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How to get rid of pests
Many household pests are simple to get rid of, others such as bed bugs are not. However, successful pest control is not as simple as setting a few mouse traps or spraying a can of bug spray in the general direction of the pest. Correct pest identification is the first step, learning the biology and habits of the pest will help you achieve control. Simple housekeeping can help eradicate many pests, carpet beetles are a good example of a pest that can be controlled without the use of pesticides. Another point to consider is how did the pest find its way in to your home / garden and or what attracted it there? Finally consider how to prevent the infestation occurring again in the future.
As a professional pest control company we regularly attend training courses, sit exams and study the latest developments within the industry to ensure our clients receive fast, safe and efficient control of their pest issues. If you are having problems resolving your pest issue by yourself why not call to arrange a professional pest inspection. I generally only cover the Leeds area. if I am unable to attend or you are in an area outside of Leeds I may be able to recommend a local pest controller who could help.
Garden ants are the most common ant found in the UK and they are relatively simple to control. The first step is housekeeping, clear any spilled foodstuffs from the affected area. Proofing against ants is difficult but the application of a barrier spray can help prevent them gaining access to the building in the first instance. If you are still having issues after taking these steps call me and I can undertake a professional treatment to control the infestation.
There are dozens of commonly found household beetles. They are usually found in either contaminated foodstuff , such as grains flour and rice, or on other organic matter including carpets, textiles, birds nests, and food debris. The key to achieving control is correct identification followed by location of and removal of the source and the application of a suitable insecticide. Woodworm / furniture beetles and other wood boring insects are best left to specialist wood treatment companies.
Bedbugs can be extremely difficult to completely eradicate, even professional pest control companies often find complete control difficult to achieve. However, if you are prepared to put the hours in DIY bed bug control is possible. Take care not to move items from the affected area as it is very easy to spread the infestation to other areas. INSPECT EVERY SINGLE PART OF THE ROOM!! Live bugs can be killed using steam or the finger squash method ;) Application of a suitable insecticide product to cracks and crevices where bugs may be found is the next step This process should be repeated after a few weeks until control is achieved. Bedbugs can survive for over a year without a blood meal therefore no bites for a few days does not mean you are in the clear. Continue to inspect your home at regular intervals. If you are unable to resolve the infestation then a professional bed bug treatment may be the only option.
Fleas are one of the most common household pests in the UK and are, as we are sure you are aware, associated with pets such as cats and dogs. The first question to ask yourself before you start blasting pesticides around is where did they come from. Make sure your pets are up to date with their treatments 'flea drops', when we talk about flea treatments we mean a prescription treatment from your vets not the permethrin drops from the pound shop :). Even if they are its worth while talking to your vet as resistance to some prescription flea treatments is now a problem and many vets are now switching to different products. It may be that you don't have pets but have moved in to a property where the previous occupiers had either a cat or a dog. A treatment by a professional pest control company will resolve the problem in around a week.
First stop them getting in to your home the first place, 6mm is all a mouse needs to gain access to your home so stock up on mouse proofing products as well as traps. If you would like to arrange a professional mouse eradication treatment please call to discuss.
Mole catching can be tricky and is not something that can be taught in a paragraph but here are the basics. Don't stick the traps randomly in the soil, find a straight run by probing between the mole hills with a long screwdriver or similar lift the turf and make a hole just large enough for the trap to fit in the mole run. Cover the trap with turf to ensure no light can get in and don't let any soil fall into the hole the first thing the mole should find is the trigger. Don't stick the trap in the mole hill as this won't work either and watch your fingers :) Failing that why not call a mole catching expert.... like me :)
Textile moths are very common and are often found in homes munching on your carpets and clothes. The first step when dealing with clothes moths is to inspect dark undisturbed areas such as under furniture and in piles of clothes that have not been moved for some time. Grab the hoover and/or get the clothing washed. When dealing with stored product moths, locate the source of the infestation and remove it this may solve the problem if not a specialist moth control treatment may be needed.
Consider how the rats have gained access to your home or what has attracted them to your garden. Bird feeders and unsecured household waste all need your attention before you look at traps and rodenticides. For rats in the home look for and block access points around the outside of your home and consider a drainage fault for repeat infestations. Bait and or traps should be secured so that pets, birds and other wildlife can't get hold of it as rat poison will kill pets, birds and wildlife as easily as it will kill rats. If your unsure on how to safely get rid of rats it would be a good idea to speak to a rat control expert