Millipede

Accueil Arthropode · Risque faible Mille-pattes Diplopoda Le mille-pattes n’est pas un insecte : c’est un arthropode au corps fait d’anneaux. Au Québec, on le voit surtout entrer dans les sous-sols de la fin de l’été à l’automne, souvent après de grosses pluies ou quand les nuits se rafraîchissent. Inoffensif pour l’humain, il signale surtout […]

Carpet Beetle

Carpet Beetle Anthrenus spp. Insect · Moderate risk Carpet beetle is the name given to small beetles of the genus Anthrenus, such as the varied carpet beetle (Anthrenus verbasci) in the photo. The adult does no damage: it is the hairy larva that eats fibres of animal origin (wool, silk, fur, feathers) and chews irregular […]

Silverfish

Silverfish Lepisma saccharina Insect · Low risk The silverfish is a small wingless insect that scurries away the moment you turn on the light. Harmless to people, it nibbles paper, books, fabrics and starch in the damp corners of Quebec homes, often without being noticed. Size 10-12 mm · Metallic silver grey. Colour: Silver grey. […]

Indian Meal Moth

Indian Meal Moth Plodia interpunctella Insect · Moderate risk The Indian meal moth, often called the pantry moth, quietly settles into Quebec pantries. Its caterpillars chew through packages of cereal, flour and nuts, spin webbing inside them and contaminate your supplies long before you spot the moth. Size 8-10 mm · Grey and copper wings. […]

House Centipede

House Centipede Scutigera coleoptrata Arthropod · Low risk The house centipede is that long-legged arthropod that darts across basement walls. Startling, but harmless: it hunts spiders, silverfish and other insects. Its presence often points to a damp basement with plenty of prey. Size 2.5-5 cm · Striped beige, very long legs. Colour: Beige to greyish […]

Asian Lady Beetle

Asian Lady Beetle Harmonia axyridis Insect · Low risk Every fall, the Asian lady beetle gathers by the thousands on sunlit walls, then slips into attics and window frames. Harmless to the structure, it stains surfaces and gives off a sharp odour. Size 5-8 mm · Orange with a black “M”. Colour: Yellow to red, […]

Clothes Moth

Clothes Moth Tineola bisselliella Insect · Moderate risk The clothes moth is a small golden-beige moth that does not eat: it is the larvae that devour wool, cashmere and fur. Discreet and nocturnal, it works for months inside a closet before you notice the first holes. Size 6-8 mm · Plain, glossy golden beige. Colour: […]

American Cockroach

American Cockroach Periplaneta americana Insect · High risk The American cockroach is the largest cockroach found in Quebec. Reddish brown and glossy, it settles into damp basements, crawl spaces and sewer lines, then contaminates food surfaces. Size 28-44 mm · Glossy reddish brown. Colour: Reddish brown with a yellow band on the thorax. Activity: Nocturnal. […]

Cat Flea

Home Insect – Moderate risk Cat Microchip Ctenocephalides felis The cat flea is the most common external parasite found on dogs and cats. Despite its name, it infests both cats and dogs and bites humans. A single female lays up to 50 eggs a day and nearly 2,000 over the course of her life: an […]

Gnat

Home Insect – Low risk Gnat Sciaridae and Psychodidae Small flies, 2 to 5 mm long, that flit around potted plants and drains: the black, delicate potting soil fly and the dark gray, hairy drain fly. In Quebec, they thrive year-round in heated homes as soon as potting soil remains damp or a drain becomes […]