The Different Insects That You Encounter On A Daily Basis

Insects are among the most diverse and abundant creatures on Earth, with over one million known species. While many insects play a critical role in our ecosystems, others can be pests that invade our homes, gardens, and crops. Fortunately, there are several effective methods for controlling these pests, including the use of insect traps. In this blog post, we will discuss some common insects and the types of traps that can be used to control them.

Ants & Cockroaches

Ants are social insects that live in colonies and are attracted to food sources in our homes and gardens. Some common species of ants include the Argentine ant, the odorous house ant, and the carpenter ant. While some ant species are beneficial, others can be destructive and even dangerous, such as the red imported fire ant.

There are several types of ant traps available, including bait traps and sticky traps. Bait traps work by attracting ants with a sweet or protein-based bait that they take back to their colony to share with other ants, ultimately killing the entire colony. Sticky traps work by trapping ants on a sticky surface, preventing them from moving around, and ultimately leading to their death.

Cockroaches are nocturnal insects that are attracted to warm and moist environments, making them common pests in homes and buildings. They can transmit diseases and trigger allergies in humans. Some common species of cockroaches include the German cockroach, the American cockroach, and the Oriental cockroach.

There are several types of cockroach traps available, including bait traps, sticky traps, and pheromone traps. Bait traps work by attracting cockroaches with a food-based bait that they consume and take back to their colony, ultimately killing the entire colony. Sticky traps work by trapping cockroaches on a sticky surface, preventing them from moving around, and ultimately leading to their death. Pheromone traps work by using chemicals that mimic the scent of female cockroaches to attract and trap male cockroaches, preventing them from mating and reproducing.

Mosquitoes & Flies

Mosquitoes are blood-feeding insects that can transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and the Zika virus. They are attracted to standing water and are most active during dawn and dusk. Some common species of mosquitoes include the Aedes mosquito, the Anopheles mosquito, and the Culex mosquito.

There are several types of mosquito traps available, including CO2 traps, ultraviolet traps, and sticky traps. CO2 traps work by attracting mosquitoes with a stream of carbon dioxide, mimicking the human breath. Ultraviolet traps work by attracting mosquitoes with ultraviolet light, which they perceive as a sign of warm-blooded animals nearby. Sticky traps work by trapping mosquitoes on a sticky surface, preventing them from flying around, and ultimately leading to their death.

Flies are common insects that can be a nuisance in homes and outdoor spaces. They are attracted to food, garbage, and decaying organic matter. Some common species of flies include the house fly, the fruit fly, and the blowfly.

There are several types of fly traps available, including bait traps, sticky traps, and light traps. Bait traps work by attracting flies with a food-based bait that they consume and take back to their colony, ultimately killing the entire colony. Sticky traps work by trapping flies on a sticky surface, preventing them from flying around, and ultimately leading to their death. Light traps work by attracting flies with ultraviolet light and then trapping them with a sticky surface or an electric grid.

Bed Bugs & Fruit Flies

Bed bugs are small, blood-feeding insects that can cause itching and skin irritation in humans. They are most active at night and are commonly found in beds and other furniture. Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to get rid of, but there are several types of traps that can be used to control their population.

One effective type of bed bug trap is the interceptor trap, which is placed under the legs of furniture such as beds and couches. The trap consists of a plastic cup with an inner and outer ring that bed bugs crawl up to get to the furniture. The inner ring is coated in a sticky substance that traps the bed bugs when they try to crawl up, preventing them from reaching their host.

Another type of bed bug trap is the CO2 trap, which works by attracting bed bugs with a stream of carbon dioxide. The trap mimics human breath, which bed bugs are attracted to, and then traps them with a sticky surface or an electric grid.

Fruit flies are small, flying insects that are attracted to ripening or fermenting fruits and vegetables. They can be a common problem in kitchens and other areas where food is prepared or stored.

One effective type of fruit fly trap is the vinegar trap, which consists of a small container filled with apple cider vinegar or another type of vinegar. The vinegar attracts the fruit flies, and when they enter the container, they drown in the liquid. Another type of fruit fly trap is the sticky trap, which works by trapping the fruit flies on a sticky surface, preventing them from flying around, and ultimately leading to their death.

Wasps

Wasps are flying insects that can be a nuisance in outdoor spaces, especially during the summer months. They can also be dangerous to humans, as some species have a painful sting and can cause allergic reactions.

One effective type of wasp trap is the bait trap, which works by attracting wasps with a sweet or protein-based bait. When the wasps enter the trap to feed, they become trapped inside, preventing them from flying around and potentially stinging humans. Another type of wasp trap is the bottle trap, which consists of a plastic bottle with an entrance hole cut into the side. The bottle is then filled with a sweet or protein-based bait, and when the wasps enter the bottle, they become trapped inside.