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Common Pests In The Calgary Area

Posted on November 23, 2020

While Calgary is no home for giant venomous spiders or toads showing up in your toilet, there are still several common pests that can cause many problems. As we enter the winter months, keep in mind that pests can still enter your home. This guide will help you know which common pests to look out for, which areas of your home they may invade, and when to call pest control services in Calgary.

Bed Bugs

These tiny insects feed on the blood of animals and people. As their name states, they are typically found in your bed. If you wake up with itchy bites, a skin rash, or blister, inspect your sheets and pillowcase. You’re looking for bloodstains, bedbug fecal spots, or eggshells. Bed bugs are visible to the human eye, and it is advised to inspect your clothing, furniture, pillows, or other fabric items if you suspect a bed bug problem.

Ants

One common breed of ant is the pharaoh ant. You can find them in your home or garden because they are attracted to food. In particular sugary foods, compost containers, oils or greasy residue, and other foods left out. This is one of the easiest ways to attract this pest into your home. They are not aggressive but can quickly become a problem if they find a way inside. Ant baits are generally low in toxicity to other animals and an effective way to eliminate nests. But if the problem persists, it’s best to call a professional pest control company.

Fleas

If you live with a pet, the chances of coming across a flea problem will rise because this pest feeds on blood. Fleas can carry and pass along diseases and can produce more than 20 trillion offspring a year — all the more reason to take care of this problem as quickly as possible. Fleas tend to bite humans around the feet and ankles and leave tiny raised dots on your pet’s skin. If your pet has fleas, wash them with hot soapy water, and clean their bedding. Other ways you can get rid of fleas, their eggs and larvae are to vacuum carpets, clean baseboards near sleeping quarters, and clean around doors and window-frames.

Mosquitos

Everyone knows the annoyance of mosquitos. The swarm that follows you outside and the tiny buzzing you hear when in your home are some of the many reasons people despise this common pest. These tiny pests breed in pools, birdbaths, or storm drains and hide in weeds, tall grass, or bushes. Unfortunately, mosquitos are resilient pests that can carry potentially life-threatening diseases like West Nile, but that doesn’t mean they’re untreatable.

A pest control professional will use a mosquito control solution around your home and backyard that continues working for up to 21 days. If you prefer an all-natural solution, your property will have to be serviced every 14 days. Having your backyard treated by a professional is an excellent option for those who enjoy spending time outside or plan on hosting an outdoor event.

Jumping Spiders

Jumping spiders are a rather distinctive spider found in Calgary. Small and recognized for their jumping motion, jumping spiders are also known for their adorable behaviour, including singing and dancing during their mating rituals. These little spiders also have a curious demeanor, including turning around and staring at humans.

Mice

The house mouse is the most common rodent pest in Calgary. They have a pointed snout, long hairy tail, and large rounded ears. The problem with the house mouse is that they breed rapidly and are most often found indoors. In the winter months, house mice find warm indoor spaces with access to food such as homes and restaurants attractive. House mice can enter your property through tiny holes and bring fleas, ticks, mites, and lice inside. While you can set up traps, it best to contact pest control services in Calgary before the infestation spreads.

Squirrels

These rodents aren’t harmful and can be cute from a distance, but they cause many problems to your property. One example is they can ruin your garden and invade your home. Squirrels typically get in through small gaps and can chew through walls and rip up insulation. While making their nest, they can create a safety hazard by chewing on wires.

Many people discover a squirrel problem because of the foul smell from their urine and droppings. To prevent squirrels, remove food supplies such as bird feeders, trim branches and trees near the roof of your home, and ensure openings to your home are sealed shut. As the weather becomes colder, squirrels will be looking to seek shelter in your walls or attic. If this becomes a problem, contact a pest control service in Calgary. They will have the tools to effectively remove squirrels that may be in hard to reach places.

Gophers

The pocket gopher, and the Richardson’s ground gopher, commonly known as the gopher, are rodent pests that can cause many problems to your yard and garden. Pocket gophers live in underground tunnels and feed on the roots of trees and shrubs. If you see mounds pop up in your garden, it is a telltale sign you have a pocket gopher problem. Pocket gopher-specific traps and fumigants or poison baits can be purchased at select retail outlets or pest control companies.

Keep Your Interior & Exterior Clean

The Richardson’s ground gopher will also damage your garden by burrowing. Both the gopher and pocket gopher do not hibernate, which leaves them an opportunity to damage your property throughout the winter months. Stepping into a gopher hole can cause injury to you or your pet, which is why the City of Calgary recognizes the gopher as a pest.

While you can buy traps, chemicals, and baits, sometimes the problem is too large, dangerous, or persistent to get done on your own. Do not attempt to get rid of hazardous pests yourself. Instead, call pest control services in Calgary like Martin’s Pest Control. We will come equipped with the proper tools and products to safely and effectively remove the pest.

Do you live in the Calgary or Airdrie area and need pest control, or wondering about common pests in Calgary? Our professional Calgary exterminators are ready to serve you. Contact us today.