Hey Edmonton neighbours! Dealing with unwanted house guests of the creepy-crawly kind? You’re definitely not alone. As pest control experts who’ve served Edmonton for over a decade, we’ve seen firsthand which pests love our city just as much as we do. Let’s talk about the most common pest infestations in Edmonton and how you can spot them before they become a big problem. This is part of our comprehensive guide to pest control in Edmonton
The “Edmonton Top 5” Most Common Pests
1. Ants: The Persistent Visitors
Ever noticed a tiny trail of ants marching through your kitchen? In Edmonton, ant problems are about as common as Oilers fans! Here’s what you need to know:
What They Love:
- Kitchen crumbs (especially in Mill Woods and Highlands homes)
- Moist wood around house foundations
- Sweet spills and pet food
- Gaps around windows and doors
Warning Signs:
- Trails of ants along baseboards
- Small piles of dirt near walls
- Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
- Ants in your pet’s food bowl
2. Mice: The Unwanted Roommates
When Edmonton temperatures drop (and boy, do they drop!), mice start looking for warm places to call home.
Favourite Hideouts:
- Riverdale basements
- Westmount attics
- Behind kitchen appliances
- Inside wall cavities
How to Spot Them:
- Droppings that look like dark rice grains
- Gnaw marks on food packages
- Scratching sounds in walls at night
- Greasy rub marks along baseboards
3. Wasps: The Summer Party Crashers
Nothing ruins an Edmonton patio season quite like wasps! These striped troublemakers are most active when we want to be outside too.
Where They Hang Out:
- Under eaves and soffits
- In garden sheds
- Around deck railings
- Near flowering plants
Red Flags:
- Paper-like nests in corners
- Increased wasp activity around your home
- Wasps entering/exiting the same spot
- Aggressive behaviour near food areas
4. Bed Bugs: The Sneaky Travelers
These tiny hitchhikers can show up in any Edmonton neighbourhood, from Oliver to Bonnie Doon.
Common Hiding Spots:
- Mattress seams and headboards
- Couch cushions and seams
- Behind baseboards
- Around electrical outlets
Signs to Watch For:
- Small blood stains on sheets
- Dark spots on mattresses
- Itchy red bites in lines or clusters
- Shell casings on bed frames
5. Spiders: The Unexpected Guests
While most Edmonton spiders are harmless, nobody wants them setting up shop in their home!
Where They Hide:
- Basement corners
- Garden-level windows
- Garage doorways
- Storage areas
What to Look For:
- Cobwebs in corners
- Egg sacs in hidden spots
- Increased fly activity
- Webs near outdoor lights
Seasonal Pest Calendar: What to Watch For
Spring (March-May)
- Ants waking up and searching for food
- Wasps starting new nests
- Mice looking for new homes
- Spider activity increasing
Prevention Tips:
- Seal winter-damaged entry points
- Clean up winter debris
- Check window screens
- Remove standing water
Summer (June-August)
- Peak wasp activity
- Ant colonies in full swing
- Spider populations growing
- Increased fly problems
Stay Protected:
- Keep food covered outdoors
- Maintain yard cleanliness
- Check for wasp nests regularly
- Keep garbage sealed
Fall (September-November)
- Mice seeking winter shelter
- Spiders moving indoors
- Wasps becoming aggressive
- Boxelder bugs clustering
Take Action:
- Seal entry points
- Clean up fallen fruit
- Store firewood away from house
- Check weather stripping
Winter (December-February)
- Indoor mouse activity
- Cluster flies in attics
- Spiders in basements
- Occasional cockroach issues
Winter Tips:
- Monitor indoor heating areas
- Check holiday decorations
- Keep foundation snow-free
- Watch for roof ice dams
When to Call the Pros
While some pest problems can be handled DIY-style, others need expert help. Call professional pest control when:
- You’re seeing pests despite DIY efforts
- There are signs of multiple nests or colonies
- You have recurring pest problems
- Pests are in hard-to-reach places
- You’re concerned about health risks
- Prevention efforts aren’t working
Need Help?
Not sure what pest you’re dealing with? Or maybe you know what it is but don’t know where to start? Our Edmonton pest control experts are here to help! We offer free inspections and can create a custom plan to get rid of your unwanted guests.
Want to protect your Edmonton home or business from pests? Let’s chat! Call us at 780-399-3040 or click here for a free consultation.
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