Large-Scale Surveillance Of Urban Pests – A Piece In The Puzzle For Knowledge-Based Management

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health has collaborated with the pest control industry to compile a 17-year time series describing changes in prevalence and seasonal fluctuations of selected important insect pests. The urban pest statistics of Norway includes eleven pests of which the common bed bug (Cimex lectularius), carpenter ants (Camponotus spp.), and the long-tailed silverfish (Ctenolepisma longicaudatum) are presented in greater detail in this paper. These species are compared and evaluated based on their societal costs, including control, damage, and health burden. The statistics identifies key focal areas for pest management and supports the allocation of resources by stakeholders capable of influencing pest control efforts. It can serve as a tool to improve pest awareness, evaluations, control strategies, advisory services, information initiatives, and research.