Preventing unwanted guests from your private party sometimes requires extra diligent security.
The same is true for keeping pests out of your home or cottage. That’s where the experts from Muskoka Pest Control can help.
Not only are they adept at handling existing pest issues, but they understand the need to secure your space from future issues.
“We do preventative pest control maintenance throughout the year,” explains Mark Sampson of Muskoka Pest Control. “Consider us the tough as nails security guards for your home or cottage – at least when it comes to native wildlife and pests.”
Native speciesMice, carpenter ants, spiders, wasps and hornets, flies, earwigs, and various other native species can all find their way into buildings looking for food and housing.
“A true local control expert understands the times of year that each is most active, where to find the pests if they’ve made it inside, and then can set up a definitive plan to deal with the problem,” explains Mike Sampson, Mark’s son and co-owner of Muskoka Pest Control.
Carpenter ants can be dormant in the winter but awaken in the spring – seeing more than one in your domicile is a warning sign to be heeded.
July and August is when bees, wasps, and hornets are super active as their nests reach full size and the larvae need to be fed.
The fall is the time to be most aware of mice and other rodents that are attempting to find homes and cottages to shelter in for the winter.
“This is why it’s imperative to have a proper pest maintenance schedule throughout the year.”
However, he adds with a smile, there are limits: “we don’t do human control, no matter how much of a pest they are being.”
Wasps and Hornets: Aggressive if provoked
When it comes to wasps and hornets, the best protection is avoidance. Wasps (and hornets, which are closely related) feed on insects and on nectar, both of which are found in gardens. Leave them in peace and they will hunt among the flowers before heading home.
Avoid active hives and be careful around hollow tree trunks or dry structures where they prefer to make their nests. Some species build nests in dense shrubs or in the ground.
Don’t throw rocks at or spray nests with water. Avoid creating loud noises and disturbance near the nest.
Remember to stay calm when a wasp is near and make slow movements. Never swing, strike, or run, because quick movement will provoke attacks and painful stings.
TEXT CHRIS OCCHIUZZI
PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN
