Of the many flies you encounter in your home, you may be unaware of cluster flies as distinct species. They’re more nuisance than hazardous. If you treat them inside your house with long-lasting pesticides, their dead bodies can attract larder beetles and other scavengers, which may create more troublesome issues in your home. They also … Read more
Ants never give you the warm fuzzies, but of the various species, the common carpenter ants are the most destructive to your home. They dig through the wood in the structure of your house to make safe spaces to hide. Once inside, they keep burrowing and can destroy insulation and any wood in your home, … Read more
Sowbugs, also known as woodlice, are isopod crustaceans, a relative to shrimp, krill and even barnacles. Sowbugs are often slate grey (but can be other colours) and have an oval body with ridges across their backs. They have seven pairs of legs, a couple of antennae and a pair of tails at the abdomen. They’re … Read more
Wondering what furry little critter has been digging through your garden or fields? To help you bring that damage under control, you need to figure out which burrowing rodent is responsible. Here’s a guide to help you determine which pest you’re dealing with and some effective commercial solutions. Gophers Canada has at least two different … Read more
Do you see signs of vandalism in your yard and suspect it to be the work of some furry culprits? Skunks and raccoons are particularly active in the fall when they’re bulking up for winter and in spring when they’re at their hungriest. Here’s a guide to help you determine what kind of pests you’re … Read more
There’s a good reason many people are afflicted with katsaridaphobia, an extreme fear of cockroaches. They’ve been around for more than 100 million years, and they have a reputation for being indestructible. But how much of what you’ve heard about these skittering critters is true? Here’s a rundown of some common beliefs and some honest-to-goodness … Read more
Rodents such as rats and mice are common in North American yards and homes. Did you know that rodents also carry more than 35 diseases, some of which are dangerous and even deadly to humans? Here are six pathogens that can be spread by rodents. Hantavirus is extremely dangerous to humans because there are no … Read more
Buzzing mosquitoes are a nuisance during the summer months. However, they can also carry potentially dangerous and sometimes fatal diseases. Here are some of the most common mosquito-borne illnesses in Western Canada. West Nile Virus (WNV) arrived in Canada about 20 years ago and is still one of the most prevalent diseases spread by mosquitoes. … Read more
A swarm of wasps can quickly ruin your late-summer backyard barbeque. These buzzing insects can fall into your drinks, land on your food and buzz around your head. More than just nuisances, they can be quite dangerous. Dozens of people die each year from allergic reactions to wasp stings. Here are a few tips for … Read more
Cockroaches aren’t just creepy — they’re potentially dangerous. According to the World Health Organization, cockroaches carry roughly 30 diseases that affect humans, some of which are severe. Here’s why having cockroaches around your house may have negative health consequences for you and your family. They carry diseases Among the 30 diseases carried by cockroaches, illnesses … Read more