The most common pests in Winnipeg include:
Mosquitoes: Abundant during warmer months, especially near water bodies, mosquitoes breed in stagnant water and can transmit diseases such as West Nile Virus.
Wasps and Hornets: Active mainly in late summer and fall, these insects build nests in eaves, siding, or lawns and pose sting risks, especially to allergic individuals.
Bed Bugs: Winnipeg has one of the highest bed bug problems in Canada. These pests hide in mattresses and furniture, feeding on human blood and causing itchy bites. They spread easily via clothing and luggage and are difficult to eradicate without professional help.
Spiders: Mostly harmless, spiders help control other insect populations but some species may cause allergic reactions from bites. Dangerous spiders are rare.
Mice: Common in Winnipeg homes, mice enter through small gaps seeking warmth and food. They contaminate food, damage property, and can carry diseases like hantavirus and salmonella.
Rats (Norway rats): Adapted to urban environments, these rodents damage property by gnawing and spread diseases such as leptospirosis and salmonellosis. They inhabit sewers, basements, and gardens.
Cockroaches: Including American, German, and Oriental species, cockroaches thrive in warm, moist environments like under sinks and water meter boxes. They contaminate food and surfaces and are challenging to eliminate.
Other insects on trees and plants: Common tree pests include spring and fall cankerworms, aphids, scale insects, leaf miners, and spruce budworm, which affect urban trees and shrubs but are less of a household nuisance.
These pests vary seasonally, with rodents seeking indoor shelter in fall and mosquitoes and wasps more active in summer. Effective control often requires professional pest management due to health risks and difficulty of eradication.