Not All Traps Are Created Equal

Catchmaster Insect Monitors

Trap selection is an important component of any trapping and monitoring program within an integrated pest management program. Improper selection of a trap style can lead to misrepresentation of a true pest numbers in an area. This is due to the fact that pests may: Not be able to enter a trap to be captured … Read more

Test Your Knowledge: House Mouse True or False

Mouse on rocks

We created this fun quiz so that you can test your knowledge on House Mice! Take the “House Mouse – True or False” test below and compare your answers to the answer key at the bottom of this post. Good luck! Mice are nibblers and feed many times in one day. True False House mice … Read more

Let’s Fight Rats!

alberta-rat-control-posters

To celebrate 2020 being the Chinese year of the rat, we will be posting one blog per month dedicated to rats! Here is June’s blog post, ‘Let’s Fight Rats!’. RATS are more numerous than people in the United States.  They multiply fast: uncontrolled, one pair could produce 350,000,000 rats in three years. RATS eat practically … Read more

Hantavirus Guide: Clean-Up Procedures

Rat

The best solution for problems with house mice is exclusion. A mouse can fit through any hole the size of your finger or a pencil. Seal entry holes with ¼ inch hardware cloth, sheet metal or metal wool. Pay particular attention to any hole approximately the diameter of a pencil. In some situations, perimeter trapping … Read more

Hantavirus Guide: Precautions For Campers and Hikers

camping

The risk of contamination is specifically associated with contact with rodents, disturbing nesting material, burrows, droppings and surrounding soil. Therefore: Avoid coming into contact with rodents and rodent burrows. Do not use cabins or other enclosed shelters that are rodent infested until they have been appropriately cleaned and disinfected. Do not pitch tents or place … Read more

15 Fun Rat Facts

Rat

To celebrate 2020 being the Chinese year of the rat, we will be posting one blog per month dedicated to rats! Here is May’s blog post, ’15 Fun Rat Facts.’ Rats can have as many as 20 babies at a time. The Norway Rat did not originate in Norway. Rats destroy about 20% of agricultural … Read more

Hantavirus Guide: 10 Steps to Safely Clean-Up After Rodents

Mouse on rocks

Put on disposable clothing and gloves. Put on goggles and disposable respirator mask and test the mask for proper fit (ensure goggles effectively protect eyes and do not interfere with the seal of the respirator). Mix disinfectant solution in spray bottle. Gently spray droppings/rodent nesting materials with the bleach, ensuring they are completely soaked – … Read more

Hantavirus Guide: Six Steps To Properly Fitting Your Respirator

3M Particulate Respirator P100

The Centre for Disease Control and National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health recommend the use of HEPA (P100) quality filters for respiratory protection against the Hantavirus. Respirators come in various sizes and it is important to use a respirator that has been fitted to your face. It is very important that workers are aware … Read more