Abell Pest Control: Defending Kootenay homes from unwanted intruders
Abell technicians bring expert service to local homes and businesses.
Inside Abell Pest Control’s thoughtful, long-term approach to pest management in the Kootenays.
Living in the Kootenays offers undeniable perks—clean mountain air, quiet forests, and cozy vacation homes—but it also comes with a few seasonal nuisances. Whether you're returning to a lakeside cabin after months away or running a small business in town, dealing with pests like mice, ants, or wasps is a common, frustrating reality. That’s where Darryl Faminoff and his team at Abell Pest Control come in.
As service manager, Faminoff oversees 11 technicians across some of B.C.’s most challenging and far-reaching regions, including the Kootenays, Okanagan, Cariboo, Bulkley-Nechako, and Peace River. With years of on-the-ground pest management experience, he’s earned a reputation for his calm, practical leadership and commitment to client care. He and his team live in the communities they serve, offering localized expertise and trusted solutions tailored to the seasonal pest problems unique to the Interior. From vacation properties to local cafés, they’re dedicated to keeping spaces clean, safe, and pest-free year-round. Abell Pest Control has been operating for 100 years and counting. (Learn more about the history of this longstanding Canadian business.)
We spoke with Faminoff to learn more about the most common pest issues in the Kootenays—and how Abell is helping homeowners and businesses stay ahead of them.
From lakeside cabins to mountain retreats, Abell provides trusted pest control for vacation homes throughout the Kootenays.
Do you own a vacation home in the Kootenays?
Owning a vacation home in the Kootenays means having your own slice of paradise — crisp mountain air, peaceful lakes, and quiet evenings around the fire. But while the scenery is idyllic, the seasonal change can invite some less-than-welcome guests. For many vacation home owners, pests like ants and rodents become a recurring challenge, especially when properties sit vacant for weeks or months. From ants invading kitchens to mice settling into crawlspaces and sheds, these intrusions can quickly turn a peaceful retreat into a maintenance headache. That’s where Abell Pest Control comes in. With local technicians who know the unique pest pressures of the region, they provide targeted, seasonal solutions to keep your getaway home protected, so you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the Kootenays without worry.
What are the most common pests you see in Kootenay vacation homes?
In the Kootenays, it really depends on the property and location, but the big ones we run into a lot are mice, carpenter ants, cluster flies, and sometimes bats or even raccoons—especially in homes that are left empty for weeks or months. These places are perfect shelter for pests—quiet, undisturbed, and often close to forested areas. A lot of homeowners don’t know there’s a problem until they come back and find droppings, damaged insulation, or nests. It’s frustrating, and I totally get it—no one wants to spend their first day at the cabin dealing with a pest infestation.
What kind of preventative measures can someone take when they’re not at their vacation home?
Good question—and there’s quite a bit you can do before locking up. Start by sealing up potential entry points: Around doors, windows, vents, and pipes. Take all food out of the house, give the place a solid clean (especially the kitchen), and don’t forget to check that garbage is emptied. I also recommend setting a few monitors or traps before you go. At Abell, we offer pre-season and off-season inspections where we can apply barrier treatments or check your place while you’re away. That little bit of prevention goes a long way.
Are your treatments safe for my family, pets, and the local wildlife around my Kootenay home?
Yes—this is something we take seriously. I’ve got a family too, and I wouldn’t use anything in your home that I wouldn’t be okay with in mine. We follow strict safety guidelines, and everything we use is approved through Health Canada and the BC ministry of environment. We’re also very mindful of the environment out here in the Kootenays—so we focus on targeted treatments that solve the problem without causing harm to you, your pets or local wildlife.
What happens if pests return after you've treated them?
If pests come back, we’re on it, it’s that simple. Our service is backed by a guarantee, and we stand behind the work we do. You’re not just getting a one-time spray; you’re getting a relationship with a team that cares about your property and wants to keep it protected long-term. I know how frustrating it is to feel like you’re paying for something that didn’t work—so we don’t leave people hanging. If it’s not resolved, we’ll make it right.
From storefronts to office buildings, Abell Pest Control protects local businesses across the Kootenays.
Do you own a business in the Kootenays?
Running a business in the Kootenays means juggling a lot — from staffing and customer service to managing inventory and keeping things on schedule. The last thing you need is a pest problem adding to your to-do list. Whether it’s a cozy café, a retail shop, or a larger commercial operation, issues with rodents, ants, or flies can quickly become more than just a nuisance — they can impact your staff, your customers, and your bottom line.
Kootenay businesses that Abell Pest Control can help:
- Agriculture and Greenhouses
- Warehousing and Distribution
- Food & Beverage Processors
- Long-Term Care and Medical Facilities
- Hotel & Resorts
- Property & Apartment Management
- Restaurants & Food Services
- Retail
What kind of pests are most common for businesses in the Kootenays?
In the Kootenays, it really depends on the type of business and the building, but we commonly see rodents (especially mice), ants, flies, and wasps. For food-related businesses like cafés or restaurants, fruit flies and drain flies can also be a big issue. We’ve even seen occasional wildlife intrusion, especially in buildings near greenbelts or water. One thing I always tell business owners is that pests don’t care what you sell—they’re looking for food, warmth, and shelter. Even clean, well-run businesses can have a pest problem if the conditions are right.
Will your pest control treatments disrupt my business operations or affect my customers?
This is a big concern for a lot of the businesses I work with, and I totally understand why. The short answer is that we work around you. We use targeted, low-impact treatments and schedule our visits for times that won’t interfere with your customers or staff. If you run a café, retail store, or office, we’ll make sure our work is discreet, clean, and compliant with all regulations. The goal is to fix the problem without anyone even knowing we were there.
Do you offer flexible service plans that can accommodate my business’s unique needs and schedule?
Yes, absolutely. One-size-fits-all doesn’t work in pest control—especially when it comes to businesses. We take the time to understand your operation, your hours, your seasonal traffic, and your risk level, and we build a plan around that. Some businesses need monthly service, others quarterly. Some need more attention in the summer. We’re flexible, and we’ll build a plan that makes sense for you—not just what’s easiest for us.
Are your pest control methods safe for a food-related business like a café?
Yes, everything we do is safe, regulated, and designed with businesses like that in mind. We follow all local health and safety standards, and our technicians are trained in working specifically with food-handling environments. I know how high the standards are for cafés and restaurants, and we meet or exceed them. We’re here to help protect your business, not put it at risk.
What kind of ongoing support or maintenance is included in your service plans?
When you sign on with us, you’re not just getting one visit—you’re getting a relationship. Our plans include regular inspections, proactive treatments, and detailed reporting so you always know what’s going on. And if an issue pops up between scheduled visits? Just call—we’ll come out at no extra charge. We don’t leave our clients stuck—we’re in your corner, long-term.
Explore our local service areas to get started with reliable pest control in your community.
What customers are saying about Abell Pest Control:
"We have been lucky enough to be involved with Abell and I have not seen a mouse in years! They maintain the whole block of buildings which are well over 100 years old and he is always cheerful and SO helpful!" ~ Karen W.
"My company has used Abell for several years and they've always done an excellent job. Always going above and beyond for us!" ~ Alexandra S.
"Abell has been absolutely fantastic to work with, they have been our pest control company for 10 years. Our route manager is knowledgeable, friendly, and does a great job. I highly recommend them if you need a preventive pest control program." ~ Duncan S.
This is just a sample: Check out the rest of Abell Pest Control's reviews from happy customers.
Are there any misconceptions about pest control management that people often have?
Yes, a few come up all the time. The first is thinking that pests only show up in “dirty” places—that’s just not true. You can have a spotless home or business and still end up with ants, mice, or wasps if conditions are right.
Another big one is assuming one treatment will fix everything. Pest control often requires a bit of time and follow-up. It’s more like maintenance than a one-time fix, especially in high-risk areas.
And finally, some people worry we’re just going to come in and spray chemicals everywhere. That’s not how we work. We’re strategic, we prioritize safety, and we look for the root of the problem—not just the symptoms.
How does Abell Pest Control deal with…
- Ants: We start by identifying the species—carpenter ants are the most common concern in the Kootenays because they can cause structural damage. We’ll do a full inspection to find the nest (which is often hidden in walls or outside in trees) and then apply a targeted treatment that eliminates the colony, not just the ones you see. We also look for moisture issues or wood damage that might be attracting them in the first place.
- Rodents (mice and rats): Rodents are a big one out here, especially in vacation homes that sit empty for a while. We inspect for entry points, install bait stations or traps depending on the situation, and work with you to seal up gaps around vents, doors, and foundations. We also provide long-term prevention tips, because with rodents, it’s all about blocking access and removing attractants.
- Other potential pests: We see everything from cluster flies in the fall to wasps in the summer. For cluster flies, we focus on sealing cracks and treating attics before they settle in for winter. Wasps, we’ll safely remove the nest and treat the area to keep them from rebuilding. For wildlife like raccoons or bats, we use humane exclusion methods and make sure they can’t get back in. Each case is different, so our job is to find the right solution without overdoing it.
Some common questions you may have about Abell Pest Control
How can I prevent pests without using harsh chemicals?
Many people are worried about safety for their kids, pets, or the environment, and we always prioritize integrated pest management techniques—like sealing entry points, sanitation, and targeted treatments—before using any chemical controls.
What should I do if I spot a pest outside of regular service visits?
We encourage clients to call us right away. Early action is key, and we’re always ready to help, even between scheduled treatments.
Can pests cause damage to my property or affect my health?
It’s important to know that pests like rodents and carpenter ants can cause real structural damage, and some insects can carry diseases or trigger allergies. Understanding these risks helps homeowners and business owners take pest control seriously.
Abell Pest Control technicians are highly experienced and fully trained.
What experience and certifications do your technicians have?
Our technicians at Abell are licensed, fully trained, and bring years of hands-on experience in pest control—many of them right here in BC and the Kootenays specifically. They go through ongoing training to keep up with best practices, safety standards, and the latest pest management techniques. When you call us, you’re getting experts who know the pests and the environment inside and out.
Do you offer a guarantee or warranty on your services?
Yes. We back all our work with a solid satisfaction guarantee. If pests return during your service period, we come back at no additional cost until the problem is solved. It’s part of our commitment to building long-term relationships, not just one-off jobs.
What steps do you take to protect my property during treatment?
We treat every property like it’s our own. Our technicians use careful, targeted application methods to minimize any mess or disruption. We protect surfaces, clean up after ourselves, and clearly communicate what you should expect before, during, and after treatment. Your home or business stays safe, clean, and ready for you.
Are you licensed and insured to operate in British Columbia?
Yes, we are fully licensed and insured to operate throughout BC, including the Kootenay region. Licensing and insurance are not just legal requirements—they’re a key part of how we protect you, your property, and our team.
How do you stay updated on the latest pest control techniques and regulations?
Our team regularly attends industry training and seminars, and we keep close ties with regulatory bodies like Health Canada and provincial agencies. We also review new research and technologies so we can offer the safest, most effective solutions available. Staying current means we can handle your pest problems with confidence and care.
Serving the Kootenays with trusted pest control solutions
Whether you're in the East or West Kootenay region, Abell Pest Control can assist. Their local teams understand the region and are ready to help with expert service and reliable protection for your home or business.
We service these West Kootenay locations
Abell Pest Control proudly serves Castlegar, Fruitvale, Grand Forks, Greenwood, Kaslo, Midway, Montrose, Nelson, Rossland, Trail, Warfield, and surrounding areas.
We service these East Kootenay locations
The East Kootenay team supports Canal Flats, Canmore, Creston, Edgewater, Elkford, Fernie, Fort Macleod, Golden, Invermere, Kimberley, Revelstoke, Sparwood, and more.
