Winter can be a challenging time for homeowners and their gardens, as rodents, such as mice and rats, seek shelter and food in the warmth of our homes and gardens. These pests can cause significant damage to our plants, vegetables and even structures if left unchecked. However, there are several effective ways to keep rodents away from your garden during the winter months, including professional pest control services . These can provide valuable assistance in preventing and managing rodent infestations. How do I prevent a rodent infestation in my garden? There are many ways in which you can prevent rodents from gaining access to your home and to your garden. From Keeping food sources at bay and using physical barriers to moving your log store and bringing in the professional pest control specialists, here’s how you can prevent a rodent infestation in your home: Keep food sources to a minimum One of the first steps in rodent prevention is to eliminate any potential food sources in and around your garden. Rodents are attracted to bird feeders, compost piles, fallen fruits and unsealed rubbish bins. By removing or securing these food sources, you can significantly reduce the chances of attracting rodents. Keep your garden tidy Additionally, make sure to clean up fallen leaves, trim overgrown vegetation and keep your garden free of debris, as these can provide hiding places for rodents. If you happen to have wood storage for a log burner in your garden, make sure that the logs aren’t stored directly next to the home as this is a great hiding spot for the rodents. As well as this, you’re also opening up a doorway into your home from the outside when you open the door to gather up some logs. You should take steps to move your log store further away from your home and keep it as tidy as possible. Use rodent repellents Another effective method to deter rodents is by using natural repellents. Plants like lavender, rosemary and marigolds have strong scents that rodents dislike. Planting these around your garden can act as a natural deterrent. Give physical barriers a try Physical barriers can also be helpful in keeping rodents away. Installing wire mesh or hardware cloth around the perimeter of your garden can prevent rodents from entering. Make sure to bury the mesh at least a few inches below the ground to prevent digging. You should also consider using mesh or netting to cover vulnerable plants or vegetables in order to effectively protect them from rodent damage. Call The Pest Master Pest control professionals, such as us here at The Pest Master, can play a crucial role in rodent prevention during the winter months. We have the knowledge and expertise to identify potential entry points and assess the severity of the infestation. Pest control can provide effective solutions tailored to your specific situation, such as: Trapping Bait stations Sealing entry points Regular inspections and maintenance by professionals can help ensure that your garden and home remains rodent-free throughout the winter season. The last thing you want or need is for the rodents to find a way into the home. If you start to notice activity within your garden, call in the experts at The Pest Master for help. How can I deter rodents from coming near my property in the first place? In addition to their preventive measures, pest control services can also help when it comes to expert advice and guidance about how you can make your home as unattractive as possible for rats and mice. You can’t have a rodent problem if there aren’t any rodents nearby to worry about. If, however, you do suffer from an infestation at some point, then The Pest Master will carry out safe and humane removal of rodents that have already infested your garden. We can use traps or baits specifically designed for professional use against rodents and employ techniques that minimise harm to other wildlife and the environment. Keeping rodents away from your garden in winter requires a combination of proactive measures and professional assistance. By eliminating food sources, using natural repellents, installing physical barriers and seeking the help of pest control services, you can effectively protect your garden from rodent damage. Remember to take action early to prevent infestations and maintain a healthy and thriving garden throughout the winter season. If you would like further information about the rodent control , mice control and rat control services we have available here at The Pest Master, then get in touch with a member of our friendly, expert team today - we’re always pleased to hear from you.

If you're dealing with bed bugs, it's crucial to take immediate action. It’s highly-recommended that you reach out to a professional pest control company , like us here at The Pest Master.

Adult bed bugs have an oval and flattened shape, resembling small brownish-red discs. They are about the size of an apple seed, measuring between 4-6mm in length. Their shed skins are lighter brown and appear as flaky exoskeletons. These pesky insects have mouths specially adapted for piercing the skin and sucking blood. While they do not possess wings, they have six sturdy legs that allow them to crawl on most vertical surfaces. The Bed Bug Life Cycle The life cycle of a bed bug progresses through several stages: egg, several immature nymph stages, and finally, adulthood. This process, called incomplete metamorphosis, can span from 6 to 10 months. In contrast, other insects like fleas undergo complete metamorphosis, which includes four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Bed bugs reproduce through a rather unsettling process called "traumatic insemination." The male bed bug stabs the female's abdomen and injects sperm into the wound. A female bed bug can lay anywhere from 200 to 500 eggs over a period of two months, usually in clusters of 10 to 50. These sticky eggs attach to furniture or fittings. Bed bug eggs are elongated and whitish cream in colour. As they near hatching, they darken. The early stages of bed bugs, known as nymphs, are extremely tiny and can be challenging to spot without magnification. Under favourable conditions, bed bug eggs can hatch in approximately a week, and the newly hatched nymphs go through five moulting stages before reaching maturity. Each malt requires a blood meal, and with an adequate supply of blood and favourable conditions, they can mature in as little as a month, producing multiple generations per year. The typical lifespan of a bed bug is around ten months. How Do Bed Bugs Act? Similar to other blood-sucking arthropods, bed bugs inject saliva while feeding, which contains anticoagulant properties. This can make their bites initially go unnoticed. When not feeding, a bed bug's proboscis or "feeding tube" is tucked under its body. After a meal, they can increase in length by up to 50% and in weight by 200%. Bed bugs are attracted to the warmth and carbon dioxide emitted by a host and can quickly locate a suitable feeding site. They can remain inactive for weeks or months and "awaken" when they detect biological signatures like CO2. Bed bugs are nocturnal and tend to feed when people are asleep, as it is the safest time for them to obtain a meal without being disturbed. However, in heavily infested areas, they may become opportunistic and feed during the day if conditions are favourable. When startled, they move swiftly and emit an odour. How Do I Know If I Have Bedbugs? What Are the Early Signs of a Bedbug Infestation? Bed bugs can be tricky to detect as their bites are often mistaken for mosquito bites or allergic reactions. However, there are many signs that may indicate an infestation. Red and irritating bites, typically in rows on your neck, shoulders, back, legs, or arms Small clusters of reddish-brown spots or dark faecal spots that resemble ink dots. These are usually found on the bed frame, upholstery, or the underside of the mattress Small blood smears on the bed clothes or on your headboard Bed bug malt skins, pale-white eggs, and empty eggshells. These may be small but are still visible to the human eye The most obvious sign, although not always the first, is actually seeing the small brown insects themselves in and around your bed frame or sleeping area It's important to note that bites alone do not necessarily mean you have a bed bug infestation. Look for these other signs and if you're unsure, it's best to call a pest professional like The Pest Master for assistance.

Rodents and the Problems They Cause When we see an increase in rodent activity it may be alarming to homeowners and business owners alike, as these small creatures seek shelter and food in and around human habitats. While they may seem harmless at first glance, rodents can cause a myriad of problems that can be both frustrating and potentially dangerous. In this article, we will explore the various issues caused by rodents and discuss the importance of taking necessary measures to control their population. One of the primary problems rodents bring is the damage they inflict on property. Rats and mice have a natural instinct to chew, and they do not discriminate when it comes to what they chew on. From electrical wiring to wooden structures, rodents can cause significant damage that can lead to costly repairs. They gnaw through walls, insulation, and even pipes, which can result in leaks and water damage. Additionally, their constant chewing can weaken the structural integrity of buildings, posing a risk to inhabitants. Moreover, rodents are carriers of various diseases, making them a threat to human health. They can transmit diseases through their urine, faeces, and bites. Hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonellosis are just a few examples of the diseases that can be contracted from rodents. These illnesses can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, they can be fatal. Symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid direct contact with rodents and maintain a clean environment to minimize the risk of disease transmission. Rodents also have a voracious appetite, and during the summer, they take advantage of the abundance of food sources available. They can contaminate stored food in pantries, restaurants, and agricultural fields, leading to both economic losses and potential health hazards. The presence of rodent droppings and urine can render food unfit for human consumption, necessitating its disposal. This not only wastes valuable resources but also poses a risk to public health if contaminated food finds its way back into the market. Furthermore, the reproduction rate of rodents is astonishingly high, especially during the summer months. A single female rat can produce up to 3-6 litters per year, with each litter consisting of 7-8 offspring. This rapid breeding cycle results in an exponential increase in rodent populations if left unchecked. Consequently, their population explosion can lead to overcrowding, competition for resources, and territorial disputes. As they seek shelter, rodents may invade homes, attics, and basements, causing distress and discomfort to both business and home owners. Effective control against rodents To combat the problems caused by rodents, it is necessary to implement effective control measures. Prevention is key in rodent management. Maintaining a clean environment, sealing any entry points, and storing food properly are essential steps in reducing their attraction to your property or business. Regular inspections and repairs of structural damage are also vital to prevent rodents from gaining access to your home or business. Its important to know what the best materials to use are, as a lot of DIY methods may not stand up to the might of the rodent. Some members of the public may use DIY rodent baits, it is imperative to know what the dangers are around using such baits and how they can impact the environment. One of the main concerns regarding rodenticide use in the UK is the potential for secondary poisoning of non-target species. When rodents consume bait containing rodenticides, they may become poisoned. Predatory birds, such as barn owls and kestrels, can then consume the poisoned rodents, leading to their own poisoning. To address this issue, the UK has introduced new regulations and best practice guidelines for rodenticide use. These measures aim to reduce the risk of secondary poisoning and protect non-target wildlife, ensuring you know the legal requirements surrounding the use of rodenticide and the implications if used incorrectly. The Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) UK has played a key role in promoting responsible rodent control and educating professionals in the industry about best practices. This is something a professional pest controller will know well. Why its best to employ the professionals In addition to prevention, professional pest control services can be employed to address an existing rodent problem. Trained technicians can conduct thorough inspections, identify entry points, and implement targeted control strategies. These may include trapping, baiting, and the use of rodenticides in a safe and responsible manner. It is crucial to consult professionals who prioritize the safety of both humans and the environment when dealing with rodent infestations. In conclusion, rodents can cause a plethora of problems that range from property damage to health risks. Their propensity to chew, spread diseases, contaminate food sources, and breed rapidly poses significant challenges for homeowners, businesses, and public health. By implementing preventive measures and seeking professional pest control services.

Ants are social insects that live in colonies consisting of hundreds or thousands of individuals. They are known for their organized behaviour, work ethic, and ability to communicate with one another. Here are some interesting facts about ants, their behaviours, and their nests. All around us Ants are found all over the world, except for the polar regions and have been around for more than 100 million years! They are believed to have evolved from wasp-like ancestors. There are over 12,000 species of ants known to science, with more being discovered all the time. Ants are incredibly strong and can carry objects up to 50 times their body weight. They are social insects and live in colonies that can range in size from a few dozen individuals to millions. Ant colonies are typically made up of a queen, male drones, and female worker ants. The queen ant is responsible for laying eggs, while the worker ants are responsible for gathering food and caring for the young. They communicate with one another through a complex system of pheromones, chemicals that they secrete to signal messages to other members of their colony. Ants are very organized and have a division of labour within their colonies. Each ant has a specific job to do, based on their age and size. They are known for their ability to work together to solve problems, such as building bridges or rafts to cross water. They are omnivorous and will eat almost anything, including insects, plants, and other animals, with some species of ants are known to farm fungus, which they use as a food source. Although largely classed as a pest when they invade our homes, ants are important for the ecosystem, as they help to aerate soil, distribute seeds, and control insect populations. ‘Ant’ the builder Ants are capable of building some of the most complex structures in the animal kingdom, including underground tunnels and elaborate nests. The nests can range in size from a small hole in the ground to massive structures that can cover several acres. Nests are often built underground, but some species build their nests in trees or other above-ground structures. Ant nests are typically made up of chambers and tunnels, which are used for storing food, caring for young, and protecting the colony. Some species of ants, such as leaf-cutter ants, are known for their ability to strip entire trees of their leaves to build their nests. Ants are very territorial and will defend their nests aggressively against intruders. Ants are capable of working together to solve complex problems, such as finding the shortest route to a food source or defending their nest against predators. Ants are social insects that live in large colonies. While some species of ants are beneficial to the environment, others can become pests when they invade homes and gardens in search of food and shelter. Ants can contaminate food, damage structures, and cause allergies in some people. Ant pest control Dealing with an infestation of ants in your home can be extremely troubling. They usually build their nests under the ground, making the nest almost impossible to find. Controlling the ant issue may be difficult if you try to tackle this by yourself, but there are a few ways we can help you to control them. The most common treatment used by the general public before they result to employing the services of a pest controller is using ant powder, sprinkling it all over the premises causing a real mess. However, when you use home brought ant powders, you risk harming some of the other non-target species and, at the same time, there is the danger of harming animals or humans. Chemical sprays are commonly used to kill ants, but they can also harm beneficial insects and the environment. Here at The Pest Master we use professional-grade gel for ant control because it is the ideal way of controlling the ant colony, especially if you inject it strategically or place it in bait stations. This gel is carried back to the source of the problem, the nest, where treatment occurs. Once an ant infestation is dealt with there are a few things you could try to help prevent them returning in the future. These can include creating physical barriers such as sealing cracks and crevices, trimming vegetation, and removing food sources can also help prevent ants from entering homes and gardens. In summary As professionals, we don’t recommend trying ant pest control and treating your ant infestation yourself. You could potentially make matters worse or more so risk none target species and or the environment. Get in touch and let the professionals do it for you, for a longer lasting and more effective Ant treatment.