs.

Ants

There are over 12,000 species of ants on earth. Check out some mildly terrifying, but mostly cool, facts about the ant.

  1. The total weight of all the ants in the world is equal to that of all humans in the world.
  2. Of all insects, ants have the longest lifespan. They can live up to 30 years.
  3. In proportion to its size, the ant is one of the strongest creatures on earth.
  4. Some ant species make slaves out of other ant species.
  5. Ants and humans are the only two species that farm other creatures. Ants farm aphids in a mutualistic relationship.

Cockroaches

Here are some crazy facts about the cockroach.

  1. A cockroach can live for about a week without it’s head. Cockroaches breath through small holes in their body segments, so they don’t rely on their mouth for breathing. They will eventually die of starvation.
  2. They can run up to 3 miles per hour!
  3. The largest cockroach in the world is found in South America and is about 6 inches long with a 1 foot wing-span. Yikes!

Silverfish

They are named due to their silvery, metallic appearance, fish-like shape and quick movements. Silverfish tend to hide their presence from humans, which means any damage they cause could go unnoticed.

Naked Truth: The courting and mating ritual of the silverfish is quite prolonged as it consists of three phases. During phase one, the male and female face each other, touch antennae, back off and repeat. Then, in phase two, the male runs away while the female chases him. Finally, during the third and final phase, they line up side-by-side, head to tail and complete their mating ritual.

Needless to say, if your home or business has pest control needs, it’s time to call in the experts. Contact Pestcheck today for a free quote. Our Burnaby pest control techniciansRichmond pest control techniciansCoquitlam pest control techniciansWest Vancouver pest control technicians and North Vancouver pest control technicians are here to help.

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Family Business: Families Who Play Together, Stay Together

There are four of us in our family business. Stephen is the head of the family and the head technician. Tayler, our eldest son, is a technician and Cruz is our apprentice technician. Me? I’m the matriarch and general dogs body…I run the office.

When you use our services, you get to understand a little more about our business. Because you can have a more direct connection with us as business owners, you tend to notice that we also have a more personal interest in you.

No matter what, we want to see our sons succeed whether it be working with us or working for someone else.  As they choose us, we go over and beyond mentoring them and teaching them all that we’ve learned.  The bottom line is we want to pass our knowledge down to them.

FAMILY KNOW THE INDUSTRY BETTER THAN ANYONE

Stephen and I have decades of business knowledge as we grown our family businesses over the years.  However, we don’t want all that knowledge to go to waste. We’re eager to pass it down.  It’s better than any college course you can take because you’ll learn it first hand and not from a textbook.

WE CHALLENGE OUR KIDS

We know our kids strengths and weaknesses.  As a family, we have to cover each other and pull our own weight.  If one of us is slacking, we’re going to let them know.  We will give them an opportunity to not only improve, but also become better at what they do as a result.

FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE MORE OPPORTUNITIES

There’s a certain level of trust that happens in families that doesn’t happen anywhere else. If one of us has a new, out of the box idea for something, selling it to us is much easier than selling it to someone else.

Families believe in family and know family members are invested in the business.  It’s a true team effort.

Behind the success of every small business, there is a family.

-Unknown

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5 Stars: Thank You All for the Amazing Reviews

Blog: Why I Write About Pest Control

There’s value in a business blog. Real value. It’s so much more than a tool for getting traffic from Google (although that is a huge plus).

So why am I blogging?

Continuing Education

Remember, I am not a technician like the rest of my family. I am the general dogs-body running the business side of things. I did qualify as a technician in 2001 but since then I have chosen to remain safely behind my desk instead of out in the field. Luckily for me, when I do research I also learn.  So, when I am searching for content ideas and gathering information for my next post, I am not only providing vital information for you, but also educating myself about all aspects of pest control.

Learning From Our Clients

I have so many conversations with our clients. Some are petrified of mice, some are horrified of having bed bugs and some are victimized by raccoons. All of these clients are looking to me for comfort and good old fashioned advice on how to get rid of pests. A lot of my blog ideas come directly from telephone conversations with new clients and our fabulous loyal clients.

Offering the Best advice in My Blog

Research, research and more research!  That is the key to what I write. The information I post must be 100% accurate and at the same time easy to read and digest. I think the key to everything in life is information. People cannot make clear and concise decisions without good information.  That is where my blogs come in.  I absolutely love creating them and I sincerely hope that you find them full of the information you need.

If there is a topic I haven’t written about and you want to know more, please email me. I am always up for a challenge!

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5 Stars: Thank You All for the Amazing Reviews

Posting a review is so easy and takes practically no time!

Clicking on the link, selecting a star rating (you can choose between 1 star, being the worst and 5 stars, being the best) and writing a few words about your thoughts on Pestcheck Pest Control will only take you a few seconds. But, for our company, your feedback is priceless.

No matter your business type, what people post about your company online means a lot. Consumers are much more likely to trust the words of experienced customers than those of advertising campaigns.

Thank you to everyone who has posted 5 stars so far!

On behalf of the entire Pestcheck team, we’d like to offer our sincere thanks to everyone who has taken the time to post reviews. Among the awesome people who offered Pestcheck a recent 5-stars rating was Shanice Kirton.

The service I received was amazing to say the least!” she wrote, “After I reported the rodent problem to my landlords, Tayler from Pestcheck showed up the same day! He was professional and knowledgeable and most importantly, he fixed my problem and saved me!! I’d definitely recommend Pestcheck!

Synthesis Design also took the time to post a 5-stars rating and the following words:

The family run team at Pestcheck were terrific from start to finish. From answering our call, providing a quote, delivering the service, and follow up communication they were fast, friendly, honest, and knowledgeable. We would highly recommend them to anyone looking to get rid of unwanted pests. Thank you Julie and Stephen!

At Pestcheck, we love our clients, old and new!

We’d also like to acknowledge everyone who has posted favourable Google reviews of Pestcheck in the past. One of our absolute favourites comes from Eric Alvano of Donair Dude and Hula Poke. His kind words, from a couple of years ago, still mean the world to us today.

Stephen is very knowledgeable and can find a solution for any problem. Highly recommend if you need any pest control services!

Would you like to write a Google review of Pestcheck Pest Control? Click HERE!

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