Pest control - Coventry domestic customers - Print version

We will deal with pests that are harmful to Public Health and wellbeing. Our staff are fully qualified, experienced and use the latest equipment. 

For further advice on how to deal with and avoid rat infestations in your garden, download our latest leaflet [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/7351/pest-control---dealing-with-rats-leaflet].

Charges

For domestic properties, treatment of rats, cockroaches, and bed bugs are free of charge. Please note, if upon inspection, a booking made for rats are in fact mice, you will be charged for the treatment of mice. Similar also applies for a wasps nest treatment that upon inspection are in fact bees, as a Council we do not treat bees and you will not be refunded. Therefore we advise that customers try to identify the pest species before booking where possible.

Competitive rates are offered for treatments of mice (inside the house) fleas, wasps, squirrels, moles and other nuisance pest problems. Please contact us for a quote. Discounts are available if people are in receipt of certain benefits (except for the treatment of mice).

A charge is made for commercial pest treatments, a free inspection survey quotation visit can be made on request. For further information about what we can offer your business, please view our commercial pest control pages [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/info/262/pest_control/3191/pest_control_-_commercial_customers].

Read about the use of insecticides and rodenticides [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/5310/pest_control_health_and_safety].

How to pay

All payments are taken online or over the telephone when you book your Pest Control treatment.

Advice for dealing with pests

If you have a pest infestation, please see the below information and advice on what to do to help control the infestation and prevent further pests. 

Rats

Rats are classed as a public health risk as they can carry and pass on potentially fatal diseases such as Weil's Disease. They can also carry food poisoning bacteria such as salmonella. Rats invade gardens, sheds, compost heaps and properties in search of food or shelter.

• Download our latest leaflet for advice on how to deal with rats entering your garden [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/7351/pest-control---dealing-with-rats-leaflet] and what you can do to help avoid infestations. 
• Household waste may encourage rats as this can provide food and shelter - Avoid build-up of rubbish which could attract and act as shelter for rats. Keep wheelie bin lids closed and bags of waste inside the bin. 
• Where pipework goes through walls of your property, make sure it is well sealed around the edges - any gaps could encourage rats to get into the property.
• Refrain from leaving bird and wildlife feeders in your garden for up to 4 weeks until you have control of an infestation - bird food can attract rats to your garden.
• Make sure doors fit snugly within their frames, avoiding any gaps at the bottom.
• Compost heaps are highly attractive to rats as they are a source of both food and shelter, consider emptying or removing a compost heap to avoid re-infestations of rats. 
• Purchase traps - you can purchase the Council's Self-treatment kit [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/pest-control/pest-control-coventry-domestic-customers/4] or similar items from hardware shops or online. Always follow the instructions to safely place and set traps. 

Mice

The house mouse is common in a wide range of buildings all over Britain. Although mainly a house dweller, it may live outdoors for part or all of the year. The house mouse will invade sheds, garages, cellars and lofts as well as inside properties in search of food, shelter and warmth.

• Avoid letting household waste build up that could attract, and act as shelter for, mice. Keep wheelie bin lids closed and bags of waste inside the bin. 
• Where pipework goes through walls of your property, make sure it is well sealed around the edges - any gaps could encourage rats to get into the property.
• Air bricks with gaps of more than 6mm could also allow access for mice, fit mesh or rodent screens on top of air bricks which help keep mice from entering properties and can be purchased in hardware shops. 
• Make sure doors fit snugly within their frames, avoiding any gaps at the bottom.
• Do not store food in outbuildings (example, bags of dog food) or, put these items into sealed plastic containers.
• Consider purchasing mouse traps which can be found in hardware shops or on the internet. Always follow the instructions to safely place and set traps. 

Fleas

• Fleas are very common, and often carried by a range of domestic pets at some stage during their lifetimes. Adult fleas are parasites and live off warm-blooded animals. They can enter the household via pets or from your clothing after you have visited another area that has fleas (such as another property or while out on a walk). 
• Cats and dogs should be treated for fleas and with an animal insecticide recommended specifically for that purpose by your local Vet or pet shop regularly. We don't recommend cheap treatments as they simply are not strong enough. 
• Since fleas, at various stages of their development, can be found both on and off the animal, complete flea control should involve treating domestic pets as well as the inside of your property. 
• If you have fleas in your property, all floors and upholstered furniture should be vacuumed daily to remove animal hair, organic debris, flea eggs and pupae. Particular attention should be given to the areas where pets have been allowed to roam and rest, such as under furniture, under chairs and sofa cushions. Also cracks and crevices in floors and along walls. The vacuum bag will contain flea eggs and pupae so should be disposed of immediately in an outside waste bin. Hard floors should be mopped daily. 
• Consider purchasing a flea spray for your carpets and upholstered furniture to also use (following the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations).

Bedbugs

Bedbugs are parasites that feed principally from humans at night, but also from dogs, cats and even rodents. The bugs generally hide by day. The bedbug is not a known carrier of disease, but is associated with unpleasant irritation from their bites.

• Bed bugs have to be introduced to a property and will not just appear in your bedroom.
• Bed bugs are extremely hardy and can go without feeding for many months, making it almost impossible to kill them through starvation. Therefore, moving out of an infested property is not helpful. You need to be around in the property so that the bugs will come out and in contact with pesticides in order to eradicate them.
• Avoid buying second-hand bedroom furniture from an unknown source - especially mattresses. These could introduce bedbugs into your home.
• When travelling, check the areas around the beds where you are staying. 
• Throwing away mattresses WILL NOT remove bedbugs. They will still be in other parts of the bedroom and will infest your new mattress. 
• Consider purchasing a bedbug spray from a hardware shop to use until a pest controller can visit to treat it. 

Rats

Biology and behaviour

Rats are classed as a Public Health Risk as they can carry and pass on potentially fatal diseases such as Weil's Disease, they can also carry food poisoning bacteria such as salmonella. Rats will invade gardens, sheds, compost heaps or even domestic or commercial properties in search of food or shelter. Household waste may also encourage rats as this can provide food and shelter. Rats can breed very quickly and can produce up to 4/5 litters a year with up to 8/10 young per litter, this makes it very easy for an infestation to build up very quickly unnoticed.

Description

• Brownish-grey in colour                 
• Small ears
• Life span 6-18 months
• Size including tail 25cm-45cm
• Rats have very poor eyesight but excellent hearing and sense of smell
• The most common species is the brown rat (rattus norvegicus) also known as the 'common rat' or the 'sewer rat'

Signs to look for

• Rats scurrying around
• Smear marks or hairs around holes where they constantly use the same run
• Chewing of wires or cables 
• Smell from their urine
• Holes or runs in soft ground or grassed areas
• Damage to food
• Damage to stock
• Droppings black 6-10mm long

Prevention

There are many precautions you can take to reduce the chances of getting a rat infestation.

• Avoid build-up of rubbish which could attract, and act as shelter for rats.
• Make sure that where pipework goes through walls that it is well sealed around the edges, any gaps could encourage rats to get in to the property.
• When feeding the birds, make sure that all food is on a bird table, bird feeders or off the ground so rats can't get to it. Clear away any spillages.
• Food businesses should get rid of food waste in sealed containers.
• Make sure doors fit snugly within their frames, avoiding any gaps at the bottom.
• Compost heaps are highly attractive to rats as they are a source of both food and shelter.

For further information, download our leaflet for advice on how to avoid rat infestations in your garden [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/7351/pest-control---dealing-with-rats-leaflet]. 

Book a pest control appointment

We offer a free treatment for rats both indoors and outside for domestic properties, and investigate any reports of rats on public, private or commercial land.

Book a pest control appointment [/bookpestcontrol]

If the rats are under floorboards or in roof spaces you will need to provide us with access to the area as we do not lift floorboards, cut holes in ceilings or lift roof tiles. 

Access must be made before the officer arrives at your property or no treatment will be carried out.

Need to cancel your appointment?

Due to high demand, at busy times a waiting list of 4-6 weeks could be in place for an appointment. Wasted appointments add to the waiting time for other customers, therefore we ask that you please call us to cancel any unwanted appointments. By not cancelling, your booking remains in place and the pest controller will still be scheduled to visit. This will waste not only the pest controller's time, but it also takes away an appointment slot that day that could have been used by another customer and could help cut down the waiting list for all. To cancel a booking, call 08085 834 333. 

Self-treatment option for managing a rat infestation 

We offer a self-treatment option for residents with infestations of rats in Coventry.

How self-treatment works

Self-treatment means you will not need to wait weeks for an appointment with a pest controller. Instead, we deliver a 'Self-Treatment Pack' to your door within 2-3 days of your call for you to manage the infestation yourself. You will need to load the traps with food (such as peanut butter or chocolate spread) and be prepared to remove and dispose of any rats you catch. If you feel this is not the option for you, please book an appointment for a pest controller instead, but bear in mind, you will need to wait up to 6 weeks during busy periods.

This service is only available to Coventry residents, and is to be used domestically on your own property.

Before purchasing, we recommend viewing the instructional videos below to see how the traps work and see tips on how to set dispose of any rats you catch.

• How to set your traps video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwY9AF4WPy8]
• How to reset your traps after catching a rat video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydG921fLvjc]

Self-Treatment Pack costs

The costs for this service are as follows:

• £18.15 for a pack containing 2 traps
• £30.25 for a pack containing 4 traps

Concessions rates are not available for this service and payment is made upon booking over the telephone.

Delivery of your pack

Delivery will take 2-3 working days after you have placed your order (potentially longer over Bank Holidays and Public Holidays). You cannot specify a delivery day and time when booking, if you are not in at the time of delivery, your pack (which will be bagged) will be left in your porch, outside your door or in an obvious safe place. The Council will not be held responsible for traps that go missing from your property, you will need to book and pay for another pack.

Book a self-treatment pack delivery

To book, please telephone 024 7683 2658 (9am-5pm Monday to Thursday, 9am-4:30pm Friday) or alternatively email Self-Treatment@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:Self-Treatment@coventry.gov.uk?subject=Self-Treatment%20Pack%20Booking%20Request] with your name, address and telephone number and a member of the team will contact you on the next working day to take payment and confirm your order. You cannot book this service online.

We do not offer a refund on this service once your traps have been scheduled for delivery.

Mice

Biology and behaviour

The house mouse is common in a wide range of buildings all over Britain. Although mainly a house dweller, it may live outdoors for part or all of the year. The house mouse will invade sheds and out buildings, or even get in to domestic or commercial properties in search of food or shelter.

Household waste may also encourage mice as this can be both a source of food and shelter.

Mice can breed very quickly, and are sexually mature when they are approx 3-4 months old this can lead to several litters a year with up to 8/10 young per litter, this makes it very easy for a mouse infestation to build up very quickly un-noticed.

Description

• Brownish-grey in colour
• Slightly lighter underside
• Size including tail 7cm-9cm approx
• Mice are colour blind but have excellent hearing and sense of smell
• Mice are very good climbers and are able to climb vertical walls

Signs to look for

• Smear marks or hairs around holes where they constantly use the same run
• Chewing of wires or cables 
• Smell from their urine
• Damage to food
• Damage to stock
• Droppings black 1-2mm long

Prevention

There are many precautions you can take to reduce the chances of getting a mouse infestation

• Avoid letting household waste build up that could attract, and act as shelter for, mice.
• Make sure that where pipe work enters a building it is well sealed around the edges, any gaps could encourage mice to try and gain access to the property.
• Air bricks with gaps of more than 6mm could also allow access for mice and should be fitted with mesh or rodent screens where possible.
• Food businesses should dispose of waste food in sealed containers.
• Make sure doors fit snugly within their frames, avoiding any gaps at the bottom.

Charges

Treatment cost: £53.00

Book a pest control appointment

Coventry City Council offers a subsidised chargeable service to treat mice, at a cost of £51.00 to all domestic properties.

Book an appointment [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/bookpestcontrol]

Please be aware:

• we will not treat mice in sheds, garages or gardens
• we use poison baits
• we do not lift floorboards, roof tiles, kitchen plinths, or remove bath panels - this needs to be done in advance of the pest control appointment
• we do not carry out proofing work after treatment
• access to where the mice are needs to be made by the householder before the appointment
• we will not treat properties that are already being treated by a private company

This information is also available in download form should you require an information sheet for reference. [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/5400/mice]

Fleas

Self-treatment advice to prior to appointment

Mop floors and vacuum carpets daily, make sure you empty your vacuum outside after each use. Clear floor areas and under beds of objects so that you can thoroughly vacuum these areas. Make sure your pet is treated for fleas as soon as possible with a reputable brand of flea treatment ideally given by the Vet. Self-treatment insecticides for your property are available to purchase online. Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Description

Fleas are very common, and often carried by a range of domestic pets at some stage during their lifetimes. Adult fleas are parasites and live off warm-blooded animals. Different species of flea live off different animals. Most common domestic pets, such as cats or dogs, are at risk from fleas. This is especially the case in the summer months and in warm environments such as centrally heated households. As fleas can remain active all year round, it is important to have an understanding of the flea life-cycle and the problems caused by fleas.

There is a range of different types of flea, each preferring a different host, eg. cat, dog. The following are the most common to the UK:

• Cat flea
• Dog flea
• Hedgehog flea
• Bird flea

They range from 1-8mm long and are normally brownish in colour. Flea eggs are approximately half a mm long, pearly white in colour, and laid on a pet or in your pet's bedding.

The preferred habitat, life cycle and causes of fleas

You will probably be alerted to the existence of fleas as your pet may constantly scratch itself, or you may develop skin irritations or reactions to bites. The existence of fleas can be confirmed by the identification of flea droppings, which are small and black in colour. These normally contain dried blood, and are often found in clusters next to the skin. If you do have a pet, they are easily spotted in light haired animals by brushing back the hair. However, in dark coated animals it may be better to comb the animal over a sheet of paper onto which the flea droppings will then fall. To identify whether these black objects are in fact flea dropping, simply add a few drops of water to them. If they are flea droppings, they will turn red.

Typically, adult female fleas will jump onto your pet while it is outside. These will then feed on your pet, and once in your home they will begin to lay eggs. Generally, these are laid in pet fur or bedding, but soon drop off into dwelling areas such as baskets or carpets. A female flea is capable of laying as many as 400-800 eggs, usually in batches of up to 20, during its lifetime (approximately 2 years). Depending on temperature, these eggs will usually hatch within 2-16 days. The emerging larvae are active, hiding from light and feeding on dust and flea droppings. It takes between 7-10 days for each larvae to fully develop. From this, the adult flea then takes another 10-17 days to develop, under average conditions. When the adult flea emerges, it will begin to actively seek a blood meal, and the lifecycle begins once again. In humans, fleabites can produce an allergic reaction. The typical symptoms to a flea bite are a small red spot 5mm or so in diameter. In sensitive individuals, the response can be worse and the bite intensity itchy.

Prevention

Any cats and dogs should be treated for fleas and with an animal insecticide recommended specifically for that purpose by your local Veterinary Surgery or pharmacy.

Since fleas, at various stages of their development, can be found both on and off the animal, complete flea control should involve treating domestic pets and dwelling areas.

All floors and upholstered furniture should be vacuumed to remove animal hair, organic debris, flea eggs and pupae. Particular attention should be given to the areas where pets have been allowed to roam and rest, such as under furniture, under chair and sofa cushions, cracks and crevices in floors and along walls. The vacuum bag will contain flea eggs and pupae so should be disposed of immediately in an outside waste bin.

Book a pest control appointment

We offer a chargeable service of £104.00 (or £52.00 - a concession for certain benefits) to treat fleas.

Book an appointment [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/bookpestcontrol]

Wasps

Biology and behaviour

Queen wasps hibernate during the winter months and emerge in spring to begin building a nest. Queens lay eggs that hatch into sterile female workers. The workers take over the nest building and food collection while the queen continues egg laying. In spring and early summer the workers collect mainly insects to feed the growing larvae. Towards the end of summer, some eggs develop into fertile male wasps called Drones and fertile females which become next years Queens. At the end of the summer, the queens go into hibernation and the colony dissolves.

Description

• Distinctive yellow and black bands
• Two pairs of wings
• Noticeable waist gap
• Sting carried in base of abdomen

Signs you may have a nest

Generally the most noticeable sign is workers leaving and returning to the nest during the summer months.

You may also get increased numbers of wasps in the house.

Prevention

Wasps will nest in almost any location. It's best to seal any obvious holes in walls and where possible around the roof.

Book a pest control appointment

We offer a chargeable service of £95.00 (or £48.00 - a concession for certain benefits) to treat wasps. Before you book, please be aware:

• We will not be able to treat a wasp nest if the nest is in a neighbouring property
• We will not be able to treat the nest if it is bees upon inspection
• You will not be eligible for a refund if you have booked a wasp treatment that turns out to be bees. 

Book a pest control appointment [/bookpestcontrol]

Honey bees/bumble bees

We do not treat bees.

As bees are now in decline we are all encouraged not to treat bee swarms or nests.

Bees have an important role to play in our environment as they are partly responsible for pollinating flowers and fruit trees. Without the bees doing this, fruit, flowers and vegetables would also go into decline.

A danger in treating a bees' nest is that when the nest is empty, other bees may take the honey which has become contaminated with insecticide from the treated nest back to their own hive. This can then kill those bees and lead to contaminated honey in the food process.

Bees are, as a rule, normally non aggressive and will only sting as a last resort.

Further information is available from The British BeeKeepers Association [http://www.bbka.org.uk/swarm].

Treatment

The treatment of honey bees/bumble bees should only be done as a last resort and possibly best left to a professional private Pest Control Company to carry out this treatment.

Bed bugs

Biology and behaviour

The bed bug is found worldwide and still occurs more often than people may think. They are a parasite that feeds principally from humans at night, but also from dogs, cats and even rodents. The bugs generally hide by day.

The insect is not a known carrier of disease; their importance is more associated with unpleasant irritation from their bites.

Bed bugs shouldn't be confused with dust or house mites that we all have in our homes and can't be seen with the naked eye. Bed bugs are in fact quite visible and evidence of them can be seen in an infested area.

Although we use the term bed bugs they don't only infest the area in and around the bed, Bugs can also be found behind pictures, in bedside furniture, wardrobes and also cracks. Females will lay up to 200 eggs in these areas.

What does a bed bug look like?

• Very flattened and red/brown when not recently fed, changing to dark/brown following a blood meal
• Size around 6mm in length
• Legs that are clearly visible

Signs to look for.

• Bite marks on the skin, usually in lines or tracks on the upper body
• Noticeable smell in cases of heavy infestations
• Bed bug faeces resembling black dots, possibly in the seams of mattresses
• Small translucent bed bug nymphs in and around infestations

Prevention treatment

Bed bugs have to be introduced to a property and will not just appear in your bedroom. Treatments should be carried out by a competent pest control operative as they can be difficult and very time consuming. Some may also need protective clothing to be worn. Bed bugs are extremely hardy and can go without feeding for many months, making it almost impossible to kill them through starvation.

Precautions to consider

• Avoid buying second hand bedroom furniture from an unknown source.
• When travelling, check the areas around the beds where you are staying.

Advice

If you suspect you have an active bed bug infestation we are on hand to offer assistance. We respond within three working days. Owners/occupiers of property/land have a legal responsibility to control pests on their premises.

Before any treatment is given, one of our pest control officers will carry out an initial inspection – there is no need for any preparation work before this.

Self-treatment advice to customers prior to an appointment

Regular vacuuming of the mattress and flooring under and around the bed area will help control an infestation of bedbugs, however, it will be necessary to use an insecticide. Empty your vacuum cleaner outside after each use in infected areas as bedbugs can migrate back out of the vacuum and transfer to other rooms. Self-treatment insecticides are available to purchase online. Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Book a pest control appointment

An initial assessment by a Pest Control Officer will be needed to identify the right type of treatment. You will be able to book this assessment appointment as part of this process.

Following the assessment, if treatment is needed the Pest Control Officer will then book a further appointment with you and the treatment will be carried out.

This service is free of charge. On inspection, if the pest does not match the description provided in this form, you may be charged for this request.

Book an assessment appointment [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/bookpestcontrol]

German cockroaches

(Blattella germanica)

Biology and behaviour

The German cockroach lives across most of Europe and is sometimes known as the steam fly because of its liking for kitchens on ships.

The German cockroach breeds rapidly and can quickly infest a house. It will also look for food in kitchens or food stores at night, hiding around taps, sinks and drains as they need a water supply to drink.

Cockroaches can carry diseases that can cause serious illness through contamination of food.

Description

• Brownish-buff in colour with two black stripes on thorax
• Long flexible antennae
• Long spiny legs
• Size 12-15mm approx
• Where infestations are heavy there may be a strong sour smell
• Cockroaches are able to climb vertical walls and gain access to food at high level even on smooth surfaces

Signs to look for:

• Dead cockroaches
• Damage to food
• Cockroach faeces resembling small black spots in and around places such as wall tiles, plug sockets, cracks and crevices

Prevention

Cockroaches can be very difficult to treat and this should only be done by an experienced pest control worker. There are products you can buy for the treatment of cockroaches for which you should always read the manufacturer's label. Hygiene is important as food waste and scraps can provide a food source for cockroaches.

Before treatment

• Clean any existing sprays or powders away
• Clean greasy areas thoroughly e.g. cookers, microwaves, kitchen tiles, cooker hoods

Book a pest control appointment

If you suspect you have a cockroach infestation, the Council is on hand to offer help and advice on getting rid of them.

We respond within three working days.

Book a pest control appointment [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/bookpestcontrol]

Owners/occupiers of property/land have a legal responsibility to control pests on their premises.

Charges

Free

Ants

Biology and behaviour

Commonly found in many parts of the world, including Northern and Western Europe. Black Ants are very common throughout the UK and live quite happily alongside us in our homes and gardens.

Ants have a well defined social structure with many workers but just one queen. It's the workers that will forage for food and cause the nuisance in our homes, they are particularly attracted to sweet tasting foods often found in our kitchens, they will also feed on other insects and seeds.

Nests may survive for many years but new ones are started each year by new queens leaving the nest - these are the flying ants seen during the summer.

Black ants are not known to be a health risk and are considered more as a nuisance pest problem.

Description

• Black 2-3 mm in length
• Characteristic waist
• Strong biting mouth parts (mandibles)

Signs to look for

• Trailing ants travelling to and from food source
• Ants possibly found amongst foodstuff in cupboards or sugar bowl
• Disturbances in sand or soil around the property

Prevention

There are steps you can take to reduce the chances of getting ants in your home.

• Avoid letting food debris build up.
• Ants are difficult to keep out as they are good at finding the smallest gaps. Possible ways in to your home are cracks in mortar, gaps around windows and doors and gaps in the foundations. Where possible these should be sealed.

Treatment

There are many different 'over the counter' products that you can buy for use in the treatment of black ants. As with all pesticide we recommend that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines that will be printed on the packaging

If you suspect you have a black ant problem we are on hand to offer help or advice. We respond within three working days.

Book a pest control appointment

Coventry City Council offer a chargeable service for the treatment of black ants within the home.

The current charge is £104.00 for the treatment (or £52.00 - a concession for certain benefits).

Book an appointment [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/bookpestcontrol]

Please be aware:

• ant treatments are not 100% effective if the nest is not located
• we will not treat ants outside your home
• DIY powders or sprays MUST be cleaned away prior to our officers calling out

This information is also available in download form should you require an information sheet for reference. [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/5402/ants]

Biscuit beetle

The biscuit beetle (Stegobium Paniceum) is one of the food industry's main insects.

The Biscuit Beetle is found worldwide, but more in temperate areas like the UK. It is found mainly in food areas such as domestic food cupboards and food warehouses and establishments. The adult female lays eggs (larvae) amongst the foodstuff and then the larvae crawl or chew through most packaging materials to feed.

Preferred foods includes:

• Spices
• Grain based products
• Bait pellets
• Insects
• Domestic animal chews
• Any kind of powered food

After a period of about two months the larvae turns into cocoons and then one or two weeks later the adults hatch. Their holes resemble 'woodworm' exit holes. Mating takes place shortly after and they survive for about a month.

Signs of infestation

One of the signs of infestation is usually the presence of the beetles or the larvae or cocoons. Other signs are packaging being eaten, with hard material appearing to be eaten through.

Reasons for control

The biscuit beetle can be classed as a pest due to how widespread it is; how it can travel; and the way it can get through most forms of packaging. It is more common in smaller establishments and domestic larders - this leads to often massive infestations in old out of date packets of foods.

A way of control is to remove and destroy infested materials, and get rid of the rest with professional fumigation of bulk foods. Also improve hygiene standards.

Treatment

We do not treat biscuit beetles. You can find other professionals that are able to treat an infestation online or in a local directory.

Download a printable information sheet about biscuit beetles [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/5401/biscuit_beetle].

Carpet beetle

Description

• 1.5 - 4 mm in length
• Thorax and wing cases are white, pale yellow, brown and black in colour
• Oval body similar to a ladybird in shape
• Adult beetles will normally be found on window ledges of infested rooms

Facts about carpet beetles

• Adults can fly
• They feed on pollen and nectar
• Larvae need high animal protein diet and can cause damage by infesting carpets, clothes animal furs and skins
• Larvae hibernate in cold conditions
• Larvae are commonly known as 'woolly bears'

Control

We do not treat booklice/biscuit beetles. You can find other professionals that are able to treat an infestation online or in a local directory.

Cluster flies

The cluster fly is often mistaken for the common house fly but they are more sluggish and often appear to fly very slowly. They can overwinter in vast numbers in lofts, cellars and dark voids. These flies are of no particular harm but can be alarming because of their great numbers. Generally noticed on the first warm days of spring when they congregate on the inside of windows. Frequently found in window frames, particularly sash windows.

Description

• 3.5 mm x 6mm in size
• Large reddish compound eyes
• Thorax covered with yellow-gold hairs
• Bristly yellow/black abdomen

Facts about cluster flies

• Larvae tunnel into earthworms and develop inside them
• Adult flies feed only on nectar
• In late autumn they cluster together for hibernation in large numbers in roof spaces and lofts - this is how they got their name
• If warmed up by artificial heat, flies will emerge prematurely
• In early spring cluster flies will come out of hibernation

Control

It is very difficult to prevent cluster flies from entering a roof/loft space, however, once the flies are inside control is fairly simple. Most household fly sprays will do the job, smoke formulated insecticides can also be used. Always read the label.

We do not treat cluster flies. You can find other professionals that are able to treat an infestation online or in a local directory.

Foxes

Biology and behaviour

Foxes are a member of the dog family. They are mostly nocturnal and their main food source is rabbits, birds, rats/mice, insects, fruit and some plants, but they will also eat any waste food that has been left or thrown out. They will also tear open bin bags in search of food.

Foxes breed in the spring, having up to five pups in each litter. They can be heard making loud screeching noises in the spring, this is their mating call to attract the opposite sex.

They will normally have their den under a shed or hole in a bank in or around bushy areas.

Description

• Reddish fur
• White tip on tail
• Size of a small dog

Signs to look for

• Hair left on thorns, fences etc. where foxes pass through
• Droppings (similar to dogs but normally greyer in colour)
• Footprints
• Scent
• Dens

Prevention

There are products available that can be placed around an area that is frequented by foxes. These products give off a smell that is unpleasant to foxes, putting them off that area.

We do not offer a pest control service for foxes.

A number of private pest control companies will provide a service on a fee-paying basis. Details of companies appear in trade directories and members are listed on the NPTA [http://www.npta.org.uk/] website or the BPCA [http://www.bpca.org.uk/pages/index.cfm] website.

More information about wildlife can be found on the Natural England website [https://www.naturalengland.org.uk].

Grey squirrel

Biology and behaviour

The grey squirrel is common in parks and woodland mainly in England and Wales. Although usually an outdoor dweller, it can get in to homes, usually the roof or loft space. The grey squirrel can be destructive, gnawing at fascias, joists and even wiring in roof spaces, they may also make nests (dreys) from loft insulation or other material found in roof spaces.

Squirrels can usually be heard in roof spaces because of their movement and gnawing, usually at dawn and dusk when they leave or return to the drey. Squirrels are incredibly agile and will scale vertical walls to get to their nests

Squirrels are usually born in February/March and second litters may also be born in June/July, generally leaving the nest in August/September. There are usually three or four young to a litter.

Description

• Grey in colour with a pale or white underside with a bushy tail
• Size approx 25cm with 22 cm of tail

Signs to look for:

• Sightings of squirrels around the gutters or roof area
• Gnawed holes or damage to fascias
• Chewing of wires or cables in the roof space

Prevention

There are many precautions you can take to reduce the chances of getting a squirrel problem

• Ensure that the fascias and gutter areas are free from damage and holes
• Consult a tree surgeon if trees are leaning against, or the branches are touching, your property

Book a pest control appointment

We only deal with squirrels inside the home.

This is a chargeable service, the current cost is £216.00 or £108.00 (concession for selected benefits).

Book an appointment [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/bookpestcontrol]

Please be aware:

• access to the roof space must be available from inside the property.
• at your first appointment you will be given two follow up appointments on consecutive days to check traps - please be aware someone will need to be home each day to give access
• we do not deal with squirrels in gardens

Moles

(Talpa europaea)

Biology and behaviour

The mole is found throughout mainland Britain wherever soil conditions allow for tunnelling and foraging for food. Moles live almost entirely underground and are common in grasslands and deciduous woodland but will happily gain access to playing fields, golf courses, cemeteries and gardens.

They have a diet of mainly earthworms, but will also eat slugs and insect larvae.

Moles are solitary in their habits and generally only meet for the purpose of breeding between the months of February - June. The young leave the nest when they are five weeks old.

Description

• Black velvety fur
• Cylindrical bodies 12-16 cm long
• Large spade like forefeet

Signs to look for:

• The most obvious signs of mole activity is the mounds of loose soil associated with mole activity.
• Possible sightings in the breeding season above ground

Prevention

There are two main methods of control for moles, trapping or poisoning, although there are strict controls over the use of poison and this is generally not allowed in public areas.

• Trapping is usually the safest and most effective way of getting rid of moles. These should be set up by a pest control worker.
• There are some devices that are said to keep moles away by interfering with the Earth's magnetic field and others say disturbing tunnels with bottles or prickly plants can help, but there is no proof that these ways work.

Book a pest control appointment

If you have a mole problem the Council can give help and advice. We respond within three working days. Owners/occupiers of property/land have a legal responsibility to control pests on their premises.

The pest control team who will provide you with a quote within three working days.

Book a pest control appointment [/bookpestcontrol]

Download a printable information sheet about moles [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/5399/moles].

Pharaoh's Ant

(Monomorium pharaonis)

Biology and behaviour

Pharaoh's Ant probably came from North Africa, but is now widely found throughout the British Isles. They are often found in hospitals and prisons, but are increasingly being found in domestic properties and blocks of flats. They are generally not found outdoors.

The ant may carry diseases and can contaminate food and sterile dressings due to its small size. The ant can rapidly infest large buildings and, unlike the black ant, Pharaoh's Ant colonies can have many queens and can split into sub colonies, covering a wide area. It can also be carried from one property to another.

Description

• Transparent yellow/orange in colour
• 2mm in length approx
• Black eyes

Signs to look for:

• The most obvious signs are the trailing ant patterns sometimes resembling moving vines on the walls of a property.
• They can sometimes be found trailing to and from pet foods or bins for food

Prevention/treatment

Generally you will need to get advice on treatments from a pest control worker, as treatments used for black ants may not work.

The use of traditional insecticides can also encourage the spread of the ants as they will avoid treated areas.

Good hygiene and housekeeping are essential for treatments to be effective as alternative foods will distract them from ant baits.

Psocids (booklice)

Description

• Also known as booklice
• 1 - 1.5 mm in length
• Generally greyish in colour
• Squashy soft appearance

Facts about psocids

• They feed on yeast, moulds, mildews and algae
• Live in damp humid conditions
• Can produce a tapping noise most clearly heard on paper
• Sometimes found in large numbers in dried food cereals

Control

• Decrease humidity by drying out affected areas.
• Remove food source.
• Treat with sprays/powders.

We do not treat psocids. You can find other professionals that are able to treat an infestation online or in a local directory. Preparation treatments are available from larger D.I.Y stores for self-treatment. Always read the label first.