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Question about the Victor Black Box Gopher Traps.

Q: " I live in Florida and the gophers are destroying my flowers and shrubs. The trees, I'm sure, are next to go. How do I stop this destruction safely and quickly?And how do I keep them from coming back?

Answer: Getting rid of well-established gophers can take time. That's why eradication needs to begin when the first tunnels are seen. Our customers typically use both the Black Box Gopher Traps which are inserted directly into the tunnels to trap and kill the gophers and the P3 International supersonic mole and gophers stakes inserted directly into the ground (not tunnels) to repel gophers from digging new tunnels. Once gophers are established, the maze of underground tunnels can be so extensive that getting rid of them can take months and months. Momma gophers, like all moms, are unlikely to leave their young: spring and fall are the best trapping times in northern climates.

The Victor Black Box Gopher Traps are best used in pairs. Each trap resembles a small tunnel blocked at the end except for an air hole. The springs are on top of each unit and are set with your thumbs to avoid catching hands in the spring. This is a closed loop snare trap.

Black Box Gopher Trap Specifications:
• Outside dimensions: 5.5 inches long by 3.5 inches wide
• Interior dimensions: 5 5/8 inches long by 2.75 inches wide
• Choker Loop: approximately 2 inches wide by 1 1/4 inches high,
• Spring assembly (on top on the box), approximately 3 inches from curl of spring to catch and 3 inches between the two spring units.
• Vent hole in rear of trap: approximately 3/4 inch in diameter.

Gopher trapping can be done at any time of year, but generally is easiest and most effective during Spring & Fall. Once gopher activity is detected it is important to move quickly as pregnant females can be caught before giving birth to her family. Traps are most effective when properly placed in the gopher tunnel to snare the unsuspecting gopher in the spring-triggered loop. The hole should be covered up with dirt so that it appears as if the trap is part of the runway. When used correctly, traps produce a catch within 48 hours. It is best to move the trap to another location in the runway if you do not catch a gopher in this time frame.

To install, choose a fresh tunnel, peel back the grass (if in your lawn), remove any soil on top of the tunnel, set two traps (easy instructions are on the boxes) and insert back to back so there are two open ends for gophers to explore. The traps sit on the floor of the tunnel. Repack dirt on top and wait. Check daily. I suggest you wear garden gloves and use a large plastic bag to extract the gopher. Use a garden hose to wash trap off after you empty out the gopher/s. If 3 consecutive days pass and you've caught no gophers, move the traps to another tunnel. If the gopher/s fill the traps with dirt, push a carrot through the holes at the back of the traps, reset and replace the traps.

These trapping tips are from our website where we also have the complete instruction manual: If gopher/s pack trap with dirt. Place carrots in vent holes and reset traps Trap evening and early morning for best results. Wash traps with water after use. After trap has "fired", remove dead gopher from trap and reset in same hole until you've had three consecutive days of no catches.  

Thank you for your question.

Good luck.

Sincerely, Barbara

 

Question about the M230 Flea Trap by Woodstream

Q: "I am looking for a way to kill fleas in my dog kennel without using poisons. I also have dogs that winter in my house. Despite topical flea prevention treatments, we seem to get fleas in our house. And do they cause itching! How does the Ultimate Flea Trap work? Is it expensive to operate and maintain?" Thanks. Jack

Answer: This is an inexpensive unit to buy and to maintain. Victor Woodstream corporation's Ultimate Flea Trap attracts fleas and other insects with the light and heat from a 7 watt night light bulb. Once inside, the fleas are caught on a 7 inch diameter glue disc. So killing fleas no longer takes poisons. The trap is circular so the fleas can enter from all directions. Both the bulb and the glue disc are replaceable. There are hints on line that suggest a light and a bowl of water, a potentially deadly combination for fleas and for people as well.

This safe flea killing trap gets rid of fleas without risks or fuss. Capture rate is about 93%. With a one year warranty on everything but the light bulb and flea disc, the Ultimate Flea Trap works best near pet beds, bird cages, garage areas, etc. The disc should be replaced every 2 to 4 weeks no matter how many you've caught. It is ready to use except for inserting the light bulb and the glue disc. * Note: Flea trap population varies from week to week. Leave your trap on 24/7 as a preventative measure. Control fleas from stopping them from reproducing.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the king bedbug mattress and box spring protectors

Q: "What do I do now? My husband must have brought home bedbugs in his suitcase. We are itching and scratching. We've called an exterminator but he says there is no way to treat the mattress and box springs which were very expensive pillow tops." Thanks. Karyn

Answer: I recommend you cover both the mattress and box spring with individual Rest-Guard Deluxe King Bed total encasements that are 20 inches high. Also use Rest-Guard total encasement pillow covers on all your pillows in the bedroom and then cover your mattress with a fitted Rest-Guard waterproof mattress cover.

Any bed bugs you seal up in the Rest-Guard "Fully-enclosed" mattress covers will be trapped inside and will not be able to escape and will eventually die, the reason is because the inside of our covers are specially designed with a waterproof polyurethane backing on all six sides and have a re-enforced zipper liner which have smaller teeth, this prevents bedbugs and their eggs from escaping through the zipper teeth, which means you will not have to dis-guard your bed bug infested mattress or Box spring. Our manufacturer Rest-Guard recommends keeping the mattress covers intact for at least 12 months (bed bugs can live a very long time without feeding). The bed bugs and eggs inside will die, and the mattress is protected from further infestation.

Below are some notes from their website:

** Note: For cleaning & hygienic reasons, we suggest purchasing the Rest-Guard Fitted sheet Mattress protector, and place this cover over the fully-enclosed cover, simply remove the fitted sheet protector cover every 2-3 weeks and machine wash & dry as mentioned above and replace for continued protection.

** Note: Mattress covers can only trap bed bugs that are hiding on your mattress. You should also fully enclose your box spring as well to complete your bedding protection for both bed bugs and allergens. However, these covers will not protect you from other bed bugs hiding in your bedroom. For complete elimination of bed bugs from your bedroom and your home, you will need to contact a pest extermination specialist who understands how to rid your home of bed bugs.

Hope this helps. All is saved, not lost.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the product Product Code P3-P7816 P3 International Attack Wave Pest Repeller&

Q: "I was inquiring about using the P3 International Attack Wave Pest Repeller for a problem we have. We have recently purchased a log/cedar shake-home that has been vacant for at least 2+yrs, inspection done-some how... missed a "bunch-O-bats" Inside and out!!Never even knew they were there. I have to do something now!!.(2- KIDS) Do you, or can you recommend a product that will drive bats out of an immeadiate area? How many watts... hertzz... does it take to drive these things elsewhere?? Bat houses take up to a year or more to attract a colony? I could use any ideas!! Please HELP!!! Thanks again. LS

Answer: You certainly do have a challenge. Bat houses are the best answer and great for mosquito population reduction, too. The Attack Wave works quite well for indoor rodents. However, I would not recommend using these units for bats. I have several recommendations.

First is the Transonic Pro ultrasonic and sonic rodent and animal pest repeller.We've sold hundreds and hundreds of these for bats, cats, rats, etc. A log type reception center in Cedar Rapids mounted them on the walls inside the reception area to clear out the bats. Customer have placed them in attics, outside under covered areas up high to chase off bats, etc. Results have been excellent. You will need at least 2 units inside your attic, more if your attic has an irregular shape. These use AC power. Outside you'll need at least one on each outside wall, probably up high where the bats congregate.

A second is the Evictor Strobe Light This is a permanent installation of a 175,000 candlepower strobe light unit that has a low wattage bulb. Although made for squirrels and roof rats, this unit also gets rid of bats. It is a high intensity strobe light mounted in the attic. There are tests being run currently by a testing lab on bats so this can be put on the labeling. Depending upon the attic size and shape, you may need two of these installed 2 to 3 feet above the floor. If you use these in conjunction with the Transonic Pro units, your results should be even faster.

A third is the Quadblaster. This is an industrial strength ultrasonic repeller for larger areas. One customer who installed on in his warehouse said that not only did bats and birds vanish but also the rats and mice disappeared.

Knowing the size and configuration of your home would help. Please feel free to phone us or send us additional information including digital photos by email.

Hope some of these ideas help. Thanks for your questions.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Barbara reviews the Squirrel Evictor MB10K and MB100K strobe lights These pest animal control units are mounted in attics or crawl spaces. Home pest control includes these environmentally safe strobe lights that get rid of roof rats, squirrels, raccoons, feral cats and mice. No damage to your building, no poisons, no traps, no repeat visits by exterminators, no decaying animal smells, no harm to the animals.

Question about Koolatron Mosquito Trap, the Guardian Mosquito Trap MK12

Q: "How difficult is it to install and maintain the MK12 Koolatron mosquito trap?" Thanks.

Answer: I recommend this unit because it is relatively inexpensive, easy to set up and maintain and should give you years of mosquito control.

It takes me about 5 minutes to set up the MK12 propane mosquito trap. That includes moving the unit from storage on my back porch, installing the propane tank and turning on the gas (screw on after setting it on the unit's base), plugging in the cord to an outside outlet, hanging the octenol attractant and lighting the flame. The only maintenance is changing out the propane tank few months or so and replacing the octenol every 3 weeks. I suggest you weigh the full tank and an empty tank so you have an idea when a tank is really empty. Here in Iowa you get charged for a fill whether that is 5 lbs or 20 lbs. And shaking out the capture container at the end of the season or more often if your mosquito population is out of control. (The mosquitoes dry up and disintegrate into almost dust like particles).   More...

Question about the bluebird houses and how to attract bluebirds to my yard.

Q: "My family enjoys bird watching in our backyard. How do we attract bluebirds? We know they are beautiful to watch and we understand they eat a lot of insects, too." thanks. Dave

Answer: Attract and keep bluebirds in your backyard by providing them with houses in which to nest and the foods they love to eat. Bluebirds love insects, especially larva.

Some suggested boxes:

• Song Bird Essentials Bluebird Birdhouse with Plexiglass Viewing Top.
• Songbird Essentials Flat Top Bluebird House
• Woodlink Audubon - Coppertop Bluebird House

Some suggested bluebird feeders:

• Song Essentials Bluebird Feeder. Bluebirds soon learn to reach inside this feeder for the meal worms & treats you provide. Designed for easy three step training. 1) Leave the lid open, held by the cable and remove one plexiglas side. 2) Insert plexiglass side. 3) Close the lid so only bluebirds can use the feeder.
• Protected Bluebird Jail FeederThis feeder is made to discourage larger birds from feasting on meal worms and blue bird food.

Suggested food:

• Bulk Dried Mealworms average count 176,000
• Unipeck - Value Tub Dried Mealworms average count 10,000

Thank you for your question. Enjoy your bird-watching.
Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Petsafe Ultrasonic Bark Control Birdhouse .

Q: "My neighbor is very sensitive about his dogs whose barking can drive me to screaming. I've tried to talk with him about them. I suggested bark control collars, the ones that use ultrasound or citronella. His response is that it is the nature of dogs to bark. I've reported him to the police for violating the noise ordinance. I'd like to try an ultrasonic bark control device but don't want him to be aware of it. Would the Petsafe unit work? Thanks." Steve.

Answer: Steve, this unit has been quite successful if properly positioned. The trick is to mount it low enough that the barking activates the unit but high enough that the sensor is not blocked by a tree or fence. Ultrasound is more like light rays than sound waves so it bounces off hard surfaces.

There are three sensitivity levels. If your neighbor's yard is large, the dogs may learn to stay away from your side of their yard. At least the barking will be more at your neighbor's door than yours. Our experience is that several weeks may pass before the dogs realize the bark yields the unpleasant sounds.

Thanks for your question. Good luck.
Sincerely, Barbara

Question about Using Geraniol as a Mosquito Repellant and with Mosquito Traps.

Q: "We entertain outdoors and want to keep the mosquitos away from our guests. I've been told that geraniol is a safe option to yard sprays or applying Deet to exposed skin. What is it? How do you use it to keep mosquitos away?, etc. I see you sell wristbands, pillar candles and bucket candles. How do you combine these products with a mosquito trap?" Thanks. Sara

Answer: Geraniol is a safe option to Deet and insect sprays. It is a natural essential oil, a “green” product that uses oil extracted from plants such as lemon grass that have a natural ability to protect themselves against feeding insects. There is no known toxicity to the environment. Jerry Butler from the University of Florida, in Gainesville developed this insect repellent after 15 years of tests on more than 3,900 compounds. Geraniol protects people and pets against everything from mosquitoes and ticks to tiny “no-see-ums.” It was tested to be more than 400% more effective than citronella.

Among the pleasant smelling geraniol options are:

• Geraniol wristbands that use geraniol imbedded in plastic bracelets you can loop around wrist, ankle or bell or place out of reach of a baby on a stroller
• Geraniol bucket candles. Each weighs just over a pound, is in a silver colored and burns for about 50 hours.
  
• Geraniol pillar candles. Each 3 inch by 3 inch pillar candle weighs about 11 ounces and burns for about 36 hours.
  

Koolatron recommends that you place the candles about 8 feet apart for maximum no-see-um, mosquito, biting fly, etc. protection. To improve the odds you won't get bitten by mosquitos, we also recommend that you place mosquito traps down wind from your party and keep them running continuously during the mosquito/biting insect season. The best unit is the all propane mosquito trap since you can place it anywhere you choose without an electrical outlet nearby. We also sell Koolatron UV 12 volt DC Biting Insect Traps that can be used with AC adapters, are inexpensive and can be placed just beyond the "candle range" to attract biting insects.

Candles may also be burned inside. Do remember the dangers of leaving candles burning unattended.

Thanks for your question. Enjoy a summer with fewer bug bites. For those that get past, try an Itchsoother.

Sincerely, Barbara