Insects

There are different species of Ants, which are found in the London. Most commonly found is the Garden Ants, which are black or red in colour. There is other species of ants in the London, which are not as well known as the native Garden Ants. These are known as Pharaoh Ants, Argentine Ants and Ghost Ants.

Wasps have the most aggressive behaviour towards humans of the 3. They do not need to be provoked to attack/ sting humans, of which some people have an anaphylactic shock (allergic reaction) to the venom in the sting. Death can be the result of not having the reaction treated medically.

Hornets look similar to wasps but considerably larger in size. Hornets are not as common in the London compared to Wasps or Bees. Hornets are not usually aggressive to humans, unlike the Wasps. Although they still inflict a painful sting, like a Wasp or Bee.

In the London there are different species of Bees, which can be misidentified as Wasps. Most Bees are not aggressive towards humans but they will still inflict a painful sting to protect themselves. Bees can be found in resting swarms on the ground, which may look frightening but over a day or so the swarm will continue and move to its desired nesting place. Do not approach a swarm, as you may get stung. The local Bee Keeper would be the best person to contact to remove a swarm, if the swarm represents a health risk.

There are 3 types of insects, which cause damage/ contamination to stored food products. The 3 different types of insects are known as Weevils, Beetles and Moths. Within these 3 groups, there are different species. Stored Product Insects lay eggs in stored food that has not been stored correctly of which the larvae will feed on the food. Poor housekeeping standards can contribute to an infestation of Stored Product Insects. Where food has been dropped or lost of which the insect has found and laid eggs onto. Foods such as grains, wheat, cereals, biscuits and other similar products are at risk to this type of pest.

All species of Cockroaches are unacceptable pests of homes, restaurants, industrial and commercial premises. A careful survey is needed to identify the species, as there are a few different species known in the UK. The most common Cockroaches in London are German Cockroaches and Oriental Cockroaches. We also have other cockroaches in the UK but they are not as common as the other 2 previously mentioned. American Cockroaches, Australian Cockroaches, and Brown-Banded Cockroaches are the other species we currently have in the UK. Cockroaches are carriers of diseases such as Salmonella.

There are over 20 species of flies in the London. Flies represent a health risks from the spread of disease, infection, and contamination they cause, by landing on un-covered food, food preparation areas and the lack of proofing entry points of buildings. It is by law flies are controlled in many commercial and industrial businesses. Some flies such as Horse Flies, Gnats and Mosquitoes will bite humans and can cause the spread of serious diseases from the bite (feeding on human blood)

There are 2 types of insects, which can cause damage to textiles/ materials. Beetles and Moths lay eggs onto natural materials such as carpets, clothing and furniture. The larvae need to feed on keratin, which is a protein within natural products like hair and wool. The larvae stage of the insect is where this type of insect feeds on the textiles and causes the damage to textiles products such as carpets. The adult stage of the Moth or the Beetle does not cause the damage. If an early infestation is ignored or not treated properly, then costly/ extensive damage will occur. The most common known textile pests in the London are known as Common Clothes Moth, Case-Baring Clothes Moth, and Varied Carpet Beetle.

Bed Bugs are now rapidly becoming more and more common in London due to the increase in population, shared accommodations and temporary housing. Bed Bug activity is usually found around the headboard of bed, bases of beds, mattress seams & other areas close to beds and sofas. Not all humans have reactions to Bed Bug bites and there is no known diseases transferred from Bed Bug bites either. Bed bugs breed at a rapid rate of 4-5 eggs per day in cracks and crevices. Bed Bugs will not only just feed on humans but they will feed on dogs and cats too. Bed Bugs are attracted to the CO2, which we produce and tend to feed at nighttime, as Bed Bugs are afraid of light. Activity to look out for is spots of blood on bed sheet, pillows and mattresses. “Spotting” excretion of Bed Bugs around the bed and mattress. (Black stained on surfaces where Bed Bugs are harbouring.

Fleas are also another biting insect and can be mistaken as Bed Bugs from the bites marks on humans. This pest is usually associated with animals, including dogs, cats, birds and rodents. Well-developed legs provide this insect with very a good ability to jump from host to host. The eggs are laid on the feeding host or in items such as clothing, bedding, furniture and carpets. Fleas can lay dormant for up to 1 year without feeding on blood.