Global Warming Bites Harder Spreading the Threat of Disease
31 July, 2008
Mosquitos, Termites and Cockroaches Lead Rentokil’s Top Pest Migrators
Date: 31st July 2008
Rising global temperatures are causing the migration of pests worldwide, increasing the risk of deadly diseases. Leading pest experts, Rentokil, believe that hotter temperatures worldwide could account for disease outbreaks - such as Lyme disease, cholera, dengue fever and yellow fever - in previously inhospitable areas. This trend has been witnessed in the UK, with a mild strain of malaria now prevalent in localised parts for up to four months of the year.
Research by the World Health Organisation revealed that a rare outbreak of Ebola in Africa resulted from climate changes. Temperature changes are known to affect the reproduction rate and sperm count of certain pest species, like the Asian Tiger Mosquito, making it easier for them to spread and colonise in new areas. Increased travel and the transportation of livestock and food products have also encouraged the migration of pests worldwide.
Dr Andy Brigham, General Technical Manager at Rentokil Pest Control, explains, “As the IPCC predict that global temperatures will soar by up to 6.4?C by 2012, more pests which carry disease will continue to survive and migrate to areas that were previously deemed too cold. The volatile weather conditions being experienced worldwide only heighten the risk of disease, with increased flooding promoting the spread of water-borne diseases and growth of fungi, and severe periods of drought encouraging outbreaks of white flies and locusts. Milder winters reduce the ‘die back’ rate of some insect species leading to an increase in numbers the following summer. The same effect has also been claimed as one explanation of a rising rodent population.”
Below Rentokil uncovers pest species that are inhabiting new parts of the world and thriving in today’s warmer climates:
1) Asian Tiger Mosquito – is one of the fastest spreading animal species over the last two decades. As a mosquito native to Asia, the ‘aedes albopictus’ displays aggressive daytime human-biting behavior and the ability to transmit harmful viruses like Dengue Fever, LaCrosse Encephalitis, and West Nile Virus. Invasions of the mosquito into new areas were initiated through the transportation of used tires containing larvae in trapped water. Annual rainfall of 50cm or more is sufficient to provide the insect with a variety of breeding habitats. The Asian Tiger Mosquito is now located in Central and Southern Europe, South Africa and the United States (please see world map depicting the spread of the insect).
2) Subterranean Termites – mostly feed on dead plant material, though ten per cent of the species are believed to cause significant structural damage to buildings, crops or plantation forests. Higher temperatures may assist the Northward spread of termites, turning isolated cases from infested imported material into established populations. In France, business owners and residents are legally required to declare any termite infestation and seek professional treatment, as the government aims to reduce the termite population in infested urban areas.
3) Cockroaches - In temperatures above 20C, the reproduction rates of cockroaches double with every 5?C rise. This means that global warming threatens to increase the rate at which these pests multiply and makes it easier for them to spread and colonise new areas. At elevated temperatures (generally above 30?C), some cockroach species can fly and this gives them further opportunities for finding their way inside buildings when looking for new places to colonise.
4) Oak Processionary Moth - lays its eggs in oak trees, and the caterpillars eat the trees' foliage. A study by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research in June 2007, revealed the oak moth has begun hatching its eggs later in the year to coincide with the arrival of its main food source (oak leaves), which has been affected by climate change. The poisonous hairs on the caterpillars' back can cause itchy rashes, breathing difficulties and severe allergic reactions in humans. This pest represents a big health problem as the trees it infests will be lining public parks, gardens and roadsides. The moths’ natural range is the Mediterranean region of Europe, however in recent years it has extended northwards and threatens the rest of Northern Europe, including the Nordic regions and the UK.
Rentokil was the first ever pest control company to employ field biologists into its highly skilled, international workforce, 30 years ago. With extensive knowledge of the pest control industry, Rentokil’s field biologists, conduct in–depth examinations and research into pest infestations and risks around the world. Dr Brigham comments, “We are at the forefront of the pest control industry, and keep a watchful eye on changing pest behaviours in light of warmer climates and species’ resistance to different treatment methods. Our field biologists play a crucial role in the protection of public health and the environment, investigating the root cause of any pest issue and finding the most innovative, effective solution to eradicate the problem, whatever the climate.”
For further information, please contact:
Catherine Moran/ Natalie Godsell
Brands2Life
Contact: +44 (0) 207 592 1200
Email: catherine.moran@brands2Life.co.uk / natalie.godsell@brands2life.com