The Impact of Construction on Pest Activity in the Greater Toronto Area
Welcome to the buzzing city of Toronto, where skyscrapers reach for the clouds and construction is a constant hum in the background. While rapid urban development has its advantages, it also comes with some unwelcome visitors: pests. Yes, those creepy crawlies that scuttle around our homes and make us squirm. In this blog post, we delve into the impact of construction on pest activity in the Greater Toronto Area. Get ready to discover how your friendly neighbourhood builders might just be inviting some unwanted neighbours into your life!
Increased Pest Activity Due to Construction in Toronto and The Greater Toronto Area
Construction is an inevitable part of growth and development in any city, especially a bustling metropolis like Toronto and its surrounding areas. As new buildings go up and old ones get renovated or demolished, it brings about changes not only in the physical landscape but also in the environment that surrounds it. Unfortunately, one of these changes may include a surge in pest activity.
Pests have long been a problem for residents of cities across Canada, including Toronto and its neighbouring areas such as Mississauga, Brampton, Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham, Aurora, Pickering and Oakville. However, with continuous construction work happening all year round, we are now seeing an alarming increase in pest infestations. In fact, according to the Canadian Pest Management Association (CPMA), there has been a 22% increase in reported cases of pests across GTA over the past five years.
The Relationship Between Construction and Pest Activity: Why Does It Happen?
The relationship between construction and pest activity is complex but can be summarized in one word: disruption. Construction projects involve major disturbances to the natural environment, such as excavations, digging, and demolition. These activities can lead to changes in the ecosystem and result in pests seeking new habitats.
So why is this happening? Let’s dive deeper into this issue by understanding how construction can affect pest activity.
- Disruption of natural habitats
One of the main reasons for increased pest activity during construction is because their natural habitats are being disturbed by construction activities. Many pests rely on specific environments to survive and thrive, such as rats living underground or ants building colonies under concrete sidewalks.
When these areas are disrupted or destroyed during construction work, pests are forced to find new places to live and breed. This often means they move into nearby properties looking for shelter and food, causing an increase in infestations.
- Storage of building materials
During construction, piles of building materials such as wood, bricks, and drywall are often left on site for extended periods. These materials provide ideal hiding places for pests like rodents, ants, and cockroaches to nest or breed.
- Easy access to food sources
As construction sites are busy with workers and heavy machinery, food waste is often left behind or improperly disposed of. This creates an easy and abundant food source for pests like rats and flies. Once they establish a presence on the construction site, it’s only a matter of time before they start migrating to surrounding areas in search of more food.
Construction sites themselves can also provide ideal conditions for pests to thrive. The debris left behind after excavation or demolition creates hiding places for rodents and insects. Piles of dirt or rubble can harbour moisture which attracts insects like cockroaches who need damp environments to survive. In addition, temporary structures on construction sites such as scaffolding or discarded building materials create shelters for rodents and other pests.
The Impact Pests Have on Toronto Homeowners and Businesses
When undergoing any type of construction project, homeowners and businesses must be aware of the potential impact it may have on pest activity. While there are various pests that can become problematic during construction, some of the most common ones found in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) include rodents, cockroaches, and ants.
Rodents such as rats and mice are a common sight in Toronto and the GTA. They are attracted to construction sites due to the abundance of food sources and shelter provided by building materials. These pests can cause significant damage to structures by gnawing on wires, insulation, and wood. They also pose serious health risks as they carry diseases and can contaminate food supplies. In addition to their harmful effects on buildings, rodents can also disrupt daily living for Toronto homeowners and businesses by creating noise disturbances and unsanitary living conditions.
Cockroaches are another concerning pest found during construction. These resilient insects thrive in dark and damp environments such as those created by ongoing building projects. As they scavenge for food, they can spread bacteria and pathogens wherever they go. This poses a threat not only to employees working at the site but also to nearby residents and customers of businesses located near the construction zone.
Ants are a familiar nuisance in many cities in the GTA. During construction, these tiny pests may become more prevalent as their nests get disturbed or destroyed by excavation work. Ants not only invade homes or offices but also cause damage to lawns and gardens.
How Construction Disrupts Natural Habitats and Leads to an Increase in Pests
Construction activities, while necessary for development and growth in cities like the GTA, often come at a cost to the environment. One of the significant consequences of construction is its disruption of natural habitats and the increase in pests that follow.
One of the environmental consequences of disrupting natural habitats during construction is habitat loss. Construction activities often require large areas of land to be cleared for building materials storage, equipment movement, and site preparation. This clearance drastically reduces the available space for wildlife and plant species that were once living there. As a result, many species are forced out of their homes and into new territories- often closer to human settlements.
Additionally, when natural habitats are demolished during construction projects, it also destroys food sources for animals such as insects or small mammals who may feed on certain plants or vegetation found only in that specific area.
With their habitat destroyed and food source gone, these creatures will begin searching for new homes – which could mean venturing into nearby neighbourhoods.
In Conclusion
The long process of construction can have a significant impact on pest activity in Toronto and the GTA. As the landscape of the city changes with ongoing construction, so does the habitat of various pests.
One of the main reasons why construction sites are attractive places for pests is because they provide ample sources of food and shelter. As buildings undergo demolition or new construction begins, it disturbs the natural habitats of pests such as rodents, cockroaches, and ants. These creatures are forced out of their underground burrows or hiding spots within walls and find refuge in nearby homes or commercial buildings.
Construction creates an extremely favourable living conditions for Pests. The loud noises and vibrations from heavy machinery used on-site often drive away natural predators that would otherwise help control pest populations. The temporary absence of these predators allows pests to breed undisturbed until their numbers become too large to manage effectively.
So, if you are seeing a sudden uptick in pest activity around your home or business, call us and a member of our team will be more than happy to assist.
