Do you have clothes moths multiplying in your wardrobe? If you do, it is vital to call on the services of Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions - the pest control experts of Colchester, Chelmsford, Witham, Braintree, Manningtree, Ipswich, Stowmarket and Felixstowe – before your moth problem spirals out of control.
We all cherish the clothes in our wardrobe, so it can be hugely upsetting to find moths have munched their way through some of our much-loved outfits and accessories. Clothes moths not only feed on wool fibres, but also on silks, cottons, linens, furs and rayons (usually blended with wool). In the worst cases they can cause hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds worth of damage. And, it’s not just clothes that are the target of these pests – clothes moths can also attack carpets, rugs, curtains and upholstery.
There is no doubt about it, it is devastating to put on a favourite jumper, T-shirt, suit, trousers, dress, skirt or scarf to find that clothes moths have feasted on the fabric, creating holes in the most obvious of places. Unfortunately, it isn’t the cheapest fabrics they go for. Moths have expensive taste and your favourite woollens, cashmere, silks and vintage clothing are, sadly, generally the ones that fall victim.
Once you have moths in your home, they can be very difficult to get rid of. While it is possible to repair some moth holes (by taking them to an experienced clothes menders), more damaged items, particularly woollens, can be impossible to mend. And if items have to be thrown away or replaced, this can prove extremely costly.
So, if you are worried about clothes moths, for complete peace of mind it is vital to call in the experts. Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions are the pest control experts of Colchester and Ipswich and will help rid our home of clothes moths, their eggs and larvae. And, as an untreated clothes moth problem can prove expensive, we offer a cost effective solution, which could save you valuable money in the long run.
Pest Control Colchester – contact us now for effective pest solutions.
What do clothes moths look like?
Clothes moths are quite distinct from common swift moths or other types of UK moths which have different characteristics.
The most common types of clothes moths are the webbing clothes moth and the casemaking clothes moth, which are similar in size. The webbing moth is gold in colour and the casemaking moth is browner, with dark coloured spots on the wings; both have hairs on the top of their head.
The larvae of the casemaking clothes moth carry with them a silken case, which takes on the same colour as the clothes they have eaten. The webbing moth leaves patches of silk webbing, like cobwebs, and produce excrement which contain dye from the clothes they have been feeding on, making them hard to spot.
What environments do they like best?
Contrary to popular belief, and unlike other moths, such as the common swift moth, clothes moths are not attracted to the light. So they fester in folds, collars and cuffs of clothing; under furniture and between upholstery; in the dark crevices and corners of wardrobes, and in attics and cellars.
As these species are attracted to undisturbed places, it is often difficult to discover a clothes moth infestation until it is too late. One solution is to check your clothes regularly, including the ones that you have put away in storage, so you can take action at the earliest opportunity.
Do adult moths eat clothes and fabric?
No, it is not the adult clothes moths that are the offenders, but the moth larvae which are responsible for the destruction of clothes and fabric – and, depending on the conditions, they can stay in this state for a year.
How quickly can they multiply?
Although adult moths have a relatively short life-span of up to three weeks, the female moths of both species can lay up to 100 eggs in this time. These only take a few days to hatch, after which the larvae to start to feed.
Are all fabrics at risk?
Natural and blended fibres are most at risk, as moths tend to avoid fabrics, carpets and upholstery made entirely of synthetic fibres. Moths generally avoid synthetics, unless the fabric has lots of sweat, saliva or food stains. Keeping your clothes clean with regular dry cleaning or laundering will help deter moths.
Are they a pest all year round?
Yes, clothes moths are a persistent pest all year round, and this is partly down to central heating and milder winters.
Is it possible to get rid of them yourself?
There are all sorts of moth deterrents on the market, including chemical and natural varieties such as lavender bags and cedar balls, although there are limits to how effective these can be.
Regularly laundering your clothes and vacuuming in the crevices of wardrobes, under beds and along skirting boards can help. As can storing your woollens in the freezer over winter, hanging them outside when it is frosty, and keeping them in sealed plastic bags.
Other home solutions include moth traps, sprays, ultra violet light bulbs and moth strips. However, if you have a persistent problem, it is vital to call in the experts.
How Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions can help
If you are worried about moths in your home, call your friendly local pest control experts of Colchester and Ipswich – Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions – who will carry out a full survey to discover the source of the infestation and will treat the problem to prevent further costly damage.
We use the most environmentally friendly products and ask householders to vacate the property both during treatment, and for a couple of hours after it, to allow our insecticide sprays to dry.
Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions – Contact us now to address the problem of clothes moths at your home or business.
Tuesday, 27 May 2014
Tuesday, 13 May 2014
Facts and Information about Bed Bugs
Do you have bed bugs in your home, hotel, guest house, hostel or B&B? For urgent pest control in the Manningtree and Ipswich areas, call on the services of Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions – or you could end up with a major problem on your hands.
Bed bugs feed on the blood of humans and their bites can cause adverse reactions such as allergies, rashes and psychological distress. Bed bug bites could damage the reputation of your establishment and your company may end up being ‘named and shamed’ with a bad review. So if you have bed bugs, it is vital to call Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions immediately, as we are experienced in this field and can rid your establishment of these persistent pests.
Whether you require pest control in the Manningtree and Ipswich areas, or further afield in Suffolk and Essex, we are the people to contact. We provide a friendly, local service at very competitive prices and, in addition to this, we can guarantee our work so you can rely on us for our service.
Pest Control Manningtree – Contact us now for fast and effective pest control services in Essex, and all areas of Suffolk.
Where are you most likely to find bed bugs?
Bed bugs are most associated with hotels, bed and breakfasts, and guest houses. However, they can also be found in privately owned homes, rented establishments, hospitals, residential homes, student accommodation and hostels, including homeless shelters. Not only can they be found in the creases and folds of mattresses and sofas, but in some cases, even on walls and furniture.
Are bed bugs on the rise and why?
Before DDT was banned in the UK in 1984, bed bugs were almost eradicated from homes in the western world. However, unfortunately the population has escalated dramatically in the last two decades. This is for several reasons but one of the main ones is international travel, as bed bugs can get to and from buildings on people, clothing and in bags and suitcases. A second is the rise in popularity of second hand furniture and other items, which again can transfer bed bugs from one place to another if they have come from a place that is already infested. Another is that these pests are becoming more resistant to popularly used insecticides, which now makes them harder to get rid of.
How long do they live?
The life span of a bed bug varies according to temperatures and how often they feed, but they can live many weeks, or even months. During their lifetime, a female can lay up to 500 eggs.
Can you get rid of them yourself?
Keeping premises clean and well vacuumed, including regular hot washing and tumble drying of fabrics, is a good way to keep the bed bug population down. Wrapping mattresses also helps.
However, bed bugs are hard to get rid of and tend to be resistant to over-the-counter pesticides.
So, for effective pest control in Manningtree, Ipswich, Colchester and Stowmarket, it is always best to call Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions who can eliminate the problem so you and your guests can sleep easy.
How do Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions tackle bed bugs?
Our first step is to complete a thorough review of the premises to check how extensive the problem is.
Carpets, bedding, clothing and infested furniture are thoroughly cleaned and washed and an insecticide applied. Up to three treatments, once a fortnight, are recommended to eradicate these pests.
Nine things to know about bed bugs:
For prompt and discreet pest control in the Ipswich and Manningtree areas, click on the link below.
Pest Control Manningtree – Contact us now to tackle the problem of bed bugs at your home or business.
Related articles:
Bed bug treatment
Bed bugs feed on the blood of humans and their bites can cause adverse reactions such as allergies, rashes and psychological distress. Bed bug bites could damage the reputation of your establishment and your company may end up being ‘named and shamed’ with a bad review. So if you have bed bugs, it is vital to call Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions immediately, as we are experienced in this field and can rid your establishment of these persistent pests.
Whether you require pest control in the Manningtree and Ipswich areas, or further afield in Suffolk and Essex, we are the people to contact. We provide a friendly, local service at very competitive prices and, in addition to this, we can guarantee our work so you can rely on us for our service.
Pest Control Manningtree – Contact us now for fast and effective pest control services in Essex, and all areas of Suffolk.
Where are you most likely to find bed bugs?
Bed bugs are most associated with hotels, bed and breakfasts, and guest houses. However, they can also be found in privately owned homes, rented establishments, hospitals, residential homes, student accommodation and hostels, including homeless shelters. Not only can they be found in the creases and folds of mattresses and sofas, but in some cases, even on walls and furniture.
Are bed bugs on the rise and why?
Before DDT was banned in the UK in 1984, bed bugs were almost eradicated from homes in the western world. However, unfortunately the population has escalated dramatically in the last two decades. This is for several reasons but one of the main ones is international travel, as bed bugs can get to and from buildings on people, clothing and in bags and suitcases. A second is the rise in popularity of second hand furniture and other items, which again can transfer bed bugs from one place to another if they have come from a place that is already infested. Another is that these pests are becoming more resistant to popularly used insecticides, which now makes them harder to get rid of.
How long do they live?
The life span of a bed bug varies according to temperatures and how often they feed, but they can live many weeks, or even months. During their lifetime, a female can lay up to 500 eggs.
Can you get rid of them yourself?
Keeping premises clean and well vacuumed, including regular hot washing and tumble drying of fabrics, is a good way to keep the bed bug population down. Wrapping mattresses also helps.
However, bed bugs are hard to get rid of and tend to be resistant to over-the-counter pesticides.
So, for effective pest control in Manningtree, Ipswich, Colchester and Stowmarket, it is always best to call Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions who can eliminate the problem so you and your guests can sleep easy.
How do Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions tackle bed bugs?
Our first step is to complete a thorough review of the premises to check how extensive the problem is.
Carpets, bedding, clothing and infested furniture are thoroughly cleaned and washed and an insecticide applied. Up to three treatments, once a fortnight, are recommended to eradicate these pests.
Nine things to know about bed bugs:
- These creatures are generally nocturnal, so humans won’t notice when they are feeding.
- Bed bugs, their faeces and their sticky eggs can be found in their hundreds, or even thousands on furniture and upholstery of infested property.
- Once they have fed on human blood, they can return to their host for another feeding by following a chemical trail.
- They have a distinctive odour which has been likened to rotting fruit.
- Their droppings, if wetted, look a bit like blood smears on fabric.
- They feed every five to ten days.
- Female bed bugs can lay up to five eggs a day.
- Bed bugs can be eaten by cockroaches, ants and spiders.
- They are a problem not just in the UK, but all over the world.
For prompt and discreet pest control in the Ipswich and Manningtree areas, click on the link below.
Pest Control Manningtree – Contact us now to tackle the problem of bed bugs at your home or business.
Related articles:
Bed bug treatment
Wednesday, 19 March 2014
Pest Control Witham – FAQ About Ants
While ants may only be the tiniest of creatures, they can be a major pest: entering homes and businesses to seek out sweet stuff which, once found, can attract hundreds more ants in one place. This is why if you have an ant infestation, you need to call on the services of Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions who are pest control experts covering Witham, Stowmarket and the surrounding areas. Here we address the most common questions we are asked about ants, including how to control them.
Pest Control Witham -contact us now for efficient and effective pest control services in Essex, Stowmarket and other areas of Suffolk.
What are the characteristics of ants?
There are more than 12,000 species of ants and they can be black, yellow, brown or red in colour. They are around 1mm upwards in length, although some of the tropical species are up to 25 mm long. Like other insects, their body is divided into three sections: the head, the chest area (otherwise known as the thorax) and the stomach, although unlike other insects they can carry up to 50 times their body-weight. There are thought to be around 1.5 million ants on the planet per human; they live in colonies, and one colony can house anything from 500 to several thousand ants.
Why are ants a problem in homes?
If you have an ant colony near you and have spilled something sweet in your kitchen, you can soon get an ant infestation in your home. If sugar is found by foraging ants, they will leave a trail of pheromones (special scents) to guide other ants in their colony to the food source. These ants will follow the path, adding yet more scent to the trail. This means very quickly you may have hundreds, or even thousands, of ants converging on the food source in your home and this can become a major problem if it is not dealt with quickly enough. Ants can climb walls, windows, doors and bins and are attracted to sweet things, such as sugary food and jam, as well as proteins, including dog food.
Why are they a problem in gardens?
Ants are more of a nuisance than a pest in gardens, as they rarely eat plants. Large colonies of ants can prevent you sitting out and enjoying your garden, while tunnels of ants in pot plants can cause the plants to wilt. They can also cause a problem on lawns as there will be earth left outside the nest entrance which can prevent your mowed lawn looking neat and tidy.
In addition to this, ants can destabilise paving slabs if they remove the sand, which poses a danger to pedestrians, and can cause the outside of domestic or commercial properties to look unkempt.
Why are they a problem in commercial properties – and which buildings are most affected?
Just as with domestic properties, ants can also cause problems in commercial properties, especially in office kitchens. However, they also pose a major threat to food-based organisations such as factories, restaurants, bars, hotels, supermarkets and warehouses, where they can contaminate food and threaten the reputation of your organisation. They can also be a big problem in hospitals and care homes, and can be hard to control as they enter premises through the tiniest of openings.
If you have an ant infestation in your commercial property, it is important to call Essex and Suffolk Pest Control, so that an infestation can be dealt with straight away to keep your reputation intact, and to prevent any potential loss of revenue.
When is the ant season?
Female ants usually emerge in spring to lay eggs and the larva are fed by the queen for about four weeks until they pupate. This generally happens in April/June time and is the stage when the larva changes into its adult form. Winged ants emerge by the end of the summer and mate between August and September. They go back to the soil in the winter and the process begins again.
Ants have a fairly lengthy lifespan as queens can live up to 15 years, and worker ants can live as long as seven years. If you don’t tackle the problem and organise pest control for your Witham or Stowmarket home or business, ants are not only a nuisance for the season, they can return year after year.
Can you tackle an ant problem yourself?
It is possible to buy over-the-counter ant control solutions, including pellets and sprays. There are also various DIY methods which involve putting adhesive on window sills, using lemon juice, cinnamon or chalk to deter ants. However, none of these compare with professional pest control. What is a good deterrent, however, is making sure surfaces are always thoroughly cleaned after use, so that ants are not attracted to your premises.
How is an ant infestation problem tackled by the experts?
Garden ants, such as the Black Garden Ants (Lasius niger), also and the Rogers Ant (Hypoponera punctatissima), can be treated using baits or insecticide. However, the Pharaohs Ants, which are the species that can infest food industries, need to be more thoroughly tackled or they will multiply. These yellow to light brown, almost transparent ants, nest in buildings and can spread disease, so it is essential to call in the pest control experts, Witham and Stowmarket to eliminate the problem as soon as you spot the first signs of infestation.
Pest Control Stowmarket – contact us now so we can combat an ant infestation at your domestic or commercial property.
Pest Control Witham -contact us now for efficient and effective pest control services in Essex, Stowmarket and other areas of Suffolk.
What are the characteristics of ants?
There are more than 12,000 species of ants and they can be black, yellow, brown or red in colour. They are around 1mm upwards in length, although some of the tropical species are up to 25 mm long. Like other insects, their body is divided into three sections: the head, the chest area (otherwise known as the thorax) and the stomach, although unlike other insects they can carry up to 50 times their body-weight. There are thought to be around 1.5 million ants on the planet per human; they live in colonies, and one colony can house anything from 500 to several thousand ants.
Why are ants a problem in homes?
If you have an ant colony near you and have spilled something sweet in your kitchen, you can soon get an ant infestation in your home. If sugar is found by foraging ants, they will leave a trail of pheromones (special scents) to guide other ants in their colony to the food source. These ants will follow the path, adding yet more scent to the trail. This means very quickly you may have hundreds, or even thousands, of ants converging on the food source in your home and this can become a major problem if it is not dealt with quickly enough. Ants can climb walls, windows, doors and bins and are attracted to sweet things, such as sugary food and jam, as well as proteins, including dog food.
Why are they a problem in gardens?
Ants are more of a nuisance than a pest in gardens, as they rarely eat plants. Large colonies of ants can prevent you sitting out and enjoying your garden, while tunnels of ants in pot plants can cause the plants to wilt. They can also cause a problem on lawns as there will be earth left outside the nest entrance which can prevent your mowed lawn looking neat and tidy.
In addition to this, ants can destabilise paving slabs if they remove the sand, which poses a danger to pedestrians, and can cause the outside of domestic or commercial properties to look unkempt.
Why are they a problem in commercial properties – and which buildings are most affected?
Just as with domestic properties, ants can also cause problems in commercial properties, especially in office kitchens. However, they also pose a major threat to food-based organisations such as factories, restaurants, bars, hotels, supermarkets and warehouses, where they can contaminate food and threaten the reputation of your organisation. They can also be a big problem in hospitals and care homes, and can be hard to control as they enter premises through the tiniest of openings.
If you have an ant infestation in your commercial property, it is important to call Essex and Suffolk Pest Control, so that an infestation can be dealt with straight away to keep your reputation intact, and to prevent any potential loss of revenue.
When is the ant season?
Female ants usually emerge in spring to lay eggs and the larva are fed by the queen for about four weeks until they pupate. This generally happens in April/June time and is the stage when the larva changes into its adult form. Winged ants emerge by the end of the summer and mate between August and September. They go back to the soil in the winter and the process begins again.
Ants have a fairly lengthy lifespan as queens can live up to 15 years, and worker ants can live as long as seven years. If you don’t tackle the problem and organise pest control for your Witham or Stowmarket home or business, ants are not only a nuisance for the season, they can return year after year.
Can you tackle an ant problem yourself?
It is possible to buy over-the-counter ant control solutions, including pellets and sprays. There are also various DIY methods which involve putting adhesive on window sills, using lemon juice, cinnamon or chalk to deter ants. However, none of these compare with professional pest control. What is a good deterrent, however, is making sure surfaces are always thoroughly cleaned after use, so that ants are not attracted to your premises.
How is an ant infestation problem tackled by the experts?
Garden ants, such as the Black Garden Ants (Lasius niger), also and the Rogers Ant (Hypoponera punctatissima), can be treated using baits or insecticide. However, the Pharaohs Ants, which are the species that can infest food industries, need to be more thoroughly tackled or they will multiply. These yellow to light brown, almost transparent ants, nest in buildings and can spread disease, so it is essential to call in the pest control experts, Witham and Stowmarket to eliminate the problem as soon as you spot the first signs of infestation.
Pest Control Stowmarket – contact us now so we can combat an ant infestation at your domestic or commercial property.
Thursday, 30 January 2014
Pest Control Colchester, Felixstowe and Woodbridge: FAQS About Squirrels
At first sight, squirrels may appear like attractive animals with their lively scamper, glossy coat, bright eyes and bushy tails; but the truth is that they can cause a great deal of damage. If they have found their way into your attic, or are creating havoc in your garden, it’s time to call upon the services of Essex & Suffolk Pest Solutions, the pest control experts in Colchester, Woodbridge and Felixstowe. We provide a quick and successful grey squirrel removal service for domestic and commercial organisations, and to keep our services low key, we can arrive in an unmarked vehicle on request.
Pest Control Colchester – contact us now for a friendly, efficient pest control service in Essex, Woodbridge and Felixstowe.
Meanwhile, at Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions we are often asked for information about various pests in the Colchester, Woodbridge and Felixstowe area, and here are our answers to some of the common questions we are asked about squirrels:
What species of squirrels are there?
The most common species of squirrels in the UK are red and grey squirrels. Whereas the red squirrel is native to Britain, and is a protected species, grey squirrels are considered to be a pest. They carry a pox which is deadly to their native cousins, and compete with the reds for food. Unfortunately, while the red squirrels are declining at an alarming rate, the grey squirrels are rising in number and there are estimated to be around 2.5 million greys in the UK.
Black squirrels are a lesser known species of squirrel and, like the greys, they originated from North America. The two species share a similar nature and habitat and black squirrels are commonly spotted in rural parts of Cambridgeshire.
What do grey squirrels eat?
Grey squirrels eat all sorts of plant based material such as buds, bulbs, flowers, fruit, roots, nuts, acorns and tree shoots. They sometimes steal birds’ eggs and eat fledglings.
What is a squirrel’s lifespan?
A grey squirrel can live up to a decade, although their lifespan will generally fall between three and four years. They are a pest at any time of year, and this doesn’t depend on the season.
When is their breeding period?
Female grey squirrels usually give birth around March and April time and if they have a healthy access to food, they sometimes produce a second litter, commonly around June or July. They produce up to nine young at a time.
Why are squirrels a problem in domestic properties?
Squirrels can cause considerable damage to property. Over time, they have become much more courageous in their search for food, and they can sometimes enter kitchens to take scraps. At Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions, each year we get a number of enquiries to deal with the problem of squirrels settling in lofts and roof voids – you will know if they are in your attic as you can hear them running about. If you do have a squirrel problem, these pests are best dealt with straight away as they can chew through walls, beams, insulation and electrical cables.
What damage can they create in commercial buildings?
In commercial buildings, grey squirrels can cause similar problems to those listed above; and if they do chew through cables, at the very least it can cause electricity failure, but more worryingly, this can create a serious fire risk which could put your staff and business in jeopardy. This is why it is so important to deal with a squirrel problem straight away.
What damage can they cause in parklands and woodland?
Grey squirrels are not only a threat to property, but they are also a concern in gardens, parks, open spaces and commercial woodland. They chew through bark to get at the sap which can kill off a tree as it prevents vital nutrients from travelling up to the branches. Squirrels are also prone to digging holes in gardens (to bury their food) and will seek out newly planted bulbs to eat.
Can I carry out DIY squirrel pest control?
There are various DIY measures on the market if you have a problem with grey squirrels. These include government approved spring traps, and pest repellers to stop squirrels roaming into your garden. However, this is not always an effective form of pest control so it is important to bring in the experts from Colchester, Woodbridge and Felixstowe, who can tackle the problem and prevent it happening again.
It is also important to note that although grey squirrels are not protected by law, it is an offence to kill or injure red squirrels.
Do Essex & Suffolk Pest Solutions take preventative measures?
Yes. As with all our pest control measures in Colchester, Woodbridge and Felixstowe, we feel that prevention is the best course of action. After treatment we will also make sure that your domestic or commercial building is left squirrel proof and lay strong wire mesh to prevent the problem from re-occurring.
What other ways do Essex & Suffolk Pest Solutions address a squirrel problem?
Our pest control measures are extremely effective, which is why we can offer a guarantee. We generally use traps, which are simple to use and are very successful for the treatment of grey squirrels, although poison may be necessary in some cases.
Pest Control Felixstowe – contact us now to address the problem of grey squirrels at your domestic or commercial property.
Pest Control Colchester – contact us now for a friendly, efficient pest control service in Essex, Woodbridge and Felixstowe.
Meanwhile, at Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions we are often asked for information about various pests in the Colchester, Woodbridge and Felixstowe area, and here are our answers to some of the common questions we are asked about squirrels:
What species of squirrels are there?
The most common species of squirrels in the UK are red and grey squirrels. Whereas the red squirrel is native to Britain, and is a protected species, grey squirrels are considered to be a pest. They carry a pox which is deadly to their native cousins, and compete with the reds for food. Unfortunately, while the red squirrels are declining at an alarming rate, the grey squirrels are rising in number and there are estimated to be around 2.5 million greys in the UK.
Black squirrels are a lesser known species of squirrel and, like the greys, they originated from North America. The two species share a similar nature and habitat and black squirrels are commonly spotted in rural parts of Cambridgeshire.
What do grey squirrels eat?
Grey squirrels eat all sorts of plant based material such as buds, bulbs, flowers, fruit, roots, nuts, acorns and tree shoots. They sometimes steal birds’ eggs and eat fledglings.
What is a squirrel’s lifespan?
A grey squirrel can live up to a decade, although their lifespan will generally fall between three and four years. They are a pest at any time of year, and this doesn’t depend on the season.
When is their breeding period?
Female grey squirrels usually give birth around March and April time and if they have a healthy access to food, they sometimes produce a second litter, commonly around June or July. They produce up to nine young at a time.
Why are squirrels a problem in domestic properties?
Squirrels can cause considerable damage to property. Over time, they have become much more courageous in their search for food, and they can sometimes enter kitchens to take scraps. At Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions, each year we get a number of enquiries to deal with the problem of squirrels settling in lofts and roof voids – you will know if they are in your attic as you can hear them running about. If you do have a squirrel problem, these pests are best dealt with straight away as they can chew through walls, beams, insulation and electrical cables.
What damage can they create in commercial buildings?
In commercial buildings, grey squirrels can cause similar problems to those listed above; and if they do chew through cables, at the very least it can cause electricity failure, but more worryingly, this can create a serious fire risk which could put your staff and business in jeopardy. This is why it is so important to deal with a squirrel problem straight away.
What damage can they cause in parklands and woodland?
Grey squirrels are not only a threat to property, but they are also a concern in gardens, parks, open spaces and commercial woodland. They chew through bark to get at the sap which can kill off a tree as it prevents vital nutrients from travelling up to the branches. Squirrels are also prone to digging holes in gardens (to bury their food) and will seek out newly planted bulbs to eat.
Can I carry out DIY squirrel pest control?
There are various DIY measures on the market if you have a problem with grey squirrels. These include government approved spring traps, and pest repellers to stop squirrels roaming into your garden. However, this is not always an effective form of pest control so it is important to bring in the experts from Colchester, Woodbridge and Felixstowe, who can tackle the problem and prevent it happening again.
It is also important to note that although grey squirrels are not protected by law, it is an offence to kill or injure red squirrels.
Do Essex & Suffolk Pest Solutions take preventative measures?
Yes. As with all our pest control measures in Colchester, Woodbridge and Felixstowe, we feel that prevention is the best course of action. After treatment we will also make sure that your domestic or commercial building is left squirrel proof and lay strong wire mesh to prevent the problem from re-occurring.
What other ways do Essex & Suffolk Pest Solutions address a squirrel problem?
Our pest control measures are extremely effective, which is why we can offer a guarantee. We generally use traps, which are simple to use and are very successful for the treatment of grey squirrels, although poison may be necessary in some cases.
Pest Control Felixstowe – contact us now to address the problem of grey squirrels at your domestic or commercial property.
Wednesday, 29 January 2014
Cannibal Rats Are All At Sea
Cannibal rats causing alarm
The thought of rats turning to cannibalism after being left on an abandoned cruise liner floating in the north Atlantic has got the press into something of a flurry.
| The thought of disease infested rats turning to
cannibalism after being left on an abandoned cruise liner floating in the north
Atlantic, and due to beach on a west country UK shore, has got the press into
something of a flurry. However, it is now thought that the Lyubov Orlova cruise liner – dubbed the ‘ghost ship’– which was heading towards British shores may have sunk. The ship has been adrift ever since it broke loose en route to the scrap yard in the Dominican Republic. ‘Experts’ in the press say it was likely to still contain hundreds of carnivorous rats that have been eating each other to survive. All good stuff! |
 The Lyubov Orlova' sitting derelict at dockside in St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, October 2012 © Dan Conlin |
The Lyubov Orlova cruise liner has been drifting across the
Atlantic for nearly a year. About the only people happy at the thought of it
arriving on a British beach are salvage hunters hoping to trace the 4,250-ton
vessel valued at €1 million (£829,000) as scrap.
Built in Yugoslavia in 1976, the unlucky vessel was abandoned in a Canadian harbour in 2010 after its owners were embroiled in a debt scandal and did not pay the crew. Newfoundland authorities attempted to sell the hull for scrap to the Dominican Republic, but cut their losses when it came loose in a storm on the way. The ship has been adrift ever since. Click here for more information about rat control | |
Wednesday, 18 December 2013
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."
"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."
Tuesday, 17 December 2013
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
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 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
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