Identification of pests, insects and rodents on the light and semi-heavy vessels available in Bandar Abbas and presentation of solutions

Among the most annoying problems in all vessels are the existence of species from rodents to insects that waste some part of the ability of personnel to operate or damage navigation control systems, damage electronic networks, damage food and even poison people. The purpose of this study was to identify pests, insects and rodents on the light and semi-heavy vessels available in Bandar Abbas and to provide solutions to them.

After preliminary examination, location and floating docks selection, sampling and catching of insects and rodents were done from the vessels in southern Iran (Bandar Abbas). Samples were collected with the help of manual entomopathology; aspirator; sticky trap; hand collection; match with canberra; pneumatic; trap collection. Killing and storing of samples was done by standard methods and frequency of samples was recorded. After processing the information, a panel of experts from six experts in the field of health (environmental, public and occupational health) developed solution and strategies to remove pest, insect and rodent.  

In total, 141 arthropods, 18 genera, 29 species and 4 rodents from one family belonging to one species were identified. Samples were collected in greater order from the kitchen, personnel dormitories, martial facilities and the main vessels lounge. The highest frequency of arthropods caught was American cockroach and large ant (12.77%) followed by spiders (11.35%), small ants (10.64%) and the least abundant were locusts and rodents. Summarizing the opinions of 6 experts in the field of health (environmental health, public and professional), solutions were presented in 4 areas: physical, chemical, biological and genetic.

Considering the abundance of pests, insects and rodents in light and semi-heavy vessels, raising the awareness of managers and staff about environmental health, through training sessions by health experts, as well as the preparation of a pesticide and insect control checklist is suggested.