The Late Summer Surge of Backyard Bugs
Just when you thought it was safe to fire up the grill and enjoy a lazy afternoon in the backyard - here come the bugs. As August rolls in and the nights start to cool, the bug population in Canada kicks into overdrive. Wasps become more aggressive. Japanese beetles start munching away at your plants. Fleas and ticks are still lurking in tall grass. And just to keep things extra itchy, mosquitoes and flies are making the most of their final summer days.
For pet parents, this time of year means staying on high alert. Dogs love being outside during these late-summer days - but so do biting bugs. Whether you’re dealing with a hornet nest near the deck, swarming yellowjackets at your dog’s water bowl, or the slow creep of fleas hitching a ride on your pup’s coat, it’s important to know what to expect - and how to protect your home, yard, and pets.
In this post, we’ll break down the pests to watch for, why they’re a threat to your dog’s health, and the best insect control products available now from Brindle Pet Supplies to help you reclaim your backyard.
The Backyard Buzz List: Common Pests in August and September
As the weather shifts, insect activity ramps up. Here are the most common culprits causing problems in Canadian backyards right now - and why they matter for dog owners:
🐝 Wasps, Hornets and Yellowjackets
These buzzing pests are more aggressive in late summer as food becomes scarce and colonies prepare for winter. They’re attracted to sweet scents, meat, and anything left outside after a BBQ. Curious dogs are at risk of painful stings - especially if they stick their nose where it doesn’t belong.
🪲 Japanese Beetles
These shiny, green-shelled invaders can quickly decimate your garden, chewing through leaves and flowers. While they don’t usually bother dogs directly, they draw other pests - and their presence means your pup might be sniffing around harmful pesticide-treated areas unless you're using a pet-safe solution.
🪰 Flies and Mosquitoes
Whether they’re buzzing around your patio or biting your dog’s ears, flies and mosquitoes are more than annoying - they can transmit disease and cause ongoing irritation, especially around the face, legs, and tail.
🦠 Fleas and Ticks
Still active and thriving in grass and wooded areas, these parasites are one of the biggest threats to your dog’s health. Ticks can spread Lyme disease, and fleas can lead to allergic dermatitis, anemia, and tapeworms. Even in urban backyards, they’re a risk worth taking seriously.
Why These Pests Are Dangerous for Dogs
It’s easy to brush off a bug or two as just part of summer - but for dogs, even a single bite or sting can cause real problems. Unlike us, they can't always communicate when something’s wrong, so it’s up to us to stay ahead of the symptoms and prevent serious issues before they start.
Here’s why late-summer pests deserve your full attention:
🐝 Wasps, Hornets and Yellowjackets
These stings pack a punch. Most dogs will try to snap at or investigate flying insects - and that can quickly lead to swollen snouts, painful paws, or worse. Some dogs are allergic to wasp stings and can experience serious reactions like facial swelling, vomiting, or even anaphylaxis.
What to watch for:
- Pawing at the face or mouth
- Swelling around the eyes, lips, or paws
- Whining or restlessness
- Vomiting or difficulty breathing (in severe cases)
🦠 Fleas and Ticks
These tiny pests cause big problems. Fleas can lead to obsessive scratching, hot spots, and skin infections. Ticks, especially in Canada’s rural and wooded areas, can transmit Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis - some of which may take months to surface.
What to watch for:
- Constant scratching or chewing
- Visible fleas or “flea dirt”
- Lethargy or limping (possible sign of tick-borne illness)
- Fever, swollen joints, or sudden changes in behaviour
🪲 Japanese Beetles
While not dangerous to dogs directly, these garden pests can lead to secondary risks. Some dogs eat beetles (gross but true!), which can cause upset stomachs or vomiting. If your yard has been sprayed with insecticides to control them, your dog may ingest chemicals while sniffing or licking plants.
What to watch for:
- Vomiting or drooling after being in the garden
- Signs of pesticide exposure (tremors, confusion, excessive salivation)
🦟 Flies and Mosquitoes
Mosquito bites are more than just itchy - they can carry heartworm, especially in provinces where it's on the rise. Flies often bite around the ears and eyes, causing scabs and inflammation. Open bites can attract bacteria and lead to infections if left untreated.
What to watch for:
- Bumps or redness around ears and belly
- Head shaking or ear scratching
-
Small scabs or fly bite dermatitis, especially in short-coated breeds
Wasp and Hornet Solutions That Actually Work
If you’ve got wasps buzzing around your deck, hornets lurking near the shed, or yellowjackets dive-bombing the dog’s water bowl, it’s time to act fast. These pests don’t just ruin a good backyard hang - they can be dangerous for both pets and people.
The good news? You don’t need toxic sprays or professional exterminators to fight back. Rescue! Traps are some of the most effective (and pet-safe) options available, and they’re easy to set up wherever the buzz is coming from.
Rescue! W.H.Y. Trap for Wasps, Hornets and Yellowjackets
This all-in-one trap targets all three of the most aggressive stingers in Canada. It uses attractants (not poisons) to lure insects away from your outdoor spaces and into a sealed container they can’t escape.
Why dog parents love it:
- Non-toxic and pesticide-free
- Safe to use around pets and food areas
- Reusable for multiple seasons
- Catches multiple species at once
Rescue! W.H.Y. Trap Refill – 2 Week Supply
Running low on lure? This refill pack makes it easy to keep your trap running at full strength through the peak of late summer. Each pack lasts about two weeks - just pop it in and you’re back in business.
Rescue! Yellowjacket Disposable Trap
Looking for something fast, simple, and low-maintenance? This pre-filled disposable trap is great for day trips, picnics, or placing around the perimeter of your yard. Just hang it up, pull the tab, and let it do the work.
Best for:
- Quick, mess-free protection
- Cabins, campsites, and summer cottages
- Spot treating high-traffic areas like patios and walkways
These traps give you powerful, long-lasting protection without exposing your pets to harsh chemicals. For maximum effect, place them early in the day and far enough from food, water bowls, and lounging zones to draw pests away from high-traffic areas.
Stop Beetles Before They Wreck Your Yard
If you’ve spotted shimmering green bugs crawling on your plants or skeletonized leaves in your garden beds, you’re not alone. Japanese beetles are taking over Canadian backyards from mid-July through early fall - and once they arrive, they don’t go quietly.
While they’re not a direct danger to your dog like fleas or wasps, Japanese beetles can still create problems. Some dogs (especially curious puppies) may try to eat them, which can cause vomiting or upset stomachs. Worse, many homeowners turn to chemical treatments to kill off beetles, not realizing those treatments can be toxic to pets who walk, sniff, or dig through the treated areas.
Rescue! Japanese Beetle Trap
This trap is a simple and chemical-free way to reduce beetle populations before they devour your yard. It uses dual-action lures - scent and sex pheromones - to draw beetles away from your plants and into a container where they can’t escape.
Why it works:
- Catches hundreds of beetles without pesticides
- Helps protect gardens and lawns naturally
- Safe to use around pets, kids, and edible plants
- Easy to hang on a post or shepherd’s hook
Pro tip: Hang the trap about 10–20 feet away from your garden or patio area to avoid accidentally attracting more beetles to where your dog plays.
Protecting Dogs from Fleas, Ticks, and Biting Insects
It’s not just the flying pests that cause problems - some of the worst offenders in late summer are the ones that latch on and stay. Fleas, ticks, and biting flies are still going strong across Canada in August and September, especially in areas with tall grass, wooded trails, or standing water.
These parasites don’t just cause itching - they can spread disease, trigger allergic reactions, and in some cases lead to serious infections or chronic health conditions. That’s why prevention is key, especially for dogs who spend a lot of time outside.
K9 Advantix II – Long-Lasting Monthly Protection
This vet-recommended topical treatment offers broad-spectrum protection against fleas, ticks, lice, biting flies, and mosquitoes. It kills pests on contact - before they have a chance to bite - and it keeps working for 30 days.
Why it’s a summer essential:
- Waterproof and fragrance-free
- Safe for dogs 7 weeks and older (not safe for cats!)
- Available in 4 weight-based sizes: small, medium, large, x-large
- Protects against pests that transmit Lyme disease and heartworm
💡 Tip: For best results, apply between your dog’s shoulder blades on dry skin. Avoid bathing or swimming for 48 hours after application. DO NOT USE NEAR CATS.
Citrobug Insect Repellent Spray for Dogs and Horses
Looking for a natural daily option without chemicals? Citrobug spray is made with essential oils like lemon, pine, and citronella to help repel mosquitoes, flies, and ticks without harsh ingredients.
Best for:
- Hikes, evening walks, or camping trips
- Dogs sensitive to conventional topicals
- Pairing with monthly treatments for added protection
Bonus: It smells great and doesn’t leave a greasy residue on your dog’s coat.
Creating a Pest-Resistant Backyard Routine
You’ve got the products - but prevention doesn’t stop there. A few smart habits can make your yard a lot less appealing to bugs and a whole lot safer for your dog.
Here’s how to stay ahead of the swarm:
- Mow and Trim Regularly: Keep grass short and remove weeds to reduce tick and flea habitats. These pests love to hide in long blades and shady brush.
- Eliminate Standing Water: Dump out kiddie pools, flower pot saucers, or any containers holding water to prevent mosquito breeding grounds.
- Clean Up After Meals: Wasps, flies, and beetles are drawn to leftover food - especially sweet or meaty scraps from the grill. Keep your outdoor dining space clean and seal all trash bins.
- Place Traps Early and Strategically: Don’t wait until bugs are everywhere. Set up Rescue! traps at the first sign of activity and place them away from high-traffic dog zones to keep pests from swarming where your pup eats or plays.
- Do Regular Bug Checks: After time outdoors, run your hands through your dog’s fur to check for ticks or signs of bites. Focus on ears, armpits, tail base, and between the toes.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Bugs Ruin Summer’s Grand Finale
Late summer should be about fetch in the yard, patio naps, and long evening walks - not bites, stings, or emergency vet visits. The good news? With the right pest control strategy, your backyard can be a safe haven again.
At Brindle Pet Supplies, we carry the best insect control products trusted by Canadian pet parents - from fast-acting flea treatments to natural repellents and effective outdoor traps.
Featured Products Recap:
- Rescue! W.H.Y. Trap
- W.H.Y. Trap Refill
- Yellowjacket Disposable Trap
- Rescue! Japanese Beetle Trap
- K9 Advantix II (Small to XL Dogs)
-
Citrobug Insect Spray for Dogs
Let bugs buzz somewhere else - shop now at brindlepets.ca and enjoy every last minute of summer without the pests.