Testimonial from Letting Agency

We would like to share this testimonial received this week from Lorna Savoy, the Lettings Manager at Gobbit & Kirby Property Services in Woodbridge.

"Whether our pest control emergency had wings, feathers or fur we have always found Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions resove it quickly with minimal fuss.  Distressed clients with rats in residence or their carpet unexpectedly alive with fleas are reassured by the calm, matter of fact manner the situation is brought under control.  Their helpful advice about how soon a family can sleep in their house, if fleas will be hatching and biting again or ideas to prevent wasps nesting is always welcome.  Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions offer excellent service and value for money from the telephone enquiry to after care service."

 

For further advice about Flea Control

 

Pest Control Ipswich – Putting the Spotlight on Bird Proofing in Suffolk and Essex

Seagulls and feral pigeons are a major nuisance and also create a health hazard. So, if you have a colony of birds nesting on your property it’s time to call on the pest control experts in Ipswich, Manningtree and the surrounding area who can offer professional bird proofing to put a stop to the problem.

Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions are experienced in dealing with all types of pests including cockroaches, bed bugs, wasps, rodents, and birds. We offer a variety of bird proofing solutions for a range of domestic and commercial properties in the Suffolk and Essex area including warehouses, educational premises, town centre buildings, country homes and high rise buildings.

Pest Control Ipswich – get in touch now for professional bird proofing solutions.

Seagulls and Pigeons – Do they Create Different Problems?

Yes. Seagulls, also known as gulls, avoid steep pitches and instead are more likely to nest on flat surfaces that are high up, such as warehouse roofs, ledges and air conditioning units. They live between 20 – 30 years, and return to the same place to nest, so their colonies keep on growing. Gulls are increasingly moving into urban areas, which is why pest control, especially in towns such as Ipswich and Manningtree is so essential.

The months of May and June are when the gulls pose the biggest threat as this is the time of year that they nest and raise their chicks. When their eggs hatch, the gulls become more aggressive and start swooping down on people to protect their young. They foul cars, which can damage the paintwork, and scavenge through bins and waste tips to hunt for food, creating a litter problem which can attract rodents.

The life expectancy of pigeons will vary greatly from 3 – 15 years and this depends on many factors including natural predation and human interference. It is normally 3-5 years. However, unlike seagulls they breed all year round and pose a major health risk as their droppings are not only unpleasant to see, but also carry germs. Another problem is that when their youngsters fledge, which is when their wing muscles are developed enough so they can leave their nest, they can infest premises with biting insects such as poultry mites and bird fleas.

Pigeons prefer to be sheltered from the wind and nest on the face of buildings in nooks, crevices and roof voids, particularly in the backs of shops. Pest control is also required in residential areas in Ipswich and Colchester, particularly in apartment blocks where pigeons can be found resting on balconies and in roof voids. And, in the lighter, summer months, they can wake residents by cooing in the early hours of the morning, which is extremely annoying.

Tackling Bird Proofing Work on High Rise Buildings

Tackling bird proofing on high rise buildings in Ipswich and its surrounding areas is a risky business, so we carry out a full assessment in advance of every job we do.

Bird proofing work on high rise buildings can be done in several ways, depending on accessibility. In most cases staff wearing safety harnessing stand on cherry pickers to apply netting and spikes.

Another alternative is to construct scaffolding to provide a safe platform to stand on, or we can use safety abseilers. Abseilers are generally used when the access to the exterior of the building is limited and lorries are restricted from parking outside, leaving insufficient room for cherry pickers or scaffolding.

Is There an Alternative to Netting and Spikes?

Yes, if our customers feel spikes or netting are too unsightly we can offer another option: the use of Fire Gel, otherwise known as Optical Bird Gel. This is extremely effective as it creates the illusion of flames which stops birds landing on your building. As the gel can’t be seen from the ground, it is much more aesthetically pleasing than other methods. However, the main drawback is that it is not as long lasting: the gel may need to be replaced every two years or so.

Addressing the Problems of Gulls and Pigeons – A Recent Case Study

The only way to tackle the population of gulls and pigeons, which are protected by law, is to bring in Ipswich based pest control experts such as Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions. We offer a variety of bird control measures and here is just one example of a recent study in Ipswich at premises above a shop on Buttermarket Street, Ipswich.

Work such as this can take between one and two days to complete, depending on the size of the area to address, and the location. In this particular case, bird proofing was used to prevent pigeons roosting on the premises at the back of a shop.

The first step was to install spikes on the guttering and to thoroughly clean the area, ridding it of droppings which were not only hazardous but also affected the look of the building (see picture 1).

The next step, illustrated by picture 2 shows the wiring that we strung up to surround the site to create a readymade frame.

In the final stage, picture 3, pigeon netting was attached to the wire frame to prevent the pigeons nesting.

Our client was delighted with the results, and said: I am landlord of a commercial property in Ipswich town centre which was suffering with a pigeon problem.  I called Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions, who provided a fast, efficient and professional service at a good price.  They thoroughly cleaned and disinfected the whole area, including the gutters and floor area below, and removed all the waste from site.  Netting and spikes were then installed to prevent future problems. 

I was delighted with the results and would definitely use Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions again and would also recommend their services to anybody else requiring bird-proofing work or help with bird control.  A first class and friendly service.

Bird Proofing Ipswich  – get in touch now for professional pest control solutions

The Risk of Hantavirus Infection to Human Health

Disease Hantaviruses are a group of viruses that are normally carried by rodents such as rats, mice and voles. They are present throughout the world and they cause a range of diseases in humans ranging from mild, flu-like illness to severe respiratory illness or haemorrhagic disease with kidney involvement. Old world hantaviruses (those present in Europe, Asia and Africa) tend to cause haemorrhagic and kidney disease, whilst new world hantaviruses tend to cause severe respiratory disease.

Public Health England is to carry out a study to determine the risk of exposure to hantavirus infection in those groups who have close contact with domesticated and wild rats in England. The results of this study will inform public health advice and risk assessment for those who are at risk of exposure. One of the study groups identified for inclusion in the study is those with occupational exposure to rats, including pest control workers.

A pest control worker is unlikely to know if the rats they come into contact with are infected with hantavirus unless they have been tested in a laboratory. Rodents are chronically infected with hantaviruses but are not directly affected by the virus, meaning that they do not show signs of disease. However, they shed live virus in their excreta, such as urine and faeces, into the environment.

At the moment we do not know the risk of becoming infected with hantavirus. Hantavirus infection has been found in wild and pet rats in the UK very recently and the Public Health England study hopes to find out the size of the problem.

General hygiene and protective personal equipment measures to reduce the risk of other rat associated infections should provide some protection against hantavirus.

Controlling Rodents in Winter

Rodents can be a particular problem in the winter, and pest control experts are often called in to help Ipswich and Suffolk households and companies get rid of them. Some estimates suggest the number of rats in the UK could be as high as 80 million, and there are also millions of mice. Although these rodents are with us all year round, they often move into buildings when the weather gets colder and so can cause more of a health hazard then.

Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions are the experts in dealing with rodents and are called in by households and businesses in the Ipswich area, including food producers, warehouses and farms, to get rid of infestations and make their premises rodent-proof. We provide a same-day emergency response, and our operatives will use unmarked vans if required. Our company is highly experienced in pest control and we are also accredited members of the National Pest Technicians Association.

Pest Control Ipswich  – Get in touch now for more information.

Rodent-Proofing Your Home

In the winter, food sources for rodents may become increasingly scarce, as the crops are gone from the fields following the harvest. This encourages them to seek out new supplies, and means they are more likely to infest homes and businesses. The cold weather also leads to more mice moving into houses, while rats also go into buildings and people's gardens.

There are a number of steps that can be taken to prevent rodent problems arising, such as making sure that bird food is placed on a table and not just on the ground and that any leftovers are cleared up. Food rubbish should also not be left outside in bags, where it can be an attraction for rats. Use of a rodent-proof composter, such as the Aerobin 400,  which we supply, is another good way to avoid attracting vermin and ensure that kitchen waste are disposed of safely, helping the garden rather than encouraging pests. Filling in any gaps in outbuildings so that rats can't get in is another essential preventative measure.

However, if you do notice telltale signs of mice, such as droppings being left or electrical wires being chewed, or you suspect that there are rats in your outbuildings, then you need expert help. By calling in experts, you can be sure that you will get rid of the creatures properly and also that your home will be rodent-proofed so that they don't come back. We offer an expert pest control service for homes in the Ipswich and Manningtree areas, which includes carrying out a full survey to find the extent of the problem, tackling the infestation and giving advice on how to prevent it recurring. 

Tackling Rodent Problems for Businesses
It isn't just homes that have problems with rodents in the winter, they are also a greater threat to businesses at this time of year, as they seek food and a place to shelter from the cold. Rats carry a host of diseases including Weil's Disease, E.Coli and Salmonella, as well as parasites and viruses, while mice also pose health hazards, carrying infection and contaminating foodstuffs. Vermin can seriously damage your business and your reputation, as well as posing a threat to your staff and customers' health. So it is important to tackle them quickly, as soon as you realise that there is a problem.

Warehouses and Factories: Rats and mice are often attracted by the space, with plenty of corners where they can hide away, and the availability of food in these areas, particularly in winter. There is a danger that rodents can contaminate products and harm a supply chain, leading to a loss of customers, or to the plant being hit by closure on health grounds.

Food Firms, Supermarkets and Caterers: These types of business are especially attractive to rodents because of the large supply of food. Any contamination of food products by rodents obviously has serious implications for public health and could also lead to supplies having to be thrown out, or even the closure of a business.

Farms: Cold weather tends to drive rats into farm buildings in large numbers, as they come out of the fields after the crops have gone. These pests are a problem on both arable and livestock farms. It's estimated that a single rat can eat as much as 30g of grain in a day, meaning a loss to the business in itself as well as the contagion. For all these reasons, action is vital at this time of year to get rid of the pests and prevent them coming back. 

Schools: Rodents can spread disease if they get into school grounds or premises, causing a health hazard to staff and pupils and even leading to the school having to be closed down. They also cause damage such as chewing through wiring. It is clearly vital that youngsters are protected from these risks.

Offices: Many offices have outbuildings which can harbour vermin, but they can also move into the main buildings. If they damage equipment, this can lead to industrial accidents as well as again posing a health hazard.

Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions offer businesses a commercial service, issuing contracts for peace of mind, and will come out quickly if a problem occurs. We understand the priorities of businesses and will ensure that pests are dealt with thoroughly and discreetly. 

Essex & Suffolk Pest Control Solutions
As pest control experts based in Holbrook, near Ipswich, we serve customers in a wide surrounding area across Suffolk and Essex. We use the most environmentally-friendly and effective methods to deal with all kinds of pests, including rodents. 

Suffolk Pest Control  – Contact us now for details of our service.

Calling in the Experts to Carry Out Bird Proofing

When you think about pest control in Ipswich and the surrounding area, feral pigeons and gulls may not be the first species that come to mind. However, the fact is that colonies of these birds pose a real health hazard, and this needs to be tackled before the numbers grow still further. Dealing with these types of birds yourself can be tricky and dangerous; So, to carry out full bird-proofing and get rid of the problem, the best solution is to call in the experts.

Nesting birds can cause a problem for many different types of businesses and organisations, including schools, hotels and food shops. The droppings are unsightly and carry bacteria, while the birds themselves are noisy and may pester people in the area.

Essex & Suffolk Pest Solutions is a pest control company based in the Ipswich area with the expert knowledge and experience needed to deal with bird problems. We will come out quickly –on the same day if an emergency appointment is requested – and provide a discreet and effective service, using unmarked vehicles if you prefer.

Pest Control Ipswich  – get in touch now for expert help.

Problems Caused by Pigeons and Gulls

Feral pigeons are descended from domestic pigeons, which were themselves originally bred from rock doves, and the three species can all interbreed. Years ago people used to go to feed huge flocks of pigeons at places like London's Trafalgar Square, where they were regarded as a tourist attraction. However, it is now realised the birds are a hazard to the public through the germs they carry, and feeding is discouraged.

Pigeons can cause a problem for businesses if they take up residence there, so it is important to get rid of them. They breed all year round, as many as six times a year, so you could soon be facing a large flock if you do not act early on. Pigeons can also contaminate products, for instance in a factory setting. The birds carry diseases including psittacosis, an infectious condition which can cause fevers and even pneumonia. Another problem is that their nests and droppings attract insects, such as fleas, and so can lead to a second pest problem on your site.

Gulls are another type of bird increasingly requiring pest control, especially in coastal towns such as Ipswich, Felixstowe, Manningtree and Clacton. They are traditionally known as "seagulls", but have now increasingly moved into urban settings. Herring gulls and lesser black backed gulls often nest on roofs, ledges and balconies, where they may damage tiles and can block gutters and even chimney flues.

These birds nest from May onwards and often pose a particular problem during the summer months, when they are raising their chicks and become more aggressive. Passers-by may often find gulls swooping down on them in a bid to protect their offspring, and this can be intimidating. Gulls' screaming calls also cause a noise nuisance, and, as with pigeons, their droppings are unsightly.

Calling in the Experts to Bird-Proof Your Premises

Wild birds in general are protected by law, so it is important to ensure you only take legally sanctioned measures against feral populations. This is one good reason to bring in experts rather than trying to deal with the problem yourself. We at Essex & Suffolk Pest Solutions have full knowledge of the relevant legislation and will ensure that all action taken is correctly licensed.

Another reason to call in the experts is that trying to reach nesting sites yourself, for instance by climbing on a roof, can be dangerous. Our expert personnel will ensure that there is no risk either to your staff or to the public while old nests are removed. We start by carrying out a site survey to assess the damage and examine how widespread the problem is. We then remove used nesting materials and droppings and clean all affected areas.  Because of the risk of bacteria spreading, it is vital that this is handled by the professionals.

Once the old nests and fouling/guano have been removed and the areas treated with biocide, the next stage is to bird-proof the premises, usually through bird wires or spikes. Bird wires are a humane and discreet option, with wires attached to posts at different heights to deter pigeons and gulls from perching there. These wires are almost invisible and so won't spoil the look of your building. They can be fitted to many different types of premises, including historic buildings, and are especially useful for long ledges.

Bird spikes are another humane method and ideal for areas with a heavy population of pigeons or gulls. They consist of networks of angled steel or plastic wires which make it hard for the birds to land, but do not harm them.

High quality bird netting is another popular and humane method of bird control and can be used in a wide range of areas, from agricultural buildings to transport hubs, such as train stations and bus depots.

Similarly, Optical Bird Gel, otherwise known as Bird-free Fire Gel, is another good option as it is non-toxic and does not harm birds.  It creates the illusion of flames to birds, thus preventing them landing on your premises and fouling.  The substance is invisible from the ground - so it won’t affect the appearance of buildings - and lasts for up to two years.

If it is not possible to bird-proof the premises effectively, then a series of humane culls could be considered, carried out by a trained marksman.

About Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions

When there is a need for pest control and bird proofing, Ipswich households and businesses can always call on our expertise. We serve customers across Suffolk and Essex and deal with a wide range of pests, including pigeons, gulls, wasps, rats and mice. Get in touch now to find out more.

Bird Proofing Ipswich –  click here to see our main website.

Fleas - Little Blood Suckers

What is a flea?

Fleas are small, wingless insects with mouthparts adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood.

Where do fleas live?

Adult fleas will live on dogs or cats, feeding on their blood, which is required by the female flea to produce her eggs.  The female flea will ingest about 15 times her body weight in blood and lay about 25-50 eggs per day. 

The eggs are laid on the animal but will fall off onto the ground or into your carpet, usually close to where your pet spends most of its time.  Eggs usually hatch in about 2-12 days depending on temperature and humidity.

The larvae that emerge from the eggs have no legs and can only crawl a short distance, so most will be near your pet’s favourite resting place.

The flea can remain as a larva for 2-20 feeding on organic material.  The larvae change into adults after spinning a cocoon (pupa), which may take from 7 days up to 1 year. 

The adult fleas emerge from the pupa and jump onto your pets to begin the cycle all over again.

How do I know if my pet has fleas?

The feeding of the fleas will cause irritation so your pet will be constantly scratching and biting itself.  You may also observe the fleas in your pet’s hair, see them on your carpet or be bitten yourself.

A severe flea infestation can make your pet very miserable and can lead to allergic dermatitis and anaemia.  Fleas can also transmit tapeworm parasites to your pet.

 

How can I keep fleas out of my house?

Fleas can be difficult to eliminate, but if you are vigilant and use the correct chemicals in a safe and effective manner, you will be victorious. Just be sure to treat all the areas where your pet spends time, including the car.

·         Kill the fleas on your pet by treating as recommended by your vet.

·         Vacuum regularly, paying special attention to the areas where your pet spends most time.

·         Wash or replace pet bedding.  Spray with spot killers.

·         If you have a severe infestation call in the professionals for a full spray treatment of your property.

 

 

Pest control Ipswich - Click here to view our main website

 

 

Know Your Foe - Wasps ID

Did you know that the most commonly encountered species of wasps in the UK fall into three distinct groups? 

The Vespula family – those wasps that make their nests in cavity voids, airbricks, holes in the ground,  lofts, garden sheds etc

The Dolichovespula family – these species of wasp make their nests in aerial sites, in nearly all cases suspended from the branches of trees and shrubs, from ground level to a height of several metres.  The surrounding foliage usually hides a nest and protects it from rain and direct sunlight.

Vespa crabro (The hornet) – the hornet is by far the largest in size.  Nests are usually in aerial situations, particularly inside hollow trees, but also in attics and outhouses.

Pest Control Ipswich  Click here to view our website.

Effective Wasp Extermination Ipswich – Calling on the Professionals

Wasps can be a major nuisance in the height of summer, and it is important to call in the professionals for wasp extermination in Ipswich, as getting rid of a nest is not something that is straightforward to do. The insects not only cause painful stings, but can put some people at risk of anaphylaxis, a dangerous allergic reaction. It's estimated that 1,000-plus people in the UK need hospital treatment every year because of various complications caused by stings, while hundreds of thousands require some kind of medical treatment, including over-the-counter creams.

Fortunately, at Essex & Suffolk Pest Solutions, we are highly experienced in wasp extermination in the Ipswich, Suffolk and Essex areas and we not only offer effective wasp control, but we also guarantee our work.

Whether you have a wasp nest in your home or garden, or at your business premises, it is never advisable to get rid of these pests yourself as this can be extremely dangerous. A nest may contain vast numbers of wasps, so if someone without expert knowledge tries to remove it there is a risk of them suffering multiple stings, which makes an allergic reaction more likely. There are various safety issues to comply with so no one is put at risk, which is why it is important to call in the professionals.

Here are some of the methods we at Essex & Suffolk Pest Solutions use for wasp nest removal, spotlighting the health and safety considerations that must be complied with in each case.

Wasp Extermination Ipswich  – contact us now for an effective and friendly response.

Insecticidal Dust – An insecticidal dust can be applied to the entrance of a nest. This will be picked up by wasps in the nest, or on their return, usually destroying all the insects within 24 hours. Wasps are often found in the roof space or eaves of a building, but health and safety regulations state any work should be carried out at ground height if possible, to prevent any accidents and injury from falls from ladders. So, in order to treat wasps in the roof space or eaves, we use a dust stick or extension lance. This makes it possible to treat the wasp nest from ground height, with air being blown up the stick to propel insecticide into the nest, without putting anyone at risk of injury or of breathing in the insecticidal dust. Another alternative is use of a DR5, a small plastic tank which can be pressurised by hand pump up to a max pressure of 3 bar. The pressure is released by a fogger, which blows the dust into cavities.

Spray Treatments – This method is used when immediate nest removal is necessary: in an area where the insects pose a risk to people. Examples are nests next to a footpath or playing field, in school grounds or in parkland. While carrying out removal by this method, Essex & Suffolk Pest Solutions staff wear bee suits and veils together with full face masks, to protect them from the danger of stings and also prevent them from breathing in the pesticide or from the spray coming into contact with their eyes.

Effective Wasp Traps – Effective wasp traps are another way of getting rid of wasps, especially in pub gardens and other outdoor eating areas. It is important that, when wasps are trapped, they cannot escape, as this could create a small swarm around the trap. Ideally traps should be sited between the nest and the site they are protecting. This is normally down-wind from the site, as wasps will tend to be drawn by the smell being blown to them.

For maximum effect, and to site the wasp traps in the right area, it is important to take advice from the experts. Essex & Suffolk Pest Solutions will start by taking a full survey and trying to find the wasp nest if possible to treat it. If not, we will advise on where the wasps are coming from and the number of traps required and site traps accordingly. We will also advise on hygiene – such as cleaning of tables, regular emptying of rubbish bins, which can act as a magnet for wasps, and removing waste. Tablecloths which can easily be removed may prevent food becoming engrained in tables.

Other Health and Safety Considerations for Effective Wasp Extermination Ipswich
There are various other considerations that pest control professionals must take into account when dealing with wasp extermination in Ipswich.

1) Full risk assessments are made before any wasp extermination is carried out. These take into account the following factors:

• Ensuring that all pets and people have been excluded from the area.
• Risk to fish – avoiding insecticide contamination of water.
• Covering or removal of any foodstuffs.
• Disconnecting water butts.
• Checking the wind direction, as insecticide can drift. Shut windows and doors.
• Extra caution in confined spaces.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which is required.
• Use of ladders – we observe the Working at Heights regulations.
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) assessments of pesticide products used.

2)  As we are local we always know where the nearest hospital is when we visit clients, just in case of a staff emergency.

3) We have a policy that comes into effect when a pest controller is working alone.

4) We always wear the right clothing to protect staff from dangers of stings or breathing in pesticides.

5) All our operatives are fully qualified Pest Control Technicians with ongoing updating of technical knowledge through regular training courses etc.

6) We use up-to-date, state-of-the-art equipment, such as the DR5, which is useful as it forcefully blows insecticide into nests. This is especially helpful when nests are long and flat with multiple entrances, for instance, under roof tiles.

About Essex & Suffolk Pest Solutions

When it comes to wasp extermination, Ipswich and Suffolk businesses and households can rely on our expertise. Essex & Suffolk Pest Solutions have experienced and professional staff who offer contracts and can deal with all kinds of pests, from wasps and flies to cockroaches, rats and mice.

Wasp Extermination Ipswich  – contact us now for an effective and friendly response.

The Annoying Buzz of Summer

Through their stinging and generally annoying behaviour, wasps manage to earn themselves a pretty bad press, but it is important to remember that they are a vital part of your garden’s natural balance.  They feed on small insects that might otherwise wreak havoc amongst your plants. 

That said, having a garden full of wasps is no fun for anyone so, to encourage your wasps to go elsewhere follow these simple tips:

·         Ensure that dustbins have tight-fitting lids, and keep them closed!

·         Keep food and drinks covered

·         Pack away unfinished foods, clear up food debris and wipe down spillages

·         Clear fallen fruit from your garden

·         A professional pest controller can advise on the effective use of outdoor wasp traps

·         If you think you have a wasp nest in your home or garden arrange to have it removed professionally before it becomes a nuisance

 

And what not to do! 

Wasp venom contains an alarm pheromone.  This means that when a wasp has stung something or been killed, other wasps will become more aggressive.  So remember, there may be a ‘sting in the tail’ for you upon pelting that pesky wasp with your rolled-up newspaper!

 

Pest Control Ipswich  Click here to view our main website

 

Wasp Control in Schools and Educational Establishments

When summer arrives, it tends to bring large numbers of wasps – and you could find yourself looking for an expert to carry out wasp nest removal in the Ipswich area. There can be hundreds of nests per square mile in the UK. While the insects may be a real nuisance for homes and businesses, when there are wasp nests around children the situation is more serious. Wasp stings can be extremely risky for youngsters, especially if they are allergic to them, so, if a nest is found near a school, it is important to deal with it as soon as possible.

Essex & Suffolk Pest Solutions are experienced in wasp prevention, control, and wasp nest removal. As the experts in their field, they not only receive callouts from homes and businesses needing wasp nest removal in the Ipswich and Manningtree areas, but also from schools and educational establishments.

Let's take a look at why it is important to deal with any wasp problems around children as quickly as possible and also at action you can take to prevent wasps becoming a pest in summer.

Wasp nest removal Ipswich

How Big a Threat are Wasps to Schools?

Wasps are often regarded as just a nuisance, but they are also a health hazard to children. One very real risk is an allergic reaction to being stung, which could be mild or, in rare cases, even life-threatening. Unfortunately, often people don't realise they are allergic to stings until they have been stung, and it is also possible suddenly to react badly to a sting even if this hasn't happened in the past.

A severe reaction could even mean going into anaphylactic shock, with symptoms including your mouth and throat swelling up and difficulty in breathing. You need to call an ambulance if someone suffers this type of reaction, and sufferers who know they are allergic may have to carry an adrenaline pen. Severe allergies are very rare in children but, if stung by a wasp, at the very least it can be painful and uncomfortable. Wasps are also a health hazard because, like flies, they spread bacteria causing diseases, so a wasp landing on a child's packed lunch or ice cream could bring a risk of a stomach bug as well as the danger of the child being stung in the mouth.

When there is a nest near a school, there is a risk that children might either try to tamper with it or unwittingly disturb the insects and get stung as a result. Wasps are as big a threat in the countryside as to inner city schools, as they congregate around food and drink areas and outdoor bins.

Staff and caretakers should be cautious in early summer and carry out regular patrols of low trees and hedges around children’s play areas. Wasp nests can be on the ground in fields, or in the eaves of buildings, as well as in shrubs and hedgerows. So it would be all too easy for a child to disturb a nest by kicking a football into a hedge or hitting a nest hanging low in a tree with a Frisbee or skipping rope.

How We Tackle Wasps in these Areas

Wasp traps can be used to protect sensitive areas and Essex & Suffolk Pest Solutions provide highly effective traps to their customers which will give protection all through the summer. Fly zapper units in canteens can also give some protection and help to prevent wasps landing on children's food.

We also carry out wasp nest removal, which should ideally be done out of school hours when staff and children are not around. If you are a school staff member, don’t try to undertake removing the nest yourself, as this is extremely hazardous because you could get stung by large numbers of insects at once. It is always best to call in the experts who know how to deal with nests safely and have the correct equipment and protective clothing to do so.

What to Do if you Spot a Wasp Nest in School Grounds

If a school staff member or child spots a wasp nest in or near the playground or a school playing field, immediate action is needed to prevent children getting stung before Essex & Suffolk Pest Solutions arrive to deal with the situation.

It is vital to cordon off the area and keep children well away until the experts arrive to deal with the nest. Being a local company, Essex & Suffolk Pest Solutions can attend schools in the Ipswich and Manningtree areas quickly and would give priority to such a situation, where children are at risk. The wasp nest would be treated and removed.

How to Take Preventative Action Against Wasps

As with other places where food is eaten, schools should carry out good hygiene practices to avoid attracting wasps. This includes covering and regularly emptying waste bins, keeping picnic tables tidy, clearing up any food and drink spillages or leftovers and keeping food covered. It is also a good idea to encourage children to drink water outside rather than sugary drinks, which are a magnet for wasps, and offering straws from drinking out of cans or bottles.

Many schools have a recycling bottle bank area attached and these can be extremely attractive to wasps. Wasp traps would need to be strategically placed to prevent tampering by inquisitive children but, at the same time, it is important to ensure they are in the most effective place as possible to combat the insects.

Essex & Suffolk Pest Solutions can give advice on where best to site a wasp trap.

Wasp nest removal Manningtree

About Essex & Suffolk Pest Solutions

We provide swift, effective action to tackle pests, and give priority to schools for wasp nest removal. As a local company based in Holbrook and serving the Ipswich and Manningtree areas, we offer competitive prices, and you can rely on us for expert advice. We offer preventative contracts and can guarantee our work. 

Wasp nest removal Ipswich

Wasps Ipswich – Tackling the Problem Effectively

Wasps can be a nuisance anywhere, whether you have an Ipswich town centre business or a company in the Essex or Suffolk countryside. In mid-summer, the feeding habits of wasps change and they are attracted to sugary substances such as food and drink, and unfortunately these are where people are likely to be.

Essex & Suffolk Pest Solutions provide wasp control in the Woodbridge, Ipswich, Felixstowe, Colchester, Manningtree and Braintree areas.  We receive the majority of our callouts for wasp nest removal from the general public (where wasps affect homes), but we also receive callouts to tackle wasps at Ipswich businesses and organisations further afield: with farms and food related companies among the establishments hardest hit during the wasp season.

Wasps Ipswich –  contact us now for friendly, effective service.

Agricultural Organisations – How to Ensure Effective Wasp Control

It is estimated that there are several hundred wasp nests every square mile and, with wasps attracted to many human food sources, you can see just how vital it is to have effective wasp control. In the farming industry, fruit crops are particularly attractive to wasps and, in addition to orchards, strawberry and raspberry fields make excellent nesting sites. 

In the farming industry, wasps are a pest to customers and staff at farm shops and cafes. For successful wasp control in Woodbridge, and elsewhere in the East Anglian region, it is always best to bring in the experts. One of the vital pieces of equipment we recommend at any eating establishment is an electric fly killer unit (or fly zapper unit), which we sell or hire at Essex & Suffolk Pest Solutions. In addition to this, we also recommend screens with anti-insect mesh and would advise on the installation of wasp traps around the perimeter of premises.

Wasp Nests - On treating a nest in an agricultural site, Essex & Suffolk Pest Solutions take a number of things into consideration. We ask for the removal of animals, pets and people near the wasp nest and we cordon off the area to be treated when necessary. The next step is to ensure all water sources (e.g. water butts) and human and animal foodstuffs are not contaminated by the pesticide. We would usually disconnect water sources such as guttering (if the nest is on a roof, or on the eaves of a farmhouse) to prevent any contamination of water entering a water butt.  We would not, however, treat a nest with pesticide if it is above a watercourse (such as a river or stream). As well as paying special attention to water sources, any plants/vegetables/fruit and other food sources nearby also need to be covered before wasp nest treatment is carried out.

The Hospitality Industry – Dealing with Wasps

Wasps can present a real problem in Ipswich, Suffolk, and Essex bars, restaurants, tea rooms and hotels, as they annoy consumers and, at worst, prevent customers from returning and give a business a bad reputation.

Working with the hospitality business is very complex and, here at Essex & Suffolk Pest Solutions, we take a proactive approach and work with our clients to put various measures in place to prevent wasps becoming a problem.

If a large nest is close to an eating establishment - and down-wind - wasps can be attracted by the smell of food and drink in increasingly large numbers. If a nest is near to people, and visible, we would advise on destroying the nest; however, this may need to happen out of hours when customers and staff are not around, a service that Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions is happy to provide.

If the nest can’t be found, then good hygiene is needed to minimise the problem. Wasp traps should be sited in the right places, but these are unlikely to work without good hygiene practices. This is because the bait in the wasp traps would be in competition with the smells from other food and drink sources.

So we offer the following advice:

• Regularly wipe tables in between customers, or use table cloths.
• Use metal, rather than wooden, tables if possible, so that food and drink residues do not become ingrained in the table.
• Make sure food is covered.
• Site waste bins well away from food service areas.
• Regularly clean and empty waste bins.
• Avoid flip top bins as they can get sticky and attract more wasps, or other pests such as ants.
• Offer straws to customers if you are selling drinks in cans or bottles.

For any of our pest control services, including wasp control, we provide unmarked vehicles on request.

Wasp Control at Supermarkets, Warehouses and Factories

In addition to outside eating areas, wasps are also a problem at supermarkets, factories and warehouses. Here they pose more of a threat to staff, rather than drive away customers. However, on the plus side, wasps are unlikely to damage packaged food or produce.

Automatic doors are always a help to prevent wasps from entering warehouse and factory premises as are insect mesh curtains (strip/chain curtains).  One of the biggest problems are wasps surrounding waste bins. We encourage staff in these areas to clean bins and waste areas, and to pressure wash daily. It is also important to seal or tie all waste inside plastic bags and ensure that all rubbish is placed in bins with lids.

Electric fly killer units  are also a great help and, at Essex & Suffolk Pest Solutions, we sell and hire these out. In addition to this, we also offer customers advice on where to site these units so they are positioned in the most appropriate and effective area of their business.

At Essex & Suffolk Pest Solutions, we offer pest control contracts to tackle the issue of wasps in Ipswich, Suffolk and Essex, as well as a host of others pests including mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, pigeons and ants. For more information on wasp control or any of our other services, just click on the link below.

Wasp Control Woodbridge –  contact us now for friendly, effective service.

Rat In Operating Theatre

Operations at a hospital were cancelled after a rate was found in an operating theatre.  Rat control experts were called into the hospital and as a result, about 40 operations had to be cancelled. 

'Eradicate the problem' - Director of Operations at the hospital said she was shocked to learn evidence that a rodent had been found in an operating theatre.  She said 'As soon as we became aware of this fact the following morning, we immediately too steps to thoroughly clean the area and called in external pest control experts to eradicate the problem'. 

Rats can spread salmonella and carry the potentially fatal Weil's disease, so it is vital to call a rat control expert promptly whenever they are seen inside homes or businesses.

'Rat Control'   - Click here to view our main website

Wasps Washed Out?

There were a fraction of wasp nests around Essex and Suffolk last year leading to a drop in demand for wasp nest removal to around 10% of those treated in 2011.

The mild weather of the very early spring period encouraged Queen wasps to emerge early from hibernation.  This followed by a very wet and cold April and May had a detrimental effect on the Queen wasps that had commenced their nest building, and may also have affected many Queen wasps still in their hibernation cocoons.  The consequence has been that the wasp population in terms of the number of wasp nests was very small of the summer of 2012 and we saw far fewer requests for wasp nest removal as a result. 

Read the rest of this article here

Wasp Nest Removal    Click here to view our main website

Get Ready for the Wasp Season with Effective Wasp Control

Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions offer successful pest control services to homes and businesses in Manningtree, Ipswich, Woodbridge, Colchester, Braintree, Harwich and elsewhere in the Suffolk and Essex region. We receive an escalating number of inquires about wasps in the summer and offer effective methods to tackle the problem and prevent pests driving sales down, causing a nuisance and threatening public health. If you need effective pest control in the Manningtree area, including wasp control, just read on to find out how we can help or follow the link below.

Pest Control Manningtree – contact us now for friendly, effective service.

Why are Wasps a Pest?

Many people enjoy an outside meal in summer. But there is nothing more off-putting than tucking into a restaurant meal only to find a swarm of wasps circling your food and drink. The ‘wasp season’ falls in July and August time when the feeding habits of these pests change and they seek out sweet carbohydrates. Businesses most at risk of attracting wasps are not only farms, factories and supermarkets, but also those with outdoor eating areas such as pubs, hotels and restaurants, where wasps in large numbers can potentially drive away customers.

However, it is not just wasps getting at food and drink that causes a problem; wasps also pose a threat to public health. As well as the discomfort caused by a wasp sting, thousands of people in the UK receive medical attention as a result of allergic reactions from wasp stings – and the worst affected are often the most vulnerable sections of society such as children and the elderly.

In extreme cases a wasp sting can cause a fatality. Anaphylactic Shock, for example, is a life threatening allergic reaction that can be attributed to wasp stings. In addition to this, hundreds of people die a year as a result of heart attacks brought on by a wasp sting.

Wasps can target rural areas and towns in equal measures, which is why pest control services, are vital in Manningtree, Colchester, Ipswich and further afield.

When is the Wasp Season?

Up to the time of mid-summer, the adult worker wasps prey on other insects to feed their young. At this time, it’s quite rare for humans to get stung by a wasp, as wasp stings are mainly down to either disturbing nests or by accidently standing barefoot on wasps that are hunting in the grass.

However, the habits of wasps change from mid to late July, when they seek out sweeter food sources. This is when they really become a nuisance as these sources are mainly found where humans are likely be – such as by outside eating areas, in orchards or in and around waste bins or other disposal units.  

Where do Wasps Build their Nests?

Wasps nests are found in a variety of places: in banks, hedges, shrubs, in the ground and in and around buildings such as lofts, soffits and under tiles.  In particular, they will be anywhere where that is sheltered and warm. 

Will Wasps Go Back to the Same Nests?

If you do find yourself with a wasp nest near your home or business, wasps won’t return to the same nests. Although the worker wasps die, the queens will hibernate in safe, sheltered areas, such as buildings, and emerge to build a new nest, the following spring.

The average number of wasps in a nest can be vast. In the UK a mature colony could have up to 20,000 wasps. However, at Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions, we normally find an average of 2,000 – 5,000 wasps per nest.

Which Species of Wasps are the Biggest Pests in the UK?

The biggest pests are the common wasps (Vespula Vulgaris) and the European wasp (Vespula Germanica). Populations change from year to year. Last year (2012), however, saw a relatively low number of wasps, which was mainly down to the variable wet weather in the spring. 

Can I Get Rid of a Wasp Infestation Myself?

Various products are available from garden centres, or DIY stores that claim to offer some form of wasp control. However, this is risky; there are various dos and don’ts that are essential.

For instance, DO wear protective clothing, DO apply pest control solutions at the right time of day, and DON’T apply pest control in confined spaces or where other people are around and may be stung.

Bringing in the Professionals

Not only is tackling the problem of wasps yourself risky, but there is also no guarantee of success, so the best bet is to bring in the professionals.

Professional pest controllers use various ways to tackle the issue of wasps including the use of insecticidal dust that works over 48 hours to eliminate the whole colony. This can be applied with a dust stick or DR5 which allows fully trained staff to treat the wasps from a distance.

If a nest needs to be removed instantly, for example because it is a public health risk (e.g. next to a footpath) then a spray treatment can be used to remove the whole nests if it is accessible. Full protective clothing would need to be worn to do this.

Wasp traps can be an effective way of dealing with nuisance wasps.  These are very popular for use by food retailers with outside eating areas, such as pubs with beer gardens.  Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions attend client premises to survey and advise on Wasp Management programmes.  We carry out a full survey and then supply and strategically install wasp traps considering such things as wind direction, how sunny an area is and the whereabouts of other food sources (eg. drink or food remnants, orchards etc).  We use Waspbane wasp traps as they do not cause the wasps to swarm and the wasps rarely escape.

About Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions

If you have a wasp problem, contact Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions. We are fully insured for all our pest control services in Manningtree, Essex, Ipswich, Suffolk, and further afield. We also guarantee our work so you can be assured of effective results.

Pest Control Felixstowe: A Guide to Cluster Flies: What They Are and How to Combat Them

Cluster flies are a substantial problem in Essex and Suffolk because rural counties like these are more prone to infestation. The flies return to the same site every year, often in greater numbers, so it is vital that you call in the experts in pest control in Felixstowe, and further afield, to tackle current and future infestations.

Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions provide effective pest control in Felixstowe, Ipswich, Colchester, Clacton, Harwich and the surrounding areas. In addition to cluster fly extermination, we also provide effective solutions for a wide range of other pests that pose a threat to your home or business, including: mice, fleas, rats, wasps, pigeons, moles, cockroaches, bedbugs, fleas and ants. To find out more, contact us on the link below.

Pest Control Felixstowe -contact us now for friendly and effective assistance.

What Are Cluster Flies?

Cluster flies don’t pose a health risk to humans, but they are a major nuisance and start to swarm in the upper areas of buildings when the weather turns cooler. They are so called as they infest buildings in vast numbers, sometimes several thousand at a time. They enter properties via small gaps or roof cavities in autumn (around September) and leave in spring (March or April time) when the weather warms up again. The most common type of cluster flies are 3 – 4 mm long, but some species are longer and have a wing span of up to a centimetre long.

Cluster flies look similar to a house fly but there are some fundamental differences between them; their appearance for a start. They are dark in colour with yellow bristly hair. They also don’t move as fast as a house fly, and the wings of a cluster fly overlap when it is not flying.

What Industries do They Effect?

Cluster flies can settle anywhere: in homes, offices, factories and empty buildings. Although it is shocking to find cluster flies in a property because of their sheer numbers, it’s important to note that this is not an indication of poor hygiene, they are attracted by the warmth of the building.

When they group together in large numbers, cluster flies give off a sickly sweet smell and this odour is thought to attract other flies to settle in a building. As cluster flies get in through nooks and crannies, the structure of a property also attracts cluster flies and they will hibernate in roof spaces, wall cavities, or window frames (loft or sash windows are a particular favourite for cluster flies).

Homes that have external shaded areas, such as a large tree close to a property, are rarely the target of cluster flies and this is most likely because of the temperature drop on the outside of the building.

What Harm Can Cluster Flies Cause?

As mentioned earlier, cluster flies are more of a nuisance than anything else. For businesses, they are unsightly and present a bad image to visitors. Once inside a building, the flies congregate at windows, or around lights, and their constant buzzing annoys householders or staff.

Although they are not a direct health hazard, cluster flies are an unwelcome presence in any building, but especially in food premises such as factories, restaurants, bakeries or supermarkets. An infestation of cluster flies is off-putting for staff and customers and suggests poor hygiene. And the flies – whether dead or alive – will attract more insects to the premises. This is why it is important to call in pest control in Felixstowe and other rural villages.

How Our Pest Control Experts Tackle Cluster Flies

If you need pest control in Felixstowe, Ipswich, Suffolk or Essex, it is vital to call in the experts at Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions.

It is difficult to tackle a cluster fly infestation yourself because of the nature of where they hibernate – these places are often difficult to get to. Proofing the building and sealing window frames can help, but this is not 100 per cent effective. It is also not advisable to apply external treatments to window frames, roof edging etc., as the external conditions (weather etc.) will stop this having any effect.

When we are called out to deal with cluster flies, the first step in our treatment is to carry out a survey in the loft or roof space to check if bats are present in the premises. This is because it is against the law to harm or disturb an area that bats inhabit. If we do find bats at your premises, our options are more limited, but there are still ways to deal with cluster flies and it is important to seek advice first.

The ways we tackle cluster flies are as follows:

• Screening openings such as windows, vents etc. with fine mesh. Proofing has limited effectiveness but can reduce numbers.

• Use of fly traps for fly control (link to http://www.eandspestsolutions.co.uk/fly-control.html)

• Residual spray insecticide – this works for weeks afterwards across the entire area of infestation

• ULV (Ultra Low Volume) – Involves the use of a special machine to create a mist that penetrates cracks and spaces in a building or roof space. It is effective at eliminating an infestation and, a few hours after use, it’s safe to go back into the area where the machine has been used.

• Electric Fly Killer Units – this eliminates the need for an insecticide. However, you will need a very large tray (several inches deep) or the sheer number of flies will mount up, and this can cause a fire risk. It is important to choose the right Electric Fly Killer Units (link to http://www.eandspestsolutions.co.uk/fly-killer-units.html) and seek advice before buying.

To tackle cluster flies, contact Essex and Suffolk Pest Control Solution who operate in Felixstowe, Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, Colchester, Harlow, Braintree, and surrounding areas.

Pest Control Felixstowe - contact us now for friendly and effective assistance.

Shipping Container Fumigation

Thousands of containers are shipped daily from all over the globe to port-towns and cities in the UK, and, as some cargoes are a breeding ground for pests and insects, shipping container fumigation is vital.

Felixstowe alone is the UK’s busiest container port and handles, on average, 3.4 million 20 ft containers a year. In fact, two fifths of Britain’s container trade passes through the port of Felixstowe, making pest control a necessity.

Agricultural and food products, leather goods, wood products such as furniture, raw materials and other goods are some of the cargoes imported into the UK that are a hotbed for insects and rodents.

With these and other goods imported into the UK via Felixstowe and other ports in the area, such as Harwich, Tilbury, Ipswich and London Gateway, it is important to use the services of a professional pest control company to rid these cargoes of rodents, insects and their eggs and prevent infestation.

Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions are available for shipping container fumigation services at Felixstowe, Harwich, Tilbury, Ipswich and London Gateway. Just click on the link below to find out how we can help.

Shipping Container Fumigation - contact us now for friendly effective service.

Why is Shipping Container Fumigation Necessary?

Shipping containers are a high risk for attracting rodents and insects because the goods stored in the containers can inadvertently pick up pests from other parts of the world and bring them into the UK.

Shipping container fumigation is vital to rid cargo of pests and their off-spring before the container reaches its final destination. Ridding cargoes of insects and their eggs prevents infestation when the produce reaches its arrival point, such as a processing factory, warehouse, or shop.

Another reason why shipping container fumigation is necessary is that it stops cross border contamination of pests and prevents the spread of disease and other contaminants.

What Sort of Pests Infest Shipping Containers?

Almost any type of insect can infest a shipping container. These include all Stored Product Insects (SPI) such as beetles, moths, mites and weevils.

Cargo can also harbour pests that cause a threat to public health such as cockroaches. These can transport germs and harmful bacteria on the surface of their body that are a health hazard to humans.

Other common pests that breed in shipping containers include:

Confused Flour Beetle - The species thrives in cargos of oil seeds, carobs, cake, flour, cereals and nuts and will keep breeding in warm places such as bakeries and mills. They can produce nearly 1,000 eggs.

Lesser Grain Borer - Breeds in grain from the tropics but needs heat to survive. It produces up to 600 eggs.

Merchant Grain Beetle - Thrives in cargos of rice, bran, cake, dried fruit and oil seeds and can produce hundreds of eggs. They can’t survive in cold, wintery conditions.

Rust-Red Grain Beetle - Attracted to cargos of cereal products, oil seeds, broken grain and oil cake. Lives through the winter.

Spiders - Can be found in shipments of bananas.

The Foreign Grain Beetle - Feeds on damp grain, cereal products, cocoa, haystacks and oil seeds but doesn’t like cold conditions.

The Granary or Grain Weevil - These pests can settle in grain cargoes and survive in moderate temperature. They can produce a maximum of 350 eggs.

The Rice Weevil - The Rice Weevil is attracted to cargoes of grain and pasta products and can produce a maximum of 400 eggs. They can’t last the winter without heat.

Tobacco Beetle - Breeds in seed, spices, cocoa, tobacco and oilcakes and can produce more than 100 eggs.

Tropical Warehouse Moth and Indian Meal Moth - Both types of moth can be found in cargoes of cereals, dried fruit, oil seeds, oilcake and cocoa beans and can survive the winter. They produce hundreds of eggs.

Do Containers Need to Be Fumigated Before Every Journey?

There are various trade agreement requirements for shipping container fumigation.

Goods suitable for treatment by phosphine include:

• Agricultural Products - such as grains, nuts, pulses, oil seeds, cocoa beans and coffee beans.
• Processed Foods - such as dried fruits, herbs, dried vegetables, cereals, dairy products, tea
• Non-Food Items - such as bamboo/rattan, tobacco, cotton, plant seeds and leather products.

How is Shipping Container Fumigation Done?

Fumigation is a highly skilled job which requires specialist training and formal certification as the gases are highly toxic and flammable.

The process of fumigation is as follows:

• The release of phosphine gas in a controlled way from a solid form of aluminium phosphide. This is done over a period of time in a sealed area (eg a shipping container) to kill insects. The gas is held at a certain concentration for a specific time period to kill the relevant insects.
• Once the treatment is complete, the container is aired and a clearance certificate is issued.

Phosphine has the following properties:

• It forms an explosive mixture when exposed to air.
• It is odourless but the chemical reaction during the fumigation process creates a fishy or garlicky smell.
• It is dangerous to humans but the same exposure can take days to kill insects.
• It can rust metals including gold, silver, copper and their alloys.
• It can also damage electrical equipment including computers and switches.

There are various symptoms of exposure to phosphine which is why fumigation can only be done by qualified personnel.

Low level Exposure: Symptoms include a cough, a feeling of tightness of the chest, difficulty breathing, headache, feeling weak or faint.

High Level Exposure: Symptoms include sickness and vomiting, diarrhoea, fits, coma, fluid collecting in the lungs (pulmonary oedema).

Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions

For shipping container fumigation in Ipswich, Felixstowe, Harwich, Tilbury and London, call in the experts at Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions.

Shipping Container Fumigation - contact us now for friendly effective service

Things That Go Bump In The Night - Pest Control In Your Roof Space

Pest control experts are warning members of the public against taking a DIY-approach to intruders in their roof spaces.

Pest control products are becoming easier to obtain, from DIY stores, garden centres and the Internet, so it is understandable for people to assume that it is easy for them to do it themselves.

The UK’s biggest trade association for pest controllers, the NPTA is concerned that an increased number of homeowners or tenants attempting to eradicate pest problems themselves, rather than calling a professional, are exposing themselves to personal dangers and the possibility of breaking the Law.

For example:

• Roof spaces are often difficult and dangerous places to access and investigate.

• Some pests, when approached, can become aggressive and extremely dangerous within such confined spaces.

• There are many Laws controlling when and how pests can be treated.

• It is very easy to inadvertently break these Laws and that could lead to substantial fines.

• Professionals are often not as expensive as people think and will get the job done safely, efficiently and legally.

The NPTA have produced the following advice for members of the public:

Things That Go Bump In the Night – Pest Control in Your Roof Space

Quite frequently householders don’t realise that they have uninvited ‘guests’ in their homes until they get woken up one night to hear things moving about in their roof spaces. This quiet, undisturbed part of the house is very often where a variety of pests are to be found.

Rats, mice and squirrels will not only keep you awake at night, they will happily chew wood, plastic pipes and wires which could have disastrous consequences. Wasps and bees often use roof spaces and chimneys to build their nests and cluster flies will return year after year to hibernate in their hundreds, sometimes thousands, in favoured properties.

A new pest to the UK, the Harlequin Ladybird has also taken to hibernating in large numbers in lofts. Given the opportunity, some birds will also make their nests beneath your roof and a surprisingly large number of houses will have bats taking up residence at certain times of the year.

So, what do you do about your unexpected guests?

Roof spaces are potentially dangerous places.

Firstly, you need to find out what you’ve got – but a word of warning. Roof spaces are usually unpleasant and dangerous places to work in. Unless they have been fitted with retractable ladders and have been boarded out, they are often difficult and dangerous to access and investigate. Coming face to face with an angry squirrel or a swarm of wasps, in the dark, whilst balancing on rafters on all fours, is not to be recommended.

Secondly, you then need to decide what to do once you’ve identified the intruder – without breaking the Law. The UK has some of the oldest and most comprehensive Laws protecting wildlife of anywhere in the world.

Even pests have legal protection.

Let’s take squirrels for example. You cannot simply throw some rat poison in and hope for the best as it is illegal to use rat or mouse poison against squirrels. In fact, no poison available to the Public is approved for use against these animals. Not that poisoning would be such a good idea, as they have a tendency to die in inaccessible places, which can render a property uninhabitable whilst it decays.

You can buy live-catch traps in some garden centres, but if you get lucky and catch one, what do you do with it then? As the grey squirrel is classed as an ‘alien invasive species’, it is illegal to release them into the wild. Once caught, they have to be despatched humanely and drowning them in a water butt is not considered humane. This is not explained on the instructions for use that come with the trap when you buy it though, is it? We would not recommend ‘Doing It Yourself’ with this particular species.

All birds in the UK, their nests and eggs, are protected by Law – even when they become a pest. A small number of species can be controlled, but only in certain ways and for particular reasons. Being a nuisance to you in your house is not a suitable reason.

What do you do then?

All bats are protected by Law. It is even an offence to disturb a bat roost, with a potential fine of £5,000 per bat. Some roosts can contain several dozen individuals, so that could be an expensive mistake to make. Fortunately bats do no harm at all, unless they are present in very large numbers, which is very rare.

Of course, if bats are present, treating the roof space for any pest then becomes a no-no, unless you get permission from the appropriate authorities, but would you know how to go about getting this? Would you even know if you had bats?

Deal with the problem quickly, safely and effectively – call out a professional.

Professional pest controllers spend a lot of time, effort and money in becoming properly trained to deal with all these problems to give their customers safe and effective pest control services.

This training is checked by the National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA) before allowing companies or individuals to join. The NPTA also check that their Members are properly insured for the work they carry out. This is particularly important when working in roof spaces. An uninsured tradesman that is injured on your property could end up suing you.

The elite members of the Association, their ‘Accredited Members’, are also audited regularly to make sure they are operating to the highest industry standards.

With over 900 Members throughout the UK, the NPTA can help you find a professional pest controller near you to ensure a solution to your uninvited ‘guests’.

They could also save you time and money in the long run compared to Doing It Yourself.

Pest Control is harder than you think.

Pest Control Ipswich - Click here to view our main website.

Pest Control - Harder Than You Think

Pest control experts are warning members of the public against taking a DIY-approach to rodent control.

Widespread council cost-cutting means many local authorities are now charging for services which were previously free.

With the credit crunch continuing to bite, the UK’s biggest trade association for pest controllers, the NPTA, has reported an increased number of cases where homeowners or tenants attempt to eradicate their rat or mice problems themselves rather than calling a professional.

However, the public are being warned against taking such action for various reasons.

For example:

• Many rats and mice are already resistant to commonly-used poison baits, so people buying them would be wasting their money.

• Rats and mice are clever creatures and naturally suspicious, so tend to quickly avoid many traps.

• Poisons will sometimes kill more birds and general wildlife than pests due to members of the public failing to follow product instructions.

• Professionals are often not as expensive as people think and will get the job done professionally, safely and efficiently.

The NPTA have produced the following advice for members of the public:

Pest Control – It’s Harder Than You Think

With austerity cuts in Local Authorities really starting to bite, one of the services that most have offered, that of rodent control, is being hit badly. Some have started to charge for what has traditionally been a free service, whilst others are opting out altogether simply advising the Public to get in a private company. Not surprisingly, when faced with this unexpected cost, many people turn to DIY. After all, whacking down a few baits or traps can’t be that hard....can it?

In fact, as anyone training to become a professional pest controller quickly finds out, there’s a great deal more to controlling rats and mice than this.

“They won’t eat the bait or go near my traps!”

Rats are notoriously suspicious about any new objects placed in their environment, even new food sources. The technical term is ‘neophobia’ and it may take days, even weeks before a rat will try out your bait or fall into your trap. In the meantime they could be gnawing through your electric wiring, water pipes or simply contaminating your stored food. And do you really want to share your property with these animals?

Mice are less suspicious, but can be incredibly fussy about what they will eat. You may have to go through several types of bait before you find one they’ll take. The correct placement of traps also takes some skill and experience to get results and you are unlikely to get all of them using traps alone. They too can cause considerable physical damage to your property in the meantime and carry more diseases transmissible to humans than most people realise. They may look cute, but the reality is different.

And don’t get me started about all the electronic repellers that are about. Professional pest controllers don’t use them for very good reasons....let’s leave it at that.

“I just seem to be feeding them with this bait!”

In some cases, that may very well be the case. Rats and mice are becoming increasingly resistant to the poisons that are available. There are parts of the country, particularly in central-southern England, where rats can no longer be controlled using the poisons you can buy off the shelves of DIY stores. You will simply be feeding these so-called ‘Super Rats’.

Mice too are increasingly difficult to control with certain poisons. But recognising that you have a problem and knowing what to do about it takes skill and experience.

“I don’t seem to be getting so many birds in the garden now – have the rats chased them off?”

No – more likely you’ve poisoned them. Pest controllers regularly report instances where people have not bothered to read the instructions on the bait they use and simply scatter it around where they last saw the rodents, often in areas which can be accessed by all sorts of ‘non-target animals’, such as cats, dogs, hedgehogs, birds – even small children.

The reality is that rat and mouse poisons can cause serious harm, even death, to all warm-blooded creatures that eat them. Fortunately there is a very effective antidote that can be administered by vets or doctors for most of these products. But what about those wild birds that simply disappear?

Deal with the problem quickly, safely and effectively – call out a professional.

Professional pest controllers spend a lot of time, effort and money in becoming properly trained to deal with all these problems to give their customers safe and effective pest control services.

This training is checked by the National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA) before allowing companies or individuals to join. The NPTA also check that their Members are properly insured for the work they carry out. Remember that an uninsured tradesman that is injured on your property could end up suing you.

The elite members of the Association, their ‘Accredited Members’, are also audited regularly to make sure they are operating to the highest industry standards.

With over 900 Members throughout the UK, the NPTA can help you find a professional pest controller near you to ensure a solution to your rodent problems.

They could also save you time and money in the long run compared to Doing It Yourself.

The National Pest Technicians Association can be contacted at 01773 717716 or by email office@npta.org.uk

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Farmers - The Never-ending Battle Against Rodents

Pest control experts are warning farmers against taking a DIY-approach to rodent control.
Farmers have traditionally conducted rodent treatments themselves, but controlling these pests is becoming increasingly difficult and complex.

The UK’s biggest trade association for pest controllers, the NPTA points out that the legal requirements affecting using rodenticides are currently being changed and resistance to current products is growing throughout the country. This leaves farmers in a very vulnerable position.

For example:

• With changes due in the labelling of rodenticides, anyone involved with rodent control will need to be aware of new requirements.

• Resistance in both rats and mice to anticoagulant baits is growing rapidly throughout the country.

• There are some parts of the UK where it is now virtually impossible to control rats with poisons, requiring alternative methods to be used.

• All ‘professional users’ need to keep up with the rapidly-changing biological and legislative environment.

• Professional pest controllers are often not as expensive as farmers think and will get the job done safely, efficiently and effectively, leaving farmers to concentrate on their businesses.

The NPTA have produced the following advice for farmers:

The Never-Ending Battle Against Rodents

Whether you like it or not, every farmer has to invest time and money in keeping their properties as free from rodents as possible. It is a never-ending battle and a never-ending drain on resources. But failure to keep up the fight will inevitably mean the destruction of produce, property and profits.

One of the first decisions to make is whether to use the services of a specialist pest controller or to Do-it-Yourself. In times of economic strain, the second option is superficially very attractive, as it appears to be the cheaper option. However, there is a great deal more to rodent control than just throwing a bit of bait about and getting it wrong could be very costly.

The key to effective rodent control, if you are going to do it yourself, is to be properly trained. Whilst this is a concept that is well accepted with the application of plant protection pesticides, sadly the same is not true when applying rodenticides. To be regarded as a ‘professional user’ of rodenticides all that is required is that you use these products in the course of your work and that you have “received appropriate information, instruction and training”. Our experience is that many so-called ‘Professional Users’, where rodent control is a peripheral part of their work, are very poorly trained.

In the Legislation there is no indication of what is ‘appropriate’, nor is there a suggestion of what is an acceptable standard. There is no requirement for ‘continuous professional development’ (CPD) to show that you have kept up with the rapidly–changing environment, both legal and biological, affecting rodent control, unlike other areas of pesticide use. The result is a lot of very ineffective and potentially dangerous rodent control work being carried, with the environment suffering as a result.

If you have not received proper training in rodent control, you will have no idea about the implications behind the phrases that appear on the product labels and are therefore more likely to make mistakes in treatment. That might lead to poor levels of control, but also to possible prosecution.

The mainstay of rodent control is the use of anti-coagulant rodenticides and these were almost banned recently throughout the EU as the full risks that they pose to the environment have become better understood. It was only because there are no viable alternatives at present that they were, grudgingly, allowed to continue to be used, but it was a very close run thing. They are very much under review as a result.

If any bird of prey, or indeed any animal, is found dead with no apparent injuries and poisoning is suspected, a ‘Wildlife Incident Investigation’ is quite likely to be started, which could involve a visit to any properties nearby where rodenticides are being used. If they find that you have not been using them properly, you could be charged, as one pest controller found to his cost not long ago. Where you bait, how much you use, how long you leave it in place and even how well you document its use will all be scrutinised and if found wanting, you might end up in Court for ‘failing to take all reasonable precautions’ to prevent damage to the environment.

The product labels will be changing significantly over the next few years and as a professional user, you will need to be aware of these changes. Where will you get this information, particularly with regard to the significance of each change?

Resistance, in both rats and mice, to many of the most commonly-used products, is also growing rapidly, with large areas of the country almost complete ‘no-go’ areas for rodenticide use. Would you know where these areas are, or how to get your rats tested to see if they are resistant? Would you know what your options for rodent control are then?

In some of the worst-affected areas, pest controllers are having to turn back to more traditional methods, such as traps, snares and using specially-trained dogs. Do you have those skills?

In short, rodent control, which was for years simply a question of putting bait around the place, is rapidly becoming a much more fraught and complex issue. It may now be the time for getting professional expertise on board to help you. Why not focus your time and effort on doing what you do best and getting a professional pest controller in to do what they do best?

The question now is how do you choose an appropriate professional?
The National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA) has the largest number of independent Members throughout the country. Membership requires that technicians are properly trained and insured.

An elite part of the Membership, the ‘Accredited Members’ are also audited regularly to make sure they are working to Industry Best Practices.

Having a professional, with a local reputation to maintain, that you can rely on to help you in this increasingly complex issue, could well turn out to be the most cost-effective approach to the problem of rodent control on your farm.

The National Pest Technicians Association can be contacted at tel. no: 01773 717 716; e-mail: office@npta.org.uk; web site: www.npta.org.uk

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