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." "Rough on Rats" was a poison (arsenic) [...]

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 [...]

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. So, how [...]

Believe it or not, bed bugs can hitchhike from home to home through a shared laundry 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 safe as [...]

Here are some effective, proven tips to remove pesticides from your fruits and veggies: Clean it With Baking Soda and Water 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 2 cups of water is an effective way to wash off pesticides. Soak your produce for 12-15 minutes in the solution and then rinse with water. Removes about 90% [...]

How do spiders get inside your home? They can enter houses and other structures, through cracks and other openings. They also might hitchhike inside on items like plants, firewood and boxes. So here are some practical tips on how to unweave their webs: Regular vacuuming or sweeping of windows, corners of rooms, storage areas and basements will [...]

So there 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. They don’t come marching two by two either, as the nursery […]

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 this summer, 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, [...]

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. Carpenter Bees prefer old and weathered wood, even unpainted. The most common signs of a carpenter bee infestation are the round, smooth holes [...]

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 means [...]

Cupcake Liner On A Cup/Can Fed up of those pesky bugs 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 enough to […]

The label on your chocolate bar is missing a key ingredient — cockroaches! That’s right, there are typically about 8 insect pieces inside every chocolate bar. Seriously, this is absolutely true. Reported by the media and published by the FDA in the US. And, if you want insect-free chocolate, the only way to eliminate the […]

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. Identify Pest Problems Before You Move In If you can identify pest problems before moving in, you can take the necessary measures to address […]

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 spreading from derelict […]

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? Bed bugs are attracted to the carbon dioxide that we exhale when we breath. It signals the bed […]

You want your home to show well to prospective buyers and are likely taking steps to ensure the exterior, interior and landscaping are perfect. The same efforts and pride should apply to pest control. The best case scenario is that you have a regular pest control service keeping your home and property pest-free. 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. Fleas You thought fleas only bite your pets and other animals? Well, they bite humans too.  Since […]

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 attracted [...]

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 […]

There are some pest problems that you can fix by using a combination of preventative measures and DIY techniques. However, there are instances where a pest problem becomes too big or too complex to be dealt with on your own. If you have a pest infestation on your hands, you can’t just hire anyone off [...]

Now, more than ever before, we all need to 'shop local'.  By supporting local businesses, you are in turn supporting your local economy.  This means more money stays in your community when purchases are made at locally owned rather than nationally owned businesses. Did you know, local businesses usually use other local businesses. And here's [...]

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 […]

Now that Easter is over, love is in the air with raccoons and squirrels having their babies. These critters find your attic is a very appealing place to live and raise their young. Their babies are very dependent on their mothers. Like most mothers, raccoons and squirrels fiercely protect their babies. So your attic is an obvious choice as [...]

In celebration of Unicorn Day, we are celebrating the Unicorn's of Pest Control - the women who work in the pest control industry. 50 years ago and more, working in pest control was not suitable for women. Always considered men's work. And of course, it isn't a sexy industry.  If you want to be a [...]

“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. With less garbage on the ground and restaurant dumpsters empty, rats are seeking food elsewhere. This means they are actively seeking food and shelter in […]

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. Left untreated, ants 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 attracted to […]

The health and well being of our customers 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 customers and staff are safe. Our service is essential in preserving the health of our customers and protecting their property. Rest assured, [...]

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 [...]

Mice have many superpowers you may not know about. Superpower to shrink, meaning they have the ability to get through the smallest spaces, even as small as a dime. Once they fit their head through the space they can wriggle in the remainder of their body. Superpower to chew. They can chew through many types of […]

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 area, you […]

Can cats really get rid of mice? 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 it or not, mice are wired to panic in [...]

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 commercial pest control. 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 other business who aren’t […]

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 of [...]

According to the Chinese Zodiac cycle, 2020 is the Year of the 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 The Rat brings a year of new beginnings and opportunities The Rat is a sign of wealth and prosperity due [...]

Cold weather is here and rodents are looking for a dry, warm place to nest. When they take up residence in your car, they start chewing on wires, hoses, plastic, and other critical car parts. And don't forget rodents love the plant-based biodegradable materials car makers use in order to reduce waste. Let's take a look at [...]

Do you have unwanted guests living in your home?  Then, you want the best solution possible to evict them!  There is nothing worse than coming home from your vacation and discovering mice have turned your home into their very own mouse condo. For many, your home doesn’t feel like your home. You’re constantly on the lookout for […]

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! Adele Gets Attacked by a Mosquito Weatherman vs Cockroach A Guy and his Cat Scared of a Mouse Spider Scare

Christmas dinner is the jewel in the crown for feasts and if you let them, unwanted guests 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 daycares 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 ! So here are a few tips to use to keep your facility pest free: Clean up after every meal time, so [...]

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 pests!!! So here are a few tips to help keep your home pest free during the holiday season: Inspect your [...]

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. Store Firewood Outdoors Many pests make their homes in [...]

Getting sprayed by a skunk is no laughing matter. 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. So what about tomato juice?  Well here is what the […]

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. They hitch 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 your [...]

You think you might have mice in your home?  Do you: See mice droppings? Find damage to food packaging? Hear scampering noises? See rub or gnaw marks? Discover rodent nests? If you have experienced one or more of the above, you probably have a mouse problem. Now that you realize you have an infestation, here is why [...]

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 are known to bite people when they’re sleeping and rats [...]

Check out these clues to see if Mr Squirrel and his family have moved into your attic: You hear strange scratching, jumping or scampering noises in your home When you take a look in the attic, you find squirrel dropping Your fascia boards, shingles, eaves troughs and outer panels have been damaged along the roof line. Inside […]

Are raccoons getting into your trash cans at night?  Why not try one or all of these tried and tested deterrents for these pesky critters! Stretch a rubber bungee cord tight from one handle over the top of the lid to the other handle. Hang a string of blinking fairy lights around trash cans and [...]

QUIET AS A MOUSE Discretion is our middle name. We are invisible and your customers will never know we were there. AVAILABLE 24/7 Unlike humans, pests don’t clock off at 5 pm and go home! If you have a problem after hours or over the weekend call us. You will speak directly with one of […]

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?  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.Bed bugs find their way into homes, hotels, cruise ships, cinemas and other [...]

Mouse Math is the calculation of how many babies one pair of mice can have in a year.Mice can produce 6 to 8 babies per litter (average) and they have many litters each year. One male and one female mouse can produce up to 139 babies in one year and could ultimately produce thousands and thousands [...]

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!

First of all, ants don't want to live in your home.  They set up their colonies AROUND your home.  They looking for food and drink when they invite themselves in.  So how to get rid of ants. The first good rule of thumb is DON'T leave out any leftovers or let fruit or veg go rotten in [...]

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. Here are some reasons why: 1. The general public […]

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.