Aims

The problems posed by domestical entomofauna, after a few decades of respite, are reappearing with a preoccupying acuteness. The reasons reside in the recent architectural conceptions, in the pauvrety of some urban neighourhoods and in the intensive agroalimentary productions. The prevention and control methods constitute a specialised study that is focused in this course.

Main themes

1. Introduction. Site of focus (house, entomofauna).
2. Morphological and physiological characteristics of insects favouring their penetration and installation in the habitat (size, air resistance, surface tension, thigmotactism, phototactism, poïkilothermy, ... ).
3. Ecological habitats (microhabitat and microclimate, brick walls, false ceilings and technical voids).
4. Origin of house arthropods (immigration, dissemination, geographical distribution).
5. Relationship between domestical entomofauna and man (commensalism, symbiosis, parasitism).
Four types of negative effects: a) health: stings, bites, irritations, parasitism and disease transmissions, allergies - b) food - c) textiles - d) wood, roofs, masonry and isolation material.
6. Undesirable hosts, winter hosts and occasional visitors.
7. Prevention and control : a) construction and renovation - b) detection of intruders (fecies, traces, noises) - c) desinsectisation.
8. Pets : victims and vectors.
9. Entomofauna and entomophobia.