Crawling Insect Control in Toronto & the GTA
This service covers crawling insect species that do not fall under the individual pest categories: spiders, centipedes, silverfish, earwigs, carpet beetles, and stored-product insects. While most of these are nuisance species rather than structural threats, some — carpet beetles and silverfish in particular — can cause real damage to natural fibre materials and stored goods over time.
The most important distinction in crawling insect control is whether the insects are originating from inside the building or entering from outside. Spiders and centipedes in a GTA basement are almost always responding to moisture and the presence of other small insects — they are predators following a food source, and the food source is the underlying problem. Silverfish and carpet beetles are more likely establishing inside the structure, feeding on organic material in clothing storage, book collections, or accumulated debris in low-traffic areas.
IPM for crawling insects prioritises identifying the source (food or moisture that sustains the population) and eliminating it, followed by targeted treatment of harborage areas. A perimeter spray without addressing source conditions will suppress activity temporarily but not resolve the underlying issue.
- Licensed & insured — Ontario Reg. 63/09
- Same-day & next-day service
- Humane methods
- 5-year warranty on sealing work
- Across the GTA, Oakville to Oshawa
- 24/7 emergency line
Signs of crawling insect activity
- Multiple spider sightings in the basement or at floor level, particularly near windows and pipe penetrations
- Millipedes or centipedes found in the basement or laundry area — both species are drawn to moisture and decaying organic material
- Small irregular holes in natural fibre clothing (wool, cashmere, cotton blends) in stored or infrequently accessed garments — carpet beetle damage
- Silverfish sightings in bookshelves, in bathroom cabinets, or in cardboard storage areas
- Irregular feeding damage on stored dry goods — small moths or flour beetles in grains and cereals
- Insect skins or frass accumulation in closets or under furniture in low-traffic areas of the home
How we handle it
Source and harborage identification
We identify what is sustaining the insect population: moisture accumulation (common in GTA basements with stone or concrete foundations), organic debris in attic insulation or wall cavities, or stored material providing a food source. The treatment plan depends on what the insects are using.
Targeted treatment
Residual insecticide is applied to harborage areas — cracks and voids, the base of wall junctions, pipe penetrations, and areas under and behind furniture. Application is targeted, not broadcast spray; we treat where insects are living, not general room surfaces.
Exterior entry point assessment
For species entering from outside (earwigs, centipedes, spiders), we assess and seal the grade-level entry points: gaps around ground-level pipes and conduit, window well drainage issues, and vegetation in contact with the foundation.
Monitoring and follow-up
Sticky monitoring traps are placed in key locations to track population levels post-treatment. A follow-up visit confirms activity has declined.
Chronic spider and centipede pressure in a GTA basement is almost always a moisture problem before it is an insect problem. Improving drainage, running a dehumidifier in summer, and sealing pipe penetrations resolves a significant portion of crawling insect activity at the source.
View all pest control & wildlife removal services we offer across Toronto and the GTA.
Service Areas for Crawling Insect Control
We provide specialized crawling insect control services in the following neighborhoods and cities:
$295 to start
Final price depends on the animal, the number of entry points, and the sealing work needed. You get a firm quote after the inspection — no surprise charges.
Annual Protection Plan
Year-round coverage for your home or business across the GTA.
View planCrawling Insect Control — Frequently Asked Questions
Which crawling insects do you treat?
Spiders, earwigs, centipedes, silverfish, and other crawling insects — common around GTA homes, especially in damp or waterfront areas. We create an exterior barrier around the foundation and entry points to stop them before they get in.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Durapest is licensed by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and operates in line with Ontario Reg. 63/09. Our technicians are trained and insured for both residential and commercial work.
Do you offer a warranty?
Yes. Treatments come with a warranty, and any sealing or exclusion work is backed by our 5-year warranty. If covered pests return within the warranty period, we come back and re-treat at no extra cost.
How soon can you come out?
We offer same-day and next-day service across most of the GTA, from Oakville to Oshawa, with 24/7 dispatch for emergencies. Call us and we'll give you a straight answer on the next available slot for your area.