The Busters Group of Companies are very proud to have been awarded the prestigious Silver Armed Forces Covenant Award. Many Thanks to the MoD and West Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadet Association.

While the UK sizzled in this summer’s heatwave there was some speculation that the country would be plagued by rats as a result.

So is that the case? Does hot weather spell rat infestations? Not surprisingly a short spell of hot weather is not suddenly going to lead to a sudden, dramatic surge in the rat population.

The concern more specifically is related to rubbish and the greater incidence of food being thrown away as it goes off more quickly in the heat.

Rats, as it is well documented, are attracted to rubbish because it provides rich pickings for vermin scavenging for food.

As a result of the heat experienced this summer the speed at which food goes off has increased, particularly where fruit and vegetables are concerned.

Shorter shelf life for food encourages rats

So while rats may be having a field day tucking into discarded apples and carrots, which will ultimately strengthen them, they are also having to search for water.

In urban areas where food has become more plentiful it may well be that more accessible water supplies have dried up. So while conditions may be supporting the rat population on one hand they may also be hindering them on the other.

The summer months also traditionally sees rats heading outdoors into outbuildings and barns.

However, there is a suggestion that more rats have remained indoors, perhaps as a result of the heat, prompting reported pest problems to rise.

Rat infestations

Rather than the rat population suddenly increasing in the heat it is more likely that they are staying put to enjoy the spoils of our leftover fruit and vegetables.

If you are concerned about a rat infestation during the hot weather due to extra food rubbish the best course of action is to make sure that all bins close properly and to be extra vigilant when disposing of food.

Also take care to store food securely and keep kitchen areas clean – any food leftovers, stacked crockery and cutlery or dirty water can attract numerous vermin.

For advice on how best to deal with a rat infestation or what to look out for get in touch with the Pest Busters team today.

Pest Busters (Birmingham)

Highfield Farm, Middle Lane, Kings Norton, Birmingham B38 0DX
0121 695 9076
www.pest-busters.co.uk

Of all the insects that can cause us to be on high alert for fear of getting bitten the horse fly continually creeps up the scale.

And it’s not without good reason, as many people unfortunate enough to have suffered a horse fly bite can tell you.

What is a horse fly?

Horse flies are large, stout flies that can be found all over the world. They are particularly problematic as the female seeks out blood from larger mammals – this includes humans, but also cows and horses.

It is here that the problem with horse flies becomes abundantly apparent. Flying from animal to human to animal they are brushed away as they suck blood, biting repeatedly and spreading disease.

Are horse fly bites dangerous?

Horse bites are certainly unpleasant – they can very quickly become painful and itchy. Some people can also experience nausea, dizziness and feeling hot.

It is very easy for the bites to become infected due to the nature of horse flies and it is advised to gently wash the area and to try to avoid scratching it and spreading any bacteria.

People can suffer an allergic reaction to horse fly bites manifesting in wheezing, dizziness, swelling and a rash. If you get bitten and suspect the bite has become infected or that you may be suffering an allergic reaction it is important to seek medical advice.

Avoiding horse flies

Unfortunately horse flies are part and parcel of enjoying the summer months and are prevalent near to meadows, areas where horses and cows are kept, and close to open water.

The good news for people who enjoy a few drinks in the garden at the end of the day is that horse flies are not fans of darker conditions and are generally only active in the sunlight.

To avoid being bitten the best advice is to wear long-sleeved light clothing and put in place general fly deterrents around the home such as fly screens on open doors.

For more advice on solutions to deter pest flies contact pest busters.

Pest Busters (Birmingham)

Highfield Farm, Middle Lane, Kings Norton, Birmingham B38 0DX
0121 695 9076
www.pest-busters.co.uk

The warmer weather is finally here and summer is just around the corner but that also means a return of wasps.

These buzzing pests can be a real problem if they make their home near you house or property presenting a threat of being stung.

While wasps are very much a part of nature and part and parcel of the warmer summer months there are some steps you can take to protect your home and family from these summer pests.

What attracts wasps?

As with many household pests discarded food is the biggest problem when it comes to attracting wasps. Sweet food and drink in particular attract wasps in the later months of summer but all food sources can contribute the problem.

To reduce the problem of wasps becoming a pest in your home this summer make sure you clear up after eating picnics in the garden, store rubbish carefully and keep your compost heap covered.

If you grow fruit in your garden take care to pick up fruit that has fallen onto the floor – as this will be particularly attractive to wasps in the later summer months.

Controlling how wasps get into the home is also worth considering, although no-one wants to spend summer with the doors and windows shut. Check for any holes or gaps in the fabric of your house that should not be there and consider using a fly screen to deter all flying insects.

A natural predator

Keeping wasps at bay in the first place is the best way to approach pest control, after all while a pest to humans, wasps serve an important role in nature.

Their aggressive nature, which makes wasps such a concern, is also what makes them an excellent predator that is very efficient at controlling pests that destroy plants and crops. Like bees, wasps also play their part in the pollination process.

Natural deterrents

Although there are obvious benefits to bees and wasps visiting your garden you may want to reduce the frequency of these visits, particularly if you have young children or have an allergy. Covering up and not wearing perfume is a good start to protect yourself from being stung.

There is some evidence that wasps do not like mint, wormwood and lemongrass so planting these could help to keep the number of wasps visiting your garden down.

Avoiding angering wasps in perhaps the most important consideration for families and gardeners as this will stop them releasing the pheromone that acts as a call to arms to other wasps by signalling a threat.

When dealing with wasps the best way forward is not presenting a threat and covering up food sources.

Should you find a wasp’s nest on your property, or believe that you may have one, you will need pest control advice.

Get in touch with pest busters to discuss any concerns you may have about pests in your home.

Pest Busters (Birmingham)

Highfield Farm, Middle Lane, Kings Norton, Birmingham B38 0DX
0121 695 9076
www.pest-busters.co.uk

Good neighbours can make all the difference when it comes to a happy home – but what if your neighbours are pests? Yes we mean real pests –what if sitting on the other side of the garden fence is a colony of rats, a wasp’s nest or an out of control insect infestation?

Obviously if the concern is in your own home dealing with a pest problem is far more straightforward and can be dealt with on your terms.  The best choice in the event of a serious infestation is to call in pest control experts, however, if the problem is at your neighbour’s home that is not something you can force them to do.

Check they know there is a pest problem

So where does that leave you? Hopefully your neighbour will also not want to share their home with pests so it is best to raise the issue with them politely. Let them know that you have spotted rats in their garden, or are concerned there could be a wasp’s nest.

In the case of rats it could be that a lone rat has been spotted in the garden looking for food. However, if multiple rats have been spotted there is a good chance they are making their home in the garden.

There is every chance that if your neighbour is aware of the problem they have already taken advice, if they were not aware, hopefully once the issue is flagged up they will call in pest control experts.

Time to call in the council

However, some neighbours can be awkward about domestic issues. If you meet with resistance and are absolutely sure your neighbour has a rat problem that is not being dealt with you need to contact your local authority, which should send an environmental health officer to inspect.

This also applies to wasps nests, although this may need to be in a position where it is considered a danger to people.

In the case of rats coming into your home when you believe the source of the infestation to be a neighbour, this also needs to be dealt with by the home owner as regardless of what measures you take, if you fail to tackle the source of the pest problem it will persist.

If you have any concerns about a pest problem contact Pest Busters today.

Pest Busters (Birmingham)

Highfield Farm, Middle Lane, Kings Norton, Birmingham B38 0DX
0121 695 9076
www.pest-busters.co.uk

Many household pests are attracted by dirt – more specifically food waste – so a good way to keep bugs at bay is by blitzing the house with a new year super clean.

While most people don’t relish the thought of cleaning the house, it is essential to maintain a certain standard of living. The key is to keep on top of things by getting into a few good daily habits – then making it a once-a-year mission to complete a ‘deep clean’.

Here are our top tips for a new year clean to keep pests out:

Make a clean kitchen a top priority

Kitchens hold a big attraction for household pests with all that food being stored, crumbs left on the floor, a water supply and the potential for damp. Use the new year to get rid of unwanted food and to wipe down the inside of cupboards used for storage.

Make sure the cooker and microwave are spick and span and free of food debris then tackle the floor. Vacuum around corners, into crevices and behind bins to get rid of any dropped food then thoroughly mop the area.

Use the opportunity to check the seals on your sinks are in good working order and will not allow access for any pests and fix any leaks – damp areas are havens for some pests.

Floor any potential pests

Carpets can be a great hiding pace for food crumbs and household pests. While the floors probably get vacuumed regularly this is the time to leave no stone unturned.

Pull the furniture out, vacuum behind the TV and use attachments to target dust and mites that might be hiding out by skirting boards or on curtains.

Flush out bathroom germs

Like the kitchen, bathrooms have the potential to provide a damp haven for pests. Clear out under the sink and give every surface a thorough clean then double check for leaks or broken seals.

Blitz the bedroom

No-one wants to think of bugs visiting their bedrooms so keeping the area scrupulously clean is the way forward.

Sort out unwanted clothes and secure anything that will not be used for sometime in a sealed bag to avoid carpet beetles. Clear out under the bed and vacuum thoroughly then give the mattress the same treatment to send any undesirables on their way.

Pest Busters (Birmingham)

Highfield Farm, Middle Lane, Kings Norton, Birmingham B38 0DX
0121 695 9076
www.pest-busters.co.uk