Wasps really loathe a strong, herbaceous or citrusy odour, such as lavender, citronella, eucalyptus or sharp kitchen staples like vinegar and cinnamon. As experts in pest control for wasps, at Pest Defence, we know how frustrating and unnerving the presence of wasps can be when they get too close for comfort at your home or business. To help you ward them off, we’ve got some quick, practical ways to harness natural scent deterrents during summer months. Why do scent deterrents work on wasps? The reason scents work as a deterrent on wasps is because they use their sense of smell to…
Continue reading
If you’ve been keeping your eye on the latest wildlife news in the UK, you’ll likely be aware of the rising problem of Asian hornets making their way to Jersey. This has prompted nationwide vigilance, especially amongst beekeepers, as the invasive species has even been spotted as far north as Durham in May 2025. This month at Pest Defence, as specialists in removing hornet nests, we’re looking at what threat Asian hornets may pose to the UK bee population. Key Takeaways: Asian hornets pose a major threat to UK bee populations, capable of killing up to 40 honeybees per minute and…
Continue reading
To get rid of hornets from your property, garden or outdoor space, you’ll first need to locate the nest before calling for professional pest control services to safely remove it. A single visit using the correct treatment could eliminate an active hornet nest, preventing any further aggravation or expansion of the colony. This month at Pest Defence, as experts in safely removing nests, we’re giving you our guide to hornets. Key Takeaways: Hornets become active in the UK from April to November, with colonies reaching full strength during the summer months. Natural deterrents such as peppermint oil, strong-scented herbs, and fake…
Continue reading
Squirrels are prevalent here in the UK due to both native populations of red squirrels and the invasive species that is the grey squirrel. They can cause significant damage to both homes and commercial properties, creating safety issues. That’s why at Pest Defence, we’ve created this guide to identifying squirrel damage, allowing you to address any infestations sooner rather than later. We have extensive experience in dealing with squirrels across Essex and London. Key Takeaways: Grey squirrels can cause serious damage to homes and businesses by gnawing on insulation, wiring, timber and trees. Common signs of squirrel activity include visible damage,…
Continue reading
Finding that a squirrel has made its home in your attic or loft can be distressing. At first, their noises may alarm you, but it’s really the damage they can do that should be a cause for concern; chewing wiring and tearing through insulation being the key hazards. Red squirrels are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, while grey squirrels are not native to the UK and are therefore not protected. With this in mind, if you need help with squirrels in your attic, where better to turn than the pest control experts? This month at Pest Defence, we’re…
Continue reading
Imagine coming home to relax and finding gnaw marks on your skirting board. Or, if you run a business, discovering gnaw marks on cupboards in a food storage area. Whatever the scene, you’re probably going to be filled with a sense of dread. But don’t worry, because at Pest Defence, we’re here to help you with our guide to gnaw marks. We’ll talk you through what to look out for and what to do next, so that you can take the right steps to rid yourself of whichever pest is keeping you up at night and – hopefully – prevent a…
Continue reading
Maintaining a pest-free environment in any hospitality setting, but especially in pubs and restaurants, is crucial. Any pest infestation can severely impact the health and safety of the premises for staff and customers, bringing with it a loss of reputation and issues with legal compliance. To help you prevent pest problems, this month at Pest Defence we’re giving you our top tips for pub and restaurant owners. And remember, if you are having trouble with pests, don’t hesitate to contact our expert team. Key Takeaways: Pubs and restaurants face common pest threats including rodents, cockroaches, flies, birds, and pantry insects, all…
Continue reading
Urban areas now often face challenges with nuisance birds, especially with pigeons and seagulls. This can lead to significant property damage and also poses a number of health hazards. While traditional control methods aren’t always effective or environmentally friendly, the use of hawks as a natural and efficient solution is a service we offer at Pest Defence. That’s why this month, we want to discuss the role of hawks and falconry in urban pest control. Key Takeaways: Pigeons and seagulla in urban areas cause property damage, health risks and safety concenrs, including blocked ventilation, noise pollution, and aggressive behaviour. Modern cities…
Continue reading
Birds are wonderful animals, but they can often cause problems if they end up roosting in areas where they shouldn’t —it can create hazards for both the birds and people. At Pest Defence, we’re trusted experts for Essex, London and beyond when it comes to deterring birds from properties without causing them harm. This month, we wanted to give you a guide to the best bird deterrents and bird control methods so that you can understand the options available to you. Key Takeaways: Birds can cause health risks, property damage and safety hazards when they roost or nest on buildings. Effective…
Continue reading
Birds of prey are used for pest control in an ethical approach to deter nuisance birds from commercial and public places. This is a historic way of controlling the local bird population, training birds of prey to scare them off rather than harming them. This month at Pest Defence, we’re going to cover bird of prey pest control – sometimes known as hawking or falconry pest control – in more detail to help you understand the benefits of the service we offer for clients in London and Essex. Key Takeaways: Birds of prey like hawks and falcons offer a humane and…
Continue reading
See if we cover your area »