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Flies encompass a wide range of pests in Muskoka. House, blow, fruit, phorid, moth, face, flesh, black, stable, fungus or gnat flies to name a few. This section focuses on the treatment of the common house fly, cluster fly, gnat, and stable fly, as they are the most prevalent. Some flies are merely a nuisance by buzzing around you and landing on you, while others can produce nasty bites, like the deer and horse fly. Flies can transmit diseases from surface to surface creating added concerns. Normally good household hygiene practices can prevent most of the problem, but not in all instances. Cluster flies and stable flies tend to be problematic at the end of the summer. Normally, they seek shelter in structures to over winter. They tend to soil window panes, and as mentioned, can transmit parasites & viruses from surface to surface. Effective treatment normally requires an interior and exterior spray of the structure. One treatment can be quite effective, but they generally return and continue to increase their numbers over time. Blackfly numbers, as another example, can be quite prolific at times and can be a considerable nuisance in the spring and lasting for a month or more. Treatment for these includes spraying for foliage around the property.

Control of mosquitos, black flies, tics, moths and others, some of which can transmit pathogens and diseases. They can be an utter nuisance when trying to enjoy our outdoor spaces during our all too short summers. Methods of control are achieved through treatments to exterior shrubbery, and low-lying foliage. It requires regular treatments every 2-3 weeks to be remain effective. Much pest control treatment methodology and products are contingent upon weather to be effective and viable. Application of products to foliage cannot be effectively completed in the rain. Sustained rainfall reduces the efficacy of products and can drastically reduce their residual effectiveness. For prolonged coverage, and effectiveness, more frequent re-treatments are required. Mosquitos are a very pervasive pest in Muskoka throughout the spring, summer and early fall, but can readily be controlled.

Not as pervasive in Muskoka as the aforementioned pests, but do arise occasionally. They can proliferate rapidly, but can be eradicated with various treatment methods, including sprays, gels and baits.

Silverfish and Potato Bugs can also be found in our region, and can become quite numerous, if left untreated. Found in damp areas such as basements, crawl spaces, and cellars. Muskoka is a region with plenty of water and as such, most basements tend to be somewhat damp and consequently have these pests. Spray treatments tend to work well to control or even eradicate them.

Species, such as the Massassauga Rattler, Eastern Hog Nose, and Garter snakes can be found in our area. The Massassauga Rattler is venomous, and harmful, or even deadly, to humans. Most others are relatively harmless, despite having venom. They can be kept at bay with the use of deterrents. They have been known to inhabit dwellings but can be kept away with the use of repellants.

Tics have become much more prevalent to our region in recent years. Their bite can cause Lyme disease in humans, which is a very debilitating ailment. They also bite pets, and can be very difficult to find in their fur. Remedial or preventative measures for these pests are to spray the exterior underlying vegetation and foliage around homes and cottages, and around the property. Treatments are required every two to three weeks, during spring, summer, and early fall.

They can be quite aggressive when disturbed. People can react very negatively to their painful sting, sometimes requiring immediate medical attention due to anaphylactic reactions. Most often, there are numerous and effective methods for treating them, ranging from powders to sprays & foam. Their nests are predominately made of fibres and can be difficult to remove from surfaces leaving visible signs of their previous presence. It can also be a challenge to reach soffits, trees, attic spaces, and siding for treatment and removal of their nests.

Flies encompass a wide range of pests in Muskoka. House, blow, fruit, phorid, moth, face, flesh, black, stable, fungus or gnat flies to name a few. This section focuses on the treatment of the common house fly, cluster fly, gnat, and stable fly, as they are the most prevalent. Some flies are merely a nuisance by buzzing around you and landing on you, while others can produce nasty bites, like the deer and horse fly. Flies can transmit diseases from surface to surface creating added concerns. Normally good household hygiene practices can prevent most of the problem, but not in all instances. Cluster flies and stable flies tend to be problematic at the end of the summer. Normally, they seek shelter in structures to over winter. They tend to soil window panes, and as mentioned, can transmit parasites & viruses from surface to surface. Effective treatment normally requires an interior and exterior spray of the structure. One treatment can be quite effective, but they generally return and continue to increase their numbers over time. Blackfly numbers, as another example, can be quite prolific at times and can be a considerable nuisance in the spring and lasting for a month or more. Treatment for these includes spraying for foliage around the property.

Spiders are found everywhere in Muskoka and can reach substantial numbers in some areas. There are considerable varieties found within our region. Some are venomous, and can bite, leaving red bumps, and swelling similar to a mosquito bite. Others can cause much more extreme reactions, including severe itching and swelling, which may ultimately require medical intervention. Spiders prefer dark coloured surfaces, which warm faster in sunlight. They are found on interior, and exterior surfaces of structures. They can leave unsightly webs in difficult to reach areas like soffits, and fascia, which can create a problem for cleaning. Normally, a bi-annual spray treatment will keep their numbers under control.

Bed bugs are biting insects, that leave blood stains or dark rusty coloured spots on sheets and pillow cases, and are accompanied by a musty odour they secrete from their glands. They tend to hide in mattresses, box springs, bed frames and headboards. They can expand further away from beds, but typically lay in wait close to where humans sleep where they bite their victims and engorge themselves for up to ten minutes before crawling away. Treatment methods vary from sprays, to steam, heat, and vacuum.

A variety of species can be found in Muskoka. Some varieties utilize carpets for food and laying eggs, while others use paper fibres or wood. Carpet, Powder Post, invasive species like the Asian Long Horned beetle, and Emerald Ash Borer are but a few, but all tend to have some damaging, negative effects. Carpet beetles can ruin expensive rugs, leaving them threadbare for example. Powder Post beetles burrow holes into wood, leaving fine wood dust powder behind. Asian Long Horned beetles and Emerald Ash Borers can devastate certain tree species on a property. Some are more harmful to domestic sites (homes) than others. Predominant remedies are to spray or dust affected areas.

Mice, Rats, Bats, Chipmunks, Squirrels, as well as others that are not rodents, like Raccoons, Porcupines and Skunks can be found in Muskoka. These tend to be found close to residences and buildings. They are known to harbour diseases (rats and mice, predominately), such as Hanta Virus. They can become problematic for property owners by chewing wiring and making holes in walls and cabinetry or burrowing under structures. Their damage is often not easily repaired. Repairs to finish materials, like trim details and cabinetry for example, can be next to impossible to repair and restore to match perfectly to its original look. For some species of wildlife, all an exterminator is allowed to do is exclusion. Filling gaps and patching holes to prevent their access into structures is all that is allowed. This is the case for chipmunks, squirrels and numerous others. Mice and rats are normally dealt with using interior and exterior bait stations or traps containing poison or snap traps. They can be somewhat difficult to irradicate, because invariably others find a way in when searching for food or lodging. Normally exclusion, combined with bait and traps is the most effective pest control method.

Arising occasionally, these biting insects can become very pronounced and quite a nuisance for pets and humans alike. Spray treatments are typically very effective.