As winter envelops Canada in its frosty embrace, our homes become inviting not just for us but also for unwanted guests – bugs and pests. These uninvited intruders can turn our cozy havens into battlegrounds, and once they’ve set up shop, evicting them isn’t a walk in the park.
They’re resilient and often multiply rapidly, catching homeowners off guard. Unwittingly, we also invite these pesky guests inside. Our previous blog explored some of the common winter pests that can disrupt your peace. Here are 7 more pests known to be winter nuisances in the Canadian landscape.
- Ants – Tiny Invaders
When your home becomes a target for ant invasions, it can quickly turn into a major headache. Ants have a talent for gathering around any food leftovers they discover and reproduce so rapidly that they can practically take over your house if you don’t respond promptly and effectively.
While there are natural methods to deter or eliminate them, dealing with a severe infestation often calls for professional pest control solutions.
Ant colonies are often located in the ground or grass, so enlisting ant removal experts to find and treat these nests in your outdoor surroundings can be especially effective. On top of that, sealing off the entry points will be a key part of keeping your home ant-free.
- Beetles – Small Troublemakers
Canada is home to several common beetle species — powderpost, ladybugs, and carpet beetles. Each of these beetles has unique characteristics and behaviours that can affect your home:
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- Powderpost Beetles infest wood structures and various building materials, and they can reproduce rapidly. To address an infestation, you can apply wood varnish to deter these pests. The wood varnish serves a dual purpose: it repels existing beetles, prevents new eggs from being laid, and closes up any holes in the wood where beetles might hide.
- Ladybugs are generally considered beneficial insects because they consume crop-damaging pests, but they can occasionally become a nuisance inside homes. If you find ladybugs in your home, consider gently collecting them in a container and releasing them outdoors. This approach allows you to benefit from their pest-eating habits while keeping them out of your living space.
- Carpet beetles, despite being small, can cause significant damage. They often go unnoticed as they feed on materials like wool and silk. Managing a carpet beetle infestation requires thorough efforts. Keep your home clean, as carpet beetles thrive in dusty and cluttered environments.
- Cockroaches – Creepy Tenants
The German cockroach is a frequent household pest in Canada. These little critters are all about warm and humid spots, and anywhere they can snag a bite, like your kitchen.
To keep your place roach-free, you’ve got to be on top of that garbage game, use strong bins and make sure those tasty treats are removed. Oh, and those gaps and cracks around your home? They’ve got to go – seal ’em up tight.
Creating a dry and ventilated space is your next move to make your home a no-go zone for these pests. If you’ve tried it all and they’re still hanging around, don’t be shy about ringing up the experts in residential and commercial pest control.
- Flies – Pesky Pests
Winter’s here, and who needs those pesky flies invading your cozy abode? You’ve got to stay ahead in the cleanliness department – no leftover garbage or food scraps allowed.
Here’s a little secret weapon for you: a DIY fly trap. Mix up a tablespoon of sugar, apple cider vinegar, and a drop of fruit-scented dish soap in a shallow container. Cover it with plastic wrap, and give it a few tiny holes.
- Spiders – Crawling Housemates
Spiders are communal creatures that build homes near other spiders of their kind and are often found in dark areas of the house. To get rid of spiders, just grab your trusty vacuum cleaner or a broom and give their nests the old heave-ho.
These little fellas usually munch on tiny insects like flies, so if you want them to hit the road, you’ll need to seal off any openings like cracks in your windows, doors, or screens. In short, no insects, and no food for the spiders.
- Termites – Silent Destroyers
To steer clear of termite woes, let’s kick things off by fixing any leaks, ensuring your firewood finds a cozy, dry spot away from your house, and maintaining well-trimmed shrubs, vegetation, and trees to create a termite no-go zone.
Another savvy move is to make pest inspections a regular part of your home maintenance routine since they can make all the difference in catching and addressing termite issues before they get out of hand.
- Wasps – Property Nuisance
During winter, fertilized female wasps will usually choose to hibernate outdoors, snuggling under bark or logs, but they can also sneak into homes through tiny roofline openings.
Once indoors, these crafty wasps will seek refuge in attics or any warm and shadowy corners. When the weather warms up, these soon-to-be queens will venture outside to start new colonies.
Now, when it comes to dealing with winter wasp invasions, you can consider using a total-release fogger in the attic, but keep in mind it might not reach all their hiding spots. Seal any openings that allow light from the living areas into the attic, and don’t forget to check those gable vent screens for nests.
A word of caution – wasps, even in the winter, can still sting if they feel provoked. Although, without an active nest to protect, they tend to be less aggressive, so approach them carefully. For safety, you can hire the nearest pest control experts to handle the wasps.
As winter chills us to the bone, we must remain vigilant against these uninvited guests. Prevention is your best friend for a pest-free winter with our DIY tips. However, if these preventive measures prove ineffective, you’ll need an expert’s touch.
When you need pest control services, you’ve got a trusty ally in Pro-Pest Corporation – the pros at pest control in Toronto. Count on our experienced team to keep your home pest-free through winter and beyond. Call us today at (416) 487-4179.
