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The word “Kottayam” is believed to have originated from the Malayalam words “kotta” which means fort and “akam” which means inside or interior. Hence, Kottayam literally translates to “the interior of a fort”. This name has been attributed to the city’s historical association with the fortifications built by local rulers in the past. The temperature of Kottayam typically ranges between 20 to 35 degrees Celsius throughout the year. This warm and humid weather is conducive for the growth and survival of various types of pests in kottayam, including termites, ants, rodents, bedbugs, cockroaches, flies, lizards, and spiders. These pests are attracted to the warm and moist environment that is prevalent in Kottayam.

Termites are particularly problematic in Kottayam due to the abundance of wood-based construction in the area. Rodents are also a significant issue in Kottayam, especially in areas where food is stored or disposed of improperly. Cockroaches thrive in the warm and humid environment of Kottayam and are commonly found in households and commercial establishments. Therefore, it is essential to take preventative measures, such as proper sanitation and regular pest control, to manage and prevent infestations in households and commercial areas.

Common Types of Pests in Kottayam and Their Corresponding Areas of Infestation

As already mentioned, the warm and humid weather of Kottayam is conducive to the growth and survival of various pests. Here is a list of pests commonly found in Kottayam and the areas they are most commonly found:

1. Termites

Termites are commonly found in areas with wooden construction, such as Thalayolaparambu, Pala, Kanjikuzhi, Manatkaadu, Vaikkom, Ettumanoor, and Kanjirappally. Click here to read the news about post-infestation trouble caused in the rural area of Pundareekapuram temple near Thalayolaparambu, Kottayam.

2. Mupli beetle

These are most common in the areas of Ponkunnam and Kanjirappally. They are found in dry leaves of rubber plants and produce a defensive phenolic secretion that can cause skin burns. Click here to read how creepy crawlies torment the rural area of Kottayam.

3. Ants

Ants are found in most areas of Kottayam, particularly in areas where food and sugary substances are present, such as households and commercial areas.

4. Rodents

Rodents are found in areas with improper sanitation practices, such as Kanjirappally, Mundakayam, and Changanassery.

5. Bedbugs

Bedbugs are commonly found in households and hotels in all areas of Kottayam.

6. Cockroaches

Cockroaches are commonly found in households and commercial areas in all areas of Kottayam.

7. Flies

Flies are commonly found in areas with organic waste, such as garbage bins and landfills, in all areas of Kottayam.

8. Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are found in all areas of Kottayam, particularly in areas with water bodies, such as Pala and Meenachil.

9. Lizards

Lizards are commonly found in households and buildings in all areas of Kottayam.

10. Spiders

Spiders are commonly found in households and buildings in all areas of Kottayam.

It is important to note that these pests are not limited to the aforementioned areas and can be found throughout Kottayam. Regular pest control measures and good sanitation practices are essential in managing and preventing infestations.

Health Issues and Other Difficulties Caused by Different Types of Pests in Kottayam

Pests can cause a range of health issues and other difficulties for humans. Here are some examples of the problems caused by each category of pest:

• Termites

  Termites can damage wooden structures and compromise the structural integrity of buildings. This can lead to safety hazards and costly repairs.

• Ants

  Ants can contaminate food and transmit diseases, and some species can inflict painful bites.

• RodentsRodents can spread diseases, contaminate food, and damage property. They can also gnaw through electrical wires, leading to fires.

• Bedbugs

  Bedbugs can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. Infestations can be difficult to eliminate and may require professional intervention.

• Cockroaches

  Cockroaches can contaminate food, spread diseases, and trigger allergies and asthma attacks.

• Flies

  Flies can contaminate food and transmit diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera, and dysentery.

• Mosquitoes

  Mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus.

• Lizards

  Lizards are generally harmless to humans, but their presence can be a nuisance and they may leave droppings and shed skin.

• Spiders

  Most spiders are harmless to humans, but some species can inflict painful or poisonous bites.

It is important to take proactive measures to prevent and control pest infestations in order to minimise the health risks and other difficulties associated with these pests.

Seasonal Calendar of Activity of Different Type of Pests in Kottayam

Months When Each Category of Pest is Most Active

The severity of pest attacks can vary throughout the year due to changes in environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. Here is a brief overview of when each category of pest is typically most active in Kottayam:

Category of Pests	Season the Pest are Most Active
1. Termite	Termite infestations can occur year-round but are typically more prevalent during the rainy season from June to September.
2. Ants	Ants are active throughout the year, but their activity tends to peak during the summer months of March to May.
3. Rodents	They are active year-round, but infestations may increase during the monsoon season from June to September.
4. Bed Bugs	It can infest homes and hotels year-round, but their activity tends to peak during the summer months of March to May.
5. Cockroach	Their activity tends to peak during the monsoon season from June to September, but they can be active year-round.
6. Flies	Flies are most active during the summer months of March to May but can be found year-round in areas with organic waste.
7. Mosquito	Mosquito activity tends to peak during the monsoon season from June to September, but they can be found year-round in areas with standing water.
8. Lizards	They are active year-round but may be more visible during the summer months of March to May.
9.	Spider activity tends to be highest during the monsoon season from June to September, but they can be found year-round in homes and buildings.

It is important to be vigilant during the months when their activity is most severe in order to prevent infestations and associated health risks.

Groups Vulnerable to the Negative Effects of Pest Infestations

A pest infestation can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status. However, some individuals may be more vulnerable to the negative effects of pests than others. It is common in areas like:

• Houses
• Commercial buildings
• Offices
• Banks
• Apartments
• Flats
• Religious places(mosque, church, temple)
• Hotels
• Educational institutions

How To Prevent Pest Infestation?

Preventing pest infestations is an important part of maintaining a healthy and safe living environment. Here are two effective methods for preventing pests:

• Schedule regular pest control:

  One of the best ways to prevent pests from taking over your home or business is to schedule regular pest control services. Depending on the severity of the infestation, the pest control expert may recommend a monthly, quarterly or annual service.

• Call a professional pest control company for service:

  If you notice any signs of a pest infestation, it is important to call a professional pest control company right away. They will first inspect your property to identify the type of pest and the severity of the infestation and then recommend a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.

By taking these preventive measures, you can minimise the risk of pest infestations and protect your health and property.

Why Choose DFM India For Pest Control Services?

DFM has been providing effective pest control treatments, including termite control, throughout Kerala for the last 20 years. We are renowned for our cutting-edge, eco-friendly methods, highly skilled and experienced technicians and round-the-clock availability. We offer our pest control treatment services over 8 locations (Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Idukki, Ernakulam, Trivandrum, Kollam, Thrissur). Not only this, DFM is an industry association-certified and govt approved agency.