Other Pests

Types of other pests.

Other pests include silverfish, firebrats, booklice, centipedes, millipedes, crickets, beetles, earwigs, moths, fleas, lice, mites and sowbugs.

Proactive Control

Many insects nesting indoors will do so because they have gained easy access through an entrance or a food source is easily available. Proper food storage is essential in order not to attract these pests. Sugar bowls, food waste left on tables, floors or near garbage receptacles, are attractants. Caulk cracks and crevices that will allow insects to enter a structure. Sticky barriers may be used to catch these pests when placed in dark damp locations around the home where they like to hide.

Management System

An integrated pest management approach includes monitoring, identification and elimination using cultural, mechanical, behavioural and chemical controls

Insects require an inspection and monitoring policy to identify which type of pest is present. Once this is known a course of action can be taken to eliminate the problem.

Applying a stress factor to an insect population, such as denying them food, water or shelter, will reduce the population. Food reduction requires the person living or working in a building to practise good hygiene and sanitation procedures. Removal of food residues and regular cleaning is essential to manage the pest problem.

Removal of water sources is also extremely important. It is difficult however to make sure that there is no moisture available when for example, condensation of water pipes can provide all the needs for an insect population inhabiting a building. Fixing leaks and adjusting humidity levels will obviously assist the control program.

Habitat modification is a major control practice. Latex or acrylic caulking of crevices around plumbing and pipes, cupboards, utility outlets, sinks, toilets, cabinets, shelves and counter tops will reduce hiding places for insects. Various weatherproofing caulkings in ropes, urethane aerosols and trigger sealant guns are available in hardware stores that can also be adapted for insect proofing.

Food should be stored in closely fitting containers (in the workplace and residential environments). Garbage receptacles should be cleaned frequently to avoid waste accumulation.

Vacuum cleaners with HEPA  filters can be used to reduce insect populations by physically removing observable pests. Steam cleaning of food serving facilities will also reduce food sources. Clean surfaces allow for improved residual pesticide applications when made to surfaces and for cracks and crevices. Residual insecticides are practically useless in controlling insects if applied to greasy walls or dirty cracks and crevices.

Sticky traps are normally designed as monitoring tools in order to find insect "hot spots".

More Resources:

Link to more information on the Boxelder Bug: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxelder_bug

Link to more information on sowbugs, millipedes and centipedes in the home: http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/sowbugs-millipedes-centipedes/

Link to more information on silverfish and firebrats from the government of canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/pest-control-tips/silverfish-firebrats.html

 

For more information about household insect pests, or to schedule a peace of mind inspection for your home, contact Pest Xpress.

 

Pest Xpress is a proud member of the Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce.