The Worst Winter Pests in Vancouver

Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF

President at Go Green

December 10, 2024

Vancouver’s mild winters compared to other parts of Canada can still host a variety of pests, some of which become more active or invasive during colder months. Here are some of the worst winter pests in Vancouver and the reasons they pose problems:

1. Mice and Rats

• Why they’re a problem: As the weather cools, rodents like mice and rats seek warmth and food, often invading homes, garages, and businesses. They can cause significant damage by gnawing on wires, insulation, and wood, and they pose health risks by spreading diseases such as leptospirosis and hantavirus. Their droppings and urine can also contaminate food sources.
• Winter Adaptation: Rodents are highly adaptable and can find shelter inside walls, basements, attics, and even in furniture, making them a constant concern.

2. Ants, especially Sugar Ants

• Why they’re a problem: While ants are most active in warmer months, these ants continue their activity during the winter. These ants occupy kitchen, dens, utility rooms and bathrooms. Sugar ants can be particularly destructive in wooden homes and structures.
• Winter Adaptation: In winter, sugar ants often nest inside homes and businesses where temperatures remain stable, allowing them to thrive unnoticed until they cause visible damage.

3. Bed Bugs

• Why they’re a problem: Bed bugs remain a problem year-round in Vancouver, but winter can make them harder to detect, as they hibernate in cracks and crevices, only becoming active when it gets warmer inside homes. Their bites cause discomfort and itching and can lead to secondary infections if scratched.
• Winter Adaptation: Bed bugs are resilient and can live in various temperatures, and since they don’t need to feed every night, they can wait until the temperature rises again, making them difficult to control during colder months.

4. Spiders (Especially the House Spider)

• Why they’re a problem: In winter, spiders like the house spider seek warmth and shelter inside homes. While most spiders are harmless, their presence can be unsettling to people. Additionally, some species can cause allergic reactions or be a nuisance in large numbers.
• Winter Adaptation: Spiders are more likely to be seen inside homes during winter as they search for food sources like insects or warmth. Some spiders, such as the giant house spider, may even lay eggs indoors during this time.

5. Pill Bugs and Sow Bugs (Woodlice)

• Why they’re a problem: These small, shelled creatures, often referred to as “woodlice,” seek out damp environments, and during winter, they may move into homes where moisture levels are higher (basements or bathrooms). While they don’t cause structural damage, they can become a nuisance.
• Winter Adaptation: They prefer moist conditions, which can be easier to find indoors in the winter months. They typically don’t harm humans but can be an unwelcome sight.

6. Silverfish

• Why they’re a problem: Silverfish thrive in humid and warm environments, such as basements, attics, and bathrooms, making them a common winter pest in Vancouver. They feed on starchy substances like paper, glue, and textiles, causing damage to books, clothing, and wallpaper.
• Winter Adaptation: Silverfish can survive in low temperatures and are nocturnal, making them difficult to detect. They can also reproduce quickly, making infestations more challenging to control.

7. Fleas

• Why they’re a problem: Fleas are more common in pets during winter, as they can continue to reproduce indoors. Fleas are known for their ability to spread disease and cause itching and irritation. They can also affect humans if they are present in significant numbers.
• Winter Adaptation: Fleas thrive in warm, indoor environments and are able to survive even in colder temperatures as long as they are in a heated space. Pets can bring them inside from the outdoors.

8. Cockroaches

• Why they’re a problem: While Vancouver isn’t known for severe cockroach problems, the relatively mild winters can allow species like the German cockroach to thrive in heated, sheltered environments. Cockroaches are known to carry diseases and allergens that can affect respiratory health.
• Winter Adaptation: They hide in cracks and crevices and are more likely to be found in kitchens or bathrooms where food and warmth are readily available.

Why Winter Pests Persist in Vancouver

Despite Vancouver’s milder winters compared to other regions in Canada, the city’s high humidity levels and relatively stable indoor temperatures allow pests to thrive indoors. The presence of warm, insulated homes and buildings also provides ideal shelter and breeding grounds. Additionally, Vancouver’s relatively mild outdoor conditions in the winter may not be severe enough to kill off many pests, making it an ongoing concern for residents.

Taking preventative measures, such as sealing cracks and ensuring proper insulation, can help mitigate the intrusion of these pests during the colder months.

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