Even though their stature is less than intimidating, the very presence of fleas can bring about a wave of annoyance. They’re also prominent enemies for most domestic pets, and without treatment, you could find your family cats or dogs developing all sorts of unsavoury diseases. Early detection is therefore paramount as they can multiple rapidly, and that can only mean the issue will escalate well out of control! Here, we have taken a look at some common questions associated with flea treatment at home, giving you the means to combat these pests head on. 

How Do You Get Rid of Fleas?

Clean, clean and then clean some more! High levels of hygiene is perhaps the best course of action when dealing with most pests, and this really does apply to fleas since they’re attracted to grimy surfaces. The interior of your home should be regularly vacuumed and washed, but the main concern should be whether you have any pets. Their fur and bedding needs to be cleaned often, since these are the very places fleas will call home should they be dirty.

Aside from everyday cleaning, you could also use sprays to act as a form of remedy against fleas. Lemon for example is an effective substance to use, since its citrus based formula can provide excellent long lasting results. It's even cheap to manufacture, with lemon slices and water being the only ingredients required! Spraying this over sofas, bedding sheets and of course pets will hand your building an extra layer of protection.

Will Fleas Go Away on their Own?

Absolutely not! Over the course of many years, fleas have established themselves as one of the most resilient pests around. If you want to get rid of fleas effectively, you are best calling upon specialist London pest control for more concrete results. Immediacy is key with flea prevention, since they will grow in numbers quickly. With so many ways in which fleas can enter the home, it wouldn’t take long for your building to become a haven for this particular species.

There is one potential exception to the rule, and that’s the climate in which fleas usually require to survive. They like the warmth, so turning your thermostat down below certain levels could be the kick they need in order to depart your home on a permanent basis. This only works if the new temperature is something you can live with yourself, otherwise you’re compromising quality living arrangements at the expense of flea prevention. 

How Long do Fleas Live in Your House?

Typically speaking, fleas can live anywhere between 3-4 months, and they’re more happy to spend that entire time within your home unless you take action. There have also been cases where fleas have lived out an entire year, so you can only imagine the damage this could be inflicting on your pets with such a sizable time-frame in question. The best way to reduce their lifespan would be creating a less than favourable environment. As mentioned, they only enjoy certain temperatures and will be most interested in parts of the home which aren’t clean. 

Get Rid of Fleas with Extreme Pest Control 

Don’t let fleas ruin your summer! Get in contact with our team to ensure these pests are taken care of right away! 

Cockroaches are a major pest for domestic households and business owners, mostly due to their rather unpleasant behavioural traits that make them rather smelly. Should they turn up on a regular basis, you may find your once gleaning building filled with unsavoury scents, and as seasonal pests which usually emerge in the winter, it’s worth thinking about how you can eradicate any concerns before the weather becomes cooler.

Regular exposure to cockroaches can also bring about harmful allergic reactions, which could make everyday living filled with unwanted strain. If that wasn’t bad enough, cockroaches also carry incredibly dangerous pathogens linked to things like typhoid fever and cholera.

What Attracts Cockroaches in Your Building?

Even if you’re actively cleaning your residential or commercial building on a weekly basis, the very nature of fresh surfaces could be enticing enough for cockroaches to pay a visit. The reason being their reliance on moisture to survive, making bathrooms and kitchens extremely lucrative to these less than welcome visitors. Away from clean surfaces, they will also keep a close look out for any materials like leather, linen and a wide selection of everyday foods. You will also find continental cockroaches are especially omnivorous, taking a liking to just about anything they can get hold of.

What Harm Can Cockroaches Do to Humans?

Tread very carefully with cockroaches, as much like rats and mice, they can make you incredibly ill. Certain cockroaches could be carrying the pathogens associated with diarrhoea and vomiting, both of which can make you feel under the weather, and both have the capacity to be massively disruptive during the day. In actuality, there are tons of bacterial substances to have been found on cockroaches, so the possibilities are quite limitless as to the harm they could cause.

How do Cockroaches Get Inside?

Cockroaches will be able to enter your building in a variety of ways, the most common of which would be through small gaps. They can also gain access through pipes or flooring, so it’s best to check everything has been tightened or sealed up properly to keep them out.

What Sounds Do Cockroaches Hate?

Here’s where you can take a stand! Even though cockroaches are typically nocturnal, they are still more than happy to weather the storm and make daily appearances, where noise is of course far more prevalent. Some of the main sounds they hate would be loud tones generated from doors closing or even just people walking whilst wearing heavy shoes. If you don’t like the idea of using poison as a combative strategy, you could amplify sound artificially with an ultrasonic device, since high pitch tones could be the key to creating the hellish environment which puts them off for good.

What to Do if You Find a Cockroach?

The type of action required really depends on the scale of the problem. A solitary cockroach appearance shouldn’t instantly equate to an impending infestation, but keep a close eye out to see whether the volume ever increases since London pest control may then be required. Remember, finding cockroaches is often no reflection on the way you have maintained your building!

The shock and horror felt when you see a small rat scurrying around the home is something I’m sure we could all live without! There is something so immensely terrifying about rats, despite their rather primitive stature compared to humans. Whether you have concerns about these unwelcome visitors turning up at your residential home or disrupting a commercial environment, we have decided to take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding rats to shed some light on their behaviour and how to get rid of them once and for all.

How Rats Get in Your House

Quite simply, where there is a gap, there is an opportunity for rats to enter your home! Some of the key target areas would probably be garage doors, windows and anything made from wood, since rats can easily gnaw their way through this substance. Just like humans, rats need shelter and food to survive, which is why they are likely to be attracted to homes where they can detect this will be amply supplied on a regular basis. Once they find a building that satisfies their taste, rats are likely to find concealed areas, most probably parts of the home where wires and insulation are present, in order to create nests. So, get hold of London rat control services before they become a permanent resident!

Are Rats Dangerous?

Rats themselves aren’t especially dangerous, but the slew of harmful diseases they regularly carry often can be. If they do manage to find their way into your home, they may be spreading harmful parasites over surfaces you may use to prepare food. I’m sure extra lashings of Listeria isn’t something you want spread across your evening Lasagne! These diseases can also be handed to you in person by rats, who are likely to startle and then bite people as a defensive response. Even the droppings or urine they leave behind could be filled with things which should be avoided at all costs. They are branded ‘vermin’ for a very clear reason, and that’s because they are one of the main embodiments of filth.

Which Rat Poison is Best?

Definitely use rodenticides! This kills rats effectively and is often considered the benchmark for general rodent poisons. The added advantage is the fact this also proves to be effective when combating the likes of mice and squirrels. Getting this into the rat’s system is easy as this can be disguised as edible grains, so simply lay them around areas you think they generally appear to ensure they munch away at this lethal substance. Multiple use may be required since rats only consume food they have some familiarity with. Persist, and they will soon fall foul to what is perhaps the best way to rid your building of these filthy creatures. 

What Rats Like to Eat

In general, rats will take a liking to any of the food we consume on a daily basis, however they have a particular fondness for grains and fruits. So, if you think you have a rat problem, make sure such food items are well out of reach or even taken out of the building until you are happy the issue has been dealt with. Rats are in fact a mouse species considered to be omnivorous, so meat is also a type of food they will be attracted to should it become accessible. They’re not particularly fussy either, which can make it even harder when creating a less inviting environment that still sees you keeping all your favourite foods in sure supply. 

Contact Our Team for Further Assistance

Do you have a major rat problem and need further advice on how to deal with this predicament effectively? Then contact us right now to ensure you are on the right path to a rodent-free building once again.

You’ll probably be able to distinguish a rat from a mouse with time on your side, but you aren’t likely to exercise the same thinking process when these pests scurry across your kitchen floor. They are both notorious rodents and come with the potential to wreak havoc around both residential buildings and commercial environments where hygiene needs to be observed on a regular basis. I’m sure you won’t care which of these has entered your building, so long as they have been shown the door, but having even a basic understanding of how they differ may put you in a stronger position to work out which types of treatment would be best.

Rat and Mice Behaviour

Rats can be very cautious around new things and often won’t take a liking to food which they haven’t come across before. This can be problematic when laying out poison, since they won’t be fooled even when this has been carefully disguised, so multiple doses are often needed to achieve the desired effect. On the other hand, mice are quite similar in that familiarity is something they like, often choosing to carefully analyse anything new before taking things further. In general, they share very similar characteristics in terms of food and how they go about getting it.

Physical Traits of Mice and Rats

When mice need to gain a stronger understanding of their surroundings, they will use their tail in order to stand on both rear legs, giving them a more accurate sense of what may be lying in front of them. Nothing is ever going to put mice off from entering your home either, since they have the ability to swim and climb. The key trait associated with rats is their rather annoying ability to enter even the smallest of openings. I’m sure this can be quite frustrating for homeowners who have taken time and money to construct what would seemingly appear to be an impenetrable exterior.

Rodent Habitats

When they aren’t frightening you to death in your homes, both rats and mice will usually seek refuge in burrows, typically found in the sewers. Well, they’re not called vermin for nothing! It’s also important to note that mice in particular will create living arrangements that can last for a long period, so discovery of such burrows may not necessarily indicate an existing problem. Rats also like the sewers, but there are certain species who rely on warm climates, and use their excellent climbing skills to nest in trees where they can get both shade and sunshine.

What do Mice and Rats Eat

It’s a bit of a myth that mice eat cheese until their heart's content, simply because they have a very flexible diet. They will take a look out for fruit and seeds, often leaving gardens in ruins, and won’t say no to servings of grains either. Rats are again very similar in that a vegetarian based diet is what they look for, but they can sink quite low when necessary and munch away at garbage people toss out from their homes.

So Are They Different?

So in answer to the question, yes they are different, but not by much. They are both major problems in cities, so people in London are probably the most affected by these less than welcome guests. They both spread disease and damage buildings, however the London mouse control services you require may differ to what’s needed when looking into the best London rat control available. Be sure to contact our team if you need any advice.

The summer period generally brings out much better weather and well-being, however the increase in temperature also means certain pests are going to take more of a stranglehold over our daily lives. Now that we are venturing out more frequently after recent lockdown measures have been reduced, there is every chance you could encounter bees out in a majority of natural areas.

In most cases, bees are no cause for concern as they are often only interested in collecting nectar, but there are times where disturbing a specific species could cause them to behave violently. If you are interested in bees from an academic perspective, or want more information ready for any bee removal in London, then read this feature about some of the most common types.

Bumble Bees

One of the prominent features which differentiates bumble bees from other species would be their orange colouring which accompanies the usual tones of yellow and black. They possess a large girth and also take on a more streamlined physical appearance. Bumble bees are highly unlikely to sting unless aggravated, and this won’t be an issue should they ever strike, unless you have an allergy. Their gender is also a key component behind their threat levels, since males cannot sting.

Honey Bees

As their name suggests, this particular bee is largely tasked with measures required for the creation of honey. They also play a huge role with fruit, since they act as vital pollinators for plants which require this in order to grow their produce effectively. It’s important to tread carefully if you feel the presence of honey bees, as their sting can be quite dangerous when inflicted on the wrong sort of person. Anyone with an allergic reaction may find the need for immediate medical attention to ensure nothing majorly problematic has taken place.

Mining Bees

Usually acting alone, mining bees nest themselves into the ground and will only act defensively when they feel their eggs are at some sort of risk. They don’t pose too much threat since they aren’t controlled by a Queen, so the formation of long-lasting hives is ever something on the cards. After some time has passed, mining bees will have formed an underground network with multiple tunnels that lead to individual resting places.

Carder Bees

The male version of carder bees come without conventional stings, however they do find themselves armed with a series of spikes found on the bottom part of their body. This particular species of bee is mostly concerned with how they can keep hold of certain areas within a plant to exert their dominance and attract a female compatriot. Should humans or other bees attempt to invade their zone, you can expect them to turn violent rather sharply.

Contact our Bee Removal Team

As the summer season really does start to take shape over the next few weeks, the increase in bees will possibly lead to them entering your home and causing some unnecessary stress. Don’t let this happen! Simply contact our team today in order to sort out any growing concerns.

Fruit flies are more common during warmer, summer weather, however they can still be a problem all year round. Fruit flies are a nuisance and hard to get rid of once they have invited themselves in.

Where do fruit flies come from?

These very small pests most commonly come in through windows or small gaps in the walls. They are attracted to ripe and rotten fruits and vegetables which they can detect from a distance. Once they have found the food, they lay their eggs on the surface, up to 500 at a time. It only takes up to a week for the eggs to develop, so that one fruit fly that’s bothering you can lead to many more very quickly. They are also attracted to wine, if a bottle is left open, they will smell it and fly into your home to investigate.

How to get rid of fruit flies?

You need to discover the source of the fruit flies and where they are coming from before you can take action on getting rid of them. Here a number of solutions to try expelling them from your home:

Clean common areas:

Throw out food and wash the area clean, any type of cleaner would be enough to repel the flies. Flies also like to live in damp and warm drains, so it would be a good idea to make sure you unclog your drains. Check your bins too; they are attracted to old food, so a bin is the perfect breeding ground for a fruit fly. When you clean the bin out make sure you use a bleach product to properly disinfect the area and dry it off after.

Use apple cider vinegar:

Fruit flies love the sweet smell of apple cider vinegar, so making a trap could be a good way to catch the crafty pest.

• Put a couple of centimetres of apple cider vinegar in a container, like an empty jar, and add a few drops of washing up liquid to the solution.
• Stir the mixture then cover with some clingfilm or thin paper held with an elastic band or string.
• Poke holes large enough for the flies to crawl through all over the clingfilm/paper.

Place your trap in an area where you have seen the fruit flies hiding out. The smell of the apple cider vinegar will attract them and once they touch the water it will drown them and you can throw them out. You can also try using a solution made of water, sugar and vinegar too. Just don’t forget the washing up liquid as this breaks the surface tension to stop the flies being able to sit on top of the water.

Buy fly traps:

If you have tried the other solutions and not managed to catch any, the next option would be to purchase a sticky fly trap. These traps work on common flies and fruit flies, all you have to do is place in the area where the flies have been and once the trap is full throw away.

You can purchase these traps from places like Amazon.

Contact your local exterminators today

If you are trying out the above methods, yet the fruit flies still keep buzzing around, then get in touch with us and we can help exterminate the infestation. A fully trained professional will advise you on the best treatment to get rid of the pests. We are also open on call 24 hours a day Sunday to Monday – 0203 600 0351

Preventing the flies from coming back

They will come back if food is being left out unwrapped, bins are not sealed and/or food has been rotting for too long inside and drains are getting clogged. Ensure you are keeping drains and bins clean and smelling fresh and keep the food you leave out covered.

Other problem flies

Fruit flies aren't the only flies that can be a nuisance. Our team of experts can identify which flies are causing the problem, from filter and drain flies to cluster flies, and provide effective treatment and eradication.

Pests can invite themselves in anytime of the year but, depending on which season it is, you may have to deal with different types of pests.

Changing weather patterns will mean you having to prepare yourselves for the different kinds of pests that may be active during that season. Understanding when these pests appear will allow you to have a proactive approach if you come into contact with any. Not only will it help you prevent future invasions of pests, holding the knowledge will potentially be more cost-effective than having a reactive approach to when they arrive.

We have put together examples of the most common pests for each season to help you prepare for the worst.

Spring Pests

After Winter, the temperature rises and flowers start to grow. Many insects and creatures come out of their long hibernation periods looking to feed, grow and breed. Different pests will be more active when the heat increases. Mosquitos will be more prevalent when it has been raining and there are still water sources available while stinging insects start their search for flowers beginning to bloom on sunny days and prepare hives and nests.

Pests to look out for in the spring:

• Ants
• Mosquitos
• Flies
• Spiders
• Stinging Insects; Wasps etc.
• Earwigs

To help you prepare your homes against these unwanted visitors start to think about yearly maintenance to your house. Cracks, holes and other cosmetics damages are perfect doorways to let these invaders in.

Summer Pests

The most popular time for pests, indoors and outdoors is summer. Warm weather, fresh greenery and the availability of food make summer the perfect time of year for pests. Ticks and Fleas are ones that thrive in the summer, taking rides on animals and then infesting homes. Insects seem to be the most prominent during these months, however you may also have to deal with the odd invader nesting in your attic, such as Bats.

Here are the most prominent pests of the hot summer season:

• Mosquitos
• Stinging Insects like wasps
• Ants
• Bats
• Flies
• Termites
• Ticks
• Squirrels

Help keep pests at bay by being active with gardening activities; keeping grass mowed, trimming weeds and maintaining your home will all help. If you spend time outside, make sure food is covered and don’t leave sugary/sweet items out as this will attract wasps and ants.

Autumn Pests

The bright and green colours begin to fade and so do the pests from the spring/summer months. When the cold starts to come in, the pests want to come into your homes to escape the colder temperatures. During autumn, pests start to prepare for hibernation during winter. Spiders and rodents will be actively looking to get inside homes. Although most summer pests will start to disappear, wasps will still be active around September/October, especially during warmer autumns.

Keep an eye out for the following pests during autumn:

• Wasps
• Mice
• Rats
• Flying insects; Flies
• Spiders
• Fleas

When leaves and foliage begin to die off and fall, it is perfect nesting areas for pests to enjoy, so raking leaves and disposing of them will help reduce this issue. Commonly you will find small insects in your home décor/ house plants so keeping on top of dusting will help clear them away.

Winter Pests

Even though you may think the cold weather means all pests will hide away, there are still some home invaders that want to stay away from the bad weather. A lot of moisture increases in the home during winter, with heating on and the icy weather outside, damp areas are prime nesting spaces for certain pests like cockroaches.

These are the top invaders to look out for in the cold conditions:

• Mice
• Rats
• Spiders
• Cockroaches
• Bed Bugs
• Fleas

The best way to prevent these pests from appearing would be to ‘winter proof’ your homes. Naturally you don’t want heat in your home escaping, so you stay warm yourselves, ensuring there are no nooks and crannies for the heat to escape and pests to get in is the most effective precaution to take.

Although there are certain pests that occur during different seasons, pests can be a problem all year round. Bed bugs, fleas and cockroaches do thrive in certain seasons but pests like these can be lurking at all times.

Pests like cold and damp areas, places where you might not usually see but they could be causing a longer-term problem. If you think you have any little creatures taking over your home, get in touch with our expert pest exterminators