The number of bugs and insects that can be found in Canada may surprise you. Although most are harmless and most humans do not even notice them, a few can be far more annoying and even cause illness or death. 

We thought we would give you a quick overview of the most common ones as this is the season when they are most active and many Canadian residents are cursing and swatting the little blighters as we speak. 

Mosquito 

This is probably the most common of all the flying insects found in Canada. Mosquitoes or mozzies as they are affectionately known can be a problem in most areas of Canada, even in the far north during the warmer weather. If fact you will find mozzies in Canada anytime from early spring to late fall, depending on the weather conditions. 

There are 74 known species of mosquito in Canada, although not all are found in all areas of the country. They are attracted to carbon dioxide (CO2), which unfortunately, we humans expel when we breathe. They are not attracted to other types of CO2 such as car exhausts because they also match the CO2 with other attractants such as heat, lactic acid and water vapour, all of which together are emitted by humans and other animals. 

You will find most mosquitoes active during dawn and dusk and for some lucky people they are simply an annoying insect buzzing around their heads. For the majority of humans, however mosquitoes equal mosquito bites and for a minority of people these bites can result in serious health issues. 

Mosquitoes bite humans and other animals because they feed on blood in order to reproduce. It is only the females of the species that bites and within hours of biting can lay as many as 300 eggs, a cycle which she repeats throughout the warmer months. Male mozzies feed on nectar and plant juices and are not a problem. 

Although it may seem that mozzies target humans specifically, it is actually birds they prefer, with rodents as a second choice. It is their love of birds that has led them to be carriers of West Nile Virus, which is carried by birds and transferred to mosquitoes when they feed. 

If a mosquito bites you, you will get a raised lump at the site of the bite that may expand into a larger inflamed area surrounding it. Although the area may itch for a few hours or even days, generally it is more of an inconvenience than a health issue. It is the saliva of the mosquito that causes the itching and you will continue to itch until your immune system breaks down the saliva proteins. 

Upon being bitten you should wash the area with water and a mid soap and avoid scratching, as this will make it worse. There are many over-the-counter topical creams you can use to treat the bite and normally no medical attention is needed. If however you feel dizzy, nauseous or if the bite occurs where swelling could cause breathing difficulties, then immediate medical attention should be sought. 

Mosquitoes can carry diseases as we have mentioned. The main concern for Canadians is West Nile Virus. This disease is carried by birds and transferred to mosquitoes and then to humans. Of the 74 species of mosquito found in Canada, only ten are known to carry the virus and it is estimated that of those only 1% in any given area will be infected. 

The majority of people bitten by an infected mosquito (80%) will suffer no ill effect and may not even be aware they have been infected. Some (20%) may produce mild flu-like symptoms, but an unlucky few (-1%) will develop major symptoms such as inflammation of the spine and brain. The very young and the elderly are most at risk and the symptoms can result in paralysis and brain damage. Around 10% of the people contracting the most sever form of West Nile Virus will die. 

In order to protect you and your family from mosquitoes there are certain things you can do, first and foremost is avoiding mosquitoes in the first place. Use a recognised insect repellent that contains DEET, wear light coloured clothing with long sleeves and trousers. Do not use heavy fragrances that can attract mozzies and avoid going outside at dawn and dusk when they are most active. 

You should also make sure your property is not a mosquito magnet. They love nothing more than standing water in which they lay their eggs, so make sure your property is free of it. Do not leave containers outside collecting water, empty flowerpots, bins, car tyres, barrels etc. Clean out your eaves trough regularly to prevent clogs and keep the surface water of a pond moving by using a pump or aerator. 

Black Flies 

Black flies are one of the most annoying insects found in Canada as during the summer months they can accumulate in huge numbers and make outdoor activities almost unbearable. 

Although black flies are around during the day and will bite during the day, they are more of a problem in the evenings, but are seldom a problem after dark. They have an annoying tendency to crawl into clothing and hair and their constant buzzing is a major irritant. 

They can be found in all parts of Canada and the southern areas will see the black fly much earlier in the year than northern areas. There are over 100 species of black fly in Canada, most of which preferring the blood of birds to that of humans. 

Black flies do not carry the diseases that mosquitoes do and so their bites are generally just an annoying fact of life. 

As with mosquitoes you can avoid getting bitten by using repellents that contain DEET and wearing light coloured clothing. Tuck trouser legs into socks and wear long sleeves that close at the wrist to prevent the creatures from crawling inside. Wear a hat or cap, preferably sprayed with DEET to stop then getting into your hair. 

Ticks 

Ticks are biting insects similar to fleas of which there are 40 species in Canada. They feed on blood and are attracted to humans and animals. They are generally found in grass and foliage and sit in wait of a passing animal or human. As a potential host walks past the tick will attach itself to the host and begin feeding. 

They are most common between May and September and can vary in size from pinhead to 20 mm or more when engorged with blood. Many people and particularly animals do not initially notice they have been bitten. People with pets should regularly check them for ticks. Ticks can carry many diseases for both humans and animals, many very serious. 

Tularemia, also known as rabbit fever can be transmitted to large mammals and humans. Symptoms include pain and fever with swelling of the lymph glands. The effects can last up to two months, but full recovery is normal. 

Another disease carried by ticks is tick paralysis, which causes numbness in the feet and legs resulting in difficulty in walking. The numbness then spreads to the arms and hands and then to the throat, which can result in difficulty breathing. Once the throat and tongue are affected the patient is in danger of respiratory failure and ultimately death and the tick should be located and removed immediately. Once the tick is removed the patient will recover. 

Lyme disease is also carried by ticks and causes the patient to feel fatigue with headaches and stiff muscles. Other symptoms include swollen glands, fever and skin rashes. It is worth noting that the tick has to have been feeding off the person for 24 hours before lyme disease is contracted. Early detection and the use of antibiotics will usually cure the disease and patients will suffer no ill effects. However, if left untreated, the patient can suffer from arthritis, cardiac disease and neurological disorders in the long-term. 

To avoid the potential problems ticks can cause it is important to make sure they do not get the chance to attach themselves to you or your pet. Wear long trousers, sleeves and DEET repellent to protect yourself. Wear light coloured clothing so any ticks can be seen easier. 

Check animals regularly, especially if they have been in long grass and remove any ticks immediately. They can be safely removed from animals and humans by using tweezers, making sure you grasp the tick close to your skin and pull away removing all of the tick. Make sure you are not leaving anything behind such as the mouthparts as this can cause infection. Do not crush the tick. Once removed wash the areas with war, soapy water or alcohol. Never be tempted to remove a tick using a hot match, nail polish etc. 

Deer and Horse Flies 

There are around 135 species of deer and horse flies in Canada, most of which do not bite. They are most common between June and August and plague livestock such as cows and horses. A cow can loose a quarter of a litre of blood a day when under attack which can interfere with her milk production. 

They also plague and bite humans and fishermen and women can often find themselves under attack. They tend to be found near water and in wooded areas and lie in wait for victims to pass. Their bite is vicious and will tear th skin leaving a bleeding cut which can be very painful. This cut will then attract other flies, compounding the problem. 

Unlike many of the other pests mentioned in this article DEET is not always a reliable deterrent against deer and horse flies. They are attracted to dark shapes and silhouettes, so you should wear light clothing.  They are also attracted to shiny objects and motion and thus swimming pools and water are hunting grounds for flies. They most often attack the neck and face so protecting these areas is a must. Use DEET repellents, but as mentioned before they are not always effective. 

For the most part the painful bite is the main problem with flies however, some people can become allergic to bites and this can result in fever, nausea and painful swelling of the bite area. Some flies are known to carry diseases such as tularaemia (see mosquito), anthrax as well as equine infections. 

Wasps, Bees and Hornets 

In Canada the most common species of wasps are yellowjackets, bald-faced hornets and paper wasps. Honeybees, bumble bees and ground nesting bees are the most common bee species. They are seen from spring until fall in most areas of Canada. 

Wasps and bees will attack and sting if they feel threatened, so try not to swat them away. Wasps can sting numerous times, whereas bees only sting once, causing its death. 

Although these insects can be annoying, they will not seek out humans as they do not feed on blood, however they will be attracted by food and drink. You should not leave such items outside especially sugary items, which will attract them from afar. They are also attracted to perfume and hairspray etc, so you should avoid using these products. 

Do not go barefoot in the garden to avoid accidentally stepping on a wasp or bee resulting in a sting. If you have drinks in the garden, use lids to prevent them from falling in the cup, do not leave rubbish lying about, especially food waste as this will only attract them. 

Most people stung by wasps or bees will only suffer from itching and irritation at the bite site, however some people are allergic to stings and this can result in death, particularly if the stick is near the face, causing breathing difficulties. Even if you have been stung with no ill effects before, allergies can surface with no warning. If your or someone you know gets stung and appears to be in difficulty, summon medical assistance immediately. 

Conclusion 

To protect yourself from bugs you should always cover yourself with a repellent containing DEET, wear light coloured clothing and cover arms and legs. 

At home you may want to purchase one of the many insect repellents that are available from many stores in Canada. Some attract the insects, then trap them, others repel them and some do a combination of things. They can cost anything from a few dollars to several hundred depending on the type you buy and the area they cover. 

If you ever experience an allergic reaction you should seek medical help immediately, otherwise most bites and stings can be treated with over-the-counter remedies.

 

 

Article Via Muchmor Canada Magazine - “Discover Your Canada”
Use the “Share/Save” button below to send this article to a friend or to spread the word