More questions & answers

So, if Ross is retired, who is taking over?

Many of you will have met Matt last season – he’s still with us, and in the long run, the hope is that he’ll take over all aspects of the business so that I can retire too. But we’re not quite there yet, so hi … I’m Lauralee, and I am currently studying for the licensing exams – was scheduled to take them on 16-April but got email today that they’ve been canceled (thank the good Lord!! That was way too fast given that the three books just arrived yesterday!).

I’m not actually likely to be DOING much of the actual spraying and so on but until Matt and Jessa get their licenses and enough training in all aspects to not need me any more, I expect I’ll be hanging around a fair bit. Jessa is my youngest – she works M – F in Oshawa, so is only available to us on weekends, but she wants to learn and get licensed so that she’ll have more options with which to make a living. She’s an ECE, mostly, and loves operating her home day care – but that, especially given that she’s single, has serious limitations.

So… when you call, you’ll get either Ross, myself or Matt; email is almost always me, and if/when you book you’ll get either Matt or Jessa.

All of us have been or are learning from the master, though, so you can expect the same environmentally responsible pest control solutions as ever. We’re looking forward to getting busy. Well, Matt & Jessa are – me, I still have a semester to finish, exams to study for, and so on… so I can wait a week or three yet!

By the time this ’emergency brake’ thing ends, we’ll be ready to go full steam ahead – and in the meantime, we are here and will make time to help you with any pressing problems.

Ross’ boat

Ross' boat

June 10 and it’s still in the yard! And filling up with tree gunk too.

Well, we’re off to a very busy start this season.

So busy, in fact, that Ross’ boat is still sitting in the yard. He had time to remove the tarps. And he’s got it serviced.

And – well, since then, he’s been on lots & lots of other people’s boats. That should count for something right?

This week has been all about the Honey Harbour area. Lots of carpenter ants, mice and of course spider sprays. Have had him up there several days already, and today he’s out with Big Red Works all day. That works great – they run him around so that he can fit a whole lot more into one day by skipping the time spent waiting at marinas.

Already got more island calls set up for next week as well, both in Honey Harbour and the Parry Sound area. Oh yeah, and Mactier. Haven’t heard much from Go Home Lake cottagers yet. Hmm… maybe they don’t like us any more?!  Or maybe they’ve just been spared the invasion of the carpenter ants, I don’t know.

Anyway, given how busy we are, and the fact that it doesn’t seem like he’s going to have time to get our boat in the water any time soon, I guess I won’t complain. Too much!

If you’re having problems with birds, carpenter ants, mice, spiders, etc etc, do give us a call or email us and we’ll do our best to fit you in somewhere. Even though we’re hopping, we’re still managing to get to most within a day or two. On land, anyway.

Shoo Fly Don’t Bother Me!

cluster flyIt’s that time of year and flies are coming out of the woodwork…literally.  In cottage country the most common fly we see is the Cluster Fly

Cluster Flies are about 8 to 10 mm (.31 to .39 inches) long. They are dark grey, with black and silver (non-metallic) checkered stomachs. You can tell them apart from house flies in a couple of different ways:

  • their wings overlap when they are at rest.
  • they are larger, darker and slower-moving
  • tend to “cluster” in groups
  • give off a sickly-sweet odour when disturbed.

They are most commonly found in houses that are surrounded by large lawns or open parks.  Cluster flies hibernate in wall voids, attics, closets, and empty rooms. They tend to leave stains on walls and curtains and if they die in areas that can not be accessed – can attract other pests like larder beetles which will feed on the dead flies and then work their way through the rest of your home.

If you have a problem – it will present itself in the most obvious way as the days become warmer and the flies become more active.  You will see them gathering in windows or around well lit areas.

Prevention and control can be an arduous task as these little pests can access your house through the tiniest places.  Give Ross a call at 705-534-7863, or email us at ccpestcontrol@gmail.com  – and he’ll be happy to give you a hand.