Pest control in Whitby

Whitby stretches from the Lake Ontario harbour up to the village of Brooklin. Between them are creek valleys, wetlands and a mix of old and new homes. That mix shapes the pests you see.

What pests are common in Whitby

Mice and wasps near the wetlands. Lynde Shores Conservation Area includes the Cranberry Marsh and Lynde Creek coastal wetland. Streets near green space see wildlife year round. Mice move toward houses in fall, and wasps nest in quiet, sheltered spots in summer. See rodent control and wasp nest removal.

Ants in older homes. Port Whitby grew up as a harbour community, and older houses can have damp wood around windows, porches and basements. Carpenter ants favour that. See our page on ants.

Cockroaches and bed bugs in multi-unit buildings. They spread through shared walls and hallways.

Homes in Whitby and what each tends to see

• Port Whitby. Older streets and foundations mean more gaps for mice and more damp wood for ants.
• Downtown Brooklin. The Town has made downtown Brooklin a heritage conservation district. Older buildings need careful sealing and repairs.
• West Lynde. The Town describes it as a mix of detached and semi-detached houses, townhomes and high-rise buildings, next to Lynde Creek. Each type has its own pest.
• Newer subdivisions. Builder gaps and fresh landscaping bring ants and mice.

Renting in Whitby: the by-law and the Town’s steps

Whitby’s Property Standards By-law 6874-14 says two main things:

• The owner of a dwelling unit must keep it free of rodents and injurious insects and free of conditions that may encourage them.
• Any opening in an outside wall that is not covered by a door or window must be screened with wire mesh, a metal grille or similar material.

The Town also publishes a landlord and tenant page. It says landlords must take steps to remove pest infestations, and it names cockroaches and mice as examples. It also says tenants should work with the treatment plan. Its steps for tenants:

1. Tell your landlord in writing, with the date and a clear description. Keep a copy.
2. Give the landlord time to reply with a plan. The Town’s page sets out the waiting period.
3. If nothing happens, send a complaint to Whitby Enforcement Services with proof of your notice, or file a maintenance application (Form T6) with the Landlord and Tenant Board.

For bed bugs, Durham Region says to talk to your landlord, building manager or a pest professional.

Businesses in Whitby

Restaurants, shops, offices and warehouses along the main roads need regular pest checks. Read about commercial pest control.

Pests through the Whitby year

• October to March: Mice and rats move in as the weather cools.
• April to June: Ant control is most useful as colonies wake up.
• July to September: Wasp nests are at their biggest. Read about wasps.

Why you should not remove a wasp nest yourself

A nest can hold hundreds of wasps. They defend it hard. Stings are most dangerous for people with allergies and for young children. Signs of a nest include wasps flying in and out of one spot, such as a gap in siding or a hole in the ground, and a papery grey ball under an eave. Keep your distance and call for help.

Nearby cities

We also serve Oshawa, Ajax and Pickering.

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