FAIRFAX, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Valentine’s Day will soon be here, and love and money is in the air. In fact, Americans are expected to spend approximately $19.6 billion on their significant others while playing cupid this year, according to the National Retail Federation. While this holiday encourages people to couple up and spend time spoiling one another, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is sharing the less than romantic, quirky, and sometimes fatal ways certain pests woo their mates, proving that ‘love’ doesn’t need to cost a thing.
“If you think the dating scene is rough out there, just be glad you’re not an insect,” said Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA. “While their rituals may seem weird to us, insects have evolved into expert breeders, biologically wired to do what it takes to procreate quickly, and in large quantities.”
Here’s a look at three common pest personalities and how far some species will go to attract the perfect mate:
The “flirtatious” type
Male American
cockroaches have to impress their lady-in-waiting before they can
mate. Casanova-like-cockroaches flap their wings, expose their abdomens
and even nibble the female. Silverfish
court each other through an elaborate three-step process that includes
repeatedly touching the antennae of the intended mate, chasing the male
as he playfully runs away, then lining up side by side to signify
consent and complete the ritual.
The “clingy” type
Male earwigs
find mates using their sense of smell. Once coupled with a female, the
male uses their long cerci, which look like pincers, on their backsides
to attach himself to her. Undisturbed, the earwigs can stay in this
mating position for hours. Female termites
release "mating pheromones" that act as a perfume to entice male
termites. Once the males locate the female termites, they will break off
their wings, symbolizing that they are a couple, sometimes for life!
The “let’s just get down to business” type
The fire
ant queen can live for up to seven years, but male ants, called
drones, aren't so fortunate. Their only role in the colony is to mate
with the queen and they die soon after doing so. When the queen needs
males, she can overwhelm the colony with male eggs. The female workers
kill many of the males, but they can’t get rid of them all.
If you have pests getting romantic in your home, visit PestWorld.org to find a qualified pest control professional.
About the National Pest Management Association
The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 6,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property from the diseases and dangers of pests. For more information, visit PestWorld.org or follow @PestWorld on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube.
