Occasional Invaders
Seasonal pests that enter homes during specific conditions
Boxelder Bug
Boisea trivittata
A striking black and red true bug that aggregates in massive numbers on sunny building surfaces in fall. Feeds on seeds of Manitoba Maple (Boxelder) and related trees. Harmless but can stain surfaces if crushed.
Carpet Beetle
Attagenus unicolor (Black Carpet Beetle), Anthrenus verbasci (Varied Carpet Beetle)
Small, oval beetles whose larvae feed on natural fibers, causing damage to carpets, clothing, and upholstery. Adults are harmless but larvae can destroy woolens, furs, and other household fabrics.
Clothes Moth
Tineola bisselliella (Webbing Clothes Moth)
A small golden-buff moth whose larvae feed on natural animal fibers including wool, fur, silk, and feathers. Adults are 6-8mm with a distinctive aversion to light. Larvae create silken feeding tubes and cause irregular holes in garments.
Cluster Fly
Pollenia rudis
An overwintering fly that aggregates in large numbers on warm building surfaces in autumn. Unlike house flies, cluster flies are not associated with filth - their larvae parasitize earthworms in soil.
European Earwig
Forficula auricularia
A common garden pest recognizable by its prominent pincers. Despite its menacing appearance, it is harmless to humans and often enters homes seeking moisture.
Fruit Fly
Drosophila melanogaster
A tiny, ubiquitous household fly that breeds rapidly in fermenting fruit, vegetables, and sugary liquids. Also known as vinegar flies due to their attraction to fermentation. Despite their small size, they can quickly explode into large populations indoors.
House Centipede
Scutigera coleoptrata
A fast-moving, long-legged predator that hunts other household pests. Despite its alarming appearance, it is a beneficial insect that rarely bites humans. Its presence often indicates other pest populations nearby.
Indian Meal Moth
Plodia interpunctella
The most common pantry pest in Canada. These small moths infest stored food products, with larvae spinning silken webbing throughout contaminated foods. Also known as pantry moths, flour moths, or grain moths.
Silverfish
Lepisma saccharina
A primitive, wingless insect covered in metallic silver scales. Thrives in humid environments and feeds on starchy materials including paper, books, and wallpaper paste.