Clearwell Pest Control Blog

Clearwell Pest Control - Partnerships

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 15:44:30 GMT

Clearwell Pest Control Proudly a new Partnership and a Community Partnership for the 2025/26 Premier League Season

Clearwell Pest Control proudly adds the partnership of the Follow Me and Leeds United website to the existing Community Partnership with Leeds United for the 2025/26 season — a year that marks Leeds United’s return to the Premier League. Our partnerships celebrate our deep-rooted connection to Yorkshire, our commitment to community, and our passion for football.

Leeds United Community Partner

As an official Leeds United Community Partner, Clearwell Pest Control joins an elite group of local and national brands supporting the club both on and off the pitch. This partnership helps us engage with fans through matchday exposure, community events, and unique networking opportunities with fellow partners.

Our logo will appear across both the website followmeandleedsunited.co.uk and Leeds United’s official channels, and we’ll be part of initiatives that make a difference in the wider community.

Follow Me and Leeds United

We are equally proud to become the main sponsor of Heidi Haigh’s well-known fan website, Follow Me and Leeds United. Heidi is a lifelong Leeds United supporter, author, and Brighouse native whose passion for the club is unmatched.

Our partnership means the Clearwell logo and link will appear on every page of the website, as well as each league matchday post for the entire season. There is also a dedicated feature page about Clearwell on Heidi’s website and featured regularly through the season across her social media channels.

A Message from Richard Bakes - MD of Clearwell Pest Control

“It’s a proud moment for us at Clearwell Pest Control to be part of Leeds United’s journey back in the Premier League. As a lifelong fan myself, it’s a dream come true to support the club I love and to partner with such a respected and passionate supporter as Heidi Haigh. Both partnerships give us the chance to connect with fans, celebrate the spirit of Leeds United, and be part of something truly special throughout the season 2025/26.”

Why These Sponsorships Matter

These partnerships not only strengthen Clearwell’s presence in the region but also connect us with fans, businesses, and communities in a meaningful way. From Elland Road to Heidi’s matchday blog, our name will be seen and recognised by thousands of passionate supporters.

Clearwell Pest Control Renews Partnership with Leeds United as Community Partner for Third Year

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 14:32:09 GMT

Clearwell Pest Control is excited to announce the continuation of its partnership with Leeds United as an official Community Partner for a second consecutive year. This renewal reinforces Clearwell ’s commitment to supporting the local community, extending their focus beyond pest control to positively impact the well-being of the area. The ongoing collaboration perfectly aligns with Leeds United ’s vision of fostering strong relationships and creating meaningful, lasting impacts throughout the region.

Richard Bakes, Managing Director of Clearwell Pest Control , expressed his enthusiasm for the renewed partnership: " We are incredibly proud to continue our partnership with Leeds United as a Community Partner for another year. At Clearwell, we share Leeds United’s dedication to improving the lives of those in our community, and we are thrilled to contribute to this great cause. It’s an honour to work alongside such a respected institution and help make a difference ."

Clearwell Pest Control ’s partnership with Leeds United underscores the company’s commitment not only to high-quality pest management but also to corporate social responsibility. By working with the football club, Clearwell is able to channel its values into community-focused initiatives, helping to

strengthen the social fabric of the City of Leeds, West Yorkshire, and beyond. The partnership also reflects Clearwell 's dedication to sustainable and ethical business practices, making them a perfect match with Leeds United ’s broader community goals.

As the partnership enters its second year, Clearwell Pest Control ’s involvement with Leeds United continues to generate excitement among fans and the local community. This collaboration highlights Clearwell ’s ongoing efforts to give back and make a meaningful impact, reinforcing the values that both the company and the club stand for.

Clearwell Pest Control Joins Forces with Leeds United as Official Community Partner

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 14:58:15 GMT

In an exciting development for both football enthusiasts and community welfare advocates, Clearwell Pest Control has proudly announced its official partnership with Leeds United as a Community Partner . The collaboration marks a significant step for Clearwell Pest Control in extending its commitment beyond pest management services to actively contribute to the area's community's well-being. The official partnership aligns with Leeds United 's vision of fostering positive relationships and creating lasting impacts in the areas they serve.

Clearwell Pest Control 's commitment to community welfare and its alignment with Leeds United 's values make this partnership a perfect match. Clearwell Pest Control is known for its dedication to sustainable and ethical practices, aims to contribute to the social fabric of Leeds, and in West Yorkshire & beyond, through various community initiatives. By becoming an official Community Partner of Leeds United , Clearwell Pest Control seeks to leverage the power of football to bring about positive change and make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals, families and businesses throughout West Yorkshire and beyond!

Clearwell Pest Control 's partnership with Leeds United not only underscores their commitment to pest management but also highlights their dedication to corporate social responsibility. The official announcement should generate interest among Leeds United fans far and wide as well as the local community, creating a sense of anticipation for the positive outcomes that this unique collaboration is poised to deliver. As the partnership unfolds, it is clear that Clearwell Pest Control and Leeds United are set to score big not only on the football pitch but also in making a positive impact in the lives of the people they serve.

Bird Control - Which option is best?

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 16:35:10 GMT

What options do I have and what is best for my budget?

So you have a building? You've got issues with the local 'flying wild-life' making a mess of your roof, ledges, windows, parapets, soffits, etc., etc.....
Sound familiar?

What solutions do I have at my disposal to rid myself of this airborne wildlife? Read on!

Below we give you some ideas and solutions for dealing with birds simply and effectively...

Netting Systems

Nylon bird proofing netting is a versatile bird proofing option and is often used to protect vertical, sloping and horizontal areas from bird problems by stopping birds from getting where they shouldn't be. Most bird netting is used to protect the fascias of buildings, but is also very effective in part-covered buildings or structures where birds are a problem. This can include under stadium roofs or warehouse canopies, on in loading bays and high-ceiling units which open to the weather.

Anti-bird netting for buildings simply stops birds getting to roosting or nesting positions, so netting can provide a useful solution as large areas can be covered easily. Fitting should be completed by qualified professionals who are experienced in installing netting solutions. All too frequently this involves working at height in difficult-to-access areas where additional machinery, such as a cherry picker, may be required. Netting installation is, by far, the best DEFRA-approved bird deterrent for agriculture and aquaculture.

There could be a number of reasons why bird netting may be the best solution for bird control. If birds need to be stopped from entering a large cavity area, like the upper roof spaces of large buildings where birds roost and nest, netting will be the best and most cost effective solution

It’s useful where you need to stop birds entering altogether, not just stop them landing. Another key use in town and city situations is where you need to protect the fascia of an area yet still maintain the aesthetic look. It’s not as discreet as post and wire proofing for instance, but it does blend in remarkably well once fitted, and will stop bird from getting to the area completely.

We also commonly fit netting solutions on the roofs of buildings, particularly when they are causing problems around air conditioning units and the like. In this situation we sometimes suspend the nets over the area on poles that act as a suspension system.

This can be highly effective when there is no other viable solution, and is a particularly useful bird proofing solution for the tops of hotels, shops and blocks of flats. In agricultural and aquaculture situations where there is a need to stop birds getting onto crops or at stocks altogether, netting is just about the only viable long term solution, although most of our customers working in these arenas combine netting with audible scaring devices.

Another of the advantages of bird netting is that it can be used to proof against any type of bird, large or small. It’s an effective and eco-friendly bird proofing solution not just for seagulls and pigeons, but also for birds like starlings, blackbirds and sparrows, all which carry disease and can be a real pest, but which are protected while nesting. The type of birds you have problems with will govern what size of mesh we use.

Spike Systems

The use of anti bird spikes is the most popular and cost effective method of stopping birds landing and roosting somewhere where they are not wanted, such as on ledges, gutters, chimneys, TV aerials, signage, statues, balconies, walls and lamp-posts. The rigid bird spikes we use on most jobs are manufactured from either stainless steel or a clear and tough plastic, so that they are unobtrusive and long lasting.

They stand around eight inches off a tough base which is fixed to the area that needs proofing with a tough, bespoke bird spike adhesive. Put simply, once fitted with anti bird spikes, the birds can no longer land there, and they move on. Bird spiking has been described as the most effective stand-alone bird deterrent and is endorsed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds for use against pigeons.

Pigeon spikes and seagull spikes are not the same thing, so please call us to discuss the birds you are having problems with and we will advise accordingly

Most bird spikes are either made from tough plastic or stainless steel. There are many types, with different densities of bird spike per strip influencing the price. As well as the standard bird protection spikes we use on most jobs, we also supply and fit bespoke bird spiking where aesthetics is an all-important consideration

An example of this is where we have needed to proof in public areas like town squares, where the rather wonderful looking spider spike (pictured), or Daddy Long Legs, is particular popular for customers looking at bird proofing for lamp posts. For customers concerned grappling with the age old question of ‘how to stop birds roosting on my chimney’, the chimney strap (also pictured) is particularly effective.

Pin & Wire Systems

An almost invisible tensioned bird wire system to prevent birds perching without damaging the aesthetics or construction of the building.

Eco's Bird Wire is one of the most discrete and widely used anti-perching systems available in the UK. It is effective to prevent both feral pigeons and seagulls from perching on the ledges and parapets of buildings.

Eco’s Bird Wire System consists of a fine, nylon-coated, spring-tensioned stainless-steel wire supported by stainless steel posts, which are fixed into stonework using nylon anchor rivets.

The posts are available in various sizes and stainless-steel split pins can be used to fix the wire into window reveals. The posts, springs, wires and split pins are made of corrosion resistant 316-grade stainless steel.

Eco’s Bird Wire is a very versatile Bird Control System and a variety of special components and brackets are available to enable it to be fitted to almost any surface, such as roof ridges and metal cladding, making it a Bird Deterrent System suitable for many applications.

Our team of experienced Project Managers and nationwide Installers and Technicians are able to provide you with bespoke, professional advice and service to create a Bird Deterrent solution that works for you and your buildings.

So what should I do?

They're 3 great solutions, all of which can be done on a number of budgets so from a cost perspective, one isn't better than the other! Ease of application and fitting isn't either as most are used at height and will require access equipment at the installation stage.

So what do we suggest?

Give us a call on 0800 975 5581 . We've been installing all of these bird systems for over 30 years so have a wealth of experience working with private, commercial and local government buildings all over the UK. We'll do a free site survey, recommend our advised solution and let you have the costs for the project quickly and efficiently. What more could you want?

Parasites: trouble for people & pets

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 14:13:11 GMT

Problems anyone can suffer with

Pest control experts are urging people to be aware of the threat to health posed by fleas.

The jumping parasites, which can leap more than a foot from one host to another, can cause problems for both humans and pets.

Skin complaints and the exacerbation of respiratory illnesses are some of issues flea bites can cause according to the British Pest Control Association (BPCA).

We're calling on people to seek help as soon as possible if they fear their home has become infested.

Natalie Bungay, BPCA technical officer, said: “ Although fleas do not pose a direct health risk, flea bites can cause intense irritation and itching to pets and humans alike.

“Different people respond differently to a bite, both regarding the degree of reaction and time taken to react.

“The most problematic aspect of a flea bite on humans is the infection which can be caused by prolonged itching when left untreated.

“Flea bites can also exacerbate respiratory illnesses and cause complications.

“Fleas cause problems for pets as well as humans, as some animals suffer from an allergic reaction to the flea’s saliva, which will manifest in symptoms such as face or body swelling, agitation and feeling hot to the touch.

“They can also pass diseases between animals, including myxomatosis, which is usually fatal to rabbits.”

Our ‘Fretting about Fleas’ video (above) gives an overview of the biology, behaviour, prevention and control of the pests.

Early detection key to eradication

BPCA says the most common species of flea in the UK is the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis, which is an extremely common pest whose primary host is domestic cats but are known for readily biting humans and dogs too.

The dog flea Ctenocephalides canis can also use a variety of mammals as a host, but primarily targets dogs and cats.

Other types of flea to be aware of are; the bird flea Ceratophyllus gallinae and human flea Pulex irritans.

Natalie added: “ It is important for people to understand that fleas need to be eradicated from the home as soon as possible for the health of the people and animals living there.

The best way to avoid a flea infestation is early detection. Brush pets often and check for fleas.

Frequently vacuum the areas pets are around, especially carpeted areas in and around any furniture that is used by pets.

Regularly wash pet bedding, blankets and other washable items in the hottest water possible.

“For any flea infestation, we would always recommend contacting a professional pest management company”, continued Natalie.

“They are trained in flea control and will have access to a range of professional-use insecticides and tools which are not available to the public”.

Getting help with your flea problem

You cal call us on 0800 975 5581 for more information on how we can help you with any issues you may have regarding fleas in your home or your business.

The BPCA has produced free resources to give the inside track on the key issues, including a new guide, ‘Fretting about Fleas’ and video which are available to view at bpca.org.uk/fleas .

SOURCE: BPCA

Controlling Stored Product Insects

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 12:51:52 GMT

Commercial or Domestic: The problem everyone can suffer

Have you brought something home from the shop riddled with insects? Opened an old bag of flour to find it’s tainted? Are you a manufacturer of food products and you want to keep them safe from infestation?

Stored product insects (SPIs) are one of the top pest concerns in food production and storage across the globe.

Whether you’re thinking about doing some DIY pest control or you’re looking to enlist the help of a professional pest management company, this guide is for you.

Stored product insects are exactly what they sound like: insects that live and breed in stored products, like whole grains or processed foods, and even tobacco.

There are many types of SPI in the UK, with the two most common being beetles and moths.

Another type of SPI we come across in the UK are weevils, which are a type of beetle that we'll also be covering in this A to Z.

In this guide:

The dangers: why we control SPIs
Risk to businesses
Types of SPI in the UK
Habitat: how SPIs choose a home
The tell-tale signs SPIs are about
SPI biology and behaviour
Appearance
Mating and lifespan
What do SPIs eat?
The difference between SPIs and other insects
How to prevent SPIs
Getting rid of SPIs
DIY pest control
Professional pest control
Finding a pest controller to get rid of SPIs

The dangers: why we control SPIs

The main reason we control SPIs is the incredible damage and contamination they cause to foodstuffs, raw materials and finished products.

SPIs not only eat these products, they breed in them and can spread quickly, contaminating a huge amount of product which is then unfit for human consumption.

Contamination of foodstuffs is such a huge concern that there is an entire branch of forensic entomology dedicated to studying it.

Unlike with most other pests, there is no significant health risk to humans from SPIs.

The biggest concern is contamination of food by the insect, its cast skins or pupal casing. That’s an extra crunch in your cereal you don’t want!

Psychological distress is also a factor that needs to be considered, as some people will find it hugely upsetting to find insects in their foodstuffs.

Environmental Health Officers can also issue enforcement notices to business owners who don’t have adequate pest management procedures in place.

If not complied with, these can lead to fines or even a stint in jail and a criminal record.

And let’s not forget: poor reviews of businesses or products are easily viewed and shared online, making reputation management a key consideration.

Risk to businesses

The financial loss associated with SPIs is enormous. It’s believed they are the world’s ‘most expensive pest’, costing billions each year in additional operating costs and loss of product.

Businesses that handle any kind of cereal, grain or dried food products are at risk of infestation from stored product insects.

That includes supermarkets, restaurants, food processing facilities and food storage warehouses.

They can cause the recall of products and the expense involved in issuing a recall, plus discarding infested or damaged products, is very high.

Environmental Health Officers can also issue enforcement notices to business owners who don’t have adequate pest management procedures in place.

If not complied with, these can lead to fines or even a stint in jail and a criminal record.

And let’s not forget: poor reviews of businesses or products are easily viewed and shared online, making reputation management a key consideration.

Types of SPI in the UK

The range of stored product insects worldwide is pretty vast. In the UK, we have two common types of SPI:

Beetle

Moth.

Some SPIs, like the Khapra beetle, are considered invasive species worldwide.

Although it is not currently found in the UK, products that have a chance of containing Khapra beetles are subject to quarantine in places like the US.

Confusingly, weevils are actually a type of beetle and some stored product beetles can often be misidentified as weevils.

Just a few stored product insects that are common in the UK include:

Rice weevil
Biscuit beetle
Indian meal moth
Grain weevil
Confused flour beetle
Saw toothed grain beetle
Larder beetle
Mill moth.

Habitat: how SPIs choose a home

Stored product insects can enter the food chain at any point and they don’t do this just to eat the products: they make their home in them too.

This is their harbourage, where they will breed and complete their full life cycle.

You may have noticed, many SPIs are named based on the type of product they usually infest; biscuit beetles, rice weevils, red rust flour beetles, booklice and so on.

The tell-tale signs SPIs are about

The first sign of a stored product insect infestation is almost always the adult insect; moths flying around or small beetles in the cupboards.

Some people may unwittingly think that getting rid of these will solve the problem, however the other life cycle stages may still be alive and well in your pantry.

These other stages (Egg, Larval and Pupal) aren’t always that easy to spot.

Other signs are:

Damage to packaging and products is a red flag, for example, weevils leave visible exit holes in grains and moth larvae have chewing mouthparts, which they will use to cause damage to food and packaging
Moth larvae will also leave webbing, which they will spin as they feed and move through products
The webbing not only contaminates products but can also cause considerable damage to machinery and equipment
SPIs will cause food to ‘taint’, which is visible as discolouration
Grain that is infected tends to become warmer which can lead to damp, mould and even grain germination
Track marks in dust or flour from adult insects is also a giveaway
Frass is the excrement of insect larvae and is another common sign of an infestation.

SPI biology and behaviour

Appearance

There are so many different types of stored product insects, and so appearance varies.

Most common species of stored product beetle average around 3mm in length, with some presenting as a reddish-brown colour and others brown-black.

The larder beetle is very distinctive - black with a white band across the middle.

The most common stored product moths in the UK are around 7-9mm in length and have a wingspan of between 15-20mm. The exception is the Warehouse Moth, which has a slightly smaller wingspan.

Those weevils common to stored products can reach around 2-3mm in length and have indentations on their thorax which gives them a ‘dotted’ appearance.

Mating and lifespan

As there are so many different species of SPI, it’s difficult to talk through the life cycle in specific terms.

However the following image shows an overview of the average life cycle of the most common forms of SPI.

All common stored product insects go through a complete metamorphosis: adult>egg>larvae>pupae.

What do SPIs eat?

Stored product insects will infest an incredibly wide variety of stored products; flour, rice, oats, cereals, dried fruits, pasta, crackers, nuts, dried herbs, spices, dry dog food, fish food, cake mixes, tobacco and bird seed.

They also bore into whole grains and kernels, leaving distinctive holes in which they lay eggs.

The difference between SPIs and other pest species

Stored product insects are just a small array of the vast insect class, which is estimated to contain between six and ten million species.

Stored product beetles and weevils can usually be distinguished from other types of beetle by size, as well as habitat, as they are commonly much smaller.

Stored product moths are often identified incorrectly as other types of moth.

This causes control issues, as someone may kill or catch and release an adult moth without realising there is a larger infestation present.

How to prevent SPIs

It’s not possible to prevent SPIs, as you won’t know you’ve purchased an infested item until you bring it home and use it.

However you can help prevent future problems and the spread of any infestations, through good storage and hygiene practices.

Store all food products which come in flimsy packaging, such as cardboard or plastic bags (cereal, dry pet food etc), in tightly sealed containers. This will ensure insects cannot get access to the food inside.

Regularly use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of food debris in cupboards, removing that tempting, easy-to-access food source.

What if you find an SPI in a product you’ve purchased from a shop?

If you believe that you have narrowed down the source of the infestation to a particular product, you should return it to the store you purchased it from.

Inform the management, so that they can investigate and implement their own control measures if necessary.

They will also need to inform suppliers so that it can be established where the insects entered the production process.

Getting rid of SPIs - DIY Pest Control

For any stored product insect infestation in a business, we would always recommend contacting a professional pest management company.

They are trained in SPI control and will have access to a range of professional use insecticides and tools, which are not available to the public.

Knowing how much, where, and when to deploy products is where professionals are able to take control of situations efficiently.

However, an infestation in the home is relatively simple to manage, providing it has been discovered early.

Once in your home, stored product insects will spread quickly through your property in search of other foods such as dried fruit, rice and cereals.

Usually the initial source of the infestation can be traced back to partially used products that have been forgotten in the backs of pantries and shelves.

That bag of flour you used for one cake and then didn’t use again? Yeah, you know what I’m talking about.

The most effective step in eliminating an infestation is to throw away these infected products, preferably into an outside bin.

Then deep clean your cupboards, pantry or anywhere food has been stored, thoroughly cleaning up any spills or food debris.

Professional pest control

Qualified pest management professionals understand the habits and life cycles of stored product insects.

They will have the knowledge and experience needed to recommend effective and targeted treatments.

A technician will fully explain the treatment process to you before starting work.

They will then leave a report, noting what pesticides have been used and where, plus any post-treatment advice needed.

They will arrange follow-up visits, if required. This will depend on the type of treatment used and the level of infestation.

Food businesses

It’s important for businesses dealing with food, particularly in the early stages of production, to take preventative measures against SPIs.

There should be a professional pest control contract in place, which includes a monitoring programme for pests using traps, which indicate if and when to treat.

Other routine measures, such as treating empty grain stores between batches of grain, can help prevent infestation.

Keeping temperatures cool (10°C or below) can reduce the rate of reproduction, while low humidity reduces insect activity and stifles fungal development.

Fumigation

Fumigation is the process of releasing a gas to destroy pests which may be infesting a building, product, a vehicle or an item of furniture.

It’s a job which requires a very specific qualification and skill set, only to be done by professionals.

Fumigation isn't a residual treatment so although it will kill the adult pests and their eggs, it does not leave a barrier to protect against re-infestation once other life cycle stages are complete.

If fumigation were chosen as a treatment option then it should be carried out as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach.

Finding a pest controller to get rid of SPIs

As a BPCA member we are able to treat infestations quickly and safely.

We help minimise pest activity with a range of techniques and have the technical knowledge and experience to apply products in an efficient manner, while minimising risk to the environment and non target species.

As BPCA members we employ qualified technicians who frequently update their knowledge.

We are regularly audited as members to the British and European Standard for Pest Management, BS EN 16636 .

SOURCE: BPCA Blog

Pest advice for controlling Mice

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 14:49:39 GMT

Commercial or Domestic: The problem everyone can suffer

Can you hear the pitter-patter of tiny footsteps behind the skirting? Does Tom keep bringing Jerry in from the garden?

Mice are a part of British wildlife - but when they take up residence with you, they can be a cause for concern.

Active all year round, mice are one of the most common pest species in the UK.

Whether you’re thinking about doing some DIY pest control or you’re looking to enlist the help of a professional pest management company, this guide is for you.

Mice are small mammals of the order Rodentia.

Although commonly identified as pests, some are bred and kept as pets.

Globally there are hundreds of types of mouse, including varieties such as the deer mouse (Peromyscus), house mouse (Mus musculus domesticus), wood/field mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus), Edible dormouse (Glis glis), spiny mouse (Acomys) and even the striped zebra mouse (Lemniscomys).

In this guide...

The dangers: why we control mice

Mice around businesses

Types of mice in the UK

Habitat: how mice choose a home

Where do mice come from?

The tell-tale signs mice are about

Why are mice more common in winter?

Appearance

House mouse

Field mouse

Mouse, rat, shrew or vole?

Mouse biology and behaviour

Mating and lifespan

Other characteristics

What do mice eat?

How can I stop my cat bringing home mice?

How to treat a mouse bite

How to prevent mice

Getting rid of mice

DIY mouse control

Professional pest control

Finding a pest controller to get rid of mice

The dangers: why we control mice

Although mice are often considered to be cute by some people, they are a public health pest and can cause serious harm.

Mice have been known to spread nasty diseases - such as Salmonella and Listeria - to humans through their urine, droppings and bedding.

Mice have a need to mark their territory with their urine and due to their sporadic eating habits, build nests near food sources. This puts anyone with an infestation at risk of food poisoning.

As they scurry around, they carry dirt and bacteria with them, transferring it to your counter tops, cabinets, pantry and anywhere else they travel.

These nibbling nuisances can also cause a lot of property damage, due to their compulsive need to gnaw to maintain their teeth at a constant length.

Electric cables, water and gas pipes, packaging and woodwork may all be seriously damaged by mice - many instances of electrical fires and floods have been attributed to them.

Mice around businesses

Property and land owners have a legal obligation under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 to keep premises rodent free, or, if rodents pose a threat to health or property, to report infestations to the local authority.

Owners of food businesses also have obligations to keep premises pest free under the Food Safety Act 1990.

Environmental Health Officers or General Enforcement Officers can issue enforcement notices to business owners who don’t have adequate pest management procedures in place.

If not complied with, these can lead to fines or even a stint in jail and a criminal record.

And if a company or organisation has a highly publicised mouse problem, then it will heavily impact its reputation.

If clients and customers spot evidence of rodent infestation in the premises you manage, they are unlikely to want to do business with you.

And several widely shared social media posts can help spread a negative image.

Types of mice in the UK

In regards to pest management, there are two common types of mouse in the UK to be aware of:

House mouse (Mus musculus domesticus)

Field mouse or wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus).

If you come into contact with a mouse, chances are it’s a house mouse. Three guesses why?

These mice are known as “commensal rodents”, which refers to them living with or in close proximity to humans.

Commensalism is defined as a long-term interaction in which members of one species (ie mice) gain benefits, while those of the other species (ie humans) neither benefit or are harmed.

Field mice are much more suited to nesting outdoors, but will possibly move indoors once the weather gets colder.

Habitat: how mice choose a home

House mice are found in and around human structures as they rely on warmth and shelter for nesting sites, and our readily available food sources.

Nests are often built in places such as roof spaces, under floors or in wall cavities, sheds, basements, storage boxes and wherever there is access to a good source of food and safe, warm harbourage to breed.

Outdoors, field mice will excavate burrows in which to build nests of dry grass, but they will also den among rocks and crevices.

Their main priority will be building a nesting site that isn’t accessible to predators, including cats, foxes, birds and even other rodents, like rats.

Where do mice come from?

Mice are naturally inquisitive and can squeeze through cracks as small as 5mm, to search for food and shelter.

If a neighbouring property has an infestation, this can spread very quickly into your home or business.

They can also come into your property by climbing vines or trellis against the walls of your building.

If you have a lot of vegetation and foliage nearby this is perfect for mice to shelter in, until the time comes for them to find somewhere warmer.

The tell-tale signs mice are about

Their presence is usually detected from one of the following signs:

Mice droppings - these are often black, and about the size and shape of a grain of rice. Fresh droppings will be soft and moist. Each mouse can leave approximately 80 droppings per day. Common places to find mouse droppings are under the kitchen sink, around central heating boilers and in roof spaces
Strong ammonia smell - mice urinate frequently
Smear marks - these are dark grey marks left on surfaces by repeated contact with the oils in mouse fur
Nests - sometimes nests can be found indoors for example in lofts, under floorboards or in airing cupboards
Damage to stored food in cupboards and pantries
Gnaw marks on materials such as wood, carpets, paper, pipe cables and furniture.

Why are mice more common in winter?

Mice do not hibernate and are a problem all year round.

House mice are already living in and around wherever we are.

But as the weather gets colder, those field mice currently surviving outdoors will look for warmer places to nest and begin to move indoors.

They are highly adaptable and won’t hesitate to take advantage of a cosy human structure during the winter months.

Food is also an issue - they begin to scavenge closer to humans, as their own sources are no longer plentiful.

Appearance

House mice

The house mouse has a typical mouse profile: small feet with big eyes and thinly-haired ears, and a pointed snout with thin whiskers.

Their body length ranges between 60-90mm, and the tail generally equals the length of its body, adding another 90mm.

They weigh less than 25g, and their fur colour is uniformly light brown and grey, right down to the tail which has sparse hairs on it.

And keep those pegs handy - they have a really distinctive, strong smell so you’ll know if you have a large infestation of these unwanted guests.

Field mice

A field mouse has sandy brown fur with a lighter underside.

As it mainly lives outdoors, it has bigger eyes and ears than a house mouse. This is an adaptation to avoid predation.

Field mice also have long tails, making them quite agile climbers.

Juveniles are greyer overall, still with larger ears, hind feet and tails than house mice.

Mouse, rat, shrew or vole?

There are a few animals which look very similar to a mouse and can often be mistakenly identified as such.

The three which a mouse can commonly be mistaken for are; rats, shrews and voles.

A large mouse can look like a young rat to the untrained eye, and vice versa.

However an adult brown rat can weigh-in at over half a kilo and measure about 23cm, without counting the tail: much bigger than an adult mouse.

A rat has a blunt muzzle, small hair-covered ears and a tail shorter than its body.

In contrast to the characteristics of a mouse, voles have smaller ears, eyes and tails, with a rounded snout.

Similarly, shrews also have small eyes, short tails and small ears. However they have a very distinctive, pointed snout.

Shrews are not rodents, unlike the other three.

It is important to understand these distinctions, as water voles and all species of shrew are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

It is also important to know whether you are dealing with a mouse or a rat, as the behaviour of these two species differs and this will affect any control efforts.

Mouse biology and behaviour - Mating and lifespan

Mice have a very easy-to-remember rule around breeding cycles: 21 days.

Each part of the cycle takes 21 days on average.

When a female mouse is impregnated, the gestation period lasts for around 21 days.

Mice are mammals and so they give birth to live young. On average this is between five and seven pups, but can be anywhere up to 12.

It then takes 21 days to wean those pups, who will then reach full maturity in another 21-38 days.

During this time the female mouse will go through what is known as a fertile postpartum estrus, which occurs 14 to 24 hours following the birth.

This means that a mouse can become pregnant almost immediately after giving birth, which is one of the reasons that a mouse infestation can grow quickly out of control.

A female mouse can produce anywhere between 5 and 10 litters a year.

Most mice have quite short life expectancy in the wild, around 9 to 12 months.

Other characteristics

Mice are actually colourblind, however their other senses make up for it.

They have an acute sense of hearing, frequently using ultrasound to communicate, and are especially sensitive to any sudden noise.

According to research, mice are even thought to serenade each other with love songs.

In terms of movement, they will use their whiskers to sense the texture of surfaces and changes in temperature.

Mice are nocturnal and can often be heard running about in the night as they search for food.

Nervously active, they are agile climbers and impressive jumpers, as well as being good swimmers.

They can run along ropes, cables and wires, even climbing up rough, vertical surfaces.

Mice are territorial animals, marking their area with urine and checking their terrority to make sure nothing has changed.

They are also very fast runners, holding their tails straight up for balance as they scarper.

What do mice eat?

Mice are erratic, sporadic feeders, nibbling at many sources of food rather than taking repeated meals from any one item.

They can make as many as 30 trips a night to different food sources, taking tiny amounts from each.

This can make them more difficult to control with toxic baits than a rat, which will happily gorge on one food source.

Their favourite foods are cereal products, although as omnivores they will eat almost anything.

They do not need free water to drink as they generally obtain sufficient moisture from their food.

How to treat a mouse bite

As with most animals, mice will bite if they feel threatened or are disturbed, although it is VERY rare.

If you have been bitten by a mouse, immediately wash the wound as thoroughly as possible; mouse bites are not often deep, but it’s important to do this even if the skin hasn’t been broken.

Once the area is cleaned, treat it with antiseptic cream and seek medical advice.

How to prevent mice

Prevention is better than cure, so let’s take a look at how we can accomplish that.

Mice only need a gap of 5mm to gain entry (roughly the diameter of the eraser end of a pencil).

You will need to search for any potential entry points and seal these up with wire wool embedded in quick-setting cement.

You should focus on low level gaps first as these are the most likely areas for mice to enter. You can then consider any higher up vents or gaps.

Check around pipes and windows, and double check the basement.

Proofing all means of entry as much as possible will help to prevent an infestation.

Other steps you should take are:

Remove potential nesting sites by keeping gardens clean and tidy, cutting back overgrown areas and clearing any piles of wood/debris
Cover any household waste where mice can get access to it, close dustbin lids and cover compost heaps
Store food in airtight containers and make sure any food debris is cleaned up straight away
Install door sweeps or door brush strip on exterior doors, if the gap is larger than 4mm.
Good hygiene practices won’t eliminate a mouse problem, but poor practices will attract them.

Getting rid of mice - DIY mouse control

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 would always recommend contacting a professional pest control company through BPCA.

They are trained in mouse control and will have access to a range of professional use rodenticides which are not available to the public.

If you decide to carry out the work yourself, then you can buy amateur use poisons and traps from a hardware store or garden centre. It is crucial that you read the label fully before use.

However, due to their habits, traditional baiting techniques and trapping frequently do not work, and a combination of rodenticides may be necessary.

It is common knowledge in the pest control industry that almost all house mouse populations in London (and possibly other cities) are resistant to traditional rodenticides.

Amateur use products are restricted and it is likely that you won't be able to purchase the necessary poison.

An alternative to using poisons are break-back traps.

You may catch mice if baited with nutty chocolate, raisins or similar attractive food and placed close to signs of mouse activity.

Place traps close to, and at right angles to, walls so the treadle may be activated from either direction.

When placing poison or traps, make sure they are in a safe and secure place out of reach of children and pets.

WARNING: When using rodenticides always follow the instructions on the label, and importantly search for and dispose of any dead rodents in a safe manner.

Leaving these in the open can result in primary and secondary poisoning of non target animals, such as birds scavenging on the carcass.

Additionally, thought needs to be taken when placing poison or traps to ensure they are in a safe and secure place out of reach of non target animals, children and pets.

Although it is not recommended to tackle these pests yourself, if you decide to give it a go then you must take all necessary precautions to ensure you do not cause collateral damage or suffer personal injury.

Clearwell Professional Pest control

For any mouse infestation, we would always recommend contacting a professional pest control company, like Clearwell .

They are trained in mouse control and will have access to a range of professional use rodenticides which are not available to the public.

Knowing how much, where, and when to deploy products is where professionals are able to take control of situations efficiently.

Professional pest controllers will take an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to tackling your infestation.

A pest professional will have access to monitoring equipment, which they will use to confirm entry points into your property, the size of the infestation and to track the mouse to its harbourage (nest).

They can then recommend a proofing strategy and decide on the best course of action in terms of control; this could be traps, rodenticides or a combination of both.

As members of the BPCA are able to treat infestations quickly and safely.

We can help minimise pest activity with a range of techniques and have the technical knowledge and experience to apply products in an efficient manner, while minimising risk to the environment and non target species.

All our technicians are BPCA qualified and frequently update their knowledge through consistent development and training.

As a BPCA member, we are regularly audited to the British and European Standard for Pest Management, BS EN 16636 .

SOURCE: BPCA Blog

Safety first: effective bird management

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 13:37:20 GMT

Links to feral pigeons and their impact on public health have been widely reported recently

We've prepared some general guidance on some of the health issues relating to feral pigeons and the steps you should consider to make sure you're protected professionally.

The dangers of feral pigeons

The feral pigeon is very common and found in all areas of the UK - and the most pressing issue associated with their presence is one of safety.

This is because they can harbour a large variety of diseases and insects on their body and in their nests, and their fouling presents public health concerns.

As a result - while the introduction of effective bird management procedures can present challenges for those tasked with the maintenance of buildings - it is a matter that cannot be ignored.

Pigeon guano (droppings) can be very dangerous. Ornithosis, Listeria, E-coli and other nasty pathogens can be passed through droppings and by the birds themselves.

When dry, the droppings can become airborne leading to respiratory complaints such as psittacosis, and the cryptococcus fungus.

Other problem factors

As well as the public health issues relating to bird guano, feral pigeon droppings are also acidic and can corrode and erode metals, stonework and brickwork.

Their droppings also create an unsightly visual effect, and the noise they generate is another disruption.

Finally, there are the health and safety implications of slips and trips caused by the droppings to consider – and the fact that birds and their nests can support parasites such as mites, ticks, fleas and beetles.

Managing the issue

To protect visitors and staff facilities, those in charge of a building’s maintenance should not overlook bird control as part of an effective onsite pest management programme.

All UK bird species are protected by law (Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981) including their nests and eggs, so a trusted pest management company should always be contacted to ensure facilities are protected professionally.

If staff are tasked with clearing up bird guano themselves, it is important to make sure the correct personal protective equipment and appropriate levels of training have been given.

This is a hazardous task which we also recommend is carried out by a professional pest management company.

Issues to consider

Bird control has developed considerably over the years, with innovations including laser technology, bioacoustics and ultrasonic emitters to name a few.

Understanding the products and methods can take a good deal of time and research, but a good starting point to work from is the categorisation of control products in two areas - proofing and dispersal.

Proofing involves physically excluding the birds from the area to be protected.

Dispersal consists of creating a sense of danger in the affected area, which causes the birds to leave. This includes ‘scaring’ them away or re-educating them that the area is dangerous.

Once these two categories are understood, then the next step is to understand the level of bird pressure, which is essentially the amount of resistance likely to be encountered when re-routing an infestation of birds (categorised as low, medium and high).

Then other considerations, such as the environment and access, need to be assessed before appropriate control measures are introduced.

A trusted route

BPCA membership includes pest management professionals with expertise in bird control to go through the options and ultimately address the issues faced.

As well as awareness of the most effective methods, they are familiar with important environmental, social and legal issues, including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Sometimes bird management work can also involve working at height, so companies offering this service must compliant with the relevant health and safety requirements.

BPCA offers further advice on feral pigeons in its A-Z of Pests.

SOURCE: BPCA Blog