Poulins - Last entries

Pest Spotlight: Cankerworms

Victoria — Tue, 19 Mar 2019 13:26:38 +0000

Now that it’s springtime, the bugs are starting to re-emerge. And among them – cankerworms. You’ve probably heard of these bugs, but how much do you know about them?

Here in Canada’s prairies, there are two major groups of cankerworms: spring cankerworms and fall cankerworms. Fall cankerworms lay their eggs in the fall, whereas spring cankerworms lay theirs in the – well – spring. However, both species’ eggs end up hatching in the springtime, when new leaves start to appear on trees. They will feast on many different trees, though most notably are the elm, oak and ash trees.

Right now, the fall cankerworms’ eggs are already in place – on buildings, trees, fences and other such locations, awaiting a warm enough temperature to emerge. These eggs look like tiny flower pots, in neatly-stacked rows. Spring cankerworm eggs, on the other hand, are oval in shape and can be found in similar places to fall cankerworm eggs.

The cankerworms hatch to become light to brownish-green caterpillars with a greenish stripe on their backs. They begin munching on new leaves and buds until they are around 5-6 weeks old, when they drop down on single threads of silk to form their silk pupae underground. Once there, they remain in pupal form until: (for fall cankerworms) freezing temperatures occur, or (for spring cankerworms) the thaw of spring. Once they emerge, they are not butterflies but rather, moths.

Adult male cankerworms have around a 30mm wingspan, and are grey-brown in colour. The females, although similar in colour, have no wings, nor do they have functional mouthparts. Mating takes place as the females crawl to find suitable locations to deposit their eggs. Once eggs are laid, both the male and female moths die off.

These caterpillars can cause significant damage to trees, often causing complete defoliation of a tree. However, a mature, strong tree can survive one to two seasons of complete defoliation. That said, more than three years of defoliation from cankerworm feeding can potentially kill branches.

To control these destructive caterpillars, band your trees before larvae become a problem with Tanglefoot. Band your trees by mid-March to control the spring cankerworm and by mid-September (or before the first hard frost) to control the fall cankerworm. Additionally, you can use certain insecticides while the caterpillars are still foraging for food in the springtime.

Need help battling the bugs? Come down to our retail store or email us and ask our staff for some great tips and product options to deal with your pests. Alternatively, you can give us a call toll-free at 1-888-768-5467 and we will be happy to help you out! Remember – there’s no foolin’ with Poulin!

Hantavirus: The Driving Force for Rodent Control

Poulin's Pest — Wed, 13 Mar 2019 16:55:52 +0000

Do you have rodents at home? This is a serious problem as rodents are not only frightening but can be harming and dangerous as well. These animals wander from here and there making a mess inside your home premises and spoil your personal stuff. This situation gets aggravated when rodents spoil the food that you have cooked for the day. These bothersome creatures contaminate food supplies making it impossible for consumption.

Over the years several deaths related to Hantavirus have been reported. Many have occurred in the Alberta area. This rare but deadly disease is the result of pest control issues; in particular the deer mouse. The airborne virus is in the saliva, feces and urine of infected mice. It is not transmitted through humans, pets or insects, but rather is inhaled as dust or mist. Whether you live in Red Deer, Calgary or Edmonton, rodent control is the best strategy for prevention.

People usually contract the disease by not taking precautionary steps when cleaning up areas where rodents have been. Flu like symptoms occur one to six weeks after exposure and immediate hospitalization is necessary. Fever and muscle aches are common symptoms soon followed by coughing and shortness of breath. At this stage, victims often need ventilation within 24 hours.

If you have areas that may have rodent control problems, take safety measures before cleaning those spaces. Wearing a HEPA filter respirator is a top priority where pest control is concerned. Never sweep or vacuum mouse droppings since the virus is an airborne disease. Always thoroughly dampen contaminated areas with a disinfectant. This will deactivate the virus. Don’t touch contaminated things with your bare hands. Always use rubber gloves. Dead rodents need to be sprayed with disinfectant and double bagged before disposing. Completely disinfect the tainted area. Before taking off the gloves disinfect them as well. Wash your hand with soap and warm water as a further precaution.

Rodent control is especially important in out buildings, cabins, and work areas that have been closed off for a period of time. Be sure to open the building and air it out well before going in to clean.

Even though you can use some safeguards for cleaning infested areas, with professional rodent control services, you do not need to worry about anything. The professional rodent control service providers identify the issues that support rodents’ survival and addresses them effectively. They meticulously inspect the home and use the most appropriate service for your particular pest control needs so that you are at peace from the fear and danger of rodents. Get in touch with a well-known rodent control service provider and ensure peace of mind from bothersome and harmful rodents. Experts, like those at Poulin’s, will manage the problem alleviating Hantavirus health concerns for you and your family. For rodent control, Poulin’s has the equipment, knowledge, and skills to handle it in a safe and efficient manner.

What Are Bed Bugs?

Poulin's Pest — Thu, 07 Mar 2019 18:06:03 +0000

The biggest pest problem threatening any populated area in recent years is the bed bug. Their population had declined steadily since the 1930s, to the point of near extinction a few years ago.

The biggest pest problem threatening any populated area in recent years is the bed bug. Their population had declined steadily since the 1930s, to the point of near extinction a few years ago. Unfortunately, due to numerous circumstances, bed bugs have returned with a vengeance, and exist everywhere. Bed bugs have been with us a long time. In fact, the earliest use of the word “bug” was to describe this particular nasty little parasite.

Bed bugs are most unpleasant because they feed exclusively on blood, and while many species are far more attractive to them than we are, bed bugs are very good at infiltrating the homes of human hosts and setting up large colonies that feed on us and our pets.

These insects are reddish brown in color, oval in shape and look very similar to wood ticks. Like wood ticks, they feed off human blood and after eating swell up and become burgundy in color. Usually they can be found along seams in mattresses and cushions and will hide in tiny cracks and crevices. They are notably small – around 4-5mm for adults and less than 1.5mm in the nymph stage. They can live up to a year off one feeding and will often move to a more remote location where they can live and breed in darkness.

Bed bugs are equal opportunity parasites. There is no cause of an infestation other than the availability of food. Since they eat blood, a ready supply of human beings is all they need to motivate them to settle a new location. Bed bugs are no more likely to settle a dirty house than a clean one, and being victimized by these nasty little parasites should carry no social stigma. Bed bugs can be brought into a home in a variety of ways, commonly from transportation of furniture and clothing or “hitching a ride” on a pet or person who comes to visit.

Once they’re in a home, bed bugs cause misery. Their bites affect people differently – some people hardly notice, while others can blister and suffer painful reactions. Getting rid of a bed bug infestation is no simple matter, either. Most insecticides available to consumers are ineffective, and the bugs can live for months without feeding. Bed bugs live in a wide range of temperature conditions, reproduce quickly, and spread easily.

One thing is certain. If you have bed bugs, you want to be rid of them as soon as possible. Treating them yourself is nearly impossible, as consumer-grade pesticides are largely ineffective. You will need professional help.

That’s where Poulin’s Pest Control comes in. Our technicians are constantly taking new training and updating certifications in order to help rid our customers of their pest problems. We’ll get rid of your bed bugs, and help you keep them away.

Depending on the severity of the plight, many options are available. If you are fortunate to only find a few, maybe hitchhikers from a recent trip, you can wash infected items in soapy water at the hottest setting allowable for the fabric. Use a scrub brush on luggage and bags. Be sure to target pockets, seams and tight places where the bugs may hide.

If your problem is more widespread, you need to call in experts in pest control. Chemical treatments are available in which pesticides are used to kill the varying stages of bed bugs. For optimum effectiveness, consider bed bug heat treatments.

Meet The Team: David Lane

Sarah — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 18:54:14 +0000

One of our greatest successes as a company is that we have many long-term staff members on our team. Our Brandon Branch Manager, David Lane, has been with Poulin’s Pest Control for over 20 years!

One of our greatest successes as a company is that we have many long-term staff members on our team.

Our Brandon Branch Manager, David Lane, has been with Poulin’s Pest Control for over 20 years! What keeps him coming back every day after 20 long years? He says the best thing about working for Poulin’s is that the owners know your name, they know about your family, and they truly care about what you have to say. He looks forward to seeing new and exciting things and places, and having the opportunity to travel the entire province of Manitoba, especially the far north.

David didn’t find his employment with Poulin’s in the typical way – such as, responding to an advertisement. “The previous manager was a regular at the Bar and Grill I had managed so I got to know him well. He was also a good friend of my father. The manager at the time asked if I was interested in a position that was coming available. I said I would try it out and the rest is history.” He says. David started his career as a Pest Management Professional and worked his way up to Branch Manager.

David has had many successes throughout his career, most notable to him is the part he played in building the company name and instilling confidence in our clients so that they know when they call, their issues will be handled without question.

We asked for one of David’s favorite memories from the past 20 years. He had this to share, “I had just captured a small woodchuck in a live trap not far from my home. I thought it would be a great idea to show my two small children. So, I had them stand in the doorway of the house and I went to go get it from my truck. I walked up to the doorstep with the live trap and the woodchuck got spooked and ran towards the end of the trap. The safety latch broke and the woodchuck ended up on the doorstep with two kids, my wife, and our dog. Not knowing what to do it ran inside the house and hid under the shoe rack in the foyer. So, there we are with two squealing kids, a barking dog, and my wife yelling ‘it’s in the house!’ I’m standing on the doorstep looking at the trap trying to figure out how he got out. Long story short, after a small chase it ran back outside to never be seen again.”

When David is not running the Poulin’s Brandon branch, you can find him playing hockey, golf, or softball, or coaching his kids in hockey and softball. He enjoys working in the yard, camping, travelling, and most of all spending time with his family. When asked to describe what Poulin’s means to him, David said, “Friendship, rewarding, loyalty, family, and knowing that you are important to the company.”

Thank you, David, for over 20 years of dedication and all your hard work!

Bird Population Control

Poulin's Pest — Thu, 21 Feb 2019 19:54:50 +0000

Birds delight bird watchers across Canada. Many spend hours photographing and recording bird sightings to share with other enthusiasts. This pastime even encourages a love of gardening to attract birds to area yards.

With so much time and money spent to preserve and develop the bird population, why would anyone want to control the bird population? The simple reason is that rare glimpses of unique birds bring joy and delight. Large or repeated gatherings of nuisance birds like pigeons, starlings, seagulls and house sparrows can bring property damage, pollution, and disease from droppings and nests.

Just as gardeners’ plant different varieties of plants to encourage rare and beautiful birds to visit their garden, individuals can implement certain measures at home or a place of business to control the population of nuisance birds.

For instance, birds need places to roost or nest. Remove those roosting niches in high areas and seal off the entrances and crevices along roofs and roof lines. Also, food and water will attract nuisance birds to a property, never leave this exposed outdoors. Screen available water sources, like air conditioners, to prevent unwanted visitors. Dispose of garbage regularly and keep garbage containers closed to discourage unwanted wildlife. Don’t feed the birds. Feeding nuisance birds like pigeons is a common practice in urban areas and one of the biggest challenges to controlling the bird population.

Individuals can practice these basic tips, but when larger and ongoing problems exist, a pest control company can use more precise methods of bird population control, even using organic control measures. Together, we can enrich bird watching for everyone and reduce the nuisances.

Don't Let The Bed Bugs Bite

Poulin's Pest — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 17:35:31 +0000

Everyone has heard the saying “Goodnight, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite!” well nowadays that is more real than it was in the past. Compared to 10 years ago, bed bug infestations are on the rise

Everyone has heard the saying “Goodnight, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite!” well nowadays that is more real than it was in the past.

Compared to 10 years ago, bed bug infestations are on the rise. With international travel being so affordable, the risk of bringing home bed bug hitchhikers is high. Call regarding bed bugs come from all over the city, from rental apartments to expensive condos and homes. The bed bug problem is far worse overseas, so when you visit those places the bed bugs can then make the return trip with you.

You need to be prepared, bed bugs are also at your winter vacation spots. Do not assume because it’s a five-star hotel that they don’t or will not have bed bugs. Bed bugs are non-discriminatory and anyone can get bed bugs. Bed bug infestations have been found in transportation vehicles such as boats, trains, airplanes, and buses as well as in retail stores and movie theatres where they typically harbour in the seats and associated frames.

What to look for:

Adult bed bugs range from brown to reddish-brown and are approximately 4 – 5 mm long (3/16 inch).
If bed bugs are present you will see dark spotting or staining on your sheets, mattress, or pillow. This staining is excrement, crushed insects, and/or blood.
Carefully inspect any second-hand furniture before bringing it inside and avoid any items discarded in a dumpster or on the curb.
Place your luggage away from the bed and nightstands until you are sure there are no bed bugs present. If you find something, notify the hotel/host immediately and insist on a new room which is not adjacent to the infested room.
When you return home from a trip, inspect your luggage outside or in the garage before bringing inside your home. Wash your clothing in the warmest temperature possible and dry thoroughly on high heat.
Inspect the area regularly so you will notice an infestation sooner. While they may be small, bed bugs can leave big red welts all over your body.

The most important part in the tool box for bed bug control is education. Know the signs of bed bugs, what they look like, and get a Pest Management Professional from Poulin’s to confirm whether or not you have a bed bug infestation and what steps are needed to eradicate the problem.

Alberta's Rat Free Status Still Strong

Poulin's Pest — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 16:39:54 +0000

On January 22, 1955, the Winnipeg Free Press published an article called ‘The Man Who Killed 10 Million Rats’. The man in which the story referred to was none other than Napoleon Louis Poulin, the founder of Poulin's Pest Control.

On January 22, 1955, the Winnipeg Free Press published an article called ‘The Man Who Killed 10 Million Rats’.

The man in which the story referred to was none other than Napoleon Louis Poulin, the founder of Poulin’s Pest Control.

“He earned that distinctive title in the early 1950’s when he led a small number group of exterminators and took on the project of exterminating Alberta’s overpopulation of rats,” says Lincoln Poulin, Napoleon’s grandson.

Poulin’s Pest Control helped write a piece of Canadian history; their efforts and talents were the main result of Alberta becoming a “rat free” province. The precise number of rats exterminated by Poulin’s is uncertain, though it can be noted that Napoleon was very methodical in the way he completed the Alberta project.

“My grandfather studied rat biology and habits. Throughout Alberta, they treated every landfill site, grain elevator and farm that had an infestation. Finally, after 18 months and 4,800 square miles of land treatment, Alberta could call itself rat free.”

Still today, Alberta’s “rat-free” status still stands strong with its aggressive rat control program kept the vermin outside of the borders. It’s estimated one pair of reproducing rats could lead to a colony of 15,000 rats in a year. This showcases the importance of calling an Alberta Exterminator if you see any rats.

In 2012, a rat colony was discovered in a Medicine Hat landfill. Alberta exterminators and Medicine Hat Rodent Control Services addressed the problem quickly. The province is taking this seriously and will help local Rodent Control Services with exterminating any other rats.

“It would be naive to think that no rat ever set foot in Alberta. Rats don’t respect provincial borders. But the key is as soon as we find evidence we act very quickly and very aggressively.” Verlyn Olson, Minister of Agriculture.

Napoleon passed away in the late 1960s, but the family owned company has continued his legacy. His son, Don Poulin, took over as President of the company until his passing in January 2018. Now with his grandson, Lincoln Poulin, at the helm Poulin’s Pest Control is bound to prosper.

While rats may have put Poulin’s in the headlines, Poulin’s is also known for its vast variety of pest control services such as treatments for bed bugs, flies, mice, and gophers. Poulin’s also provides educational presentations given to apartment blocks, hotels, hospitals, moving companies, etc. on the awareness of bed bugs.

“Tale the time to check for bed bugs, especially if you travel. It only takes a few minutes to check mattresses and furniture. Bed bugs can be quite visible and easy to detect,” recommends Lincoln.

Poulin’s knows that dealing with pests is a serious matter and makes it their priority to treat every customer with compassion and respect.

“People don’t phone us for no reason, hey phone us because they need our help,” says Lincoln. “When we come out, we want to ensure the customer that we’re professional, care about their concerns, and will resolve their pest problem.”

Customer service and attention to accuracy towards eliminating pests are very important to the company. Poulin’s has become highly regarded as one of the most innovative and efficient companies in the pest control industry. With seven offices in Western Canada and its own manufacturing plant. Poulin’s continues to keep Napoleon’s reputation alive.

A question that is frequently asked by people about Poulin’s is “where did their jingle come from?” The catchy jingle was produced by a New York affiliate of a Winnipeg radio station in the early 1970’s. It was not a first choice for Don, but seeing as how the company already had a contract with the radio station, it had to be used. Now, after more than 45 years of advertising, the jingle is widely known and loved (even by Don).

No foolin’ with Poulin.

Do You Want Flies With That?

Poulin's Pest — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 06:00:00 +0000

People often wonder about the importance of a pest control program for their facility. The pest control industry is often overlooked and, in many instances, looked down upon.

People often wonder about the importance of a pest control program for their facility. The pest control industry is often overlooked and, in many instances, looked down upon. Some people feel they do not need a pest control program and others believe that pest control is “just checking metal boxes”. The article below will, understandably, change their minds.

“What’s in your salad? Top 10 disgusting discoveries in food” https://metro.co.uk/2013/02/22/whats-in-your-salad-top-10-disgusting-discoveries-in-food-3509519/

Imagine stopping for lunch after a busy day of shopping: you make a selection, order your food and sit down to enjoy your lunch. After a few bites you find “something odd” in your stir fry.

Disgusted or sick to your stomach? You wonder: how did this happen? Where was the pest control program? No one thinks this could ever happen, but it does!

Many restaurant owners/managers are re-active to a pest problem rather than being pro-active. It takes a facility to be shut down before they realize the importance of a regular pest control program. A monthly fee for a pest control program is far less than the revenue lost at a location due to a shut down. A shut down along with bad publicity can be devastating for a restaurant or food facility.

We, in the industry, are professionals. We can and do prevent this from happening. We know that pests can spread disease, damage products and possibly cause fires. When servicing our customers, it is very important to take the time to service properly and act in a professional manner. It is important to explain to our customers why we place traps where we do and also to advise them as to what they can do to help prevent any pest problems. We are a lot more than trap checkers; we are pest management professionals. We are protectors of health and property!

DIY Bed Bug Treatment.. Why It Doesn’t Work

Poulin's Pest — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 20:55:11 +0000

There is a lot to be said for doing things yourself these days. When it comes to treating a bed bug infestation, unless you are a pest management professional, don’t do it yourself.

There is a lot to be said for doing things yourself these days. When it comes to treating a bed bug infestation, unless you are a pest management professional, don’t do it yourself. You need specialists for this battle.

There are a lot of bugs out there that people can manage to eradicate on their own without experienced help. What makes bed bugs different? First of all, most people don’t realize how elusive the creatures are. They are difficult to see and they are not always where you would expect them to be. On top of that, they seem to be resistant to most insecticides used in the average household and available to consumers.

There’s a myth that bed bugs only infest dirty homes. This is not true. They are showing up in swanky hotels as well as hospitals, churches, and other unexpected places. Cleanliness will not stop an infestation. Clutter will make it harder to treat, but spanking clean homes can have large infestations. So even if you do everything the self-help guides tell you to do and get your home squeaky clean, you still need to call the professionals.

People don’t realize how quickly bed bugs can move and how adept they are at finding places like cracks and crevices to hide. One feeding can last a year and in that years’ time the bed bug is snug in a rug just a short distance from your bed, living and breeding. Most insecticides will last from one to three months, and those are the ones provided by professionals.

Our pest control experts are knowledgeable about the bugs, their life cycles, how they behave and where they hide. They also know what methods of treatment are effective, safe, and legal. Our professionals are well schooled on how to properly administer the insecticides that will eliminate the problem. We also know how to detect the effectiveness of treatment. This is something the average person would most likely fail at doing.

Pest management pros like Poulin’s know just what to do to take care of the problem. Don’t try to battle bed bugs on your own when the war can be won by the pros!

Disease Dissemination by the Bird Population

Poulin's Pest — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 20:18:42 +0000

Just like birds carry seeds to add strength to the ecosystem, birds can also carry diseases that can sicken individuals. Migrating birds travel long distances and carry disease organisms with them.

Just like birds carry seeds to add strength to the ecosystem, birds can also carry diseases that can sicken individuals. Migrating birds travel long distances and carry disease organisms with them. These bird populations feed on plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles and mammals along the way.

Through their travels and their eating habits, they may pick up bacterial, fungal and viral diseases and then transmit those diseases to people and other pets. Some of that transmission comes through the air or when people handle birds or come in contact with their droppings.

Birds carry bacteria that cause diseases like psittacosis, paratyphoid, vibriosis, salmonellosis. Birds may also transmit fungal disease like histoplasmosis, candidiasis, sarcosporidiosias, blastomycosis and can spread viral diseases such as encephalitis, meningitis, Newcastle Disease and St. Louis Encephalitis.

Nuisance birds like pigeons and seagulls can congregate in large populations near urban areas. Since they have become accustomed to being around humans and eating food people offer to them, they often make their nests on roofs and in structures like attics near people. In these locations birds leave large deposits of disease-laden droppings, which may infect humans and pets through direct contact or through the air.

You can discourage disease dissemination in your city by not feeding pigeons and gulls. You can also identify structures that have become habitats for nuisance birds on their property and contact a professional for removal. Pest control companies can offer solutions to prevent diseases through seagull control and pigeon control, including organic pest control measures.

Just Because You See Just One.. Pest Control Tips

Poulin's Pest — Thu, 10 Jan 2019 20:39:09 +0000

Pest infestations have a tendency to get out of control quickly. Most people never think their home or property is going to get overrun with pests. And that’s exactly what they want you to think.

It all starts with just one pest. You might see a lonely insect or spider in your home and think nothing of it. But behind the scenes there could be some major move in plans taking place that you’re not aware of. By the time you’re aware – it’s usually too late. Bed bugs, spiders, termites, wasps, bees, mice and other pests are very resourceful. They are constantly on the search for a suitable place to feed and live. Any home can be vulnerable to pests – even new homes.

Controlling pests in your home and on your property can be a big challenge, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Your location has a great influence on the pest problems you’ll face, and the control solutions that can be used to address them.

In the city core, cockroaches and rodents are your most likely home invaders. In wooded areas, squirrels, mice, rats and ants are problems for homeowners. Bed bug infestations are prevalent in heavily populated areas, but can be transported anywhere, and wasps are pervasive in the warmer months.

When you see just one pest in your home you should start looking around for other signs there may be more. That’s the thing with pests – they are very communal and never travel alone. Where’s there is one – there’s more!

The best way to control an all-out infestation is to eliminate from your home the conditions that attract pests. For example, clean out nooks and crannies in your garage, clean up debris around the home, keep bushes and trees trimmed, and make necessary repairs to your home that may be allowing pests to get inside.

You don’t want an infestation to get out of control because it could turn into a very inconvenient, costly and even dangerous situation. As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.”

If you have an infestation or want to protect your home from being infested, call the friendly, locally owned pest control experts at Poulin’s Pest Control. We have seven offices all over Western Canada and are ready to serve you. We use the latest technology and will help you identify and fix problem areas in and around your home that may be attracting pests.

Bring Home Memories from Your Trip Not Bed Bugs

Poulin's Pest — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 15:15:51 +0000

One of the worst nightmares for travelers is the thought of bringing home foreign pests like bed bugs. Small in size, these pests are difficult to spot. That is, unless you know where to look for them. They avoid light and prefer to congregate in small cracks and crevices. Their hiding places are usually along the seams of mattresses or sofa cushions. Sometimes you may find a few in more remote areas.

They come out in the dark and feed only to crawl back into their hiding space once they have consumed their meal. Adult bed bugs look much like wood ticks. They are brown and have an oval shape but after feeding they swell, turning a purplish red and assume more of a cigar shape. In addition to being tiny, young bed bugs are fairly translucent before feeding so they can be especially hard to detect.

If you suspect that you and your belongings have been exposed to bed bugs, inspect everything before bringing it home. Check the folds of material along with seams and any cracks or crevices in your luggage or carry cases.

It isn’t necessary to get rid of items that may have bed bugs on them. You can contain the infestation by packing everything in plastic bags until you are able to deal with the problem by machine or hand washing or heating items. Clothes can be sorted and put in plastic bags for laundering before bringing home to help avoid the little critters escaping into your home.

To get rid of the bedbugs on washable items, wash and dry on the hottest setting possible. Keep items to be dry cleaned bagged and let the cleaner know the situation. Other items can be hand washed in soapy water, again at the hottest temperature possible, taking care to wash seams well. Luggage should be scrubbed with a scrub brush especially in seams, cracks and crevices.

Heating items can be rather inconvenient but don’t despair. We can do it for you! With 7 retail stores across western Canada, we serve almost any city and town in the prairie provinces. Your trip does not have to be ruined by tiny uninvited hitchhikers.

Happy Holidays from Everyone at Poulin's!

Poulin's Pest — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 21:40:54 +0000

Wishing you peace, love and joy this Holiday Season.

Baby It’s Cold Outside: Why Mice Move In For The Winter

Poulin's Pest — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 15:00:06 +0000

No one wants to have unexpected guests, particularly when they are the tiny four-footed kind. Mice, like most warm-blooded animals like to be warm during the cold months and your home is the perfect place for their winter vacation. The last thing you want for the holidays is to have mice reproducing in your home and destroying your valuables, it’s important to apply control methods as quickly as possible because mice tend to breed fast and before you know it, they will have taken over your home. Rodent control can easily be attained by being aware of a few things.

Unplanned invitations

You may unknowingly be inviting the little rodents into your home creating a rodent control predicament. Mice only need a space about a quarter of inch wide for invasion. Small holes or cracks around the base of your home are an open invitation to unwanted vermin. Once inside, if they find an ample food supply, they will announce it to friends and settle in for the duration. Oftentimes they will have families, multiplying the problem. It won’t take long for you to have a serious rodent control issue.

Signatures

Mice can be very stealthy in their invasion of your home. There are certain “signatures” you can look for if you suspect that you have a rodent control problem. They have a tendency to leave little piles of droppings in areas they visit. You may find such piles in drawers, cabinet corners, etc. If you notice holes in boxes or bags of food, particularly grains and crackers, chances are they’ve invaded your space. Another popular signature is small piles of nesting materials such as shredded paper or cloth.

Health Hazards

Rodent control is essential for many reasons. While they are getting cozy, you are being exposed to an array of health hazards. Mice spread viruses along with bacteria and germs. They have also been known to start electrical fires by chewing through insulation near the wires.

Rodent Control

You can stay warm and keep the critters out by sealing any access areas you find. Use sturdy containers to store your food, cutting off any supply for mice. Snap traps and bait stations are excellent for rodent control. Bait snap traps without setting and let them take the food at least once for best results. This method will deter trap avoidance.

If things get out of hand you can always call us for help with rodent control issues. Your family’s well-being is of the utmost importance and you don’t want it jeopardized with these unwanted visitors.

Methods to Control Bird Populations

Poulin's Pest — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 19:51:12 +0000

The need and desire to eliminate the nuisance, disease and mess that birds create isn’t a fun topic of conversation, but sometimes it’s necessary. Property and business owners in

The need and desire to eliminate the nuisance, disease and mess that birds create isn’t a fun topic of conversation, but sometimes it’s necessary. Property and business owners in Canada faced with such concerns have several options that a professional pest control company can implement.

Physical exclusion: This method includes bird netting, spike strips or wires to prevent the birds from landing or nesting in certain areas. A pest control company can supply a bird net of varying sizes for purchase and installation, which is relatively inexpensive. Spike strips and wires are also popular way to keep birds from roosting on ledges, but they must be installed properly or they will be useless.

Sound devices: This method is effective in rural settings, but for obvious reasons, the urban neighbors might not enjoy it. Some of the sound devices used to control birds include propane cannons, whistling or pyrotechnic pistols, and predator mimicking sound generators. These are most effective to protect crops and fruit trees from nuisance birds.

Visual scare devices: Some bird species can be effectively controlled with devices like streamers, flash tape, scare-eye balloons, hawk silhouettes and stuffed owls. These are inexpensive and easy methods but must be rotated frequently.

Flashing lights and mirrors: Starlings can be controlled with this method. New light units with solar power require little maintenance and are cost effective, but lights help only at dawn and dusk. Mirrors cast sunlight beams and help only during the day.

Trapping: Trapping is slow and expensive, but it can be effective in large urban areas to control pigeon populations. Often, traps will be baited and located in feeding and roosting areas. Since responsible person will need to maintain the trap and comply with all legal restrictions, this process is best undertaken with the help of a professional pest control company.

Poison: It is illegal to use poison and adhesives to kill, injure or capture wildlife.