Rodents

Squirrels

Belonging to the rodent family, squirrels share many habits with mice and rats, including their propensity for causing significant property damage through chewing. Unlike some rodents, squirrels are active from sunrise to sunset and do not hibernate; instead, they store food in numerous locations for the winter months.

Weighing approximately 500g, squirrels are highly adaptable creatures, sporting both winter and summer coats, shorter fur, and displaying exceptional climbing and jumping abilities. Their bushy tails serve a practical purpose, aiding in balance. However, despite their agility, only about 1% of squirrels live to be around 6 years old.

For treatment, various proofing methods are available. Squirrels often gain entry to properties through gaps in fascia boards, necessitating the use of different products and materials to address these openings. Additionally, a trapping program can be effective, as squirrels are naturally curious and likely to investigate new objects they encounter.

Rats

Rats are increasingly prevalent pests in the UK, thriving as local bin collections become less frequent. Compared to common house mice, rats have shorter tails but boast larger heads and bulkier bodies, weighing anywhere from 250 to 700 grams.

The Norway Rat is among the most encountered species, primarily dwelling outdoors but gaining entry into properties through drainage systems and wall crevices. These rodents carry numerous harmful diseases, including Leptospirosis.

Unlike mice, rats are not adept climbers and typically forage at ground level, requiring substantial amounts of water. However, like mice, they exhibit destructive behavior, gnawing on objects, urinating, and spreading contamination wherever they go, leading to significant damage and stress.

For treatment, I conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify the rodent species present and determine the appropriate control method, always mindful of non-target animals and children. Various methods and techniques are employed to control rat populations, including locating entry points and recommending proofing measures. Prevention measures, such as restricting access to food, water, and shelter, are emphasized as the most effective long-term deterrents against rat infestations.

Mice

The House Mouse typically seeks shelter and warmth in buildings, making them a common indoor pest. Not only do they carry numerous diseases, but they also pose a serious public health risk. These mice typically measure around 60-90mm in body length, with an additional 100mm added by their tails, and their fur is commonly light brown or grey.

Mice are notorious for their destructive gnawing habits, posing significant risks such as chewing through electrical cables, potentially causing electrocution. They also pose threats to food supplies, contaminating animal feeds, leaving droppings, and urinating indiscriminately. Interestingly, mice derive their water intake from their food and only require approximately 3-4 grams of food per day.

Swift action is essential in dealing with mice infestations. Given their adaptability, mobility, and rapid breeding habits, a small population of mice can quickly multiply into a substantial infestation within a matter of weeks. This makes mouse control a challenging task for the untrained individual.

As a trained professional in mouse control, I have access to a variety of professional-grade rodenticides and employ effective trapping methods. Additionally, I offer guidance on future prevention measures during visits, such as proper food storage, maintaining cleanliness, and sealing any access points or gaps in the property.

Mammals

Foxes

Foxes can be found throughout the UK, categorized as either urban or rural depending on their habitat. Adaptability is key to their survival in our ever-changing environment. Their mating season typically occurs from January to early February, with litters born in late March or early April.

These resourceful creatures have a varied diet, consuming anything available, although rabbits make up about 75% of their food intake. They are solitary hunters but may form small groups. Foxes are known to prey on poultry and small domestic pets, rummage through garbage bags, and cause damage to flowerbeds.

When it comes to treatment, maintaining hygiene is crucial in controlling fox populations. I can provide recommendations for effective fox control programs tailored to your needs, utilizing techniques such as live trapping to address current issues and mitigate future encounters.

Moles

Insects

Image of a hare looking towards the camera

Rabbits

Contrary to popular belief, rabbits are not classified as rodents. While they do share some similarities, such as continuously growing incisor teeth that require wearing down, rabbits possess a distinct dental structure. This includes a small second pair of upper incisors located behind their larger, chisel-shaped first pair. Signs of rabbit presence in an area typically include burrows, runs, droppings, and fur caught on fences and thorns.

Fully grown rabbits can weigh up to 2kg, displaying a range of colors across the UK, from light sandy to dark grey and even black. While they primarily feed on crops, rabbits may also include tree bark in their diet. Although mainly nocturnal, they can occasionally be spotted during the day once they feel comfortable in their environment.

When it comes to treatment, various methods are available to control rabbit populations, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Conducting a thorough site assessment is essential to determine the most appropriate control technique for effectively managing rabbit infestations.

Bedbugs

Flat, oval-shaped, and brown, roughly the size of an apple pip, these pests commonly inhabit homes and hotels. By day, they conceal themselves in crevices around beds, seams of mattresses, bedframes, headboards, skirting boards, and loose wallpaper. At night, they emerge to feed on human blood, and remarkably, they can survive for up to a year without a host.

The first indications of a bedbug infestation may include sightings of the pests or bites on the skin, as well as dark fecal spots or blood smears on sheets. They can also be found in luggage and furniture, and if left unchecked, they spread rapidly, moving from room to room, causing significant disruption in hotels or businesses and distress in home environments.

Given their resilience, professional treatment is strongly advised to effectively eradicate bedbugs. Contact us today to ensure the infestation is addressed properly.

Cockroaches

Discovering cockroaches in your home or business can be a source of concern and stress. Among the most common species in the UK are the German and Oriental cockroach, both of which are nocturnal and require access to water. They typically feed on waste, spilled or decaying food, and fecal matter, often traversing through drains and waste areas, thereby becoming carriers of diseases and posing a significant health risk wherever they are found.

Thriving in warm environments, cockroaches are prolific breeders, often hiding behind appliances such as fridges, freezers, and ovens. Infestations tend to spread rapidly if not detected early, with daytime sightings indicating a substantial presence. Cockroaches exhibit remarkable mobility, capable of scaling smooth surfaces like ceramic tiles and stainless steel, and have even been found lurking in vending machines.

When it comes to treatment, addressing cockroach infestations requires a comprehensive approach. I conduct thorough surveys to identify the specific species of cockroach present, followed by selecting the appropriate treatment method. Effective control involves not only the use of insecticides but also emphasizes hygiene, proofing, and housekeeping practices to prevent further infestations.

Beetles

Beetles exhibit a wide array of shapes and sizes, encompassing numerous species too vast to enumerate here. However, a common feature among all beetles is their possession of six legs and, in adults, a pair of tough wing cases. While economic damage is typically caused by the larvae of many species, certain beetles' adults are also capable of consuming, damaging, and contaminating various substances.

For treatment, thorough inspections are essential to pinpoint the specific beetle species causing concern. From there, we can collaborate on devising effective strategies to control and permanently eradicate any infestations.

Spiders

Spider infestations typically arise in buildings during autumn and winter, primarily because the colder outdoor temperatures drive them indoors to seek shelter. While most spiders in the UK are not known to bite humans, their presence can still induce stress in individuals. Notably, there has been a significant rise in False Widow spider sightings in London and the southeast of England in recent years.

For treatment, we utilize professional-grade residual insecticide spray to achieve maximum effectiveness in controlling spider populations.

Ants

Ants, along with wasps and bees, are classified as social insects because they typically live together in nests and exhibit a structured social hierarchy. This communal behavior is unique to ants and termites, the latter fortunately not being found in the UK.

The most common ant species in the UK is the black garden ant, although other species may also invade homes or businesses in search of food, particularly sweet, sugary substances. Worker ants release pheromones to communicate the location of food sources to other ants within the colony.

Effective treatment of ant infestations requires employing appropriate techniques, as using incorrect methods can lead to detrimental outcomes. For instance, the Pharaoh's ant, commonly found in heated buildings such as hospitals, hotels, and food manufacturing sites, should never be controlled using residual insecticides. Doing so triggers a defensive response, causing the nest to split and exacerbating the issue by dispersing ants to other areas of the property. Proper knowledge and identification of the ant species present enable the implementation of targeted treatment methods, ultimately saving time and money for all parties involved.

Flies

Various types of flies, including common house flies, lesser house flies, blow flies (blue/green bottles), cluster flies, fruit flies, drain flies, and scuttle flies, each pose unique challenges. They contribute to contamination by transferring bacteria from waste and feces to clean surfaces and food preparation areas. Moreover, they can be a significant nuisance, particularly during outbreaks indoors, often originating from bird carcasses in lofts, roof voids, or wall cavities.

Treatment options for flies include residual sprays, space sprays, and insecticide baits, among others. However, selecting the appropriate treatment method is crucial. Given the diverse range of fly species and potential reasons for their presence in your property or business, a thorough assessment is necessary to pinpoint the exact source of the problem. I can visit your premises and provide expert guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Moths

A variety of moth species exist, ranging from the Common Clothes Moth to the Brown House Moth. While moths themselves are typically harmless to humans, once they infiltrate your property, they can wreak havoc by causing significant damage to carpets, sofas, and furnishings. Their larvae feed on fabric, leading to extensive deterioration.

To address a moth infestation, I would conduct an assessment to identify the species present in your home and determine the most appropriate treatment. Typically, this involves the application of insecticide spray to effectively eradicate the moths.

Wasps

Wasps tend to be more active during the summer months. They begin constructing their nests in the spring, and by autumn, these nests are usually abandoned. Constructed from chewed dead wood, wasp nests can range in size from small to very large. Once established by the queen, colonies can grow rapidly, with thousands of wasps inhabiting a single nest. Early intervention to treat nests is crucial in preventing their populations from reaching large numbers.

For treatment, insecticide is sprayed directly around the entrance point of the nest or onto the nest itself. This is a commonly used technique and is highly effective. The insecticide begins working within the first ten minutes of spraying, and the nest is typically completely eradicated within a day. If accessible, the nest can then be safely removed by a professional. These insecticides are exclusively available to professionals, and their proper use and application techniques are skills acquired through training and experience.

Birds

Bees

There are various species of bees, including the Honey Bee, Masonry Bee, Solitary Bee, and Bumblebee, each offering numerous benefits. These range from producing honey and beeswax for farming to enhancing pollination in orchards and gardens.

Regarding treatment, it's a common misconception that bees are protected and cannot be addressed. While they provide valuable contributions, they can become problematic if they establish nests in wall cavities, chimney voids, or other inaccessible areas where their presence may pose significant issues.

However, it's essential to note that bees are currently endangered. Therefore, I always recommend exploring alternative solutions before considering any measures that could harm them.

Pigeons

The Feral Pigeon, descendants of the Rock Dove found along cliffs and rocks, have migrated inland due to the availability of food and resting areas. Similar in appearance, Stock Doves feature a slightly pinker chest. These birds can travel up to two miles in search of food and prefer warm, sheltered locations for resting, often seeking out secluded areas. Feral Pigeons are also capable of perching on gaps as small as 50mm.

To address Feral Pigeon issues, various preventive measures are available, including proofing, netting, spikes, electric deterrents, and gel applications. The level of intervention required depends on factors such as their nesting location and the extent of damage they cause, categorized as low, medium, or high pressure. Feel free to contact me to discuss any Feral Pigeon-related concerns you may have.

Gulls

From Herring Gulls to Great Black Back Gulls, these birds are all considered nuisances due to their loudness and potential aggressiveness, especially during nesting seasons. They typically nest in colonies on rooftops and can travel up to forty miles away from their nesting sites. With a lifespan of up to thirty years, they are relatively long-lived in bird terms. They engage in various behaviors such as shallow diving for fish and shellfish, scavenging bird eggs, and frequenting recycling sites. Additionally, they have a penchant for fish and chips at seaside locations, so caution is advised!

For treatment, options such as polyethylene netting can effectively prevent Herring Gulls and other birds from nesting on site. Gull Spike installation is also highly recommended, particularly for low-pressure areas like roof ledges.

Bird Management / Clearance

Finding a single bird control method that completely resolves the issue can be challenging. Often, it requires a combination of approaches to effectively manage the situation. This is due to the fact that different bird species carry various diseases, and attempting to address the problem independently is not recommended.

For treatment, a variety of management solutions are available, including deterrents such as bird netting, bird spikes, non-toxic bird gel, and laser deterrents. Feel free to contact us today for more information on how we can assist you.