Tales From The Tech: The Surprise Kitten

tales from the tech

We had a food processor customer call on a pest control issue. They were hearing noises outside one of the offices and wanted us to investigate what type of animal they were hearing. We sent their PMP, Pat, to figure it out. This year that area has had an above normal amount of snow and … Read more

Ask The Expert: Do Bugs Live Through the Winter?

lady bug

QUESTION: I thought that bugs died in cold temperatures, can insects live through the winter season? ANSWER: Even though here in Canada we can experience some VERY cold temperatures in the winter, we know that bugs don’t all disappear forever—so where do they go? There are some bugs that overwinter, only to come to life … Read more

Product Feature: Tree Tanglefoot

tree tanglefoot

It’s that time of year again when spring cankerworms come out to wreak havoc on our lovely trees. Tree banding prevents the female cankerworms from laying their eggs in the crowns of the trees in the spring and fall seasons. Tree Tanglefoot Insect Barrier is a sticky, non-drying paste which is effective against gypsy moths, … Read more

Women In Pest Control

Siobhan and Karina

It is no surprise to learn that pest control is a male dominated field. Women and girls make up just over half of North America’s population, yet they occupy only 6% of the pest control industry. When thinking about women and pests the first picture that comes to mind is likely that of a lady … Read more

Bed Bug Lookalikes

bed bug

No one wants to get bed bugs and a positive identification is crucial in order to protect yourself and your belongings from bed bugs. Always keep a sample of the insect pest and bring it to us at Poulins to identify and provide a treatment program. But sometimes people bring in samples to our office … Read more

5 Insane Insect Mating Rituals

Honey Bees on Flower

Everyone has certain expectations when it comes to love, sex, or even Valentines Day. Some us like to keep it simple and low key, while others crave adventure and something more exciting. The same can be said about the insect world, though some of their excitement may be a bit more than we can handle. … Read more

Tribute to Charles Henry Turner: Entomologist

In honor of black history month, we wanted to pay tribute to Charles Henry Turner (1867 –1923) who was a trailblazer in entomology. His research was ground-breaking in the area of insect learning and behaviors. He was the first person to prove that insects can hear and distinguish pitch, that cockroaches can learn by trial … Read more

Pest Spotlight: Groundhog

Groundhog

Scientific Name: Marmota monax Common Names: Groundhog, Woodchuck, Whistlepig, Marmot Color: Brown/Grey Weight: Approx. 10lbs. Length: 16 – 20 inches FACT: Groundhog Day is a common tradition in Canada and the USA, people gather around to watch the rodent predict if there will be an early spring. Evidence has shown that Groundhogs are wrong in … Read more

Remembering a Legend: RIP Don Poulin

Don Poulin

DON (SONNY) POULIN 1936 – 2018 With broken hearts we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved husband and father, Don Poulin, on January 21, 2018 at Riverview Health Centre. Don will be lovingly remembered by Carol, his wife of 37 years, and sons, Lincoln and Ashton. He will also be missed by Aunt Jeannine, … Read more

Top Pest Peeves of 2017

Honey Ants

10) FLIES Coming in at number 10 is the fly. House flies, Drain flies, Fruit flies, Phorid flies… Some jobs are too big for a fly swatter! In 2017 we did just over 1,500 fly jobs. 9) WASPS Number 9 is one of the most feared pests out there, the wasp! Many people have an … Read more