Mosquitoes pose the greatest threat to man's existence and transmit many important diseases. The bite can cause irritation and pain. Only the female bites as she requires a blood meal to produce eggs. Mosquito larvae must have water in which to live. Any vessel or object that can retain water is a potential breeding ground.

Normally found in and around homes food-handling establishments and farms. They can be harmful to health, cause annoyance and discomfort. Filth flies are usually scavengers in nature and can transmit diseases to man. Flies seek breeding places where rubbish, animal droppings, decaying organic matter or vegetation residues accumulate.

Considered as health pests because they are closely associated with humans and commonly breed and feed in unsanitary areas such as refuse storage, sewage systems and septic tanks. They are born scavengers and will eat anything a human will along with dead and/ or rotting organic matter. Inside they will thrive near hot water pipes, moist kitchen sinks, behind stoves and refrigerators, in any crack or crevice big enough for them to hide.

These insects live on the outside of the host's body and obtain nourishment during all or part of its life from feeding on the host by siphoning blood. Ectoparasites can cause irritation itching and blood loss as well as transmit disease organisms.

A variety of beetles attack wood in nature. In most case beetles emerge from wood that has not been properly prepared or treated. The holes that appear are created by the newly formed adult boring out from within the wood, thereby causing damage and sawdust to appear. Damage inside the wood is caused by the larvae.

Termites live in colonies dividing work amongst specialised members. They are for most of the time hidden from view and consume wood from the inside. Often by accident are they discovered and can appear as small maggot-like worms. Termites require moisture to survive and this can be obtained from condensation, damp flooring to leaking pipes. During certain times of the year, May to Sep. mature colonies produce new reproductives which swarm out of the nest.

With the exception of the earwig these prefer to feed on paper, glue, starch and mold and can often be found on walls and inside books. They can do serious damage to papers etc. Earwigs are occasionally found in dark damp areas. Normally on the ground floor.

Fire Ants, Solenopsis invicta (Red-fire ant), are serious pests. They inflict a painful sting. Encounters with fire ants may involve hundreds of ants that may move quickly and remain undetected as they crawl up your leg. By the time they sting, there may be tens or hundreds of ants on your body. They pose a serious threat to our lifestyle and the environment if not eradicated.

More Entomology / Insect Information is available at www.biocycle.com.hk the website of our affiliated company BioCycle (HK) Ltd., professional pest management services.