Know What You're
Dealing With
Identification guides, behaviour patterns, risk factors, and when to call a professional — for every pest and wildlife species common to Greater Vancouver.
Type to filter all species, or browse by category below.
Insects
All InsectsCarpenter Ant
BC's largest ant. Excavates galleries in moist wood — structural damage accumulates silently over years.
Pavement Ant
Small brown ant that nests under driveways and foundations. Common in urban and suburban properties.
Bed Bug
Flat, reddish-brown blood feeder. Hides in seams, frames, and electrical outlets. Spreads through travel.
German Cockroach
The most problematic cockroach species. Rapid breeder, resistant to many treatments, health hazard.
Yellowjacket
Aggressive ground and aerial nester. Colonies peak at 5,000+ workers in late summer. Sting without provocation.
Paper Wasp
Umbrella-shaped open-comb nests under eaves and overhangs. Less aggressive than yellowjackets.
Bald-Faced Hornet
Large paper nests in trees and on structures. Highly defensive — will pursue threats 15+ metres.
Silverfish
Wingless, scaly insect that thrives in humidity. Destroys paper, fabric, and stored food.
Black Widow Spider
BC's most venomous spider. Found in dark, dry undisturbed spaces — garages, woodpiles, crawl spaces.
Hobo Spider
Fast-moving funnel-web spider. Commonly found at ground level in basements and under foundations.
Cat Flea
The dominant flea species in BC. Infests homes via pets and wildlife. Eggs survive in carpet for months.
Rodents
All RodentsNorway Rat
The most common burrowing rat in BC. Identified by heavy build, blunt snout, and tail shorter than body.
Roof Rat
Slender, agile climber that nests in attics and wall voids. Common in Metro Vancouver near waterways.
House Mouse
The most widespread rodent worldwide. Small, fast-breeding, and capable of entering through 6mm gaps.
Wildlife
All WildlifeRaccoon
Intelligent, dexterous urban wildlife. Accesses attics through roof intersections and damaged fascia.
Eastern Grey Squirrel
Active year-round aerial rodent. Gnaws into soffits and eaves and nests in attic insulation.
Striped Skunk
Burrows under decks, sheds, and steps. Primarily a nuisance in spring when females den with young.
Feral Pigeon
The most widespread pest bird. Accumulates corrosive droppings, blocks drainage, and carries pathogens.
European Starling
Cavity nester that displaces native species and flocks in dense, damaging numbers on commercial properties.
American Beaver
Dam-building causes flooding of drainage systems and agricultural land. Requires specialist management.