The Pests We Cover

Ants

Nearly every household, at one stage or another, will have a problem with ants coming into their kitchen. Normally, the first ants that come in are simply looking for a food source such as little bit of juice spilt on the work surface or on the floor. Crumbs are a treat for our little friends so good housekeeping and clearing debris away after preparing food can be the start of getting rid of them.

The smaller transparent ants tend to give an irritating nip, so if allowed to invade a house can be quite a nuisance. But all ants live in the garden, in soil, compost heaps or rotting tree stumps. Ants do not like wet conditions or disturbance and will only venture inside a house if they find food. They especially like areas where food, moisture and warmth abound such as our kitchens, dining rooms and bedrooms. Active during certain times of the day, when the temperature is right, ants quite often prefer the dark and can crawl into amazingly small places.

The key to ant control is eradicating the population. This simply means killing the ants (preferably in or near the nest) so that they don't have the opportunity to breed. Spraying the house and skirting boards with insecticide every month or so is a good way to deter them. But finding the nest is very important. We have our own treatment that will kill the nest and the queen.

Nests can be sprayed with a modern insecticide that the ants cannot detect, and by touching this insecticide, they become infected. The good thing is that they don’t just turn over and die, but the way the poison works is that they have enough time to return to the nest and by the effects of natural grooming and touch, one ant can affect hundreds more. This then starts the eradication of the nest, bit by bit until it is gone. Any treatment is not an instant “magic wand” fix, but our work is guaranteed to eradicate the problem in the shortest possible time.

If you suspect you have ants, we would strongly recommend that you contact us immediately as our trained pest control professionals can provide a thorough inspection.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small parasitic insects. The term usually refers to species that prefer to feed on human blood. Early detection and treatment are critical to successful control. According to a survey, the most commonly infested places are the mattress (98.2%), boxspring (93.6%), as well as nearby carpets and baseboards (94.1%). In fact, bed bugs thrive in areas where there is an adequate supply of available hosts, and plenty of cracks and harborages within 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) of the host.

If you have a bed bug infestation, get help immediately. The longer you wait, the more difficult and expensive bed bug elimination will be. Because treatments are required in sleeping areas and other sensitive locations, methods other than chemical pesticides are in demand.

Bed bugs feed exclusively on blood and may survive a year without eating. They are attracted by body warmth and carbon dioxide. Dwellings can become infested with bed bugs in a variety of ways, such as:

• Bugs and eggs inadvertently brought in from other infested dwellings on a visiting person's clothing or luggage;
• Infested items (such as furniture, clothing, or backpacks) brought in;
• Nearby dwellings or infested items, if easy routes are available for travel, e.g. through ducts or false ceilings;
• Wild animals (such as bats or birds) that may also harbour bed bugs
• People visiting an infested area (e.g. dwelling, means of transport, entertainment venue, or lodging) and carrying the bugs to another area on their clothing, luggage, or bodies. Though bed bugs will feed on pets, they do not live or travel on the skin of their hosts.

Adult bed bugs are wingless, of brown-reddish color and about the size of an apple seed. Bed bugs target all individuals regardless of the cleanliness of your house. Bed bugs do not spread disease; their bites may cause secondary infection, loss of sleep and anxiety. Some individuals do not react to bed bug bites and thus may not know they have bed bugs.

If you suspect you have bed bugs, we would strongly recommend that you contact us immediately as our trained pest control professionals can provide a thorough inspection.

Caterpillar

Many people who live in Spain with their children or dogs need to be made aware of one of the most dangerous natural enemies that can be found in some gardens and in the countryside. The processionary pine caterpillar as the name suggests makes its home in a certain type of pine tree. This tree is very popular here in Spain and is a protected species so even if you have pine trees in the garden you cannot cut them down. There is only one generation per year and most of the time the caterpillars are not seen and therefore not a threat. The most dangerous time is in February, March and April when they start to come down from the pine trees in search of food. The caterpillars can do a lot of damage to pine trees and when they have stripped a tree of all its needles they will form a long line and begin their search for other pine trees and more food.

This processionary line makes them particularly attractive to young children, who are used to their non-toxic cousins in England. However, dogs are very much at risk, as they tend to sniff the caterpillars and inhale the poison. If you are in Spain in the early part of the year and are travelling through areas of pine trees have a look out for the nests. They are very easy to see. Just look for white cocoons similar to candy floss in the trees and make a fast exit. Whatever you do, do not stop and go walking about under the trees. The long line they form makes them easily identifiable, hence the name. Long hairs give out poison that when touched irritates the skin. Allergic reactions are not unknown and if ingested the consequences can be serious.

If you suspect you have caterpillars, we would strongly recommend that you contact us immediately as our trained pest control professionals can provide a thorough inspection.

Cockroach

Few insects cause as much concern and distress as cockroaches. As an insect when they get into your property, bars, restaurants etc., they are often not spotted until there is an infestation. They thrive in damp, warm areas, such as fridge motors, under sinks, worktops and cupboard hinges, to name just a few of there hiding places. Cockroaches only come out at night. During the day, they hide so if you are seeing roaches during the daytime, then the infestation could be worse than you can imagine.

They breed very quickly and carry numerous diseases including salmonella to dysentery and gastroenteritis. Droppings are also believed to cause childhood ashma. It goes without saying that you need to act quickly if you experience any problems with cockroaches. Cockroaches will eat anything that they can get to. To combat this, good hygiene is a must. Properties need to be properly cleaned, particularly food areas. Good storage methods are also necessary, plastic boxes with lids are essential for foodstuffs.

If the problem keeps reoccurring, then it could be a re-infestation from other properties and that’s when a coordinated program of treatment needs to be carried out by a professional in cockroach prevention. Our technicians can visit your home, source the problem and treat the area infested both quickly and conveniently leaving you with a clean, cockroach free home. We pride ourselves on an efficient and cost effective service.

If you suspect you have cockroaches, we would strongly recommend that you contact us immediately as our trained pest control professionals can provide a thorough inspection.

Legionella

Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia and everyone is susceptible to infection. The risk increases with age but some people are at higher risk, including those with heart or lung disease, diabetes or an impaired immune system.

The bacterium Legionella pneumophila and related bacteria are common in natural water sources but also in purpose-built water systems such as hot and cold water systems, air-con chill coils and humidifiers, and spa pools. If water is maintained at a temperature high enough, bacterial growth occurs.

If this happens, there’s the potential for contracting legionnaires’ disease, which is caused by inhaling small droplets of water that contain the bacteria suspended in the air.

Needless to say, it’s vital you control the risks.

There are various ways to tackle legionella, including an immediate cleaning and/or biocide treatment. We are experts in treating the issue.

Are you concerned about legionella in any of your water systems?

Mosquito

There are two main groups; the Culicine mosquitoes sit with their bodies parallel to the ground, the Anopheline mosquitoes sit “nose-down” to the surface, and most have dark spots on their wings. Mosquito eggs are laid in batches in stagnant water and the small brown larvae hang from the surface of the water, turning into comma-shaped aquatic pupae in four to ten days. Within a day or two the adult emerges with a thirst for human or animal blood. Only the females feed and require a blood meal before they can lay eggs. Adult female mosquitoes hibernate in dark corners of houses, sheds, cellars and other sheltered sites.

Breeding sites such as guttering, water butts and bird baths should be cleaned out regularly. Fly screens over open windows will prevent adults coming in, or aerosol fly sprays will kill individual mosquitoes.

If the problem persists, we would recommend you contact us to administer a professional treatment to solve the problem. We have the technical knowledge and access to a range of professional use products and equipment which are not available to the public.

If you suspect you have mosquitos, we would strongly recommend that you contact us immediately as our trained pest control professionals can provide a thorough inspection.

Mice

Mice live in nests that they build out of cloth, wool and paper. Nests are often built inside houses, in places such as roof spaces, under floors or in wall cavities, and wherever there is access to a good source of food, especially during the winter. Mice can squeeze through cracks as small as 5mm but mouse holes are normally 20-30mm in diameter. Mice are mainly active at night and can often be heard running about as they search for food.

Mice are erratic, sporadic feeders, nibbling at many sources of food rather than taking repeated meals from any one item. They do not need free water to drink as they normally obtain sufficient moisture from their food. Their favourite foods are cereal products, although they will eat almost anything.

It is important to get rid of mice quickly, as mice are adaptable, highly mobile and breed rapidly - this combination can make mouse control a difficult task for the untrained individual. For any mouse infestation we have access to a range of professional use rodenticides which are not available to the public.

If you suspect you have mice, we would strongly recommend that you contact us immediately as our trained pest control professionals can provide a thorough inspection.

Rats

Rats can and will cause serious damage to your home. Common indicators of a rat problem include finding droppings or evidence of gnawing, seeing rat tracks, hearing scurrying sounds or squeaking in walls, smelling a musky scent, finding burrows or even seeing dead rats. Our Pest Control technicians can get rats terrorising your home out.

Rats cause a significant health risk to both humans and pets, if left untreated they can quickly infest large areas and therefore be more difficult to eradicate. Rats carry many nasty diseases which they can spread to humans, normally through their urine. including; Leptospirosis or Weil's disease, Salmonella, Listeria, Toxoplasma gondii and Hantavirus.

Rats can inflict a great amount of structural damage. They can cause serious fires by gnawing away the insulation around electrical cables, floods by puncturing pipes and even death by chewing through gas pipes. The insurance sector have estimated that rodent damage to wiring is responsible for 25% of all electrical fires in buildings.

You can put steps in place to try and prevent a rat infestation:

• Eliminate any harbourage points such as sealing gaps around pipes and under sheds; rats only need a gap of 15mm to gain entry.
• Remove potential nesting sites by keeping yards and gardens clean and tidy, by cutting back overgrown areas and clearing any piles of wood/debris.
• Ensure that drain inspection covers are in a good state of repair.
• Cover any household waste where rats can get access to it, close dustbin lids and cover compost heaps.
• If you feed garden birds, do not do this to excess and use a bird table or feeder basket if possible.

Rats are adaptable, highly mobile and breed rapidly, this combination can make rat control a difficult task for the untrained individual.

If you have a problem with rats, it is vital you address it quickly. We pride ourselves on a fast, reliable, professional service that will leave your property rodent free both now and in the future and we have access to a range of professional use rodenticides which are not available to the public.

If you suspect you have rats, we would strongly recommend that you contact us immediately as our trained pest control professionals can provide a thorough inspection.

Silverfish

Silverfish are cigar-shaped, silver-grey, wingless insect about 12mm long, found in damp areas commonly in kitchens and bathrooms. Nocturnal in habit, but often trapped in baths, basins or chinaware as it cannot climb the smooth surfaces. Moves quickly and has three long bristles at the tail end.

Occasionally they damage paper but they usually feed on residues of starchy substances such as glues, wallpaper paste and carbohydrate food debris. It may indicate damp conditions which will need attention. Eggs are laid in cracks and crevices and the nymphs grow by an indefinite number of moults. Can grow a new leg if they lose one. Adults can live for over three years.

To remedy an infestation correct any persistent dampness and contact us immediately as our trained pest control professionals can provide a thorough inspection and suggest the correct treatment to rid you of the Silverfish.

If you suspect you have silverfish, we would strongly recommend that you contact us immediately as our trained pest control professionals can provide a thorough inspection.

Termite

Termites are often called the “silent destroyer” because they may be secretly hiding and thriving in your home or yard without any immediate signs of damage. All termites consume cellulose-based plant materials. Unfortunately, all homes, regardless of their construction type, can provide cellulose food for termite infestation. If you find termites in your property, do NOT attempt to disturb the mud trail or spray any insecticide eg aerosol cans onto the termites. This is because you would cause them to withdraw and forage elsewhere.

Subterranean termites build their nests underground, damaged wood usually has an accumulation of soil or mud within the tunnels of the wood they are eating. Subterranean termites only eat the softwood, damaged wood appears to be layered, the result of the workers not eating the hardwood portion. In addition, subterranean termites feed “with the grain” rather than across the grain, as do drywood termites. The nest is usually found below ground. Nests may be found above ground, but only when sufficient moisture conditions are available to support the above-ground nest and the colony is old and well established.

Drywood termites are the most troublesome type of termites and generally we advise a full inspection or survey, to ascertain the extent of the infestation before any work is carried out. Drywood Termites live within the wood they consume and often infest walls and furniture.Create colonies in wood, with no connection to the ground necessary; often found in attic wood; need very little moisture. Consume wood and occasionally other cellulose material. Although drywood termites are far less common than subterranean termites, drywood termite damage is substantial.

If you suspect you have termites, we would strongly recommend that you contact us immediately as our trained pest control professionals can provide a thorough inspection.

Wasp

Wasps build their nests in sheltered locations and seems to prefer dark, void areas, like under structure eaves, satellite dishes, inside vent pipes, inside gas grills, wall voids, under decks and inside electrical boxes. Nobody enjoys wasps while enjoying the outdoors in Spain. If you are experiencing a high volume of wasps you could have a nest nearby. We offer a safe, efficient and convenient treatment to tackle the immediate problem fast….and are also on hand to provide the advice you need to avoid future infestations. If you do find a nest, please be extra careful around them.

Treating a wasp nest can be very dangerous. Wasps inside the nest will feel threatened and often become aggressive. This could cause them to sting you and others as they defend their nest and young. They can quickly become aggressive and swarm, and therefore more likely to sting. Give us a call and our expert technicians can make a visit, assess and deal with the nest for you safely and quickly.

To get rid of wasps you do not need to remove the nest, but you do need to treat it. For treating a wasp nest make sure you use our trained professional as we have the technical knowledge and access to a range of professional use insecticides which are not available to the public.

If you suspect you have wasps, we would strongly recommend that you contact us immediately as our trained pest control professionals can provide a thorough inspection.