Pests and services
All chemicals and products used are COSHH regulated
Insects are generally treated with a liquid insecticide in heavy pressure areas as a barrier which once crossed will kill problem pest. In areas where direct spraying could cause an issue or areas where a clear source is not apparent the use of an ultra-low volume insecticide may be required which fills the air with a fine mist entering all small cracks and crevices.
Wasps
Wasp problems are most commonly treated using a powder based insecticide which is pumped into the entry points of the nest, due to the nature of the wasp this is then carried by the workers back to the queen, once the queen is dead this result in the death of the remaining wasps.
Cluster Flies
Cluster flies are similar in size to bluebottles however differ in colour, they tend to have a dark grey/olive thorax, covered with golden brown hairs. The wings of the cluster fly overlap when they are at rest, and they are sluggish when flying. They are often found in roof voids in Autumn and tend to be in large numbers.
Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are smaller than either cluster flies or bluebottles and are of a yellow/brown colour with bright red eyes. Their abdomen hangs down when they fly and they are more likely to hover. They are known to breed in fermenting residues found in fruit/vegetables and in pubs/breweries. They have also been known to breed in unclean drains.
Greater House Flies
House flies are divided into two categories, greater and lesser. The lesser house flies as demonstrated by their name tend to be slightly smaller, they also have only 3 black stripes on their thorax which are very faint as oppose to the Greater house flies four stripes. Both lesser and greater house flies have yellow abdomens. Greater house flies tend to inhabit all types of premises and breed in moist decaying vegetable matter. The lesser house fly breeds in semi-decaying organic matter and is not very attracted to ultra violet light. The male lesser house fly also has an irregular flight pattern.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes found in the UK are usually about 5mm in length, they have long legs and a long thin abdomen. They are grey in colour. Only the female mosquito bites as it has to have blood before it can lay fertile eggs.
Bluebottles
Adult bluebottles are usually around 6-12mm in length and a metallic blue colour. They breed mostly in meat substances; consequently they are most commonly a pest of dead rodents/bird etc.
Bees
Bees are flying insects, closely related to wasps and ants. Bees may be solitary or may live in various types of communities – the most advanced of which are eusocial colonies found among the honey bees, bumblebees, and stingless bees.
Though Bees are not protected by law it is our policy to only treat bees where ultimately necessary. We have a bee keeper that we work with to remove bees where possible. Should you require any assistance in regards to bees please feel free to contact us.
Solitary Bees
Honey Bees
Unlike most insects, honey bees remain active throughout the winter with honey produced from the nectar of flowers providing plenty of food during the colder months. Honey bees are social insects and create elaborate nests, or hives, containing up to 20,000 individuals during the summer months.
When threatened, honey bees will swarm out and attack with their stingers to drive the enemy away, but generally as they forage around your garden, they are quite harmless and will only sting if they accidently become caught in clothing. Honey bees are brown and amber in colour and tend to be slightly larger than the solitary bees.
Black Garden Ants