Pest Insights from Orkin Canada

Spring is the perfect time to get the garden tools out and start getting the garden box ready to grow some vegetables and your favourite flowers. You might do this every year, or this is your first attempt at gardening, regardless of your experience level, we're here to help you keep pests out. Our experienced Ph.d. entomologist Alice Sinia has put together a few easy and simple tips keep your garden pest free.

The Spongy moth (formerly the European Gypsy Moth) is a non-native defoliating insect that feeds on a variety of tree species found in the Greater Toronto Area. They are an invasive insect from Europe that were accidentally introduced in North America in the 1860s during an attempt to rear an alternative silk-producing insect. They feed on a wide range of hardwood trees, as well as evergreen trees, but show a preference to oak trees. Before you start running for the hills because these pests are invading your green spaces, we have put together a quick 101 on everything you need to know about Spongy Moths.

Bed bugs are extremely efficient hitch hikers. They can move easily across a room and climb onto luggage or anything left on a bed in just one night.

Winter can be a time of good cheer and spending time with the people you love, but even though the weather may be colder, it does not mean that your home is immune to uninvited pests. With pests looking to escape the cold weather, your home can be the prime environment to nest and forage until the weather gets warmer again. Using over 65+ years of pest control experience, we have put together a list of expert tips to help prevent pests from invading your home during the winter.

Rodents are disease-carrying machines that spread viruses and bacteria everywhere they go. If there are rodents making your home their own, you are likely to come across rodent droppings. But don’t reach for the paper towels just yet – these droppings can spread harmful airborne particles that could get you and your family sick. To protect the health of your household, learn how to properly remove rodent remnants from your home.

Pests of all kinds are not just a nuisance, but they can have a devastating impact on your business--from the health of your employees, the structural integrity of your property, to your reputation and ultimately, your finances. No matter your work environment, pests do not discriminate, so it’s important for you and your staff to understand the elements of an effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.

Stored product pests like beetles, moths and weevils are known to infest whole grains or processed foods kept in a pantry or food storage facility. These pests can penetrate packaging and cause major damage to stored goods, resulting in lost product and profits, and sometimes even allergic reactions from their food contamination. These pests can also breed rapidly, causing populations to spike quickly, so it’s important to know how to spot their presence and activity before a full-blown infestation occurs. Take this quiz to test your knowledge of stored product pests and learn more about how to prevent them.

To some, fruit flies are probably the most headache inducing pest to deal with. What these flies lack in stinging or biting power, they more than make up for in being a consistent nuisance in your home or business. Using our industry knowledge and expertise, we have put together five easy tips to keep fruit flies out of your kitchen. 

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been immediate, and long lasting, with businesses having to adjust the way operations take place. While for you and I the impact has been quite easy to see; from wearing masks and carrying sanitizer wherever you go to avoiding contact with others. The one aspect that often is overlooked is the impact the pandemic has had on rodents, as these pesky pests are having to adapt like everyone else

Though cluster flies (sometimes referred to as black eyed or lethargic flies) do not pose a significant health threat, they can be a nuisance. Named for their tendency to cluster together in groups while overwintering indoors, these insects can take over your home or business if not dealt with right away. Using over 65+ years of pest control experience, we’ve put together some of the most effective tips to get rid of cluster flies in your home or business.