Types of pests

The grass ant, a common ant species in Germany, is characterized by its small size and dark brown colouring. Colonies of up to 80,000 workers can live in earth nests under paving stones. These industrious ants constantly transport sand upwards and pile it into small heaps. The lawn ants' diet consists of plant seeds and honeydew. Interestingly, males and females leave the nest between June and August to swarm. The lawn ant is extremely adaptable and can be found in various environments such as cities, parks, gardens, meadows and farmland. Their nests are particularly common along roadsides. The nests are not normally found inside buildings. Their preferred habitat is dry, sandy soil.

Protection

Due to their abundance and native origin, it is inevitable that individual females of the lawn ant will occasionally establish colonies in the garden or on paved paths. These colonies then tend to increase in size over the years.

Problems

Turf ants often build their nests under interlocking paving, which allows them to undermine patios, driveways and paved paths. Furthermore, although the ants have a stinger, they do not usually sting humans as their stinger cannot penetrate human skin.

Control

Ants can be controlled with contact insecticides and baits. We know exactly which measures are effective in this case. In addition, we check whether the specific ant species is involved in order to take into account possible differences in damage potential and control methods.

Fleas are small, wingless insects with a laterally flattened body and strong jumping legs. They suck blood from birds, mammals and humans. There are different types of fleas, including the human flea, cat flea, dog flea and chicken flea. The adult fleas seek out their hosts to suck blood and can jump up to 30 cm with their jumping legs. The females lay several hundred eggs, after which the larvae develop within about 2 weeks. Fleas are found all over the world, live wherever their host animals exist and often hide in cracks in floorboards or bed sheets during the day.

Protection
A flea infestation, especially in households with pets, is difficult to prevent. Regular checks and immediate action by a vet in the event of an infestation are important. Abandoned bird nests can also be a source of fleas. Annual cleaning of nest boxes and safe disposal of the material minimizes the risk to humans and animals.

Problems

Fleas are considered hygiene pests. Their bloodsucking releases a secretion that inhibits blood clotting and causes severe itching. Scratching the bites can lead to inflammation and repeated bites can lead to the development of an allergy.

Control

To combat fleas successfully, it is crucial to identify the origin of the animals. This requires the exact determination of the flea species. Bird fleas, for example, come from abandoned bird nests, while cat fleas probably come from pets. Targeted control measures can only be taken once the source of the infestation has been identified. As precise flea identification is challenging for laypersons, it is always advisable to consult a professional pest controller if you have flea problems.

Fruit flies are tiny flies (2-3 mm) with red eyes or dark horizontal stripes. Their larvae develop in overripe fruit and fermenting liquids. These flies lay eggs in such places to feed on liquids such as overripe fruit or fermenting liquids. At high temperatures in summer, it takes about 10 days for a new generation to develop. A female can theoretically have up to 16 million offspring in one month. Fruit flies are found worldwide and reproduce particularly in unhygienically stored plant waste such as organic waste garbage cans and compost heaps. They regularly appear in homes after laying their eggs on overripe fruit. Mass reproduction is particularly common in commercial kitchens, wine press houses, breweries or fruit storage facilities in summer. In food businesses, fruit flies can occur all year round and multiply continuously.

Protection

Unfortunately, it is not possible to protect yourself 100% from an infestation of fruit flies, as the flies are everywhere in the warm season and fly into the home through open windows. To at least prevent fruit flies from multiplying explosively in summer, fruit waste in particular must be stored in a way that makes it difficult for the flies to lay their eggs. Fruit waste should therefore not be disposed of in the compost, but rather in the organic waste garbage can. Make sure that the waste is well wrapped in newspaper. The lid of the organic waste garbage can must of course always be closed tightly. Fruit is best kept in the fridge at home, especially in summer.

Problems

Fruit flies can transmit bacteria and other pathogens if, for example, they have first sat on fruit waste in the compost heap and then later walk around on food. For this reason, these small flies are also considered hygiene pests.

Control

UV lamps, fly traps, insect sprays and fly strips are suitable for direct control. UV lamps are environmentally and user-friendly when used correctly and are therefore particularly recommended for use in food processing businesses or restaurants. Parallel to the control measures, the development sites of the maggots must also be eliminated. This is the only way to prevent these pests from multiplying further.

The hornet (Vespa crabro) is the largest native wasp species with a queen of up to three and a half centimetres and workers of up to 25 mm. Its characteristic red color in the head and middle part of the body distinguishes it from other black and yellow wasps. Each hornet colony has only one egg-laying queen, while workers take care of food and larvae. Males and young queens hatch in the fall for the nuptial flight, with only the young queens overwintering and founding new colonies in the spring. The rest of the colony usually dies in October. Hornets are useful as they hunt harmful insects and build their nests in tree hollows (sometimes unfortunately also in shutter boxes or garden sheds). Hornets are now rare in Germany, but are more common in forests with old oak trees.

Protection

To prevent hornets from entering your home in search of food or a suitable nesting site, it is advisable to install insect screens on windows.

Problems

The danger of hornet stings is often exaggerated. The claim that three stings can kill a person and seven stings can kill a horse is false. In fact, hornet stings are no more dangerous than stings from wasps or bees. However, allergy sufferers who react to the venom of these insects should always consult a doctor if they are stung.

Control

Hornets are legally protected animals and the removal of their nests is only permitted in exceptional cases. Exceptions must be granted individually by the nature conservation authority. Any illegal removal or control of hornets' nests is a criminal offense. If relocation is necessary, this can be carried out professionally.

Clothes moths (Tineola bisselliella) are small, inconspicuous moths with a body length of 4 to 9 mm and silvery-straw yellow front wings. The larvae build protective tubes from textile fibers and feed on animal products such as wool, hair or feathers. The moths lay their eggs in dark places in dry, warm rooms on woolen textiles, furs or pelts. There are usually 2 generations per year, but in warm summers there can also be 3 or 4. Clothes moths are widespread textile pests worldwide and are particularly common in closets and on woollen carpets and tapestries.

Protection

It is not possible to completely protect yourself from an infestation, as the moths fly into the home, especially in summer, and lay their eggs unnoticed on wool carpets, furs or wool textiles. Products containing essential oils can be used to protect wool textiles in closets from being eaten by moths. These substances have a deterrent effect on moths and can prevent them from laying eggs. Special sticky traps can be used to detect an infestation at an early stage. These traps release an attractant that lures the male moths.

Problems

Clothes moths are typical material pests. The caterpillars use their powerful mouthparts to devour furs, woolen textiles, wool carpets, furs or down cushions. Materials made of cotton, jute, cellulose-containing textile fibers of plant origin, natural and artificial silk as well as synthetic fabrics are also perforated by the larvae, although these materials cannot be digested. The larvae only use the fibers of these fabrics to build their webbed tubes.

Control

Clothes moths can be controlled with contact insecticides. Textiles infested by the caterpillars can also be treated with very high temperatures to kill the pests. The sticky traps mentioned above, on the other hand, are not suitable for moth control as they only catch the male moths.

The European mole (Talpa europaea) is a small, ground-dwelling mammal that is closely related to shrews and hedgehogs. With shovel-shaped front legs for digging, the mole lives underground and is perfectly adapted to its habitat. Adults can grow up to 16 cm long and weigh a maximum of 130 grams. Moles dig burrows to eat earthworms and insect larvae. As solitary animals, they defend territories of up to 5,000 square meters against conspecifics. Active all year round, they do not hibernate. In spring, 3 to 4 young are born, which live in their mother's territory for around 10 weeks before looking for their own. Moles are widespread in Europe and West Asia and can be found almost everywhere in Germany, from meadows and fields to forests, gardens and parks.

Protection

Young animals in search of territory can travel long distances above ground and even colonize gardens in towns. Although there are various commercially available systems designed to deter moles, the effectiveness of these methods varies greatly.

Problems

Molehills are generally only an aesthetic problem. However, when creating tunnel systems on soccer pitches, it can be dangerous for athletes as the ground can sink in at certain points and cause injury.

Control

Moles are strictly protected animals by law and may not generally be controlled. An exception is only possible in special, well-founded cases. The necessary exemptions must be granted by the nature conservation authority in each individual case. Killing animals without such a permit is a punishable offense.

The house mouse (Mus musculus) is a small rodent with a maximum length of 20 cm, but about half of this is the tail. There are three subspecies in Germany, the most common being dark grey on the back and slightly lighter on the belly. Adult animals weigh about twenty grams. House mice are extremely prolific, give birth all year round in heated buildings and prefer cereal products. They live in family groups and often nest in buildings or near human settlements.

Protection

House mice often enter the house through doors that do not close properly, where they find hiding places, nesting material and food. It is difficult to prevent this completely, as the rodents can slip through very narrow gaps.

Problems

House mice cause damage in grain stores, food businesses or supermarkets, for example, by gnawing on and contaminating food. House mice must be controlled at all costs, as they can transmit dangerous infectious diseases. Bacteria are mainly excreted via feces and urine. In addition, the animals can cause considerable damage to electrical wiring by gnawing on insulation.

Control

To control them, snap traps and poisoned baits are used. These baits contain active substances that prevent blood clotting. As the active ingredients have the same effect on humans, pets and wild animals, a certified pest controller should be commissioned with the control for legal reasons alone. For the control to be successful, the animals must be deprived of food and hiding places at the same time.

The Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis) measures 3 cm (female) or 2.5 cm (male) and is dark brown to black in color. Females have tiny wing remnants, males cover two thirds of the abdomen with wings. These pests prefer warm and humid areas, hide during the day and forage at night. A female can lay up to 200 eggs in a protective egg capsule. Originally tropical, they are found worldwide in heated buildings such as student residences or bakeries, even in private homes.

Protection

Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to protect yourself from cockroach infestation. These animals are often brought into the home with used electrical appliances or infested food. The animals are also often brought in unnoticed from a vacation in the Mediterranean or the tropics. In large residential complexes, the animals can spread from one apartment to the next via supply ducts. Systematic control measures are the only way to get rid of these pests. The infestation can only be eliminated if professional cockroach control is carried out throughout the entire building over a period of several months.

Problems

Oriental cockroaches, which are often also called cockroaches, can transmit numerous infectious diseases. It has been found, for example, that bacteria can remain attached to the body of the pests for many hours. Pathogens are also excreted in their droppings. It is less well known that the droppings of these hygiene pests can trigger allergies.

Control

A variety of baits and insect sprays are available for cockroach control. As it is quite difficult to completely eliminate a cockroach infestation, a professional pest controller should be commissioned with the control measures.

The domestic rat (Rattus rattus) differs from the Norway rat in its darker fur, lower weight (maximum 300 g), longer tail and larger ears. It is nocturnal, can jump and climb well, but avoids water. In buildings it prefers false floors, lives sociably in families and is able to reproduce all year round. As an omnivore, it feeds on available food in the building, but is shy of unknown food sources.

Originally from the Near East, house rats are now found all over the world. They were common in Germany after the Second World War, but are now rare. They often infest mills and colonize dry floors, which has earned them the name "roof rat". In southern Europe, house rats also live outdoors.

Protection

Rats quickly colonize places where they have hiding places and food. To avoid problems, all residents in apartment buildings should work together to ensure that there are no suitable places for these pests.

Problems

House rats pose a potential danger as they can transmit dangerous infectious diseases to humans and pets. In the Middle Ages, fleas infected with the plague pathogen were transmitted to humans by this rat species. Rats are also regarded as food pests, as they eat food and soil it with excrement and urine. Additional damage is caused by gnawing on electrical cables.

Control

Rat control begins by removing food sources and hiding places from the animals, such as leftover food, pet food and garbage. The actual control is carried out with snap traps and poison baits containing anticoagulants. Due to the delayed effect, other rats in the pack are not alerted and also eat the poison bait. As the active ingredients have the same effects on humans, pets and wild animals, it is advisable to hire a qualified pest controller.

The German cockroach (Blattella germanica) is about 1.5 cm long, has a flat body, strong legs and long antennae. Although equipped with conspicuous wings, it cannot fly. Two dark longitudinal stripes on the pronotum are characteristic. The nocturnal cockroaches hide during the day in heated buildings under tiles, skirting boards or electrical appliances. As omnivores, they feed on human food, animal feed and even excrement. They reproduce in heated rooms all year round, with the females laying their eggs in protective egg packets. Originally from the tropics, the German cockroach is now widespread worldwide and is a typical companion of humans in homes, bakeries and food businesses.

Protection

Unfortunately, there is only very limited protection against cockroaches. The animals are often brought in unnoticed from vacation. Sometimes cockroaches also enter the house with used electrical appliances or food. In large residential complexes, the animals can easily spread from one apartment to the next. The only way to get rid of these pests is to work together. The infestation can only be eliminated if professional cockroach control is carried out throughout the entire building over a period of several months.

Problems

German cockroaches spread bacteria, protozoa or molds and can transmit dangerous infectious diseases such as salmonella, hepatitis, typhoid or tuberculosis. The droppings of these animals can also cause allergies in humans. If cockroaches enter electrical devices such as computers, they can cause a short circuit.

Control

Cockroach bait and insect sprays are available for cockroach control. Non-toxic sticky traps can be used to detect infestations. As cockroach control is generally quite difficult, it is advisable to hire a professional pest controller.

Blowflies (Calliphora vicina) are up to 13 mm long, strong flies with a dark blue to blue-green coloration. The maggots, up to 18 mm long, develop mainly in meat and fish waste and on dead animals. The females lay around 700 eggs and the maggots take around 10 days to develop in summer. In the fall, the flies look for sheltered hiding places in the house to hibernate. These globally distributed flies are active in Central Europe from May to October and often visit homes in search of food and eggs. The maggots regularly develop in organic waste garbage cans or compost heaps containing food waste.

Protection

Blowflies can be found everywhere during the warm season and fly into the home through open windows and doors. To prevent this, fly screens can be fitted to windows and doors. Under no circumstances should food waste be disposed of in the compost, but rather in the organic waste garbage can. The waste must be well wrapped in newspaper. The lid of the organic waste garbage can must of course always be closed tightly. Cheese, meat, sausages or fish should not be left open in the kitchen in summer, as blowflies could lay their eggs on the food.

Problems

Blowflies are dangerous hygiene pests as they can spread diarrheal diseases and salmonella. Bacteria and other pathogens are released with digestive juices, which the flies use to liquefy solid food.

Control

UV lamps, fly traps, insect sprays and fly strips are suitable for direct control. UV lamps are environmentally and user-friendly when used correctly and are therefore particularly recommended for use in food processing businesses or restaurants. Parallel to the control measures, the development sites of the maggots must also be eliminated. This is the only way to prevent these pests from multiplying further.

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are rust-red to dark brown, flat and 4-6 mm long. They suck blood at night, prefer humans, but can also attack other mammals. Their flat body has yellowish legs and antennae, with vestigial wings. Bed bugs hide during the day and can starve for up to a year and a half. Development from egg to adult bug takes about 6 weeks at 25 °C. Originally from the tropics, they are now found worldwide in homes, chicken coops and sometimes bird nests. In the last 20 years they have increased again in large cities.

Protection

Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to protect yourself from a bedbug infestation. It often happens that you bring these animals into your home during a vacation. Hotels in particular have recently been struggling more and more with bedbug infestations. The only thing that helps here is to check your hotel room for these parasites at the start of your vacation and to insist on being moved to another hotel if you find bedbugs. In large residential complexes, the animals can easily spread from one apartment to the next. In such cases, systematic control measures are the only way to get rid of these pests. The infestation can only be eliminated if professional bed bug control is carried out throughout the entire building.

Problems

Bed bugs are hygiene pests. When sucking blood, the animals release a secretion that inhibits blood clotting. This secretion causes severe itching. Scratching in the area of the bite can cause inflammation. If you are stung frequently, allergic reactions can also occur.

Control

High temperatures and various insect sprays can be used to control them. Unfortunately, bedbugs react only weakly or not at all to some of the active substances on offer - this is known as resistance development. If you have problems with bed bugs, you urgently need a professional pest controller.

Wasps are characterized by their striking appearance, which is dominated by black and yellow stripes. This striking coloration not only serves as an aesthetic distinction, but also signals their readiness to defend themselves to potential enemies. With slender bodies and translucent wings, wasps move skillfully through the air. Their narrow waist and clearly visible compound eyes give them a characteristic appearance.

Protection

To keep wasps away, it is advisable to install insect screens on windows. Wasps can be a nuisance at the breakfast table, especially in the fall. Food should therefore be protected with covers and glasses should be well sealed. Open sugary drinks and glasses of lemonade should also be covered to prevent wasps from entering.

Problems

Wasp stings are extremely painful and can have serious consequences, especially for allergy sufferers. If you are stung in the mouth area, a visit to the doctor is urgently advisable. Swelling of the mucous membranes in the windpipe after a wasp sting can be life-threatening. In addition to being painful, wasps are considered hygiene pests as they can spread pathogens and molds. They are therefore naturally undesirable in bakeries and other food businesses.

Control

Wasps can be controlled by using contact insecticides; alternatively, colonies can be relocated. It is extremely dangerous to control or relocate wasps without protective clothing and should therefore only be left to certified specialists.