Pest Control Services

We deal with all pests and if you are unsure please contact us immediatley for expert advice & service

Wasps (order Hymenoptera Vespidae)

There are seven species of wasp found in the UK; four are common throughout the South East.

The Common Wasp (Vespula Vulgaris) This is the wasp you most often come into contact with. Its nest is yellow/brown in colour and is found in lofts, garden sheds, air brick cavities, in fact any void that can provide shelter and warmth.

The German Wasp (Vespula Germanica) This wasp is similar in colour and markings to the Common Wasp but much larger. Its workers are often mistaken for the Queen of the Common Wasp. Their nests are grey in colour and are found in similar places to the Common Wasp. This wasp is highly aggressive and the slightest irritation can set off a mass attack, which can be very disturbing even when wearing full protective clothing.

The Norwegian Wasp (Vespula Norvegica) Until a few years ago this wasp was only found in the North of the UK but is now common throughout the South East. Its nests are almost always built in shrubs and trees, with the nest enveloping several branches to support its weight. The nest is grey/green in colour and often very difficult to see. This wasp is highly territorial and will often attack in numbers if you encroach within a few feet of the nest. We have seen a number of gardeners badly stung having disturbed a nest when pruning shrubs.

The Tree Wasp (Vespula Sylvestris) This is the smallest of wasps found in the UK. Once again it is similar in appearance to the Common Wasp but much smaller. Its nest is generally under ground in abandoned rabbit holes or similar. They are the most aggressive of all wasps found in this country. The vibration created by walking several feet away from the nest can trigger an attack.

Treatment

All wasps begin to build nests in April/ May and can be a major nuisance throughout the summer and autumn. If allergic to their sting, reaction can range from a sore swelling to the potentially fatal Anaphylactic Shock.

We will treat the nest or entrance point with a pesticide powder, killing all wasps within a few hours. NEVER attempt to treat a nest yourself. Once a nest is established you will not be able to effectively and safely dispose of it. You risk serious injury to save a relatively small fee. Always call a professional !

Honey Bees

Humans have kept Honey Bees for thousands of years, in order to exploit their honey. As part of their reproductive life cycle, each year between April and June the old queen will leave the hive and take several thousand workers with her, in order to establish a new colony away from the hive. This process is called swarming.

It is during this process that the bees can become disturbing to humans. Having left the hive they will come to rest in trees, shrubs etc whilst the queen sends out scouts to find suitable permanent living quarters. The workers will cling around the queen in a large clump numbering up to 30000 - 50000. They may on occasion rest for several days before moving and should not be approached. In this scenario we are usually able to collect the bees alive. However we are often called upon to deal with a swarm which has found a permanent resting place inside the structure of a building, usually the chimney or wall cavity. In this case we would have to destroy them in the same way as destroying a wasp’s nest. If left to become established, they will produce approximately 150 pounds of honey per year. This build up can eventually cause structural damage, with documented cases of chimney breasts collapsing under the weight.

Bumble Bees

Bumble Bees are NOT a pest. If you notice a nest in your garden please do not call asking us to destroy it, we will not! Bumble Bees are meant to have nests outdoors. They are non aggressive and will not sting you unless you threaten the nest. If you are frightened stay away from it, no reputable pest control operative will destroy a nest unnecessarily.

Pest Control Areas

Pests We Erradicate

	Wasps	Ants	Bed Bugs	Fleas	Cockroaches	Honeybees	Mice	Rats	Squirrels