UNDER STRICT EMBARGO UNTIL MONDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2009
WHAT:
New research reveals that Australian’s negative reactions to insects are so intense that
over a third of people surveyed confessed they’ve left a room and even their home to
get away from them. While for 17 percent of the population their aversion is so great,
they rely on someone else to remove insects from their homes.
The research, conducted as part of the Mortein Insect Index reveals some truths about
Australian’s attitudes to creepy crawlies, with 61 percent of the population disliking
insects so much that upon seeing them they become resolute on killing them - no
matter what. For 18 percent of respondents, this means frantically chasing them
around their homes with spray and six percent of the population will either break into
a cold sweat or scream for help.
Australians who aren’t afraid of insects may change their minds after learning that:
One female cockroach can produce two million offspring in one year
Cockroaches can enter homes by swimming up U bends in toilets and sinks
The average airspeed of the common housefly is 7.2km per hour
An average jump for a flea is equivalent to a 1.8 m human jumping the length of a
football field
One insect that Australians are best to keep at bay is the unassuming cockroach, with a
third of Australians reporting that they consider it to be a sign of an unhygienic
household, while 22 percent think it is a sign of poor pest control.
WHO:
Dr Peter Miller, entomologist, insect expert and cockroach specialist is available to
discuss:
The top three most disliked insects
Interesting and in some cases unbelievable facts about insects
Why insects are attracted to our homes
Effective ways to keep insects at bay
The damage the insects can cause in the home if left unchecked
WHEN: Monday 16 November from 6:00am
For more information or to organise an interview please contact
Rosemary Biggs at Hausmann Communications on
02 8353 5736 / 0415 319 862 or rosemary.biggs@hausmann.com.au
The survey was conducted online by Pure Profile among 1000 Australians aged between 18 and 64 years, in October
2009.
-INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY-
NEW RESEARCH FINDS IRRITATING INSECTS ARE DRIVING AUSTRALIANS
OUT OF THEIR HOMES
NEWS 
