Results for 'Insects'

Where Do Insects Go in the Winter?

In the hot summer months, it is seemingly impossible to be unaware of the bugs around you. However, insects seem to disappear when colder temperatures arrive – both from our thoughts and the environment around us. But where do these insects go: surely they can’t all vanish as soon as winter hits? The team at Pest Defence is here to answer all your questions. How do bugs survive the winter? In order for bugs to survive the cold winter temperatures, they must adopt a survival strategy. This varies from species to species, but most insects have four options: Migration…

How Long Do Ants Live?

Ants are familiar to homeowners and businesses alike, since they are a common insect here in the UK. Often attracted by sources of food, it’s understandable that they regularly come into close contact with us. While they’re not dangerous themselves, an infestation of ants could mean that they bring unsanitary conditions with them. To help you better combat ants on your property, it’s worth knowing how long they live and at what time of year you can expect them to appear. This month at Pest Defence, we’ll talk you through these points, as well as how to get rid of a…

Common Food Pests and the Dangers for Restaurants and Retailers

Food pests can cause your customers to become ill and your reputation to be tarnished, resulting in significant setbacks for your business. This is why it’s important for all businesses, no matter how big or small they are, to maintain sanitation standards to prevent pest damages. In this article, we’ve put together a guide to the most common pest issues facing food retailers and restaurants, so you can save your produce and your business before it’s too late. Why are pests a food safety hazard? When pests get access to food stores, it is easy to understand how they can…

How To Get Rid of Ladybirds and Prevent An Infestation

Ladybirds are less scary-looking than your typical insect, but just like any other pest, they can cause significant disruption when they appear in large numbers. A ladybird infestation can be a huge nuisance but overall they are nothing to worry about, and can be dealt with easily. In this guide, we will go through everything you should know about how to deal with ladybirds in the home, and why the Harlequin variety has been stirring up such a fuss. What are ladybirds? Contrary to what their cute, dome-shaped, polka-dot appearance may have you believe, ladybirds are a type of beetle,…

How To Prevent and Get Rid of Biscuit Beetles

Kamran [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons Most people don’t think to check their dried food for pests as it’s not somewhere you’d necessarily expect to find an infestation. Your store-cupboards can, however, become somewhere for pests such as biscuit beetles (or drugstore beetles) to thrive, which can cause contamination and health risks, as well as being a huge inconvenience. In this guide, we’ll look at everything you need to know about biscuit beetles and take you through some common questions about infestations. What are biscuit beetles? Biscuit beetles are small, hard-shelled, reddish-brown beetles with an oval-shaped body which is…

What Types of Insect Pests Are Living in My Home?

Your home can be a thriving ecosystem for a number of pests and creepy crawlies. Most of the time, you won’t be aware of their presence, but when they begin to grow in numbers, they can infest your home and become a persistent nuisance. In this article, we’re looking at some of the different types of insects you might find living in your home, which will include information to help you identify them, and learn how they can infest your property. Silverfish What do they look like? Silverfish are easy to identify by their shimmery, silver appearance and rapid, wriggly…

How to Prevent and Get Rid of Booklice

Booklice thrive in damp conditions. These tiny insects are harmless to humans but can quickly grow in numbers, causing an infestation which can be difficult to control. The name might make it seem like they exist purely in the confines of old books, but actually, booklice are happy to take root in any dark, warm and humid places where damp might be found. Booklice do not leave behind a great deal of evidence of their presence, so it might be tough to know you have an infestation unless you spot the creatures yourself. But by learning more about booklice, including what…

What are cluster flies and how do you get rid of a cluster fly infestation?

Aiwok [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons Pests are irritating, unsightly and insanitary – which is why finding an infestation is worrying – and finding cluster flies is no exception. Cluster flies are 8mm long and are a dark grey colour, with small patches of gold hair on their back and long wings. Appearing in spring, cluster flies will begin to lay eggs outside and will hibernate in your home around nearing winter, around August time. To get rid of cluster flies you can use your vacuum cleaner, aerosol fly killer or call your local professionals who will be able to…

How To Tell if a House Has Pests: Infestation Warning Signs

Have you checked that you’ll be living alone before buying or renting a house or apartment? Take time to closely inspect each room so you’re not faced with the unpleasant experience that comes with a pest infestation. This month, Pest Defence are here to share the alarming signs that pests are present within a property. Read on to discover the warning signs… How to tell if a house has pests Avoid the costly affair of pests by understanding what it is you should be looking for inside a new home and out. With countless pests on the prowl for shelter…

Where Do Pests Come From?

Pests are an alarming thing to find in both the home and office because it means that they have somehow managed to make their way inside through small cracks and crevices within the property – which means it’s a job for a professional to find it, seal it and remove the pests. If there aren’t any signs of broken sealants or cracks, it’s likely you’ve brought a contaminated item into the home without realising. Whatever pest you have found in your home, we have it covered in our comprehensive guide. Pest Defence are here to provide answers to your questions, covering:…