Harmful organisms

Harmful organisms and pests can cause damage to the environment and agriculture and involve risks that may affect public health and the proper conduct of human activities.

It is important, if you see any pests, to report noxious weeds or mosquitoes to the Environmental Health Department, together with the specific location where sighted (address, area on the property) and the approximate density of the pest. If possible, provide a photograph for identification purposes.

Harmful organisms

Giant hogweed

Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) or Giant Cow Parsley can reach a height of 2 to 5 metres. It is considered a noxious weed and its sap causes phytophotodermatitis, resulting in blisters, burns and scars. It can also cause blindness.

Identification :

Stems and petioles have reddish-purple flecks, nearly solid purple at the base

Leaves are large and shiny with coarse, serrated edges

Flower stalks and leaf stems have stiff, bristly hairs

Giant Hogweed is often misidentified because of its similarity to Cow Parsnip. To learn more on how to identify Giant Hogweed and differentiate it from similar species, visit:

Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques – Québec (French only)

Space for Life (Montreal Botanical Garden)

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes thrive in stagnant water. Some good habits to adopt in order to prevent mosquito breeding are:

At the approach of summer, open your pool as soon as possible

Clean your gutters every spring

Empty outdoor items where water collects (flower pots, boilers, furniture, etc.)

Install screens on rainwater barrels.

Have you noticed a high presence of mosquitoes? Do you have questions about controlling biting insects? Call the Info-mosquito line at 1 (888) 567-8567.

For more information, view the following GDG Environment videos (French only):

Sand wasps

If you see insects swirling over sandy surfaces in Town parks or at the beach, take care. These are sand wasps. They measure two centimetres (3/4”), are coloured black and yellow or black and white and lay eggs in the sand. They are most active when temperatures are high.

As a preventive measure, you are advised to avoid sandy areas if you suffer from an allergy to wasps or are disturbed or frightened by their presence.

West Nile virus

Since 2006, active surveillance for West Nile virus in dead birds has been terminated. Therefore, to provide preventive surveillance for avian influenza in Quebec, residents are urged to report any mortality of wild birds to Services Québec by contacting 1-877-644-4545.

For more information visit:

Public Health Agency of Canada

Ticks
Lyme disease is present everywhere in Montérégie

In 2023, nearly one hundred and seventy people contracted Lyme disease in Montérégie. This serious disease, if not promptly treated, could lead to neurological, joint, or heart problems. The bacteria that is responsible for Lyme disease is transmitted through a tick bite. These ticks are currently well established in the region. Ticks transmit other serious diseases, such as anaplasmosis. This disease, which was only present in the United States, is now reported in Montérégie with 8 cases in 2023. Climate change has a role to play in increasing tick-borne infections. Hotter and longer summers, less cold winters can enhance tick activity over a longer period. The risk of being bitten by an infected tick is highest between May and September, but a bite is also possible when temperatures exceed 40 C.

Ticks are found primarily in forests, parcs, wooded and tall grass areas. Adults and children who engage in outdoor activities in or near these areas are more likely to be exposed to ticks. Hiking, biking, gardening, wood cutting and collecting, camping, fishing and hunting are examples of high-risk activities. Certain workers who perform outdoor tasks (road workers, summer camp counsellors, etc.) are also more likely to be exposed to ticks.

In order to take full advantage of outdoor activities in high-risk areas, simple precautionary measures are recommended to avoid tick bites:

  • Wear long pants, closed footwear and socks, and apply a DEET or Icaridine based insect repellent, following the instructions on the product label.
  • Shower as soon as you get home.
  • Look for ticks on your body. Remove any ticks you find as quickly as possible. The risk of contracting Lyme disease is minimal if the tick is removed within 24 hours of exposure.
  • Call Info-santé at 8-1-1 if you were bitten by a tick. A medical or a pharmacist assessment might be recommended in order to determine whether an antibiotic is required to prevent the development of Lyme disease.
  • Seek medical attention promptly if you develop any symptoms (localized skin redness of 5 cm or more in diameter, fever, headache, tiredness) within 30 days of a tick bite. Lyme disease can be successfully treated with antibiotics.
  • Prevent tick populations from settling around your house by regularly mowing your lawn, removing leaves and bushes and creating a mulch or gravel buffer zone between your yard and wooded areas around.

For more information, go to www.maladiedeLymeMonteregie.com.

Source : Direction de santé publique de la Montérégie, June 2024

Contact the Urban Planning Department

For all questions relating to Urban Planning, please contact 450-458-5347.