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5 Natural Wasp Repellents You Can Make At Home

Are you fed up with wasps ruining your outdoor fun? They can be incredibly annoying, not to mention their painful stings. Luckily, easy-to-make natural repellents will have them flying away in no time. In this article, we’ll review five powerful natural solutions to keep wasps at bay without using hazardous chemicals. 1. Peppermint oil Peppermint oil is a great, non-toxic solution to keep these bothersome bugs at bay. All you need to do is mix 10-15 drops of this essential oil with some water in a spray bottle and spritz around areas where they tend to gather – like your outdoor patio or deck. If that’s not an option, soaking cotton balls in peppermint oil will also help deter them from entering those same spaces. 2. Vinegar and Water Another excellent option for avoiding unwanted pests is a mixture of vinegar and water. All you need to do is mix equal parts vinegar with water in a spray bottle, then spritz it around areas where wasps tend to gather – like gardens or porches. Not only will it help repel these insects, but its strong smell won’t let them come back anytime soon! 3. Cloves Cloves have a powerful smell that wasps find repulsive. All you need is to take some cloves, put them in a small cloth bag and hang it around the areas where the pests are most active. You can also try placing them in shallow dishes with water around your patio or deck for extra protection. 4. Citronella Candles Citronella candles are another great way of keeping wasps at bay. The delicate aroma of citronella oil wards off not only wasps but other flying insects too. Light up these scented candles all over your outdoor area to defend against wasps. 5. Cucumber Peels Did you know cucumber peels can be an effective way to keep wasps away? Cut up some cucumbers and place the peels in a shallow dish to use this natural solution. The scent will deter an wasps from hanging around your property. Make sure to replace the peels every few days for maximum effectiveness. Using these natural methods, you can enjoy your time outside without fear of being swarmed by wasps. However, if the infestation is severe, it’s best to contact a professional pest controller so they can handle the problem effectively and safely. The Pest Experts Ayrshire is trusted and reliable Wasp Removal company who can eliminate wasps using professional and efficient treatments. The post 5 Natural Wasp Repellents You Can Make At Home appeared first on The Pest Experts Ayrshire. from https://thepestexpertsayrshire.co.uk/5-natural-wasp-repellents-you-can-make-at-home/

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How Rats Are a Health Risk & Why You Should Take Immediate Action

Rats may seem harmless, but they actually pose a serious threat to human health. Rats spread a number of diseases and infections. Therefore, it’s critical to take action right away if you spot any rat activity inside your house or place of business. Let’s talk about why rats pose a health risk and what you can do to safeguard your family and yourself. Why Do Rats Pose a Health Risk? Numerous diseases that can infect people are carried by rats, including the following: 1. Leptospirosis A bacterial infection that causes severe symptoms like fever, headache, muscle aches, and vomiting is carried in rat urine. 2. Salmonellosis This bacterial infection, which results in diarrhoea, fever, and cramps, can be transferred by rats through their faeces. 3. Hantavirus This virus, which causes serious respiratory issues, is spread via rat urine, faeces, or saliva. 4. Plague The bubonic plague, which can cause fever, chills, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes, is also carried by rats, though this is uncommon. In addition to transmitting these illnesses, rats can aggravate allergies and trigger asthma attacks. Some people may experience allergic reactions to the allergens contained in their faeces, urine, and saliva. What Indicates a Rat Infestation? Among the most common signs of a rat infestation are: Rat droppings: You may find little, dark droppings within your house or place of work, particularly in places where rats are known to congregate, like the basement or the kitchen. Gnaw Marks: Rats can bite through practically anything, including wood, plastic, and even metal, thanks to their sharp teeth. Scratching Noises: Rats are nocturnal creatures, so at night you might hear scratching sounds coming from your walls, ceiling, or flooring. Grease marks: Rats have oily fur, thus areas where they have been running may have greasy smudges on the walls, floors, or baseboards. What Should You Do If You Think There May Be a Rat Problem? The first thing you should do if you suspect a rat infestation is call a reputable pest control business. They will examine your property and make recommendations for the best approach to getting rid of the rats. Maintain a pristine and clean home in the interim to prevent rat infestation. Change your habits by, for instance, cleaning up spills and crumbs right away and storing food in sealed containers. Locate any potential entry points nearby windows, vents, and pipes and take the appropriate precautions to seal them off with caulk or steel wool sealants. Place rat traps in areas with a lot of rodent activity, such as basements or kitchens. If you decide to use poison, proceed with caution, read the directions carefully, and keep it away from children and pets. Rats pose a serious threat to human health as they can spread a wide range of illnesses. To prevent any health issues, it’s imperative to take action right away if you suspect a rat infestation. The Pest Experts Ayrshire is reputable pest control company and Rat Exterminator who can eliminate rats from your house using professional and efficient treatments. The post How Rats Are a Health Risk & Why You Should Take Immediate Action appeared first on The Pest Experts Ayrshire. from https://thepestexpertsayrshire.co.uk/how-rats-are-a-health-risk-why-you-should-take-immediate-action/

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Rat Prevention Tips: How to Keep Rats Out of Your Property

Rats can pose a serious health risk to humans and pets. They are intelligent animals that can adapt to their surroundings with ease, making it incredibly difficult to eliminate them once they have established their presence in your property. In this article, we aim to provide you with tips on how to keep rats out of your property for good. Understanding Rats Rats are ubiquitous rodents that are commonly found in homes and businesses worldwide. They are notorious for carrying diseases such as leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and hantavirus, which can be easily transmitted to humans and pets via contact with their urine, droppings, or saliva. Rats are also infamous for causing considerable property damage by gnawing through electrical wires, insulation, and even concrete to create their nests. Tips to Keep Rats at Bay Block All Entry Points Rats can sneak into your property through any opening larger than 1/4 inch. They can squeeze through gaps in walls, floors, and ceilings, as well as through openings around utility lines and pipes. It’s imperative to seal all potential entry points, including gaps around doors and windows, holes in walls, and gaps around pipes and utility lines. Seal Up Your Food Rats are attracted to food sources, so it’s vital to keep all food stored in airtight containers. Ensure that all garbage cans have tightly sealed lids and are emptied regularly. Also, clean up any spilled food or crumbs immediately to avoid attracting rats. Declutter Your Property Rats prefer to live in cluttered areas where they can hide and build their nests. Keep your property clean and organized by removing clutter, including piles of wood, old appliances, and unused items. Store items in plastic containers or metal cabinets to make it difficult for rats to access them. Maintain Cleanliness Rats are drawn to unsanitary environments. Ensure that your property is clean, and garbage cans are emptied regularly. Also, keep your lawn mowed and remove any debris or trash from your property. Use Rat Traps Rat traps are an effective way to eliminate rats from your property. Set traps in areas where you have noticed rat activity, such as near their burrows or where they have left droppings. Ensure that the traps are placed away from pets and children and check them regularly. Use Rat Poison Rat poison is another effective method of eliminating rats. However, it should only be used as a last resort as it can be dangerous to humans and pets. Place the poison in areas where rats are active and ensure that it’s inaccessible to pets and children. Use Ultrasonic Devices Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sound waves that are believed to repel rats. They are safe for humans and pets and are an excellent option for those who prefer a non-toxic approach to rat prevention. Seek Professional Help If you have a severe rat infestation that you can’t seem to eliminate, consider calling a professional exterminator. They have the knowledge and expertise to identify the source of the problem and provide a safe and effective solution. Our team of rat pest control experts are on call 24/7 and ready to assist you with your problem. Get in touch with our team today. The post Rat Prevention Tips: How to Keep Rats Out of Your Property appeared first on The Pest Experts Ayrshire. from https://thepestexpertsayrshire.co.uk/rat-prevention-tips-how-to-keep-rats-out-of-your-property/

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How To Deal With Black Garden Ant Infestations

Spring has arrived, and with it comes the early black garden ant activity many homeowners dread. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prevent and control early black garden ant activity. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about black garden ants and provide practical tips on dealing with ant activity in your home. What Are Black Garden Ants? Black garden ants, scientifically known as Lasius niger, are a common species of ant found in the UK. They are small and black, with workers measuring 3 and 5 mm long. The queen ant is larger and can grow up to 15 mm long. Black garden ants are found throughout the UK in gardens, parks, woodlands, and other outdoor spaces. Life Cycle and Behaviour Like all ants, black garden ants live in colonies. The queen ant is responsible for laying eggs, which hatch into larvae. The larvae are fed by worker ants and develop into pupae before emerging as adult ants. Black garden ants have a relatively short life cycle, with workers living for approximately one year and queens residing for several years. Black garden ants are omnivores, feeding on a wide range of foods. They’re particularly attracted to sweet foods, such as honeydew. They will also feed on insects, plant sap, and other organic matter. In the wild, black garden ants build nests in soil, under stones, and in other sheltered locations. However, they are also known for invading buildings and searching for food and shelter. What Are The Risks Associated with Ant Infestations? While black garden ants are generally harmless, they can become a nuisance when they invade homes. They are attracted to sweet foods and will contaminate any food they encounter. In addition, their presence in large numbers can be unsightly and cause alarm among residents. Furthermore, ants can carry bacteria, which can cause illness if they contaminate food or surfaces. How To Prevent and Control Black Garden Ants 1) Remove Food Sources Ants love sweet foods, so keep surfaces clean and free of food debris. Wipe down surfaces regularly and keep food in sealed containers. 2) Seal Any Entry Points Ants enter buildings through even the most minor gaps. Therefore, seal any entry points with caulk or weatherstripping. 3) Remove Nests If you notice an ant nest in your garden or property, remove it immediately. This will reduce the risk of ants entering your home. 4) Lay Down Ant Baits This is an effective method to control ant activity. They contain slow-acting poison that ants will inevitably carry back to their nest, which is passed onto the rest of the colony. 5) Consulting a pest control professional If you have a severe ant infestation, calling in a pest control professional may be necessary. They can assess the extent of the infestation and recommend appropriate treatment options. An expert pest controller has access to professional equipment and the skills to eradicate ants from your home. The Pest Experts Ayrshire provides a fast and effective Ant Control service throughout Ayrshire and the West of Scotland. Get in touch for a quick response from our team of pest experts. The post How To Deal With Black Garden Ant Infestations appeared first on The Pest Experts Ayrshire. from https://thepestexpertsayrshire.co.uk/how-to-deal-with-black-garden-ant-infestations/

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Is Your Attic Home to Squirrels? Heres What You Need to Know

Have you been hearing strange noises coming from your attic lately? Scratching sounds, the pitter-patter of tiny feet, or even the sound of chirping? If so, you may have squirrels living in your attic space. Squirrels are known for their curious nature, and they’re quick to find new homes. Unfortunately, your attic is a prime spot for squirrels, as it provides a warm and cosy place for them to nest and easy access to food and water. Why Do Squirrels Choose Attics? 1) Warmth and Comfort Squirrels are active throughout the year but need a warm and cosy place to nest in winter. Your attic provides the perfect environment for this, as it’s typically warmer than the outside temperatures. 2) Easy Access to Food and Water Squirrels are opportunistic feeders, taking advantage of any food source. For example, your attic might be a food source for them if you store items like nuts or birdseed up there. Squirrels can also easily find water sources in your home, such as leaky pipes or standing water. 3) Safe from Predators Attics provide squirrels with a safe place to nest where they can avoid predators such as birds of prey, foxes, and cats. What Damage Can Squirrels Cause? While squirrels might seem cute and harmless, they can actually cause a lot of damage to your home. For example, squirrels chew through wood, insulation, and electrical wires. This chewing results in structural damage to your home and can even start fires if they chew through electrical wires. Squirrels also require nesting material; therefore, they’ll use insulation, drywall, and even clothing. Again, this damages your home’s insulation, making it less effective at keeping it warm. Squirrels can carry several diseases, including rabies and Lyme disease. If you come into contact with squirrel droppings or urine, you could be at risk of contracting these diseases. How Do You Get Rid of Squirrels? 1) Identify Entry Points The first step in removing squirrels is identifying how they got into your attic. Look for holes or gaps in your roof, walls, or eaves. Squirrels can squeeze through tiny spaces, so be thorough in your search. 2) Seal Entry Points Once you’ve identified the entry points, you must seal them up. Use a strong wire mesh to cover any holes or gaps. Be sure to secure the mesh tightly so that squirrels can’t chew through it. 3) Trapping and Removal Live trapping is a humane way to get rid of squirrels. However, once you’ve trapped them, you must release them five miles away from your home to prevent them from returning. If you’re not comfortable doing this, contact a professional pest controller. Squirrels can attack and bite you when they feel threatened. Handling squirrels is best done by professionals with knowledge, skills, and better equipment to safely remove squirrels from your home. So, if you think you have squirrels in your attic, take action as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home. The Pest Experts Ayrshire provides a fast and effective Squirrel Control service throughout Ayrshire and the West of Scotland. Get in touch for a quick response from our team of pest experts. The post Is Your Attic Home to Squirrels? Here’s What You Need to Know appeared first on The Pest Experts Ayrshire. from https://thepestexpertsayrshire.co.uk/is-your-attic-home-to-squirrels-heres-what-you-need-to-know/

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Why Youre Hearing Scratching Noises In your Roof

Do you hear scratching noises coming from your roof? The chances are pests are using your roof as a home. Rodents and squirrels are common pests that inhabit roofs as it offers a warm, soft, and dry place to shelter. They’re also close to food and water sources, such as your kitchen, garage, or outside bins. Scratching noises are often pests scurrying across the wooden structure. However, if you listen carefully, you may hear squeaks and squeals as they mark their territory in defence against other pests. How do pests enter your roof? Rats and mice require warm, sheltered, spacious areas, particularly in winter. They’re capable of climbing drain pipes and squeezing into tiny holes much smaller than their body size. Squirrels also take advantage of gaps and cracks in walls or roofs. Sometimes it’s the chimney responsible for allowing pests to enter your home. Why are pests a problem? Besides the fact that noises are irritating, pests breed quickly, and they all need food and water to survive. They also cause structural damage when searching for materials to build their nests. Insulation material, wooden structures, brick, concrete, metal and cables are destroyed by rats, mice, and squirrels. Rats gnaw to file their teeth, and these pests will remove pieces of material to build their nest. Ultimately, this leads to heft repair costs in addition to the cost of hiring a pest controller to remove them. When cables are chewed on, this disrupts your power supply and poses a fire hazard to your property. How to combat scratching noises? If noises don’t go away, it’s a sure sign pests have taken up residence on your roof. If your roof area weren’t suitable, they would search elsewhere for shelter. So consistent noises mean you need to take action. First, inspect your roof for other signs such as nests, droppings, or dead or alive pests. If you post these signs, contact an expert to conduct a more thorough inspection. A professional will use robust treatments to eradicate them and advise you on reducing the chances of future infestations. The post Why You’re Hearing Scratching Noises In your Roof appeared first on The Pest Experts Ayrshire. from https://thepestexpertsayrshire.co.uk/why-youre-hearing-scratching-noises-in-your-roof/

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Why Your Shop Needs Pest Control

If you own a retail shop, you may be asking yourself if you require pest control services. Small retailers may be more reluctant to spend money on services they don’t need. However, depending on what your shop sells, you’ll need to consider the impact a pest infestation would have on your business. What are pests attracted to? Food, water, and shelter are the main elements that attract pests. When running a shop that sells food, how and where your store items are vital to preventing an infestation. Fresh food items are most at risk from contamination. But boxed and plastic-wrapped items are also at risk when stored in dark rooms and densely packed storage areas. What items do you frequently dispose of? Boxes and other packaging materials offer rats and mice a place to shelter. Overflowing bins outside will attract birds, rodents, foxes and cockroaches, particularly if rubbish isn’t collected regularly. Clothing also offers a perfect place to shelter and breed. They also attract insects that damages clothes, affecting your sales margins. For example, moths lay eggs that hatch into caterpillars, which then eat holes into clothing, blankets, rugs, and furnishings. Therefore, it makes sense to take steps to prevent such outcomes. What are the advantages of pest control solutions? The cost of pest control services will likely outweigh the expenses of treating an infestation. Rats and mice cause structural damage to brick, wooden structures and cables as they gnaw and chew these materials. As a result, you may have to fork out more money on repair costs, not to mention the cost of hiring a professional to treat the infestation. Pests may damage your back stock, resulting in unsellable products and reduced profits. Of course, your business reputation is important and maintaining trust with customers is paramount to sustaining your business. Prevention is better than a cure. Pests breed and multiply very quickly, and this becomes difficult to treat. Therefore, pest control prevention methods are required to ward off pests and prevent an infestation from causing damage to your business. Contact a professional pest controller who will assess your premises and provide adequate solutions for different parts of your property. You will also receive advice and recommendations on how to keep your property clean, tidy, and ultimately inhospitable to pests. The post Why Your Shop Needs Pest Control appeared first on The Pest Experts Ayrshire. from https://thepestexpertsayrshire.co.uk/why-your-shop-needs-pest-control/

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5 Natural Wildlife Repellents

Your property is under threat from wildlife all year round. Damaged caused by pests can cause inconvenience and high financial costs to repair the damage. However, there are ways to help prevent the worst outcomes, such as using natural homemade repellents. Of course, you can buy over-the-counter pesticides and repellents. But, many of these pose a hazard to your health and other animals and plants that aren’t considered pests. So, what natural remedies can you create from cheap but effective ingredients in your home? 1. Garlic We know how strong and smelly garlic can be, and animals also feel the punch. Spreading garlic throughout your garden is an excellent way to ward off rabbits, deer, and insects. The most effective method is to create a spray containing up to 6 cloves of garlic. Boil the garlic in 2 quarts of water beforehand and strain that mixture into a spray bottle. 2. Herbs There are lots of herbs that will repel pests. These include lavender, pyrethrum, mint, geranium, basil and sage. Place basil and sage near doorways to ward off rodents and insects. Essential oils are excellent insect repellents. Create a spray repellent containing witch hazel, citronella, eucalyptus, and lavender to rub on your skin to deter insects. Mint is effective against flies and spiders; pennyroyal mint targets ticks and fleas. 3. Soap Soap is effective at warding off squirrels in your garden. Purchase a strongly scented soap and stick them on skewers, then place them around an area that needs protecting. Or wrap and tie soap bars in cheesecloth and put them outside. 4. Cinnamon This is an excellent option to deter squirrels, ants, earwigs, spiders and fruit flies. Be tactful by spreading a consistent line of cinnamon around areas. Otherwise, insects such as Ants may find gaps, so ensure there’s nowhere for them to break into. 5. Hot Peppers Mix hot peppers, cayenne pepper, dish soap and garlic with water, and pour it into s spray bottles. Peppers are potent, so use gloves and goggles to prevent contact with sensitive areas of your body. Try these homemade remedies first, and if problems persist, contact us for further advice. Sometimes DIY approaches don’t have enough power that professional solutions offer. The post 5 Natural Wildlife Repellents appeared first on The Pest Experts Ayrshire. from https://thepestexpertsayrshire.co.uk/5-natural-wildlife-repellents/

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Pest Treatment vs Pest Prevention: Whats The Difference?

Is pest treatment the same as pest prevention? The simple answer is: no. Some people use these terms interchangeably, even those working in the pest control business. However, their meanings differ, so let’s clear up the misconception. The main difference between the two terms is when the action is taken before an infestation develops or after a problem has begun. Your actions make pest prevention successful, whereas pest treatments are best left to professionals. To treat a pest infestation means the window of opportunity to prevent the problem has already passed. Reacting to an infestation by calling pest control is the best action. However, identifying potential causes of the infestation and why pests were attracted to your property is how you prevent an infestation in the future. Therefore, prevention is better than cure, and proactively assessing your property is what pest prevention is all about. There are lots of simple and effective ways to avoid infestations, such a: – Concealing all food sources and cleaning spillages immediately. Otherwise, insects, cockroaches, and rodents will enjoy a feast if you’re not careful. – Ensure pipes and faucets aren’t leaking, as most pests need water, food, and shelter to survive. – Seal cracks and crevices around the home, including your loft, so mice, rats, and squirrels don’t find a way in. – Ensure your pets are free from ticks and fleas, so these insects don’t make a new home in your house. Be mindful when buying second-hand furniture, as bed bugs could already have infested them. Understand what signs to look out for before bringing furniture into the house. Furthermore, inspect luggage and clothes when returning from holiday for signs of bed bugs. These critters are clever hitch-hikers able to undetected and infest your bedroom. You are the first line of defence against pests, and taking precautions and countermeasures reduces your chances of an infestation. You’ll also save yourself the stress of dealing with a problem and avoid the financial costs of hiring a professional. If you spot the signs of an infestation, don’t delay contacting a professional for expert advice and solutions to eradicate the problem swiftly and safely. The post Pest Treatment vs Pest Prevention: What’s The Difference? appeared first on The Pest Experts Ayrshire. from https://thepestexpertsayrshire.co.uk/pest-treatment-vs-pest-prevention-whats-the-difference/

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How To Pest-Proof Your Kitchen

Pests need three things to survive: food, water, and shelter. Your home provides pests with the perfect place to nest and breed, especially in or close to your kitchen. Common pests that enter kitchens range from ants, flies, wasps, rats and mice. So how can you pest-proof your kitchen to ensure it doesn’t become a home to unwanted guests? Here are our top tips to get you started: 1) Seal Cracks Around The Kitchen Many pests can sneak into the kitchen through holes and cracks in the walls or skirting boards around the kitchen. Many cracks may not be immediately visible as they could be behind the cooker, dishwasher, or refrigerator. Therefore, look around the kitchen and seal any cracks, no matter how small. 2) Keep Your Kitchen Clean Ensuring your kitchen worktops and floor are clean is essential, as it’s too easy to attract pests in a food environment. Avoid dropping crumbs on the floor and regularly clean your cupboards, especially ones you don’t use frequently. 3) Don’t Leave Food Lying Around Unless wrapped and sealed in air-tight containers, avoid leaving food lying on worktops for extended periods. Ensure no bread crumbs are left around the bread bin or toaster. Also, remember to date-check food, as all it takes is one expired food item to invite a number of pests. 4) Store Food Properly Purchase air-tight containers to avoid any critters sneaking their way into your food. You should tightly seal items such as rice, pasta, flour, biscuits, and bread in appropriate containers. 5) Remove Pet Food From The Floor Although it’s convenient leaving pet food dishes on the floor but doing so allows pests to grab a meal or rummage around for more inside your kitchen. So remove dishes from the floor when your pet isn’t eating so it’s not in easy reach for ants or rodents. 6) Dispose Of Food Waste Properly Carelessly disposing of food can invite numerous pests. So use bins with lids and strong bins bags that you can tie securely. Also, ensure your outdoor rubbish bins are well away from any doors leading to the kitchen. If these methods fail to keep out pests, feel free to call our pest control experts who can advise your further or suggest a treatment plan if there’s a severe infestation. The post How To Pest-Proof Your Kitchen appeared first on The Pest Experts Ayrshire. from https://thepestexpertsayrshire.co.uk/how-to-pest-proof-your-kitchen/

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5 Pest Control Myths Debunked

Pest control myths never seem to die away, particularly bed bug myths. Many are exaggerations and misinterpretations that lead to prolonged or worsening pest infestations. So, to help you make more precise choices when dealing with pests, we’ve debunked the top 5 myths we commonly hear: 1) A Clean Home Is A Pest Free Zone = False Not quite. A clean is sometimes an advantage when preventing rodents, but some other pests, such as bed bugs, are not deterred by cleanliness. A bed bug’s food source is human blood, not food left on the table. Most other pests require other sources of food, water, and shelter; therefore, many other factors are involved in attracting pests. This misconception leads to a false sense of confidence and occupants may neglect other areas of their house. Do keep a clean home, but don’t rely on this preventing or solving an existing infestation. 2) I Can Tackle An Infestation On My Own = False Sometimes DIY methods can reduce the number of pests, but many strategies fail to eradicate an infestation. For example, bed bug treatments are known to minimise their population but cannot eliminate their presence. Only a professional pest controller who evaluates the situation and offers high-grade chemical or heat treatments can successfully eliminate pests. 3) Bug Zappers Kill Mosquitoes = False Sadly, a bug zapper shining bright UV lights will not work on mosquitoes. A bug zapper will attract most other insects, but they don’t always have the strength to kill those bugs. Therefore, this solution will not eradicate mosquitoes. Instead, contact an expert pest controller who offers more effective ways to deal with mosquitoes than over-the-counter UV zappers. 4) Pests Will Eventually Go Away If I Leave Them Alone = False If that were the case, there would be less need for pest controllers. However, don’t assume they’ll leave on their own accord. When you notice pests around your home, they’ve probably been there for some time already. That means they’ve nested, found a source of food and water, and likely breeding too. Ignoring them risks an infestation becoming more extensive and more challenging to control or treat. In addition, structural damage to your property can ensue, such as chewed wires and insulation by mice. 5) I Only Contact A Pest Controller When There’s A Problem = False Leaving it late to contact a pest control company makes it harder to eliminate pests. If you suspect there’s an infestation or spot a pest on your property, you should begin taking preventative steps to ensure it doesn’t get worse. Proactive measures include contacting a pest control company for further advice. In addition, we can always inspect your home and provide preventative advice and solutions that deter pests so you can enjoy a pest-free home. The post 5 Pest Control Myths Debunked appeared first on The Pest Experts Ayrshire. from https://thepestexpertsayrshire.co.uk/5-pest-control-myths-debunked/

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What Happens To Pests In Winter?

Pests become more active and visible during summertime, but their behaviour changes as winter approaches Some go into hibernation, and others continue to reproduce before emerging in more significant numbers in the spring. However, you should still be vigilant and cautious during winter as some pests like to dwell in your home before emerging later. Here are some of the things that pests do during winter: 1) Migrate Certain insects that thrive on seasonal plants must find new food and shelter for the winter. Therefore, they migrate to more favourable habitats before returning in the summer. 2) Hibernate Rather than migrate, some pests hibernate instead. Your roof, chimney, and loft are excellent areas for hibernation as they’re warm and out of the way of humans, for a while at least. Wasps are one such insect that hibernates in your loft and begins colonising in the spring. 3) Infest Your Home Pests are just as eager to keep warm and dry in the winter months as we are. And your house is the ideal home for them too. Your loft, garage, cavity walls, and wardrobes are great places for pests to sleep, eat and breed. 4) Reproduce Some pests reproduce in the winter to prepare for the spring season. However, as temperatures drop and the weather becomes harsh, some pests may not last the winter but will lay eggs that do survive. Moths are one such example and they can be troublesome in the spring when eggs begin to hatch. Whilst the winter months provide us with some relief from several pest infestations; it also allows us to check for vulnerabilities in our home. It’s a good time to seal cracks and holes in walls around the house or loft area, give the chimney a thorough sweep, and clean out the garage to deter pests in the future. The post What Happens To Pests In Winter? appeared first on The Pest Experts Ayrshire. from https://thepestexpertsayrshire.co.uk/what-happens-to-pests-in-winter/

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How To Prevent A Rat Infestation In Your Garage

Rats aren’t creatures you typically see every day Instead, they prefer to scurry around out of sight as they’re often more afraid of humans than humans are scared of them. However, as their numbers increase they must find other places to dwell, causing them to appear in domestic areas such as your garage. What Attracts Rats to Your Garage? Rats don’t randomly select a nesting place without first seeking out the advantages of such a place. Certain conditions make a garage more attractive to rats. Here are the main things to be concerned about: 1) Food Rats require a regular source of food. If you store fresh food, such as fruits and vegetables or packaged foods, then you’re providing them with an excellent reason to stay. Sometimes even having a garden with food growing is enough to attract rats to your home or garage. 2) Water In addition to food, a water supply is needed for rats to survive. Leaking taps or pipes is ideal for these pests, so ensure there’s no damage to pipes. You should clean up any puddles of water as well. 3) Previous Pest Infestation If you’ve ever had rats living in your garage in the past, this could lead to a new rat infestation over time. The residue left over from the past infestation can attract new rats as they feel comfortable knowing that rats were here previously. 4) Cluttered Spaces Garages sometimes get cluttered with many different items, creating small spaces for rats to hide. Make sure that you regularly declutter your garage. If you’re using your garage as a storage area, ensure the place doesn’t get too cramped. Your garage offers shelter and warmth for rats, so following the suggestions above will help deter rats. However, if you spot a rat, there may be more. Always look for other signs first and call a pest control professional who has the right tools to remove the infestation. The post How To Prevent A Rat Infestation In Your Garage appeared first on The Pest Experts Ayrshire. from https://thepestexpertsayrshire.co.uk/how-to-prevent-a-rat-infestation-in-your-garage/

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How To Prevent Mouse Infestations

Prevention is better than cure, as the saying goes And when it comes to preventing a mice infestation, we believe in this strongly. You can avoid mice causing havoc on your property in many ways. So we have created a list of top tips to help you prevent mice from infiltrating your home or business. 1) Inspect Your Property For Holes Mice can fit through the tiniest of gaps, so don’t underestimate the significance of small cracks around your home. Holes over a quarter of an inch give mice enough room to wriggle through. The least you can do is fill in these gaps with expandable foam. 2) Seal Pipes Consider sealing pipes that connect your property to outside water supplies. Whether the pipes lead to hot water tanks or hose pipes, you should use steel or bronze wool to cover the hole. 3) Screen Your Chimney Mice are adept at finding any entry points high above the ground. So, seal your chimney with a screen to stop mice from gaining entry from above. 4) Explore Your Attic For Gaps Don’t neglect your attic when searching for potential entry points for mice. Check vents and under windowsills for small gaps and seal them properly. 5) Install Door Sweeps If you have adjoining buildings such as a garage, ensure that every door has a door sweep which provides extra defense against mice. 6) Avoid Storing Food At Ground Level Always store food in plastic, glass, or metal containers and place them in closed cupboards above the ground. 7) Don’t Leave Pet Food On The Floor Avoid leaving pet food on the ground if it’s not being eaten. Either seal it or throw it out. Otherwise, mice will have another incentive to invade your property. 8) Maintain A Clutter-Free Home An untidy home offers mice many places to hide and nest within. So, ensure your home is tidy. 9) Spray Small Cracks With Peppermint Oil or Cayenne Pepper For minor cracks and crevices, try using a diluted spray of Peppermint Oil or Cayenne Pepper. Strong odours such as these will help deter mice. Remember, prevention is better than a cure; therefore, inspect your home thoroughly to ensure mice have no place to enter or hide. The post How To Prevent Mouse Infestations appeared first on The Pest Experts Ayrshire. from https://thepestexpertsayrshire.co.uk/how-to-prevent-mouse-infestations/

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How To Deter Drunken Wasps In Late Summer

The summertime is the peak wasp season in the UK Homeowners are no strangers to how aggressive wasps behave during this time of year. But what is it that makes wasps appear drunk? And more importantly, how can you protect yourself? How Wasps Get Drunk During summertime, there is plenty of food for wasps—flies, caterpillars, and your leftover picnic. As their food supply dwindles towards autumn, wasps have little choice but to feed off rotten fruit like apples. As apples fall off trees, they begin turning to cider, supplying enough alcohol to make wasps drunk. Furthermore, research shows a decrease in the number of insects found throughout the UK. This is due to changes in the landscape where family farms are fewer in number, meaning fewer hedgerows and open pastures (making room for more significant agricultural projects). Therefore, wasps have fewer food options and need to search elsewhere for food. How To Protect You And Your Family Always be vigilant, and if you see more wasps than usual, it’s a sign that there’s a wasps nest nearby. Practical solutions to deter wasps include spraying peppermint oil (diluted with water) around your home, garden, and clothing. In addition, place fly screens on windows and doors to prevent wasps from flying into your home. When outdoors, avoid wearing bright colours and perfume, even though it’s the ideal time of year for such attire. Ensure bin bags are sealed, and bins are lids firmly closed. Clean up spillages quickly and cover up food if not being eaten. However, if you’re concerned there are more wasps than usual, contact us for expert advice, and if necessary, a pest control expert will eradicate the problem. The post How To Deter Drunken Wasps In Late Summer appeared first on The Pest Experts Ayrshire. from https://thepestexpertsayrshire.co.uk/how-to-deter-drunken-wasps-in-late-summer/

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How To Tell If You Have A Mouse Infestation

Witnessing a mouse in your house is one way to be sure you have a mouse infestation in your home. However, you may not always see an actual mouse, but they do leave evidence of their presence in and around your home. Here are three specific indications you have a mouse infestation. Droppings Evidence can be their droppings at the back of furniture and appliances, such as a fridge or corners of cupboards. Their droppings are small, dark, and appear like grease marks. You may find them at the back of cupboards, inside cutlery drawers. Older mice droppings will be dry and crumbly, whereas, new droppings will be shiny. Scratching noises Sometimes you may hear scratching noises as they move inside wall cavities or along pipelines. A distinctive smell Rodents, like mice and rats, leave a foul smell in areas where they dwell. An infestation will likely generate a musty odour that’s hard to ignore. Hiding places Mice prefer to make nests in lofts and eaves, as well as behind kitchen appliances and inside cupboards. They tend to nest close to pipes allowing them to scurry away in search of food. As you may already know, mice are capable of fitting into holes much smaller than their body size and can hide in places well out of sight. Therefore, wall cavities are also a favourite hideout for mice, or a suspended ceiling, where they can go unnoticed for long periods. When you notice the signs of an infestation, such as droppings, contact a pest control expert as soon as possible. Some people may not think it’s a big problem if they don’t see actual mice, but only see droppings; however, if left unresolved, the problem can escalate as mice reproduce in greater numbers. Mice may seem harmless to humans, but they do carry diseases and are therefore a health hazard. Furthermore, they can cause structural damage by chewing through wires and insulation. This is one pest to look out for and take immediate action to safeguard your health and property. The post How To Tell If You Have A Mouse Infestation appeared first on The Pest Experts Ayrshire. from https://thepestexpertsayrshire.co.uk/how-to-tell-if-you-have-a-mouse-infestation/

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How To Deal With Houseflies in Summertime

So, the summer has arrived, and all you’re thinking of soaking up every minute of sunshine. With hotter weather and brighter evenings, we can enjoy getting together with family and friends for BBQs, dinner on the patio, and plenty of wine. However, we aren’t the only ones who rejoice in the summer heat; a whole host of common summer pests are lurking around, threatening to spoil our fun. Pests, such as wasps, ants, and houseflies are there to contend with, but they’re easily dealt with by following simple methods. Houseflies can be very irritating, as they often whizz past our ears, or fly around our faces. Houseflies are also a serious health hazard. Flies typically feed upon animal waste and rotting plants; therefore, making them a carrier of harmful bacteria and diseases for us humans. They also have a very bad habit of landing on our food, where they often vomit up their last meal. It’s hard to prevent all flies from landing on our food; however, when you see one, it’s best to dispose of that food immediately to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. The best way to repel and catch flies is to use window screens to stop them from flying into your house. You can also use sticky fly paper which helps catch flies and purchase a good quality aerosol fly-repellent. These methods are successful when combatting small amounts of flies at a time. However, if you notice more than you can cope with, and wonder where they’re coming from, it’s time to call a professional to eradicate the issue. An expert will have the knowledge, skill, and equipment to eliminate this pest and make your home free from fly infestations. The post How To Deal With Houseflies in Summertime appeared first on The Pest Experts Ayrshire. from https://thepestexpertsayrshire.co.uk/how-to-deal-with-houseflies-in-summertime/