09 October 2018

Pest advice for controlling False Black Widow Spiders

Several spiders in the genus Steatoda are mistaken for the rather deadly Black Widow Spider. These lookalikes are often grouped together as False Black Widow Spiders. While these spiders are venomous and their bites can be very painful, they're no more dangerous than a wasp sting and the spiders are non-aggressive.. More

29 November 2017

Pest advice for controlling Field Mice

Outdoor cousins of the House Mouse, which tend to move indoors in the winter seeking their creature comforts. . More

08 October 2019

Pest advice for controlling Fleas

Is your pet fidgeting and scratching an unusual amount? Spotted something jumping around on the carpet? If you find yourself fretting about fleas, you’re in the right place.. More

29 November 2017

Pest advice for controlling Flies

A family of two-winged polluters that is, too often, tolerated within our homes. Apart from the biting flies, all species feed by vomiting saliva onto the food surface and sucking up the resulting liquid. In the course of doing so, the fly contaminates the food with bacteria from its gut and its feet. Thus, it may transmit food poisoning, dysentery, typhoid or cholera in countries where these occur. The eggs of parasitic worms may also be carried by flies.. More

29 November 2017

Pest advice for controlling Flour Beetles

Small reddish-brown beetles about 3-4mm long that feed on flour and cereal debris in warm buildings. These beetles are often accidentally introduced into the larder in packaging or the ingredients themselves. The commonest species are the Rust Red Flour Beetle and the Confused Flour Beetle (which in turn is often confused with the Rust Red Flour Beetle).. More

28 November 2017

Pest advice for controlling Flour Mites

A tiny, slow-moving, white or pale-brown creature measuring a barely visible 0.5mm long, with eight legs. A pest of cereals and cereal products especially if they are damp. . More

28 November 2017

Pest advice for controlling Flour Moths

Moths whose grubs feed on stored food - especially cereals, chocolate, cocoa, dried fruit, nuts and any flour product. Adults are mottled grey and brown and measure 10-15mm long. Larvae are a dirty white colour with brown heads and grow up to 12-15mm long, spinning light, matted webbing as they feed.. More

28 November 2017

Pest advice for controlling Foxes

Many people are concerned about foxes affected by mange. A scruffy looking fox is not necessarily an ill fox. When moulting in spring, foxes look quite rough, but this does not mean they are mangy. They are typically found in woodland and open country, but their presence in urban areas is increasing. Red foxes are opportunist feeders and eat insects, earthworms, fruit, berries, wild birds, small mammals and scraps left by humans.. More

28 November 2017

Pest advice for controlling Fruit Flies

A family of very small (about 3mm) flies, some with prominent red eyes, characterised by a slow hovering flight in which the abdomen hangs down. All are associated with rotting fruit and vegetables or fermenting liquids. One species breeds in sour milk, for example, in the residue of forgotten milk bottles.. More

28 November 2017

Pest advice for controlling Fur Beetle

An oval black beetle 4-6mm long with a white spot on each wing case. Grubs are about 6mm long, with a tuft of golden hairs on the end of their bodies. They can often be detected by their cast-off skins as they moult. Grubs feed on fur, hair, skins, feathers and wool and may damage the upholstery.. More

28 November 2017

Pest advice for controlling Furniture Beetles

A small brown beetle, 2.5-5mm long, that is the adult form of woodworm. Emerges from infested wood between May and September, especially in June and July, leaving round exit holes 1-2mm in diameter.. More

28 November 2017

Pest advice for controlling Gnats

The insect normally referred to as a gnat is actually a small mosquito - correct name: Culex pipiens. It is common in gardens on warm evenings. Another species, the true Window Gnat, is a slow-flying insect about 8mm long with wings more rounded than those of the mosquito.. More

28 November 2017

Pest advice for controlling Green Bottles

Large buzzing flies about 9mm long with a characteristic bottle-green sheen on the back. Mostly carrion feeders that enter houses to seek places to hibernate and, in passing, may well alight on exposed foodstuffs.. More

23 September 2020

Pest advice for controlling Grey Squirrels

Have you heard something rustling in your attic or loft and suspect squirrels? . More

28 November 2017

Pest advice for controlling Ground Beetles

These various large black or violet beetles that occasionally wander in from the garden or emerge from under doormats or not a pest and control is rarely necessary. . More

28 November 2017

Pest advice for controlling Harvest Mites

A very tiny creature living in long grass but which can be carried into homes on clothing or the coats of dogs. Can give a very irritating bite.. More

28 November 2017

Pest advice for controlling Harvestmen Spiders

Harmless spider-like creatures with eight exceptionally long, thin legs. They do not spin webs but occasionally wander into homes.. More

28 November 2017

Pest advice for controlling Head Lice

These aren't a pest problem, but a medical problem. The head louse is a blood-sucking parasite about 3mm long that adapts to the hair colour of its host. The tiny, pearly eggs or “nits” are cemented to the hair close to the scalp, and there are three nymphal stages. The eggs hatch in about eight days and the complete life cycle takes about 18 days.. More

28 November 2017

Pest advice for controlling Hornets

Twice the size of the common wasp and brown and yellow instead of black and yellow. It builds nests in hollow trees and similar sites. They only occasionally enter houses.. More

28 November 2017

Pest advice for controlling House Dust Mites

Exceedingly common, these tiny creatures are of the genus Dermatophagoides. They are the primary source of the house dust allergens implicated in allergic, respiratory reactions such as asthma. Dust Mites feed on human skin scales and require both warmth and humidity. Mattresses and pillows provide ideal habitat.. More

28 November 2017

Pest advice for controlling House Flies

The Common Housefly and the Lesser Housefly are the most widespread household flies. The adult is 7-8mm long, grey in colour with black stripes on the back, with a single pair of veined membraneous wings. The large compound eyes take up most of the head and are wider apart in the female than the male of the species. The smaller Lesser Housefly, rejoicing in the scientific name Fannia canicularis, is the one that cruises around light fittings, abruptly changing direction in mid-flight.. More

28 November 2017

Pest advice for controlling House Mice

House mice are a part of British wildlife - but when they take up residence with you, they can be a cause for concern.. More

28 November 2017

Pest advice for controlling House Moths

Textile pests and scavengers whose grubs eat natural fabrics. Similar to Clothes Moths.. More

28 November 2017

Pest advice for controlling Lacewing

The pale green Lacewing is a harmless wanderer from the garden or woods where its larvae prey upon other insects. It has a pale green, soft body, about 15mm long, with richly veined transparent wings folded over it when at rest. The eyes are an iridescent bronze. The adults are attracted to light and may enter houses in autumn seeking hibernation sites.. More

28 November 2017

Pest advice for controlling Ladybirds

There are many types of ladybird in the UK, but quite recently, a new variety was introduced that has the potential to jeopardise the others. The Harlequin ladybird is found naturally in the Far East, including Japan and Korea. It was introduced into several European countries as a predator of pest insects such as aphids, in greenhouses. However it was soon found living ‘wild’ in Belgium in 2001, in Germany in 2003, and in the UK in 2005. Within the UK, it was first reported in the London area but is now rapidly spreading north and west. At present, it appears likely that the Harlequin ladybird will become widely established in the UK.. More