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Bug information 'bites'

Earwings

The reddish-brown earwig, which looks threatening with its forcep-like pincers, use their pinchers to feed on insects.

But earwigs can damage flowers, ornamentals and vegetables. They're not known to cause any damage to homes or their contents, but can be a nuisance.

They're nocturnal and like to hide in dark, damp areas during the daytime. A rolled up, moistened newspaper is a good trap. Dispose of the paper or shake the earwigs into a pail of hot soapy water.

Wasps

Wasps, or yellow jackets, can pack quite a sting and they're attracted to food and sweets.

But yellow jackets are beneficial in that they consume insects such as flies and caterpillars, so it's not a good idea to try to eradicate them. If you have too many, fill a yellow dish with soapy water and sugar. The sugar will attract the wasp and the soap will break the surface tension of the water and they'll drown. Help from pest control is usually advised if you discover a full-blown nest near your home.

Spiders

The villains of movie and folk stories, most spiders are beneficial because they feed on household and garden insect pests,

Humidity encourages spiders and they'll be drawn to flying insects that are attracted to porch lights or house lights.

Seal cracks and crevices in foundations and siding to keep spiders out and move outdoor wood piles away from the house. Inside the home, frequent dusting, sweeping or vacuuming in corners, under furniture and behind pictures can clear out the critters.

Ants

Most ants are nuisances, but carpenter ants in particular should be watched. They will burrow and tunnel through wood. Like bees, ants live in colonies with workers and a queen. They infest areas around a house where there's water damage and its their excavation habits that can damage or weaken wooden structures.

Water helps them flourish and they'll seek out soggy, wooded areas around a home or in a woodpile. A favourite home remedy is two tablespoons of boric acid and a cup of corn syrup poured over a cotton wad or rag on a coffee can lid, but always keep bait out of reach of children or pets.