Identifying and Reporting Pests

Pests

It is important to monitor and report any pests in your rental suite as quickly as possible.  When submitting a request for pests, please include the following information.

1. Include a photo of the pest you have seen in your suite?
2. When did you notice the pest?
3. Which areas in the suite did you find the pest?
4. Are the pests alive or dead?
5. Have you reported the concern to property management?   It is always important to ensure the Property is aware as well, please advise the Home Services agent that connects with you if you have not in order for our team to report this.

How to identify which pest is in your home, and steps you can take ahead of treatment:

1.         Silverfish – A silverfish is a tiny silver insect with small scales and antennae.  The do not have wings but have a soft body which are covered in fine scales which resemble a fish.

These are not dangerous insects but can be a nuisance, they eat carbohydrates and protein including;

• Flour
• Rolled Oats
• Dry meat
• Paper/Cardboard/Books
• Glue
• Vegetables
• Cereals
• Dead Insects

While awaiting treatment, it is recommended to reduce the food source as much as possible.

2.            Mice – A mouse is a small rodent that can occupy your home, they can be a nuisance but in some cases can also carry diseases which could result in health risks.  While waiting for treatment the following steps can be taken:

• Move all food sources above countertop level and ensure foods are secured
• Keep crumbs and other small bits of food cleaned, and dirty dishes in your dishwasher until cleaned
• Eliminate (or note for the maintenance teams that will be attending) any points of entry that you notice
• Eliminate nesting areas, mice love to nest in chewed up paper and cardboard – remove any that would be easily accessible at a low level
• After treatment, ensure you continue to follow these protocols

3.            Cockroaches – Depending on the particular species, adult cockroaches can measure between 1 – 5 cm in length.  In residential areas these are typically on the smaller side around 1cm.  Steps to take in preparation for treatment are very similar to steps to take when you have mice:

• Ensure you are eliminating food sources
• Keep areas under your sink or any other dark/damp areas clean and free of clutter
• After treatment, ensure you continue to follow these protocols

There are small common beetles that can often be mistaken for cockroaches, they are more active in spring and summer but are harmless.  The below is a photo of both a cockroach and a beetle. 

4.         Bed Bugs – Bedbugs are small, flat, wingless insects which feed on the blood of humans and animals, typically during sleep.  They are reddish brown in colour and about the size of an apple seed.  They can survive for several months without a meal and can also withstand multiple environments.  Bed bugs hide during the day in crevices of furniture, folds of mattresses etc. Bed bug bites can cause skin reactions in some people, although not everyone who is bitten will react. Bed bugs, when unattended to, can spread very quickly. If you think these may be in your home, please report immediately.

How to tell if you have bedbugs:

• Do you have any itchy bites, or small puncture wounds on your limbs or torso, typically on groups of 3 or more
• Do you notice any small red blood spots or small brown spots (bed bug excrement) on your sheets or mattress?
• When stripping your bed, do you notice any of the above items on the corners or edges of your mattress?
• Do you notice any small eggs or skin casing on or around your bed, bedframe, sofa or soft furniture

What to do while prepping for treatment:

When treatment is scheduled, the pest control company will provide a detailed list on what to do in your home, the following can be done anytime ahead of treatment as well:

• Wash all hanging clothing, clothing on floor, or anything that is in storage of the bed or furniture you have experienced issues with.  Wash in warm water and dry on high heat for minimum 1 hour, once complete, place in a plastic bag and seal.  Check dryer lint for any signs of these pests.
• Move furniture away from walls, clean baseboards, under furniture etc. this will ensure any casing etc. is out of the area and make for an easier treatment
• Consider post treatment using a sealed fabric mattress protector
• Follow all recommendations given by the Pest Control company completing your treatment, this will reduce chances of a re-occuance
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