Thousands of spiders, scorpions, turtles seized from Surrey, B.C., home

Charges are pending after thousands of spiders, scorpions, snakes and turtles were found in a vacant Surrey home that is believed to have been involved in trading exotic wild animals.

The animals were found the evening of Aug. 8, B.C. conservation officer Nicole Caithness said.

Conservation officers were called to the home after Surrey bylaw officers, who were inspecting the property for unrelated reasons, found reptiles and turtles on the back deck, she said.

Investigators found three box turtles and three Central American wood turtles, along with about 2,000 different kinds of arachnids and scorpions inside the house. Some animals were dead and others, like the turtles, are illegal to own under the Wildlife Act.

“This is not our first interaction with this individual for unlawful possession of live wildlife, so we are currently working to get charges approved by Crown so that we can take him to court,” Caithness said in an email.

A whip scorpion, also known as a vinegaroon, is one of the animals seized from the house and has been adopted by staff at the Dewdney Animal Hospital in Maple Ridge. (CBC)
‘Horrific’ conditions
Some of the animals are being cared for at Dewdney Animal Hospital in Maple Ridge. The veterinary practice is accustomed to caring for exotic animals, but not this many.

Head veterinarian Adrian Walton is caring for several giant millipedes and a whip scorpion, or vinegaroon, named Carl.

Walton said inside the Surrey house were over 80 scorpions, seven giant centipedes, almost 300 adult spiders, a black widow spider with 500 babies, and almost 1,400 baby scorpions and other spiders and animals.

All living in conditions he called “horrific.”

“There’s a lot of animals there that were suffering from insufficient space, food or water,” he said.

“These containers that these animals were in were basically just deli cups that you’d get your potato salad in.”

Two giant millipedes curl into each other. The insects are among the thousands of animals seized from a Surrey home earlier this month. (CBC)
A large number of the animals found in the home were venomous which are prohibited under Surrey bylaws, Walton said.

Some of the non-venomous animals were saved and some were donated to the Victoria Bug Zoo, he said. But many of the insects and arachnids had to be destroyed.

Shelley Joaquin of the Surrey Animal Resource Centre said that facility also took in some of the animals.
“It was definitely startling to know that there’s that large a number of venomous animals in one home … and just seeing the horrid conditions that these animals were kept in. It was very inhumane.”

Walton said it’s believed the animals were destined for the pet trade. Up to 70 per cent of animals in the wild pet trade die before reaching a store, he added.

“The international trade in exotic animals … is something that we really as a society have to reconsider,” Walton said.

“I do recommend that that house be fumigated, because there was, I’m sure, some escapees.”

Pest Control Surrey

The mild, rainy ocean climate has long been the envy of Canadians looking to escape the cold of more eastern provinces. But the conditions that make Surrey appealing to humans are exactly the same that make it an ideal home for pests who wouldn’t be able to survive the cold dry winters further east.

The dense vegetation that covers much of Surrey is home to a wealth of wildlife and associated pests that thrive in the temperate climate. As BC’s primary gateway to Pacific trade, Surrey harbours also offer some unique challenges for pest control and require continuous monitoring and prevention to ensure that infestations don’t take hold.

There’s nothing quite as frustrating as a pest problem. They can become a huge issue, whether you’re a homeowner or a business manager. That’s why Natural Pest Solutions offers pest control services in Surrey and the surrounding areas like Fleetwood, Whalley, Surrey City Centre, Guildford, and Newton. If you find unwanted rodents, insects, or other wildlife on your property, give us a call. We offer flexible hours so you can call us any time of day, any day of the week.

Natural Pest Solutions
8260 153A Street
Surrey, BC. V3S 8P9
phone 604-262-2823
https://mynaturalpestsolutions.com/ca/pest-control-surrey-bc/

The Beautiful Areas in Surrey

There are many beautiful areas in Surrey, BC. Those areas are places that families or single professionals would love to inhabit. Many features make them desirable. The following list will explore some of the best cities to live in Surrey and the surrounding area:

1. Brookwood, Langley
This area is so desirable that the average price for a home is around a million dollars. They have large lots and excellent drainage. There are also trees everywhere. The city has plans to increase housing and commercial lots on 200 Street. This will mean that there are even more amenities around the neighborhood.
2. Walnut Grove, Langley
This is a highly desirable neighborhood. Those living here spend just 60 minutes in rush hour traffic commuting to Vancouver for work. They can enjoy all the community has to offer on their downtime. This means river trails, shops, and restaurants. It is also close to the fancier community of Fort Langley.
3. Aldergrove, Langley
This area used to be primarily industrial. But now it is up and coming thanks to plans to install a rink and pool. The residents should look to get in before the prices drive too high. A report indicates that in 15 to 20 years this will be a highly desirable community.
4. Guildford, Surrey
While Surrey has had a bit of a negative reputation in the past, this is quickly changing. This particular area is a bright spot in the city. It has large backyards, two park garages, and high schools in the area. That means it is excellent for the kids to roam in. There is also plenty of work in the area for those who do not wish to travel to Vancouver. It is also close to the SkyTrain. There are parks nearby for those who enjoy the active life.
5. Fort Langley, Langley
This area is very well liked and has high property values. The homes are Victorian. They even try to keep the cultural heritage alive from the 1900’s. Many people even like to go here for a weekend getaway. There are also plans to develop the city center here. The city though wants to be careful not to lose the feel of the area in the process though. The agricultural land that is surrounding it though will remain untouched. For those who like small towns with lots of perks like great amenities, then this is the place to buy.

Pest Control Surrey, BC

Natural Pest Solutions offers safe, effective Surrey Pest Control services for both residential and commercial properties. Our trained technicians provide the most up-to-date treatments ensuring all customers pest issues are solved in a timely manner. We employ Surrey Exterminators that specialize in rodent control and elimination focusing on pest entry points, ant, wasp, and spider treatments, and proactive measures like our Residential Pest Program. We guarantee our customers amazing results with 100% satisfaction! Services include interior and exterior pest treatments along with wildlife removal and sanitation clean-ups involving rodent and pigeon waste.

Natural Pest Solutions
8260 153A Street Surrey, BC. V3S 8P9
phone 604-262-2823
https://mynaturalpestsolutions.com/ca/pest-control-surrey-bc/

Kamloop’s Adventures and Neighborhoods

Kamloops is home to a lengthy list of activities for all kinds of explorers. Here’s a list of the top 10 adventures to cross off your summer bucket list.

1. Travel Back in Time
Heritage RailwayTravel back in time with a trip aboard the Kamloops Heritage Railway, a 107-year-old heritage steam train.

2. Get Wet
Stand Up PaddleboardingKamloops has over 100 lakes within an hour drive from the city. Pack up the paddleboard, kayak or canoe and take in the scenery on one of our pristine lakes. Local favourites include Paul Lake, Lac le Jeune, and Heffley Lake. Need to rent? Take SUP lessons and rentals with Paddle Surfit on Heffley Lake or visit Bruker Marina on Kamloops Lake.

3. Ride Canada’s Largest Municipal Bike Park
Bike RanchGet your heart racing while shredding trails in the birthplace of freeride mountain biking. Carve a few turns on perfect singletrack, ride into berms and along rolling hills of sagebrush. If downhill mountain biking is more your style, hit up the jump lines with a jump park at the bottom. One run is all it takes to see why this is the place where it all began.

4. Take a Hike
Hiking – Battle BluffThere are endless hiking trails in Kamloops that are great for all fitness levels. Hike through grasslands, vast canyons, and tall hoodoos that pique your imagination. Stroll along side picturesque lakes and sage-scented trails. Local tip: Head out towards sunset for a scenic, colourful view of the city that can only be described as something you see in a postcard.

5. Golf – Our Kind of Swinging
GolfHave you ever teed off a canyon? Is playing on an award-winning course a bucket list item? Kamloops offers a vast range of golfing terrain where you can swing with no crowds and the vibe is friendly. Play alongside rolling fairways and scenic views that will have you wondering whether you’re playing around or taking a scenic stroll.

Kamloops Neighborhoods

Kamloops is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in Western Canada. Surrounded by mountains, rolling hills, rivers, lakes, and vast natural landscapes, there is something sure to please everyone. Kamloops’ has several proud residents, now just over 90,000, have helped build “Canada’s Tournament Capital” into the great city it is today. With a dynamic and ever-growing economy and infrastructure, Kamloops is quickly becoming Interior BC’s commercial, technological, manufacturing, educational, and tourism hub of tomorrow.

New and seasoned home buyers will enjoy the many different neighborhoods to choose from in the Kamloops real estate market, as well as the variety of houses, apartments, and townhouses available in our listings. Depending on what type of lifestyle you prefer, you could be right in energetic downtown Kamloops, or a more suburban setting close to beautiful parks or near top-rated schools. Regardless, you’ll always be surrounded by Kamloops’ natural beauty.

But don’t take our word for it! Get to know Kamloops yourself by exploring popular neighborhoods like Sahali, Juniper Ridge, Pineview Valley, Dufferin & Southgate, Westsyde, Valleyview, Rayleigh, Sun Rivers, and Westmount, or discover the perfect place for you by using our interactive map of Kamloops. Let River City Realty guide you through our wonderful unique city! When you’re ready, we’re just a call or click away to answer any and all of your questions!

Pest Control in Kamloops

Kamloops is abundant with residential communities as well as economic opportunities. The hot and dry weather can drive many unwanted pests into comfortable Kamloops homes. Dangerous pests like rodents and the roaches can be harmful and frightening. Other pests like fire ants and roaches can damage property and landscape. Protect your home from pesky pests and call a recommended exterminator today.

Natural Pest Solutions
27-1990 Pacific Way
Kamloops, BC. V1S-1W3
phone 778-765-3337
https://mynaturalpestsolutions.com/ca/pest-control-kamloops/

THE HIGHLIGHTS OF LIVING IN WEST KELOWNA

The Westside (as the locals like to call it) has always been appreciated for its quiet beaches, rolling hills of orchards, and fantastic outdoor activities. The people here are proud of their rich history in agriculture, of the feisty Fur Brigade Traders and of their relationship with the Okanagan People. The small sleepy town that once was, has grown into a thriving independent municipality that has a ‘rural sophistication’ feel to it with vineyards, wineries, summer concerts, trails, agricultural pursuits, along with shops that offer the familiar comforts of home.

Spectacular Vistas – Our landscapes are the most photographed in the Okanagan Valley. Our dormant volcano, Mt Boucherie has created a terrain that is dynamic and interesting, while at the same time rich and lush. Its volcanic soil has primed the land for growing premium grapes. These vineyards, coupled with lake views and vistas make for some spectacular pictures.

Deep Roots – Agriculture has always been a way of life here and farm-to-table is not just the latest fad. The families on the Westside were true pioneers and innovators when it came to agriculture. The betterment and development of the nut growing industry in British Columbia began here at what is today known as the Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park. The beginnings of the wine industry also got its start here with some of the oldest vines in the Okanagan being found in West Kelowna.

First Nation Peoples – The sqilxʷ people have lived in the Kelowna (kiʔlawnaʔ) and Westbank (stqaʔtkʷəɬniwt) area from time immemorial. Their rich history is passed down from each generation through ancient oral stories (captikʷəɬ). As you travel around our community you will see the Okanagan language (nsyilxcen) and their culture woven into the community through signs, public art, and symbols.

Pests in Kelowna

The mild, rainy ocean climate has long been the envy of Canadians looking to escape the cold of more eastern provinces. But the conditions that make Kelowna appealing to humans are exactly the same that make it an ideal home for pests who wouldn’t be able to survive the cold dry winters further east.

The dense vegetation that covers much of West Kelowna is home to a wealth of wildlife and associated pests that thrive in the temperate climate. As Canada’s primary gateway to Pacific trade, Kelowna’s harbours also offer some unique challenges for pest control and require continuous monitoring and prevention to ensure that infestations don’t take hold.

There’s nothing quite as frustrating as a pest problem. They can become a huge issue, whether you’re a homeowner or a business manager. That’s why Natural Pest Solutions offers pest control services in Kelowna and the surrounding areas. If you find unwanted rodents, insects, or other wildlife on your property, give us a call. We offer flexible hours so you can call us any time of day, any day of the week.

Natural Pest Solutions
Lakeview Heights, West Kelowna, BC V1Z
(778) 760-1646
https://mynaturalpestsolutions.com/ca/pest-control-west-kelowna/

The Truth About Bed Bugs

There are a lot of myths regarding bed bugs. One such myth is after a female bed bug becomes pregnant 5 times, she readily dies. At the university where I work with the experts on bed bugs, we have found out that this is not entirely true. A female bed bug can be inseminated and her eggs fertilized many times by many male bed bugs. The process of inseminating her is what we call as “traumatic insemination”. This happens when a male bed bug climbs onto a female bed bug and thrusts his proboscis (spear-like organ) into her abdomen. Thus, he has injected his sperms into her. We know for a fact that a female bed bug can lay eggs over and over again so long as she is alive (and no, it is not limited to 5 pregnancies only). A female bed bug’s normal life may last for two years. Imagine the number of eggs she could produce within these years!

Another myth about bed bugs is that if you really want to control bed bugs, you could employ spiders because they prey on bed bugs. Some of these are predatory ants, assassin bugs, solpugids, fire ants, crab spiders, and cellar spiders. Well, while it is true that there are several arthropods which are considered as a major help in the control of bed bugs, they cannot be seriously considered as a major help in the control of bed bugs. “Why?” You might ask. The reason is obvious, actually. These biological predators of bed bugs may find and eat bed bugs but they could not be relied upon to finish off the whole bed bug population. Besides, if you were the homeowner, would you have wanted to have a large number of ants and spiders crawling all over your house just to gain control over bed bugs? I didn’t think so. The tendency is that if you have indeed killed the bed bugs, you would have had the same problems in eliminating these ants and spiders.

So what is the sensible thing to do then? Be cautious and check every possible place that bed bugs may dwell. Use streamers, and freezers; be good at maintaining them the cleanliness in your home. There are even such non-chemical methods that will comfort a homeowner. Such materials like mattress encasements, bed bug traps, and Eco Keeper’s new Bed Bug Tent will prove to assure homeowners and customers of refuge from bed bugs. If you think non-chemical means are not enough, then add chemical means like insecticides (Gentrol and Suspend). Although you cannot eliminate them immediately, at least gradually, you are on your way to killing them.

Natural Pest Solutions
4096 Ponderosa Ln, Gainesville, GA 30506, USA
+1 770-983-6123
https://mynaturalpestsolutions.com/georgia/pest-control-gainesville-ga/