Home Invaders

Ah, the Canadian winter, a season of cozy fires, snowball fights, and, unfortunately, unexpected houseguests in the form of insects and other creepy crawlers. While winter might make you think these little critters have all gone into hibernation, some pests still find their way indoors. Here are a few common household bugs you might spot during winter, or any time of year.

Cluster flies

These are like the uninvited party crashers of the insect world. Cluster flies sneak into your home seeking warmth and shelter from the cold. While they’re not harmful to humans or pets, they can be quite a nuisance. To get rid of cluster flies in winter, use fly traps and seal up any gaps or cracks in your walls and windows to prevent them from entering.

Asian lady beetles

These little red beetles seem harmless but can become quite the annoyance when they invade your home. They don’t pose a threat to humans or pets, but when disturbed, they can emit a foul-smelling liquid that stains. They like to spend winters in warm places, like our homes. To deter them, ensure your doors and windows are tightly sealed, and consider using a vacuum cleaner to remove them safely.

Silverfish

These tiny, silvery insects love to feast on paper and fabric, making them a real nuisance in the winter months. While they aren’t dangerous to humans or pets, they can damage belongings. To get rid of silverfish, keep your home dry and well-ventilated, and use traps or insecticides if needed.

House spiders

Spiders tend to hang around all year, but they might become more noticeable in winter as they seek out warmth. Most house spiders are harmless and even help control other insect populations. If you’d rather not share your space, remove them gently using a glass and a piece of paper, or use natural spider repellents.

Ants

Ants are resourceful little creatures. Even during the cold season, they can find their way into your kitchen. Some types, like the odorous house ant, might be attracted to your food. To keep ants out, store food in airtight containers and maintain a clean kitchen. If they persist, bait traps can help eliminate the problem.

House centipedes

House centipedes are those fast, leggy insects that can give you quite a startle when you spot them scurrying across your floor. The good news? They’re not harmful to humans or pets, and are actually beneficial because they prey on other household pests like ants, spiders, and roaches. To prevent centipede infestations, seal entry points and keep your home as dry as possible.

Box elder bugs

These bugs are a common sight outside during fall near box elder trees (also known as Manitoba maples) and can sometimes make their way indoors during the winter. They aren’t dangerous but can become a nuisance due to their sheer numbers. Vacuum them up if they bother you inside. Outside? Just look away. They congregate before winter, but they’ll be gone in a couple of weeks. (Picture at beginning of article.)

Pantry moths

These tiny moths often go unnoticed until you find them fluttering in your kitchen cabinets or pantry. They earn their name from their love of starchy foods like flour, grains, and cereal. They’re unwelcome pests that can contaminate your food. Pantry moths often come into your home as eggs in packaged food. Throw out any infested items and buy groceries from shops with high product turnover.