Common Pests
Norway rats, also known as brown rats or sewer rats, are common pests found throughout the world, including in Canada and the United States. They are large rodents that typically grow to be between 16 and 24 cm in length, not including their tail, which can be up to an additional 25 cm in length. Norway rats have brown or gray fur, and they have small, beady eyes and small ears.
Norway rats are burrowing animals, and they are known for their ability to dig tunnels and build nests in the ground. They are also good climbers, and they can access buildings through holes and gaps in the walls or roof. In homes, Norway rats typically nest in basements, crawl spaces, and other dark, damp areas.
Norway rats are omnivorous, and they will eat a wide variety of foods, including grains, fruits, vegetables, and even small animals. In urban areas, Norway rats often rely on garbage and other human-provided food sources for sustenance.
Norway rats are known to carry a number of diseases, including the plague, leptospirosis, and salmonellosis. They are also known to cause property damage, by chewing on wiring and other building materials. To prevent and control Norway rat infestations, it is important to seal off potential entry points into buildings, and to remove sources of food and water. Pesticides can also be used to control Norway rat populations, but it is important to follow the instructions on the label carefully to avoid harming people or pets.
German cockroaches are small, brownish insects that are common pests in homes and other buildings. They are one of the most widespread and successful species of cockroach, and they are found throughout the world, including in Canada and the United States.
German cockroaches are typically between 10 and 15 mm in length, and they have a characteristic oval shape and two long, thin antennae. They have wings, but they do not typically fly. Instead, they use their legs to move quickly and agilely.
German cockroaches are typically found in kitchens and bathrooms, where they can access food and water. They are scavengers, and they will eat a wide variety of foods, including crumbs, grease, and other kitchen debris. They are also known to eat soap and toothpaste, and they are attracted to the sweetness of certain cosmetics and toiletries.
German cockroaches are known to carry a number of diseases, including salmonella and E. coli, and they can contaminate food and surfaces in the home. They can also trigger allergies and asthma, and they produce a unpleasant odor. To prevent and control German cockroach infestations, it is important to keep the home clean and free of clutter, and to regularly inspect for signs of infestation. Pesticides can also be used to control German cockroaches, but it is important to follow the instructions on the label carefully to avoid harming people or pets.
Ants are common insects that are found throughout the world, including in Canada and the United States. In Ontario, there are many different species of ants, including carpenter ants, pavement ants, and fire ants.
Carpenter ants are large ants that are typically black or reddish-black in color. They are known for their habit of nesting in wood, where they excavate tunnels and galleries to create their nests. Carpenter ants can cause significant damage to buildings and other wooden structures, and they are considered a serious pest in many parts of Ontario.
Pavement ants are small, black ants that are named for their habit of nesting in the cracks and crevices of pavement. They are commonly found in urban areas, and they are known for their aggressive behavior and their ability to quickly colonize new areas. Pavement ants can be a nuisance in homes, where they can contaminate food and trigger allergies.
Fire ants are a type of stinging ant that is native to South America, but which has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including Ontario. They are reddish-brown in color, and they are known for their aggressive behavior and their ability to deliver a painful sting. Fire ants can be a serious health hazard, and they can cause severe allergic reactions in some people.
Pharaoh ants are small, yellow or light-brown ants that are native to Africa, but which have been introduced to many other parts of the world, including Canada and the United States. They are typically between 1.5 and 2 mm in length, and they have two long, thin antennae and six legs.
Pharaoh ants are known for their ability to establish large, complex colonies, and for their ability to quickly adapt to changing environments. They are often found in hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities where they can access food and water. Pharaoh ants are also known to infest homes, where they can be a nuisance and a health hazard.
Pharaoh ants are omnivorous, and they will eat a wide variety of foods, including sweets, proteins, and grease. They are also known to feed on dead insects and other small animals. Pharaoh ants are known to carry and transmit a number of diseases, including salmonella, staphylococcus, and streptococcus.
Mice are small, carnivorous mammals that belong to the Rodentia family. They are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and agricultural lands, and they are one of the most successful mammal species on the planet. Mice have slender bodies, large ears, and long tails, and they are typically brown or gray in color. They have sharp teeth that they use to gnaw on wood, plants, and other materials, and their teeth grow continuously throughout their lifetime, making it important for them to chew regularly to keep them at a manageable length.
Mice are highly adaptable and have a reproductive rate that allows their populations to grow quickly. They are known for their ability to quickly populate new areas, and they can cause damage to crops, homes, and other structures.