http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ How To Get Rid of Things: Forums Forum: Pest Control en Sat, 05 Jul 2008 23:39:28 +0000 http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/topic/skunk-in-yard-i-dont-want-him-there#post-359 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:01:15 +0000 getagrip 359@http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ <p>Sounds like he's just cutting through your yard to get to the neighborhood. Dealing with a skunk is like dealing with a teenager. Gently nudge them in a different direction but have them think it was thier idea. You may consider sealing the gap under your fence, using repellant, or making the area unattractive with lights and noise. Remember skunks are very intellegent and fearless but also easy going and actually make good pets. They're not interested in your garbage. They like insects grasshoppers mice and a small bird now and then for Sunday dinner. </p> http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/topic/wasps-again#post-358 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:29:53 +0000 nicky12 358@http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ <p>Small Victory-</p> <p>we had another guy come and he went up in the attic and found a nest! he brought the nest outside and stomped on it. (i was shocked to see him hold the nest and show is larvae with his bare hands.)</p> <p>but now my friend tells me that they probably started that nest last summer and will probably be back and just build another one. he said the fact that there was larvae means there are female wasps around still laying eggs... </p> <p>i thought this nightmare was over but now it seems we can't win. how can we permanently get rid of this problem? </p> http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/topic/skunk-in-yard-i-dont-want-him-there#post-357 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:05:15 +0000 painter3 357@http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ <p>Are skunks really capable to getting into trash cans? I have skunk that comes under my back fence at dusk and travels through my yard near my garbage cans and then out to the neighborhood. My cans do not have covers and are not tipped over, this skunk is getting bolder by the week and i feel trapped in my home at night, not being able to enjoy my patio for fear the skunk will appear. The skunk hears us in the house with the door being open and the screen door in place -- we sit and watch tv and see him stroll by. Any suggestions? </p> http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/topic/yellow-jackets#post-355 Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:18:00 +0000 Christa 355@http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ <p>I did not get stung,thank you and I'm checking for a new opening.Have not seen one as of today.Will keep you posted. </p> http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/topic/yellow-jackets#post-354 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:59:03 +0000 getagrip 354@http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ <p>Glad we could help. Did you get stung? Don't forget to look for a new opening somewhere. Not to far from the one you closed. Remember even though these bees are scary and a pest they are benefecial and are killing insects for you for FREE!! </p> http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/topic/yellow-jackets#post-353 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:08:22 +0000 Christa 353@http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ <p>Hi, greta idea, the steel wool! I plugged 2 1/2 packages in as many openings in the stones as I could.The first morning hundreds came buzzing around but the next day only about 50 or so.Today,day 3 I have only seen 3!<br /> Thank you. </p> http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/topic/gnat-advice-effective#post-351 Sun, 29 Jun 2008 05:25:15 +0000 getagrip 351@http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ <p>LOL..I just read all of your posts..Good advice about the fruit flies!! Strangely enough I'm going to be leaving in a minute to do the pest control ( I run a company) in an almost identical situation. A nasty bar ( your feet stick to the floor) with apts above. My client is a slum lord and won't do anything about it. The health dept has been in and wrote up a two page report but no fine or action.( bought him off) You are fortunate that you don't have roaches or mice!! Maybe it's all that static guard your boyfriend sprays around. Have you spoken to the owner or manager of this place? Do they care? Ear plugs are on sale at Home Depot! </p> http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/topic/gnat-advice-effective#post-347 Sat, 28 Jun 2008 16:12:56 +0000 endobiont 347@http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ <p>HI!<br /> I stumbled across your website on what I thought was another waste of 8 hours' time, vortexing on the internet with no luck... But I was wrong. You ROCK!!! Your advice about the vinegar and dish soap... Nothing short of brilliance. Since I didn't have the cheap stuff, I used an $8 bottle of Mrs. Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar that I was going to use for salad dressing and plain old Dawn dishsoap and combined in a very deep, fishbowl-type glass bowl. Within seconds, I saw 3 of those pesky things hovering (that's all they do, it seems, until they get tired, then I slap 'em with my palm and smear them all over my cabinets, counters, mirrors, etc) all over it. Amazing. Truly amazing.</p> <p>I want to add additional points to your sage advice:</p> <p>1) Don't spill wine, juice or vinegar (!!). If you do, clean it up IMMEDIATELY.<br /> 2) Only dispose of trash in covered containers within your home. Take it out EVERY morning.<br /> 3) If you feed your pets wet food, give them 10 minutes to eat what they want, then dispose (I use disposable paper bowls I buy in bulk) or pack away in the fridge.<br /> 4) Buy fly-paper and hang them where a) you feed pets b) your trash is c) anywhere else you see them around. Try to find the source.<br /> 5) If you eat fruit routinely and have to cut it, wash and store all utensils in the dishwasher. They can smell sugar on even "clean" knives/cutting boards sitting in a drainer.<br /> 5) If you live above a busy bar (like I do) whose employees dump old beer bottles, wine bottles, etc every 10 minutes into a dumpster near where your patio door is, MOVE. </p> <p>Thanks again, and more pointers are welcome!<br /> endobiont </p> http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/topic/wasps-again#post-346 Sat, 28 Jun 2008 16:05:18 +0000 getagrip 346@http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ <p>Yes vacuum the sacs and be sure to throw out the bag. They look like spider sacs. </p> http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/topic/wasps-again#post-343 Sat, 28 Jun 2008 05:13:41 +0000 nicky12 343@http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ <p>It's really strange I tell you. The wasps only stay on the top floor. And one will show itself maybe once every 2-3 weeks. (We had to spray another to death last night.)Yet we never see any spiders up here. And rarely have I seen a spider in the basement. And then I'm still concerned that we haven't seen a nest anywhere in the attic. It's like this one wasp just zaps itself into existence every 2-3 weeks and flies around in the top floor attic.</p> <p>BTW, can we just vacuum those sacs we found in the basement? Still don't know what it is but I don't like it. </p> http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/topic/water-bugs#post-340 Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:29:12 +0000 getagrip 340@http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ <p>Arright!! Roaches 0 Casey 1 !!!I'm not sure I would wait to long to cut off the excess.<br /> That stuff hardens like plastic. </p> http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/topic/water-bugs#post-339 Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:31:28 +0000 Casey1234 339@http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ <p>well, filled the gap with foam...now it looks like I stuffed giant marshmallows in there...lol...I am going to cut off the excess this weekend and caulk the perimeter of my entire place. that should do it....I have not seen a critter since I used the foam tho... </p> http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/topic/water-bugs#post-338 Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:26:50 +0000 Casey1234 338@http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ <p>well, filled the gap with foam...now it looks like I stuffed giant marshmallows in there...lol...I am going to cut off the excess this weekend and caulk the perimeter of my entire place. that should do it....I have not seen a critter since I used the foam tho... </p> http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/topic/yellow-jackets#post-336 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 19:04:10 +0000 Christa 336@http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ <p>thank you,I'll try steel wool first will let you know. </p> http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/topic/yellow-jackets#post-335 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:45:18 +0000 getagrip 335@http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ <p>If you just use the foam they may eat through it. They are in the wasp family and chew cellulose to make nests. I would use steel wool or Sakcrete (concrete)first and then use the foam. I just hope they don't open a new hole right next to the one you close. </p> http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/topic/yellow-jackets#post-334 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:41:04 +0000 Christa 334@http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ <p>I have some insulating foam sealant called Great Stuff, do you think it might work? I'm willing to try anything. You are not kidding me are you? </p> http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/topic/yellow-jackets#post-333 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:35:50 +0000 Christa 333@http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ <p>Thank you much, I do not have a shop-vac but it sounds like sealing it might be a better way to try.I won't sue you.Sounds like you have been thru enough.<br /> What do you think I should use as a sealing agent? </p> http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/topic/yellow-jackets#post-332 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:05:27 +0000 getagrip 332@http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ <p>OK here's two more ..both of which must be done slowly and calmly and quietly as to not alarm the bees. Do you have a large shop-vac? I hope you do. Take off the top and remove the filter. You may want to put a "no pest strip" inside the container or not.<br /> Seal the top. Slowly position the canister close to the entrance and insert the hose nozzle in the opening ( be sure it will fit BEFORE you do this). Do not turn it on just leave it alone. You have created your own bee trap.<br /> Or you can just seal the opening..Yellow Jackets create a "labyrinth" that's a big word for "maze" underground with the queen at the lowest point. They will create another opening and hopefully the next one will be easier to get to. Remember..dealing with all bees to move slowly and calmly. Do not wear perfume. And good luck.This is all just advice so don't sue me if it dosen't work or if you get stung. My ex wife got everything anyway. </p> http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/topic/yellow-jackets#post-331 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:10:16 +0000 Christa 331@http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ <p>thank you,I have gone the trap route but no results.To drain the pond is not that easy.It takes hours and lots of money for the pond people to come out. I just had that service performed a month ago.We are also in a drought situation and water is scarce.<br /> Do you have any other thoughts on this?<br /> Thanks for you reply. </p> http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/topic/mosquitos-after-you-try-this#post-330 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:08:40 +0000 getagrip 330@http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ <p>Hey thanks for the info.Uh what's a homeskillet? </p> http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/topic/outdoor-moths-everywhere#post-329 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:02:29 +0000 getagrip 329@http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ <p>Is this at dusk or night? If so move the light source away from the deck and use "bug" lights on the deck. You may want to consider having your lawn treated since I think the adults are emerging.The last time I was in Florida I noticed every pool and deck had screening on it. What area do you live in? </p> http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/topic/yellow-jackets#post-328 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:56:48 +0000 getagrip 328@http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ <p>Here's two clever ideas. At least I think they're clever since I just thought of them.<br /> You know those yellow jacket traps you can buy at Home Depot or Lowe's? The kind where the bee flys in but can't fly out? Set one right at the entrance. The bait is just sugar.Ok clever idea two is..can you drain the pond to a temporary environment and get to the nest. Then clean out the pond and you're done. </p> http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/topic/bugs-in-car#post-327 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:40:42 +0000 getagrip 327@http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ <p>What are you doing with Drugstore beetles in your car? It initally got it's name from eating herbs in drugstores...Ummm...got any herbs in the car? Don't answer that..Anyhoo..it also eats leather and paper. This is what I would do..Instead of tearing up your car each weekend.Or paying the bodyshop a million bucks. You need 3 things.<br /> 1 babysitter....to watch your toddler<br /> 2 magnifying glass<br /> 3 six pack of beer<br /> Now...go sit in the car (no keys in the ignition) and just watch one of those guys as long as you have to to find out where he goes.. </p> http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/topic/yellow-jackets#post-326 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:31:26 +0000 Christa 326@http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ <p>I do need help! Thank you. </p> http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/topic/yellow-jackets#post-325 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:29:44 +0000 Christa 325@http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ <p>I have a problem with a nest of yellow jackets.The nest is located 1 inch above the waterline in my koi pond.Due to the location I'm not able to use poisen since this would kill my koi.I have flooded the pond and at night have used a powerwash sprayer several times but the bees are back.I also poured a can of salt in the opening follow by powerspray with water. I have a person coming monthly for maintanance and I'm afraid she'll be stong.<br /> Any idea what I could do to eliminate the problem? </p> http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/topic/bugs-in-car#post-324 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:06:19 +0000 bmike74 324@http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ <p>I have owned this car for a few years, and before that it was owned by my mother and father in law. We live in Miami Beach, Florida, so it's a warm climate. We live in a high rise so the car sits in a garage which is covered, but in some spots open. The bugs have developed recently. I have never heard of mice or birds in this car from anyone. The bugs/beetles look similar to cigarette or carpet beetles, with the following minor differences:<br /> - Tiny round, brown bugs (could be brownish red but appear brown) color is solid and shiny/lusterous shell<br /> - Have tiny wings<br /> - Legs not really visible<br /> - Mostly crawl slowly however appear to have the ability to fly short distances<br /> - Easy to kill by smooshing<br /> - Similar look to carpet beetle but around rounder and do not have spots<br /> - Eggs must have about a 2 1/2 to 3 week gestation period as they keep coming back in that time period after we spray</p> <p>I am unable to take a picture that would be meaningful because they are so small. I plan on figuring out how to take the back seats out over the weekend to see if there is anything to be seen under there. </p> http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/topic/mosquitos-after-you-try-this#post-323 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 06:48:48 +0000 geemonkey72 323@http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ <p>100% wrong. Please don't waste your TIME OR MONEY. </p> <p>Again, another BS urban legend that can EASILY be checked just by going to snopes.</p> <p><a href="http://www.snopes.com/oldwives/dishsoap.asp" rel="nofollow">http://www.snopes.com/oldwives/dishsoap.asp</a></p> <p>Enjoy the link, homeskillets!</p> <p>tHe m0nk3y </p> http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/topic/outdoor-moths-everywhere#post-322 Wed, 25 Jun 2008 21:43:53 +0000 pkoon55 322@http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ <p>How can I enjoy the deck when I am bombarded by moths </p> http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/topic/water-bugs#post-321 Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:46:59 +0000 getagrip 321@http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ <p>So..what's happening Casey? Did it work? </p> http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/topic/bugs-in-car#post-318 Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:26:20 +0000 getagrip 318@http://www.getridofthings.com/forums/ <p>You don't tell us if you just bought this car. If you did I'll bet this car didn't just come off the showroom floor. My ESP tells me this car sat in a barn,field, or open garage for a long time. While it was sitting there mice or birds or some sort of nesting thing made a nest. The nest then became infested with some beetle(of which there are many species) and now they belong to you. You may not need to do any treatment if we can find the nest. Can you write back with more info or maybe a picture? </p>