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Seasonal Pest Issues - Spring
An Educational Journal compliments of Canada's Pest Control Professionals
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| Photo | Pest | Preventative Action | |
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Raccoons - Raccoons are mostly active at night and can be a nuisance. They seek shelter in houses through uncapped chimneys, and may tear off shingles or fascia to gain entry into an attic or wall void. Raccoons also damage property by tearing up lawns in search of grubs, destroying gardens and upsetting garbage cans. A buildup of the urine and feces is a health hazard, as well as the risk of rabies transmission. | Trim tree limbs away from rooftops; cap chimneys; seal holes in walls and roof; keep property free of garbage and other debris; fit garbage bins with lids. |
Eliminating potential bird nesting sites through proper screen and or netting. Eliminate damp and rotting wood both inside and outside the home, which is especially key for control of Carpenter ants. Remove tree stumps and loose wood on wet ground (raise wood piles off the ground). Repair damaged wood inside the home due to pipe leaks or leaky roof etc. Excluding wildlife from homes by prevent nesting and production of young i.e. squirrels and raccoons. Areas to watch out for in particular is the attic and garage. Make sure any holes are repaired or screened off with wire mesh. Entrance points to look out for include chimneys, damaged wooden soffits, attic vents, and open garage doors at night. Cluster flies start waking up in the spring and will be both inside and outside of homes. Vacuum indoors to remove. Pest control service assists in getting the fastest results. |
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Carpenter Ants - This wood-infesting species of ant is actually a very beneficial insect as they feed on many other insect pests, not wood. They become pests when they build their nests in homes and chew their way through wood structures, causing serious structural damage. Common nest sites include damp locations such as behind baseboards, around fireplaces and window frames and wood cabinets near dishwashers. | Isolate wood from direct contact with soil; Properly ventilate to reduce moist conditions; Remove old lumber & stumps from around your property; Do not store firewood indoors. | |
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Cluster Flies - Although Cluster Flies are not waste feeders, they still pose a hazard due to their invasion of structures in late summer and fall, emerging in the spring at window sills. The flies become trapped in buildings, and secondary pests such as Larder beetles develop on the dead flies. Cluster flies are easily distinguished from Houseflies as they are slightly bigger and their wings overlap when at rest. | Vacuum all adults inside the living space of the home; Install window screens; seal exterior cracks and voids to improve exclusion (do not seal ventilation holes) | |
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Mosquitoes - Over 70 species of mosquito are found in Canada. They are most active at dawn and dusk. It is the females that cause a nuisance as they bite to obtain a blood meal. Mosquitoes may pose a health risk to humans as they transmit Malaria and the West Nile Virus. | Eliminate standing water by draining and washing birdbaths and rain barrels every 2 days; fit screens on windows. | |
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Skunks - Skunks are most active at night and feed primarily on insects and small mammals. Skunks are considered a nuisance due to their obnoxious odour. They often burrow beneath structures, dig holes in lawns in search of grubs, and may transmit rabies. | Seal all foundation openings; keep property free of garbage and debris. | |
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Asian Lady Beetles - These are actually outdoor insects and are beneficial in gardens as they feed on destructive aphids. However in fall and spring, they become pests because of their activity in and around the home. | Vacuum all adults inside the living space of the home; seal exterior cracks and voids (do not seal ventilation holes). |