Insect Control
Cockroaches
The cockroaches or German cockroaches are the most commonly encountered in Belgium. They are nocturnal insects with a lifespan of 4 to 6 months, and adults can reach up to 2 cm in size. This insect reproduces extremely quickly; each female can give birth to 200 to 350 cockroaches, which can exponentially lead to a population of several tens of thousands of cockroaches in just a few months.
Ants
There are numerous species of ants. In Belgium, the black ant is the most widespread, measuring 3-4 mm. They form galleries that can cause significant damage to the stability of terraces, for example. In May-June, we often observe a large development of winged ants near a colony; these winged ants attempt to spread further to form new colonies. A second, much less common species that poses significant problems in buildings is the Pharaoh ant. This exotic species invades buildings by forming several independent colonies. They are omnivorous, measure only 2-3 mm, are beige in color, and can slip into the smallest crevices.
Fruit Flies
These small flies are increasingly present in our homes. At an ideal temperature of 26°C, 2 flies can give birth to 500 individuals in just 1 week. They develop in the bottoms of beer or wine bottles, on rotting fruits, etc. They can be very invasive.
Flies
The most problematic flies are generally houseflies and Fannia flies. The appearance of a fly infestation is directly linked to the source of their reproduction, but temperature also plays a crucial role. For instance, a complete development cycle can last between 2 to 4 weeks at a temperature of 15°C, while at 35°C, this process can be reduced to just 3 to 4 days. Furthermore, the autumn fly is an invasive species that appears in homes at the beginning of autumn, seeking shelter for the winter. It is not uncommon to find hundreds inside homes.
Psychodids
This small fly (heart-shaped) is actually a mosquito but does not bite. It develops in dirty stagnant water; the larvae are very small, and adults reach 2 to 6 mm. Their lifespan is only two weeks, but their development is so rapid that an infestation can occur and escalate quickly.
Silverfish
They can reach a size of up to 12 mm. They thrive in damp and warm areas (often bathrooms, toilets), typically at the joints between the floor and wall, at the base of door frames, or in missing tile joints. They are mainly nocturnal, have a relatively slow development, and can live for more than 2 years. They feed on everything they find. Their ideal development temperature is 25-35°C, although they can also develop at 15°C.
Bed Bugs
This is a hematophagous insect (blood-sucker), primarily of humans, but it can also attack animals. It is nocturnal, and some bed bugs can survive for a year without feeding. An adult measures 4 to 7 mm, and its lifespan is about 12 months. The optimal development temperature is between 21 to 28°C, and the female can lay up to 15 eggs per day.
Fleas
Fleas are often present due to the presence of animals that carried them. Humans get bitten when the animal is no longer present or when it is being treated for fleas; the fleas will therefore bite humans as a substitute. A flea has a lifespan of 6 to 12 months and measures 1 to 5 mm. When the temperature is ideal (27°C), a female can lay up to forty eggs per day.
Thaumatomyia
These small flies invade facades and homes in the autumn to survive the winter. They can sometimes be found in thousands on the terraces of buildings on upper floors. They measure about 2 mm and can completely cover an entire facade.
Food Moths
These insects can cause significant damage to food products in the food industry, as well as in the HoReCa sector and among individuals. It is the larvae that consume the products, and they prefer to attack dry goods (grains, pasta, flour, etc.). They are often noticed when it is too late, and the moths appear.
Clothing Moths
These insects can cause significant damage to clothing. It is the larvae that feed on textiles or fur. They are often noticed when it is too late, and the moths appear.
Wasps
Wasps are not necessarily harmful. Most of the time, aggressive wasps are the German or common wasps. Generally, they build their nests in hard-to-reach places (under tiles, in wall cladding, etc.). Wasps feed on flies, caterpillars, mosquitoes, etc. Depending on the summer, they can sometimes be seen until the end of November.
Hornets
Hornets are larger than wasps and can reach 35 mm. It is common to find their nests in hollow tree trunks or in roofs where access is very difficult.