L’article How to protect yourself from bed bugs? est apparu en premier sur Exterminateurs Associés Inc..

L’article How to Prepare Your Home for Professional Mice Extermination est apparu en premier sur Exterminateurs Associés Inc..

L’article How to keep rodents out of your home in winter? est apparu en premier sur Exterminateurs Associés Inc..

L’article How to get rid of bed bugs? est apparu en premier sur Exterminateurs Associés Inc..

How to get rid of rats?

How to get rid of rats? Mr. Michel Grenier of Exterminateurs Associés Inc. answers this question by giving you four methods to make it happen.

Rats are part of the order rodents, omnivorous mammals that have pointed snouts and sharp teeth. They are the most dangerous because their invasion of a home can cause a lot of damage such as disease, infection, deterioration of property and more. Getting rid of rats is no easy task, so it’s important to get started quickly to regain your comfort.

How do they get into homes and how can they be detected?

Before embarking on a rat extermination in a house, you must first know how they get there. The rat population is higher in large cities, and rats mainly live in city sewers; they therefore have access to the various pipes. Most often, they enter homes through openings such as damaged or cracked drain pipes and toilet bowls. Sometimes, very rarely, they come from outside the house. Once in homes, they can cause a lot of damage. Among other things, they can eat into electrical and power cables, which can cause gas leaks and fire hazards. It is therefore a necessity to get rid of its rodents before suffering the consequences of their presence.

Most often, the presence of these rodents is manifested by noises in the walls during the night . These noises may sound like scratching or scampering. Also, they show their presence by gnawing at packaging, food, etc. They also deposit feces and urine in holes and burrows. Sometimes rats give off an odor and leave fingerprints on the surfaces of the house.

Four ways to get rid of rats

1- Perform a smoke test

A smoke test involves checking the home’s sewer system. Thus, you will be able to find the rat introduction sites. You can then proceed with the necessary repairs.

2- use rat traps

There are three types of rat traps: mechanical traps, electric traps, and glue traps. These are all baits that will allow you to capture and kill these rodents.
Mechanical traps are of two types; the rat swatter and the tooth trap. The swatter works like a mouse swatter, but bigger. When the rat bites the bait, a metal bar flips over and kills it. The tooth trap is like a plastic toothed jaw that closes over the rat when it bites the bait.
Electric traps work with batteries and when the animal is trapped, an electric shock is sent to it and eliminates it.
Finally, sticky plates can be placed. When rats are trapped, they get stuck and are killed.

3- Use rodenticides: Good or bad idea?

First, some use rodicides to eliminate the odor from rotting rats. But is it possible that such rat poisons can dry out the rodent enough so that it does not emit any odor? The answer is no. This is because the foul odor that emanates from a dead body is the normal process of decomposition. Since liquids no longer circulate, including blood, among others, they become stagnant and then begin the process of decomposition. This is where the smell you smell comes from.

Moreover, the most famous rodenticide in history is the notorious “rat poison” which is not only fatal to rodents, but also to humans. Obviously, it is no longer used nowadays. Today, we find rodenticides in shops. Usually, it is blood thinners that cause hemorrhage in the animal’s body and kill it. Rodenticides are harmful products and therefore should not be handled without protective gloves. They must not be put within reach of children and pets. When using them, ensure that they are placed in discreet places.

4- Use a rat extermination company

When you have used all of the methods listed below and are unsuccessful, or when the rat invasion is too large and you feel unable to do all of these methods, your best bet is to call on a company certified in rat extermination. These are specialized companies that have the appropriate materials and products to restore your home to its former cleanliness. You can contact those in your area and request a quote. This will allow you to make informed decisions and proceed with the elimination of these rodents from your home.

For more information visit our page Rat extermination.

L’article How to get rid of rats est apparu en premier sur Exterminateurs Associés Inc..

How to survive an ant invasion?

Although not very dangerous for health, the presence of ants can be harmful and very unpleasant. Very well organized, these insects mainly attack your kitchen in search of water and food. Generally, we observe a few ants without worrying about it and then, very quickly, they organize themselves in single file to bring back the foodstuffs and it is at this moment that we seek to act. Zoom on the reflexes to have for the extermination of ants.

1st step: Identify the ant species

Before reacting to an ant invasion, it is essential to identify the species we are facing. Indeed, there are several species of ants and each of them has its own characteristics. These have a direct impact on their habits, and therefore on the treatment to adopt to exterminate them. In short, let’s discover the main differences between the types of ants. We will focus on the three most common ant species.

The pavement ants

Pavement ants measure between 2.5 and 4mm in length and are usually dark brown in color. This type of ants lives in colonies; it is therefore often necessary to find the nest to get to the source of the problem. Although the colony generally lives outside the houses, fatty or sugary foods as well as humid places are elements that can attract the pavement ants inside your home.

Carpenter ants

Carpenter ants are 6 to 12 mm in length and live in an anthill. Outdoors, they are usually found near soft wood exposed to moisture. This can result in trees, galleries or even rotten wood where they will install their nests. Their motivation for entering homes is primarily to find food for the rest of the anthill. They will therefore also look for sugary and fatty foods.

Pharaoh ants

Finally, the third most common type of ant is pharaoh ants. The latter are smaller than their counterparts; they measure between 1.5 and 3 mm. Unlike other ant nests which have only one queen, this species can have several within the same colony due to their rapid reproduction. This type of ants are more dependent on humans than other species. The pharaoh ant particularly seeks sources of artificial heat that it can find in many places in your home. The pantry, a cardboard box or your bathroom cupboard are just a few examples.

For more information on the different types of ants and their characteristics, see our page on ant extermination .

Avoid the appearance of ants

Better to prevent than to cure, before trying to get rid of them, avoid making their installation possible. The ants who dare to venture into your home will first seek to estimate the potential of your cupboards! To prevent them from wanting to return, we must not facilitate access to food. In general, food products should be stored to be as inaccessible as possible. It is also important to rinse the dishes, used pots and close all bags containing sugar or flour. In short: limit all access to food or leftover food.

Ultimate solution: call an ant exterminator

If despite these efforts, insects have settled in your home, an ant extermination will be necessary. These pests usually enter through small places such as cracks in walls, holes or poorly insulated windows. Older dwellings have many entrances and it is difficult to identify them all. If the solutions put forward previously do not get rid of the ant colony, the ultimate solution is to call in a certified exterminator . Specialized companies ensure that the queen or queens are killed.

L’article How to survive an ant invasion? est apparu en premier sur Exterminateurs Associés Inc..

The use of a certified professional for a guarantee of quality

Why choose a certified exterminator?

First of all, the pests that invade your home or your business are a source of considerable nuisance. The priority is to exterminate them. But urgency should not rhyme with precipitation. It is best to take a few moments to choose the professional you want to hire. A certified exterminator will carry out the elimination of unwanted beings in accordance with the quality standards imposed on him. Compliance with these certification standards is essential to ensure both efficiency and your safety. Indeed, these interventions require the use of specific products. The certification guarantees the use of ecological products, both efficient and environmentally friendly. This type of product requires specific know-how and training.

A certified exterminator for the final elimination of your pests

Certified exterminators use products and methods that guarantee:

• occupant safety,
• the final elimination of pests.

Before each intervention, an estimate must be made. He will mention in particular the number of visits necessary for a final extermination of the pests.

Thus, the certification guarantees you:

• the transparency of the professional’s intervention,
• the effectiveness of the treatment,
• compliance with safety instructions.

It should be noted that you can ask the exterminator for his official certificate at any time. This will assure you of the professionalism to which you. The role of certified exterminators is therefore not only to carry out an intervention. Moreover, he supports you thanks to their expertise and their knowledge of pests, ranging from rodents to insects. Visit our website for more information on our extermination services .

The content of the exterminator certification

The exterminator certifications aim to provide a framework for professional practices intended to reassure customers. In other words, the establishment of a quality charter helps greatly. Certificates of exterminators and companies are issued by the MELCC . The associations aim to bring together and guarantee the professional practices of certified companies. Membership of these associations allows their members to benefit from:

• insect study specialists,
• documentary resources,
• continuous training through colloquiums, conferences,
• etc.

Cartoon of an uncertified exterminator

Associations, such as Canadian Association of Pest Management or the Quebec Association of Pest Management also offer recourse as a mediator between certified exterminator and clients.

Article updated: November 11, 2019

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Tips for detecting a mouse and rat problem

How to detect a mouse and rat problem effectively? Exterminateurs Associés gives you some advice on his most recent blog.

When the months get colder, on the threshold of winter, mice and rats begin a migration process in search of warmth and better comfort. These unscrupulous rodents therefore invade buildings and attics. Knowing how to spot a mouse and rat problem is not always easy, but it can be extremely useful. Whether in terms of hygiene, damage of all kinds or in terms of fire risks, these small animals are second to none.

Mouse and rat problem in your home

There are many distinctive signs that allow the detection of these unwanted rodents. Small droppings, close to black in color, five to ten millimeters long, can indicate the presence of mice. You will find them above all in inaccessible, hidden and dark places. Those of the rat are more significant in terms of size but are not therefore easier to locate, hiding most of the time in walls and under the floor. Uneven lengths will show the reproductive activity of the rodents. Considering an extermination of mice and rats should then be one of your priorities before it is unfortunately too late.

Noises of gnawing or other scratching

Annoying noises emanating from the cellar or the attic are never a good sign. This will very often be a sign that intruders, rodents in addition, have entered the premises. Mice and rats are in fact forced to gnaw constantly for the simple reason that their incisors never stop growing. It is also their very personal way of maintaining their teeth. Add to that the recurring scratching noises and you will be sure to be confronted with a problem of mice and rats.

Presence of fingerprints

Another way to detect the presence of rodents in its habitat will be to observe the presence of footprints in inaccessible and dusty places. The size of the latter will give important indications as to whether they are mice or rats. In any case, this will most likely mean that your home has been invested. The test of the flour on the ground will allow you to corroborate this indelicate presence and to foresee a extermination of mice and rats .

Obvious odors and other traces

An odor reminiscent of ammonia may indicate the presence of mice or rats. This emanation arises through their respective urine and can become very strong as time passes. So much so that some places may be difficult to access due to the highly fetid nature of the smell. Traces of fat can also be left by rodents on the walls or the floor when they move around. It is also an excellent way to trace their course and detect where their nest is located. In any case, do not delay in taking the appropriate measures in the event of a problem with mice and rats.

L’article How to detect a problem with mice and rats? est apparu en premier sur Exterminateurs Associés Inc..

Choosing an exterminator shouldn’t be a fluke

Choosing an exterminator in Montreal shouldn’t be a fluke.

Parasites or other unwanted little animals are likely to invade your home at all times, which is generally not very pleasant. Your concern will of course be to call a professional to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. However, selecting an exterminator in Montreal is not necessarily easy, as the offer is often large.

Let’s review the various essential criteria to choose an exterminator without making a mistake.

Evaluate the level of the exterminator in Montreal requested

When you call on a company, it is first necessary to check the qualifications of the professional who will work with you. The latter must imperatively have the licenses giving him the authorization to work with the products in question. Getting access to strong pesticides usually requires passing an exam. These aspects are highly regulated by the Ministry of Sustainable Development, the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change. The company must also have a license and the technician, a certificate. Don’t hesitate to ask for them.

Seniority and experience of the company

The older the company, the more likely it will be experienced and have competent technicians. The profession of exterminator is not a profession that can be improvised and a long experience is necessary to overcome sometimes very complex situations. Knowing that the professional who will intervene in your accommodation has already conquered an identical case on several occasions will always be extremely reassuring. Another important point to consider when choosing an exterminator is to make sure that the latter has all the guarantees regarding safety. The products used can do great damage if they are inappropriate for the situation or misused. Keeping your family safe in this area is essential because some pesticides can be much more dangerous than unwanted hosts that have invaded your home. Also check the insurance policy of the company you are looking for and its ability to prevent any form of accident. These many points must be considered if you want to choose your certified exterminator in Montreal .

Guarantee and continuous training of an exterminator in Montreal

Some companies are able to offer a guarantee for a period which will vary depending on the nature of the context. This option is obviously very interesting and must be considered. In addition, it will be possible to verify whether the company in question is a member of the Association québécoise en pest management . The latter offers its members the opportunity to access continuing education. This aspect is essential insofar as developments in the field of pest control are extremely rapid. In addition, by being part of this association, the company will generally attest, as a preamble, to its seriousness. Although this base is not sufficient on its own, it is nevertheless very important. The last point to consider will be to assess the company’s communication as well as possible. The latter must be convincing, precise and above all reassuring. The first concern of the exterminator must be to accompany you and not to take advantage of the situation in which you find yourself.

L’article How to choose an exterminator in Montreal? est apparu en premier sur Exterminateurs Associés Inc..

There are several precautions to treat bed bugs

Treating bed bugs requires thoroughness and precaution. Exterminateurs Associés demystifies the steps to follow during such treatment.

If you have unfortunately detected the presence of bedbugs in your home, it is imperative that you are able to react as quickly as possible. For this, you should consider only one solution: call in a competent and certified exterminator. Stopping a bedbug infestation is a complex process that requires professional intervention. Trying to apprehend it differently, for example with products sold in stores, could not only worsen the situation but be dangerous for your health. Treating bed bugs is not something you can improvise.

Preparation of the premises before the exterminator’s intervention

Before carrying out the treatment of bedbugs through your exterminator, it is essential to prepare the premises so that the latter can be able to intervene in the best possible conditions. Start by tidying up and putting away all the objects that could clutter up the intervention space. Empty all of your furniture as well as cupboards, drawers and bookcases. Take a close look at the condition of your mattresses and vacuum infested areas. Be careful with this operation as the bed bugs will survive inside the bag itself. You should therefore immediately put the latter inside another completely airtight bag and then throw the whole thing in a trash can, outside your home. Wash clothes as well as all fabrics, curtains or the like. Then put them in a dryer for half an hour, making sure to program it on a high enough temperature. In any case, once this preparation is done, you will have to follow the exterminator’s instructions. Even though the cold can kill bedbugs, from minus eighteen degrees Celsius, do not take action at this level without the approval of a certified professional. Only the latter will be able to tell you exactly what to do or not to do depending on the nature of the context and how to treat bedbugs.

Recommendations for use once the extermination has been carried out

When the exterminator has finished the treatment, it is imperative to respect the deadline that he will have set for you before being able to return to your accommodation. Remember to sufficiently ventilate each room treated and carry out regular checks to detect if bed bugs are not yet present. Once you are sure that all of these have been exterminated, you can return the objects and clothing to the affected areas.

Guarding against the return of bedbugs

Don’t make a habit of accumulating a lot of unnecessary items that you don’t serve or move. Be uncompromising when it comes to hygiene and vacuum as often as possible. You should also be very careful if you buy old furniture or books in second-hand shops. Inspect them thoroughly. Never carry your pillow when traveling and do not put your clothes in the drawers when you are at the hotel.

Learn more about the bed bug treatment .

L’article How to treat bed bugs? est apparu en premier sur Exterminateurs Associés Inc..