Wasps are far more dangerous than people think. While everyone knows that you must be wary of these pests, they underestimate the danger. They also fail to grasp how threatening it is to have wasps nesting on your property, especially if you try to interfere with their nest. Here are a few of the dangers of wasps which you should take note of. 

One of the biggest dangers of wasps is that, unlike unwanted bees, they do not sting you and then die. No, these pests can sting you as many times as they like. The problem with this is that being stung multiple times may trigger an allergic reaction. If you experience a reaction, it’s possible to go into anaphylactic shock, and this can be fatal.


 

Wasps consider the area surrounding their nest as “territory” which must be defended. Any creature in that area is fair game. They will attack and continue attacking until you leave. This can become a massive issue if you need to regularly walk through the area. 

Another difference between wasps and bees is that wasps do not buzz. They are silent creatures who do not make a sound as they fly about. This means you may not notice them until it’s too late, and you’re being stung. 

One of the biggest dangers of wasps is when people use DIY removal methods. They think that getting rid of wasps is as simple as knocking the nest down. They think that hitting the nest or setting it on fire is a good idea. None of these methods actually work. What they will do is make the wasps angry. These wasps will swarm and attack you. What’s more, you will not actually prevent wasps or have solved the problem. The wasps will simply return at a later date. 


 

Another one of the huge dangers of wasps is that they act as a group. When a wasp encounters someone in their territory, they immediately call for backup. One wasp suddenly turns into a dozen all attacking you, and the danger increases exponentially. You need to call for your own reinforcements in the form of professional wasp control in London before it gets to this point.

While this is most often not too serious an issue, it’s still a problem. You see, wasps often build gargantuan nests which are then attached to buildings. It is almost as if the nest is attached with super glue. This means that removing the nest can be difficult. Not only that, doing this may cause some damage. 

 

Insect heat treatment has revolutionised bed bugs extermination. In the past, getting rid of these pests was extremely difficult. Today it’s a breeze. For this reason, these treatments have become more and more popular. In fact, when it comes to heat treatment versus fumigation, fumigation is rarely used these days. What you also have to understand is that insect heat treatment is not only for bed bugs. No, this method can be used to destroy almost any type of insect. 

One of the reasons why insect heat treatment is so effective is because it’s based on proven scientific facts. This method was created by scientists who study insects and how to destroy them. The big problem with pest control is that pests are increasingly becoming immune to pesticides. Pests like cockroaches have evolved to the point where only the strongest pesticides can kill them. Obviously, this is a major problem, so these scientists needed to find an alternative. 



What they hypothesised was that heat could be used to kill insects. Experiments were done and this was discovered to be true. Once an area reaches a specific temperature, the pests will simply die after a certain period of time. cb
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For instance, it was discovered that at 55°C, German cockroaches die after about 7 minutes. At 47°C, it takes around 58 minutes for them to die. Bed bugs die in about a minute when exposed to 55°C, and around 14 minutes at 47°C. Along with this, their larvae and eggs will also die. A big advantage of this is that pests cannot become immune to heat. 

This method of pest control is quickly becoming the standard. Actually, many pest companies are starting to abandon methods like fumigation and pesticides. The reason why is simply because this technique is incredibly effective. When done right, insect heat treatment has a 100% success rate. It can literally kill every single insect in the room and prevent them from coming back. Even better, it works on almost every single insect. The two most commonly treated insects are cockroaches and for bed bug control in London. It also works for woodworm, fleas and spiders. 



Unfortunately, it doesn’t work for every bug. Despite the fact that wasp and fly control is vital, these insects are notable examples of this limitation. With flies it simply speeds up their lifecycle and with wasps it makes them more aggressive. The bottom line is that this method of pest control is highly effective for a number of insects. What’s more, it’s also environmentally friendly and does leave a chemical residue in your home. 

If you’re dealing with a specific issue, and you’d like a try heat treatments, then get in touch with us. We can answer any question you have, including whether or not this treatment will solve your issue. 

 

All restaurant owners have a duty to keep their businesses free of pests. One of the worst pests when it comes to restaurants are flies. These pests are a massive nuisance for restaurant owners. Not only that, there are many more reasons why these pests must be kept from your restaurant. Here are reasons why you must engage in fly control:

The UK has extremely strict laws when it comes to food hygiene. These laws state that all food sold should be free of contaminants. They also state that restaurants should be clean and free of pests, which is why restaurants need fly control in London.

These laws are also in place because flies are one of the worst pests when it comes to spreading illness. Their bodies and insides are riddled with bacteria and other diseases. When flies come into contact with food, they leave bacteria behind.



People who eat this food may then experience food poisoning, or become infected with something like salmonella. If you prevent flies in your London restaurant, it goes a long way to preventing customers getting ill.

Flies are bad enough when you’re at home. At restaurants they’re even worse. After all, who wants to pay money for a meal and then have to deal with flies? If this happens, guests may get an extremely bad impression of your business. What’s more, they may choose to never return to your restaurant. This is something you’ll obviously want to avoid. Even worse, they may tell people about this negative experience, and this could damage your reputation. 

No matter what type of business you run, fly control is vitally important. This includes all restaurants, cafes, pubs and takeaways. In fact, any business that has to do with food, cannot afford to have flies. 



Flies are one of the top pests that affect London. There are many options for fly control. To start with you need to prevent flies. The best way to do this is by keeping your kitchen clean and managing waste. Wipe down all surfaces and keep food preparation areas clean. Flies are also primarily attracted to rotting food in dustbins. These should have a lid that seals tightly and should be frequently emptied. They must also be washed out periodically. 

Flies can come in from the outside through doorways. These should have fly screens or plastic strips. Along with this your restaurant should have glue strips installed They have a glue that attracts flies. Once they land on the glue, they get stuck and die. You may also want to place special fly fans in your business. Alternatively, special blue light fly zappers are popular.

 

Almost all businesses will need pest control at one time or another. What you also need to understand is that pests are usually a continuous problem. What this means is that pest control is not usually a one and done scenario. This is why we recommended that all businesses take out a pest control contract.



This contract means that we will periodically visit your business and stay on top of pest control issues. Now, many business people may turn their nose up at this. After all, your business probably has enough expenses, and you may be struggling to make money. But you have to realise is that there are many advantages of taking out a pest control contract. Here are some examples of these benefits. 

—pests in London are likely to congregate and what specific pest problems your business may have. This means we can do our jobs quickly and the entire thing is far more efficient. 

Another benefit of a pest contract is that you get priority treatment. You see, most people try to solve a problem after it has occurred. It’s only once you have an infestation that you decide to call for help. The problem is that most of the time we are not immediately available. This is because our contract clients get top priority. 

This is the most important benefit of a pest control contract. The issue with pests is that they are a constant issue. Pests come in from the outside and this is a never-ending problem. This is why you need regular treatment. We can come in once a week or month, and do what needs to be done.



This way pests are prevented, and you are far less likely to get problems. Regular treatment also means you get a more personal service and we understand your needs on a deeper level. 

Taking care of a large scale infestation can require hours or even days. By engaging in routine London pest control you avoid this problem and the process is far more efficient. For example, we can come in once a week or fortnight and spend as little as twenty minutes in your business. 

The truth is that calling out for a once off pest control service, when things are getting out of hand, can be expensive. And it’s even more expensive during an emergency. With a pest control contract, you’ll get access to better rates and benefit from having a relationship with us. 

 

In our opinion, all homeowners should implement mouse proofing. The reason why is simple: mice are a lot more common than you think. In fact, if you own a home, it’s only a matter of time before you get mice. This is especially true when it’s spring. You see, most mice go into a type of hibernation during winter. They hide away, have babies, and wait for it to get warmer. Once it’s spring, they emerge again. What this means is that you can easily suffer an infestation during this time. This is why it’s so important that you do mouse pest control and proofing during this period. If you’d like to get started with this then here are some tips. 

When you start mouse proofing, first think about the places where mice love to hide. The number one place for a mouse in the house to hide is in large piles of clutter. The main reason why mice love clutter is because it gives them a convenient place to shelter. Clutter also gives them access to nesting materials such as cardboard and paper. 



In order to prevent mice, you need to clear up this clutter. Go through your home and clean up as much as you possibly can. Ultimately, everything you own should be packed away in a cupboard, or at least a container somewhere. Try to throw away or repurpose whatever you can. If you haven’t used something for a long period of time, you’re more than likely not going to use it. In this case it’s always better to throw it out. 

When doing this, pay particular attention to papers. Mice absolutely love using paper as their nest building material. This is actually their first choice of material when building nests. What this means is that if you have large piles of paper, you’re almost guaranteed to attract mice. These papers should be packed away in filing cabinets or plastic containers. Another great alternative is to digitize your papers. 

Once you’ve removed the clutter, move onto undisturbed places. This includes areas you do not visit on a daily basis. For example, this could be your attic, a shed, guest rooms or even your garage. Go through these areas carefully and clean them up. Remove all clutter and rubbish. Also check the exterior of the room to see if there are places where mice may enter. When doing this, take care in older properties. These are more likely to have cracks and holes where mice can enter. 



Finally, for extra good pest control in your London home, besides mouse proofing, make sure to store your food correctly. Do not leave food in cardboard or plastic bags. Mice can easily get into these. Instead, make sure that all food is stored in plastic, glass, metal or ceramic containers, and then placed in cupboards. Keep your kitchen super clean – particularly making sure it is spotless when you go to bed at night.

 

Anyone who lives in London knows the city has serious pest problems. The biggest of these issues being rodents and pigeons. But how bad are cockroach problems in London? Also, is this something you need to worry about?

Like most large cities, cockroaches are a common sight in London and many people struggle with cockroaches in their home. That being said, the cockroach problems are not nearly as bad as in other countries. The reason why is simply because of the weather. Cockroaches are mostly found in warm, humid environments. The cold, seasonal weather in London does not suit them, which is why they are less of an issue. 



Despite this, you still need to be aware of this issue. We’re not saying that cockroach problems are not present in London, it’s just that other pests are more prevalent. In fact, if you run certain types of business, such as a food related business, you’ll know that London has more than enough cockroaches. 

This is mostly because London produces an extraordinary amount of food waste. There are thousands of restaurants, cafes, pubs and takeaways. This supplies cockroaches with all the food they could ever need, and allows them to multiply in large numbers. This is really the issue. 

You see, cockroach problems are not something you ever want to have to deal with. These pests are highly adept at surviving even the harshest environments. What’s more, they are able to reproduce exponentially in a relatively short amount of time. 

What this means is that once they get into your business, they are extremely difficult to get rid of. This is why you need to concentrate on preventing cockroaches instead of getting rid of them. The best way to do this is by keeping your kitchen clean. You do not want cockroaches to associate food with your kitchen. If this happens, they will soon move in, so make sure to clean at least once a day. This will help to deal with your cockroach pest control in a preventitive manner. 



Also make sure to deep clean at least once a month, or week if you can. When doing this, you’ll want to clean behind all major appliances. Food can often fall behind these and provide a meal for cockroaches. At the same time, make sure to clean beneath these appliances. Something else you may want to do is clean the tops and insides of cupboards and also your walls. It’s possible that there may be food particles in these areas. Fbinally, give your sinks a good scrubbing. Most people don’t realise this but there are often bits of food stuck around the sink. You should also pour drain cleaner down the sink. This helps to get rid of any food particles that are in the pipe. 



 

What type of businesses need pest control? This will really depend on what type of business you’re in. Some types of businesses need pest control. If you have one of the following businesses, you could be included in this category. 

The number one thing that attracts pests is food. Certain pests, such as rats are a problem in London, as they are continuously looking for food. If your business sells food, then you will always have to deal with pests, no matter what.



This can include a large variety of businesses, such as corner shops, grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, pubs, and delicatessens.  Even if you sell chocolate, you may attract pests. In addition to this, pests are also attracted to things like food processing plants. 

Storage means packaging materials, so pests will also be attracted to any type of business that stores things. This mostly includes warehouses. It can also include any business that has a storage room, or even the smallest storage area. Pests are drawn to these areas, mostly because they are looking for building materials for their nests. 

Do these businesses need pest control? While it may not seem like it, they absolutely do. You see, clothes can be easily damaged by pests. There are many ways that this can happen. The biggest culprit are moths, which will eat holes through your stock. Some pests, like mice, will nibble on clothes, and also uses pieces of them to line their nests. These pests may also urinate or defecate on clothes, which will make them untenable to sell. 

The problem with older buildings is that they are more prone to needing commercial pest control in London. There are several reasons for this. The first is that older buildings simply have more places for pests to hide. This is because older buildings often have more cracks and holes in their interior and exterior. This allows pests to easily enter. They may also have decades old pest populations that are almost impossible to get rid of. 



The bottom line is that businesses need pest control. The above businesses may be affected by all sorts of pests. These can include things like rodents, ants, moths, cockroaches, flies, and even birds. All of these pests can damage stocks, disturb customers, and also damage your building. If you are dealing with these types of pests, then it’s a good idea to call an exterminator. We can help you determine the extent of the problem and also come up with a plan for solving it. 


 

Rats are almost synonymous with London. Anyone who lives in this city knows that we have a serious pest problem, especially when it comes to rats. But what are the reasons for this, and why does London in particular attract rats. 

Rats are age-old residents of London

Another reason why we have such a pest problem with rats is because of London’s vast underground areas. These include things like the sewer network and also the tube. In addition to this, there are countless other underground areas that humans may be completely unaware of. These areas allow rats to live and breed undisturbed. They do not have to worry about humans interfering with them 

But by far the biggest reason why London has this enormous rat pest control problem is because of food. The city provides rats with an almost limitless amount of food. Whether this is from overflowing public dustbins, homes, or bins behind restaurants. You also have things like birdfeeders in suburban areas. What’s more, rats are not picky about what they eat. These pests are omnivores and can eat almost anything. They can also survive on very small amounts of food. 

London also provides rats with a large variety of nesting options. Just like with food, these are countless places for rats to build their nests, and also materials for building their nests. London also has a massive pest problem due to the lack of predators. Unlike out in nature, rats do not have to worry about predators. There are no wild animals trying to attack them in the city. The only real thing they have to worry about is humans trying to exterminate them. Yes, you have things like urban foxes, but these are a negligible threat to rats. 



Preventing rats that live in London is a challenge because they also have an extremely good chance of survival. Because there is adequate shelter and food, most of their young survive. This, together with the rate at which they breed, leads to an enormous population of rats in London. 

Finally, London has a relatively mild climate. While it does get warmer in summer and colder in winter, the temperatures are not extreme. This gives rats a greater chance of survival. Also, when there are things like snowstorms and heavy rain, rats have more than enough places to shelter. 




 

These insects are of course highly unattractive creatures and pose the risk of salmonella every time they emerge to snoop for scraps of food. They will, of course, be a shade of brown, have oval like bodies, antennae and six legs; the perfect reflection for sending shivers down people’s spines.



Wherever you live, if you ever suspect that you may have a cockroach problem it’s important to take action immediately and call a good out a specialist pest expert. Unfortunately, these insects breed very quickly which makes them quite a difficult thing to control. There are plenty of pest control professionals you’re able to call and even if it’s a false alarm; be sure to ring them. It’s better to be safe than swarming with cockroaches!

There are dozens of decisions that need to be made when having pests removed from your London home. One of the most important of these is choosing between fumigation and heat treatment. These two methods of pest control are very different. Each type has various pros and cons that we will tell you more about in this post. Whether you need heat treatment for bed bugs in London or have an infestation of moths to control, find out more about your options below.

Which is better: fumigation vs heat treatment

 

When it comes to heat treatments, it’s been scientifically proven that moths and bed bugs cannot survive above certain temperatures. Every insect has a certain temperature point at which they die, and heat treatments take advantage of this scientific fact. Basically, the area is sealed off and heated to a high temperature. This heat takes the form of a dry vapor which spreads throughout the area, killing all bed bugs and moths in the environment. There are absolutely no chemicals involved. 

 

This method can kill any type of insect. It’s known to be particularly effective for controlling bed bugs, and is the preferred technique these days for moths too. Heat also kills insects at all life stages. It destroys the insects themselves, as well as their eggs and larvae, making it vastly more effective than fumigation. 

What exactly is fumigation in comparison?

 

Insect fumigation is essentially when an area, such as your house, is filled with pesticide fumes. The idea is that the insecticide gas will kill all pests in the area. The process is as follows. First, the affected area will be completely sealed. This may be a room or the entire house. Once this is done, the chemicals are pumped in. This is left for a period of time so that it can move through the entire area. 

 

The space is then ventilated so the gas can escape, and the area becomes safe for humans again. Fumigation kills adult insects, but cannot exterminate their eggs. This is makes heat treatment for moths, or indeed treating an infestation of bed bugs in your London home, a much more long term solution.

Other differences between these treatments

 

The most significant difference is the use of pesticides. The biggest issue with fumigation is that your entire house is bathed in chemicals. This includes every object and surface. While the pesticides we use are 100% safe, there are many people who would like to avoid exposure to them. Heat treatments are also safer for your family and pets.

 

Another disadvantage of fumigation vs heat treatment, is that with fumigation you cannot immediately reenter the house. You will have to wait hours or sometimes days for the gas to fully dissipate. By using heat treatment for moths or bed bugs, you will also avoid having to clean your house of chemicals. 

 

Something else you should note, is that fumigation is not always effective. Many pests have built up an immunity to the most common pesticides. On the other hand, heat treatments kill everything. It’s simply impossible for bed bugs or moths to survive at certain temperatures. This means that pests are unable to build up an immunity to heat treatments. 

 

For all of these reasons, heat is more often preferred. In fact, when it comes to fumigation vs. heat treatments for any kind of property in London, there really is no contest.

Many homeowners in North London are constantly having to deal with pest infestations. And one of the most notoriously difficult pests to get rid of are moths. Moths have traditionally been controlled by insecticides and fumigation, but these methods are not nearly as effective as heat treatments. 

Apart from the fact that pest-killing chemicals pose a health threat to humans, they do not eradicate the moths’ eggs. Heat treatments, on the other hand, kill every stage of the moth life cycle. This means infestations are so much less likely to reoccur. In fact, part of the reason we use heat treatments for moths is to ensure that they don’t come back. 

The technique used in moth heat treatment involves generating a high temperature in the infected room or building. This temperature is high enough to cause adult moths, larvae and eggs to die quickly. 

In this post, we are going to look at a few of the advantages of having heat treatments for moths in your North London property.

The Safest Possible Option

Unlike pesticides, treating moth problems with heat is a safe process. It has no known adverse effects on humans or pets. Pesticides are known to contain carcinogens that are harmful to human health, while heat treatments help to completely avoid these potential dangers.

The safe, toxin-free nature of moth heat treatments also means zero impact on the environment. 

You can easily carry on as normal straight after our pest control treatments. Disruption to your life and daily routine will be minimal. With pest chemicals, you would need to wipe everything down afterwards, whereas heat is completely non-toxic and doesn’t leave behind any residue. 

Complete and Long Term Eradication

We are confident that your moth infestation will be completely removed by using heat treatment. Chemical-based techniques don’t kill moth eggs, which carries the risk of re-infestation. Chemicals also can’t generally penetrate into those deeper areas where moths can hide. This ensures that heat treatment will kill all the visible insects as well as the hidden moths too. Heat can get into the smallest nooks and crannies where moths have made their nests. And, because heat treatment doesn’t leave any moths, or their larvae and eggs behind, it offers a long term solution. 
 

Another advantage to moth heat treatment is that this method usually only needs to be implemented once. In contrast, pesticide spray and fumigation treatments have to be repeated at regular intervals. 

Why Customers Prefer It

Our customers in North London recommend our services because our moth heat treatments are convenient for their busy lifestyle. They generally only take a few hours. And we usually carry out the eradication process in a single treatment, leaving your home or business free from moths for months and years to come.

Heat treatment is also a relatively inexpensive process. So, if you are looking for an affordable and effective solution for a moth infestation in North London, our heat-based pest control approach is the best choice for you in the long run.

Get Rid Of Cluster Flies!!

What are Cluster Flies?

As everyone knows, flies are a huge nuisance almost every time of the year, but cluster flies cause a lot more problems as autumn becomes winter. They seem to always be looking for shelter from the colder weather. Once they have found a warm home they will start to ‘settle down’ for the winter period.

 

 

What do Cluster Flies look like?

Cluster flies are a lot larger than house flies. They are coloured as slightly yellow or golden because they have tiny little hairs. They breed in soil and host on earthworms during the larva stage of their development. Similar to many other insects, they move inside for the cold winter months.

 

How do Cluster Flies get in your home?

• Gaps in roofs
• Through attics
• Inside eaves
• Small gaps in walls
• Through windows

 

Although they leave after the winter period, they have been known to return to prevues places, which will lead to an annual infestation.

 

 

Cluster Flies risks

Firstly, cluster flies don’t have a direct health risk towards humans, but they definitely can be a nuisance. They travel around in large groups of up to thousands of flies. Whilst they hibernate over the winter time, their excrement can give of a very bad smell and they can also stain fabrics and walls.

 

Cluster flies are a very large problem for your home and other properties that are infested. This is especially for the food industry! They can contaminate food and also spread diseases. If there is any food around your house you have to ensure that all of it is stored away from the pests. If you do not follow this step, you could face repetitional damage if customers see flies flying around your premises.

 

In addition to all of this, you can be fined and even be shut down on health grounds.

 

 

What to do if you have cluster flies

 

A pest control technician has access to more effective insecticides and equipment. Normally they will carry out an inspection of the property and suggest the best method of control.

Prevent Them Flies!

 

Most people may think it is very easy just to swat and kill cluster flies, but that is not the case. You first goal should be to prevent them from even gaining any list access into your house or property. There is many different ways to make your home to property fly free or fly proof.

 

Firstly, it is a obvious way, you should keep your premises enclosed by keeping all windows and doors shut. Cluster flies are very attracted by sunny spaces, so you should use curtains or blinds to block out any lights. If these to ways keep your house hot etc and you want some air, you could use fly screens so that you are able to open you windows but still prevent them flies.

 

Tidiness and cleanliness

• Clean up any spillages or discarded foods and liquids
• Make sure to throw any rubbish in lidded containers
• Remove any dead flies from your property
• Clean any animal excrement as it attracts flies
• Pour away any standing and stagnant water

 

Extermination for flies

If there is already an infestation, you will need to take immediate action. A pest control technician has access to more effective insecticides and equipment. Normally they will carry out an inspection of the property and suggest the best method of control.

 

Control moisture 

You will have to fix any leaks in taps and blocked trains in which water can gather. Flies need moisture in able to multiply.

 

Keep food covered

Every single type of food can attract flies and encourage them to lay eggs. All food should be covered up.

 

Hygiene!

Keep all bins, sinks and food areas clean.

 

Cover places flies can get in

Fit fly screens, keep windows and doors shut at nights.

 

Bird Feeder

Remove any bird food in the feeders before night time and always keep the feeders clean.

 

Remove clutter

Eliminate clutter inside your house or garden. Any messy areas can be a potential breeding place for flies.

 

If there is already an infestation, you will need to take immediate action. A pest control technician has access to more effective insecticides and equipment.

Get rid of pigeons asap!

Pigeons are often compared to other pests like rats. They are very adaptable to human environments. Buildings in the UK are very good for providing excellent roosts. Also our crops that we grow and all of the food waste we have, gives a great source for the pigeons to eat.

 

Before you try and kill or remove a pigeon by yourself, you need to know that they aren’t like any other typical pest. Pigeon control requires expert pest controllers, that know what there doing. There is no simple way to be able to remove pigeons from your property. Whether you are an expert at doing DIY or just simply wanting to know how to get red of pigeons, read below.

 

Pigeon Diseases

As many people may not know, pigeons carry many diseases.  Each disease that is spread by pigeons, seem to to require a compromised immune system and an excessive exposure to pigeon droppings. Bu infections cause by pigeons could be:

 

Histoplasmosis: This is a very rare fungal infection caused by inhaling pigeon dropping dust during routine cleanings.

 

Cyptococcosis: This is another fungal infection caused by contact with pigeon droppings. Its very rare to contract this from pigeons, but if you suffer from auto immune diseases you should be aware of this.

 

Psittacosis: A bacterial infection that may be transferred from pigeons to other birds and also to humans.

 

There is one main problem with pigeons, the parasites, they feed on pigeons and their young. When a nest is left, the mites (parasites) will start to scatter and infest the area around them.  They will also end up biting humans as they look for another blood host. 

 

 

Pigeon Control Methods

• Use live pigeon traps
• Exclude pigeons and build around them
• Use pigeon repellents
• Call a professional 
• Remove food sources 
• Remove water
• Destroy nest 

 

 

If you have a pigeon problem make sure to Call a pest control service as soon as possible.

UK’s top 3 biting insects

 

Ticks

 

Ticks are very very dangerous. if you get bitten by a tick they can transmit diseases like Lyme disease. In the UK there is lots of countryside and rural areas. This means ticks have a very well established population.

 

Ticks are small arachnids that are parasitic. This means they feed on blood of animals and even humans. They have a flattened oval shaped body before feeding. After feeding they have a rounded body. Immature ticks in the larvae have 6 legs.

 

Any area that has vegetation, thick and tall grass is the perfect habitat for ticks. If you do have any pets you should make sure to keep them away from these areas so they do not get prone to having ticks.

 

Ticks give bites. They look like a red bulls-eye, though this doesn’t have to be seen in order for Lyme disease. If you do have this you should seek immediate medical attention. Ticks transmit hundreds of diseases that can be deadly.

 

Mosquitos

 

These UK biting insects are a very big nuisance, mainly when the warmer weather arrives. They like it when it is warm but damp. Mosquitos will mostly be around from april, then annoy all us humans for about 6 months. Heat treatments London

 

Mosquitos are small flying insects that are around 1/8 of an inch long to 3/9 of an inch long. They have very small heads with large eyes. They have a throat, abdomen, two wings and 6 legs. They are normally greyish brown to black with white, green or blue markings.

 

When you are bitten by a mosquito it will often be a soft bump on the skin which is often red. They are incredibly itchy and the symptoms can last up to 48hours.

 

Midges

 

Midges or gnats are very spiteful and give a painful bite. The bites becomes very itchy and gets very swollen. Midges use co2 to find someone to bite.

 

Midges like the wet ground and often appear around dawn to dusk. They have a very loud buzz and love to fly around our heads. You can avoid midges biting you by:

• Using insect repellent
• Covering your skin
• Midges pick up c02 from far away so use insect repellent when doing physical activities.

Want to prevent wasps? Look right here!

 

Prevention is one of the biggest things you want to look at if you think you are prone to getting wasps. You would always want to avoid them as they are a pest that you do not want to be approached by. It is soon to be summer and we all know that this is when these pests are the most active.

 

Wasps are easier to prevent before you have them rather than when you actually end up with them. Some people can be so scared to go near a wasp because of there sting therefore it can stop people going outdoors!

 

Here are some of our wasp prevention tips

If you keep your treatment for wasps early, it will keep your family safe from painful stings in the future.

 

Change your behaviour outdoors: 

• by this we mean to keep all food and drinks indoors rather than outdoors so it does not attract them

 

Keep all bins secure:

• Make sure your outside bins have a tight fitted lid and also keep you bin further away from the door as possible.

 

Check out for nests:

• Check your home and garden for any nests. They are usually the size of a golf ball. Look in garages, lofts, cavity walls and sheds.

 

Stay safe:

• If you have managed to see a nest, make sure you keep children away from the area to prevent any stings.

 

 

Do you have a wasp problem?

High numbers of wasps in your home or garden will certainly mean that there is a nest somewhere close to you. Removing the nest may not always be a solution. This is because the nest may not even be in your property so you are limited to what you can do to remove it.

 

Also nests that are high up or confined spaces are difficult to treat.

 

Get a professional solution

 

If you have a wasp nest and you need getting rid of it quickly. It is a great solution by ringing Conquest Pest Control and they will treat the nest for you.

 

They offer a 24/7 service so call any time you need. Click here to contact them.

Getting rid of them unwanted bees!

 

Summer is not too far away from us, and will soon come around very quickly. This means we will get visited by a very unwanted pest!

 

Bees do their own part for nature and for the garden, but they can turn out to be a big pest for your homes. They are a threat to smaller children and to others who are allergic to their sting. This will mean you do not want bees in or around your home.

 

Learning how to get rid of bees is not as difficultly as a lot of people make it out to be. They are several ways to keep bees away.

 

If you want to be able to get rid of bees, I have listed below my top 3 ways of getting rid of them!

 

How to get rid of bees:

 

Leave them alone

Leaving bees alone can mostly be the best option. This is because they can be a positive presence for crops and gardeners. Here are a few factors to consider before you consider removing the bees nest: 

Danger: 

Is anyone in your family allergic or scared of bees. If no then it may not be worth removing.

 

Distance: 

If the nest is far from your home, the less danger it is to you.

 

Find the Hive

You will need to identify the hive from which the bees are coming from. You will find their home in plants, flowers, roofs (mainly the corners), and other places.

 

ID The type

Try and figure out what kind of bees you have in your garden. To find out more click here to see our other blog.. How to identify bees.

 

Organic ways

If you want to remove bees organically, try using some of these methods:

 

Soda pop: Cut a soda bottle in half and fill it with a fizzy drink and place it near the ground, eventually the bess will come towards it.

 

Zapper: Place a bug zapper strip near the hive. The bees will get caught in the sticky material.

 

Call a pest controller

Calling a pest controller will give you the easiest option to be able to get rid of them unwanted bees. They will come out and remove the hive from the area and spray the bees.

Identifying many types of bees!

 

Summer is not too far away from us, and will soon come around very quickly. This means we will get visited by a very unwanted pest! Can you guess? Of course, bees. Its about time we start to learn how to get rid of bees. With the warmer weather creeping up on us, larger numbers of bees will soon be on us.

There is many different species of bees living in the UK, and being able to treat them can be very difficult. Carry on reading below to find out how to treat bees and also how to identify them.

 

Different types of bees

Bumble bees 

Features

These bees are much larger, rounder and more furrier than the other types of bees that are in the UK. It has stripes across the end of it tail and they can vary in colour.

 

Where are they found?

Bumblebee nests are often found underground. They are normally in burrows, beneath decking or in compost bins. Their also found in grass or leaves.

 

Tree Bees 

Features

These types of bees have only recently started to be seen in the UK. They have a banding with a reddish brown thorax. They have a brown abdomen and a white tail.

 

Where are they found?

Tree bees seem to always be found above the ground in bird boxes or in the crevices of buildings. They also make a noise which can be heard from the hive that sound like a chattering noise.

 

Solitary Bees

Features

These bees have hardly any ways of being able to be spotted compared to the others. They are small bees with black bodies and a reddish-brown bottom.

 

Where are they found?

Solitary bees live in very large numbers, they are normally seen moving in and out of holes in walls. These bees decide to nest in cavities of walls.

 

Honey Bees

Features

These bees are small with different colour varying from golden brown to a very near black. This species can be found in swarms unlike any of the other bees.

 

Where are they found?

Honey bees are hardly ever a problem as a pest. There swarms can nest in wall cavities and can be very intimidating. They’ve also be known to be found in cars and trees.

 

If you want to find out more about getting rid of bees click here.

Night… Don’t let the bedbugs bite

 

Do you want bedbugs in your home?

Bedbugs are one of the pests that you want to stay away from your home or property. They will want to take over your home and especially your bed. Bedbugs are very good pests to be able to hide away very easily. When you are sleeping this is when bedbugs like to come out and feed on you as you will not notice.

 

What do bedbugs look like?

Bedbugs have small oval shaped bodies which are very flat. They have no wings so they are bugs that are unable to fly. Whereas adults do have the vestiges of wings which are called wing pads. But they do not develop into functional wings. The adult bedbugs are brown but once they start to feed they start to turn a reddish colour.

 

What do bedbugs eat?

Bedbugs absolutely love to eat human blood, but they are mainly known to feed on animals like bats. Whereas bedbugs will eat literally anything that has blood inside of them.

 

Can bedbugs travel with you?

Bedbugs do not like heat, therefore they do not stay in your hair or on your skin. On the other hand bedbugs are most likely to travel in backpacks, luggage, shoes or other items. When you are travelling always be aware to cage for the common signs of bedbugs (which are below). If you have been on a recent trip make sure to wash your clothes are luggage at a high temperature.

 

Common signs of Bedbugs:

• Blood stains or pillows or sheets
• Dark spots of bedbug excrement on mattress/sheets/bed
• Musty odor from the bugs scent glands
• Bedbug fecal spots, egg shells, or shed skin

 

How long do bedbugs live off the body?

Every single bedbug takes 10 days to hatch, and then another 5-6 weeks for the offspring to turn into an adult. Bedbugs are able to survive 2-3 months without a blood meal. So imagine how long they can live whilst living off your body!

 

How to get rid of Bedbugs?

• Clean bedding
• Clean linens and curtains
• Wash clothes in hot temperature
• Use a brush to scrub mattress
• Hoover up your bed frequently 
• Repair cracks in plaster
• Get rid of clutter in the property

 

If you believe that you have bedbugs in your house, it is very important that you should call a professional pest control company as soon as possible.

Identify - Bedbugs Or Fleas

 

Its never the best thing to wake up realising that you have bites on your skin that are constantly itching and then knowing that there may be pests around you! But there really small so your not sure whether there bedbugs or fleas. Its quite hard to tell from the bites as they both look so similar.

 

Identify:

The way bedbugs look:

Bedbugs are flat, oval and a browny reddish colour. They are usually around 5mm in length and can also be compared to ticks by the way they look.

 

Where do bedbugs live:

• beds

• around beds

• under the mattress 

• on second hand clothing or bags etc

• cracks of bed frames

• behind loose wallpaper

• electric outlets

• on furniture

Bedbugs are usually found around the places that people sleep. This is because when humans sleep this is the time that we release co2, this majorly attracts bed bugs!

 

Bedbug bites:

Bedbug bites are a lot more difficult to identify than flea bites because they look a lot like mosquito bites. People also seem to mismate bedbugs bikes for types of allergies and treat them in the wrong way. When looking to see if your bite is a bedbug bite you have to look for a pattern. When also checking you have to remember that bedbugs are nocturnal and therefore bite after dark.

 

The way fleas look:

Fleas are approximately 2.5mm long and are a dark colour. They are normally a brown to red colour. Fleas have a thin, flat body with hair on them. Fleas have 6 long legs but they have no wings.

 

Where do fleas live:

• On animals 

• in your carpet

• on clothing 

Fleas usually live in your house if you have animals/pets. Adult fleas jump onto your dog or cat and start to feed on its blood and then lay eggs.

 

Flea bites:

As above, fleas are most typically found on pets like dogs and cats. But they can also be found on other animals. Some people are more sensitive to flea bites than other people are. Children are most likely to react to bites and get allergic reactions. If you get a flea bite it is very recommended that you do not scratch the bite as they can get infected.

Flea bites usually look like small groups of little dots. Whereas bed bug bites are red, hard and are swollen a little. Bedbug bites look like mosquito bites. Usually the fleas bite randomly on the body. The bed bugs tend to bite more strategically in linear rows in threes. Where bed bug bites can be found anywhere on the body, flea bites are often located on the legs and ankles because these areas are easier to get to. 

If you have any bedbug or flea problem make sure to ring a 24hr pest control company.

Mouse In The House

Mice are a very large problem in kitchens, whether these are in your house or in a restaurant. This is all because they are very attracted to food, shelter and warmth. Mice are also at a threat from predators therefore they will only feel safe one they are in a place they are able to hide and that their secluded from them. Although mice may shelter in kitchens they are also happy enough to go and nest in other areas of your home. These places can be all around the house like these:

 

Attics and Lofts

Attics are one of the most favourite places that mice like to nest in. This is because they can sneak in through roof tiles, holes or through cables. Once they are into the attic they are able to use peoples store boxes and lost insulation for their nesting materials.

 

Garages

Garages and basements are one of the easiest places for mice to be able to access. They can get through damaged air vents, gaps around pipework or small holes and cracks in brickwork. There are many things that people leave in their garages that mice like to use for there nesting.

 

Under Floorboards

Attics These are areas thats are a bit harder for us humans to realise that mice are actually here. The are hidden from our view and often overlooked. Mice absolutely love living in smaller areas as they feel there are more safe and secure.

 

 

What foods do mice like to eat?

Mice like to eat almost any foods but they will mainly look for carbohydrates and sugary foods. They eat this as these types of foods as they give the mice a lot of energy. Any foods from rice to chocolate to even cereals, mice try to eat. Mice will literally eat food that is out there for them. Their front incisors never stop stop growing, therefore they need to constantly gnat to wear them down. They gnaw on things like cardboard, insulation, cloth and paper. They will also use all these for their nesting materials.

 

To prevent mice from coming into your house and eating your foods, you should always keep your food in stored containers that have lids. This will also minimise any smells that will attract them.

 

Signs of a mouse in the house:

• Smells and sound (mice produce a smell, and you will also hear scratching sounds)
• Damage (to any food packaging or to their nesting materials as stated above)
• Grease marks (from mouse rubbing up against the walls)
• Mice droppings (they are typically around 3 to 4mm long and spindle shaped scattered around)

 

If you think that you have any of these signs, make sure to ring a professions pest control company so they are able to get rid of your mouse infestation before it starts to grow.

What Did I Just See? Brown Rat or House Mouse

 

Did you just see something scampering across the floor? Do you know if it was a brown rat or a house mouse? 

 

The first sight of seeing a small rodent scurrying across the skirting boars can be quite disturbing and most definitely a shock. House mice and brown rats are different species but they are related to each other. If you have seen one of these it can be quite difficult to know which one is actually in your house, especially as young rats and mice can be a very similar size. 

 

Trying to decide what rodent has taken up residence in your property is hard. So below we have put together a table for you that have all the differences that you need to know, to be able to distinguish which rodent is in your home or property.

 

Below are the differences:

 

 

Brown Rats	House Mouse
Ears are smaller	Ears are large and floppy
20-40cm in length	5-10cm in length
Snout is short and stubby	Triangular snouts
Average length whiskers	Long whiskers
Stocky head	Small heads
Bigger feet	Small feet
Tail is long, hairy and scaly	Thin and hairy tails
Eat 30 grams of food per day	Eats only 3 grams of food a day
Rats need to constantly drink, with this being 60mm a day	Can survive with little water but drink up to 3mm a day
They are either grey, brown or black	Only brown and grey
Weighs around 250-350 grams	Weighs 12-20 grams
Produces around 20-40 droppings a night	Produces around 50-80 droppings a night
Droppings are concentrated in specific areas	Droppings are scattered all over the place
Very cautious and avoid anything new in their path	Not as cautious and will investigate new things

 

If you’ve seen signs of mice or rats or the result of their activity, action is needed to get rid of rats and mice to ensure your problem is quickly and effectively treated.

 

Call Conquest Pest Control immediately.

Fleas Attracted To Warm Winter Homes

 

Fleas are quite common when it comes to the winter months and are more common if you have pets like cats or dogs. Whereas you may even find out that you have a problem even if you do not have any pets. The previous owners of your property may of had pets and the fleas could be hidden in carpets, cracks, walls or flooring.

 

Fleas are able to survive in the colder weather by staying in the pupa phase of their life style. They emerge from their pupae when they sense that their is a potential host. In the winter, you are most likely to turn on the heating in your home to keep your property warm, this can stimulate fleas to emerge. 

 

These little pests are known for laying eggs on pets bodies but they do not remain their for long. The eggs, that are small and oval, fall off of the animals and become hidden in bedding, carpets, or gaps in your furniture. Eggs are larvae can also be carried around your house on the soles of your shoes. They can also be read to curtains and even vehicles. 

 

How can you get rid of fleas?

 

Empty your hoover outside of your property

When emptying your hoover, make sure you do it quite far outside of your property as the fleas will be able to get back into your home. Also be very careful when doing it as the fleas will still be alive

 

Wash your pets bedding

Make sure to wash your pets bedding very regularly, at least once a week.

 

Clean everything

Wash all of your clothing in the house, your bed sheets, linen, soft furnishings, and even your curtains if it is possible.

 

Consult a vet

If your pet is constantly scratching or biting itself, definitely call up your vets and they will recommend the best treatment for your pet.

 

Groom your pets regularly

With a flea comb, check for small white, cat flea eggs and fine black droppings (flea dirt) that looks like ground black pepper.

 

Fleas love the warm, humid conditions of insulated, heated homes in winter. They seem to like the shady edges of a fleecy carpet, rug or pet bedding. The larvae feed on organic matter which collects in the carpets or rugs

 

A single female cat flea is capable of producing up to 2,000 eggs in a life time. 

 

So if fleas keep coming back, and you want to make sure they are eliminated from your property you will need professional flea control.

How to get rid of Insect Stings

 

In the UK, we do not get as much heat that you may get in other countries, so when the sun does start to make an appearance, we try to get as much heat as we can by opening our windows and doors, or we also like to go out in it. However when we decide to go outside we seem to get joined by some unwanted things, these are wasps!

 

A lot of people have been stung by wasps in the past and realise how painful and irritating their sting is. On the other hand those who haven't been stung are very lucky but may want to know how to get rid of the sting as quick as you can.

 

But if you seem to have an allergy to wasp stings or bee stings the best thing you should do is contact the hospital.

 

Remedies for wasp and bee stings

 

Ice - Ice is a really good way to reduce the swelling for a wasp and bee sting. This is because the cold temperature slows the blood flow down. To use ice, you u should put an ice cube or pack on the wasp/bee sting for 20 minutes.

 

Onions - Onions are such a great remedy for wasp/bee stings. Simply cut an onion in half and place it on the sting whilst applying pressure until the pain has reduced.

 

Garlic - Garlics are a really good way to reduce the pain for a wasp and bee sting. To be able to use an garlic you should crush a clove of garlic and put it on the sting. You have to make sure the juices are on the sting. Once you have done this you should place a plaster on the area thats affected.

 

Cucumber - Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the insect sting, this will help reduce the pain and cool the area.

 

Remedies for bee stings

 

Baking soda - All you need to do is create a thick paste out of baking soda and water and apply it to the sting. This will reduce the pain.

 

Salt - Just like above all you do is create a thick paste out of salt and water and apply it to the sting. This will reduce the pain.

 

 

Remedies for wasp stings

 

Lemon Juice - To treat wasp stings with lemon, slice a fresh lemon in half and squeeze out as much juice as you can. Dab either a cotton swab or cloth in the juice and apply it to the wasp sting. 

 

Vinegar - The best way to treat wasp stings using vinegar is to apply it to a piece of cotton wool and place it on the sting. You can also use a cotton swab soaked in vinegar and rub it on the insect sting.

 

Lemons - If you don’t want to use lemon juice you can also use a fresh lemon instead. Slice a fresh lemon in half and place one of the segments, flesh side down, on the wasp sting.

 

If you are looking for help control wasps, bees and hornets in your home and/or business, then get in contact with the experts at Conquest Pest Control today.