Armour Pest Control

Happy Easter!

Happy Friday .. just a little humour for everyone!

March Break: that wonderful time of year when you find out your house wasn’t just hosting your kids for their week off from school, but also a secret convention for every ant, spider, and unidentified flying insect in the neighborhood.

When you thought the biggest challenge would be keeping the kids entertained, you found out it was an impromptu pest Olympics. The ants are going for gold in the “Kitchen Counter Marathon”, spiders are setting world records in the “Bedroom Bungee Jump”, and those unidentified flyers? They've mastered the art evading every swat with aerial acrobatics that would put any pilot to shame.

And there you were thinking the most difficult thing you would have to do was choosing between making slime or figuring out how to limit the kids screentime. It turns out, you were a referee for the Insect Invitational.

It should never be just one day a year to celebrate women, It should be everyday. Thank you Rebecca for leading our team!

Insects such as ants, bedbugs and cockroaches are very typical bugs we are asked most frequently about but there has an increase in calls regarding Indian meal moths so here are some answers to FAQ and some tips on dealing with them if you ever have an issue.

Indian meal moths, also known as pantry moths, are a common household pest that can quickly become a nuisance. These small moths are attracted to stored food products, particularly grains, cereals, dried fruits, and nuts. While they’re not harmful to humans, they can contaminate food and cause frustration for you. They typically enter homes through infested food products purchased from stores. They can also enter through small cracks or openings in windows, doors, and walls. Once inside, they lay eggs on food surfaces, and the larvae that hatch from these eggs feed on the food, creating web-like silk threads and leaving behind f***l matter, which can contaminate other nearby food items.

Preventing them starts with proper food storage. Store grains, cereals, nuts, and dried fruits in airtight containers made of glass, metal, or heavy-duty plastic. Check the expiration dates on packaged foods before purchasing and inspect food packages for signs of damage or infestation. Clean shelves, cupboards, and pantries regularly to remove food crumbs and spills that could attract moths.

If you discover an infestation in your home, take immediate action to eliminate the pests. Start by removing all infested food items from your pantry and dispose of them in a sealed trash bag. Clean the pantry shelves and walls with hot, soapy water to remove any remaining eggs or larvae. Next, vacuum the pantry thoroughly, paying close attention to cracks and crevices where moths and larvae may be hiding. Dispose of the vacuum bag or clean the vacuum canister immediately after use to prevent the moths from spreading to other areas of your home. After cleaning, place pheromone traps (which you can pick up from your local hardware store or places like Canadian Tire) in your pantry to capture any remaining adult moths. These traps can help monitor the effectiveness of your treatment and prevent future infestations.
By taking these preventive measures and promptly addressing any signs of an infestation, you can protect your home from them and keep your pantry pest-free.

Time to leave or else!

Happy Sunday everyone.. Ants are on the rise!

Have you spotted ants in your home? It's essential to know the difference between different types as treatment methods are not a one for all thing.

The most common types of Ants we experience in our area are Pharoah and Carpenter. Pharoah Ants are very small, about 1/16 inch long. They are light yellow to reddish-brown. They nest in warm, humid areas near food and water sources. They can have multiple queens and split into smaller colonies when disturbed. Eliminating Pharaoh ants can be tricky due to their ability to move and establish new colonies quickly. Carpenter Ants are generally larger than Pharaoh ants. Their colour can range from black to brown to reddish. They nest in a variety of locations, including soil, wood, and under stones. Normally they have a single queen per colony.

Elimination Tips:

Properly identify the ant species before attempting to eliminate them. Keep your home clean, especially the kitchen and dining areas, to eliminate food sources. Much like other insects if your find any cracks and crevices try and seal them to prevent ants from entering your home. Effective ant control requires patience and persistence.

If you're unsure about the type of ants in your home let us know.

Love bugs are always welcome!

Happy Lunar New Year from the team at Armour Pest Control! Wishing everyone a prosperous and successful Year of the Dragon. And yes, it's definitely a relief to be in the Year of the Dragon rather than the Year of the Rat when it comes to pest control!

May this year bring everyone good fortune!

🕵️‍♂️ Unwanted guests alert! 🚨 Roaches are the ninjas of home invasion, sneaking in from unexpected places. Here's a quick guide to keep your space roach-free:

🛒 Grocery Store Tips:
- Check boxes for roach rodeos before bringing them home.
- Unload groceries promptly and dispose of boxes outside.

🍽️ Restaurant Rendezvous:
- Avoid placing bags or purses on the floor.
- Hang your coat on a rack to reduce roach rendezvous.

📦 Package Pranks from Home Delivery:
- Open packages carefully to avoid surprise cockroach companions.
- Dispose of packaging immediately after retrieving your purchase.

Additional Tips for a Roach-Free Zone:
1️⃣ Seal Every Nook and Cranny: Block roaches' escape routes.
2️⃣ Cleanliness is Key: Roaches thrive in mess, so keep your space clean.
3️⃣ Lure Them Away: Use bait traps strategically to divert their attention.
4️⃣ Spy on Them: Stay vigilant for any suspicious roach activity.

Any other questions let us know!

It's your friendly neighborhood pest control company with a heads-up on the recent surge in mouse activity invading cozy homes.

At this time of the year it's not unusual to experience a increase in mice visits during. We'd like to shed some light on why it's happening and what you can do to address it. As it gets colder outside, mice seek warmth and shelter indoors. Homes, with their comfy nooks and crannies, become a perfect place for these furry freeloaders. They are excellent at squeezing through tiny openings, making it easy for them to sneak in unnoticed. The abundance of fallen leaves and the changing landscape disrupts their natural habitats, sending them on a quest for new sources of food and shelter. Your homes abundant with food and warm corners become an irresistible haven for them.

Wander around the exterior of your home and seal any cracks, gaps, or openings that might serve as possible entry points. Mice can slip through spaces as small as a dime! Eliminate potential food sources by keeping your kitchen and dining areas clean. Store food in airtight containers, and promptly clean up crumbs and spills. Reduce hiding spots by minimizing clutter in storage areas. Mice love hiding in piles of clothing or unused items.

Set up traps in strategic locations, especially near potential entry points. Regularly check and reset them to catch unwanted guests before they become a bigger problem.

A proactive approach is the best defense against these sneaky invaders.

Any questions let us know!

We’re excited to announce the launch of our Armour Supports Program! 🎉🛡️
If you're facing a pest problem and your budget feels tighter than armour, we're here to help. Every week, we're offering a complimentary treatment to those in need. Because everyone deserves a home that feels safe and pest-free, regardless of financial constraints.
👉 How it works:
Send us a message on this https://st.sendajob.com/MY/servicerequest/e0aecb3c3687a243459c7c90490bd6dae521fa40.html
Our Armour Supports team will select recipients each week for a complimentary treatment.

What a fantastic evening last night at the Homes First Homes for Dinner Redesigned Gala! The Armour Pest Control team had the pleasure of attending and witnessing the incredible work that everyone at Homes First is doing. Truly inspiring!

If you're travelling .. make sure to keep aware of the pest issues associated!

Travel is back and nothing is worse than bringing back unwanted souvenirs like bed bugs from our adventures.

Can they travel home with you? Well, the short answer is yes, it's possible. Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers and can hide in luggage, clothing, and even personal items. But fear not! There are steps you can take to minimise the risk:

When you’re getting ready to leave, do a thorough check for any signs of bed bugs in your accommodation. Look for small reddish-brown bugs, tiny white eggs, or dark spots on sheets or mattress seams.While you’re away make sure to keep your luggage elevated and away from beds and furniture. A luggage rack is your friend! When you get home, wash all your clothes, even those not worn, in hot water, and dry them on high heat. Bed bugs can't withstand extreme temperatures.If you're really concerned, isolate your luggage outside or in a garage or shed until you're sure it's bug-free. Keep an eye out for any unexpected bites. Early detection is key!

Remember, prevention is the name of the game.

Wishing you all a very happy Simcoe day!

In this week’s episode of how to avoid pest issues, we’re focusing on used and second hand furniture. This post was inspired not just to offer suggestions about steps people can take if they are getting used or second hand furniture or if they are simply taking something from the side of the road.

As life becomes more expensive and more difficult for everyone, the last thing we should be doing is shaming anyone if they don’t have the financial resources to buy a brand new couch, chair, mattress, etc. Everyone is in a different situation and sometimes a used couch left on the side of the street can make someone’s living environment better.

Yes there are concerns about the item having bed bugs so here are a few suggestions. Take a few minutes to perform a simple but essential check for bed bugs. Follow these steps to ensure your new addition doesn't come with unwelcome guests! Bed Bugs love to hide in tight spots. Use a flashlight to check the seams, crevices, and folds of the furniture thoroughly. Pay close attention to seams on cushions, along the edges of wooden furniture, and any gaps where pests could take refuge. For upholstered furniture, remove cushions and inspect the fabric thoroughly. Bed bug eggs are tiny and pearly white, while nymphs are translucent and smaller than adults. Look for these signs as they can indicate an active infestation. Bed bugs might also take shelter in the joints and screw holes of wooden furniture. Give these areas extra attention during your inspection. Bed bugs leave dark, ink-like stains on surfaces they inhabit. Keep an eye out for these stains as they can help confirm the presence of bed bugs.

If anyone has any questions please feel free to comment or message us. We’re here to help!

Last month we serviced over 150 customers who are airbnb hosts. Some were emergency situations where they discovered activity after a guest left and others are proactive and keep us in the fold much like cleaning services to keep their properties pest free.

Like they used to say in the insulation world ... do it right do it Armour!

If you've got bed bug issues .. let us know we got you covered....

Make sure your favorite restaurant uses Armour Pest Control for their service. Our track record speaks for itself.

Not everything always has to be about bugs. For all our hometown Toronto Blue Jays fans. A big congrats to Vlad Jr. for winning the MLB homerun derby. You made Toronto and all of Canada proud.

🐞🚫 Do it yourself or get a pro?🚫🐞

There are pros and cons of taking matters into your own hands vs getting help from a pest control pro.

DIY: Are you feeling adventurous and want to tackle the issue on your own? Here are a few tips to keep in mind

1️⃣ Prevention is key: Always start by identifying possible entry points and sealing them off. This can help keep pests from invading your space in the first place.

2️⃣ Keep it clean: A clean and clutter-free environment makes it less attractive for pests to move in. Regularly clean up food crumbs, spills, and dispose of garbage promptly and properly.

3️⃣ Natural remedies: There are some natural repellents like vinegar, baking soda, or essential oils to deter pests. They can be effective against some common insects.

4️⃣ Fix leaks and eliminate standing water: Many times pests are drawn to water sources. Fix any leaks quickly and get rid of standing water to discourage their presence.

Professional Pest Control Services: If you have issues that are not going away, pro’s can help you out:

1️⃣ Expertise and experience: Pest pro’s undergo extensive training and possess a deep understanding of pests' behaviour and biology. We can quickly determine the root cause of the issue and provide targeted solutions.

2️⃣ Customised treatments: Pest pro’s have a range of effective methods to tackle pest problems.Solutions focus the approach based on the specific pest, the extent of the issue, and your unique situation.

3️⃣ Long-term solutions: Pest pro’s focus is not only on eliminating the immediate problem but also on preventing future occurrences. A comprehensive approach can help ensure a pest-free environment in the long run.

💼💪 In the end, the choice between DIY pest control and professional services depends on the severity of the issue, personal comfort level, and the time and resources at your disposal.

Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below! Have you ever dealt with a pest problem? How did you handle it? Let's help each other out! 🤝💬

We often get asked whether we treat cockroach issues with gel or spray? If you make the decision to hire a professional pest control company for a roach issue, here are some things to take into consideration.

Targeted Application: Gel is applied directly to specific areas where roaches are likely to frequent, such as cracks, crevices, and other hiding spots. The formulation allows for precise placement, ensuring that the roaches come into contact with the substance.

Attractiveness: Gel is typically formulated to be highly attractive to cockroaches. It contains substances that mimic cockroach pheromones or food sources, enticing the insects to consume the gel. This bait-like quality increases the chances of cockroaches consuming the gel and spreading it to their nestmates.

Secondary Kill Effect: Gels are designed to have a delayed-action toxic effect. Once ingested, the gel's active ingredients work slowly, allowing the cockroach to return to its nesting area before succumbing to the poison. This feature is advantageous because the contaminated cockroach can act as a "secondary killer," spreading the poison to other cockroaches in the nest through f***s, saliva, or cannibalism.

Long-lasting Residual Activity: Gel formulations often have long-lasting effects. Even after the gel has dried, it can remain active for an extended period, continuing to kill cockroaches that come into contact with it. This residual activity is crucial in controlling infestations over time.

While cockroach sprays can be useful for quick knockdown of visible roaches. They often lack the same level of effectiveness in controlling infestations, not to mention that the level of preparation for spray treatment will often involve the complete removal of all items from any areas that are infected included all cupboards, drawers, etc. and you will need to leave the premises for a period of 4-6 hours following treatment which can be challenging when you have kids or pets.

These days we primarily use gel for cockroach treatment as we find it more effective and significantly less intrusive than spraying and since many of our services are backed up with industry leading warranty where all callbacks are included we’re always looking for the best possible solution to tackle your pest issue.