Flies, Ants, Cockroaches, Fleas and Bedbugs

Fly control, Cockroach control, Ant control Flea control and bedbug control are all in a days work for Berkshire based Rapid Pest Control Services. Insect Control must be undertaken as infestations soon become an epidemic and pose threats to health, especially in catering area and sleeping areas. For a descrete and professional pest control service, either email us or call Newbury (01635) 247192 now to remove pests.

• Flies
• Ants
• Cockroaches
• Fleas
• Bed bugs

Flies

Description:

There are several species of flies existing in the UK. They range in sizes from the small fruit fly of 3mm to the cluster fly of 9mm. To identify them, you need to catch one and examine it to be sure of each species, however they all follow a similar breeding cycle, only time to develop changes. Eggs are laid and develop into larvae, which in turn go to a pupal stage before emerging as flies.  Why Control

Signs of infestation:

Large numbers of flies at the windows or appearing on surfaces, maggots (the larvae of flies) in or on waste.

Usual Treatment:

The life cycle of flies does create a lengthy and difficult treatment period as everything needs to be destroyed from the egg stage to be completely effective.  Cluster flies have a dormant period over winter which makes complete control almost impossible. Good hygiene, plus the removal of waste etc where eggs can be laid and larvae can survive is essential. Once at the fly stage, various chemical and non-chemical methods can be employed and prove to be highly effective.

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Ants

Description:

The Garden Ant (Lasius Niger) is probably the most common ant seen in gardens and houses, but the Red Ant (Myrmica ruginodis) is also commonly seen, although the Red Ant does have a painful sting. They range in size from 3 - 5mm in length and with approximately 47 species in the UK, specific identification should be done to identify the exact species. Colours vary from black to virtually clear as in the Ghost Ant. Several new species have appeared recently like the Pharaohs Ant which will require specialist pest control attention due to its rapid breeding.

Signs of infestation:

Large numbers of ants appearing on work surfaces, or using "trails" through buildings. In the summer, on hot evenings, the Queens and winged males emerge to mate and fly off to form new colonies in vast numbers.

Usual Treatment:

Treatments consist of chemical applications like dusting, gels and liquid feeding baits. If the nest can be traced, a direct application of specific insecticide is most effective, followed by the use of feeding stations to ensure complete eradication. As with most insect infestations, improved hygiene and blocking of entry holes etc must be used to prevent re-infestations in the future.

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Cockroaches

Description:

There are 5 main Cockroach species found in the UK, ranging in size from approximately 17mm to a massive 35mm. They range in colour from dark brown to light brown, some species have yellow strips as well. They all live in warm, damp conditions and feed on starchy foods where ever possible, but will eat most things. They breed prolifically and a few will soon develop into an infestation.

Signs of infestation:

Often the first sign is to actually see some on food substances or on work surfaces. At this point you will almost certainly have an infestation as they generally stay out of sight where ever possible, preferring to be under units etc out of direct light. Generally the best time to spot them is at night.

Usual Treatment:

The use of monitoring traps and insecticidal gels at feeding stations will determine the extent of infestation, then the use of residual insecticides until no further evidence is found. Attention to housekeeping rules and hygiene is essential to keeping these insects at bay.

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Fleas (Ctenocephalides spp)

Description:

Found on both cats and dogs, the adult flea is approximately 3mm long, shiny brown in appearance. They they are thin and flat with large rear legs with which it jumps from host to host with ease. The eggs are pearly white in colour and are laid directly in the fur or feather of the host animal as well as in the hosts bedding. An adult flea will lay up to 1000 eggs over its life. Once hatched the larvae feed on organic debris, bedding and carpet fluff and generally hide in dark humid places such as skirting boards and carpets etc.

Signs of infestation:

Dogs and cats scratching a lot as well as visible signs of eggs and insects themselves crawling on the animals (and sometimes on humans). Bites around the ankles are also a common sign that fleas are present in carpets etc.

Usual Treatment:

Animals should be treated by an approved product available from your vet such as Frontline. All floors and upholstery needs to be thoroughly vacuumed prior to an insecticide treatment throughout. Several treatments may need to happen as the life cycle will continue after the insect is dead. All floors should be treated with a residual insecticide especially under the skirting boards etc. Animal bedding should be washed or destroyed.

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Bed Bugs (Cimex Lectularius)

Description:

Bed Bugs are approximately 5mm long and reddish-brown in colour. They have a flattened oval shaped appearance. Bed bugs lay white eggs, oval in shape approximately 1mm long that are covered in a sticky substance which allows them to adhere to most surfaces. They feed by gorging on mostly human blood during the night. They do inject saliva as they feed which can cause an allergic reaction causing swelling as well as irritation. Females lay between 300 and 500 eggs.

Signs of infestation:

There are no know diseases specifically carried by Bed Bugs, however the bites are painful and irritate. you will be covered in bites in one night and so the problem needs to be dealt with quickly. Bed Bugs are common in student quarters, bed and breakfasts and hotels - basically anywhere that has a rapid or constant change of people, who most probably have brought eggs with them from a previous stop over.

Usual Treatment:

The location of their daytime hiding place is key. Rooms must be virtually stripped and furniture dismantled to ensure all crevices are found. Chemical applications are used in any and all hiding places. Broad spectrum insecticides are then applied to the whole area until the problem goes. All bedding etc must be washed at high temperature and carpets cleaned to ensure all eggs are destroyed.

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