6 pests homeowners might see indoors this winter in Ontario

With Christmas festivities winding down and New Year’s celebrations days away, the holiday season can leave behind crumbs, spills and clutter that attract unwanted pests. A quick cleanup after gatherings tidies up your space and helps deter winter intruders.

According to Orkin Canada, the country’s largest pest control provider, rodents, bed bugs, termites, and cockroaches are among the most common creepy crawlies. These pests view warm, insulated homes as ideal nesting spots.

Here are some tips to safeguard your home against these unwelcome guests:

Rodents

These critters can get through the smallest of openings. In fact, rats can squeeze through a hole as small as a quarter, while mice can slip through a space no larger than your pinky.

Risks: Rodents carry deadly diseases, contaminate food and cause damage by gnawing through electrical wiring and structures in your home.

What you should do: Check the exterior of your home for cracks or crevices and use a weather-resistant sealant reinforced with steel wool to prevent rodents from gnawing through. In addition, try to keep your home clean and regularly vacuum.

Beg Bugs

Although bed bugs are not influenced by outdoor temperatures, increased travel and gatherings during the holiday season heighten the risk of transmission.

Risks: Bed bugs can cause itchy welts, allergic reactions, and secondary skin infections from scratching. Their presence also leads to anxiety, sleep disturbances, and, in commercial settings like hotels, significant financial losses and reputational damage.

What you should do: To prevent infestations, inspect hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs before unpacking, use bedbug-proof luggage liners and avoid placing suitcases on floors or beds. After travelling, wash and dry clothes on high heat and routinely check mattresses, headboards and furniture for signs of bed bugs. If an infestation is suspected, contact a professional pest control service immediately.

Termites

Termites are increasingly becoming a concern in Canada, particularly in Ontario and British Columbia, as warmer temperatures and higher moisture levels create ideal conditions for colonies to thrive and spread.

Risks: These pests can cause significant structural damage to wooden buildings, compromising safety and leading to costly repairs. Often, infestations go undetected for long periods, exacerbating the damage.

What you should do: To prevent termite damage, schedule annual inspections with professional pest control services. Address moisture issues by fixing leaks, ensuring proper drainage and using dehumidifiers in damp areas. Minimize soil contact with wooden structures and use termite-resistant materials like treated wood, metal or concrete. Apply preventive treatments to vulnerable wooden structures and maintain clear foundations by keeping mulch, wood piles, and vegetation away from buildings.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs

Brown marmorated stink bugs, an invasive species, are spreading across North America. While not harmful to humans, they pose a significant threat to agriculture by damaging crops and causing economic losses.

Risks: In homes and businesses, they become a nuisance by invading in large numbers and releasing a foul odour when disturbed. Their presence can also disrupt shipping and export businesses due to strict international regulations.

What You Should Do: Seal cracks around windows, doors  and siding to block entry points and install or repair screens on doors and windows. Reduce outdoor lighting that attracts stink bugs and if they enter your home, vacuum them up and dispose of the bag immediately.

Overwintering Insects

Overwintering insects like cluster flies, Asian lady beetles, boxelder bugs and European fire bugs are likely to become more visible during extended warm periods before seeking shelter indoors as temperatures drop.

Risks: While not a major health threat, these pests can cause significant nuisance. Asian lady beetles may emit unpleasant odours, bite or trigger allergic reactions. Dead insects indoors can attract secondary infestations from beetles and other pests, potentially leading to mould growth if carcasses accumulate.

What You Should Do: Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors and utility entry points. Apply weatherstripping to doors and windows. Ensure window and door screens are in good condition. Remove leaf piles and keep vegetation trimmed away from buildings. Reduce outdoor lighting that attracts insects, or switch to yellow “bug lights.” For added protection, consider scheduling exterior perimeter treatments with a professional pest management service to prevent indoor infestations.

German Cockroaches

German cockroaches thrive in warm environments, making extended warm periods conducive to their rapid reproduction and spread.

Risks: These pests can contaminate food and surfaces with droppings, carrying pathogens that cause food poisoning, diarrhea and other illnesses. In addition, their shed skin and droppings can trigger allergies and asthma. In commercial settings, particularly food establishments, infestations can lead to failed health inspections and reputational damage.

What You Should Do: Maintain cleanliness in kitchens and eating areas by promptly cleaning up spills and crumbs. Store food in airtight containers and regularly clean under appliances and furniture. Address moisture issues by fixing leaky pipes and using dehumidifiers in damp areas. Inspect and seal cracks, crevices and other potential entry points or harbourages. For commercial spaces, ensure garbage and compactor rooms are clean and clutter-free and inspect incoming shipments for signs of activity. Routine checks and professional pest management services are recommended for effective prevention.

For more information on these pests and tips on how to protect your home you can visit Orkin’s website here.