Pests are all around us if we look closely enough, but there are certain things you can do to try and ensure you have a pest-free summer this year.
Wasps
Keep a keen eye on hard-to-reach locations such as roof tiles, guttering crevices and wall cavities. If you notice wasp activity , wasps getting under tiles for example, it’s a pretty sure sign you have a nest. By June, wasps are busy so this is the time that the wasps are most active and most visible outside their nests. Wasps can really can nest anywhere, so don’t be surprised if you find one in an unusual place. The good news is that they are fairly easy and affordable to treat so get in touch with us if you want some advice.
Flies
Flies can be a real pest during the summer. Identifying the true species of flies in your house, knowing how to manage them and your prevention and control, is important. And if in doubt, call in a pest control specialist who can offer information and advice.
Cluster flies and fruit flies are the most common flies during the summer and they have very different characteristics so you should be able to tell them apart. Cluster flies will tend to stick to warm loft spaces and appear sluggish and slow. Fruit flies like to go on the hunt for kitchen food – they are attracted to fruit bowls but they also seek out overlooked bags of potatoes or onions in the cupboard.
To stay on top of keeping flies away, empty your bins regularly, especially food bins. Clean and wipe them down too, to avoid nasty, attractive (!) smells. If you can, wash and refrigerate any ripe fruit. Fly traps are a good option as are some essential oils. Click here to find out more about these.
Rodents
Summertime is an active time for rodents, as they move from their warm winter nesting locations to find places that are cooler for their summer living. Rodent populations grow extensively during winter, due to their lower levels of activity and nesting time so by summer, mice, rats and other rodents find their way out into hedges, bushes and shrubs to enjoy being in the outdoors.
There are certain things that will attract rodents into your garden. These include:
- Unsecured rubbish bins and piles of compost
- Fruit trees and vegetable gardens
- Overgrown trees and shrubs
- Woodpiles and other organic debris
- Pet food that is left out between feedings
If rodents have access to any of these, then it’s only a matter of time before they find your place and stay there.
To help prevent the rodent infestations this summer, try to do the following:
- Seal any cracks in foundations, walls or roof tiles
- Seal chimneys and any guttering
- Remove rubbish regularly and leave the kitchen sink clean at night
- Cut back any overgrown vegetation in your garden that stands near your home
- Keep outdoor rubbish locked away and outdoor areas clean.
Call us
If you would like advice or support with any pest control this summer, don’t hesitate to call or message Jeremy on 07766083234. We are always glad to help. Our prices are very competitive, we offer a very much bespoke service and we are a local team working for local customers.
Photo by Torsten Dederichs on Unsplash
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