![]() In addition to the establishment of threshold levels, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) identifies four actions within the IPM of urban pests: inspection, identification, and, when the threshold is exceeded, employment of two or more appropriate control measures and evaluation of effectiveness. 9 If this level is exceeded, control measures are implemented. The purpose of establishing threshold levels is to define a pest population level that can be tolerated. IPM is a rational, common‐sense approach to sustainable pest control. Tolerance or threshold levels are a driver for decision taking in integrated pest management (IPM). 20 Therefore, understanding residents' attitudes to and knowledge of household pest species is of importance for the development of sustainable pest management programmes. 18 Moreover, the product used can remain in the environment for extended periods of time, 17 it may not be the most effective method, especially when used on its own, 19 and insects have developed resistance to some insecticides. 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 The use of insecticides, however, poses health risks, especially for young children. The low TL for insects in homes is reflected in the high percentage of the US and European population that use pesticides, mainly insecticides, within the household environment. insects, spiders, mites and ticks) affect insect tolerance and control behaviour. Perception of and attitude towards arthropods (i.e. The relationship between various personal factors, a person's TL for household insects and the resulting behaviour has not yet been studied using an integrative approach. Personal factors, such as the feelings described above, affect a person's information seeking or pest‐management behaviour. 10, 11, 12 Similarly, people have a strong aversion to bed bugs ( Cimex lectularius L.), and will go to great lengths to get rid of them. 9 For example, even low numbers of the oriental cockroach ( Blatta orientalis L.) within apartments are regarded as a problem by many and a maximum of none to only one cockroach is tolerated indoors. 7, 8 These negative attitudes are reflected in low tolerance levels (TLs) within the domestic environment, which are often (close to) zero. ![]() Feelings of fear, dislike and aversion are often expressed. Attitudes of the public towards insects and other arthropods are mainly negative and may interfere with a fact‐based assessment of the risks posed. 4, 5, 6 Preventing, reducing or assessing the risks from insects in the household environment requires knowledge and expertise that the public usually does not possess. 1, 2, 3 Furthermore, insects are considered a nuisance because of their abundance as well as for aesthetic or emotional reasons. Insects in the household environment may pose a risk to humans by vectoring parasitic or pathogenic agents as well as damaging physical constructions, materials and food.
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