Pest Control
Dog Care and Control...
Information
It is estimated that there are over 1,500,000 dogs in the Merseyside and Cheshire area, some of which are allowed to stray. Each day they produce around 60 tonnes of dog mess!
Much of this is left on footpaths, parks and playing fields. At best it gets on shoes and clothes. At worst it can cause blindness through an infection called 'Toxocara Canis'.
Local Authorities can now designate land under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996. On the designated land, it is an offence for an owner or keeper of a dog to fail to clear up after their dog has fouled. Failure to comply can result in a prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.
It is not a defence to claim that you did not know or were not there when the dog fouled.
Never let your dog out alone.
Solutions
When you walk a dog, always carry the means to clean up after it. Parks and other areas are not provided as dog toilets!
Remember, rain does not wash the problem away. Never let your dog out alone to go to the loo!
It is everyone's duty to clean up after their dog.
There is no excuse, fouling is unacceptable!
Responsible dog ownership
Train your dog in basic obedience, so it is under proper control at all times.
Train your dog to go to the toilet at home - if your pet accidentally fouls in public, make sure that YOU clean it up.
Always have a poop scoop, or other means, to clean up when you walk your dog.
Keep your dog on a lead when in public – it is an offence for your dog to roam the streets.
There are financial penalties if a Dog Warden picks up your dog.
Stray Dogs are taken to Cheshire Dogs Home, 225 Knutsford Road, Grappenhall, Warrington, WA4 3JZ, Tel: 01925 269500.
Website: www.cheshiredogshome.org.uk
A fee is charged for reclaimed dogs
Take your dog to the vet for its vaccinations.
Make sure that your dog has a healthy, balanced diet and gets plenty of exercise.
When your dog leaves your property it MUST wear a collar and tag.
Don't let your dog be a nuisance or danger to other people or animals.
Groom your dog regularly and check for fleas.
If your pet does have fleas, the Council's Pest Control section can treat your home if necessary (there may be a charge for this service).
Worm your dog regularly.
Consider having your dog neutered.
Dogs are good for people, people should be good for dogs.
Do not leave your dog in a car in hot weather.
Garden Ants...
What do they look like?
The black or garden ant is the commonest British ant to enter houses and it is found in almost all parts of the country. The worker is very dark brown, almost black, and about 5mm long. The queen, which is rarely seen except for certain months in the Summer, is about 15mm long and mid-brown in colour.
Where do they live?
The queen makes the nest in the soil, in grassed areas beneath paving and patios and sometimes in hollow trees. The nests are usually outside buildings although sometimes they may be found in the walls or foundations of a house.
What do they eat?
The foraging workers follow well-defined trails to their feeding grounds, which may be many metres from the nest. They enter buildings, often through very narrow crevices, and if one ant finds food, there will soon be many others. Ants foraging for food in houses may cause considerable nuisance to the householder.
Pest status
Worker ants will frequently enter dwellings foraging for food, particularly sweet substances. While not a risk to human health, they can be present in sufficient numbers to cause a nuisance.
The emergence of numerous winged ants (usually on a hot day in summer) can cause alarm to some people, particularly if these 'flying ants' are emerging inside a building. These flying ants may be a nuisance, but they are harmless and nothing can be done to stop them swarming.
Control
Insecticidal dusts are an effective treatment against garden ants; these can be purchased from hardware shops, do-it-yourself shops and garden centres. The dust should be puffed lightly into void spaces, cracks and crevices where the nests may be located.
Insecticidal aerosols: suitable for crawling insects can be used for spraying into cracks and crevices, and for application as a band around skirting boards, door frames, air bricks and other access points. Flying ants can be treated with any aerosol suitable for the control of flying insects.
Bait formulations: these products rely upon worker ants taking the bait back to the nest and sharing it with other ants.
When using pesticides always follow the instructions on the label
Fleas...
What do they look like?
Adults fleas are normally 1 - 4mm long, brownish in colour, without wings but with powerful legs adapted for jumping. Female fleas can live up to two years, during which time they can lay up to 1000 eggs each.
Where do they live?
Adult fleas live exclusively as parasites of warm-blooded animals. The females lay their eggs close to or on the infested animal. Wall-to-wall carpeting and soft furnishings also provide a relatively undisturbed environment for fleas to develop. They can also live in cracks and crevices in bare floors.
What do they eat?
Larvae feed on debris and adult flea droppings. Adult fleas feed solely on blood.
Pest status
Disease transmission
Fleas are not thought to transmit any serious illnesses to humans.
Flea bites
Although not all people are affected by flea-bites, they can cause severe irritation.
Control
Hygiene
Regular cleaning, particularly with a vacuum cleaner, will help prevent the build-up of infestation by removing eggs and larvae from floors, furniture and where pets sleep.
Treatment of pets
In order to achieve effective control, pets MUST also be treated with a product approved for veterinary use.
Chemical
The standard treatment for infested premises is the application of a residual insecticide, either as a powder or a liquid spray.
The insecticide is applied to all floor surfaces, and these areas must not be vacuumed or washed for at least 10 days after the treatment, or longer if possible.
Patience
Although new adult fleas may still be emerging from cocoons up to a month after treatment, there should still be sufficient insecticide to kill them off.
When using pesticides always follow the instructions on the label
Wasps...
What do they look like?
All the wasps found in the United Kingdom, with the exception of the hornet, are very similar with black and yellow bands on their body and two pairs of wings.
Where do they live?
In Spring, the queen leaves her hibernating quarters to seek nesting sites. These could be holes in the ground, hollow trees, sheds, loft spaces etc. The queen starts to build her nest with a papery material that she makes by chewing wood mixed with saliva; this is known as wasp paper. She will raise the first few workers who will then enlarge the nest and care for the immature wasps to follow. The nest construction starts in Spring and will reach its maximum size in September, when up to 10,000 workers may be present. An old nest is not used in subsequent years.
What do they eat?
Wasps usually eat insects, which are mainly garden or household pests. They also feed on dustbin waste and animal carcasses.
Pest status
A wasp, unlike a bee, can sting many times. Although the wasp sting is not normally serious, it can be very painful, and in certain cases can cause a severe reaction.
Control
Is it necessary?
Nests located in areas away from human contact can be left untreated. It should be remembered that wasps have a beneficial aspect as they kill many garden insect pests.
D.I.Y. treatments
If you do decide to treat the nest yourself, suitable products can be purchased from hardware shops and garden centres. You must first locate the entrance to the nest. Following the flight pattern of returning wasps may help. Treatment should be carried out very early or late in the day when activity is at a minimum. Apply the insecticide to the entrance of the nest, or directly on to the nest if it is visible.
Consider the risks carefully before attempting a treatment yourself. Wasps are very aggressive when their nest is threatened, and multiple stings may result if your protective clothing is inadequate.
Professional help
Your Local Authority can provide this service (however, there may be a charge involved). Alternatively, commercial Pest Control Companies are listed in the Yellow Pages and Thompson's Local Directory.
When using pesticides always follow the instructions on the label
Rats...
What do they look like?
The common rat typically has brownish fur on its back and grey underneath but colour can vary from white through to black. Adult body length is 200 - 270mm plus a tail length of 150 - 200mm.
The ship rat, which is nowadays rarely encountered in Britain, is smaller than the common rat and usually black in colour. It has large hairless ears and a tail that is longer than its head and body length.
Where do they live?
Common rats live in any situation that provides food, water and shelter. In homes they will live in loft spaces, wall cavities, cellars or under floorboards. In gardens, they will burrow into compost heaps and grassy banks or under sheds. They are commonly found living in sewer systems.
Ship rats are agile climbers and are usually found indoors, living in roof spaces. They are rarely found in sewer systems.
What are the signs of infestation?
Sightings of live rats.
Common rat droppings can be 12mm long and taper at both ends.
Runs - rats follow the same routes when travelling, and leave trails through the grass and low vegetation.
Footprints and tail swipes - on muddy or dusty surfaces.
Smears - dark grey marks left on surfaces by repeated contact with rat fur.
Burrows - entrance holes 7 - 120mm in diameter in grassy banks, under tree roots, at the edge of paving or drain cover surrounds.
Nests - sometimes found indoors, in lofts or under floorboards.
Gnawing - rats gnaw continually, even on non- food materials, in order to wear down their front teeth.
What do they eat?
Their favourite foods are cereal products, although they will eat almost anything that humans eat.
Most of the damage they do is by gnawing and ripping open packets. They also foul food with urine and droppings.
Why must rats be controlled?
Rats can transmit many diseases to humans, including Salmonellosis (food poisoning) and Weils disease.
Rats will eat or contaminate food intended for humans. It is estimated that up to 5% of food produced world-wide is lost as a result of rodent activity.
Damage to buildings and other structures due to rat gnawing and burrowing.
How can I get rid of rats?
Rats are adaptable, highly mobile and breed rapidly. This combination makes rat control a difficult task for the untrained individual.
The Local Authority provides a service for the treatment of rats in domestic properties. Fully trained Pest Control Officers will survey the infestation, then place poison bait in the most appropriate locations. Follow up visits will be made to ensure the success of the treatment.
Householders can assist in preventing infestation by some simple measures:
- Remove potential nesting sites by keeping yards and gardens clean and tidy, and by cutting back overgrown areas.
- Do not feed wild birds or other animals to excess - you may be feeding rats as well.
- Keep your home in good repair so that rats cannot gain access to it. Ensure that the drain inspection covers are in place and are in good repair.
- Do not leave household waste where rats can get at it.
When using pesticides always follow the instructions on the label
Urban Foxes...
What do they look like?
A fully grown fox is slightly larger than a male cat. It weighs about 6kgs and is about 60cms long excluding the bushy tail. All have pointed faces, red brown fur with long black hairs, a white throat and chest, and black legs.
Where do they live?
Due to suburban development of their natural habitats, foxes are born and raised in built up areas, and would struggle to survive in open country.
Foxes dens, called earths, have one entrance and one exit (bolt hole), and these are to be found under garden sheds, in dense undergrowth, or in banks of earth.
What damage do they cause?
To buildings
Foxes will make an earth under a house if they can gain access through an airbrick, or by any other means.
Within gardens
Although fouling and urinating is the main method of marking their territory, this should not cause a great problem in our gardens, as foxes only shed a few drops of urine at a time. However, foxes will tunnel under sheds or among shrubs, making large piles of earth or sand. Occasionally they will, at certain times of the year (mainly Autumn), dig shallow holes in the lawn when they hunt for earthworms or grubs.
How can I get rid of them?
Proofing
To protect chickens, rabbits and other domestic pets, or prevent access to a garden, a barrier of at least 2 metres high with a 30cm overhang should be erected and buried into the ground to a depth of 30cms. Cages and runs for animals should be constructed of galvanised mesh rather than chicken wire.
Repellents
Chemical repellents, approved for use against foxes, are often the most effective way of keeping them away from your property. These products contain pungent chemicals which, although not harmful to animals, will make treated areas less attractive to foxes. Products of this nature can be purchased at most garden centres.
Deterrents
Other methods of keeping foxes at bay are ultra sonic devices and automatic water jet adapters, which connect to hose pipes.
Remove food sources
Keep all domestic waste in refuse bins or closed containers.
Protect all animals and livestock.
Only put refuse out on the morning of collection.
Do not leave food out for other animals e.g. cats, dogs, rabbits. Be careful where you put food to feed birds, this should be in proper bird feed containers.
Mice...
What do they look like?
The common mouse found in buildings is the house mouse. The fur colour varies between light brown and grey. Body length varies between 60 - 90mm and the tail can add an additional 100mm. Often, the droppings found are black, rod-shaped and 3 - 6mm long.
Where do they live?
Mice live in nests, which are often built inside houses, especially during the winter. Nests are built wherever there is access to a good source of food. Spaces under floors and lofts are favoured places for nests, which are built out of cloth, wool and paper.
Mouse holes are normally 20 - 30mm in diameter. Mice are mainly active at night and can be heard running about as they search for food.
Mice can squeeze through cracks as small as 5mm.
What do they eat?
Their favourite foods are cereal products, although they will eat almost anything. Most of the damage they do is by gnawing and ripping open packets. They also foul food with urine and droppings. Mice will gnaw their way through wood to get to sources of food.
How can I get rid of mice?
It is important to get rid of mice quickly, before they damage pipe cables and insulation. It is possible to carry out the work yourself.
To get rid of mice you should do either of the following:
1. Set traps
Break-back traps may be used and these should be placed next to walls where mice tend to travel.
The trap should be baited with chocolate, biscuit or cereal.
Use several traps and examine them daily, removing dead mice as soon as they are discovered.
All traps should be handled with care.
2. Lay poison
Mouse poison can be bought from hardware stores and most garden centres. Always select the most suitable type.
Put the poison in a safe and secure place to ensure children and pets cannot get to it and eat it.
Wash hands after use.
When using pesticides always follow the instructions on the label
The Feral pigeon...
An urban pest
Flocks of feral pigeons have become an increasingly common sight in many towns and cities. They thrive in urban areas in particular because there is usually a good food source and also because of the absence of predators. The result is that they can become pests in built up areas.
What attracts pigeons?
Food litter
More people are choosing to buy from "fast food" outlets and to eat their snacks and meals outdoors. The amount of food spillage and litter containing food waste has increased in recent years, and this source of food has been exploited by the feral pigeon population.
Feeding pigeons
Feeding is one of the main reasons why flocks congregate around many shopping centres. Some people feed pigeons in the mistaken belief that the activities of the birds are harmless to humans.
Roosting sites
Vacant buildings, structural defects and building design can all provide attractive roosting sites. Various proofing methods are available to deter roosting.
Pest status
Pigeons cause many problems including:
Fouling of buildings
Fouling occurs where birds nest or roost. Apart from being unsightly, the acidic droppings can erode stonework resulting in costly long term damage. Gutters and drainpipes can become blocked causing flooding. Ladders and fire escapes can become coated with droppings, making them unsafe to use.
Hazards to pedestrians and drivers
Pigeon droppings are a danger to the public as they can cause slippery pavements and roads.
Startled flocks will take flight suddenly, causing hazards to pedestrians and drivers.
Encouragement of other pests
The feeding of pigeons attracts rats and mice, which take any uneaten food.
Pigeon nests, droppings and dead carcasses provide a home for a wide variety of insects.
These infestations can spread into buildings causing nuisance, damage and skin irritation.
Disease transmission
Pigeons carry a number of potentially infectious diseases such as Salmonellosis, Tuberculosis and Ornithosis. Contamination of food by pigeon droppings or by the birds themselves can transmit these diseases to humans.
Why pigeons should not be fed
Human food lacks the necessary nutrients the birds require for good health.
Feeding attracts pigeons into an area that is potentially hazardous to them - resulting in damage to wings and feet.
Feeding results in all year round breeding which causes overcrowding in roosting sites, allowing disease to spread quickly within the flock. The birds therefore live in an unhealthy and stressful condition, exposed to parasites and disease which can be passed on to other wild birds.
Pigeons are wild birds, capable of searching out their own natural food supply. Regular feeding by humans destroys their ability to fend for themselves and makes them dependent on humans.
What can we all do?
Dispose of food carefully!
Use litterbins provided!
Do not feed the pigeons!
Bed Bugs...
What do they look like?
Adult bed bugs are oval shaped, flattened and about 6mm long. When unfed they are pale brown in colour but become reddish brown to mahogany when full of blood. Young bugs (nymphs) are nearly colourless, becoming brownish as they mature. The legs are well developed and they can crawl up vertical surfaces of wood, paper and plaster. They are unable to crawl up smooth polished surfaces.
Where do they live?
Bed bugs are usually found in areas such as in floor cracks, under carpets, behind loose wallpaper, wall pictures, loose skirting boards and door frames, and in the seams of bed mattresses etc.
What do they eat?
Bed bugs feed exclusively on blood, generally only in darkness. Although human blood is preferred, they can survive on other blood from rabbits, rodents etc. Bed bugs can survive extremes of starvation, and have been known to survive for up to 12 months without feeding.
Pest status
Disease Transmission
Bed bugs are not thought to transmit any serious illnesses to humans. However, the bite can cause considerable irritation and may result in loss of sleep and lowering of general health.
How can I get rid of bed bugs?
Firstly contact your Local Authority, who may offer a free service, as even after a thorough treatment, monitoring over a few weeks may be required to determine if the infestation has been eradicated.
Control
Hygiene
The routine washing of bedding and clothing, followed by drying in a tumble dryer at normal temperature, will kill any bedbugs and eggs present.
Chemical
The standard treatment for infested premises is the application of a residual insecticide. The insecticide is applied to cracks and crevices where bed bugs could be hiding, including the seams of mattresses, bed frames, flooring, skirting boards etc.
When using pesticides always follow the instructions on the label
Cockroaches...
What do they look like?
The two main species of cockroach in Britain are the Oriental cockroach which is dark brown in colour and about 30mm long, and the German cockroach which is light yellowish brown, and about 12mm long. The bodies of both species are divided into three sections. They have long antennae protruding from the head.
Where do they live?
Generally found indoors, such as in cellars, basements, kitchens, bakeries, and heating ducts etc. The Oriental cockroach can survive outdoors in Britain during the summer months.
What do they eat?
All Cockroaches will feed on a wide range of substances, particularly refuse and human food. Cockroaches can survive for several months without food but will not live for more than a few weeks without water.
Pest status
Cockroaches will often remain hidden during the day using cracks and crevices as harbourage. This means that in most cases they will not be visible during the hours of daylight. Most species can climb with ease, especially the German cockroach which can climb smooth vertical surfaces.
Control
Hygiene
Before carrying out a treatment against cockroaches, a thorough cleansing of the area to be treated should take place, paying particular attention to removing food sources and hiding places.
Sticky Traps
The use of sticky traps is not recommended for controlling cockroaches, and should only be used for monitoring the extent of the infestation.
Insecticidal Control
Carrying out a successful treatment against cockroaches will depend on what insecticides are chosen, and how thorough the application is. Many of the insects and their egg cases are hidden in cracks and crevices, so particular attention should be paid to these areas when applying insecticides. To control an infestation, the insecticide used should last until the egg cases have hatched. This may mean further applications may be necessary.
Insecticide Baits
Baits can give continuous control of cockroaches over an extended period.
Professional Help
Your Local Authority can provide this service (however, there may be a charge involved). Alternatively, commercial Pest Control Companies are listed in Yellow Pages and Thompson's Local Directory.
When using pesticides always follow the instructions on the label
Grey Squirrels...
What do they look like?
The adult grey squirrel weighs 500g and is approximately 25cm long, with a tail of similar length. The winter coat is grey with a white underside, whilst the summer coat is brownish grey and shorter.
Where do they live?
Grey squirrels build their nests in the forks or hollows of trees, using twigs, leaves and grass. Occasionally nests are made in the roof spaces of houses. Squirrels retire to their nests during wet or cold weather, but remain active throughout the year.
What damage do they cause?
To buildings
Squirrels usually enter the roof spaces of buildings by climbing or jumping from nearby trees. Once inside they will tear up insulating material to build their nests. They will gnaw woodwork, plastic piping and electric wiring, which could lead to floods or fires. They also contaminate water tanks with their droppings.
Within gardens
Squirrels will often gnaw on the bark of trees causing considerable damage. Squirrels will also take cultivated fruit and vegetables, dig up plants and bulbs, and dig holes in lawns. Often they raid the nests of small birds to steal eggs and young.
How can I get rid of them?
Proofing
The most effective control method is to physically prevent entry to the roof space by blocking up gaps and entrance holes. Loose or damaged soffits should be replaced, and any remaining gaps should be plugged with tightly wedged wire mesh. All proofing work should be carried out when squirrels are out of the roof space.
Poisoning
Warfarin may be used to poison squirrels in roof spaces, providing the formulation used is approved for this specific purpose.
Other poisons and Warfarin formulations for the control of rats and mice must not be used.
It should be noted that if poisoned, squirrels may die in inaccessible corners of the roof space. This will make it very difficult to recover the body and may create a fly nuisance or unpleasant odours.
Cage trapping
Legislation is very specific regarding this subject. This is to prevent any unnecessary suffering to the squirrel. This method of dealing with squirrels should not be undertaken by inexperienced people.
Removal of food sources
Reposition bird tables and bird feeders or fit squirrel proof tables and feeders.
Do not feed the squirrels!
When using pesticides always follow the instructions on the label
Last updated 15/10/2009 12:58:37
Bookmark with:
Delicious |
Digg
|
Facebook |
reddit |
StumbleUpon
