Everything in its place! Some common critters are quite important in nature, but not very welcome in our home or workplace. Case in point, the bat that was removed from a newsroom office this morning. Bats have a definite place in nature, but certainly not in the Leader-Post newsroom.
No sooner had the bat been removed — as I watched with interest — than this media release appeared in my inbox from the pest control folks at Orkin. Interesting timing! I’ve posted their release below on whether common critters are friends or foe:
As Canadians we cherish the summer months that bring sunshine, warm weather and the urge to spend time outdoors. Inevitably, the summer season also brings pesky critters into the mix, including house flies, bed bugs and the dreaded mosquito.
Although these uninvited guests could put a damper on your summer plans, they all play an essential role in nature. At Orkin Canada, we believe that every pest has a place, and while not in our homes, hospitals and public buildings – they are indeed a crucial part of our ecosystem.
To separate fact from fiction, the below list will help to distinguish the role these critters have in your home versus the role they play in the natural environment.
House Fly
In Nature: Although they may bug us, flies are an essential part of the food chain. House flies have an important role in nature pollinating plants and recycling all things dead and decaying. It may not seem glamorous but flies play a vital role in assisting the decomposition of dung and decaying matter, plants or animals.
In your Home: In addition to being a real nuisance when flying around your home, house flies are major carries of disease. House flies collect pathogens on their legs and mouths when feeding on feces, trash and other decaying material. These pathogens can cause disease or illness like typhoid, tuberculosis, cholera and dysentery.
Bed Bugs
In Nature: Bed bugs may be your biggest fear when staying in a hotel but historically bed bugs were believed to have medicinal value. In ancient Greece, bed bugs were claimed to treat snake bites, ear infections and even recommended for hysteria.
In your Home: Bed bugs are small, nocturnal wingless insects that feed on human blood and other warm-blooded hosts. Known for infesting beds, bed bugs can also be found in cracks and crevices in furniture, electrical outlets, suitcases and even baseboards. They not only create an infestation but leave itchy bites on their hosts.
Mosquito
In Nature: Mosquitoes are delicious to eat and easy to catch! Mosquitoes are the main course for multiple species including spiders, salamanders, lizards, frogs, bats, birds and multiple species of fish. Without mosquitoes of off the menu, many of these animals would lose a primary food source.
In your Home: Mosquitoes can threaten any weekend outside or at the cottage. Only female mosquitoes bite and can suck blood. Females will happily snack on human blood and birds to provide protein for their eggs. Mosquitoes can carry and pass disease such as yellow and gangue fevers, malaria, encephalitis and West Nile.
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