Description: Small rodent with grey/brown fur usually less than 90mm in total length and weighing less than 20 grams. Colour is generally uniformed with the belly being slightly lighter and the tail typically about 75% of the length of the body.

Biology: Mice are omnivorous and are good at adapting to local environments but generally in rural environments eat cereals, seeds etc. where they consume an average of 2-3 grams of food per day. Whilst they will drink free water they can in many cases survive without it, obtaining sufficient moisture from their food. Mice will typically live up to 1 year, reach sexual maturity in 6 weeks and can have as many as 8 litters per annum with the average litter size being about 5.

Control: As mice feed at numerous places, the key to successful control is to have a large number of baiting points. Baits containing anticoagulants are generally effective, with a variety of formulations available including whole grain, blocks and pastes. Traps can also be an effective method of control to quickly reduce large numbers of mice and proofing / housekeeping should be considered to offer a longer-term solutions.

Description: Slightly larger than the House Mouse with a proportionally longer tail -on average the same length as the body. The Wood mouse has light brown fur with a distinctive pale belly and characteristic large ears and bulging eyes. Also known as the long-tailed field mouse.

Biology: Wood mice have similar life-cycle and nutritional needs to the House Mouse. Generally the Wood mice are found outdoors, entering houses and outbuildings for shelter and food but nesting in the open for much of the time whereas the House Mouse, given sufficient resources, will more readily complete full generations without leaving the house or building that it’s living in. The Wood mouse is similar to another typically outdoor mouse, the yellowneck mouse which can be distinguished by a band of yellowish fur around the neck.

Control: As the Wood mouse is largely an outdoor pest, we would only advise control if the mice are entering buildings or causing damage. Control of the Wood mouse is the same as that of the House Mouse and a combination of traps and chronic (slow working) baits such as anticoagulants should be effective. Again proofing of gaps to deny entry should be considered to try to prevent or restrict infestations.

Description: Large rodent which can measure up to 40cm in length (including the tail). Fur colour can vary but is generally dull grey in colour.

Biology: Rats are omnivorous and whilst they generally feed on cereals and grains, if hungry they can take small chicks and eggs. One of the main characteristics of Rats is that they are Neophobic – very wary of anything new and they can take 4-5 days before they except a new object into their environment. They prefer small-enclosed spaces and get around by smell and touch. They like to be up against something as they travel like a wall or pipe. Contrary to popular beliefs regarding Rats being dirty they are in fact very clean animals and spend up to 20% of their time grooming. They are however carriers of a number of diseases, the most publicised of which is Weils Disease which can be fatal to humans. Rats take between 2-3 months to reach sexual maturity and can have up to 7 litters per year with the average litter size being about 8. The other UK rat is the Ship Rat or Black Rat which is now very rare and restricted to a few localised port sites.

Control: In contrast to mice, Rats tend to have only a few feeding sites and so the key to successful control is to ensure there is a good quantity of bait available (sub-lethal doses can effect the level of control which will be achieved longer-term). Whole grain bait is the most commonly used, and active ingredients such as Difenacoum and Bromadialone can be used indoors and out. Rat burrows can be baited directly if safe to do so and trapping and use of gassing compounds such as Aluminium Phosphide (professionally trained operators only) can be considered.

Description: The rabbit was thought to have been introduced to Britain by the Normans, although early remains show that some may date back to Roman times. The rabbit is now found across almost all of Western Europe. Each individual can grow up to 40 cm in length. Rabbits are distinguished from the Hare by size (the Hare is bigger), and the rabbit has a white tail when running, smaller hind legs and lacks the characteristic black tips found on the hare’s ears.

Biology: Rabbits can reach sexual maturity in 2-3 months and have a gestation period of just 28 days. Up to 5 litters per year are possible with the average litter size being about 5.

Control: If after conducting an assessment, control is deemed necessary, there are a number of options available. Fencing (electric and wire) can be effective although can also be costly. Gassing using Aluminium Phosphide (Professional trained staff only) is an option as is shooting, snaring (free running noose), spring traps, ferreting, cage traps and drop traps.

Description: Although now a familiar sight across much of the UK, the grey squirrel is non-native, having been first introduced from America in the late nineteenth century. It is largely blamed for the decline in populations of our native red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) although in truth, this also has as much to do with the disappearance of the red squirrels natural woodland habitat, as it does with competition. The introduced species is larger than the red squirrel, with largely grey/brown fur, and a white belly.

Biology: Grey squirrels are active during the day and are omnivorous, feeding on seeds, nuts, insects, bird eggs and increasingly adapting to match many of the foods that man may discard. Squirrels are well-known for their habit of hoarding food in autumn to see them through the harsh winter months. Breeding takes place in December to February, and again in March to May. The gestation period is typically between 6 to 7 weeks and on average two litters are produced each year, consisting of 1-8 young. The average lifespan is 8-9 years.

Control: This species is a serious pest in Britain. It is a threat to forestry land where its habit of removing tree bark is extremely damaging. In towns and cities, it can be a considerable pest by casing damage to structures and electrics in lofts etc. The most common and successful method of control is trapping, with either live trapping or spring trapping effective. Always use traps in accordance with statutory guidelines and trapped animals must be disposed of humanely.

Description: Typical worker ants are 3-4mm long of a brown/black colour with elbowed antennae and biting mouthparts. The queen tends to be much larger at about 10mm.

Biology: Garden Ants usually nest outdoors in lawns, flower beds, beneath paving flags and at the base of walls. Premises are usually invaded by worker ants foraging for food, especially sweet foods. During summer, winged females (Queens) and males leave the nest on one or two warm afternoons and take flight. During this flight, which may only last for 2- 3 hours, the ants mate. The formation of a new colony starts with a mated winged female digging into the earth to overwinter and start a new colony in the spring.

Control: If possible, trace the trail of worker ants to the nest. If the nest can be exposed, and it is safe to do so, apply an insect powder labelled for that use. If it is not possible to trace the nest, use a residual insecticidal spray to treat outside the building. Special attention should be paid to likely entry points such as door frames, air bricks and waste pipes to create an insecticidal barrier. In addition, use of gels and liquid feeding baits can help with longer-term control.

Description: Much larger than the Australian at up to 4.5mm long, has a roughly spherical shape and is covered in golden hairs and scales. Occurs in flour and feed mills, food warehousing and the domestic environment. Seldom seen in more than small numbers.

Biology: Adults are extremely cold hardy, but free water is essential to them. They are nocturnal in foraging behaviour. A widespread pest in the food industry, larvae can bore through many types of packaging. There are usually up to 2 generations per year and the average lifespan is 9-12 months.

Control: The source of infestation should be traced and eliminated. Old bird’s nests/infested food stuffs etc. should be removed and destroyed. Good hygiene practices, stock rotation, quarantine of inbound stock and monitoring should be considered. Fumigation, residual spraying, dusting and temperature / atmospheric control may be applicable.

Description: The beetles are about 2 – 3mm long and light brown to red brown in colour. Their bodies are covered with fine, silky hairs, and they have distinct grooves in their wingcovers which can easily separate them from Tobacco beetle. Biscuit Beetles have antenna that end in three enlarged segments.

Biology: The larval stages of the beetle can feed on a variety of stored products including tobacco, grain, cereal products, ginger, raisins, dates, pepper, dried fish, drugs, and seeds. The female produces about 100 eggs and the entire life cycle can be completed in 45-50 days.

Control: The first step in control of the tobacco and biscuit beetles is to find the source of the infestation. This means inspecting all of the dried foods in the infested cabinets or drawers. Once the infested material is found, it should be destroyed. Insect Monitors are essential in commercial situations to highlight infestations. Infested commodities can be treated (usually be fumigation) or destroyed, whilst the building fabric can be treated with residual insecticides.

Description: The Beetles are robust, black and nearly 18mm long, resembling many ground beetles in size, shape and colour. The larvae are distinct, being honey yellow in colour with a smooth, highly polished, hard, cylindrical (wormlike) body about 3mm thick and up to 28mm long at maturity.

Biology: Adult beetles are attracted to night-lights, are strong fliers, and are found in dark places. Each female lays about 275 eggs, which hatch into larvae in 4 to 14 days. Eggs are laid singly or in clusters during the spring over a period of 22 to 137 days. Larvae may spend up to two years in this stage depending on the environment. Individual larvae may wander far from the food source to pupate, making it difficult for homeowners to locate the source of infestation. Common sources are cornmeal, flour, cake mixes, cereals, meat scraps, dead insects, bran, litter from chicken houses and birds’ nests.

Control: To control these pests, the infested area should be thoroughly cleaned to remove the debris on which the larvae fed (bird nests, food etc.). Application of a broad spectrum residual insecticide will then normally control the problem.

Description: Shiny gold/brown moth approximately 10mm in length. The wing tips have a hairy/feathery appearance and the wings themselves have dark brown spots (although these can easily be rubbed off).

Biology: The larvae of these insects can cause considerable damage when they feed on articles that contain wool, mohair, fur, hair, feathers or other products of animal origin. The brown house moth will also feed on other organic debris including dried or mouldy food waste. The female lays up to 500 white eggs on the surface of fabrics which can hatch into larvae in as little as 10 days. The period of larval development is 6 weeks (under ideal conditions), during which time the larvae actively feed on fabrics etc.

Control: Locate the source of infestation before treatment. Spilled foodstuffs and other waste material should be cleaned up; where old bird’s nests are present they should be removed and destroyed. Where necessary a residual insecticide can be applied to wall/floor and ceiling floor junctions and around carpet edges. If the infestation is present in a loft or roof space, the structure should also be treated with a residual insecticide and/or a space treatment (ULV, smoke etc).

Description: The insects are about 3-4mm and reddish-brown in colour. The confused flour beetle and the red flour beetle are similar in appearance and habits. Adult confused flour beetles have the antennae gradually enlarged toward the tip; the antennae of the red flour beetle have the last three segments abruptly enlarged. Confused Flour Beetle (Tribolium confusum) cannot fly, but Rust Red Flour Beetle (Tribolium castaneum) may fly. In addition, the eyes (when viewed underneath) of the T. confusum are separated by a space equivalent to 3 times the diameter of the eye, whereas in the T. castaneum, this gap is less than 2 times the diameter.

Biology: Beetles attack milled grain products such as flour and cereals. These beetles often hitchhike into the house in infested flour and can build up into large populations on food accumulations in cabinet cracks and crevices and in furniture. The life cycle requires one to four months when temperatures are favourable and the female may live for as long as 2 years.

Control: Control of these pests begins with the location and destruction of the infested food. Within commercial situations, the use of insect monitors is key to help pinpoint the infestations. A thorough clean up is advised, using a vacuum cleaner to get into the cracks and crevices followed by a treatment using a broad spectrum residual insecticide.

Description: Adult lesser mealworms are up to 6mm long, dark brown to black insects, with a distinctively dimpled thorax. The adults and larvae are often found in floor litter where they feed on poultry feed, dried bird droppings, and bird carcasses. Being a general scavenger, they can also be an occasional pest of stored products. In high numbers, in addition to being a vector for disease, the beetles can cause considerable structural damage as the larvae will often tunnel into polystyrene insulation materials or even wooden beams and supports in order to pupate.

Biology: Eggs are laid in batches and hatch in 4 to 5 days under typical room temperatures. The larval period can be as short as 8 weeks and following a 5 to 10 day pupal stage, the adult emerges. The average time from egg to adult takes about 80 days and the adults can live for several months.

Control: Effective litter management can slow the development of these beetles and reduce the chances of having excessive build-up of numbers. The poultry houses can be treated with residual insecticides (ideally after cleaning) but often not in the presence of birds (check label instructions). In non-poultry situations, infested goods and debris should be removed, followed by spraying with a broad spectrum residual insecticide.

Description: Usually dark reddish brown in colour, the adults are about 25mm long and the immature cockroaches (nymphs) resemble adults except that they are wingless.

Biology: Unlike other pest cockroaches, Oriental’s cannot climb up smooth surfaces. Oriental Cockroaches generally live in moist areas, but can survive in dry areas if they have access to water. They tend to prefer cooler temperatures and thus are common in basements, boiler houses and walkways adjacent to buildings. The Oriental cockroach breeds well in unventilated crawl spaces or basements where humidity is high. Adult cockroaches can live up to one year, during which females produce an average of 150 young. This cockroach prefers to feed on starchy foods but will adapt to survive.

Control: Use of monitoring traps to physically catch and determine the extent and distribution of an infestation, along with insecticidal gels and well-targeted use of residual insecticides where appropriate is recommended.

Description: Adult German cockroaches are about 17mm long and light brown except for the shield behind the head marked with two dark stripes, which run lengthwise on the body. The nymphs are wingless and nearly black with a single light stripe running down the middle of the back. Egg capsules are light tan.

Biology: Egg cases are carried by the female until just before hatching and each female may produce four to six cases during her lifetime, each containing 30 to 40 eggs. Eggs hatch in 28 to 30 days, and nymphs develop in 40 to 125 days. Female cockroaches live about 200 days (slightly longer than the male). The German cockroach produces more eggs and has more generations per year (three to four) than any other cockroach, and only a few individuals are needed to develop into troublesome infestations.

Control: An integrated approach involving the use of cockroach traps, insecticidal gels and well targeted use of residual insecticides where appropriate is recommended.

Description: About 30mm in length, the Cockchafer is often mistaken for a cockroach due to its size and shape. Found throughout the UK they are more common in the south, often seen flying at dusk from May to July. Sometimes called the ‘May Bug’ because of the month they normally appear.

Biology: The cockchafer has a three year life cycle. After mating the female digs about 20cms into the soil to lay her 10 to 20 eggs. The eggs hatch after 21 days and the larvae remain in the soil for a further two years feeding on roots. The larvae are white with a brown head and are equipped with a strong pair of pincers for chewing through roots. After this 2 year period they are about 5cms long and are ready to pupate in the soil. After pupation, the adult beetles emerge in October, but remain in the soil until the following spring. Although harmless, both adults and more significantly the larvae, can cause damage to plants and crops.

Control: Not considered to be of public health importance. If control of these seasonal pests is needed, it can be achieved by applying a broad-spectrum residual insecticide to entry points around buildings and/or proofing.

Description: Adult American cockroaches are reddish-brown to dark brown (except for a tan or light yellow band around the shield behind the head); about 25 – 40mm long, they have wings capable of flight.

Biology: They are often found in damp sewers and basements, in heating ducts under hospitals etc. They can be transported into homes in boxes from infested premises. Egg capsules protrude from the body before being deposited prior to hatching. One egg capsule is formed each week until 6 to 14 have been produced.

Control: As with all the cockroach species, a combination of cockroach traps, gels and residual insecticides is the main approach. The effectiveness of the various residual insecticide formulations may be enhanced by using them in conjunction with insecticides applied as ULVs, mists, fogs or aerosols.

Description: Adult brown-banded cockroaches are about 15mm in length. The species is similar in appearance to the German Cockroach but have two light, yellow-brown bands that run across their body, giving the cockroach its name. The bands are much easier to see on the nymphs because they lack wings to obscure them.

Biology: Brown-banded cockroaches are found in all parts of the home, and seem to prefer hiding places off the floor. The insects prefer a warmer environment than German cockroaches and are therefore not as common in the UK.

Control: As with all the cockroach species, a combination of cockroach traps, gels and residual insecticides is the main approach. The effectiveness of the various residual insecticide formulations may be enhanced by using them in conjunction with insecticides applied as ULVs, mists, fogs or aerosols.

Description: Adults, 6 mm long with 12 mm wingspan. They have a grey thorax with 3 longitudinal stripes, less pronounced than those of the Common Housefly. The base of abdomen has an extensive yellow patch. At rest, wings are folded along back; venation shows 4th vein extending straight to wing margin. They have an erratic flight pattern and are often seen flying in large numbers around indoor light fittings. The Lesser housefly is more tolerant of cool conditions than the Common housefly.

Biology: When the eggs are laid they are about 1mm long and they hatch in 24 to 48 hours. Larval development is 8 days and they have 3 skin moults. Larvae are 6 mm when fully grown. Lifecycle from egg to adult takes about 3 weeks and they breed mainly in poultry manure.

Control: Good hygiene is necessary to limit potential breeding sites and food sources. Entry of adult flies into buildings can be prevented by proofing doors and windows. Spraying alighting surfaces with a residual insecticide will also have some effect. Application of larvacides to animal manure is also a good method of control within agriculture, helping to control infestations at source.

Description: The Pharaoh Ant is a small ant of tropical origin. The workers are only 2mm long, the queen 5mm long and both are yellow in colour. The ant has a characteristic double segmented waist and a darkened tip to the abdomen.

Biology: In temperate climates it is an indoor species, associated particularly with large facilities such as hospitals, prisons and blocks of flats. Unlike some other ant species, the queen may be replaced by other queens. This is an important feature to bear in mind during control, as new queens can be produced when needed resulting in colonies which are able to split.

Control: A thorough survey by professional personnel is highly recommended. Pharaoh Ants are most often found in areas near a source of moisture such as a kitchen or bathroom. The use of conventional residual treatments is generally not effective as they may cause the nest to fragment. Baiting may be effective if the active ingredient is slow acting. Good results have been shown by using Juvenile Hormone based treatments. The treatment consists of applying bait to areas frequented by the ants, which works by stopping the ants breeding and so they naturally die off. You will usually notice a reduction in the number of ants within 28 days, but it may take longer to kill off all the insects. Although modern treatments are very effective, there are rare occasions when it does not completely work.

Description: The adult is a small, active, brown beetle, 2-3mm long, with a flattened body and six saw-toothed projections on each side of the thorax. Similar in appearance is the Merchant Grain Beetle which has a slightly different shape to the head and thorax.

Biology: The females live from 6 to 10 months and deposit upwards of 250 eggs in foodstuffs. Several generations may occur each year, as the life cycle requires only 3 to 4 weeks during the summer, when conditions are at their most favourable.

Control: Controlling this pest requires careful inspection of all stored cereal foods, discarding the heavily infested material. Building fabric, machinery etc. can then be sprayed using a residual insecticide.

Description: A small moth, the caterpillars of which cause considerable damage to stored food products. As the name suggests it commonly attacks tobacco and cocoa, as well as grains, nuts, dried fruit and many other stored products. Adults are up to 10mm in length with greyishbrown wings and have dark double bands at the top and base of the wings (although these are frequently rubbed off). Similar in appearance to the Tropical Warehouse Moth where the wing markings are often less distinct (and the adults are less tolerant to temperature variances).

Biology: Up to 200 eggs are laid. There is usually only one generation per year, although under ideal conditions the lifecycle can be as brief as 12 weeks

Control: Controlling this pest requires careful inspection of all stored cereal foods and machinery, discarding the heavily infested material and cleaning away any debris. Where the infestation is extensive; a residual insecticide can be applied to the cracks and crevices around wall/floor and ceiling/floor junctions. Infestations of this moth in food processing facilities can be controlled by removing and destroying infested products and by using intensive cleaning and fumigation as required.

Description: Bed bug adults are reddish-brown, oval, flattened insects from 4 to 5 mm long and 1.5 to 3 mm wide before feeding. Engorged adults tend to be swollen and dull red. The eggs are white, oval, about 1 mm long and covered in a sticky film which allows them to adhere to surfaces. A newly hatched nymph is almost colourless whereas engorged nymphs are reddish and swollen.

Biology: Although humans are the preferred host, bed bugs feed on many warm-blooded animals. Bed bugs usually hide in cracks or mattresses during the day and emerge at night to feed. They inject saliva as they feed and allergic reaction to this substance often causes slightly delayed swelling, itching and burning. Under favourable conditions, each female lays 200 to 500 eggs and at temperatures above 21°C these hatch in 6 to 17 days. Adults often survive up to 2 months without food, but under certain circumstances can live a year or more without feeding.

Control: The first step to dealing with bed bugs is to locate all of their hiding places. Furniture, fittings and even crevices in wallpaper must be inspected carefully, even to the point of dismantling beds etc. for easier inspection and possible treatment. Applications are best done as a “crack and crevice” treatment to known or potential harbourages, as well as using a broad band residual insecticide through a coarse sprayer or as an Ultra Low Volume Insecticide for the rest of the room. Products containing insect growth regulators can also aid control.

Description: The moths are approximately 5mm in length. Forewings are yellowish-brown, and there are usually three distinct, dark dots on the outer third of each wing. Hind wings are smaller, lighter, and fringed with hair and scales. Eggs are whitish, and larvae are opaque-white with brown heads.

Biology: Clothes moths rarely fly to lights at night and instead prefer darkness, such as a closet or storage chest. Any clothes moths fluttering around the house are probably males, because females travel by running, hopping, or trying to hide in the folds of clothing. The female lays 100 – 150 white eggs on the surface of the fabric which will hatch into larvae in approximately 5 days. The period of larval development is usually 6 weeks, during which time the larvae actively feed on the fabric, however, this can take considerably longer under cooler conditions.

Control: Treatment is similar for all the textile moths. Examine closets and stored goods for larvae cases, moths, and damage to locate the source of infestation before treatment. Once the source has been identified treat/destroy as necessary. A residual insecticide can then be applied to wall/floor and ceiling/ wall junctions and around carpet edges, back of empty wardrobes etc. If the infestation is present in a loft or roof space then the area can also be treated with a residual insecticide and/or a space treatment (ULV, smoke etc).

Description: Small reddish or black beetles often found weakly flying in homes during late summer. Plaster Beetles are from 1.5- 2.5 mm in length with ridged, wide wingcases.

Biology: Plaster beetles feed on mould or mildews and are attracted to anything that is musty smelling with newly constructed homes, damp areas in basements, bathrooms and damp commodities (such as grain), often affected. Eggs are laid singly and take approximately 5 weeks to complete the lifecycle.

Control: Insecticidal treatments may not provide a total solution against this pest. Flying insect sprays will kill the adults and a residual insecticide spray should be applied to walls and floors. For longer term control running dehumidifiers or checking vents for proper screening will help reduce migration.

Description: Adult mites are about 0.8 mm long and 0.4 mm wide. The colour can vary from grey to white but they often appear to be red, depending upon their blood content. Engorged adults are about 1 mm long. Red mites feed on the host bird at night for up to 2 hours before returning to the cracks and crevices that they inhabit. High numbers can not only decrease the value and number of eggs etc., they can also cause birds to become anaemic and in severe cases, the birds can die.

Biology: The females lay their eggs after a blood feed- hatching into 6 legged larvae after 3 days and an 8 legged nymphal stage which takes a further 4-5 days.

Control: Mite control is a major challenge as they can survive many months without a feed, are difficult to treat with the poultry present and will survive cleaning and disinfectants. Ideally the poultry sheds need to be thoroughly cleaned when empty and a residual insecticide applied which has been approved for use in this area. If treatment is needed whilst birds are present, use of desiccant products, such as pesticide-free desiccant sprays can be used (ensure the birds are not sprayed and always read the label).

Description: Adults, 6 mm long with a wingspan of 13-15mm and the 4th vein on the wing bends sharply forward. The thorax has 4 distinct stripes.

Biology: The eggs are laid in decaying material, particularly rubbish dumps and manure heaps. Under ideal conditions it can take as little as 2 weeks to complete its life cycle.

Control: Removal and exclusion of breeding sites, such as refuse areas, is essential. Space sprays with a knockdown action are a good method of control and again proofing of doors and windows. Unlike the Lesser House Fly, electric fly killers can be effective at killing these flies when they enter premises.

Description: The adult flies are very small insects, about 3mm long. Body colour is usually a light yellow to tan colour and the abdomen is grey underneath. A common characteristic of the flies is distinctive red eyes.

Biology: Female fruit flies lay their eggs on the surface of rotting fruit, fermenting juices, soured milk etc. Fruit fly larvae feed on the yeast organisms and fungi growing in the fruit and vegetable materials. Through their feeding efforts, they soon turn their food into a semi-liquid mess and given their biology, they are a common pest in pubs and commercial kitchens.

Control: Should fruit or filter flies become abundant, a careful search for the larval breeding areas should be made, and the necessary housekeeping or maintenance measures taken. Any lingering adult flies may be controlled by the use of a residual insecticide or ULV treatment. Stagnant water may be treated with Bti (bacillus).

Description: Adults: 2mm, wings are almond shaped and the flies are very hairy. They are frequently mistaken for small moths since the wings are held roof-like over the body when at rest. They are weak fliers and often appear to be jumping or hopping.

Biology: Filter flies are often associated with moist, highly organic areas such as sink drains, sewage treatment facilities, storm drains, dung and rotten vegetation. Each female can produce about 100 eggs and, under optimum conditions, development can be completed in two weeks.

Control: Should fruit or filter flies become abundant, a careful search for the larval breeding areas should be made, and the necessary housekeeping or maintenance measures taken. Any lingering adult flies may be controlled by the use of a residual insecticide or ULV treatment. Stagnant water may be treated with Bti (bacillus).

Description: At about 9mm long, the cluster fly is slightly larger than the common house fly. The thorax is dark olive grey, with fine golden hairs which can easily be rubbed off. There are no distinct lines or stripes behind the head and the abdomen has irregular light and dark grey areas.

Biology: The female lays eggs in the soil near the burrows of earthworms. The tiny maggots that hatch from the eggs seek out earthworms to feed upon. As cold weather progresses, adults seek protected places to spend the winter, particularly during September and October (activity can often be noted again in early spring). In many cases the flies seek shelter within walls, roof voids and attics, usually returning to the same building year after year and often favouring south facing buildings.

Control: Complete control of cluster flies is almost impossible since the over wintering adults are concealed in walls, attics, etc. When possible, cover the louver to the attic with screen, and use a caulking compound to seal openings to the outside. Adults are sluggish enough in the winter to be picked up with a vacuum cleaner. Smoke and ULV treatments will provide a knock-down in lofts, but as with any loft treatment, always check first for the presence of Bats before proceeding.

Description: Typical worker ants are 3-4mm long of a brown/black colour with elbowed antennae and biting mouthparts. The queen tends to be much larger at about 10mm.

Biology: Garden Ants usually nest outdoors in lawns, flower beds, beneath paving flags and at the base of walls. Premises are usually invaded by worker ants foraging for food, especially sweet foods. During summer, winged females (Queens) and males leave the nest on one or two warm afternoons and take flight. During this flight, which may only last for 2- 3 hours, the ants mate. The formation of a new colony starts with a mated winged female digging into the earth to overwinter and start a new colony in the spring.

Control: If possible, trace the trail of worker ants to the nest. If the nest can be exposed, and it is safe to do so, apply an insect powder labelled for that use. If it is not possible to trace the nest, use a residual insecticidal spray to treat outside the building. Special attention should be paid to likely entry points such as door frames, air bricks and waste pipes to create an insecticidal barrier. In addition, use of gels and liquid feeding baits can help with longer-term control.

Description: Phorid flies are in the small category of flies, measuring up to 3mm in length, including the wings. The most prominent feature of this fly is the humpbacked shape of its thorax. The Phorid fly lacks the red eye colour that is the classic trademark of the fruit fly.

Biology: The phorid fly breeds and feeds primarily on moist decaying organic matter. The reproductive potential of these flies is tremendous and very large numbers of them may appear in a short time. Phorid flies are found throughout the world and are a serious pest when found in food producing, food handling or food serving facilities. Fermenting materials such as fruit, dirty garbage containers, rotten vegetables or slime in drains are just a few of their favourite breeding and feeding places. The life cycle from egg to adult can be completed in as little as 14 days (under ideal conditions).

Control: The key to controlling phorid fly infestations is to locate and eliminate their breeding sources. A space spray using an aerosol will provide a rapid knock-down for small infestations.

Description: Originating from Tasmania, this species now has full distribution throughout temperate zones of the world, although it favours the indoor environment. Associated with bird’s nests and stored foodstuffs, it is also present in many industrial food storage situations. The beetles are up to 3.5mm in length and have a thin waist, large abdomen and long legs, giving the insects its spider-like appearance.

Biology: Adults are extremely cold hardy, but free water is essential to them. They are nocturnal in foraging behaviour. A widespread pest in the food industry, larvae can bore through many types of packaging. There are usually up to 2 generations per year and the average lifespan is 9-12 months.

Control: The source of infestation should be traced and eliminated. Old bird’s nests/infested food stuffs etc. should be removed and destroyed. Good hygiene practices, stock rotation, quarantine of inbound stock and monitoring should be considered. Fumigation, residual spraying, dusting and temperature / atmospheric control may be applicable.

Description: About 2.5 mm in length, the adult beetles are oval and covered with small hairs which give them a silky, yellowish-brown colour. Adults are strong fliers and prefer subdued light and temperatures over 65 degrees F.

Biology: The larval stages of the beetle can feed on a variety of stored products including tobacco, grain, cereal products, ginger, raisins, dates, pepper, dried fish, drugs, and seeds. The female produces about 100 eggs and the entire life cycle can be completed in 45-50 days.

Control: The first step in control of the tobacco and biscuit beetles is to find the source of the infestation. This means inspecting all of the dried foods in the infested cabinets or drawers. Once the infested material is found, it should be destroyed. Insect Monitors are essential in commercial situations to highlight infestations. Infested commodities can be treated (usually be fumigation) or destroyed, whilst the building fabric can be treated with residual insecticides.

Description: Adult moths are about 8 to10mm long when at rest and have a wing spread of about 18 to 20mm. When viewed from above with the wings folded over the back, the outer 1/3 of the wing appears reddish-brown or bronze coloured “at the wing tips” while the inner 2/3 of the wing “at the basal portion” is light grey to ochre-yellow. Also, the head and thorax are reddish-brown and the hind wings grey. Brown-headed larvae are dirty white, sometimes tinged pink or green.

Biology: The female moth lays between 60 and 300 eggs, singly or in clusters, on or near the foodstuffs. Eggs hatch in 2 to 14 days with larvae or “tiny whitish caterpillars” dispersing within a few hours. Larvae move to foodstuffs, and feed in or near a tunnel-like case of frass and silk which they web together. Under good conditions, the entire life cycle requires six to eight weeks and can be active all year round. However, in cold climates, larvae over-winter and pupate in March.

Control: Controlling this pest requires careful inspection of all stored cereal foods, discarding the heavily infested material. Flour dust and other debris in cracks and crevices needs to be cleaned away or vacuumed. Following cleaning, treatment can be carried out using a residual insecticide, or ULV for larger infestations or big areas.

Description: Adult fleas are 2-3 mm in length and generally of a shiny brown appearance. They have a thin, laterally flattened body and large hind legs which allow them to jump onto passing hosts.

Biology: Flea eggs are about 0.5mm long, oval, pearly-white in colour and laid indiscriminately in the fur or feathers of the host or in its nest or bedding. Four to eight eggs are laid after each blood meal and a single female may produce 800 – 1000 eggs during her lifetime, which may be as long as two years. The larvae thrive in dark, humid places such as animal bedding and carpet fluff, and feed on organic debris and adult flea excrement. Cats’ bedding may support a flea population of 8000 immature and 2000 adult forms.

Control: Where very high populations of fleas are present, a single application of insecticide may not be sufficient, as even a 99% kill rate can still leave sufficient survivors to form the basis of a new infestation. In such cases, additional treatments will need to be carried out until the infestation is eradicated. All floors and upholstered furniture should be vacuumed to remove animal hairs, organic debris, flea eggs and pupae. Dispose of vacuum bag in an outside bin. Any cats and dogs should be treated for fleas with an insecticide recommended for this purpose and pet bedding should be destroyed or washed. All floor areas should then be treated with a residual insecticide or a desiccant spray from skirting board to skirting board.

Description: Slightly larger than the Case-bearing moth, adults can reach up to 7mm. The moths are a light, shiny gold colour, with a tuft of reddish hairs on the head. Biology: Similar to Case-Bearing Clothes Moth.

Biology: Clothes moths rarely fly to lights at night and instead prefer darkness, such as a closet or storage chest. Any clothes moths fluttering around the house are probably males, because females travel by running, hopping, or trying to hide in the folds of clothing. The female lays 100 – 150 white eggs on the surface of the fabric which will hatch into larvae in approximately 5 days. The period of larval development is usually 6 weeks, during which time the larvae actively feed on the fabric, however, this can take considerably longer under cooler conditions.

Control: Treatment is similar for all the textile moths. Examine closets and stored goods for larvae cases, moths, and damage to locate the source of infestation before treatment. Once the source has been identified treat/destroy as necessary. A residual insecticide can then be applied to wall/floor and ceiling/ wall junctions and around carpet edges, back of empty wardrobes etc. If the infestation is present in a loft or roof space then the area can also be treated with a residual insecticide and/or a space treatment (ULV, smoke etc).

Description: Adult larder beetles are about 8mm long and dark brown, with a broad, pale yellow, black-spotted band across the front portion of the wing covers. There are six black dots on this band, three on each wing cover, arranged in a triangle. The underside and legs are covered with fine, yellowish hairs. Other dermestes species include D. peruvianas (uniformly dark) and D. maculatus (black with patches of white hairs).

Biology: Females each lay about 135 eggs, which hatch in 12 or more days. Larvae prefer spoiled ham, bacon, dried beef and other meats. Larvae either bore into this meat or wander away to bore into wood, books and even metals such as lead and telephone cables to pupate. The life cycle requires 40 to 50 days.

Control: In domestic situations or industrial kitchens, an integrated program of cleaning and spraying with a residual insecticide (paying attention to all cracks and crevices), will control most infestations.

Description: Psocids are common but harmless insects. Yellow, brown, white or grey in colour and only 1mm long, most of the species are wingless. They are usually found in dark humid places such as kitchen cupboards, bathrooms, on drying plaster in new houses and on old books and stored papers in libraries and archival storage areas, where they feed on microscopic moulds.

Biology: Psocids live for about 6 months, during which time the female can lay up to 100 eggs laid separately at a rate of 1-3 per day. The eggs then hatch in 1-2 weeks depending on the surrounding humidity.

Control: It should be noted that complete riddance is often difficult. Thoroughly air and dry the infested area as this will prevent the development of the microscopic moulds that Psocids feed on. Clean the infested area with a dry cloth or by vacuuming. Where the infestation is extensive, a residual insecticide can be applied to the cracks and crevices of the affected area.