There are roughly 15,000 different kinds of ant around the world, around forty of these being found in the UK. Only two of these – the black ant and the Pharaoh ant – typically constitute a pest problem, with the black ant being by far the most commonly encountered by pest control workers in the UK. Although having your food cupboards invaded by hungry ants is not pleasant, generally they are more of a nuisance than a serious problem – and fairly easy to control. Sharing your larder with these uninvited guests has little to recommend it, but in most cases a few simple and effective strategies will soon have them sent packing and your kitchen all your own, once again.
Cockroaches are one of the most commonly noted household pest insects. They feed on human and pet food, and can leave an offensive odour. They can also passively transport microbes on their body surfaces including those that are potentially dangerous to humans, particularly in environments such as hospitals. Cockroaches have been shown to be linked with allergic reactions in humans These allergens have also been found to be linked with asthma. General preventive measures against household pests include keeping all food stored away in sealed containers, using garbage cans with a tight lid, frequent cleaning in the kitchen, and regular vacuuming. Any water leaks, such as dripping taps, should also be repaired. It is also helpful to seal off any entry points, such as holes around baseboards, in between kitchen cabinets, pipes, doors, and windows with some steel wool or copper mesh and some cement, putty or silicone caulk.
Bedbugs (or bed bugs) are small, elusive, parasitic insects. They live by feeding exclusively on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals. The name 'bed bug' is derived from the insect's preferred habitat infesting houses and especially beds or other common areas where people may sleep. Bedbugs, though not strictly nocturnal, are mainly active at night and are capable of feeding unnoticed on their hosts. Infestations can range from a few bugs up to tens of thousands. With smaller infestations, sometimes people are not aware of the insects and do not notice the bites.