Pests

Adult mosquitoes usually mate within a few days after emerging from the pupa stage. Female mosquitoes are usually larger than males. Females have fine threadlike antennae with few hairs, whereas males have bushy antennae. In most species, the males form large swarms, usually around dusk, and the females fly into the swarms to mate. Many mosquitoes are not blood eaters however of the bloodsucking mosquitoes only the females that eat blood, it is common for them to be carriers of disease.

Silverfish are nocturnal insects. They are typically 0.5–1 inches long they are normally greyish in colour with a metallic shine. They are wingless insects. These insects can live up to 8 years.

They prefer to dark, damp areas such as, attics, kitchens and bathrooms. They are particularly fond of paper and dam clothing, they are very destructive and often ruin clothing and wallpaper. They are able to survive in any environment but prefer dark humid areas which is why they are often found in bathrooms.

(Climex Lectularius) are attracted to humans from body heat and the carbon dioxide within the atmosphere of the surroundings. Bed bugs generally feed during the evening and hide away within small cracks and crevices during the day they are most often found within very close proximity of the host in the bedroom although can also be found elsewhere.

Bed bugs will bite and may cause a reaction to the skin which can often cause red bumps and rash like marks which may result in a burning sensation. Bud bugs usually bite around the neck or face of the host which can normally be identified by the straight lined bite marks.

The insect itself are about 5mm long, Flat and oval shaped the colouration of this insect is a reddish brown. It is likely these are the first things to spot however these insects also lay a cluster of around 500 eggs over a couple of months and are normally found within the close proximity of the host under the underside of the mattress or behind bed boards etc.

The insects also exhibit incomplete metamorphosis where as they grow they shed their skins which look like a light brown shell which can be seen in bedded within the mattress and close to the hosts. These insects also excrete a black faecal substance after feeding these can normally be identified on the sheets in the morning which can be identified as Blood spots.

Fleas are wingless insects they will normally be 2-3 mm long flattened side to side with a well-developed spine. They are usually reddish brown. Fleas can lay several hundred eggs once hatched these larva feed on hot skin and blood. Adult fleas can live for weeks without feeding, although they cannot produce eggs during this time they can still survive.

On average each mouse can produce up to 120 droppings per day the finding of droppings can be a clear indicator in having a problem with rodents. Mouse droppings are spindle-shaped and are approximately the size of a grain of rice. Mice can spread transmit diseases and viruses through their droppings, urine and saliva. It is very important that any surfaces that have come into contact with mice or droppings from rodents should be disinfected. It would be advised that you should call in a professional in carefully removing any Mouse droppings and debris. Please note it is very important not to vacuum or sweep any mouse droppings, these cleaning methods can release airborne virus particles. If it is necessary that you are to undertake the removal of droppings be sure to wear protective gloves and Dispose of any towels or cloths that come into contact with feces. Gloves should then be disposed of, and it is suggested that the hands be washed several times after cleaning.

European moles (Talpa Europea) are is the only mole known present within the British isles. These pests can be very destructive to lawns, Fairways Turf, and gardens. Moles create a series of complex tunnels due to the rodents ability to tunnel up to 4 metres per hour.

Moles have very limited sight and there sense of smell is not that good either. The heightened sense of the mole is acquired through vibration and touch. Moles feed off insects and worms.

The breeding season for these moles is generally around February through to May where the males let out a high-pitched squeal to attract the females. Moles are very solitary creatures and will generally only come together to mate. The complex tunnel systems can overlap with other moles so never be fooled into having just the one.

Having moles can prove very costly as they will ruin soil, grass, plants, trees and even golf courses on their hunt for food. The mole hills can really spoil the lawn not to mention the tunneling of the moles can also cause the soil to drop creating trip hazards. The hills will eventually get bigger creating homes for other pests such as mice.

It is important to call a professional to come and resolve your mole problem as quickly as possible to try and keep damage to minimum.

They breed up to twice a year and can have anything up to 4 offspring. Females normally take care of this offspring. Their lifespan is usually between 3 and 8 years in total. Often they will nest inside human homes particularly attic spaces as they are dry, warm and safe. They often stash food supplies in walls and openings as they take up residence inside a property. They are also very territorial spraying their scent around to mark their territory. They can prove difficult to get rid of so it’s best to call a professional to help you if you have an infestation.

Squirrels’ diets consist primarily of a variety of plants, including nuts, and seeds, and sometimes cones and fruit.

Many people are under the misconception that squirrels are friendly, they are known for their predatory behaviour particularly ground squirrels. If they get into your property particularly roof spaces they can cause a lot of damage and disruption including; gnaw damage, such as for food and nesting sites, as well as hearing them they will be generally loud as they are quite heavy. Their territorial habits means they will leave a strong odour behind also.

Seagulls are typically medium to large birds, usually grey or white sometimes with black markings on the head or wings. They typically have harsh wailing or squawking calls. They are carnivores, that scavenge for opportunistically. They often feed on crabs and small fish. Large white-headed gulls can live as long as 20 years or in some cases up to 40. They usually lay 1-3 eggs.

Gulls display mobbing behavior, attacking and harassing would-be predators and other intruders. They are known as pests and often steal food from humans. Gulls are known for causing damage to property when making their nests etc. They are extremely noisy and leave behind huge messes from fouling and droppings, that land on anything or body below.

There are many different breeds of pigeon or doves as they are sometimes known probably in or around 300. Ranging from Collared dove,Rock dove,Stock dove,and Turtle dove. The most common breed and most recognised is the Woodpigeon. The woodpigeon is normally grey with a white neck patch and white wing patches. They are particularly tame in city areas and around humans, these pigeons have adapted to living around humans and human habitation.

Pigeons mate for life and share responsibility of raising their young, they can often be found nesting in roof spaces particularly guttering preventing their function. Pigeons multiply rapidly and cause a nuisance leaving droppings on floors, windows and over cars. They are also known for swooping and flapping in very close proximity to humans.

Doves feed on seeds, fruits, and plants and lay one or two eggs, both parents care for the young, which leave the nest after seven to 28 days. They have no specific breeding times and therefore reproduce fast Pigeons are considered disease-spreading birds, a pest. They have been known to spread bird flu. Spread through direct contact with humans or through their droppings for instance if cleaning up their droppings.

Do you currently have a problem with pigeons? Call Opkill for a free quote or survey. We have many options that could help resolve your infestation including proofing and preventative measures.