Say No to Surprise Visitors This Winter! - Prep for Pest Prevention as Seasons Change

The Orkin Canada Pest Expert helps minimize the risk of run-ins with this season's top pest offenders

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 6, 2014 /CNW/ - As the seasons change, Canadians from coast-to-coast are prepping their properties in anticipation of the colder months ahead. While Canadians continue with traditions of draining the pool, closing down the cottage and pulling out their winter gear, pests are also prepping for the shift in season. 

One of the top ways pests can get into a home is through cracks in foundations, exterior holes and unsealed doors and windows. The cooler months can also mean that pests are trying even harder to take shelter wherever they can, which means that winterizing your home or cottage is an essential step in preventing surprise pests from popping in for an unwelcomed visit.

According to Orkin Canada's Pest Report of 1,010 Canadian homeowners, most respondents admitted to having experienced a pest problem in and around their homes. Nearly half (45 per cent) say that they are concerned that pests in their home can carry diseases and spread germs. However, most Canadians surveyed (91 per cent) believe they are able to identify the pests they find, though getting rid of them isn't always as easy. Orkin Canada believes that prevention is the best way to ensure a pest-free home.

 "It's always a good idea to be prepared on how to deal with various seasonal pests in and around the home throughout the year," says Alice Sinia, Ph.D. Resident Entomologist for Orkin Canada. "Changes in climate can mean changes in the types of pests that will be more prevalent. Some tips you can use to help keep pests out of the home include sealing windows and doors, and ensuring there are no cracks in the foundation of your home that pests can squeeze into." 

Typically rodents, like mice and rats, are some of the most common fall and winter culprits. According to the Orkin Canada Pest Report, almost a quarter of respondents who have called a pest professional reported an issue with rodents. Along with rodents, Orkin Canada predicts that this season's list of top offenders will also include spiders, commonly found in dark corners, ceilings and basements, as well as ladybugs, cluster flies and more.

The Orkin Canada Pest Report also provides a breakdown of the different pest issues and how they vary across the country. Some areas yielded results as diverse as the pests that invade them.  

About Orkin Canada
Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Middle East. With more than 400 locations, Orkin's almost 8,000 employees serve approximately 1.7 million customers. The company serves homeowners and numerous industries including food and beverage processing, foodservice, hospitality, healthcare, retail, warehousing, property/facilities management, schools and institutions. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL). Learn more about Orkin Canada Services by visiting www.orkincanada.com or www.facebook.com/OrkinCan.

From April 16th to April 17th 2014, an online survey was conducted among 1,010 randomly selected Canadian adults, excluding Quebec, who are Angus Reid Forum panelists and who own a detached or semi-detached home. The margin of error—which measures sampling variability—is +/- 3.1%, 19 times out of 20. The results have been statistically weighted according to age, gender and region. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.

SOURCE: Orkin Canada

To learn more about your provincial pest trends or to arrange an interview with your local Orkin Canada Pest Expert, please contact: Alyssa Acorn, [email protected], 647-259-3304; Nourah Irfan, [email protected], 647-259-3274