FAQ’s
Question:
Is there a safer way to control pests?
Answer:
Under the terms of COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) Regulations 1986, where ever possible, the least toxic method of control should always be deployed. This means proofing and non-chemical control options being the foremost consideration over the use of any Pesticides. It has always been our policy to adopt the safest and quickest method of control of any pest species with utmost respect for health & safety and the environment.
Question:
I regularly hear noise or movement in the loft late at night especially in the early hours – what could this be?
Answer:
This sounds like a rodent has found its way into the loft. A very common problem. Birds do not generally move around at night. If it’s a squirrel, most movement will cease by late evening. Mice, being very small may not be heard and if they are, they scuttle. A roof survey is required.
Question:
I have scratching sounds and falling pieces of mortar in the cavity walls sometimes during the day but mainly at nightime – what could this be?
Answer:
A rodent has found its way into the cavity wall via either the foundations or the roof void. A full survey is required.
Question:
My young son keeps waking in the morning with nasty bites on his arms. There is also blood spotting on the bedding. What is causing this?
Answer:
This sounds like Bedbugs. Check the stitched edges of the mattress and other cracks and crevices in furniture for rustic brown bugs up to 5mm long with a broad, flat abdomen. A thorough survey of the infected area is required.
Question:
I live in a very old brick built house. During late April and most of May, the outside of the house has swarms of small Bees/Wasps. What on earth is going on?
Answer:
These are Masons Bees. They are solitary insects of which there are about 12 different species in the UK.
Unlike the common Honey Bee, they build a single cell in weak or crumbling masonry. Mason Bees are harmless to humans as it appears their sting is unable to penetrate human skin. Over a period of seasons they will cause damage to the structure of the building and the only answer is to re point the brick work.
Question:
During late April/ early May I keep having large wasps entering my upstairs windows and through gaps round light fittings. Have I got a wasp nest?
Answer:
No, not at this time of year. What you are experiencing are queen wasps searching for a suitable nesting site. This period of irritation should cease by late May when the nest building of wasps really gets underway at the chosen site area. The treatment of wasp nests can be undertaken successfully once its exact location can be identified.
Question:
I keep getting flies in the upper rooms of my home during autumn and spring and the loft gets full of them. Have I got a nest or something or has something died somewhere?
Answer:
This sounds very much like Cluster flies to me. Cluster flies seek shelter during the colder months which can bring them into roof spaces to overwinter. This is especially so in rural and semi-rural areas. Refer to my Cluster fly page
If you have a question that requires an answer then please feel free to send me an email to: dparnell@pestcontroler.com. Answers will be provided as soon as I am available. Thank you.
