ABSTRACT
The association of some insects and mites with humans probably began early in evolution from a hunter-gatherer society to an urban society. A brief look at the probable history of human experience with insects in our food, crossing our doorstep, or attacking our dwelling can provide a better understanding of the basis of their pest status. The transport of plant and animal food from the collection site to the home base was an important step in the development of human society and in the interaction with some insect pests. The use of storage vessels for food would be important to future interaction between humans and pests. Long-term settlements would have provided opportunity for a variety of insect and vertebrate pests to become established at refuse sites close to the shelters and in the more permanent wooden parts of the shelter. The people of Terra Amata ate and slept in their shelters, probably close to the hearth for warmth and protection.
