INSECTS AND RODENTS IN MONTREAL, LAVAL AND SURROUNDING AREA
Are you starting to notice unwanted insects or rodents in your restaurant or workspace in Montreal, Laval or surrounding areas? Don’t let these unwanted guests take over your professional environment. At Gestion Eureka Extermination Inc, we are here to help you identify and eliminate any type of insects and rodents invading your home or business. We understand that these pests can cause property damage and carry diseases, which is why our team of professionals is here to offer you fast and effective solutions to eliminate any infestation.
Contact us now for top quality recurring and preventative treatment for the extermination of harmful insects and rodents in your commercial spaces!
COCKROACHES
GERMAN COCKROACH
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Identification: German cockroaches are light brown in colour and about 1.5 cm long. They have two black stripes on their thorax. They have wings, but do not fly.
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Reasons for infiltration: German cockroaches are attracted to food, warmth and moisture. They can enter homes through cracks and openings, including following pipes and electrical cables. They reproduce quickly, which can lead to a large infestation.
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Dangers: German cockroaches can spread diseases and infections, including salmonella, by contaminating surfaces and food. They can also cause allergies and respiratory problems in some sensitive individuals.
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Actions to take: To prevent a German cockroach infestation, it is important to maintain good hygiene by cleaning surfaces regularly and storing food in airtight containers. It is also important to seal all openings and cracks in the home to prevent cockroaches from entering.
AMERICAN COCKROACH
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Identification: American cockroaches are reddish-brown in colour and about 3 cm long. They have an oval shape and long wings that cover their body.
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Reasons for infiltration: American cockroaches are attracted to garbage, food and moisture. They can enter homes through water pipes, drains and openings. They reproduce quickly, which can lead to a large infestation.
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Dangers: American cockroaches can transmit diseases and infections, including salmonella and dysentery, by contaminating surfaces and food. They can also cause allergies and respiratory problems in some susceptible individuals.
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Actions to take: To prevent an American cockroach infestation, it is important to maintain good hygiene by cleaning surfaces regularly and storing food in airtight containers. It is also important to seal all openings and cracks in the home to prevent cockroaches from entering.
ORIENTAL COCKROACHES
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Identification: Oriental cockroaches are dark brown or black in colour and about 3 to 4 cm in length. They have wings and can fly short distances.
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Reasons for infiltration: Oriental cockroaches seek warm, moist and dark places to breed and feed. They can enter buildings through ventilation openings, pipes and cracks.
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Dangers: These insects can cause health problems by contaminating food and surfaces with dangerous bacteria, such as salmonella and E. coli. They can also cause allergic reactions in some people.
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Actions to take: To prevent an oriental cockroach infestation, it is important to maintain a clean and dry environment, store food in airtight containers, repair water leaks, and seal cracks and openings in walls and floors.
ANTS
CARPENTER ANTS
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Identification: Carpenter ants are dark, black or dark red in colour. They can measure from 6 to 25 mm in length and vary in size between workers and breeders.
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Reasons for infiltration: Carpenter ants burrow into wood to build their nests. They can thus cause significant structural damage in wooden buildings.
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Dangers: Carpenter ants can cause significant damage to wooden structures by burrowing into the wood. This can weaken the foundation and make the building unstable.
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Actions to take: To prevent an infestation, it is important to eliminate all sources of moisture in the building, as carpenter ants are attracted to moisture. Trees, shrubs and woodpiles should also be kept away from buildings.
PHARAOH ANTS
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Identification: Pharaoh ants are small, measuring between 1.5 and 2 mm in length, yellow to light brown in colour with small, dark antennae.
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Reasons for infiltration: Pharaoh ants are attracted to food sources, especially sweet and fatty foods. They also feed on decaying organic matter.
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Dangers: Pharaoh ants can carry bacteria and germs in their bodies, contaminating surfaces and food they touch. They can also cause allergic reactions in some people.
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Actions to take: To prevent an infestation, it is important to maintain good hygiene by keeping surfaces clean and eliminating all food sources for ants. Cracks and holes in walls and floors should be sealed to prevent ants from entering.
PAVEMENT ANTS
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Identification: Pavement ants are blackish in colour, about 3 to 4 mm in length with folded antennae.
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Reasons for inflitration: Pavement ants are attracted to food sources, especially sweet and fatty foods. They also seek warm, dry places to build their nests.
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Dangers: Pavement ants can bite and cause allergic reactions in some people. They can also contaminate surfaces and foods they touch with bacteria and germs.
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Actions to take: To avoid an infestation, it is important to maintain good hygiene by keeping surfaces clean and eliminating all food sources for ants.
BLACK ANTS
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Identification: Black ants are small, about 2 to 3 mm long. They are black or dark brown in colour and have elbowed antennae.
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Reasons for infiltration: Black ants can settle in walls, floors, foundations and wooden structures. They search for food in homes, including sweets, pet food and food waste.
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Dangers: Black ants are not dangerous to humans, but they can cause material damage by digging tunnels in wooden structures and degrading thermal insulation.
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Actions to take: To prevent black ant infestation, it is recommended to regularly clean food surfaces, empty trash cans daily, and seal cracks and holes in walls and floors.
THIEF ANT
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Identification: Thief ants are red-brown in colour, about 5 mm long. They have powerful mandibles and a slender waist.
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Reasons for infiltration: Thief ants build their nests in sandy, dry soils and feed on small insects. They may enter homes to search for food and water.
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Dangers: Thief ants are not dangerous to humans, but they can bite if provoked. They can also cause property damage by burrowing into sandy soils.
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Actions to take: To prevent infestation of thief ants, it is recommended to regularly clean food surfaces, empty trash cans daily, and seal cracks and holes in walls and floors.
ODOROUS ANTS
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Identification: Odorous ants are dark brown to black in colour and about 3 mm in length. They have an oval body and a narrow head.
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Reasons for infiltration: Odorous ants are attracted to sweet food sources and moist places. They may also enter homes to seek shelter during extreme weather conditions.
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Dangers: Although odorous ants are not dangerous to human health, they can cause property damage by digging nests in walls and floors. In addition, their presence can be unpleasant due to the strong and unpleasant odour they give off when crushed.
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Actions to take: To avoid an infestation of odorous ants, it is important to keep surfaces clean and store food in airtight containers. It is also important to repair water leaks and keep damp areas well ventilated. If an infestation is already present, it is recommended to contact pest control professionals for effective elimination.
ARGENTINE ANTS
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Identification: Argentine ants are brownish to black in colour and about 2 to 3 mm long. They are easily identified by their smooth, round heads without ridges or bumps, and their mandibles which are not very visible.
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Reasons for infiltration: Argentine ants are attracted to food sources, especially sweets, fats, and proteins. They may also be attracted to warm, moist places, which often leads them to set up shop in kitchens and bathrooms.
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Dangers: Argentine ants are generally not dangerous to humans, but their presence can be annoying and they can contaminate food.
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Actions to take: To prevent an Argentine ant infestation, it is important to keep surfaces clean and store food properly. It is also recommended to seal cracks and crevices in walls and floors to prevent ants from entering.
FIELD ANTS
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Identification: Field ants are reddish-brown to black in colour and are about 3 to 6 mm long. They have a head that is larger than the rest of their body and large mandibles.
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Reasons for infiltration: Field ants are often attracted to wetlands, gardens, and wooded areas. They may also be attracted to food sources, such as food scraps.
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Dangers: Field ants can bite and sting humans, which can cause pain, redness and swelling. They can also damage plants and crops.
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Actions to take: To prevent a field ant infestation, it is important to keep feeding areas clean and store food properly. It is also recommended to keep gardens and wooded areas well maintained and to seal cracks and crevices in walls and floors to prevent ants from entering.
PANTRY PESTS
TRIBOLIUM
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Identification: The tribolium, also called mealworm, is a reddish-brown insect measuring about 3 mm long. It is recognizable by its cylindrical and elongated shape.
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Reasons for infiltration: The tribolium is an insect that settles in stocks of flour, seeds, dried fruits, spices and cereal products.
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Dangers: The tribolium is considered a food nuisance because it can contaminate stored food by leaving behind its droppings and body debris. It can also cause significant economic damage to businesses that store food products.
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Actions to take: To avoid tribolium infestations it is important to store food products in airtight containers, keep them at low temperatures and carry out regular cleaning of storage areas.
MEDITERRANEAN FLOUR MOTH
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Identification: The Mediterranean flour moth is a small, light brown moth with dark brown spots, measuring about 1 cm long.
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Reasons for infiltration: The Mediterranean flour moth settles in stocks of flour, cereals, pasta, rice and dried fruits.
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Dangers: The Mediterranean flour moth can contaminate stored food products by laying eggs, which can lead to rapid infestation and cause significant economic damage.
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Actions to take: To avoid infestation by the Mediterranean flour moth, it is important to store food products in airtight containers, keep them at low temperatures and regularly check stocks for any presence of insects.
INDIAN MEAL MOTH
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Identification: Indian meal moths are brown or grayish insects, about 8 to 10 mm in length. Adults have roof-shaped wings with a distinct dark band across their body.
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Reasons for infiltration: Indian meal moths feed on cereals and flour products. They can infest food storage silos and food processing warehouses.
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Dangers: Indian meal moths can cause significant economic damage by degrading grain and flour stocks. They can also contaminate food with droppings and hairs.
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Actions to take: Preventative measures to avoid Indian meal moth infestation include regular cleaning of food storage areas and using airtight containers for food storage. Insecticides can also be used to control insect populations.
WEEVIL
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Identification : Weevils are small insects, measuring about 2 to 3 mm in length. They have an elongated head and an oval body that is dark brown to black in colour.
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Reasons for infiltration: Weevils feed on various types of grains and seeds, including rice, corn and wheat. They can infest food storage warehouses and grain silos.
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Dangers: Weevils can cause damage to grain and food stocks, leading to loss of quality and contamination of food.
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Actions to take: To avoid weevil infestation, it is recommended to store food products in airtight containers and inspect them regularly. It is also important to clean storage areas and dispose of infested products.
SAWTOOTHED GRAIN BEETLE
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Identification: The sawtoothed grain beetle is a small brown insect, measuring about 3 mm in length. It has an oval shape and is recognizable by its serrated elytra.
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Reasons for infiltration: Sawtoothed grain beetles install themselves in grain stored in silos, warehouses, granaries or garages. They feed on the grain and can cause significant damage to crops and stored foods.
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Dangers: The sawtoothed grain beetle can cause significant economic losses due to the destruction of grain and stored food. Their presence can also contaminate food and cause health problems in humans and animals that consume it.
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Actions to take: To prevent infestation of sawtoothed grain beetles, it is important to store grains and feed in airtight containers and to clean storage areas regularly. The use of traps and insecticides can also be helpful in controlling their population.
LARDER BEETLE
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Identification: The larder beetle is a brown or black insect with a yellowish band on the elytra, measuring 6 to 9 mm, with an elongated and flat body.
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Reasons for installation: The larder beetle is a harmful and invasive insect that proliferates in homes, settling in kitchens, food stores, food packaging and cans. It feeds on protein-rich foods such as meat, ham, cakes, cheese and insects, as well as fur, hair and skin, hence its name.
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Dangers: Larder beetles can infest stored food and cause economic losses. The insect does not bite, but the hairs of the larva of the larder beetle can cause irritation or allergic reactions.
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Actions to take: To prevent larder beetle infestation in your kitchen, it is important to clean behind and inside furniture. Do not leave grease on the floor or walls, vacuum regularly and also seal vents, cracks, gaps and holes behind furniture.
WOOD PESTS
WHARF BORER
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Identification: The wharf borer is a small, dark brown beetle, measuring between 2 and 3 mm in length. It has an oval body, a prominent head and long antennae.
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Reasons for infiltration: The wharf borer is attracted to damp wood, which it uses to feed and reproduce. It can infest wooden structures of houses, furniture and beams.
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Dangers: Wharf borers do not pose a direct danger to humans or pets. However, their presence can indicate a moisture problem in wooden structures, which can lead to long-term structural damage.
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Actions to take: To prevent infestation by thewharf borer, it is important to maintain good ventilation and control humidity in wooden structures. Wooden furniture should also be stored in dry places.
BROWN POWDERPOST BEETLE
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Identification: The brown powderpost beetle is a small, light brown beetle, measuring between 2 and 5 mm in length. It has an elongated body, a prominent head and short antennae.
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Reasons for infiltration: This beetle is attracted to dry, hard wood, such as oak or beech. It can infest wooden furniture, floors and door frames.
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Dangers: Brown powderpost beetles can cause significant damage to wooden structures, digging tunnels to feed and breed. Their presence can weaken wooden furniture and structures, which can lead to long-term structural problems.
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Actions to take: To prevent brown powderpost beetle infestations, it is important to maintain good ventilation and control humidity in wooden structures. Wooden furniture should be stored in dry areas, and hardwoods such as oak or beech should be treated with wood preservatives.
DEATHWATCH BEETLE
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Identification: The deathwatch beetle measures between 10 and 20 mm, dark brown to black in colour, with elbowed antennae and spotted elytra.
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Reasons for infiltration: The larvae of the deathwatch beetle feed on wood, which often leads them to settle in wooden frames and furniture.
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Dangers: The deathwatch beetle can cause significant damage to wooden structures if it is not treated, which can lead to risks of weakening the construction elements.
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Actions to take: If the deathwatch beetle is present, it is important to call on a pest management professional for appropriate and effective treatment, in order to protect wooden structures.
COMMON FURNITURE BEETLE
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Identification: The common furniture beetle measures approximately 2 to 5 mm, dark brown to black in colour, with short antennae and striated elytra.
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Reasons for infiltration: The common furniture beetle infests wooden furniture, floors and door frames.
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Dangers: The common furniture beetle can cause aesthetic damage to wooden furniture and floors, and even risk collapse in extreme cases.
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Actions to take: If you suspect the presence of the common furniture beetle in your furniture or home, it is important to call a pest control professional for quick and effective treatment. Preventative measures such as storing furniture in a dry and ventilated place can also help prevent infestation.
LONGHORN BEETLE
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Identification: The house longhorn beetle is a dark brown to blackish insect. Its size can vary from 10 to 20 millimeters. It has thin antennae and striated elytra.
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Reasons for infiltration: The longhorn beetle usually settles in wooden frames or in old furniture. The larvae of the longhorn beetle feed on the wood and dig galleries, which can cause significant structural damage.
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Dangers: The longhorn beetle can cause considerable damage to wooden structures and furniture. The tunnels dug by the larvae weaken the wood, which can lead to cracking, sagging or even collapse. In addition, the longhorn beetle's droppings can stain wooden surfaces and cause unpleasant odours.
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Actions to take: It is recommended to call a professional to combat the longhorn beetle. Treatments vary depending on the severity of the infestation and may include the use of insecticides or specific traps. It is also important to regularly monitor the condition of wooden structures to detect any presence of longhorn beetles in time.
MOISTURE PESTS
HOUSE CENTIPEDE
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Identification: House centipedes are flat, elongated insects that can grow up to 5 cm in length. They have long, thin legs and their bodies are dark brown to black in colour, with yellow or orange stripes along their bodies.
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Reasons for infiltration: House centipedes often seek shelter in homes to feed on small insects, such as spiders, moths, cockroaches and mites.
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Dangers: Although the presence of house centipedes is not harmful to humans, it can indicate an insect infestation in the home.
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Actions to take: To prevent house centipedes from entering your home, it is important to maintain good hygiene and treat any insect infestations. Seal cracks and holes around doors and windows to prevent house centipedes from entering the home.
SILVERFISH
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Identification: The silverfish is a small, silvery, scaly insect that measures about 1 cm in length. They have a teardrop-shaped body shape and are equipped with three long antennae.
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Reasons for infiltration: Silverfish are often attracted to moisture and food in homes, such as food scraps and debris.
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Dangers: Although silverfish do not pose a danger to humans, their presence can be a sign of poor hygiene and can contaminate food.
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Actions to take: To prevent silverfish infestations, it is important to maintain good hygiene, store food properly, and keep storage areas clean and dry. Cracks and holes around doors and windows should also be sealed to prevent silverfish from entering.
PILLBUG
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Identification: Pillbugs are small terrestrial crustaceans, usually gray or brown in colour. They have a ball-shaped body and several pairs of short legs.
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Reasons for infiltration: Pillbugs often seek shelter in homes to protect themselves from heat and dryness. They are often attracted to damp and dark areas, such as basements and attics.
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Dangers: Although pillbugs are not dangerous to humans, their presence can indicate high humidity levels in the home and can contaminate food.
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Actions to take: To prevent pillbugs from invading your home, it is essential to maintain good hygiene and regularly clean dark and damp areas. It is also important to seal cracks and holes around doors and windows to prevent pillbugs from entering.
EARWIGS
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Identification: Measuring about 1.5 to 2 cm (0.59 to 0.79 in) in length with antennae that are about half as long, earwigs have an elongated, flattened body covered in a hard, shiny shell that is shades of brown and red.
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Reasons for infiltration: These insects settle in damp, cool places, gardens or outdoor fences in order to feed at dusk. They feed on tender shoots, leaves and flowers of flowering plants and vegetables, insect larvae, slug eggs and aphids.
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Dangers: Although they are harmless to humans, earwigs do invade homes and you may discover them in food, under your bed sheets or among your clothes.
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Actions to take: To get rid of earwigs, physical intervention is required in the environment and in your homes. You can use insecticides or call professionals for extermination. It is also recommended to repair outdoor faucets and rainwater downspouts, maintain your lawn and keep areas dry around foundations.
FLYING INSECTS
HORSEFLY
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Identification: Horseflies have translucent wings with dark spots and are about 2 to 2.5 cm in size. Females have powerful mandibles for biting and feeding on blood.
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Reasons for infiltration: Horseflies are often attracted to moist areas where they can breed and find food. They may also be attracted to animals, food waste and trash cans.
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Dangers: Horsefly bites are painful and can cause allergic reactions in some people. Horseflies can also transmit diseases such as bluetongue and tularemia.
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Actions to take: Horseflies can be prevented by keeping damp areas well ventilated and eliminating sources of stagnant water. It is also recommended to keep trash cans tightly closed and protect pets with repellents.
BUMBLEBEE
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Identification: Bumblebees are hairy, stocky insects that are about 2 to 3 cm long. They have short, broad wings, often black or brown with yellow bands.
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Reasons for infiltration: Bumblebees are often attracted to flowers and plants to feed on nectar. They may also build nests in trees, bushes or in the ground.
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Dangers: Bumblebees are not aggressive but can sting if threatened or feel in danger. Their stings can be painful and cause allergic reactions in some people.
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Actions to take: Bumblebees can be kept away by keeping plants well pruned and avoiding areas where they have built their nests. It is recommended not to provoke them and to wear protective clothing when working near nests.
BEE
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Identification: Bees are flying insects with hairy bodies and dark brown and yellow stripes. They can measure between 1 and 2.5 cm in length.
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Reasons for infiltration: Bees often settle in crevices of buildings, tree cavities or abandoned hives. They may also build hives in attics, walls and chimneys.
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Dangers: Bees are generally harmless if left undisturbed, but if threatened or their hive is disturbed, they can sting and cause allergic reactions in some people. Additionally, a bee infestation can damage building structures if they build their hive indoors.
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Actions to take: To prevent a bee infestation, it is important to seal all cracks and crevices in the walls and foundation of the building. If you find a bee hive, it is important not to disturb it and to contact pest control professionals to safely remove it.
WASP
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Identification: Wasps are bright yellow and black flying insects measuring between 1.5 and 3.5 cm in length. They have membrane wings and a distinct segmented body with a small waist and short antennae.
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Reasons for infiltration: Wasps are attracted to areas with food sources such as garbage, rotten fruit, sugary drinks, etc. They can build nests in the nooks and crannies of buildings as well as bushes and trees.
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Dangers: Wasp stings are painful and can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. Wasps can also cause structural damage to buildings when building their nests inside the building or attached to it.
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Actions to take: To prevent a wasp infestation, it's important to maintain a clean hygienic home, to cover all foods and keep garbage bins closed. It's also advised to fill in fissures and cracks in your house or building to prevent them from building a nest. If there is a wasp nest on your property, we advise contacting a pest control professional to remove it safely.
FLIES
SMALL FRUIT FLY
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Identification: The small fruit fly is a small yellowish-brown fly, measuring about 3 mm in length.
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Reasons for infiltration: Fruit flies are attracted to ripe fruit and rotting vegetables, as well as damp areas and food waste.
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Dangers: Although fruit flies are not dangerous to humans, their presence can be unpleasant and annoying in the kitchen or dining room.
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Actions to take: To prevent fruit flies from entering your home, it is important to throw away rotting fruits and vegetables, empty the trash regularly, and keep kitchen surfaces clean and dry.
HOUSE FLY
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Identification: The house fly is a small gray fly measuring about 6 to 7 mm in length.
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Reasons for infiltration: House flies are attracted to rotting food, food waste, animal droppings, and damp areas.
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Dangers: House flies can carry disease because they land on feces and other organic waste before settling on food or clean surfaces.
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Actions to take: To prevent house flies from entering your home, it is important to keep kitchen surfaces clean and dry, cover food, empty trash cans regularly, and treat damp areas.
BLACK FLY
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Identification: The black fly is a small black fly measuring approximately 3 to 5 mm in length.
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Reasons for infiltration: Black flies are attracted to damp areas and decaying organic matter.
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Dangers: Although black flies are not dangerous to humans, their presence can be unpleasant and annoying, especially if there are many of them.
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Actions to take: To prevent black flies from entering your home, it is important to keep damp areas clean and dry, empty trash cans regularly, and treat areas of infestation.
SCUTTLE FLY
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Identification: The scuttle fly is small and gray. It looks a lot like the house fly, but is smaller.
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Reasons for infiltration: Scuttle flies feed on decaying organic matter and are often found in trash cans, sewers and bathrooms.
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Dangers: Although the scuttle fly is not dangerous to humans, its presence can indicate poor hygiene and can contaminate food.
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Actions to take: To prevent scuttle fly infestation, it is important to keep trash cans and wet areas clean and dry. Drains should also be cleaned regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria.
CLUSTER FLY
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Identification: The cluster fly is a large black fly with yellow spots on the sides of the abdomen.
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Reasons for infiltration: Cluster flies feed on nectar and pollen and are often found in gardens.
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Dangers: Although the cluster fly is not dangerous to humans, it can be a vector for plant diseases.
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Actions to take: To prevent cluster fly infestation, it is important to maintain good hygiene in the garden and to regularly remove weeds.
YELLOW DUNG FLY
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Identification: The yellow dung fly is a small black fly with white stripes on its back.
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Reasons for infiltration: Yellow dung flies feed on fecal matter and are often found in barns, stables and fields.
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Dangers: Although the yellow dung fly is not dangerous to humans, it can spread diseases by landing on food.
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Actions to take: To prevent infestation of yellow dung flies, it is important to maintain good hygiene in barns and stables, remove waste regularly and keep stored food in sealed containers.
BLOW FLY
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Identification: The blow fly has a metallic green and blue body colour. It measures approximately 6 to 12 mm in length.
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Reasons for infiltration: Blow flies are attracted to food waste and decaying organic matter. They lay their eggs on these materials to use them as a food source for their larvae.
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Dangers: Although blow flies are not directly dangerous to humans, their presence can indicate poor hygiene and they can contaminate food by landing on it.
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Actions to take: To prevent blow flies from taking hold, it is important to maintain good hygiene, dispose of food waste properly and regularly clean areas where flies could lay their eggs.
DRAIN FLY
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Identification: Drain flies, also called sewer gnats, have a similar appearance to mosquitoes, but their bodies are smaller (about 2–5 mm in length) and their wings are broader.
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Reasons for infiltration: Drain flies are attracted to damp, dark areas, such as bathrooms and drains. They lay their eggs in decaying organic matter present in these areas.
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Dangers: Although drain flies are not dangerous to humans, their presence can indicate excessive humidity in the home and they can contaminate food by landing on it.
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Actions to take: To prevent the installation of drain flies, it is important to maintain good hygiene and keep damp and dark areas clean and dry. Drains should also be cleaned regularly.
FLESH FLY
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Identification: Flesh flies have a gray or black body and measure about 8 to 10 mm in length.
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Reasons for infiltration: Flesh flies are attracted to rotting meat and food waste, which they use as a food source and to lay their eggs.
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Dangers: Although flesh flies are not dangerous to humans, their presence can indicate poor hygiene and they can contaminate food by landing on it.
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Actions to take: To prevent the establishment of flesh flies, it is important to dispose of food waste correctly and to regularly clean areas where flies could lay their eggs.
CRANE FLY
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Identification: Crane flies, also known as "Mayflies" or "giant mosquitoes," are flying insects in the family Tipulidae. They are often mistaken for mosquitoes because of their appearance, but unlike mosquitoes, they do not bite humans.
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Reasons for infiltration: Crane flies lay their eggs in moist soil, and their larvae feed on plant roots. They are often attracted to wet areas, gardens and lawns.
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Dangers: Although crane flies do not bite humans, their larvae can cause damage to plant roots, which can lead to growth and health problems for the plants.
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Actions to take: To prevent a crane fly infestation, it is important to reduce humidity in areas of your property and regularly monitor the health of your plants. If you notice damage to plant roots, you may want to consider treating your lawn or garden with insecticides or calling in a professional for more effective intervention.
BED BUGS
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Identification: The bed bug is a small, flat, oval, brownish insect, measuring about 4 to 5 mm in length. It can be identified by its flat body, six legs and two antennae.
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Reasons for infiltration: Bed bugs are often transported in luggage, clothing or second-hand furniture. They can also travel between homes via walls, baseboards and electrical outlets.
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Dangers: Although bed bugs do not transmit diseases, their presence can cause health problems such as rashes, itching, and sleep disturbances. They can also cause property damage by infesting mattresses, furniture, and clothing.
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Actions to take: To prevent bed bug infestation, it is recommended to regularly inspect second-hand furniture before purchasing it, wash sheets and blankets regularly, and vacuum carpets and curtains regularly. If an infestation is confirmed, it is recommended to call a professional exterminator to eliminate bed bugs.
RODENTS
DEER MOUSE
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Identification: The deer mouse is a species of mouse that is grayish-brown in colour with a lighter belly. It measures about 10 cm in length, with a tail of the same length.
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Reasons for infiltration: Deer mice can be attracted to garden debris, compost bins, shrubs and bushes. They often seek shelter to protect themselves from predators and extreme weather conditions.
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Dangers: Deer mice can transmit diseases such as leptospirosis and hantavirus, in addition to causing property damage by chewing electrical wires, pipes and furniture.
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Actions to take: To eliminate deer mice, it is important to remove all yard debris and keep shrubs trimmed. Cracks and holes in the walls and foundation of the house should be sealed. Mouse traps and repellents can also be used.
WHITE-FOOTED MOUSE
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Identification: The white-footed mouse is a small, brownish-gray mouse with large ears and long white hind legs. It measures about 9 cm in length, with a tail of the same length.
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Reasons for infiltration: White-footed mice often seek out a warm, dry place to nest. They can squeeze through cracks and holes in the house, or be accidentally transported in luggage and boxes.
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Dangers: White-footed mice can transmit diseases such as salmonella and foot-and-mouth disease, and cause property damage by chewing electrical wires and pipes.
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Actions to take: To eliminate white-footed mice, it is important to seal all cracks and holes in the walls and foundation of the house. Mouse traps and repellents can also be used. It is also important to keep the house clean and tidy to avoid attracting mice.
BROWN RAT
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Identification: The brown rat is a large, grayish-brown rat that can grow up to 25 cm in length, with a 20 cm tail.
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Reasons for infiltration: Brown rats often seek out warm, dry places to nest, such as attics, basements, and outbuildings. They may also enter homes in search of food.
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Dangers: Brown rats can transmit diseases to humans, including salmonella, leptospirosis and hemorrhagic fever. They can also damage electrical wiring and house structures by gnawing on them.
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Actions to take: To prevent a brown rat infestation, it is important to maintain good hygiene in the home and keep food stored in airtight containers. Cracks and holes around doors and windows should be sealed to prevent rats from entering. Using bait traps is an effective method of capturing brown rats, although it is recommended to call a professional to deal with severe infestations.
FLEAS
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Identification: Fleas are small (2-3 mm), wingless insects that are often dark brown in colour. They have powerful legs that allow them to jump easily from one host to another.
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Reasons for infiltration: Fleas feed on the blood of mammals and birds and can therefore be found on domestic animals such as dogs and cats, as well as in infested homes. Fleas can be carried by stray animals or people who have been in contact with afflicted animals.
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Dangers: Flea bites can cause itching, redness and irritation of the skin. In severe cases, fleas can transmit diseases such as plague and murine typhus.
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Actions to take: To eliminate fleas, it is important to treat both pets and the environment in which they live. Pet flea products can help kill adult fleas, while professional treatments may be necessary to eliminate flea eggs and larvae in carpets, furniture, and other areas of the home.
LONESTAR TICK
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Identification: Lonestar ticks are arachnids that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and reptiles. They have a flat, oval body that expands when they feed, and can measure up to 1 cm long.
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Reasons for infiltration: Ticks are found in wooded areas, forests and meadows, where they can easily attach themselves to animals and humans that pass by. Ticks can also be carried by pets that have been in contact with them.
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Dangers: Ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tick-borne encephalitis. Tick bites can also cause itching, redness, and irritation of the skin.
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Actions to take: To prevent tick bites, it is recommended to wear protective clothing, use insect repellents and stay on marked trails. It is also important to regularly check pets for ticks and remove them immediately if found.
BLACK-LEGGED TICK
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Identification: Unfed adult female black-legged ticks are about 3 to 5 mm in length and are dark reddish-brown in colour. Adult male black-legged ticks are smaller than females and are all dark brown in colour. They are spider-like parasites and can jump or fly.
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Reasons for infiltration: Settling in tall grass, wooded areas or brush, black-legged ticks feed on the blood of animals and humans. They then climb onto the host's body and attempt to attach and feed over a period of several days.
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Dangers: A tick bite does not necessarily result in the transmission of a disease, but if they are infected with a pathogen, they can cause infection in their host through feeding. Only the nymph and adult tick can transmit the infection (the larva must acquire the pathogen through feeding).
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Actions to take: To eliminate black-legged ticks, use effective antiparasitics such as anti-tick for outdoor areas of your homes. You can also plant plants that naturally repel ticks: rosemary, lavender, lemon balm, thyme, wormwood, geranium, lemongrass and make sure to wear long clothes when you do outdoor activities.