RADAR
Bug Off!
Get the real buzz on summer insects.
By Sean Deasy | Illustrations by Guilherme Henrique
CANADIAN SUMMERS ARE BELOVED but all too brief. Don’t let pesky insects ruin our limited time to savour the season. Sure, some of them are beneficial — earwigs, for instance, feed on plant-eating aphids — but they’re still bugs we need to monitor. So, whether you’re camping, cottaging or just relaxing in the backyard, watch out for these key culprits — mosquitoes, black flies, wasps, fleas and the aforementioned earwigs. Here’s how to ward them off.
Mosquitoes
WHAT: A mosquito bite can be quite itchy and, for some people, can trigger allergic reactions. Mosquitoes can also spread diseases like the West Nile virus. These annoying insects locate their target (your bare skin) with a receptor that detects carbon dioxide, temperature, body odours and movement.
WHEN: Abundant from May to September in most parts of Canada, mosquitoes can be active any time of day, and their peak period of activity is from dusk until dawn. They also favour shaded areas and overcast days and avoid hot sunny days, which can dry them out and kill them.
PREVENTION: Make sure to eliminate pools of standing water, which are ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Also consider using eco-friendly products, such as mosquito traps and citronella candles to keep these insects at bay.
Black flies
WHAT: These small, typically dark-coloured bugs belong to the Simuliidae insect family. In Canada, there are 162 (of the more than 2,300 worldwide) species of black flies, some of which are known for biting and sucking their victim’s blood, not unlike mosquitoes. Black flies vary in length, from two to six millimetres, and typically have large wings, large eyes and short antennae.
WHEN: The season for black flies in Saskatchewan is from late May to early June, and they are most active on hot, humid days.
PREVENTION: The peak period of black fly activity is daytime hours. Use insect repellent and cover exposed skin with long sleeves and long pants. If you’re going to be outside for a lengthy period, consider donning the fine mesh netting that beekeepers wear over their heads.
Wasps
WHAT: Here in Canada, there are more than 500 species of wasps, most of which live in colonies by the thousands. The peak period for wasps is late summer to early fall. That’s when wasp colonies are at their largest and on the hunt for food.
WHEN: During wasp season, these pollinating insects are building nests, seeking food and feeding their larvae. Though crucial in maintaining natural plant communities, wasps can be dangerous when threatened. They’re generally harmless to humans but pose life-threatening risks to those with a wasp-sting allergy.
PREVENTION: The key to eliminating wasps from your outdoor space is to remove their hive, which should only be done if the presence of wasps is a real danger. And it’s always best to hire a professional for removing a wasp hive.
Earwigs
WHAT: Earwigs comprise the insect order Dermaptera, with about 2,000 species in 12 families. They feed on plants and vegetation, which can potentially damage crops and gardens. When it’s hot and dry, earwigs tend to seek shelter indoors, including houses, sheds and garages.
WHEN: Earwigs are mostly nocturnal, typically hiding in small, moist crevices during the day and feeding on a wide variety of insects and plants at night. They thrive on humid conditions in summer, when there’s more decaying organic matter to sustain them.
PREVENTION: Fill gaps and cracks around doors, windows, foundations, pipes and other entry points to your home, using high-quality caulk and putty. Repair damaged screens and make sure they fit into their frames securely. Install door sweeps and weather stripping. Utilize a dehumidifier indoors, especially in moisture-prone areas like basements. Cut back plants and shrubs outside of your home and workplace. Frequently dispose of or compost yard waste.
Pets’ Pest: Fleas
WHAT: Sadly, our pets don’t escape pest season. The key culprit? The flea, the common name for the order Siphonaptera, which includes 2,500 species of small flightless insects. Fleas are parasitic, feeding by sucking blood from mammals and birds. Adult fleas typically feed several times a day, and their bites can cause itchiness and irritation. Different flea species move in different ways — mainly jumping and crawling — and will spend much of their entire life on a host.
WHEN: Fleas are a year-round pest; however, they have a more prominent presence in the summer months when pets (potential hosts) are exploring and playing outdoors with an increased chance of encountering other animals that could be carrying fleas.
PREVENTION: To prevent your pet from getting fleas during flea season, consider a flea collar. You can also reduce the chance of having fleas in your home by regularly inspecting your pet’s coat. Use a flea comb to check for black particles the size of ground pepper on your pet's skin near the neck and tail. As well, it’s worth consulting your vet to recommend an effective topical flea treatment. CAA