Pest Library

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Termites are social insects. They are sometimes referred to as "white ants". They feed on wood, paper, books, leaf litter and can cause great destruction to building foundations and structures. Termites normally are categorized into three different groups. Dampwood Termites are groups of termites that feed on damp wood such as old tree stumps, pieces of buried timber and rotting logs. Drywood Termites infest dry, un-decayed wood. They are normally found in drywood and in the wooden structure of timber in the building. Drywood termites can survive in wood, without moisture content and are usually found in areas of high humidity. Subterranean Termites are very dependent on soil for moisture and they build nests in the soil. During their search for food, subterranean termites construct mud tubes because they are susceptible to desiccation when exposed to air. They will work their way up to the ground to reach wood or other cellulose source which will then be consumed by them. Cockroaches are insects that are commonly found in houses and food outlets. They prefer warm, dark and moist conditions found within buildings. They feed on anything from human food to leftovers and food debris found on the floor. Cockroaches also carry bacteria on their body surfaces that can be potentially harmful to humans. They are also linked to allergic reactions in humans. Some of the important cockroaches species are : American Cockroaches are large in size and are red-brown, 3-4 cm long. We see them most often around our homes, in cabinets, bin chutes, sewers and garbage dumps. They feed on a variety of food, decaying organic matter seems to be preferred. They also feed on book bindings, manuscripts, clothing, or paper etc. Syrup and other sweets are also attractive to them. German Cockroaches are small, 1-2 cm long. It is amber-brown and are weak fliers. It likes warm and damp environment and is found in restaurants, hotels, buses, grocery stores and other sites where food is stored, prepared and in the serving areas. They can be carried from place to place especially in bagged potatoes and onions, beverage cartons, grocery bags and the folds of clothing etc. The German cockroach is a general feeder but is particularly attracted to fermented foods and beverage residues (e.g., beers spills). Rats are rodents that cause major problem around the world. They can cause structural damage and can be a fire hazard from their gnawing activities to the building and electrical circuitry, appliances etc. They feed on all kinds of food, and often share human food. When they do, they contaminate the food with their urine, faeces, and saliva. By doing so, the rodents can transmit diseases such as leptospirosis, plague etc to us. Sewer rats are those we commonly see running in sewers, man-holes, drains, eating places, bin centre, warehouses, etc. They can grow quite big and they live in colonies outdoors and make burrows in the soil, underneath sunken pavements and floors. Roof rats are smaller and more slender than sewer rats. They are very agile and are excellent climbers. They prefer to nest above ground, such as in roof attics, false ceilings and among unwanted articles stored indoor. House mice are very small in size. As such, they can enter buildings easily. They are also very good at climbing, jumping and swimming. They live in small family groups and nest in gaps between walls, false ceilings, wardrobes, laundry, etc. Mosquitoes are insects that are responsible for the transmission of many diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, Chikugunya and Japanese Encephalitis. Only female mosquitoes suck blood. Male mosquitoes feed on the nectar of flowers. The three common group of mosquitoes are Culex, Aedes & Anopheles. Culex mosquito is light brown in color and bites in the middle of the night. These mosquitoes breed in organically-polluted water such as in drains choked with litters. They are known to transmit diseases such as Filariasis or Elephantiasis and Japanese Encephalitis. Their midnight biting habit are considered major nuisance by human. Aedes mosquito is a known vector of dengue fever, dengue haemorrhagic fever and Chikugunya. Typically, it is black with white spots and stripes on its body and legs. The Aedes mosquito biting active time is at dawn and dusk of the day. It breeds in household containers such as flower vases, plates, beneath plant pots, water storage jars or pails where clean water is present. Outdoors, it breeds in roof gutters, tree holes, and discarded containers on the grounds when these collect rain water. Anopheles mosquito is the most important vector of malaria. Typically, it has white or rusty-red spots on its wings. It bites during the night. The Anopheles mosquito breeds mainly in ground seepage, streams, ponds and swampy areas. Due of their transmitting ability of malaria disease, controlling them is very important. Normally found in places like the outskirt of the cities and in native settlements. Bed Bugs lives and feed in beds and its surroundings. Their flattened body allows them to squeeze into small cracks and crevices, therefore, they are hard to detect and eradicate. Their typical hiding places are in folds and seams of mattresses cracks in bed frames, carpet edges and any area into which they can squeeze. They excrete faeces as small, brown spots on walls, sheets and other surfaces. Bed Bugs feed mostly at night when the host is asleep. Their bites cause small, hard, swollen welts on the skin and can itch severely and become inflamed. Ants are social insects and live in colonies. They normally travel to forage for food and leaves pheromones (scent trails) for other ants to follow. They can be found in all kinds of places, including garbage areas or places where food remnants are found. Some ants inflict bites and stings, but most are normally just a nuisance. Fleas and Ticks are ectoparasites that feed on the blood of warm blooded body. They can cause skin Irritations,, allergies, and diseases. They prefer warm and humid conditions. They are attracted by the body warmth of the animal hosts and crawl or jump onto the hosts. They depend very much on their hosts for a blood meal. Fleas are external blood-sucking parasites on humans, dogs, cats, rats and other animals. They can be brought into homes by infested pets, dogs or cats, or by rats infesting the homes. From this animal carrier, they can more and live on the human body by feeding on the human blood. The bite wound can develop into skin inflammation. Ticks are eight-legged external parasites of animals and humans. They suck blood throughout their lives. Most of the ticks are encountered in the woods or field, and only a few are pests in the house. Tick bites are itchy and irritating. Those that are pest of pet and domestic animals can bite humans and transmit diseases to both pets and humans. Birds carry and spread diseases. Their faeces can corrode building materials. The build-up of droppings or nesting materials is not only unsightly, but can also host parasites like bird mites. Bird droppings are highly acidic and can corrode paint work and some building materials. It can also discolor fabrics like canvas.