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Category: Pest Control

Wasp Nests Around Your Home: When to DIY and When to Call a Professional

Wasp Nests Around Your Home When to DIY and When to Call a Professional

It usually starts with a buzz. Then another. And before you know it, there’s a steady stream of wasps darting around your porch, roofline, or backyard shed.You step outside and spot it, a round, papery nest tucked under the eaves or behind a light fixture. Your first thought is probably, “Can I handle this myself?”That’s […]

Wildlife Proofing 101: How to Seal Your Home Against Unwanted Guests

Wildlife Proofing 101 How to Seal Your Home Against Unwanted Guests

It’s late at night, and you hear scratching in the attic. Maybe a faint rustle in the walls or a thud on the roof.If that sounds familiar, you might not be alone in your own home. Across Ontario, raccoons, squirrels, mice, and even skunks are constantly looking for warm, dry shelter, especially when the temperature […]

Mosquito Control That Works: Safe and Eco-Friendly Tips for Canadian Backyards

Mosquito Control That Works Safe and Eco-Friendly Tips for Canadian Backyards

It’s a warm summer evening. You’ve just settled on the patio with a cold drink and within minutes, you’re swatting the air like you’re signaling for help.Yep. Mosquitoes. They show up quietly, bite fast, and leave you itching for days. But beyond being annoying, mosquitoes in Canada can carry viruses like West Nile. Keeping them […]

Spider Season in Ontario: Why You’re Seeing More Spiders Indoors This Fall

Spider Season in Ontario Why You’re Seeing More Spiders Indoors This Fall

You turn on the light, and there it is — a spider hanging quietly in the corner of your ceiling. Your first thought? “Where did that come from?” And your second: “If there’s one, there must be more.” If you’ve noticed more spiders crawling around your home lately, you’re not imagining it. Every fall, spider […]

Rodent Control in Canada: The Difference Between Mice and Rat Infestations

Rodent Control in Canada: The Difference Between Mice and Rat Infestations You hear scratching behind a wall late at night. Maybe a tiny squeak. You pause, hoping it’s nothing, but deep down, you know what it is. A rodent has moved in. It’s not a pleasant thought. Mice and rats are standard in Canadian homes, especially when the temperature drops. But here’s what surprises most people: while both are rodents, mice and rats behave very differently. And knowing which one you’re dealing with can save you time, stress, and money. Let’s break down how to tell them apart, what attracts them, and most importantly, how to get them out and keep them out. Why Rodents Invade Homes Mice and rats don’t invade because they like you. They invade because they like what you have: warmth, food, and shelter. As soon as outdoor temperatures start to fall, they look for dry, cosy spaces to build nests and raise their young. Houses, garages, and even office buildings are perfect. All it takes is a hole the size of a coin for a mouse, or the size of a thumb for a rat. Once inside, they hide behind walls, under floors, and near appliances, anywhere warm and quiet. The truth is, once they’re in, they don’t plan to leave on their own. Signs You Have a Rodent Problem You might not see the rodent itself; they’re nocturnal and avoid people. But the signs are hard to miss once you know what to look for. 1. Droppings Tiny dark pellets along baseboards, cupboards, or near food packages are the clearest sign. Fresh droppings are dark and moist; older ones turn gray and crumbly. 2. Gnaw Marks Mice and rats need to chew constantly to wear down their teeth. You’ll see marks on food containers, wires, furniture, or door frames. 3. Sounds in the Walls Soft scratching, scurrying, or squeaking, especially at night, often means activity behind walls or ceilings. 4. Grease Trails Rats in particular leave dark, greasy marks along walls and pipes as they follow the same paths repeatedly. 5. Nests Made of shredded paper, fabric, or insulation, usually tucked behind appliances, attics, or basements. 6. Strong Odour A musty, ammonia-like smell builds up in enclosed areas where rodents are active, especially if there’s urine buildup. If you notice even two or three of these, you likely have an infestation starting or already established. Why Rodents Are a Bigger Problem Than You Think Rodents might look harmless, but they carry serious health and property risks. Health Risks: They can spread salmonella, leptospirosis, and hantavirus through droppings and urine. Allergies: Their droppings and fur can trigger asthma in sensitive people. Fire Hazards: Mice and rats chew electrical wires, which can spark and cause fires. Contamination: They gnaw open food packages, leaving bacteria behind. The longer they stay, the more damage they cause. That’s why quick action matters. How Rodents Get In It doesn’t take much. A mouse can squeeze through a gap as small as a dime. A rat only needs a space the size of your thumb. Common entry points: Cracks in the foundation Gaps around pipes and vents Loose siding or shingles Garage door corners Dryer vent openings Utility line gaps If your home is older, you likely have more potential entry points than you realize. That’s why part of rodent control is about sealing, not just trapping. Mice Behavior vs. Rat Behavior Knowing their habits helps you understand why different control methods are needed. Mice Reproduce quickly up to 10 litters a year Curious and easy to trap Prefer seeds, grains, and crumbs Nest close to food sources Rats More cautious, avoid traps for days Prefer meat, garbage, or pet food Build deep burrows or nest in basements and crawl spaces Can chew through wood, plastic, and even lead pipes Why DIY Traps Rarely Solve the Problem You might catch one or two rodents with store-bought traps, but if you’re seeing activity daily, that’s just a fraction of the colony. Here’s what happens: You trap one, but others remain. The survivors learn to avoid traps. The colony continues breeding behind walls. And if you’re using poison bait without knowing the correct dose or placement, you can create worse problems like dead rodents decomposing in walls or secondary poisoning risks for pets. Professional pest control teams know exactly how to place traps, identify nest zones, and seal entry points so you’re not just catching — you’re solving. Professional Rodent Control: How It Works At BugManagers, rodent control is about more than traps. It’s a step-by-step process designed for Canadian homes, where rodents adapt fast to cold weather. Here’s what a typical service looks like: 1. Inspection A complete property check inside and out. We find where they’re nesting, how they got in, and what’s attracting them. 2. Identification We confirm whether it’s mice, rats, or both. That determines the bait type, placement, and safety measures. 3. Targeted Treatment We use a mix of traps and safe bait stations (secured so pets and children can’t reach them). These are placed strategically, not randomly. 4. Exclusion and Sealing Every hole, gap, or entry point gets sealed with metal mesh or durable materials. This is what keeps them out for good. 5. Cleanup and Sanitation Droppings, nesting material, and contaminated insulation are removed safely. This helps prevent odours and diseases from lingering. 6. Follow-Up We check traps and stations after a few days, make adjustments, and ensure no signs of new activity. It’s not just a one-time fix — it’s long-term peace of mind. How to Keep Rodents from Coming Back You can’t stop winter, but you can make your home less appealing to rodents. Here’s what helps: Seal Everything Fill cracks around doors, vents, and foundations with steel wool and caulk. Store Food Properly Use airtight containers for grains, snacks, and pet food. Clean Regularly Sweep crumbs, vacuum under appliances, and take out garbage often. Declutter Storage Areas Avoid stacked cardboard boxes — they make perfect nesting spots. Trim Outdoor Vegetation Keep bushes and tree branches away from your home’s exterior. Inspect Seasonally Before winter, check attics, garages, and basements for droppings or chewed wires. Rodent control isn’t just about removal — it’s about prevention. When to Call a Professional If you’re hearing noises at night, finding droppings daily, or smelling a musky odour that won’t go away, it’s time to call an expert. At BugManagers, we handle mice and rat infestations across Ontario — from small residential homes to large commercial buildings. We use humane, targeted, and safe methods that fit your home and lifestyle. No harsh chemicals, no guessing — just results. We don’t just eliminate the rodents you see; we stop the ones you don’t. That’s the difference between a quick fix and a permanent solution. Final Thoughts A rodent infestation isn’t a reflection of cleanliness — it’s a sign of opportunity. Mice and rats go where the food, warmth, and shelter are. If your home offers all three, they’ll take advantage. The key is knowing what’s happening early, acting fast, and sealing your space for good. Ignoring the problem means bigger colonies, more damage, and higher costs later. If you’re hearing scratching in the walls or finding droppings in your pantry, don’t wait. Let BugManagers inspect your home, identify the problem, and give you back your peace of mind. Rodent Control in Canada The Difference Between Mice and Rat Infestations

You hear scratching behind a wall late at night. Maybe a tiny squeak. You pause, hoping it’s nothing, but deep down, you know what it is. A rodent has moved in. It’s not a pleasant thought. Mice and rats are standard in Canadian homes, especially when the temperature drops. But here’s what surprises most people: […]

Ants in the Kitchen? The Most Common Ant Species Found in Ontario Homes

Ants in the Kitchen The Most Common Ant Species Found in Ontario Homes

You wake up, walk into the kitchen, and see a trail of tiny ants marching across the counter. You wipe them up and by afternoon, they’re back. Sound familiar? Ants are one of the most common pests in Ontario homes. They don’t bite (most of the time), but they invade in numbers that make you […]

Skunk Smell Removal: What Works and What Makes It Worse

Skunk Smell Removal: What Works and What Makes It Worse If you’ve ever smelled a skunk up close, you know it’s unforgettable. That strong, sour, burnt-rubber kind of stench clings to everything — your clothes, your pets, even your house. And here’s the kicker: trying to cover it up usually makes it worse. Every year across Ontario, homeowners call pest control companies in a panic after a skunk sprays under their porch or near their vents. It’s one of the most common wildlife calls — and one of the trickiest to fix without the right approach. So, let’s break it down: what actually works, what doesn’t, and how to get rid of that smell for good — safely and humanely. Why Skunks Spray Before you rush to clean, it helps to know why skunks spray in the first place. They don’t do it for fun. It’s their defence mechanism — kind of like pepper spray, but worse. A skunk releases a sulphur-based oil from its glands when it feels threatened. It can shoot that oily mist up to 10 feet, and it sticks to whatever it hits — fur, clothes, concrete, or siding. The smell isn’t just bad; it’s chemical. That’s why soap and water alone don’t touch it. The odour comes from compounds called thiols, which cling to oils and take time (and chemistry) to neutralize. What You Shouldn’t Do Let’s start with the mistakes most people make. When you panic, it’s easy to grab the wrong cleaner or do something that spreads the smell further. 1. Don’t Use Bleach or Ammonia Mixing chemicals with skunk spray can create dangerous fumes. Besides, they don’t neutralize thiols — they just make the air toxic. 2. Don’t Spray Air Fresheners They only mask the smell temporarily. Once the air clears, the stink returns. It’s like spraying perfume in a smoky room — it doesn’t fix the problem. 3. Don’t Wash Pets With Regular Shampoo Pet shampoos aren’t designed for skunk oil. You’ll just spread the smell deeper into their fur. You need a mix that breaks down the oil, not covers it. 4. Don’t Ignore the Source If a skunk sprayed under your deck or shed, the smell will keep coming back until the animal (or the scent source) is removed. The first step is always to find where it happened. How to Get Rid of Skunk Smell — The Right Way Now for the part that actually works. These are proven methods used by wildlife control professionals and veterinarians alike. 1. The Homemade Skunk Odour Neutralizer (for Pets and Clothes) You’ve probably heard of tomato juice baths. They don’t work. They only hide the smell for a short time. Here’s what does work — a simple chemical reaction that breaks down skunk oil at the molecular level. You’ll need: 1 quart (1 litre) of 3% hydrogen peroxide 1/4 cup of baking soda 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap How to use it: Mix ingredients fresh each time — never store this mixture in a closed bottle (it can explode). Apply it generously to the affected fur or fabric. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Repeat once if needed. This works because peroxide oxidizes the thiols — basically breaking the smelly molecules apart so they can’t cling anymore. 2. For Indoor Odour (When Skunk Spray Gets Into the House) If the smell has drifted indoors — through open windows, vents, or under the floor — it’s going to take a bit of patience. Here’s what to do: Air it out: Open all windows and use fans to move air outdoors. Use vinegar bowls: Place small bowls of white vinegar in affected rooms for 24–48 hours. Vinegar absorbs odours naturally. Change HVAC filters: Skunk odour particles get trapped inside heating and cooling systems. Wipe hard surfaces: Mix 1 part vinegar with four parts water and wipe walls, floors, and furniture. If the smell lingers for more than a few days, you likely have skunk oil on or under your house. In that case, you’ll need a professional cleaning. 3. For Cars If a skunk sprays near your driveway or your car tires, the smell can get trapped inside the vents or fabric. Try this: Wipe exterior surfaces with diluted vinegar. Sprinkle activated charcoal or baking soda on carpets overnight, then vacuum. Replace cabin filters (yes, even your car has one). Avoid using air fresheners — they mix with the smell and make it worse. 4. For Outdoor Areas (Decks, Porches, Sheds) If the skunk sprayed under your porch or deck, it’s not just about cleaning. The smell seeps into wood and soil. To neutralize it: Mix 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide with 1 gallon of water. Use a garden sprayer to mist the area. Repeat after a day or two. If you still smell it after a week, it’s possible the skunk is still living under there — or sprayed more than once. That’s when you call a wildlife expert. How to Prevent Skunks from Coming Back Once you’ve cleaned up the smell, your next goal is to make sure it doesn’t happen again. 1. Seal Openings Check under decks, sheds, and crawl spaces. Close gaps larger than 3 inches using wire mesh or metal flashing. 2. Secure Garbage Bins Skunks love leftovers. Lock your garbage lids and don’t leave pet food outside overnight. 3. Keep Lights On Motion-activated lights scare off nocturnal animals like skunks. 4. Remove Shelter Options Wood piles, old furniture, and open compost bins make perfect hiding spots. 5. Use Repellents Some natural repellents (like citrus peels, vinegar spray, or castor oil granules) help keep skunks away. They’re not foolproof, but they make your yard less inviting. When to Call a Professional If the smell is strong, if you’ve spotted a skunk under your porch, or if your pet keeps getting sprayed — it’s time to bring in help. Wildlife control technicians handle skunks humanely using live traps and exclusion doors. That means the animal is removed safely, and entry points are sealed after it’s gone. Professionals also have access to commercial-grade deodorizing equipment and enzyme cleaners that fully neutralize odours — not just mask them. At BugManagers, our team deals with skunk removal across Ontario — from Toronto to Mississauga to Hamilton. We make sure the skunk is gone, your space is safe, and the smell doesn’t return. A Few Common Questions Q: How long does skunk smell last? If untreated, the smell can last up to three weeks — longer if it’s absorbed into wood, fabric, or carpet. Q: What if my dog got sprayed in the eyes? Rinse their eyes gently with cool water or a saline solution. Please avoid using any soap near their eyes and call your vet right away. Q: Can I trap a skunk myself? You shouldn’t. Skunks are protected under Ontario’s wildlife regulations, and trapping without proper equipment can cause injury or more spraying. Q: How much does professional skunk removal cost? It depends on where the skunk is located and how much cleanup is needed. Most homeowners in Ontario pay between $250 and $600, depending on the complexity. Why Skunk Smell Feels Impossible to Remove People often describe skunk odour as “sticking to the air.” That’s because the sulphur oils bond to everything — from skin to insulation. If you’re smelling it for days, it doesn’t mean you didn’t clean enough; it means some residue is still trapped in a hidden surface. Here’s what professionals do differently: Use ozone machines or thermal foggers to break down odour molecules in the air. Apply enzyme-based cleaners that dissolve organic residue. Identify hidden areas where oil may have splashed — like under decks or foundation gaps. Sometimes, solving the smell means finding and treating the exact spot of the spray, not just the air around it. The Humane Side of Skunk Control Skunks aren’t aggressive. They’re shy, gentle animals that spray only when scared. They help control garden pests like grubs and insects, too. That’s why professional wildlife control always focuses on humane removal — guiding the animal out safely, sealing its entry, and preventing future encounters. It’s not about punishment. It’s about balance — keeping both your home and the local ecosystem safe. Final Thoughts You can’t stop skunks from existing, but you can stop them from making your home their hangout. If you smell that unmistakable odour near your house, don’t panic. Skip the tomato juice. Skip the bleach. Use the right neutralizer, air out your home, and check for signs of entry. And if the smell just won’t quit, call in a professional like BugManagers. We’ll handle the source, clean the area, and make sure your space smells fresh again — safely and humanely. Because your home should smell like home, not like a skunk.

If you’ve ever smelled a skunk up close, you know it’s unforgettable. That strong, sour, burnt-rubber kind of stench clings to everything, your clothes, your pets, even your house. And here’s the kicker: trying to cover it up usually makes it worse. Every year across Ontario, homeowners call pest control companies in a panic after […]

The Ultimate Guide to Bird Proofing: Keep Pigeons and Gulls Away from Your Property

The Ultimate Guide to Bird Proofing: Keep Pigeons and Gulls Away from Your Property

If you’ve ever stepped outside to find your balcony or storefront covered in bird droppings, you know how frustrating it can be. It’s not just messy. It’s unhealthy, smelly, and can quietly damage your property over time. Across Ontario, pigeons, gulls, and starlings are common troublemakers. They gather in big numbers, leave droppings that corrode […]

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