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*Question & Answer Pest Controls*

Dear Bob

I keep getting birds nesting in my attic. They appear to be getting in through the gable vents on the side of my house. I have replaced the screen behind the vent with a metal screen but they still get through it?

Dear MS

There is nothing worse than an univited guest that just moves in and doesn't offer to pay any rent! Try attaching a piece of galvanized metal lathe behind the vent instead of screening. This metal lathe is used often in concrete to increase the strength of a concrete floor or shower base. Its real strong, it will let the air in and keep the birds out.

Dear Bob

I've lived in my home for ten years and for the first time ever I have seen Raccoons in my yard digging. How can I get rid of them, I've heard that Raccoons can be vicious.?

Dear JB

Yes Raccoons can be very vicious. I do not advise making any kind of contact with them.
Raccoons pull up the turf with their front paws as they search for food. One of their favorite foods are white grubs, but their digging in a lawn does not necessarily mean grubs are present. Raccoons will also feed on insects and worms other than white grubs.
It is not environmentally sound to apply a pesticide or other chemical insecticides to stop animals from digging in a lawn. If grubs are not present, applying chemicals will have no effect on animal activity, and they will continue to tear up the lawn in search of food. Using poison baits have a low success rate and can be harmful to people and pets Trapping raccoons with live animal traps is the only way to remove unwanted animals from the area. Because trapping wild animals can be dangerous, it is recommended that wildlife control officials or animal control companies be contacted.

Dear Bob
My bathroom has been invaded by small ants. My brother in law said they are "sweet ants." I just want to get rid of them, can you help me?

Dear RS

These small ants are called sweet ants because they are attracted to sugars and sweets. When they enter a bathroom or kitchen they search out residues from items such as soft drinks or cough syrups. They enter through openings for light fixtures, pipes, and open joints. Caulking usually just diverts them to another area of the home. Good housekeeping and a low toxicity bait should take care of the problem. These ant baits are harmless to humans and pets.

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