Common Pests on the Sunshine Coast
Carpenter Ants | Rodents| Raccoons | Skunks
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are the most significant pest we deal with and can cause serious damage to homes and structures. Usually the first indication of an ant infestation is the presence of workers and/or winged ants indoors during the early spring. As temperatures increase ants seem to disappear as they leave to forage outside, however the nests are still active within the building. Every situation is different, therefore we provide a thorough, no charge inspection to determine how best to solve each problem before we proceed with treatment. We strictly adhere to modern Integrated Pest Management techniques and our focus is always on the resolution of existing problems and prevention of any further activity. Annual exterior perimeter treatments provide excellent protection and are essentially non-toxic. Please call us for more information.
Be sure to watch our Carpenter Ant Inspection and Treatment Videos!
  
Rodents
Rats are some of the most damaging rodents on the Sunshine Coast. They consume and contaminate food, damage structures and property, and transmit parasites and diseases to other animals, including humans. Rats survive and thrive in a wide range of climates and conditions; they can be found in and around homes and other structures, farms, gardens, and open fields.
Identifying the Rat
People do not often see rats, but signs of their presence are easy to detect. In British Columbia the most troublesome rats are two introduced species: the roof rat and the Norway rat. It is important to know which species of rat is present in order to place traps or baits in the most effective locations.
Biology of Common Rodent Pests
Norway (ship rat) and roof rats (black rat) have litter sizes of six to 12 young, but up to 22 pups have been recorded. The gestation period ranges from 21 to 25 days, with a female typically producing three to six litters in her lifetime. Under the right conditions, females may give birth every 24 to 28 days. Juvenile rats become sexually mature at about three months, with most living six months to a year.
House mice are one of the most difficult rodents to control due there small size, which enables them to enter openings as small as ¼ inch and also because of their incredible breeding potential. Under ideal conditions, a house mouse may live two years or more, and can breed throughout the year. A female has a gestation period of 18 to 21 days, and produces a litter ranging from two to 13 mice. A long-lived female may produce six to 10 litters.
The deer mouse, commonly misidentified as a “white footed deer mouse” or “field mouse”, is indigenous to this area and can be found throughout most of North America. Their lifespan is 60 days to 2 years in the wild with the average lifespan of just under a year. The young will reach sexual maturity at 7 to 8 weeks and females will have litters of 3 to 5 young approximately 2 to 4 times per year. This mouse is linked to the pulmonary disease HPS (Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome). Deer mice should not be tolerated in homes under any circumstances. Extreme caution should be taken when dealing with deer mice and their aftermath.
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Raccoons
Innovative Pest Control provides the following services for raccoons and skunks:
- Consultation and advice
- Repairs and animal proofing
- Clean-up and disinfection of contaminated areas
- Animal Fencing and screens
- Live Trapping/relocation
Raccoons are a common indigenous mammal on the Sunshine Coast and throughout much of British Columbia. Raccoons are wildlife and should be respected in the same way other wild animals are. Though very cute and sometimes appearing to be playful and friendly raccoons are wild animals, therefore are unpredictable, and should never be fed or touched. Raccoons can and will bite if cornered or harassed or if they perceive a threat to themselves or their young. Raccoons are also potential carriers of many diseases and parasites so great care should be taken to clean up areas inhabited or frequented by these animals. Clean-up of areas contaminated by any animals should be done following WCB or Health Canada guidelines and by a professional pest control or restoration company.
In terms of raccoon control we have always recommended exclusion as the only viable long term option to prevent activity within structures. Common sense and environmental changes to your yard or garden will go a long way to prevent raccoons from becoming pests outside your home as well. We prefer not to remove raccoons from their environment and usually will only hold the animals for a few hours (when necessary) while repairs are made. We will remove and relocate problem raccoons which may have caused extensive damage or are injuring or killing pets or livestock, but only if other options are not appropriate. Excellent information on raccoon biology and prevention can be found in the links above, and the Ministry of Environment.
Skunks
Skunks (western spotted and striped) are another common animal which can become a pest in and around homes and structures in many parts of British Columbia. This animal is usually a pest in the fall and winter months when they move indoors to escape the elements. We find skunks inhabiting basements, sheds, crawlspaces and attics. The first indications you may have a skunk are noises and the telltale skunk odour. If you’ve smelled it once, you will never for get it. Skunks should not be tolerated inside homes under any circumstances as they can be quite destructive and have many of the same health risks associated with them as other animals. Though beneficial in many ways, skunks can not usually be tolerated outside in the yard due to their propensity for “scenting off” when startled, causing ongoing odour problems.
Long term control of these animals is best achieved by way of exclusion. We usually live trap and relocate skunks and then make repairs to prevent further access. Removal of attractants, such as pet food and water, and fencing or securing poultry houses and gardens will also reduce activity.
Excellent information on Canada’s skunks can be found in the links above.
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