SOS Pest Control- Merry Christmas!

SOS Pest Control wish all our customers, old and new a very Merry Christmas. If pests are bothering you this Christmas, please just get in touch. We are here to help. Pests do not take a holiday, so don't let them ruin the festive period for you. Let us take care of it for you.

Cockroaches

Although it may be strange to think about cockroaches at this time of year but like us, they hate the cold. They would much rather be tucked up nice and warm in your home. They are typically found where there is water and humidity. The bathroom or kitchen are prime locations. 

Cockroaches can go many weeks without food, but can only survive a few days without water. They are not fussy eaters either, they will even eat each other if food is scarce. 

They are nocturnal so you will be very unlikely to see them during the day. They hide in dark spaces so it is always good practice to check behind sinks, toilets, bath panels, washing machines, dishwashers and fridges. 

No only are cockroaches unsightly, but they are also carriers of bacteria and diseases. They are a threat to public health if found in eating establishments. Which is why it is so important for cleanliness in restaurants and pubs and of course your home. 

Signs of these night creatures can sometimes be hard to see as you are unlikely to be able to catch a glimpse of them. So things like shed casings are a sure sign. Droppings as well are a sign. An infestation of cockroaches usually emits a strong odour too. Damage to items like bathmats, plastic, discarded boxes are also signs of an infestation. 

There are some things you can do to make sure your home is not inviting to cockroaches. Make sure you do not leave any standing water or liquids for long periods of time. Keeping all food in airtight containers and in cupboards that are higher up. Try not to leave pet food out over night, and clean out containers containing liquid before putting them in your recycling bin. Keeping on top of cleaning as that is the best deterrent. 

Remember, these kind of infestations can be difficult to deal with without the help of a professional pest controller. Cockroaches are particularly hardy pests and can be really difficult to get rid of. Give us a call today, and SOS Pest Control will get you sorted. 

 Pests In Your Loft This Winter

Now is the perfect time to be checking that loft space for unwanted guests this festive season. Most of us tend to store our Christmas decorations in the loft, and very rarely venture up there throughout the year. This means it is the perfect location for birds, squirrels, rats and mice to nest undisturbed, whilst having access to food and water. Now if you did have an infestation of any of these pests, it is more than likely you will hear them scurrying about or making some sort of noise in the early hours (squirrels are notorious for being active during the early hours of the morning). But pest control is not just about removing a pest issue, it is also about proofing your home against pests. Removing or blocking entrance points can save you the hassle and money of dealing with pests after they have gained access to your home. 

Access points in your loft

So there are a few ways these pests can gain access to your home. Birds can fly, rats and mice can climb, and squirrels can jump, so access points at height are not a problem for these pests.

Loose or broken roof tiles are the prime starting point. Any weakness will be found and can act as the perfect access point. Make sure that you regularly check the tiles on the roof, replace any broken ones and secure any tiles that are loose. 

Poorly sealed windows or vents are another way. Mice especially, can squeeze through the smallest of gaps so be sure to make sure your property is well sealed. 

Signs of pests

• No matter what the species of pest, a sure sign that you have an infestation is droppings
• Noises will keep you awake at night (typically)-gnawing, scratching, bird calls, rustling...
• Damage to storage boxes, insulation, wires or wood to name a few materials (rats can chew through metal!)

What should you do?

If you are noticing any of the above signs of an infestation, we strongly recommend you call in SOS Pest Control. We can assess the extent of the infestation and treat it effectively and efficiently. Dealing with these kind of infestations without the help of a professional can typically end up costing you more money, not to mention the stress that comes along with it! We also offer proofing services, so if you think you could be susceptible to these kind of pests getting into your home, get in touch!

 Rats in your home?

Now that the weather is turning colder, it is a prime time for rats to start making their way into your home or business. They are looking for warmth, shelter and food to get them through the winter months. Rats are able to chew through all types of materials to gain access; brick, metal, wood, just to name a few. This does mean that rats are unstoppable when it comes to gaining access and why it is really important to do all you can to proof your home and not give them any reason to try. 

 

Pest controllers can help with proofing your home, but there are things you can do yourself first. Things like making sure all rubbish bins are sealed and no bags are just left on the floor. Keeping rubbish bins clean too can also help deter rats from sniffing out your rubbish. It is also good practice to ensure any gaps in brickwork or roof tiles are repaired and filled quickly. Rats are wonderful climbers so getting to any part of the home is easy for them. They typically use wall cavities to move around, although they can also be found under floorboards and in the loft. 

 

Rats are distinguished by their long hairless tails typically. They are usually brown in colour with long noses. They have long teeth which need to be filed down regularly which they do by gnawing through materials. 

 

Now is the time to check your home for all those potential entry points. If you find you are already being visited by these pests, then give us a call today. We can help!

Professional Flea Treatment & Control

 Professional Flea Treatment

Fleas can be a real pain. It is a common misconception that you can only get fleas in your home if you have a dog or cat as a pet. This is not actually true. Whilst those with pets are more susceptible to getting flea infestations, fleas are not exclusive to homes with furry friends. Dogs and cats are regularly treated for fleas with medication provided by vets, and these are very effective. However, it does not completely eradicate the issue of fleas. Fleas will also live on foxes and rodents.

This is due to the way fleas can move from host to host. They are able to jump considerable distances with the use of their long back legs. They do not fly as they do not have wings so they get about by jumping. This means that if a host has fleas, and you are within 20cm of that host, a flea can get to you. 

Adult fleas like nothing more than a blood meal. These parasites will feed on your blood until they are ready to burst. Fleas are attracted to the production of carbon dioxide, so where there is CO2, fleas will gravitate towards it. Although their initial bites will not hurt, the bite site afterwards can become itchy and inflamed. They are very small so can be hard to spot and their eggs are even smaller!

Fleas can be really tricky to get rid of which is why it is necessary to call in the professionals. Fleas will likely not be contained in one room of your home as you and/or your pets frequent lots of different rooms within the house which means that treating just one room will not get rid of them completely. Here at Devon Pest Control, we will come in and survey the level of infestation and then tailor our treatments accordingly. What we use to treat these kinds of issues is professional grade so it is extremely effective. We will be sure to leave you flea free! Get in touch today.

 Professional Pest Controllers - SOS Pest Control

We know it is always nice to save money where possible. Everyone likes to look after the pennies and many people opt to do jobs around the home themselves. Do it yourself pest control is no different. There are many products you can purchase at your local super market or DIY store that profess to sort out your pest problem. Whilst these products are useful for a one off, small pest problem, they are not suitable for dealing with infestations. This is because the ingredients are not as strong as what certified pest controllers can use to deal with your pest problem.

Employing a qualified and insured pest controller means you are paying for their knowledge, expertise and access to the best pest control products to eradicate your pest problem quickly and efficiently. They deal with all sorts of pests each day, they know how these pests gain access to your property, and what issues they can cause now and if left without being dealt with. Not only this, proofing your property is just as important. From a site survey, our pest controllers will be able to show you any potential access points for birds, rodents and insects. By getting your property professionally pest proofed, you will be able to enjoy your home or business without the worry of dealing with any pest issues.

Here at SOS Pest Control, we work hard to provide our customers with great service and always deliver on what we promise. Spending the money on a professional is like an investment in your home or business to keep you pest free!

Bird Proofing Your Home or Business

Bird proofing does not have to be expensive and it is certainly something not to be put off. Birds can be a real nuisance. They can be extremely noisy when they get together, likely causing disturbances early in the morning. They are also messy and destructive. Their guano (poop) is very problematic. Not only is it unsightly, it can also be a slip hazard. To add insult to injury, their poop is also harmful to humans. Their guano is a breeding ground for bacteria and they are carriers of many different diseases. 

This is why bird proofing is so important, for your home or business. There are many different types of bird proofing, many of which are very effective and do not have to cost the earth. Different types of proofing include, but not limited to; netting, spikes, gels and wire. The different types used depends on the species of bird you are trying to deter as well as accessibility amongst other things. This is why it is always best to contact a professional. SOS Pest Control can assess the situation, offer advice and a plan moving forward in order to leave you bird free in no time at all. 

Birds attempting to roost can actually be quite destructive. With the twigs and leaves (as well as other things) they use to build their nest, it can block guttering and even split it depending on the weight. If there is a loose roof tile, they will be able to utilise the gap and make their way into your loft space which will be a nice warm and dry environment to roost. 

Here at SOS Pest Control, we can help you. No problem is too big or too small. Give us a call today.

Moths in your home?

Moths in your home?

Adult moths, although annoying, are actually harmless. You are likely to see them fluttering around your lights in the evenings. If you keep your windows and doors open during the warmer evening, obviously you would expect to see some moths flying around. However, if you have not done this and you are still seeing 5 or 6 adults moths in your home, then the chances are that you have a moth problem. Just a few may not seem like the end of the world, but it is not the adults that you need to be worried about. 

So why do we consider moths to be pests and require the help of a professional? It is the larvae that are the problem. Adult moths will lay their eggs on suitable food sources. These can include but are not limited too; cotton, silk, duvets, old rugs, carpets and furniture. As soon as the eggs hatch, the larvae will begin to feast on your beloved items whilst they grow. They will cause holes which will most likely be irreversible. 

Moths like to lay their eggs in locations that are dark and undisturbed. So any fabrics you have stored in your loft or garage should be done so in sealed, plastic containers. And if possible, wash the items on a high heat wash before storing them away. Any items you have stored, it is also good practice to make sure to move them regularly, clean them and make sure they are stored in suitable containers to keep those moths out. 

Any issues with moths, please give us a call at SOS Pest Control. We can get you moth free in no time!

Summer Flying Insects

Flying insects can be a real pain when the weather is warmer. We like to keep our windows and doors open and enjoy the longer evenings in the garden. However, doing that means we are inviting a variety of flying pests into our homes. Below we have some of the common pests you are likely to encounter in August.

Wasps

Wasps are very common during the warmer months. They are drawn to food and drink sources, which are in abundance when the weather is nice. Wasps are particularly aggressive as well, especially towards the end of summer. It is during this time of the year where they are on the look out for very sweet food sources. Rotting fruit, your ice lolly, rubbish bins etc are all very attractive to wasps. Interesting fact, if they have access to too much rotting fruit they actually get drunk and are more likely to be even more aggressive. They are able to sting you multiple times, and will not hesitate to do so if they feel threatened in any way. Wasps are actually pest controllers in their own right as they feed on smaller insects. They are great pollinators too (not a good as our bees of course).

Flies

Flies can be a real issue in the summer. We still produce the same amount of waste and when this rubbish heats up, it begins to smell. Flies love this. They eat, poop, and lay their eggs all in the same place. If the weather is very warm, it speeds up the life cycle of egg to maggot to fly as well which means a fly problem can become a big issue pretty quickly. There are lots of different types of flies to look out for; bluebottles, house flies, horse flies, and fruit flies just to name a few.

Flying Ants

It is thought to be a sign that a storm is coming when you see flying ants. It is rare to just see one or 2 flying ants, you are likely to see a lot of them all at once. This is triggered by hot and humid weather and is done so for protection, it helps protect them from predators. Flying ants are actually just black garden ants, but with wings. It is usually males and queens that you will spot flying around towards the end of summer, looking for a mate in order to start new colonies. 

Moths

Like flies, increased temperatures can speed up the reproduction cycle of the moth which means they can become an issue quicker. If you can see 4 or more adult moths in a room in your home then it is likely you have an infestation. The adult moths are the insects to look for but it is actually the larvae that damage clothing. Adult moths will lay their eggs on suitable food sources like wool, other clothing fibres, cushions or curtains to name a few. Once the eggs hatch into larvae (which look like little catterpillars) they will feed on the materials until they form a silken cocoon and emerge an adult moth. 

No pest problem is too big or small. SOS Pest Control are here to help! Give us a call today.

 Have I Got BedBugs or Fleas?

Bedbugs and fleas are typically referred to as all year round pests. They are able to breed all through the year mainly because they are indoor pests and we make sure to keep our homes nice and cosy when it is cold outside. That is not to say that they are dormant in the winter, but they prefer warmer weather (who doesn't!) and so are actually far more active in breeding between June and late September. 

The problem with bedbugs and fleas is the speed in which they can multiply. They are very small pests, their eggs are even smaller which makes them very hard to detect until you have an infestation. Both enjoy a nice blood meal, and will leave you itching for days. 

Here are some differences between bedbugs and fleas to keep you in the know;

- Bedbug adults are typically flat and round, whereas adult fleas are more narrow and have long back legs

- Both bedbug and flea adults are brownish in colour

- Fleas prefer animals to humans for their blood meals

- Bedbugs can live for months without feeding, adults fleas can only live for two weeks without food

- Fleas are able to breed much quicker than bedbugs as they are able to lay hundreds of eggs each week

- Bedbugs are nocturnal, they feed on you while you sleep. Fleas are also nocturnal to a point but are far more active during the day compared to bedbugs

- Fleas have a pretty impressive jump, they do this in order to move from one host to another. They are lightning quick too. Bedbugs cannot jump or fly

If you find yourself with a bedbug or flea problem this summer, please do not hesitate to get in touch. SOS Pest Control can get you pest free in no time!

Wasps

Now the weather is beginning to warm up (how hot has it been this week!) you are likely to start seeing more and more wasps emerging. Wasps are not only annoying, they can also be pretty dangerous if they sting you. 

The queen wasp has been busy finding the perfect spot for a nest. She will begin building this on her own to lay her first round of eggs. Once these hatch and grow into adults, they then take over the building and maintenance of the nest as well as looking after the eggs and new wasps being produced by the queen. 

Nest locations can vary however some likely favourites are trees, lofts, sheds and garages. Nests are usually made of chewed up wood and can be many different shapes but a common shape is round like a football. As wasps are social creatures, if the nest site is left to grow it can become rather large! It is usually obvious if you have a wasp nest close by as you will see many wasps flying in, out and around the entrance to the nest. 

Wasps are actually very important to our ecosystem. They are pollinators like bees but more importantly they actually act as mini pest controllers themselves. Feeding on spiders, greenfly and even caterpillars-wasps are a necessity just like bees!

Unlike bees however, wasps are able to sting multiple times. This is due to their stinger being smooth. And their stings hurt! They are also able to emit a pheromone if they feel their nest is under attack which signals to other wasps nearby to attack the threat. This is why we alway suggest calling in SOS Pest Control to deal with the problem as multiple wasp stings can be fatal. Our professional and effective approach means we can deal with a wasp nest safely and efficiently.

Get in touch today!

How To Get Rid of Ants

Ants start emerging when the weather gets warmer. The colony has been dormant for the winter months, but now the forager ants will begin to look for food sources. Ants have a particular sweet tooth so will eat fruits, nectar and anything sugary they can find in your kitchen. 

In your garden, you will likely find ants under your patio or decking, in and around your flower beds and pots, and of course your lawn. They leave tell-tale signs along the edge of your grass by the means of small mounds of soil where they are able to come and go from their nest. 

Once forager ants find an ample source of food, they are able to leave a scent trail for other forager ants to follow, which means a couple of ants can become a lot of ants in a short period of time. 

As the colony grows, more food is required which means the foragers will travel further afield to find suitable food to feed them all. That could be problematic if they find some yummy food in your kitchen. It is always best practice to keep your kitchen clean and tidy. Making sure to clean up any spills or crumbs. 

Of course, there are home remedies available if the ant problem is just limited to a few here and there. However, if you are unlucky enough to be housing a colony, then you will certainly require the assistance of a professional pest controller. We can not only get rid of the ants, but we can help protect your home and garden from them returning. Leaving you to enjoy your summer in peace!

 Bed Bugs In Your Home

Bed bugs can be a real problem during this time of the year. They are small pests but they can cause some big problems. They are probably one of the most stressful pest to live with, so if you see any signs of bed bugs in your home, you will want to contact a professional sooner rather than later. 

What do they look like?

Adult bed bugs are approximately 5mm in length. They are brown in colour and oval in shape. There are 5 different life stages they go through. Once the eggs hatch, the nymphs are almost translucent but with each life stage, they darken in colour. As they grow, they also shed their skins so keep an eye out for those!

Where will you find them?

Bedbugs can be found in a number of places, but always where humans regularly spend time. The bed frame and mattress are hot spots as well as cracks and crevasses around the bedroom. They can also be found in suitcases or furniture. Their food sources are humans, so wherever you are, they are.

What can you do?

The best thing to do if you find bed bugs in your home, is to call in a professional. As pests go, bed bugs are one of the hardest pests to deal with. This is due to the fact that they do not require a blood meal to survive for up to 70 days. Many home remedies are not strong enough to deal with a sizeable infestation, and even if you think you have dealt with the issue, chances are there will be more lurking in dark corners. Having bed bugs is not a sign that your home is dirty. There is no need to feel embarrassed. Living with these pests can cause real stress and even harm to some people who have reactions to their bites, so do not struggle and give us a call here as SOS Pest Control.

House Flies

Flies are a nuisance. They can really spoil an afternoon ice cream or dinner in the garden with their constant buzzing around. But more than that, due to their choice of breeding and eating locations ,they carry harmful bacteria which they spread across every surface they touch. 

During this time of the year, you will start seeing flies about in abundance. There are many different types of flies, but the house fly is approximately 6mm in length and has one pair of wings. They are greyish brown in colour with darker stripes across their bodies. Females usually have a larger wing span compared to males but they are not that different in appearance. 

Females will lay up to 500 eggs in their life span. Eggs are usually laid on a food source. Once the eggs hatch, the maggots will feed on that food source until transform into pupae. They will then emerge as fully grown adults. If the weather is hot, the maggot to pupa phase can be as quick as two weeks. 

Best practices to reduce the likelihood of a fly infestation;

- make sure to keep all food covered

- always clean kitchen sides down before and after food preparation

- keep rubbish bins shaded and sealed

- keep rubbish bins away from doors and windows

- put up fly screens across open doors and windows

- dispose of any over ripe fruit or out of date food sources into a sealed waste bin as soon as possible

- keep your kitchen clean, removing any spillages or crumbs from surfaces and floors

House flies can be a real pain if you have an infestation. Give SOS Pest Control a call, we can deal with them for you quickly and effectively!

What Do I Do About Bumble Bees In My Garden?

Spring typically means warmer, sunnier weather (not that this month so far has lived up to that!). But on the days where the sun is shining, you will certainly start hearing the hum of bumble bees! Technically, bumble bees should not be able to fly as their wings are too small for their body but that does not stop them. All species of bees are so important to the ecosystem, so it is really important we do what we can to help them. 

As temperatures start to warm up, the queen bees are awoken and begin to search for a suitable place to build a nest. Firstly, the queen will need to drink some nectar before starting her search as she would have used up all her food stores during hibernation in the winter months. Nest locations can vary greatly however looking under garden sheds, in chimneys, in bird boxes and even garages are all good places to start. Bees have also been know to nest in wall cavities and loft spaces too. 

Once the queen has found her nest site, she will begin to build it from pollen collected from flowers and a wax that she produces herself. She will then lay her first batch of eggs, incubate them until they form cocoons and hatch and feed them and herself by leaving the nest in search of nectar and pollen. 

If you think you have a nest forming, then it is strongly recommended that you contact a professional pest controller. They will be able to find a suitable location to re-home the bees away from harm or even work with local bee keepers who will be able to help as well. 

How To Get Rid Of Carpet Beetles

Female carpet beetles are out in full force at the moment. We have seen a real rise in calls about this particular pest recently. May is typically the time of year that we begin to start seeing the tell-tale signs of carpet beetles, but they have been spotted much earlier this year too! 

Carpet beetle larvae can cause some big issues for small creatures. Female carpet beetles will make sure to lay their eggs where there is an abundant source of food. This could include, but is not limited to items like; carpets, rugs, bedding sheets, duvets, wool jumpers, curtains...just to name a few items of preference. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae will feed on these items whilst they mature into adults. 

Carpet beetle larvae are rather small in size and are a cream/white colour. They look to be furry in appearance and look very similar to a caterpillar. The adult carpet beetle is round in shape and typically brown, black and white mottled in colour. They can fly but they tend to prefer to crawl across fabrics and surfaces to get from one location to another. Adult carpet beetles have one purpose, and that is reproduce and find a safe place to lay their eggs. 

Having carpet beetles does not mean your home is dirty, it usually is just bad luck. They can enter your home in a number of ways; through open windows or doors, on bunches of flowers, on pet's fur...the opportunities are endless. 

So how do you get rid of them? Well, if there is a large infestation then we strongly recommend calling in a professional as they will be able to deal with the issue effectively making sure that all of the bedbugs, eggs are larvae are removed. If you just notice one or two carpet beetles and you are sure there are not more lurking in dark corners of furniture or rooms that are not used regularly, then there are a few things you can do;

- hoover all carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture thoroughly, whilst pulling out all bed frames and other furniture to make sure you give everything a really good clean

- remove the hoover bag immediately and dispose in your outside bin whilst making sure not to come into contact with anything else on your way

- any items that you think may have come into contact with a carpet beetle need to be washed at a high temperature and if possible, put in the tumble dryer for good measure

- another option is to freeze the garment or fabric item, then wash it

Having carpet beetles is nothing to be ashamed of...please do not hesitate in contacting a pest controller if you have a pest problem!

Moths- Signs, Treatment & Prevention

Now is the time adults moths are beginning to emerge. They have one purpose during this time which is to find a mate and lay eggs. Adult moths are not actually the problem, it is the larvae that feed on clothing and other materials around the house causing damage. 

Signs

There are typical signs to look out for when it comes to a moth infestation;

• Adult moths
• Small maggot like larvae
• Cases and strands made of silk (can be confused with spiders web but much more fragile)
• Holes in clothes, bedding, curtains, upholstered furniture

Treatment

The most effective way to treat a moth infestation is to call in a professional. They will be able to tell you what type of moth problem you have, advise on the best course of action, and make sure to get the job done properly so you are left completely moth free. There are of course shop bought solutions, however if the treatment is not suitable for the problem then you will only waste your time and money. There are also a few things you can do yourself to help the situation;

• Make sure all clothes and bedding are thoroughly cleaned before being put away
• Empty out your hoover bag regularly
• Any material bags, fabric boxes, suitcases etc should be thoroughly cleaned and stored in sealed bags

Prevention

Believe it or not, there are things you can do to help prevent moths entering and laying eggs in and around your home.

• Keep your home clean and tidy, hoover regularly
• Make sure to focus on cleaning under beds, the back of wardrobes, in the loft
• Store all material items in sealed bags or boxes
• Make sure to clean any sealed items before storing them away
• Use fly screens over open doors and windows to stop adults from entering your home

SOS Pest Control can help with any pest problem you may have! Give us a call today!

Spring Pests in Kent

We have now entered Spring time, which means a new variety of pests are beginning to emerge. Of course, if these pests remain in your garden or areas surrounding your property then that would be great. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Humans offer pests shelter, food and water in abundance so it makes sense that they would like to move in with us! Below we have some information about the most common pests you are likely to encounter in Spring;

Ants

Ants will build their nests in your garden but that does not stop them exploring their surroundings. Ant colonies can reach very large numbers if left untreated. And if they have gained entry to your home once, they will continue to do so again and again. They are especially attracted to sweet foods like fruit, honey and sugar. They can find their way into your home through open doors and windows, even through cracks around your window and door seals. They are not harmful to your heath, more of nuisance pest.

Flies

Flies tend to come in a variety of shapes and sizes including bluebottles and house flies. Both can be very problematic if left untreated. Flies are carriers of a variety of diseases due to the types of foods they eat (like poop!) so if flies are landing on your food or food preparation surfaces then they will be contaminating anything they touch. They are likely to gain entry through open windows and doors, and are mostly attracted to strong smelling decaying food. This is why they are usually seen around bins. 

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are a funny sort of pest as you are not typically likely to see them very often. They can scuttle super fast and tend to be nocturnal. But if you have cockroaches, you will find droppings and a musty smell in your kitchen or bathroom usually, wherever there is a water source. They like warm, damp conditions. They are not fussy eaters, they will even eat each other if food is scarce but in a human home, food is usually abundant!

Any pest problems this Spring, give SOS Pest Control a call!!

 Grey Squirrel Control

Grey squirrels are pests that can cause you some serious issues. They are very noisy and extremely destructive, leaving you sleep deprived and a huge mess to clear up. They are most active in the early hours of the morning, so if they have made their way into your loft space, then there is a very high chance you will know about it! 

Places you could find squirrels;

• Loft/Attic
• Wall Cavities
• Sheds
• Garages

Signs to look out for;

• Holes in vents
• Loose roof tiles
• Bark stripped from nearby trees
• Lots of squirrels around your property
• Damage to insulation
• Strip electrical wires
• Gnaw marks on wooden beams and floorboards
• Droppings in the loft
• Torn up lawn and holes

Grey squirrels, as their name suggests, are predominantly grey in colouring. They are larger in size than our native red squirrels and have long, bushy tails. They can appear quite friendly, this is usually down to the fact that they tend to associate humans with food. Squirrels love to eat nuts, bark, vegetables and berries to name a few. However, if they do not have any access to these they will eat birds eggs, caterpillars and small rodents.

If you are faced with a squirrel infestation, please give us a call here at SOS Pest Control. We can help get rid of the issue and put in place preventions to stop the issue occurring again. 

Bird Control & Proofing in Kent

Spring is the beginning of warmer weather, more sunshine and longer days. It is also the start of nesting season. This can continue through to August depending on a few factors like weather and location. This means that there is a race against time to make sure your home and business space are bird proofed to stop any unwanted nesting or congregation of flocks of birds. Seagulls and pigeons are the main culprits causing many issues; noise, unsightly (and slippery) bird guano (poop) as well as transmitting diseases. They are certainly a pest that needs controlling sooner rather than later. Remember though, if the nest has eggs in it, then we are not allowed to touch it until the birds have left it. At this time of the year, it is really important to speak to a professional about bird control as we have the knowledge and training to advise you correctly when dealing with these pests.

There are different types of bird control used like netting and spikes. Netting and spikes are good long term, durable solutions to bird control. Neither option will cause harm to the birds, but rather act as deterrents. 

There are a couple of signs to look out for;

- Collection of birds in the same area

- Nesting materials

- Lots of guano on the floor/roof

- Blocked guttering or drains from nesting materials

Best to check locations such as balconies, flat roofs, chimneys, guttering and ledges, just to name a few areas. Finding and acting on the first signs of a bird infestation can save you a lot of time and money, especially when employing a professional to deal with the issue effectively and efficiently!

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS, TONBRIDGE & SEVENOAKS

Cockroaches- Unlikely February Pests

February has been a strange month weather wise; we have had rain, snow and sunshine.  Cockroaches are not necessarily the typical pest that you would associate with being a problem in winter, however, once in your home they can multiply rapidly and cause you some serious problems! 

 

Our homes are a great location to settle in, there is food in abundance and warmth too! Plus, a room dedicated to water (bathroom). The three key things cockroaches need to survive. You are highly unlikely to actually see cockroaches scuttling across the floor as they much prefer darkness, and will remain hidden away all of the time. Plus they are super speedy!!

 

What do they look like?

In the UK you will usually have to deal with German cockroaches or Oriental cockroaches. Cockroaches are known for their very long antennae and flat bodies. German cockroaches are brown in colour whereas the larger Oriental cockroach can be black or brown. They are able to squeeze through the smallest of gaps too so no area in your home is out of bounds.

 

Signs to look for;

-if you have an established infestation then there will be strong apparent odour

-damage to food packages

-spoilt foods

-shed skins

-droppings

-eggs/egg cases

 

German cockroaches are likely to be hiding in rooms that are warm and humid. The bathroom and the airing cupboard are good places. Also, the fans in fridges and freezers are also a favourite. Oriental cockroaches tend to enjoy cooler and damper environments like drains. 

 

Wherever they choose to locate themselves in your home, they must be near a water source as they can only survive a few days without water. Food however, they can go without for months. When they do eat, they are not fussy. They will pretty much eat anything and everything, even each other.

 

It is really important to deal with a cockroach problem as soon as you find out you have one. For home or businesses, cockroaches pose a huge risk to human health due to the bacteria they carry. Due to the unsanitary locations they frequent, like drains and sewerage pipes, they will contaminate anything they come into contact with.

 

Remember, cockroach infestations can rapidly get out of hand, so if you notice any signs that you may have a problem, it is best to call in the professionals to help deal with the problem. 

Mouse In Your House?

In urban areas, mice can and will reproduce all year round due to the lovely warmth of your home and the unlimited sources of food available to them.  This means that mouse infestations can actually be a problem all year round! However, with the weather being so cold at the moment, we are getting more and more calls from customers struggling with mice problems. But do not worry, SOS Pest Control can help! 

Below we have some information about what to look out for and things you can do to protect your home from these uninvited furry visitors. 

What do they look like?

• Mice are typically quite small
• They have rounded ears
• Their tails are long and thin
• Pointed snouts
• Can be light brown/dark brown in colouring

Signs of mice

• Droppings
• Scratching sounds in the loft or walls
• Smell of mouse urine (ammonia)
• Strange pet behaviour (chances are they will find mice before you do!)
• Damage to food packages or storage boxes

What can you do?

The best way to avoid a mouse problem is to proof your home! 

• Fill any access points to your home like loose brickwork, gaps around pipe entrances, loose tiles
• Secure/remove any easily accessible insulation as mice like to use this for nesting
• Make sure to keep all food sources securely sealed
• Regularly clean under cookers and fridges
• Clean kitchen sides and floors regularly removing crumbs

If you happen to see any of the above signs, then proofing will stop new mice coming into your home but it will not help with your current infestation. Plus, mice are notorious for reproducing at an alarming rate. However, SOS Pest Control can help you. We are fully trained and able to deal with any pest infestation effectively and efficiently. Give us a call today!

 Pest Control During Lockdown...Again

We are business as usual, even during these strange times. 

Pests like rats, mice, squirrels and foxes are typically prevalent during this time of year. This is due to the colder weather and less food sources available to them. Whilst prevention is always better, we appreciate that these pesky pests can make their way into your home or business through the smallest crack, loose roof tile, or gap in a fence. We are on hand to deal with whatever problem you may have, removing the problem effectively and efficiently whilst keeping our team and our customers safe. We also have a wide range of prevention solutions to offer to make sure your home or business remain free from pest problems in the future. 

We are here for you and available to deal with many types of pests, observing all government guidance in place to keep us all safe. 

Happy New Year From SOS Pest Control

 Happy New Year!!

2021 has arrived! This year will be sure to be a great one! SOS Pest Control intend to enter this year more determined than ever to keep our customers happy, safe and pest free. Whether it is a commercial property, domestic property, or even your garden shed that you have an issue with pests in, we can most certainly help. Do not hesitate to get in touch today via phone or email.