Home Improvement

Five Common Pests of the Cayman Islands

March 17, 2020
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With prevention and control, critters and bugs that invade your home and garden do not have to be an inevitable part of living in a tropical island paradise.

Ever since the Cayman Islands were first inhabited, there has been a battle to control bugs and pests and keep them out of homes and businesses. Luckily, there are Professional Cayman Islands pest exterminators who know how to deal with infestations and ensure you complete peace of mind.   

Mosquitos: There are more than 30 species of mosquitos in the Cayman Islands and around 80% are the black saltwater species (Aedes taeniorhynchus) that breeds in the black mangrove areas. Many other species breed in freshwater cisterns and temporary pools around the home. Treatment doesn’t eliminate the mosquito population but can provide protection from those mosquitos that come onto your property. Owners need to clear their property of breeding sites – containers that can collect standing water, such as tires, pots, birdbaths, toys, and pet bowls.

Mosquitos

Termites: Pestkil is the only certified Sentricon specialist in the Cayman Islands. Sentricon destroys the termite queen and her colony without disrupting your lawn, landscaping or foundations. Termites are more attracted to the bait found in the Sentricon system than wood. Its active ingredient, noviflumuron, is an effective Cayman Islands pest solution for all species of termite found locally, including the more aggressive subterranean species.

Ants: At least seven ant species are found in the Cayman Islands, and all will invade your property. Some will nest in windows and door frames, others will nest in kitchen cupboards, wall cavities, cracks, and crevices. Some will create large mounds in your yard and will bite.

Ants

Cockroaches: All three common cockroach species are pests in the Cayman Islands  — American, Australian and German. As is the wood cockroach. Some fly in from outdoors, while others will be unknowingly introduced via boxes, containers or even septic tanks and grease traps. The German cockroach in particular likes to breed in kitchen cabinets and large numbers can occur in a short space of time.

Cockroaches

Rodents: Rats and mice are a year-round problem in the Cayman Islands. Three rodent species invade local homes and businesses; the house mouse and both black and brown rats. Rodents can gain entry through holes as small as a quarter inch. The black rat is also known as the roof rat and normally climbs walls and trees to access the roof. Mice and brown rats enter from the ground, either through small holes or by gnawing through screen doors, or inadvertently brought in via boxes and containers. Rodents can spread disease, contaminate food and cause considerable damage to wiring, screens and internal fixtures. If rodents are on the property or in trees then it is only a matter of time before they gain entry. In addition, mice are prolific breeders and an infestation can contain large numbers in a very short time.

Rodents