Pest Identification

Introduction Bats are the only flying mammal in the world. They are very beneficial because they can eat over 500 flying insects, (such as mosquitoes) per hour, all night long. Over 40 species of bats live in North America. Bats need a safe place to roost in the daytime, and much of their natural habitat…

They’re back! Although they had almost disappeared in the early 1950’s, bedbugs are back in most large cities on the planet. Bedbug infestations have been reported in homes, apartment buildings as well as in hotels, motels, health institutions, shelters, student and senior citizens residences, etc. What causes bedbugs to spread? Greater movement of individuals (moving,…

How do I recognize a carpenter ant? The carpenter ant is a large member of the ant family, measuring three to 12 mm (1/8″ to 1/4″). Colour is either black or black with red. Antennae are elbowed and they have large heads with strong mandibles (jaws) used for chewing. Reproductive forms are winged. Do carpenter…

How do I recognize a cockroach? The most common cockroach in Canada is the German Cockroach. It has a flattened oval body with long spiny legs and measures 15 mm (3/4″) when fully grown. Both male and female are winged. Colour is light brown with two dark brown stripes running lengthwise on the thorax (middle…

How do I recognize an earwig? The most common earwig in Canada is the European Earwig. It is easily identifiable by forcep-like appendages at the base of the abdomen. The flat, elongated body measures 12 to 26 mm (1/2″ to 3/4″). Males are larger than females. Colour ranges from reddish to dark brown. Do earwigs…

How do I recognize a flea? Fleas are common external parasites of man, animals and birds. Fleas are small, black to brownish-black, wingless Insects with stout legs used for jumping and crawling. Fleas measure one to four mm (1/8″). Where do you find fleas? Fleas are parasites, feeding on blood. They are found on the…

How do I recognize a sawtoothed grain beetle? The sawtoothed grain beetle is one of the most widespread of all stored product pests. This slender, flattened reddish-brown beetle measures two to three mm(1/10″) in length and gets its name from the presence of six tooth like projections on its thorax (middle section). There are numerous…

How do I recognize a mouse? Mice are common in all parts of Canada. They are a dusky grey in colour and measure overall from 65 to 90mm (4 1/2 to 6″) with large ears and long tails. Do mice cause damage? Yes. Mice cause extensive damage to houses, granaries, restaurants, bakeries – any place…

Pharaoh ants have become a serious nuisance pest in hospitals, rest homes, apartment dwellings, hotels, grocery stores, food establishments and other buildings. They feed on a wide variety of foods including jellies, honey, shortening, peanut butter, corn syrup, fruit juices, baked goods, soft drinks, greases, dead insects and even shoe polish. Also, these ants gnaw…

How do I know if I have pigeons? If you have a pigeon problem, you will be able to easily identify them by sight as they are active during the day. They are noisy and will leave droppings. Do pigeons pose a health hazard? Pigeons can carry diseases and parasites which are easily passed on…

How do I know if I have raccoons? You may find damage around your property such as strewn garbage and holes in the lawn. If a raccoon is living in your attic, you may hear it’s movements, especially at night when they are most active. Can raccoons cause damage? Raccoons will disturb garbage cans and…

How do I recognize a rat? The Norway Rat — also known as the brown, house, barn, sewer or wharf rat —is dull brown in colour and measures (from nose to tail) from 325 mm to 450 mm (12 1/2″ to 17″), with small, close-set ears, blunt muzzles and very sharp teeth. The Norway Rat…

Several species of Gulls have colonized urban areas across the country during the last decades. A British research project has shown that the urban Gull population has a growth rate of 13% per year, which equals 30 new gulls per breeding pair every 10 years. These birds have one brood a year with an average…

How do I recognize a silverfish? Silverfish are slender, tapering, wingless insects with long antennae and three-long tail-like appendages at the top of the abdomen. Colour is a silver-grey. Silverfish measure 12mm (1/2″) and young are identical, smaller versions of the adult. Do silverfish cause damage? Yes. Silverfish feed on carbohydrates, found in paper, clothing…

How do I know if I have skunks? Skunks can easily be identified by their odour. They may also cause damage by digging holes in the yard or raiding garbage cans. If I smell skunks, does that mean one is nearby? Not necessarily. Their smell can travel several kilometres and you may, for example, smell…

How do I recognize a sowbug? There are two common species of land-adapted crustaceans —the sowbug and pillbug. The sowbug is dark brown or grey and measures 16 mm (1/2″). The pillbug is a shiny grey and measures 10 mm (1/4″). Both are easily recognizable by seven overlapping shells resembling armor and have seven pairs…

How do I recognize a spider? There are many varieties of spiders in North America. All are easily recognizable by four pairs of legs and a large sac-like abdomen. The size of a spider generally ranges from 10 to 20 mm (1/2″ to 1″) in length. Colour varies from browns and greys to black. Do…

Can squirrels cause damage to my home? Squirrels can damage your home first by trying to gain entry by chewing holes in the exterior and then by nesting in attics where they can chew wires and damage insulation. They can also cause damage to lawns and landscaping as they scavenge for food by burrowing in…

How do I recognize a wasp? There are several varieties of wasps in Canada, including the yellow jacket, hornet and paper wasp. Colour ranges from black to combinations of black with yellow, white or brown markings. The slim, winged body measures 10 to 15 mm (1/2″ to 3/4″). Are wasps hazardous to humans? Yes. A…