Know Your Pests
Mice & Rats
(Muridae)
Mice and rats, from the Muridae family, are common pests in the UK. Female mice can produce litters every 21 days, leading to rapid infestations.
Facts:
- 6% of UK households report a mouse or rat problem annually
- Rodents can spread diseases such as leptospirosis and salmonella
- Damage costs UK businesses and households millions annually
- Rats have strong teeth that can chew through various materials
Controlling Method
1. Prevention
Seal entry points like cracks and gaps around doors and windows. Store food and waste properly.
2. Exclusion
Block rodents by installing door sweeps, repairing screens, and sealing holes.
3. Sanitation
Clean regularly to remove food and water sources. Use tightly sealed bins and dispose of garbage promptly.
Common Wasps
(Vespula vulgaris)
Wasps are a common and troublesome pest, building nests in various locations and posing risks due to their sting.
Facts:
- Wasp activity are frequently reported during warmer months
- Wasps can recognise and remember individual human faces
- Can sting multiple times, causing pain and allergic reactions
- Can damage property leading to costly repairs
Controlling Method
1. Prevention
Inspect and seal entry points, manage waste properly, and maintain your garden.
2. Exclusion
Install insect screens and use wasp traps.
3. Sanitation
Clean outdoor areas and secure food sources.
Bedbugs
(Cimex lectulariius)
Bedbugs are small, reddish-brown pests that feed on human blood and hide in bedding and furniture.
Facts:
- Bedbug infestations are on the rise in urban areas
- Bedbug bites can cause itching and allergic reactions
- Treatment can be costly, often requiring professional extermination
Controlling Method
1. Prevention
Inspect second-hand furniture and use protective covers on mattresses.
2. Exclusion
Seal cracks and crevices in bedrooms.
3. Sanitation
Regularly wash and heat-dry bed linens and vacuum beds and surrounding areas.
Spiders
(Araneae)
Spiders are characterised by their eight legs, fangs capable of injecting venom and ability to produce silk.
Facts:
- Increase in colder months as they seek indoor shelter
- Bites from some species can cause mild reactions
- Most common in the UK are the Tegenaria domestica
Controlling Method
1. Prevention
Regular cleaning and decluttering to remove webs and egg sacs.
2. Exclusion
Seal cracks and install door sweeps.
3. Sanitation
Reduce indoor humidity and remove food sources that attract insects.
Fleas
(Siphonaptera)
Fleas are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. They are known for their ability to jump great distances and their rapid reproduction rates. Fleas often infest homes with pets and can cause significant discomfort for both animals and humans.
Facts:
- Fleas can jump up to 150 times their own length
- Flea infestations are common in homes with pets
- Treating infestations can be expensive
- Flea activity typically increases in the spring and summer
Controlling Method
1. Prevention
Regularly groom and bathe pets, and use flea preventative treatments. Vacuum frequently to remove flea eggs and larvae from carpets and upholstery.
2. Exclusion
Keep pets away from infested areas and treat the environment with insecticides designed to kill fleas at all life stages.
3. Sanitation
Wash pet bedding and toys regularly in hot water. Maintain a clean environment to reduce the likelihood of flea infestations.
Squirrels
Sciurus
Squirrels can cause damage by gnawing on wood and wiring and nesting in attics.
Facts:
- Sightings are common in areas with abundant tree cover
- Squirrels can leap upto 10 times their body length
- Squirrels unitentionally plant thousands of trees each
- Damage to property can be extensive if left untreated
Controlling Method
1. Prevention
Trim tree branches away from the house and block access points.
2. Exclusion
Use squirrel-proof mesh and seal entry points.
3. Sanitation
Keep bird feeders and trash secured.
Cockroaches
(Blattodea)
The most frequently encountered species are the German cockroach, Oriental cockroach, and American cockroach. These pests thrive in warm, humid environments and are often found in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
Facts:
- They can jump 15 times their body length
- They can live without their heads for upto a week
- Cockraoches can tun upto 3 miles per hour
- Cockroaches are one of the olderst living insect species
Controlling Method
1. Prevention
Seal entry points such as cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and pipes. Store food in sealed containers and promptly clean up spills and crumbs to eliminate attractants.
2. Exclusion
Place bait stations and sticky traps in areas where cockroaches are commonly seen to capture and monitor their activity. Install screens on windows and vents to keep cockroaches out while allowing ventilation.
3. Sanitation
Regularly clean kitchen surfaces, floors, and other areas where food is prepared and consumed. Use tightly sealed bins and dispose of garbage promptly to reduce the availability of food for cockroaches.
Hornets
(Vespa crabro)
Hornets are large, aggressive insects related to wasps, known for their painful stings and ability to form large nests in sheltered areas such as attics, trees, and wall cavities.
Wasp Backround
- Hornet stings can cause severe allergic reactions
- Costs can arise from property damage
- Hornets are social insects that live in large colonies
- Hornets are omnivores
Controlling Method
1. Prevention
Regularly inspect property for nests and seal entry points.
2. Exclusion
Use insect screens and nest traps to prevent entry.
3. Sanitation
Maintain cleanliness and avoid leaving food sources outside.
Ants
(Formicidae)
Common species include black garden ants, red ants, and the less common pharaoh ants. These pests can invade homes in large numbers, seeking food and shelter.
Mouse Reproduction
- There are over 12000 known species of ants
- Communication is through sound, touch and pheromones
- Ants are omnivores
- Colonies are structed with a queen, workers and males
Controlling Method
1. Prevention
Inspect and seal cracks, gaps around doors, and windows to prevent ants from entering. Keep food in sealed containers and clean up spills promptly to avoid attracting ants.
2. Exclusion
Apply insecticide barriers around entry points to deter ants from entering. Use bait stations where ants are frequently seen to attract and eliminate them.
3. Sanitation
Maintain a clean environment by regularly cleaning floors, surfaces, and removing food residues. Dispose of garbage promptly and use tightly sealed bins to reduce attractants.
Other Insects
(Insecta)
A broad category that includes many pests like slaters, beetles, and moths.
Wasp Backround
- Insects have exoskeletons
- Many insects undergo metamorphosis
- Over a million described species
Controlling Method
1. Prevention
Seal entry points and reduce clutter.
2. Exclusion
Use insect screens and traps.
3. Sanitation
Maintain cleanliness and store food in sealed containers.
