Ottawa’s vibrant seasons—harsh winters, rainy springs, humid summers—are beautiful but also ideal for pests looking to enter your home for warmth, food, and shelter. From insects to rodents, understanding what you’re up against and how to stop it with eco-friendly methods is the key to long-term peace of mind.
At TheEcoPest, we believe in protecting both your home and the environment. Here’s our expert guide to the 10 most common pests in Ottawa and how to prevent them using safe, natural methods.
1. Ants
Problem: Carpenter ants and pavement ants are common in Ottawa, often entering homes in search of food. Carpenter ants can even damage wooden structures.
Eco-Friendly Solutions:
- Seal cracks in baseboards and around windows.
- Use cinnamon, peppermint oil, or diatomaceous earth along entry points.
- Keep your kitchen clean and food sealed.
2. Mice
Problem: As the weather cools, mice seek warm shelter indoors. They chew through wires and leave droppings that can spread disease.
Eco-Friendly Solutions:
- Seal all entry points with steel wool or copper mesh.
- Use humane traps instead of poison.
- Place peppermint oil-soaked cotton balls near suspected entry points.
3. Spiders
Problem: Most spiders are harmless, but they can be unsettling and reproduce quickly in quiet, undisturbed areas like basements and garages.
Eco-Friendly Solutions:
- Keep clutter to a minimum.
- Spray vinegar and water mix in corners and behind furniture.
- Use citrus peels or eucalyptus oil as repellents.
4. Wasps
Problem: Wasps build nests under eaves, in sheds, or even underground. Their stings can be painful or even dangerous for allergic individuals.
Eco-Friendly Solutions:
- Hang decoy wasp nests to deter colonies.
- Spray peppermint oil mixed with water near eaves.
- Contact professionals for safe nest removal.
5. Raccoons
Problem: Raccoons are intelligent, dexterous, and commonly enter attics or knock over garbage bins in search of food.
Eco-Friendly Solutions:
- Use locking garbage bins.
- Install motion-activated lights near potential entry points.
- Seal attic vents and chimneys with wildlife-proof screening.
6. Squirrels
Problem: Squirrels chew through soffits or fascia boards to access attics, where they can cause major damage.
Eco-Friendly Solutions:
- Trim tree branches away from roofs.
- Use spice-based sprays like cayenne and water to deter climbing.
- Seal all attic entry points after inspection.
7. Cockroaches
Problem: Once inside, cockroaches multiply fast and can contaminate surfaces and food.
Eco-Friendly Solutions:
- Keep your home dry—roaches love moisture.
- Use boric acid or food-grade diatomaceous earth under appliances.
- Avoid chemical sprays and opt for bait traps made with sugar and baking soda.
8. Earwigs
Problem: Though harmless, earwigs are unpleasant to find indoors. They love damp, dark places like bathrooms and basements.
Eco-Friendly Solutions:
- Fix any leaking pipes or drains.
- Place rolled-up damp newspaper traps to collect and release them outside.
- Use cedar oil around foundation and garden beds.
9. Cluster Flies
Problem: These slow-moving flies gather in large numbers on windows and walls, especially in fall as they seek warmth.
Eco-Friendly Solutions:
- Seal gaps in window frames and rooflines.
- Vacuum them up rather than spraying.
- Use lavender or citronella oils to deter them from settling.
10. Silverfish
Problem: These creepy crawlies thrive in humid areas like laundry rooms and bathrooms and can damage paper and fabric.
Eco-Friendly Solutions:
- Use a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels low.
- Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in corners.
- Place cloves or bay leaves in affected drawers and shelves.
Why Choose Eco-Friendly Pest Control?
Traditional pest control methods rely heavily on harsh chemicals, which can:
- Harm children and pets.
- Disrupt local wildlife.
- Contaminate soil and groundwater.
At TheEcoPest, we specialize in non-toxic, family-safe solutions that respect nature while effectively keeping pests out. Our professional team uses scientific inspection methods and long-term prevention strategies, not just quick fixes.
Final Tips for a Pest-Free Home
- Seal all entry points.
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Keep your yard tidy and free of debris.
- Schedule regular pest inspections—especially before seasonal changes.
🛡️ Trust Ottawa’s Eco Pest Experts
Don’t wait for an infestation to take hold. Contact Eco Pest & Wildlife Solutions today for a professional, eco-conscious inspection and customized pest control plan.
