Summerland Man Spots Rare Winter Bug

Insect sighting in February surprises local bug expert

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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On February 7th, a Summerland resident named Al Varisco spotted an unusual bug outside his kitchen window, which local bug expert Steve Ball Sr. believes was likely a water scorpion - an uncommon sighting during the winter months.

Why it matters

While water scorpions are fairly common in the Northwest region, they are not typically seen during the winter when water temperatures are too cold for their eggs to incubate. This early February sighting is an unusual occurrence that has piqued the interest of local entomologists.

The details

Varisco observed the insect until it got dark, noting that it hardly moved. Ball, an expert with BugMasters in Kelowna, said it was difficult to definitively identify the bug based on the photo, but he believes it was a water scorpion. Water scorpions have a tail-like appendage used for breathing, not stinging, and their bite, while painful, is less harmful to humans than a true scorpion's sting.

  • On February 7, 2026, Varisco spotted the bug outside his Summerland home.

The players

Al Varisco

A resident of Summerland, California who spotted an unusual bug outside his kitchen window.

Steve Ball Sr.

An expert with BugMasters in Kelowna who believes the bug spotted was likely a water scorpion, an uncommon sighting during the winter months.

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The takeaway

This early February bug sighting highlights the unpredictable nature of wildlife, even during the winter months, and underscores the importance of local entomologists who can help identify and study rare or unexpected insect occurrences.