Our Pest Control officers will deal with pests that are harmful to public health and wellbeing in homes and businesses.

Most infestations will be dealt with in one visit and most can usually be treated in an hour or less.

Depending on the insect species, and if we can get direct access to the nest, an insect nest will be dead within hours. It may take longer as, for example, controlling ants can take a long time (2-3 weeks) as the pesticide cannot often be applied to the nest and only those ants that walk over the treated areas will be killed.

In other cases, such as fleas, control will be delayed as stages in the life cycle such as eggs and cocoons will not be destroyed - until the insect or larvae emerges.

Please note: If bats are suspected, or known to be present, the customer should advise us at the time of requesting a pest control service - so we are able to seek the appropriate guidance. Unfortunately, it is likely to add a delay to any service we are able to provide.

Ants

We will treat for ants when indoors, but not outside - and there is a charge

Flying Ants: Although the so-called ‘Flying Ant Day’ happens in your area on one day, it is not necessarily that same day everywhere. Each year, normally in July or August, swarms of flying ants (males and young queens) suddenly appear. They are simply normal ants, probably black garden ants with wings, that emerge during the mating season and then mate in flight. The larger flying ants are the queens and after they have mated (mid-air), they lose their wings and look for a suitable place to begin a new colony.

We do not treat for ants outside - if there are lots of flying ants in your home it could be an indication of a nest inside.

Bees

We do not routinely treat for bees.

Honey Bees: If a swarm or nest is a threat to a household then our Pest Control Officer can be requested to visit to determine if it is likely that a bee keeper could capture the bees. If so a Bee Keeper will be called out.

We may charge for this service

Masonry Bees: Slightly smaller than honey bees but similar appearance. These insects are solitary. A single female will tunnel into soft mortar or sandstone and lay her eggs in six or so small chambers she builds off her tunnel. Once complete the adults die off. Two broods are produced each year - in April and July. These insects are incapable of stinging us so we will not destroy them.

Mining Bees: This variety make their individual tunnels in the ground so property is not at risk. They are incapable of stinging humans so no action will be taken by us to destroy them.

Bumble Bees: Their nests have much fewer individuals than wasp nests or honey bees and though capable of stinging humans, bumble bees are the least aggressive of the stinging insects.

Bats

We cannot treat for bats because all bats are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure or take any bat; to disturb roosting bats; or to damage, destroy or obstruct access to any place used by bats for roosting. This applies to all householders and all pest control services.

Where it is suspected that bats may be roosting the advice of Natural England must be sought before any work is carried out near to the roosting area. The Staffordshire Bat Group will be able to provide further advice on bats and bat conservation. Call the Bat Helpline on 0845 1300 228 or visit the website.

Fleas

Fleas are a common problem in homes. You might even have a problem with fleas if you do not have pets especially if the previous owners kept cats or dogs.

The most common type of flea is the Cat Flea, which does bite humans. Dog Fleas are rarer although other species may become attached to dogs. Human fleas are extremely rare these days in regularly cleaned homes.

You or your family might find that you are getting bitten (usually around ankles and legs) and/or your cat or dog might be in discomfort and constantly scratching or biting their fur. Before you take your pet to the vet check if it has any tiny black dots on its fur? This could be a sign of flea poo.

Whilst we can treat for fleas in your home, unless you also treat your animals there is a strong chance that the fleas will return.

Flies

We only treat for Cluster Flies for which there is a charge.

Cluster flies 'hibernate' in roof voids over winter. They are attracted to light so if there is any hole in the ceiling below the loft (where light cables or plumbing pipes pass through) seal up any such gaps to prevent migration. They do no harm in the loft and will leave in the spring.

Make sure any water tanks are covered and store articles you may want during the winter months (Christmas decorations) somewhere else than the loft.

If its bluebottles, they lay their eggs on dead carcases - perhaps a bird or rodent (such as a mouse). If possible locate and remove any such carcase. Either allow the flies to escape or, indoors, use a fly spray to kill them.

We are able to supply electronic fly killers, for a fee, if required.

Harlequin Ladybirds

Harlequin Ladybirds vary in colour from yellows and oranges to black. There is often a triangular white mark on the head of the Harlequin ladybird, native ladybirds have no white markings on their backs.

They cluster in places such as windows frames, behind peeling wallpaper, in corners, and can bite if disturbed. If you see a cluster of ladybirds, it is likely that they are Harlequins and should be removed as soon as possible.

Charges Apply (Nuisance Insects)

Moles

We offer treatments for moles in homes and business premises. Please contact us to arrange for a survey and a quote.

Moths

We offer a treatment service for moths (and carpet beetles) but a charge will apply (Nuisance Insects).

Female moths (and carpet beetles) lay their eggs on suitable natural materials - wool, cotton for instance. Eggs hatch to maggots, which feed on the carpets. The larvae shun light so are most often under furniture. Badly affected carpets should be destroyed.

Pigeons

Business properties only.

Because of the problems pigeons can cause (noise and faecal contamination in particular) we discourage anyone from feeding pigeons.

Pigeon proofing work may be carried out on request to business properties within Stafford Borough so please contact us for a survey and a quote.

Rabbits and Foxes

We don’t currently treat for rabbits or foxes.

Foxes in urban areas can cause some nuisance issues.

If you have concerns about fox activities in your neighbourhood ensure that no foodstuffs are left out where it may be accessible to wildlife, and waste food is placed in sealed bags inside your waste bin to reduce the likelihood of problems.

Rodents (Rats and Mice)

Mice: We only treat mice that are indoors. To ensure the whole population present is destroyed it will normally take 3 or 4 visits - usually about 1 week apart.

Rats: We will treat for rats in your home, garden and out-buildings.

Please Note: Modern rodenticides contain a very bitter tasting substance that rodents cannot taste, but children will not like. We can also use a range of lockable containers to keep out pets or youngsters. We also tell householders where bait is put so that they can help controlling access.

Squirrels

Generally we only treat for squirrels if they are trapped in your loft.

As soon as squirrels are suspected look carefully in the loft for signs of entry. As soon as the squirrel(s) is out of the loft block any hole used for entry. Then arrange for a builder to carry out a proper repair to the roof or wall as necessary.

Wasps

There must be an identifiable nest present to treat and there is a charge.

Wasp nests do not usually become a problem before June as a single queen has to build a new nest each year.

Before June you may see individual queen wasps or where present in groups they are more likely to be bees, which cannot be treated by the Council.

Wasp nests may appear in loft spaces, sheds, eaves, hollow trees and within the ground. Wasps can be identified by their bold bright black and yellow stripes, and are approximately 20mm long (about the width of a pound coin).

Usually only one treatment visit is required to completely kill all wasps in a nest. The insecticide will take up to two days to completely kill all wasps including those that return to the nest. For this reason we do not remove the nest. We will respond to requests for treatment as soon as possible.