"In-Sex" in the City.National Pest Management Association The National Pest Management Association (NPMA), a non-profit organization with more than 5,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the professional pest control industry’s commitment to the protection of public health, food and property, reflected both in the Goes Behind Closed Doors on Pest Mating Habits FAIRFAX, Va. -- Some of the mating rituals of pests can put your first date to shame. Male insects offer gifts, song and even dance to impress the female. But remember, this is not Love Story - this is Fatal Attraction, which can cause many headaches for homeowners. According to Cindy Mannes, vice president of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA NPMA National Pest Management Association NPMA National Property Management Association NPMA National Petroleum Management Association NPMA National Project Management Association NPMA Non-Preemptive Multiple Access NPMA National Podiatric Medical Association ), pests are not picky pick·y adj. pick·i·er, pick·i·est Informal Excessively meticulous; fussy. picky Adjective [pickier, pickiest] Brit, Austral & NZ about where they mate and reproduce. "All homes are at risk when it comes to infestation infestation /in·fes·ta·tion/ (-fes-ta´shun) parasitic attack or subsistence on the skin and/or its appendages, as by insects, mites, or ticks; sometimes used to denote parasitic invasion of the organs and tissues, as by helminths. ," said Mannes. Pests such as termites and cockroaches cockroaches insects which may carry Salmonella spp. in their gut and play a part in the spread of the disease. are particularly promiscuous. The sole purpose of these pests is to reproduce, thereby multiplying the physical and monetary amount of damage they cause. Both pests can be a major threat to health and property. Female termites release 'mating pheromones pheromones, any of a variety of substances, secreted by many animal species, that alter the behavior of individuals of the same species. Sex attractant pheromones, secreted by a male or female to attract the opposite sex, are widespread among insects. ,' much like perfume, to entice male termites. Once males locates the alluring females, they break off their wings, symbolizing they are a couple. Termites then build their nests in the structural wood of a home. A queen termite can lay more than 60,000 eggs in her 25-year lifespan. It only takes 50-60 days for these eggs to hatch, so early detection and prevention is key as a colony of termites can exceed one million. Male American cockroaches have to impress their lady-in-waiting before they can mate. Casanova-like-cockroaches flap their wings, expose their abdomens and even nibble the female. After cockroaches mate, they then set up housekeeping and can quickly infest in·fest v. 1. To live as a parasite in or on tissues or organs or on the skin and its appendages. 2. To inhabit or overrun in numbers large enough to be harmful, threatening, or obnoxious. a building. Females lay approximately 40 eggs each month. Although they do not affect the structure of a home, cockroaches carry bacteria and allergens that can severely affect one's health. "When it comes to pests in your home call a pest professional to cut the courtship short," advises Mannes. "They will be able to properly inspect and treat potential infestations. Pest problems should always be 'affectionately' thought of by homeowners The Way They Were." To learn more about other pests, their mating habits and ways to pest proof your home, visit www.pestworld.org. The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 5,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property. |
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