25 Feb 2021 | Apex Environmental Services (UK) Ltd
We all look forward to the longer, warmer days that the spring months bring us in the UK. However, the creatures that accompany the brighter weather can cause us many challenges.
As pests begin to crawl their way out of the depths of winter, they can become rife in our homes and businesses. Pests cause issues that range from annoying at best, to dangerous at worst.
Preventing pest issues is always easier than resolving them, so knowing what problems the spring may throw at you is an essential first step.
Ants
In the spring, ants become more active as they begin to grow their colony for the year. The ants want to raise a strong army, so will head anywhere with an easy food source.
Unfortunately, this often leads to our homes and offices.
Due to their tiny size, ants can fit through the smallest of holes, so no matter how efficiently you believe you have sealed off your kitchen, ants often cleverly find their way into your building, and straight to the food source.
The most effective way to prevent ants is to ensure all food is stored away securely. Ensure there are no crumbs on the floor or around cupboards, which will entice them into the room. If you have any pets ensure their food is also stored in sealed containers, as any traces may be enticing creatures into the home.
If you notice ants in the property, ensure you act as quickly as possible. Once they begin to penetrate the home, ants will travel from multiple nests on the hunt for a reliable food source. Rub diluted vinegar or lemon juice on your floors to cut off the scent trail for the further pests that will follow.
Additionally, once you have noticed ants, you can spray a barrier around the home. Insecticides can be bought from various places and can be effective should the infestation not be too severe. However, we would always recommend contacting a professional pest specialist to ensure the problem is completely eradicated.
Birds
Gulls, which cause huge issues in our homes and businesses across the UK, can begin to lay their eggs as early as February.
The birds are aware that the weather is beginning to warm, and the food sources will become much more accessible. Meaning, this time of year is perfect for them to bring their young into the world.
Allowing these birds to build their nest on your property can bring a massive array of issues.
Firstly, physical harm can be caused to your building, primarily due to the debris from the nests. Windows, brickwork, solar panels, and satellite dishes are all at risk of being damaged.
Bird droppings, known as guano, can carry a range of bacteria which can be very harmful to humans. On top of this serious health risk, their droppings are unsightly. This unpleasant look can be annoying when on your home, but detrimental to your reputation if on business premises.
Moreover, gull eggs take around thirty days to hatch. Once the eggs hatch, the birds become much more protective and aggressive. The gulls securing a regular food source is imperative at this point, and they are willing to take higher risks to ensure it. Meaning, they will encroach further onto your property and become extra confident when rummaging through your rubbish bins.
When dealing with a bird pest issue in spring, acting early is imperative. Bird meshes and spikes prove a humane solution to prevent birds from perching and nesting on your property. If the birds have already made your house home, then bird scaring and hawking might provide the best option.
Flies
As the spring brings warmer weather, houseflies can become a colossal nuisance in our homes.
Flies, like most pests, are attracted to food.
Meaning, they are drawn to rubbish bins both inside and out. Especially those outside workspaces and offices, which are generally packed with scraps of food. Flies are not only annoying but can carry various strains of bacteria. If you do not deal with the issue quickly, flies can significantly impact human health.
One of the most common types of flies in homes is fruit flies. They are attracted to sugar, so overripe fruit, alcohol, fizzy drinks, and fruit juices will attract the flies from far and wide.
As you might imagine, the first step to prevent flies from infesting the home is to keep it as clean as possible. Ensure food is stored in secure containers, and rubbish is disposed of regularly.
In springtime, we are more likely to spend time with doors and windows open, enjoying the mild spring air. Placing screens over doors and windows will help lower the number of flies that access your home.
The warmer weather provides an ideal environment for maggots to hatch, and once your home or business becomes infested, it can be complicated to banish them from the house. We recommend professional pest control services to thoroughly assess the situation, and arrange for a suitable solution.
Rats and Mice
Rats and mice are something we must consider all year round but can be a particularly massive issue in spring and summer.
It can be worth spending time ensuring that your property is completely sealed at the start of spring. Rats and mice will squeeze their way through surprisingly small holes, so ensuring there are no gaps around your windows or doors is imperative.
Rats and mice are not only drawn to food, but to water and moisture. If you have any damp in the home, this may be attracting the rodents. Ensure the property is thoroughly damp proofed, which should help keep the creatures at bay.
As with all pests, making sure your food, including pet food, is packaged in airtight containers is the number one step to preventing your home from being infested.
Both rats and mice are capable of breeding all year round, so if you notice any signs of rodents in the property, be sure to seek professional help as quickly as possible.
Talk to Apex Bird Control Today
Protecting your buildings from birds requires a bespoke solution. The architecture of the building and your location will have an impact on which species of birds are most likely to pose a risk to your business. By talking to our team, we can help you to identify an effective bird control system.
To find out more today, contact Apex Bird Control now on 01256 578025 or email us at info@apexbirdcontrol.uk
