How do I report the presence of BMSB in Montreal?
Increased trade and climate change are two factors that have favoured the spread of certain insect species in Québec. Moreover, Montreal has 4 main insect pests or pests:
- The hackberry psyllid
- aphid
- BMSB bug
- burrowing wasp (sand wasp)
These insects are present on the territory of the greater urban area of Montreal and some of them require increased monitoring. They can cause damage to plants or homes to varying degrees.
For example, the BMSB causes significant damage to many plant species. Its spread is therefore more observed and a procedure to report the presence of the insect on the Montreal territory is even available on the City’s website.
However, all of these insect pests do not represent a danger to human or animal health, unlike bed bugs or cockroaches.
So here’s what you need to know about these particular insects.
What is the behavior of the hackberry psyllid?
The hackberry psyllid looks like a miniature cicada. It feeds on the sap that circulates within the western hackberry, a tree that can reach a height of 18 meters. The insect does not threaten the survival of the tree, but rather is an aesthetic nuisance.
Indeed, when the psyllid feeds on the sap of the hackberry, it leaves galls on the leaves. These galls, arranged in large quantities on the underside of the leaves, are not dangerous, but remain unpleasant at glance.
Another inconvenience caused by this insect is its mania for trying to enter residences. Around September and October, the psyllid, in search of warmth, sometimes enters homes by sneaking through the mesh of mosquito nets.
How to get rid of hackberry psyllid in Montreal?
First of all, to avoid the intrusion of psyllids inside your property, simply opt for thinner mosquito nets. Also be aware that it is not necessary to contact a certified exterminator about this. The psyllid does not represent any danger to your health.
Avoid the use of pesticides if you need to get rid of the hackberry psyllid. Instead, use your vacuum cleaner if insects have entered your home.
To protect the trees on your property, use the technique indicated on the Ville de Montréal website . Install a blue plastic sheet around the trunk of the tree, then coat it with a special glue. This will allow you to capture adult psyllids in spring and autumn.
What is an aphid?
An aphid is a small insect that feeds on the sap of many plants. It produces a sweet and sticky substance, honeydew, which attracts other insects such as ants, wasps and bees. The accumulation of honeydew on the leaves can predispose a plant to develop a black fungus (fumagin).
The aphid feeding sap eventually weakens the plants and causes discoloration or deformation of the leaves. The latter can even fall prematurely.
If you notice a large number of aphids, it is still best to treat the infestation to limit the damage to your plants.
What to do to hunt aphids in Montreal?
To dislodge aphids from your plants, spray them with a powerful jet of water using your garden hose. Repeat several times if necessary. If these insects have already wreaked havoc on your plants, be sure to prune and discard the affected leaves. You can then manually crush the aphids that remain on your plants.
To repel aphids, do not hesitate to grow certain types of plants such as alysson, yarrow and herbs of the carrot family. These herbs attract, among others, ladybug, lacewing and hoverfly. All these insects feed on aphids.
What is the BMSB bug?
Did you know that the BMSB was an unknown species in Canada until recently? Native to Asia, this insect appeared in Montreal in 2016. It has also gained a lot of ground in southwestern Quebec in 2021, and more particularly in the greater Montreal area. Its shape resembles a small brown shield with brown mottling.
When the BMSB is disturbed, it gives off a foul smell that can sometimes resemble that of coriander according to some. It remains harmless to humans and animals, but causes much damage to fruit, vegetable and ornamental crops.
How do I report the presence of BMSB in Montreal?
The City of Montreal encourages its citizens to report the presence of the BMSB bug. Indeed, it is a precious help to detect the insect, also nicknamed ” evil bug “. Here are a few steps to do this:
- Capture the specimen using a jar
- Place the specimen in the freezer for 3 days
- Dry the insect in the open air for several days
- Place the BMSB in a closed, rigid-walled container
- Add tissues or cotton wool to protect the insect from potential impacts
- Mail everything to the Maison de l’arbre Frédéric-Back or bring the specimen directly to the Jardin botanique’s horticultural information counter
Note that you can take a picture of the insect and send your shots by email by completing an online identification form.
What is a burrowing wasp?
The burrowing wasp or sand wasp digs its nest in the sandy soil. Unlike the social wasp, the burrowing wasp is not dangerous and does not seek to sting humans. It does not pose a danger to humans or animals, but its presence can become uncomfortable.
This insect plays an important role in the regulation of insect pests. It catches several hundred insects a year to feed like bugs, aphids and flies. The sand wasp also contributes to flower pollination and can occasionally control the emerald ash borer.
What to do about burrowing wasps in Montreal?
Burrowing wasps do not require the intervention of an exterminator. They do not form a colony and it is very rare for them to bite. They are not aggressive and avoid humans most of the time.
Since 2008, experts from the City of Montreal have been studying burrowing wasps to find natural ways to keep them away from children’s playgrounds.
The hackberry psyllid, aphid, marbled stink bug and burrowing wasp are therefore the main insect pests present in Montreal. Each of these insects has distinct peculiarities, which is why some of them must be studied carefully to prevent their spread. Regardless of the insect you are facing, be sure to inform yourself before taking any steps to drive it off your property.
