Pest control advice and information

Effective control can be only be achieved by destroying the nest and therefore the queen. However, ant nests are often difficult to locate and may be inaccessible. Insecticidal dust or spray may be applied to form a barrier to prevent the ants entering the house.

What to use:

• insecticidal powder or dust. They will kill ants if they come into contact with them and remain effective for several weeks
• aerosol sprays. You can use one for flying insects and another for crawling insects. Again this can be effective for several weeks

• insecticides are poisons and must be treated with respect
• only use insecticides approved for amateur (household) use
• always read the label and follow manufacturer’s instructions
  
• when applying insecticides inside only use those approved for indoor use
  
• keep insecticide out of reach of children and pets
  
• wash hands after using any insecticides
  
• spray applications should be in form of continuous band around points of entry when trying to prevent ants from entering a property
  
• care must be taken not to contaminate food or work surfaces with insecticide. Powder should only be used indoors where it can be left undisturbed
  

We offer a professional service treatment but are unable to guarantee that the ants will not return. For more information please contact us.

We do not accept responsibility or liability for any loss, damage or injury incurred as a result of householders carrying out their own pest control treatments.

Proofing is an easy control measure. It firstly involves finding out how they gain access into the loft. This will involve careful observations or even arranging for someone to stand outside the property while someone else enters the loft and makes enough noise to scare the squirrels out. Access points must be sealed and proofed to prevent squirrels from getting out. 

If proofing is not successful or practical then it may be possible to control grey squirrels in other ways using traps or poison bait. These methods are strictly controlled by legislation. The services of a professional pest control company specialising in this type of work are therefore recommended. Ensure you obtain several quotes and you are clear exactly what the control work involves.

Environmental services may be able to help with control measures, please contact us. The department for environment, food and rural affairs (Defra) wildfire management team can also provide additional advice on 0845 601 4523.

• food should not be accessible to rats especially whilst feeding birds 
  
• ensure outside toilets are kept filled with water and in good repair
  
• disused toilets should be sealed off with concrete
  
• all possible access points outside the house should be checked and ensured they are sealed
  
• compost bins should be covered with well fitted lids
  
• refuse and waste material should be disposed of as soon as possible, never leave them out in the open
  
• ensure animals pens and hutches are clean and in good repair
  

• do not feed pigeons
  
• dispose of food litter properly
  

Pigeons are natural scavengers and will find their own food source. The more we feed them the more the numbers will increase. If food supply is reduced, the flock will also reduce. They will not die of starvation; they will simply breed less often.

• obtain a suitable ‘crawling insect’ powder for outdoor use and, if necessary, a general purpose aerosol for ‘crawling insects’ for use indoors
  
• check around the outside of the building and remove any debris, wood, bricks etc from the base of the walls to deny harborage
  
• inside the building, apply the spray along the wall or floor junctions into cracks under the skirting boards and over the door thresholds. Leave the insecticide in position for as long as possible (4-5 days) and repeat the treatment every one or two weeks for it to have a maximum effect
  
• insecticidal powder and aerosols are available from garden centres, hardware stores or DIY Stores and are very effective if used correctly, so always remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Never use insecticides in the house that are intended solely for outdoor use