A surprising yet very real issue
In the world of residential and commercial HVAC in Laval, a strange phenomenon has increasingly caught the attention of homeowners: the recurring presence of insects entering through ventilation ducts. This situation raises several questions regarding the design, installation, maintenance, and sealing of mechanical ventilation systems (HRV/ERV), especially in single-family homes, multiplexes, and small commercial buildings. At AirGreen, we’ve been called in to resolve this issue numerous times, and we’ve gained valuable insights from these real-world experiences.
Understanding the link between ventilation and insect invasions
Direct openings to the outdoors
Most ventilation systems in Laval, whether it’s a simple air exchanger or a heat recovery ventilator (HRV/ERV), require at least two openings to the outside: one for incoming air, the other for outgoing air. These ducts, if improperly installed, poorly oriented, or simply unprotected, can become prime entry points for insects, especially during the warmer months.
Favorable conditions inside the ducts
Uninsulated or overly humid ventilation ducts can also create a welcoming environment for species like carpenter ants, wasps, or even certain types of flies. Minimal vibration, ambient humidity, moderate warmth, and the absence of human disturbance make ideal nesting conditions near these ducts.
Real cases handled by AirGreen in Laval
Intervention in Chomedey: infested air exchanger
In a residential home in Chomedey, Laval, a customer contacted us after noticing a constant presence of small flies in their bathroom. Upon inspection, we discovered that the air exchanger had been installed without any exterior grill, and the ventilation ducts hadn’t been cleaned since their installation in 2009. Insect larvae had developed inside the ducts, attracted by the humidity produced in the bathrooms.
AirGreen Solution:
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Added galvanized aluminum protective grills to exterior outlets.
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Performed a full duct cleaning using negative-pressure HEPA equipment.
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Repositioned exhaust vents to prevent humidity build-up.
Duplex in Laval-des-Rapides: wasp nest inside intake duct
In a small apartment building in Laval-des-Rapides, tenants reported constant buzzing sounds near the living room walls. A thermal analysis revealed the presence of a wasp nest inside an air intake duct, accessible from a poorly protected side wall.
AirGreen Solution:
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Temporarily removed the intake vent to remove the nest.
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Fully cleaned the interior ducts with a biological disinfectant.
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Installed a stainless steel insect screen designed to withstand harsh weather.
Why are these mistakes common in Laval?
Non-compliant or makeshift HVAC installations
Unfortunately, some ventilation systems are installed without meeting the minimum standards of the Quebec Construction Code or CSA F326 standard for residential ventilation. In Laval, many installations done by general contractors lack protection against weather, rodents, and insects.
Lack of preventive maintenance
Neglected HVAC maintenance or complete absence of upkeep over the years increases the risk of insect infiltration. Ducts that aren’t cleaned promote the buildup of dust, pollen, and moisture—perfect for insects seeking a comfortable habitat.
Proximity to wooded areas or gardens
Some properties in Laval—especially in areas like Fabreville, Duvernay, and Sainte-Rose—are surrounded by dense vegetation. These natural environments are teeming with insects, who find direct access to the interior of homes through ventilation systems.
How to prevent this phenomenon with AirGreen?
Professional installation with reinforced standards
At AirGreen, all our ventilation installations in Laval follow the industry’s best practices. We use superior quality materials, including:
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Certified insect-proof screens.
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Insulated ducts to reduce condensation.
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Airtight fastenings to prevent infiltration.
Recommended annual maintenance
We offer a preventive HVAC maintenance service, which includes duct cleaning, inspection of exterior vents, and indoor air quality analysis. This service is essential for identifying early signs of infiltration or parasitic presence.
Documented case studies
Each case we handle helps us better anticipate risks. We compile our interventions into an internal database to identify trends based on Laval’s neighborhoods, building types, and models of equipment installed.
Our recommendations for Laval homeowners
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Have your ventilation system inspected every 1 to 2 years, especially if you live near wooded areas or notice unusual insect activity.
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Never block a ventilation outlet with makeshift materials. This increases the risk of mold and poor indoor air quality.
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Always rely on certified professionals for any modification or replacement of a ventilation system.
Conclusion: A preventable phenomenon with the right expertise
At AirGreen, we understand the importance of having a ventilation system that is efficient, safe, and hygienic. Insect infiltration through ventilation is not inevitable—it’s often the result of an incomplete installation or neglected maintenance. Thanks to our hands-on experience across Laval and its diverse residential neighborhoods, we are able to provide personalized, long-lasting solutions that fully comply with standards.
We encourage all homeowners, building managers, or contractors to contact us at the first sign of unusual activity related to their ventilation system. A quick intervention can prevent significant inconvenience, both for quality of life and the integrity of your equipment.