Woodworm
Woodworm Wood is the most versatile raw material used by man, playing a major role in the development of civilization: tools, boats and land transportation, musical instruments and buildings, furniture and paper, are some of its numerous applications. Any of them can be destroyed or significantly devalued by woodworms. The large woodworm (hilotrupes bajulus, L.) […]
Processionary – The Pine Tree Caterpillar
Processionary – The Pine Tree Caterpillar Thaumetopoea pityocampa Schiff. Lepidopetra, Thaumetopoeidae General Aspects The pine caterpillar, commonly called Processionary – with the scientific name Thaumetopoea pityocampa – is a defoliating insect of pines and cedars. As such, it leads to a weakening of the tree and depending on the degree of attack it can cause […]
Termites or White Ant
Termites or White Ant Termites are insects that live in societies, sometimes relatively simple and consisting of a small number of individuals (Calotermes and Cryptotermes sp.), But at other times complex and counting millions of individuals. his type of infestation is of extraordinary importance in warm and temperate regions. Termites feed on plant material, the […]
Ants
Ants Small ants develop through complete metamorphosis, passing through a larval state equivalent to the caterpillar of other insects and through a pupal state. The larva has no legs and is fed by workers through a process called trophaxia, in which the worker regurgitates food that she ingests and digests. Adults also distribute food among […]
Mosquitoes
Mosquitos Mosquitoes can cause serious problems in the human habitat. In addition to the direct effects of their bites, mosquitoes are involved in the transmission of various diseases to humans and pets, such as malaria, yellow fever and heartworm. Only female mosquitoes feed on blood and their bites are painful at first, usually followed by […]
Flees
Fleas Fleas are external parasites that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. These animals can transmit serious diseases like typhus and bubonic plague. They usually affect pets, such as the cat, the dog, among others. They depend on the host to feed and protect themselves, staying all their lives in these and other […]
Ticks
Ticks The tick is an ectoparasite that uses a wide range of hosts to feed through its blood: horses, pigs, dogs, cats, ruminants, birds, rodents, etc. Of the approximately 800 species that exist worldwide, in Portugal there are a dozen and, within this group, there are especially two species that deserve our attention because they […]
Rats
Rats Rats are a pest that affects homes, green spaces, commercial establishments, among others. Some species can transmit diseases including salmonella and leptospirosis. They are responsible for countless deaths, namely the Black Death pandemic. They are omnivorous animals, very adaptable and of great reproductive capacity. A female, in ideal conditions in her habitat, can give […]
Cockroaches
Cockroaches Cockroaches are one of the main infestations in Portugal. Not only do they multiply in dirty places, they can also come in packaging from abroad, cracks and sewers. In Portugal there are some types of cockroaches. Below we indicate the 3 main: 1. German cockroach (Blattela germanica L.) – small Adults: Light brown to […]
Mites
Mites There are several types of dust mites, but household dust mites are visible only under the microscope. Habitat Dust mites feed on scales of human skin and animals in homes. Dust mites abound on mattresses, wool blankets, feather pillows, rugs, carpets, sofas, etc. and develop in conditions of humidity above the average of 70 […]