Pest Control


People rule the planet but pests can rule your home. Overseas in warmer climes people may be at risk from venomous insects and creatures. Common pests in Britain are rarely deadly but still have more than enough power to cause discomfort. To tackle this problem, we have prepared a brief low down of some of Britain's most prolific pests with some information to help you deal with them.

Bedbugs

To many people, bedbugs are only known from the phrase "don't let the bed bugs bite". But for people having to live with them, bedbugs can become extremely unpleasant. Bedbugs are small brown insects that feed on human or animal blood. Bedbugs attack while their victim is sleeping, filling almost all of their body with blood before waddling back to their home, leaving raised bumps and irritation on the victims skin.

Bedbugs live in dark cool places such as behind loose wallpaper or in cracks of furniture. The infestation of bedbugs can be prevented in the first place by keeping your home and especially your bedding clean.

If you already have an existing infestation then the only sure fire way of disposing of them is to have your entire home (including your clothes and bedding) thoroughly sprayed with insecticide by a professional. To dispose of bedbugs contact a pest control service company or your local environmental health office.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are one of nature's greatest survivors, which can cause a considerable problem for some of us. There are two main types of cockroach found in Britain, the German cockroach and the somewhat larger oriental species.

Cockroaches prefer humid conditions such as kitchens and boiler rooms and can often be found congregating around pipes and heating ducts. Cockroaches feed on a variety of foods and also consume less appetising meals of leather and paper. Cockroaches will infect food leaving a noticeably foul odour and carry diseases which can lead to serious cases of food poisoning.

Controlling an existing infestation is quite tricky as cockroaches and their eggs are extremely resilient. A range of poisons are available. If they are ineffective then you should contact your local environmental health office.

Wasps

In summer time particularly, wasps can become a very persistent pest. Wasps are attracted to sugary foods and if threatened will attack and sting people. Queen wasps are noticeably larger than drones and will hibernate through winter in a nest ready to lay eggs during spring. Wasp's often make their nests in roofs of houses and can easily go undetected through winter.

Fitting screens over your window can provide a temporary solution. Individual wasps can be killed with aerosol sprays but if there is a nest nearby they will keep coming. You can destroy the nest yourself by spraying a special powder into it. Bear in mind that any surviving wasps will attack any human or animal in the vicinity. Pest control professionals are available and in some areas your local council will remove a nest for free.