Pest glossary

Habitat : Mattress seams, bed bases, headboards, skirting boards, electrical sockets. Travels via luggage.

Signs : Bites in series (3 bites in a line), black marks on sheets, exuviae (moults), pearly eggs.

Risk : No pathogen transmission, but major psychological impact and devastating reputational damage for hotels.

Treatment : Dry steam at >120 °C + targeted regulatory-compliant insecticide + D+14 return visit to break the larval cycle.

Habitat : Professional kitchens, yacht crew messes, refrigeration rooms, under sinks.

Signs : Black droppings resembling peppercorns, nocturnal activity, characteristic odour in cases of heavy infestation.

Risk : Vector of Salmonella and E. coli. Major HACCP risk, with possible administrative closure.

Treatment : Professional gel bait only (no spraying), sanitation and humidity control.

Habitat : Cellars, basements, sewers, refuse chutes, seaside gardens.

Signs : Droppings of 12–18 mm, grease marks along partitions, nocturnal noises, damage to cabling.

Risk : Leptospirosis, salmonellosis, electrical damage (fire risk), food contamination.

Treatment : Secured regulatory-compliant bait stations, mechanical traps in sensitive areas, sealing of access points.

Habitat : Partitions, suspended ceilings, service ducts, pantries.

Signs : Droppings of 3–6 mm, nocturnal scratching noises, opened packets in food storage.

Risk : Food contamination, allergens (urine), damage to thermal insulation.

Treatment : Mechanical traps + secured baiting + systematic sealing of entry points.

Habitat : Small volumes of standing water: plant pot saucers, gutters, drains, tyres, toys.

Signs : Daytime activity (unlike common mosquitoes), small in size, black and white stripes.

Risk : Potential vector of dengue, chikungunya and Zika (autochthonous cases recorded on the French Riviera).

Treatment : Elimination of larval breeding sites (90% of the work) + biological Bti + adulticide as a last resort.

Habitat : Primary nest (April) at standing height in a sheltered spot; secondary nest (summer) at height in trees or roof frames.

Signs : Black thorax, predominantly black abdomen with an orange band, yellow leg tips. Predator of bees.

Risk : Very painful stings, risk of anaphylactic shock in allergic individuals, decimation of nearby hives.

Treatment : regulatory-compliant biocides injection into the heart of the nest, removal at D+7. April (primary nest) is 10× cheaper than summer.

Habitat : Nests in wall cavities, under-roof spaces, garden sheds, burrows.

Signs : Grey papier-mâché nest, comings and goings of workers, heightened aggression in late summer.

Risk : Painful stings, allergies, disruption on terraces and outdoor dining areas.

Treatment : Injection at sunset, full PPE, nest removal at a minimum of D+3.

Habitat : Invasive species: gardens, kitchens, terraces — ubiquitous in the French Riviera coastal zone.

Signs : Highly organised lines of workers, multiple satellite colonies (super-colonies).

Risk : Food contamination, displacement of native fauna, moderate damage but a major nuisance.

Treatment : Professional gel bait carried by workers back to the queens. No surface spraying.

Habitat : Softwood (fir, spruce) in old roof frames and uninsulated lofts.

Signs : Characteristic chewing sound of the larvae, very fine sawdust, oval emergence holes (8–10 mm).

Risk : Structural destruction of roof frames within 10–15 years without intervention.

Treatment : Surface scoring, pressure injection, residual spray. 10-year guarantee.

Habitat : Antique furniture, parquet flooring, panelling, damp roof timbers.

Signs : Small round holes (1–3 mm), powdery sawdust, characteristic ticking sound (deathwatch beetle, the 'death clock').

Risk : Slow but certain destruction of infested timbers, particularly period furniture.

Treatment : Targeted injection, residual spray, preventative treatment of unaffected furniture.

Habitat : Façades, cornices, balconies, air-conditioning units, street lamps in urban environments.

Signs : Acidic droppings on façades and balconies, feathers, noise, twig nests.

Risk : Degradation of limestone, obstruction of rainwater drainage, transmission of Chlamydia and Cryptococcus.

Treatment : AISI 316 stainless-steel spikes, transparent netting, tensioned wires, electric deterrents. 5- to 10-year guarantee.

Habitat : Pantries, stores of flour, rice, pasta, dried fruit and cocoa.

Signs : Small grey-brown moths in nocturnal flight, silken threads in packaging, caterpillars.

Risk : Contamination of food stores, particularly problematic in professional kitchens and on yachts with long-term storage.

Treatment : Pheromone traps, dry steam on shelving, freezing at −25 °C for precious textiles.

Habitat : Bathrooms, kitchens, under sinks, behind damp furniture.

Signs : Silvery insects moving rapidly, damage to paper, bookbinding glue and starches.

Risk : No pathogen transmission; principally an aesthetic nuisance and a source of damage to antique books.

Treatment : Humidity control (dehumidifiers), targeted insecticide, sealing of access points.

Habitat : Kitchens, restaurant terraces, food storage areas, organic waste.

Signs : Erratic flight, contamination of food surfaces, heightened presence in warm weather.

Risk : Vector of food contamination (E. coli, Salmonella), a critical HACCP concern.

Treatment : UV light traps, waste management, sealing, targeted spraying as a last resort.