Crawling insects might be small, but their impact on your health and property can be substantial. From cockroaches to ants and bedbugs, these pests can pose serious threats to both your well-being and the structural integrity of your living spaces.
Bedbugs, the tiny nocturnal pests that thrive in human habitats, are known for their stealthy nature and troublesome bites. In the United Kingdom, the Common Bedbug (Cimex lectularius) is the primary species that infests homes. While small in size, these insects can cause significant discomfort and have potential health impacts. These reddish-brown insects often hide in cracks and crevices, including beds, upholstered furniture, and clothing. While their bites are not known to transmit diseases, they can lead to skin irritation, itching, and allergic reactions. They can travel between rooms and houses and survive up to 400 days without feeding.
Identification:
Common Bedbug (Cimex lectularius):
Flat and oval-shaped.
About 4-5 millimeters in length.
Reddish-brown in color, but can appear darker after feeding.
Look out for black spots on your mattress and bedding/wallpaper etc.
Treatment:
Managing bedbug infestations requires a thorough approach to eliminate these pests. Start by washing infested bedding, linens, and clothing in hot water. Vacuuming thoroughly and sealing infested items in plastic bags can also help. For larger infestations, it's recommended to consult a professional, as their expertise is crucial for complete eradication. Contact us now for a free, non-obligatory survey.
There are 4,000 species of beetles in the UK. While beetles are generally not a direct threat to human health, they can indirectly impact well-being. The "Chocolate Beetle" (Stegobium paniceum) is a common beetle species found in the UK that can infest various stored food products, including chocolate. Structural damage caused by wood-boring beetles like the Common Furniture Beetle can compromise the integrity of wooden structures. Infestations of fabric-feeding beetles like the Varied Carpet Beetle can lead to material damage and costly replacements.
Identification:
Chocolate Beetle (Stegobium paniceum):
Small, reddish-brown beetle.
Oval-shaped and about 2-3.5 mm in length.
Common Furniture Beetle (Anobium punctatum):
Small, brownish-black beetle.
About 2.7-4.5 millimeters long.
Varied Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus verbasci):
Small, round beetle with varied colour patterns.
Approximately 1.5-4.0 millimeters in length.
Treatment:
Managing beetle infestations requires a comprehensive strategy tailored to the specific species:
For Chocolate Beetle (Stegobium paniceum): Proper storage of foodstuffs in sealed containers and disposal of infested products will help control a small infestation. When dealing with heavy infestation, you should consult a professional.
For Common Furniture Beetles: Inspect wooden structures for exit holes and fine wood dust, and consult professionals for targeted treatments.
For Varied Carpet Beetles: Regular cleaning and proper storage can help prevent infestations. In cases of severe infestations, professional assistance is recommended.
If beetle concerns are creeping into your environment, professional expertise can make a difference. Contact us now for a free, non-obligatory survey. Our experts have the knowledge to effectively address beetle issues, safeguarding your property and ensuring a pest-free living space.
While ants themselves are not typically considered dangerous, their presence can lead to health hazards and property damage. They can contaminate food and surfaces as they search for sustenance. In the case of Pharaoh's ants, their potential to spread disease can be a serious concern, especially in environments like healthcare facilities.
Identification:
Quickly identifying common ant species can aid in management:
Garden Ant (Lasius niger):
Small, black ants.
About 3-5 millimeters in length.
Nest in soil and build mounds in gardens.
Pharaoh's Ant (Monomorium pharaonis):
Small, light yellow to reddish-brown ants.
Approximately 1.5-2 millimeters in length.
Nest in warm, indoor areas.
Treatment:
Managing ant infestations involves a combination of preventive measures and targeted treatment:
Keep food storage areas clean and secure.
Seal entry points to prevent ants from entering indoors.
For persistent or large infestations, seeking professional pest control assistance is recommended.
If ant concerns are marching into your living spaces, seeking expert help can make a difference. Contact us now for a free, non-obligatory survey. Our experts understand ant behaviour intricately and can provide tailored solutions that prioritise safety and effective management.
Cockroaches are known carriers of pathogens and allergens. They can contaminate food, utensils, and surfaces as they scavenge for sustenance. Their presence can lead to the spread of diseases like salmonella and E. coli. Additionally, cockroach droppings and shed skins can trigger allergies and asthma in sensitive individuals.
Identification:
German Cockroach (Blattella germanica):
Small, light brown cockroach.
About 10-15 millimeters in length.
Two dark stripes on the pronotum (upper body).
Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis):
Larger and darker cockroach.
Approximately 20-30 millimeters in length.
Shiny, dark brown to black color.
Treatment:
Managing cockroach infestations requires a comprehensive approach to eliminate these pests:
Maintain cleanliness and proper sanitation, including regular cleaning and removing food sources.
Seal entry points to prevent cockroaches from entering indoors.
For persistent or extensive infestations, it's recommended to seek professional pest control assistance.
If cockroach concerns are scuttling into your living or business spaces, seeking expert assistance is crucial. Contact us now for a free, non-obligatory survey. Our experts have a deep understanding of cockroach behaviour and can provide tailored solutions that prioritise safety and effective management.
Spiders play a vital role in reducing a population of insects making them excellent pest controllers. While the majority of spiders are harmless to humans, some species have venom that can cause reactions ranging from mild discomfort to more serious symptoms. Bites from spiders like the False Widow can lead to localised pain, swelling, and occasionally, allergic reactions. Additionally, the sight of spiders indoors can trigger anxiety in some individuals.
Identification:
Common House Spider (Tegenaria domestica):
Large, brown spider with long legs.
Abdomen is oval-shaped and lighter in colour.
Builds funnel-shaped webs in quiet areas.
False Widow Spider (Steatoda nobilis):
Dark-coloured spider, often with markings that resemble a violin shape on the abdomen.
Abdomen is round and shiny.
Builds irregular webs in sheltered locations.
Treatment:
Managing spider populations involves a combination of preventive measures and targeted control:
Regularly clean and declutter indoor and outdoor spaces to reduce hiding places for spiders.
Seal entry points to prevent spiders from entering indoors.
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove spider webs and egg sacs.
For outdoor areas, reduce outdoor lighting that attracts insects, which in turn attracts spiders.
While spiders can be quite scary, they rarely cause issues and almost never have to be treated. If you are concern about them, contact us now for a free, non-obligatory survey.
Fleas are known for their irritating bites, which can cause itching and discomfort. In addition to causing skin problems for pets, fleas can transmit diseases and parasites, such as tapeworms, to both animals and humans. Flea infestations can quickly escalate if not properly managed, leading to widespread discomfort.
Identification:
Cat Flea (Ctenocephalides felis):
Tiny, reddish-brown flea.
Approximately 1-2 millimeters in length.
Laterally flattened body for easy movement through fur.
Dog Flea (Ctenocephalides canis):
Similar in appearance to the Cat Flea.
About 1-4 millimeters in length.
Treatment:
Managing flea infestations requires addressing both the infested animals and their environment:
Regularly groom and inspect pets for fleas and use appropriate flea treatments.
Wash pet bedding, toys, and other items to remove eggs and larvae.
Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture to remove eggs, larvae, and adult fleas.
For severe infestations or persistent problems, seeking professional pest control assistance is recommended.
If flea concerns are hopping into your living spaces, seeking professional help is essential. Contact us now for a free, non-obligatory survey. Our experts understand flea behaviour and can provide tailored solutions that prioritise safety and effective management.
While woodworms themselves are not harmful to human health, their presence can lead to significant property damage. Infestations can compromise the structural integrity of wooden items, potentially causing weakening and collapse. Over time, untreated woodworm infestations can lead to costly repairs.
Identification:
Common Furniture Beetle (Anobium punctatum):
Small, brownish-black beetle.
About 2.7-4.5 millimeters in length.
Exit holes in wood are round and approximately 1-2 millimeters in diameter.
Deathwatch Beetle (Xestobium rufovillosum):
Larger, dark brown or black beetle.
Approximately 6-9 millimeters in length.
Exit holes are larger, irregularly shaped, and approximately 3-5 millimeters in diameter.
Treatment:
Managing woodworm infestations requires a thorough approach to protect wooden items:
Improve ventilation to reduce moisture, as woodworms prefer damp wood.
Apply woodworm treatment products, such as preservatives and insecticides, to affected wood.
Regularly inspect wooden items for exit holes and fine wood dust, and consult professionals for targeted treatments.
For extensive infestations or valuable items, seeking professional pest control assistance is recommended.
If woodworm are burrowing into your wooden structures, seeking professional expertise is essential. Contact us now for a free, non-obligatory survey. Our experts understand woodworm behaviour intricately and can provide tailored solutions that prioritise safety and effective management.
Silverfish are not known to transmit diseases to humans, and their bites are not a concern. However, they can damage books, papers, textiles, and other items made of starch or cellulose. Their feeding habits can lead to holes, notches, and irregular edges on affected materials.
Identification:
Common Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina):
Silvery-blue color with three long tail-like appendages.
Approximately 12-19 millimeters in length.
Move in a wiggling, fish-like manner.
Treatment:
Managing silverfish infestations involves a combination of prevention and control measures:
Reduce humidity in indoor environments, as silverfish thrive in damp conditions.
Store paper-based items, books, and fabrics in dry areas.
Fix leaks and address moisture problems to discourage silverfish from establishing themselves.
Use dehumidifiers and proper ventilation to lower humidity levels.
For persistent infestations or large infested areas, consider seeking professional pest control assistance.
If silverfish are scuttling through your living spaces, seeking professional help is recommended. Contact us now for a free, non-obligatory survey. Our experts understand silverfish behaviour and can provide tailored solutions that prioritise safety and effective management.