Question 1

How much does pest control cost for a multi-unit building?

Accepted Answer

Multi-unit buildings usually run $200 to $250 a month. That covers common areas, garbage rooms, laundry rooms and the outside of the building, plus treatment in units that report a problem. If you have several properties, we can put them all under one agreement with one invoice. You'll get a written report after each visit for your records.

Question 2

How do restaurants keep mice out of dry storage and basements?

Accepted Answer

Dry storage and basements are where restaurant mouse problems usually start, because they're quiet and full of food. Keep everything on shelves at least 15 centimetres off the floor and away from the walls, so you can see and clean underneath. Store flour, rice and grains in sealed bins, not open bags, and seal holes around pipes and drains. We set traps along the walls, check them on every visit and point out anything that needs fixing.

Question 3

What can a property manager do when a tenant won't prepare for pest control?

Accepted Answer

Start with a clear written notice that explains the treatment, the date and the prep steps, and give at least 24 hours' notice of entry. Many tenants don't prepare because they're overwhelmed or physically can't do it, so offering help often solves it. Keep a record of every notice and visit. If a tenant still refuses and it's affecting other units, that record is what you'll need if it goes to the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Question 4

How do I know if I have bed bugs?

Accepted Answer

Look for small itchy bites, often in a line or cluster, that show up overnight. Check the seams of your mattress and box spring, the headboard and the edges of the carpet for tiny dark spots, which are droppings, and for pale shed skins or the bugs themselves, which are flat, brown and about the size of an apple seed. If you find any of that, call for an inspection before you move anything out of the room, so you don't spread them.

Question 5

Does peppermint oil keep mice away?

Accepted Answer

Not in any way you can count on. The smell might make a mouse avoid a spot for a little while, but it fades fast and mice get used to it. Peppermint won't drive out mice that have already found food and a place to nest. Sealing the gaps they're using and trapping the ones inside is what actually solves the problem.

Question 6

Can carpenter ants get into a condo building?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Carpenter ants nest in damp wood, and condo buildings have more of it than you'd think: landscape timbers, wood balcony dividers, planters, window frames with old leaks and roof areas where water gets in. From there they travel along pipes and into units. Residents may see big black ants on balconies or in kitchens in spring. We find the nest and point out the moisture problem. It's part of our property management programs.

Question 7

Can carpenter bees damage a plaza or townhouse complex?

Accepted Answer

They can. Carpenter bees drill into bare or weathered wood on fascia boards, trim, pergolas, fences and wood signs, and they come back to the same spots every year, so the holes get deeper. Keeping wood painted or stained is the best prevention. We treat the holes in spring and they can be plugged afterward. Plaza owners and condo managers can add this to our service for commercial buildings.

Question 8

Why are there silverfish in condo storage lockers?

Accepted Answer

Storage lockers are usually on parking levels, where it's damp, and they're full of cardboard boxes, old papers and stored clothing, which is exactly what silverfish eat. They can damage books, photos and documents over time. Store things in sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard, keep them off the floor and check the locker a few times a year. If a whole locker area has them, the property manager can have it treated.

Question 9

How do cockroaches get into a house?

Accepted Answer

Usually, someone carries them in without knowing it. German cockroaches ride in on grocery bags and cardboard boxes, used appliances, furniture and electronics, and luggage. In attached homes and apartments, they can also come through shared walls and pipes from next door. Check boxes and second-hand items before you bring them inside, and break down cardboard quickly. If you see one, set a few sticky traps to see if there are more.

Question 10

What are the tiny flies around my houseplants?

Accepted Answer

Those are almost always fungus gnats. They breed in damp potting soil, and the larvae feed on fungus and roots in the top layer. They're harmless to people but annoying. Let the top few centimetres of soil dry out between waterings, empty saucers that hold water, and use yellow sticky cards to catch the adults. Repotting badly infested plants with fresh soil also helps.

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Licensed Exterminator in Thornhill for Homes & Businesses

Exterminator for Residential & Commercial Properties