Living in Angola

Pest Control

This section provides some advice about pest control in the home. Rodent and insect pests are part of our environment. Some are a nuisance while others are dangerous carriers of disease. Control of pests in the home is the responsibility of the occupant. Since most pests rely on us for their food and shelter, a few simple steps can be taken to control them, and to prevent them from becoming part of your household. Usually, good sanitation can prevent most pests. Sometimes it may be necessary to use pesticides. If so, carefully follow the suggestions in the section below.

Flies

The common housefly is usually just a nuisance, but they are also efficient carriers of disease. If allowed to multiply, they can do so very quickly. A single female can lay over 2,000 eggs per month.

Preventative measures:

Keep all food scraps and other garbage in tightly sealed garbage bags and/or cans. Dispose of your garbage bags regularly.
Keep doors and windows closed. Or, if using screens, make sure they have no holes or tears.
Keep all food covered.
Insecticides may be necessary in severe infestations.

Mosquitoes

In addition to their annoying bites, some mosquitoes can transmit serious diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever. Mosquitoes lay eggs and the larvae develop in stagnant water. Hundreds of mosquitoes can grow in a small pot of water.

Preventative measures:

Empty any open containers of water in and around your house, especially after it rains.
Keep doors and window screens closed and intact.
Insecticides for flying insects are useful indoors.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches like to live in warm, moist areas and usually are active at night. They contaminate food and often leave an unpleasant odor in the areas they infest. In addition to foods, they will also eat such materials as bookbinding and fabrics.

Preventative measures:

Good housekeeping is the most effective preventative measure.
Clean all areas thoroughly, especially dark moist areas of cupboards and under sinks. Clean well, so that no food particles, dust, debris, or clutter remains.
Insecticides for crawling insects can be used, after proper housekeeping practices have been followed.
Scattering boric acid powder in places that they tend to infest is also helpful, as are more sophisticated baits that sterilize the female cockroach.

Ants

Ants live in large colonies and may be found in many locations. They will build their nests in open ground, under stones, wood, or near shrubs and buildings. Some ants are attracted into homes by the presence of food, particularly sweets and fatty foods.

Preventative measures:

Keep all foods covered, particularly sweets and fatty foods.
Clean up all spilled foods and drinks promptly.
Keep shelves and cupboards free from spoiled foods (storing cereals, flour and other foods in tight containers also reduces the temptation).
Insecticides for crawling insects may be used after proper cleaning.

Rats and Mice

Rats and mice will live wherever adequate food, water and shelter can be found. They are a nuisance, and are carriers of disease. In search of food and shelter, they can enter your home through the smallest cracks or unscreened vents. They can also gnaw through many different building materials.

Preventative measures:

Eliminate sources of food outside by keeping all garbage in containers with tight fitting lids. Seal all routes of entry into your house.
After sealing entries, use traps or glue boards in locations where rodents have been seen.
If traps or glue boards are unsuccessful, anticoagulant type baits may be used.
Place traps, glue boards, or bait in protected areas next to walls or under equipment. Follow all directions carefully, and be sure they are kept out of reach of children and pets. Check daily for dead rodents.

Stored Food Pests

Beetles, weevils, and moths can infest grains, flour, beans, dried fruits, nuts, spices, and other foods. They sometimes arrive in the food, but are not usually detectable at the time of purchase.

Preventative measures:

Carefully inspect foods before storing.
Do not store foods for excessive periods of time.
Freezing such foods as flour, grains, and cereals can reduce the amount of infestation and kill off the pests.
Inspect stored foods and discard all infested products.
Thoroughly clean all shelves and drawers in the infested area.
Most insects in flour will be killed by freezing. The flour can then be sifted to remove them and used for cooking.
Thorough cooking will kill any residual pests in food, and therefore sterilize it.
Residual insecticides may be used in storage areas, but never spray directly on food or packages.

Geckos

Note that geckos, which are a white or opalescent lizard, may be considered a pest, but it is actually a handy creature to have around inside or out. They love bugs, and will eat flies, mosquitoes, moths, ants, cockroaches, etc. They are very shy and will stay out of your way. They are only found in houses that have an infestation problem.

Insecticides and Pesticides

Before using any type of pesticide or insecticide, follow all of the environmental control measures listed in the "preventative measures" section for the pests.

Remember to:

Purchase the proper type of product for household use.
Read and follow all directions carefully.
Keep all pesticides and insecticides out of the reach of children and pets.
Dispose of all unused chemicals according to directions, or seek medical or professional advice.