Insects

COMMON INSECTS

Is it a bee or a wasp? Will it bite? Is it a pest? Is it beneficial?

Insects and other invertebrates are all around us. Some are familiar, but most go about their lives mostly unnoticed.
As with all wildlife, the key to successful co-existence is to begin by understanding each species, its life and habits, and its unique niche in the ecosystem.

Did you know? Many wasp species prey on insects that are considered pests of vegetable and fruit crops

Some of the more commonly noticed insects include

Mosquitos and other biting flies

• Mosquitos are a common feature of Canadian summers. Cool wet weather brings them on in abundance. Mosquitos and their larvae are an important food source for many other creatures
• Strategies for control of mosquitos in your urban yard include
  • Eliminate stagnant water (mosquitos begin their life cycle underwater). Even small amounts of water such as may be found in gutters, old tires and garbage, can be breeding grounds for mosquitos
  • Encourage predators, such as dragonflies, barn swallows and bats
  • Ensure that window screens and storm doors have no gaps that mosquitos can get through

• Other biting flies include black flies, horse flies and midges (no-see-ums). These are more rare in urban settings, but are commonly encountered in rural and wilderness areas. Hats fitted with insect netting are recommended.

Other flies

• "Flies" include a very large number of species. Most go about their lives unobserved, and most are quite harmless to humans
• Some flies look similar to bees or mosquitos, but do not sting or bite
• Several species of "house flies" are common in and around houses. Good housekeeping keeps their numbers low
  
  

Bees

• Domesticated honeybees are the most familiar species of bee, but many wild bee species also live among us. These range widely in size and appearance, from large bumblebees to tiny leaf-cutter bees.
• Unlike wasps (see below) bees are not aggressive and will generally not sting unless provoked. Many wild bee species do not sting at all.
• Bees are among the most important pollinators, and are of vital importance in the ecosystem. Approximately 75 percent of food crops depend on the pollination services of bees and other insects
  

Wasps

• A wasp is not a bee! Bees are mostly pollinators, while wasps are mainly predators. Wasps and bees are both members of the Hymenoptera order of insects
• Most wasp species live quiet lives and attract no notice from humans.
• Paper Wasps, Yellowjackets and Hornets are the notorious outdoor-party-crashers with the painful sting. Their paper nests are a familiar sight, especially in hot dry summers.
  • Control of offending colonies is best done at night, while the wasps are less active
  • A successful non-poisonous strategy involves using a shop-vac to trap the insects as they leave the nest.
    

Ants

• Ants are among the most populous species on earth, and fill a wide variety of ecological niches.
• In your home, ants are unwelcome guests. Some, like Carpenter ants, can cause serious damage.
• Gardeners are often concerned about ants in the yard and garden. However, the benefits may outweigh the harm in many cases.
  

Butterflies and moths

• These are among the most spectacular members of the insect world, in a wide range of species. Read more here about moths and butterflies
• Many species are important pollinators, along with bees and certain flies
• A few, like the cabbage moth, can be a serious pest in the garden, and various effective organic control measures are available

Spiders

• These are not insects (count the legs!)
• Poisonous spiders, like the Black Widow, are very rare in Canada. Some spiders can indeed bite when handled, resulting in temporary localized swelling.
• Spiders are very effective at controlling insects, and are considered mainly beneficial.

Leave the insecticide on the shelf!

• Improper use of pesticides has resulted in widespread damage to the earth's biological systems.
  • At the local level, insecticides intended to kill a perceived pest very often harm beneficial species, as well as pets and children.
  • Worldwide, the cumulative effects of such toxins is substantial.

• For most domestic purposes, various non-toxic control measures are effective, safe and affordable. The first step is to properly identify the insect in question, and determine whether an effort at control is even necessary
• Where a serious need for chemical control exists, leave the handling of pesticides to the experts. (Fumigation of buildings to kill cockroaches and bedbugs is one example of professional services available when needed).