In spring and summer, you are used to seeing ants scurrying around your patio or driveway. Ant hills protruding out of your grass, and even ants who’ve made their way into your home marching in a trail toward your pantry. Seeing ants in your home in Vancouver in the winter could signal a serious problem, [...]

Coming into close proximity with a skunk can be a stressful experience. Anyone who has smelled a skunk knows just how noxious this odor can be. Not only do skunks present the danger of spraying you or your pet, but they also dig holes in landscapes and gardens.  Skunks may also try to forage through trash [...]

Squirrels may be cute when they’re chasing each other up and down trees, but they aren’t so adorable when they end up in your attic or walls. If a squirrel infestation gets out of control, it’s important to take immediate action. Otherwise, these creatures can cause all sorts of damage to your home and create […]

Vancouverites have a complicated relationship with these “mask bandits”. On one hand, raccoons appear adorable and are embraced as part of the city. However, as their population has been expanding quickly across the city, the table finally turned when raccoons started to fight for space within Vancouver residences. The question is: how do you get [...]

Jewellery designs of insects have been in vogue for a long time. The Georgians and the Victorians definitely loved wearing bug jewellery. But I think you will agree, these creepy Christmas gifts are just too creepy! Cockroach Brooches Bejeweled Madagascar Hissing Cockroach brooches were highly sought-after by celebrities and everyday fashionistas in 2005. The client [...]

Look out for creepy-crawlies under the Christmas tree this year! If your kids are crazy about cars and insects, look no further than Mattel’s Bug Racer. The toy race car is for children ages six and up and it’s piloted by crickets! It is a vehicle and a cricket habitat all in one and uses [...]

When the chill of autumn arrives, so do some of the season’s scariest decorations. Witches, ghosts, vampires and mummies are the season’s headliners, but what about their trusty sidekicks? It’s nearly impossible to create a truly spooktacular Halloween display without creepy crawlies like spiders, insects, rats, and mice. But what happens when these frightening decorations [...]

Are “fancy” rats fancy because they are wearing formal gowns and tuxes? Are “fancy” mice fancy because they have excellent table manners or because they host amazing parties? Nope - the word fancy doesn't mean elaborate, decorative, expensive or well-dressed. In this case, it means "to like something or someone". In other words, if you [...]

There are a number of DIY solutions to cockroach control but do any of them work? The Duct Tape method seemed a good enough solution to examine. Duct tape is amazing stuff as it has so many uses. But do you know that it can also be used to catch cockroaches? Yep. It makes a [...]

Do you hear scratching noises in your attic or basement? The good news is it’s not a ghost, but there is definitely something living up there. You likely have an animal living in your attic, and trust me, it didn’t remodel up there to make room for a bathroom! What happens when you have an [...]

Who pays for Pest Control? This is a tough question to answer. According to the BC Residential Tenancy Policy Guidelines: "The Landlord is responsible for ensuring that rental units and property, or manufactured home sites and parks, meet “health, safety and housing standards” established by law, and are reasonably suitable for occupation given the nature [...]

In spring and early summer, the COVID19 pandemic emptied our city streets of people. Our packed urban-centers that were jammed with life became empty and devoid of humans. This was the perfect storm for the year of the rat. The temporary closure/scale back of countless restaurants and businesses have depleted rat food sources. Many rodents [...]

“R-r-rats! Rats! Rats! Rough on Rats, Hang your dogs and drown your cats. We give a plan for every man to clear his house with Rough on Rats” Lol, this is the chorus of a promotional song/jingle written in 1882 for the product known as "Rough on Rats." Rat Poison in 1872 "Rough on Rats" [...]

Have you been hearing scratching noises inside the walls of your home at night? Does it sound like something could be gnawing on the walls? You could have a rats or mice living in your house! Rats and mice are common household invaders here in Vancouver. Unlike humans, they can’t throw on a winter coat [...]

You guessed it...silverfish. They get their name for their likeness to fish. Drawn to moist areas, they have a silver metallic color like scales of a fish and move side to side replicating a fish’s tail through the water. Silverfish females can deliver one to three eggs per day which are hidden in cracks throughout [...]

Self Storage units full of cardboard, upholstery and cracks and crevices scream “home” for mice, rats, cockroaches and bed bugs to name a few. Unlike a house or an office, a storage unit can go a long time before it is checked by it's owner. This means an infestation can grow undetected and can easily spread from unit to unit. [...]

Believe it or not, bed bugs can hitchhike from home to home through a shared laundry room and laundromats. If you wash or dry your clothes at the hottest temperature, your risk of catching bed bugs through shared machines is minimal. Basically, what goes into the dryer at high heat for half an hour comes out [...]

Fruits and vegetables are delicious, nutritious and colorful. This makes them the ideal foods to nourish our families, our appetites and our palates. To ensure that they are truly beneficial to our health, it is important to get as much pesticide residue off your produce as possible. According to Health Canada, pesticides play an important [...]

Arachnophobia means the fear of spiders. These eight legged creatures are so feared because of their agile and unpredictable movements. Spiders kill their food using web traps and venom; in most species this venom is only harmful to their prey such as insects, small mammals, birds and reptiles. However, there are only a dozen or [...]

So you are in the backyard, sitting down to a family picnic, when you notice something out of the corner of your eye. Is something moving in the fruit salad? Yes, it’s the ants! These pesky pests are unwanted guests to your gathering. You don’t want ants spoiling your picnic! They don’t come marching two […]

Let's look at a few simple tasks you can do to prevent wasps and hornets from invading your home and turning your yard into a breeding ground. Where Do Wasps Live? Wasps live in nests that they build by chewing wood and plant debris and mixing it with their saliva. Because of this, wasp nests can look [...]

Although we offer skunk removal services, we can’t take away the smell! Here are some proven ways you can get rid of the smell. Skunk Smell Removal Recipe In a bowl mix: 1 litre 3% hydrogen peroxide 60 ml baking soda 1 tsp liquid dish soap The mix cannot be covered or stored because it [...]

Bed bugs are here in North America and they are going no where. So if you and your family are going to travel, check out these recommendations for keeping the bed bugs away: Check for Complaints Before you book any hotel, go online and check for bed bug complaints from other travelers. Yes, there are [...]

You are enjoying an afternoon on your deck and you notice a shiny, black bee hovering overhead.  It's possible the bees have set up a construction crew on your wooden deck this summer. Read on to discover tips on how to get rid of carpenter bees. Carpenter bees prefer old and weathered wood, even unpainted. The [...]

Summer is finally here. Time to soak up some much needed Vitamin D and enjoy the great outdoors! But wait…..there’s a problem….and it is buzzing all around you. Yes, those dreaded wasps and hornets are back on the scene again.  While you might think your garden is your domain, it is also nature’s backyard and that [...]

Cupcake Liner On A Cup/Can Fed up of those pesky wasps and flies always landing in your drink? Well you won’t be for much longer – all you need to do is place a cupcake liner upside down on top of the can or cup and then poke a hole in the top just big [...]

It’s one of the simple pleasures in life.  Chocolate is a mouth-watering, delightful treat. You might be shocked to hear that your favorite sinful treat has a few additives that you did not know about.  Worse yet, those additives, despite being considered “safe” are making some people sick! This raises the question: Are cockroaches in […]

No one wants water bugs in their pool. And there’s nothing quite so disheartening as going out for a swim only to discover a layer of dead flies floating on the surface of your pool. Here are some sure fire tips to keep your pool sparkling and clean this summer: Vacuum your pool Keep your pool’s pH [...]

Since a home purchase is one of the most significant financial investments you will make, you have to be absolutely sure that you are putting your money in the right house. The last thing on your mind is getting a home pest inspection. Read on for some compelling reasons why you should. Identify Pest Problems […]

CITY OF NORTH VANCOUVER, COQUITLAM, DELTA, MAPLE RIDGE, NEW WESTMINSTER AND SURREY If you live in one of the cities or municipalities listed above and you’ve applied for a demolition permit, you need a pest control report issued by a professional pest control business. These local authorities are very concerned with pest infestations. In particular, the […]

FACTS Asian Giant Hornets are large and have noticeably large orange heads and black eyes. Worker hornets are approximately 3.5 cm in length and queens can be up to 4-5 cm in length with a wingspan of 4-7 cm. Asian Giant Hornets only nest in the ground, unlike other species of wasps or bees that [...]

Why are bed bugs attracted to humans? As their name suggests, bed bugs are commonly found in and around beds. But, have you ever wondered why these pests are drawn to the bedroom and humans in particular? Let’s look at the bed bug attraction. Despite their popularity in recent years, most people are misinformed about […]

You want your home to show well to prospective buyers and are likely taking steps to ensure the exterior, interior and landscaping are perfect. But are pests stopping you from selling your home? The best case scenario is that you have a regular pest control service keeping your home and property pest-free. Always share this [...]

June 6 is World Pest Day honouring pest management professionals who help protect our quality of life. Global pest management associations around the world have united in this campaign to create awareness for the important role the professional pest management industry plays in protecting public health and keeping citizens, homes, schools, recreational areas, hotels, food manufacturers, retail companies and others safe, pest-free [...]

Bug bites are never fun. Itchiness and red, swollen spots are the most common symptoms which make these injuries very uncomfortable. However, depending on the offending bug, the symptoms can be more extensive and even include a trip to a hospital. So, what bug is biting you? Fleas You thought fleas only bite your pets and other […]

Bed bugs are commonly found in beds because they don't like to travel far for a meal. But they can be found in other places, too. Anywhere humans spend a lot of time is a perfect place for bed bugs to hide. Places like sofas, buses, schools and day care centres, hotels and even hospitals. Bed bugs are [...]

Summertime is almost here and the picnic season is heading into full-swing. While eating outdoors is fun, it also comes with many challenges, not the least of which is dealing with insects trying to crash your party! Here are some fun tips to keep your picnic pest-free this summer… Go Undercover Before your bowls of […]

If you encounter a pest control problem; rather than trying to control the infestation yourself, hire a professional pest control company.  When you do need to hire a pest control professional, keep the following considerations in mind: Are the business and technicians licensed and insured? Pestcheck Services Limited is a licensed and insured pest control [...]

Local businesses are the fabric of our communities, whether it’s the corner cafe serving up Instagrammable lattes or the vintage store selling pre-loved apparel a couple of blocks away. These familiar places and the faces behind them, bring our neighbourhoods together, helping us feel more connected to the city we call home. But not only [...]

As so many of us are staying home during the Coronavirus outbreak, we all want to spend lots of time in our backyard. Spring is here but so are many of your favourite pests. Carpenter ants, Pavement ants, bees & wasps and spiders to name of few, who have awoken from their slumber. Here are [...]

Oh when the Ants, go marching in…Oh when the Ants go marching in Oh I DON’T want to be in that number!…When the Ants go marching in! There’s nothing more frustrating than an ant problem in your home. Although an ant issue can appear minor when it starts, it’s only a matter of time before the problem will spiral […]

It’s February, and you know what that means…love is in the air! Every store is covered in pink and red with hearts, balloons, flowers, stuffed animals and most importantly, chocolate. People are celebrating Valentine’s Day. Even some animals are getting into the spirit of the month, though maybe not in ways we humans will enjoy. [...]

April 9th is Unicorn Day and we are celebrating the Unicorns of Pest Control. Who are they? They are the women in pest control. 50 years ago and more, working in pest control was not suitable for women. It was always considered men's work. And of course, it isn't a sexy industry. Obviously, you can't [...]

“Rats are coming out of hiding as lockdowns caused by the Coronavirus, eliminate urban trash.” This statement is quoted from a recent article in the National Geographic written by Emma Marris. As normal food sources like public trash bins and restaurant dumpsters became depleted, rat colonies began to fight over whatever food was left. They will […]

ORCHID MANTIS Many insects use camouflaging in the wild as a way to keep themselves hidden from predators and people. Take a look at theses masters of disguise. You’ve probably heard of flowers that eat insects, like the Venus Fly Trap. How about an insect that looks like a flower? They lure in their prey [...]

As the weather warms up, bugs inevitably start appearing. Some of these bugs, including ants, will find their way into your home. Ants in house, left untreated, can create nests both inside and outside your home. Avoid the costly and inconvenience of an ant infestation this spring with these tips. Garbage Many types of ants are […]

Without a doubt, the health and well being of our clients and staff has always been a top priority for us at Pestcheck. As we continue to monitor the Coronavirus (COVID19), we are committed to ensure our clients and staff are safe. Furthermore, our service is essential in preserving the health of our clients and [...]

Coronavirus or Covid19 is a scary event happening around the world. This flu virus is having a major impact the hospitality industry. There’s no denying that it has led to a downturn in restaurant and event bookings. They need your help. These local businesses, their owners and their staff are having a tough time right […]

No one wants to be bugged while they're at the beach by sand flies. So what and who are sand flies? Sand flies are known by lots names such as sand fleas, beach fleas, sand gnats, hop-a-longs, punkies or the very appropriate "no-see-um" because of their tiny size. In fact, there are a number of [...]

Have you ever found one mouse in your house and you think, "that's OK". Did you ever consider there were more??? You know the saying “multiply like rabbits?” Well, we think it should be “multiply like mice”. These little guys reach sexual maturity at 4-6 weeks of age. With a short gestation period of just about [...]

Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a Plane! No, it’s Super Mouse!!! Mice have many superpowers you may not know about. Super Speedy and Creepy Climbing Powers A mouse can run up to 8 mph, which may not seem like much. However, to put things in perspective, that’s the speed equivalent of an […]

Restaurant pest prevention anywhere can be quite daunting. But when you’re dealing with food inside (and outside) your restaurant, that challenge is magnified even further. Every establishment is different and so are the preventative measures. There are a few “hot spots” in and around any restaurant that demand particular attention. Receiving Areas In the receiving […]

Can cats really get rid of mice? Read on for the cat vs mouse show down. The Scripps Research Institute studied the relationship between mice and cats. If mice smell cat urine, they are likely to leave the area to avoid the predator. Ah-ha...so it’s the smell of cats that sparks fear in mice! Whether they like [...]

On Valentine's Day, why not show some love for some loveable bugs! Perfectly harmless and romantic in nature, these bugs even provide a few benefits. So let's show them we care. Ladybugs: If you love your garden, then you should definitely love ladybugs. They feed on aphids, which are harmful to plants. Sustainable gardeners will [...]

If you own a restaurant or a grocery store, we don’t need to explain the benefits of a commercial pest control plan. When cockroaches, rodents, flies, and other pests plague a restaurant or food store, they do more than scare customers away, they can lead to failed health inspections and a closure of your business. But why would […]

You are not going to believe this but, no, mice do not like cheese!  In fact, the pungent aroma of cheese puts them off from eating it. According to Dr David Holmes of Manchester Metropolitan University, mice don't like cheese at all. However, if a rodent is hungry enough, they may nibble on cheese.  The scent [...]

According to the Chinese Zodiac cycle, 2020 is the Year of the Rat and the Year of the Pest Rat. What does that mean exactly? 2020 is the beginning of a new 12-year cycle The Rat is the first animal of the Zodiac Rats brings a year of new beginnings and opportunities The Rat is a [...]

Chilly days and nights prompt rodents, especially mice, to seek warmth – often under the hoods of cars. Mice in your car are more than just a nuisance, they can be dangerous. When they take up residence in your car, they start chewing on wires, hoses, plastic, and other critical car parts. And don't forget [...]

Everything is calm and the kids and pets are finally asleep, and then it starts. You hear scratching noises in the attic. The noise goes away for a few seconds, so you think you may be hearing things, but then you hear it again, and again. Now you can’t sleep. What could possibly be causing […]

The last thing you want in your office is mice.  They can do a great deal of damage through chewing cables, spoiling food, urinating and defecating.  How can you tell your office has mice? Well, you first may hear scratching noises above you or in the office walls.  You may see evidence of feces or urine. [...]

Here is a more light hearted look at people and animals reactions to pest sightings.  Absolutely hilarious.  Enjoy these funny pest videos! Adele Gets Attacked by a Mosquito Adele was attacked by a cluster of mosquitoes while live onstage at Brisbane, Australia’s Cricket Ground venue. The superstar singer began swatting at the bugs before she [...]

Christmas dinner is the jewel in the crown for feasts and if you let them, unwanted pests will start to appear in your home. There is always a lot of food at Christmas time and of course, there are plenty of leftovers to go around. Pest problems around the holiday season cause you stress when [...]

We want to keep our day cares free of germs and insects. So having a 100% pest free day care is a must. Spiders, cockroaches, beetles, silverfish, ants, mice and ticks aren’t welcome and they have no place in a day care center! Hazardous Pests in Day Care Some pests are merely annoying but others can cause serious harm to children. [...]

Christmas is just a few short weeks away. It's time to bring out the tree and decorations. However, nothing can put a damper on your holiday cheer faster than an invasion of uninvited guests...those pesky Christmas pests!!! So here are a few tips to help keep your home pest free during the holiday season: Inspect [...]

Temperatures are dropping and winter is coming. Of course this means it's officially fireplace season. Unfortunately, you aren't the only one looking to stay warm this winter! Don’t let staying warm open your doors to pests; use these tips to enjoy your fireplace without unwelcome guests. Keep insects out of your firewood. Store Firewood Outdoors [...]

Getting sprayed by a skunk is no laughing matter. But a dog sprayed by skunk sucks. A friend of mine posted on Facebook “My dog got skunked! What should I do?” This prompted me to write about getting rid of that nasty, nasty smell. First off, commercial products don’t work. Don’t waste your money. Here is […]

Is your kid a student visiting home for the weekend or for the holidays? Then you should be proactive in protecting your home from bed bugs. Bed bugs hitchhiking rides to and from campus along with your kids. Student dorms and apartment complexes are hot spots for bed bugs. It only takes a few hitchhikers on [...]

Do you think you might have a mouse in your house?  Here are a few tell-tail signs to look for: Can you see mice droppings? Do you have damaged food packaging? Can you hear scampering noises? Do you see rub or gnaw marks? Have you discovered a rodent nests? If you have experienced one or [...]

The most unwanted roomie has got to be the rat, hands down. If you share your home with these pests, we can all agree on one thing: it’s time to evict! These facts about rats are sure to ramp up your pest control game plan: Rats bite people when they’re sleeping. They also transfer diseases like [...]

It’s common knowledge that squirrels will nest in attics, causing damage and generally disturbing your home. But what many people do question is: How do squirrels get in my attic? Squirrel Power Squirrels have been known to climb the brick or stucco wall of a four-story apartment building in seconds. A squirrel can pull apart […]

Have you ever woken in the morning and found your trash cans are knocked over and garbage is strewn all over your front yard?  If this has happened to you, a raccoon is probably the culprit. Raccoons are very intelligent, curious, and dexterous animals.  This means they can cause a lot of damage. They can [...]

It is a difficult task for a business owner to determine which pest control company is the best option. Because of the various types of pests and the potentially dangerous chemicals used to eradicate them, it’s important to choose a reputable, professional company. Take a look at the 5 reasons to choose Pestcheck Pest Control […]

Restaurants rely heavily on good reviews. Whether it is word of month or on the Internet. We live in an age of smartphones and instant access to reviews. No restaurant benefits from a review about cockroaches, flies, or other pest sighting. If you get a BAD review about bugs or rodents turning up in your dining room that […]

It is the end of summer here in Vancouver. However, there are still pesky wasps flying around, acting drunk but they are very dangerous. Don't be fooled! Here are 5 tips to treat an unwanted Wasp STING! 1. Vinegar First of all, take a cotton ball and soak it in either apple cider vinegar or white vinegar [...]

Did you know in the 1950’s, bed bugs were eradicated from most developed countries through the use of the chemical DDT?  However, the insecticide was banned in 1972 due to the adverse effects on human and environmental health. Since the ban, bed bugs have been reintroduced to Canada. For example, you can find bed bugs [...]

The common house mouse is the most effective invasive mammal species on the planet, and for good reason. Their reproductive capability makes it almost a certainty that by the time you see one, there are many others out of sight. Mice reach sexual maturity at just one month old, so it doesn’t take a lot [...]

Weevils, beetles and moths love your pantry!  To help prevent them from taking over your kitchen, try following these precautions: Clear out your pantry once a month. Examining all of your items. If you have an infestation in your dry food, immediately throw it away. Clean out your pantry by vacuuming up all of the loose crumbs then wash [...]

When you are planning an outdoor party, the notorious party crashers are mosquitoes, flies, ants and wasps. Why not try out these handy tips and enjoy your bbq without pesky unwanted guests: Get rid of any standing water in your backyard.  Bugs love water. Always keep your food covered while you are entertaining. Give your guests cupcake liners to [...]

Maybe the photo might be a hint...what the heck is Musophobia? Well it is the fear of mice and rats. Musophobia is one of the most common specific phobias and can exhibit severe physical symptoms such as anxiety, stress, elevated pulse rate, difficulty breathing, and crying. What is your reaction when you find out your home has mice? [...]

Now that our son Cruz has graduated from high school, he will be joining us this summer as an Assistant Applicator.  He will be working with Stephen along with being our Videographer! Cruz is a very determined, dynamic young man. We are delighted to have him working with us. Welcome aboard, Cruz!

Do you find ants in your kitchen? Ants can contaminate food, so finding them in your kitchen is frustrating. How to stop ants in your kitchen and why do they love your kitchen so much? First of all, ants don't want to live in your home.  They set up their colonies AROUND your home. They [...]

Summer is here but be extremely cautious when rainfall is in the weather forecast. Rain is a great stimulant for pests to reproduce. And reproduce they will by the thousands! So, now that there are more pests, they need to find an abundance of food. They will invade your home looking for food which can [...]

Honey Bees and Lady Bugs works so hard in our gardens in the summer months. Lady Bugs eat garden pests like Aphids, Fruit Flies and Mites to name a few. A single adult Lady Bug can eat up to 50 aphids in a single day.  These cute looking bugs are good to have around!  But if they have [...]

With the help of YouTube you can watch a ‘How to’ video on almost any topic you can think of. DIY for many, is the cheaper option to get rid of your unwanted pest. But in the longer run, it may not be better or cheaper. If you are considering DIY, let’s take a look […]

Pavement Ants spend most of their lives under cracks in sidewalks, bricks and pavement stone. These pesky ants will eat virtually everyth how to get rid of ants ing; ants, insects, grease, seeds, honey, bread, meats, nuts, cheese and even plastic. The look of your patio, paths and driveway can quickly be ruined when pavement ants [...]

Spring has finally arrived! It's time to jump into action and spruce up your backyard, clean the deck and pull out that bbq. How about getting a jump start on your pest control before the onslaught of pests invade your backyard? It's a common myth that bugs go away or die during the winter months. [...]

A guide to help identify Honey Bees, Bumble Bees and Wasps.  It is best practice to use pest control for wasp nest removal.

Check out this Insect Sting Pain Index for bee stings, wasp stings and mosquito bites treatment.