We manage Black, Red, Garden, Ghost, Pharaoh’s, Argentine, and Flying Ants. Black Garden Ants, often dark brown, are the most common. Worker ants, 3-5mm long, search for sweet foods, while flying ants mate in July or August. We identify nests by earth piles and apply insecticidal treatments. For severe infestations, we use sugar-based baits that workers bring back to their nests. Professional help is needed for Pharaoh’s and Ghost Ants in heated buildings.

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There have been 13 confirmed sightings of Asian hornets in England, with six nests destroyed. In 2018 alone, there were nine sightings: Lancashire in April, Hull, three in Cornwall, two in Hampshire, one in Surrey (all in September), and Kent in October. Asian hornets are a serious concern, and prompt action is crucial to prevent their spread. If you suspect an Asian hornet presence, professional assistance is essential to locate and safely eliminate nests.

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Bedbugs, now common due to increased travel and second-hand furniture, thrive in hotels, hostels, and flats. These small, brown, wingless insects hide in crevices near human hosts and spread through luggage, clothing, and used items. Primarily nocturnal, bedbugs hide in beds, furniture, and walls, feeding on human blood but can survive a year without it. Infestation signs include red bites, dark spots on beds, blood smears, and visible bugs.

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At Shire Pest Solutions, we aim to protect bees, essential pollinators, and avoid killing them when possible. Bees usually aren’t a threat unless provoked or if their honey causes damage. Ideally, leave nests undisturbed as they benefit gardens and crops. We can relocate nests outside or underground and offer bee collection if honey bees are problematic. Eradication is a last resort, used only if relocation isn’t feasible. For treatment, rely on our expertise.

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Booklice, which rarely come into contact with humans, are of minimal economic concern and do not bite. Often mistaken for bedbug nymphs, booklice eggs hatch in 2 to 4 weeks, and adults mature in about 2 months, living up to six months. They primarily damage books and occasionally infest food storage areas or old wooden shelving, feeding on dry, starchy materials. If you spot booklice, contact us for professional advice and treatment to address the issue effectively.

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Dealing with carpet beetles? The varied carpet beetle and museum beetle are common, with a speckled appearance from their black, white, and yellow scales.

To address an infestation, thoroughly vacuum all floor areas before treatment. Use an insecticide spray to target larvae, known as woolly bears, as they can cause significant damage. Proper treatment of all affected areas is essential for effective control.

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Cockroaches, with their long antennae and flat bodies, include the German Cockroach (10-15mm, light brown) and the Oriental Cockroach (20-24mm, dark brown). They thrive in warm, humid areas like kitchens and boiler rooms, preferring dark, hidden spots.

To prevent infestations, keep areas clean, seal gaps, and fix leaks. Effective control requires professional insecticides due to their elusive nature.

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Cluster flies, appearing in spring and autumn, are parasitic on earthworms and do not pose a health risk. However, they can be a nuisance when they enter homes to hibernate in large numbers, often favouring roof and wall cavities. These flies are often found on windows and can be seen alongside ladybirds.

To manage cluster flies, annual treatments are recommended.

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Clothes moths, with their golden forewings, are rarely seen flying. Their larvae, yellowish-white with brown heads, hatch from 30-200 eggs and feed under spun mats. Development takes 1 month to 2 years, followed by 10-50 days of pupation. Adults live 15-30 days, preferring to scuttle over surfaces.

For control, regularly vacuum carpets, especially edges, and treat affected garments.

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Cat and Dog Fleas are common pests that bite humans. These small, wingless, reddish-brown insects thrive on pets, carpets, bedding, and furniture. Prevention includes using vet-approved flea products, regular vacuuming, washing pet items, and maintaining a clean garden. Signs of infestation include pets scratching, flea droppings, and flea bites on humans, usually around the ankles and legs. For effective treatment, contact Shire Pest Solutions.

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Hornets are the largest UK wasps, building nests from chewed wood pulp. Each nest houses one queen and many workers. Nests are often found in trees, shrubs, underground, or in cavities. Hornets die off in winter, with queens hibernating until spring. While they can be beneficial for controlling other pests, hornets become aggressive when their nests are threatened, posing risks to humans and pets. We ensure proper handling and removal to prevent stings and more.

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Harlequin ladybirds, often clustering in window frames and room corners, can be tricky to distinguish from native species due to their variable appearance. They are large, round insects (7-8 mm) with diverse colors and patterns. Their wing cases can be pale yellow-orange, orange-red, red, or black with various spot patterns. Common forms in the UK include orange with 15-21 black spots or black with two or four orange or red spots.

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Leatherjackets are the larvae of crane flies, or daddy-long-legs, and are about 2.5 cm long, greyish-black, legless, and headless. We treat them in late August through October and again in early April to the end of May. This bi-annual treatment provides maximum protection. Our method uses a 100% biological control, which is watered into the turf or soil, infecting leatherjackets with a bacterial disease. For best results, ensure your lawn remains moist.

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Most mites are harmless, but some can cause health issues or allergic reactions. Mites like Sarcoptes scabiei cause scabies, a common skin condition in children, while Demodex mites are linked to rosacea. Chiggers can cause itchy bites and occasionally spread diseases like scrub typhus, and house-mouse mites can transmit rickettsial pox. Dust mites, often found in beds, trigger allergies such as hay fever, asthma, and eczema. For effective control, thorough cleaning and treatment.

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In the UK, most spiders are harmless and beneficial for natural insect control, but some can be a nuisance or cause anxiety. For persistent issues or fears, contact Shire Pest Solutions for advice and treatment options like insecticide sprays or smoke generators. If you encounter a spider you don’t recognize or need help with a serious infestation, we offer professional assistance. Remember, certain spiders, like the false widow spider should not be handled directly

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Rabbits can cause significant environmental and agricultural issues due to their rapid breeding and voracious appetites. They damage crops and can undermine roads with their burrows. Effective control methods include shooting (using night and thermal vision), gassing, trapping, and ferreting. Each method addresses the problem of large rabbit populations, which can be challenging to manage without these interventions.

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Rats can cause significant damage and health risks, making effective control essential. Key steps include eliminating food sources, such as fixing broken drains and cleaning up garden areas. We assess the infestation’s location and extent to choose the right control methods, including professional bait stations, loose baiting, or direct bait application in burrows. Advanced electronic monitoring systems help us manage infestations more efficiently.

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Mice are small rodents with pointed snouts, rounded ears, and scaly tails, and they can be a nuisance in homes, especially during colder months. Common house mice and field mice invade properties seeking food and shelter, leading to potential damage like gnawed wires, ruined crops, and health risks through their droppings and parasites. Signs of a mouse infestation include droppings, rodent tracks, sightings, and damaged food or building materials.

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Moles often appear due to factors like weather changes, lawn conditions, or access from neighbouring gardens. To manage a mole infestation, an initial Environmental Risk Assessment is conducted to evaluate access, infestation levels, and the extent of the problem.

Once the assessment is complete and wildlife safety is ensured, traps are set to control the infestation.

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Feral pigeons, descendants of wild Rock Doves, create problems by fouling buildings with corrosive droppings and spreading diseases like Ornithosis and E. coli. Their droppings can become airborne, causing respiratory issues.

Control methods include bird netting, spikes, and shock systems to prevent roosting. For severe infestations, trapping and shooting may be required.

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Grey squirrels, originally introduced to the UK, now inhabit urban parks and gardens, as well as woodlands. They often invade roof spaces, causing damage by chewing woodwork, stripping insulation, and occasionally drowning in water tanks.

To address squirrel infestations, block entry points with wire mesh and use traps or warfarin-based poisons. Note that releasing trapped grey squirrels is illegal.

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Originally introduced in 1902 from Lionel Walter Rothschild’s collection, the Glis Glis population in the UK now exceeds 10,000, primarily concentrated in the Chilterns area, including places like Beaconsfield, Aylesbury, and Luton. They’ve also been spotted in areas such as Woodcote, Watlington, and Pangbourne.

Edible dormice are most active from spring to autumn, hibernating from roughly October to May.

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