On Monitoring Pest Activity

Nature and extent of pest activity need to be determined first before any intervention strategy can be formulated; periodic monitoring of pest activity is required to gauge the effectivity of pest management programs

Weevils

• Live insect / larvae
• Weevils are capable of flight and is most active during the afternoon
• Powder tracks
• Webbing
• Insect fragments / exoskeletons

Rodents

• Sounds: Gnawing, scratching or squeking noises
• Gnaw marks: Monitor gnaw marks on wooden structures, electrical wires, wall insulations, cabinets and other storage areas.
• Burrows: Burrows are usually found near the foundations of buildings, beneath woodpiles and in moist areas in and around gardens and fields.
• Droppings. Rodent droppings and urinary pillars shall be monitored regularly.
• Body rub marks. Monitor body rub marks around entry sites and along runways.

Cockroaches

• Presence of charateristic odious smell
• Egg-capsules
• Cockroaches secrete a substance which can result in stains on surfacesthey contact
• Feces and casts skins
• Cockroach gnaw marks

Flies

• Physical presence (flying in significant quantity)
• Fly stain