Insects

Wasps are most active during the summer months. Their nests, built from chewed dead wood, are started in the spring by a single queen. These nests can vary significantly in size, from small, almost unnoticeable structures to large, impressive formations housing thousands of wasps. The colony grows rapidly throughout the summer, so early detection and treatment of nests are crucial to prevent large populations. By autumn, most nests are abandoned, and only the new queens overwinter to start the cycle again the following spring

Dealing with a fly infestation? Knowing the type of fly is the first step. Common House Flies, Lesser House Flies, and Blow Flies can be controlled by keeping areas clean, removing decaying matter, and using fly traps or insecticides. Fruit Flies can be eliminated by discarding overripe fruit and cleaning spills. Drain Flies require cleaning drains thoroughly. Cluster Flies are more difficult to control as they overwinter in buildings; sealing cracks and crevices can help. For Scuttle Flies, address any underlying moisture issues.

Moths come in a wide variety of species, from the well-known Common Clothes Moth to the more widespread Brown House Moth. While adult moths are generally harmless to humans, it's their larvae that pose a significant threat to your home. These larvae feed on natural fibers found in carpets, sofas, clothing, and other furnishings, leading to extensive damage if left unchecked. Understanding the different types of moths and their habits is crucial for effective prevention and control

Ants are social insects, like wasps and bees, living in structured nests. They're among the few insects exhibiting this behavior, alongside termites (which aren't found in the UK). The common Black Garden Ant is a familiar sight, but some species invade homes and businesses, seeking sugary foods. Worker ants leave pheromone trails to guide others to food sources. Effective ant control is crucial, as incorrect methods can worsen infestations. For instance, using residual insecticide on Pharaoh ants, often found in heated buildings, can cause nests to split, spreading the problem. Proper identification and targeted treatment are essential for successful ant management. 

Cockroach infestations are a stressful  experience. The most common UK species are the German and Oriental Cockroaches. These nocturnal pests thrive in damp environments, feeding on waste, decaying food, and faecal matter. Traveling through drains and waste areas contaminates them with diseases, posing a significant health risk. Cockroaches breed rapidly in warm conditions, often hiding behind appliances like fridges, freezers, and ovens. Infestations can quickly become widespread. Daytime sightings often indicate a large population. These highly mobile insects can climb smooth surfaces like tile and stainless steel, and have even been found in vending machines. Early detection and professional treatment are crucial for effective cockroach control. 

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small (4-5mm), wingless, reddish-brown insects that feed exclusively on blood. These flattened insects hide in cracks and crevices near sleeping areas, emerging nocturnally to bite. They belong to the Hemiptera order, like aphids. Females lay 200-500 eggs, which are cemented to surfaces. Development from egg to adult takes 2-4 months. Infestations are indicated by live or dead bugs, shed skins, dark fecal spots, bites (often in a line or cluster), eggs, and a musty odor. While adults can survive up to a year without feeding, and nymphs for several weeks, they typically feed regularly. Their mouthparts are adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood, their only food source. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis.

Fleas (order Siphonaptera) are small (2-3mm), wingless, reddish-brown insects. Their bodies are flattened from side to side, and they possess powerful jumping legs. Adults have piercing and sucking mouthparts for feeding on blood. Fleas are active both day and night. Their pupae can remain dormant until vibrations from a potential host stimulate hatching. In heavy infestations, numerous fleas may emerge upon entering a premises. Cat fleas can be found in areas frequented by cats, even outdoors. Bird fleas often originate from old nests in roofs.

Several insects and related arthropods commonly wander into homes, becoming casual intruders. Earwigs (14-23mm) are brown insects with distinctive forceps at their rear, curved in males and straight in females. Silverfish (12mm) are torpedo-shaped, silver-grey insects with three tail bristles and long antennae, favoring warm, moist conditions. They feed on starches and debris. Ground beetles (3-30mm) vary in color, often black or metallic, and are typically predatory. Woodlice (15mm) are grey, often mottled, crustaceans with numerous legs, often found in damp areas. These creatures typically enter homes accidentally from outdoor environments.