Summer Pests - Buzz Off!

The summer is flying by in typical British fashion and the weather yet again has not lived up to expectation! 
August and September are the months when the winged creatures thrive. Wasps, hornets and flies are all visibly present around this time of year.
Wasp’s activity increases around now as this is their peak activity period in the season. Did you know a queen wasp can lay up to 100 eggs a day compared to a honey bee that can lay 2000! Mating will take place and the queen will hibernate and the male drones will die. Each nest can produce up to 1000 new queens. They feast on grubs up to this point which secrete a sugary substance; once the grubs have all emerged they seek their sugar hit from human food sources and picnics!

You may spot some Cluster flies around now, sometimes referred to as attic flies due to their tendency to hibernate in large clusters in loft and attic spaces. They are drawn to the west and south sides of buildings as these are exposed to more sun and hence are warmer.
Measuring between 3 to 4 mm in length, the cluster fly is a parasite of the earth worm however not a health hazard to health they are more of an annoyance finding their way into properties through cracks in exterior walls. Check your property fill in any gaps and make sure windows and doors are well maintained.

Have You Seen An Army Of Ants?

Ant activity increases as they continue their food haul for the long winter months Ants, like bees and wasps, always live in colonies which are headed by an egg-laying queen and sterile worker ants. The remedy for an ant infestation is prevention. Keeping your kitchen clean and crumb free will prevent ants from being attracted to food sources and will also remove the trail that they leave signalling to the rest of the rest of the colony. A dual approach of insecticide and thorough cleaning practices will help remove and control an ant infestation. The problem can be relatively short-lived as the average life expectancy of an ant is 45-60 days.

Paw Patrol?

Check your pet’s fur for creepy crawlies as fleas will be an issue around now. They are more active in the warmer weather and will require more regular feedings from your pets. Remember that fleas only remain on their host to feed and the majority of their time is spent in the carpets of their host’s homes so it is not just your pet you will need to treat. The most common flea infestation is the cat flea which will feed off other animals and humans too! There are numerous of diseases that can be carried by fleas. Famously, certain types of flea can carry bubonic plague however mange and dermatitis are more common. Examples include mange and dermatitis and anaemia all of which could affect either you or your pet. Treating both your home and pet is essential to deal with an infestation.

For a pest free summer and summer keep a careful eye out for these pests and if you are experiencing a problem please call us today on 0800 158 3885