Fleas - Keep looking out for them

 

 

Does your dog or cat appear to be in discomfort? Are they biting at their fur and scratching? It might well be a skin infection; it might, however, be fleas feeding on your pet. Read through the following information before making arrangements to take your pet to the vet

Fleas that feed on humans are now no longer common in the UK. The popular use of vacuum cleaners and insecticides has resulted largely in their down fall.

If you suspect a case of fleas in your pet, you might look for certain signs. Look out for fleas crawling on your pet’s coat. Fleas are usually red-brown in colour and are around 2 mm in length. Inspect the hind-quarters of your dog, or the head and neck of your pet cat. These are the areas of the pets which respectively are targeted by fleas and where you are likely to observe their concentrated activity.

Check your pet’s skin for fine black droppings, similar in appearance to ground black pepper. This is adult flea faeces. An effective method for identifying this dirt is to draw a flea comb across the hair over a white sheet of paper. The pepper-like specks will then be visible.

Another sign of a case of fleas is the discovery of flea faeces on your pet’s bedding, on rugs and on carpets.

Certain measures can be taken to rid your domestic premises of a flea problem if it is identified sufficiently early.

 

What to do

 

Key West Pest Control advises that you regularly groom pets with a flea comb and wash pet beds and bedding weekly at 50 degrees Celsius or above. We recommend, however, that before taking any other measure to make sure that you have vacuumed carpets, furnishings, upholstered furniture and cracks in floorboards. This will rid your commercial or domestic premises of adult fleas, eggs and larvae. These larvae feed on adult flea faeces and other organic matter. They collect in the carpet and rugs. The removal of this food source is vital to the process of ridding you of your flea problem. Vacuum cleaners should be emptied with care and away from the house – the fleas will still be alive. If you find your pet scratching and biting at its fur consult your vet. The vet will recommend which flea sprays and powders to use for your pet

 

Flea Eggs

We might sometimes believe that we have rid our domestic or commercial premises of fleas when we haven’t in fact done so. This can happen because flea eggs are very difficult to spot.

Fleas lay eggs on your pet’s body, but they don’t stay there for the duration. They fall off into carpets, rugs, bedding, gaps and cracks in floorboards where they are hidden from view. The eggs themselves are miniscule being only 0.5mm long, white and oval in shape – hard to spot.

 

Key West Pest Control Can Help

It is an unpleasant thought that we might have fleas in our homes. The very idea of it makes us itch. It is really very possible that you pets have picked up the fleas from other animals or from other infested places – it is highly probable that it is not your fault. If you have got them in your home, you will be wanting to get rid of them. That’s where Key West Pest Control steps in. We have the most up-to-date methods for ridding you of a flea problem and our operatives are all sufficiently certified beyond statutory requirements

 

 

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Cluster Flies in the Autumn Months

 

 

The ambient temperature is decreasing in the UK because it is autumn. It is well worth, therefore, being vigilant about the problem of cluster flies. During the summer, cluster flies inhabit and breed in fields, largely in rural areas, and do not pose a significant problem to home owners and business proprietors. These flies are parasitic on earthworms; their larvae live within the soil. The larvae emerge as adults at the end of summer.

 

 

Cluster Flies are commonly so-called because of their habit of forming clusters, or multiplicities, when they are in a state of hibernation. They are found throughout the UK; although they can be found predominantly in rural areas. The eponymous clusters form during the autumn months and are found in the upper rooms, attics and roof spaces of domestic and business premises. Under natural conditions, without the human interference in conditioning the environment according to our needs, the cluster flies would hibernate in dry, sheltered, secluded areas such as under loose bark or within the main trunk and branches of hollow trees. It is quite possible to encounter mixed populations of species of cluster flies within the same premises. While there is a specific species of cluster fly (Polleniarudis), business proprietors and home owners may experience problems with four other species. These vary in size and colouration. It is important to stress to those experiencing problems with cluster flies that the cause of the problem is by no means one of poor hygiene. In addition, it is far from practicable to attempt to control cluster flies outdoors or, indeed, to control the areas in which they breed.

 

 

Following their period of cluster fly hibernation during the winter, the survivors of the winter, under natural, non-synthetic conditions, would emerge the following spring in order to return to grassy fields such that they might continue their life cycle. Owing, however, to the reshaping of the environment by man and the consequent construction of business and domestic dwellings within close proximity of open spaces and fields, they tend to congregate, or cluster, on these buildings. The cluster flies especially prefer sunlit, south-east facing, light coloured walls. When temperatures begin to fall in the afternoon the cluster flies tend to manoeuvre themselves into crevices in order to obtain shelter. Such crevices can include those found within window frames and those under the eaves within the roof space. They emerge the following day when the temperatures rise again. As autumn approaches and the general ambient temperature decreases they remain inside the building, and in large numbers.

 

The overall tendency of the cluster flies from year to year is to return to the same building: why? – we do not know; it is something of a mystery. There is little point in affixing fly screens to windows and doors as a preventative measure: this specie of fly will generally squeeze into small cracks in window frames and between roof tiles. The annual return to the same building may be the result of preferred wall colour, of the detection of remaining pheromones, or some other reason; but it is not because of poor hygiene.

 

Little can be done to prevent the infestations – even repointing and sealing is largely ineffective. If they want to get in, they will get in. A simple aerosol insecticide spray is all that is required to kill all of the cluster flies with which it makes contact. This method, however, will not kill those hibernating in cracks and crevices: it will not be sufficiently penetrative. Small infestations of cluster flies in your business or domestic premises can be dealt with in the use of a vacuum cleaner, that is, if you do not wish to use a spray. Again, this will not get to those flies hibernating in the hidden areas this autumn. For large-scale cluster fly control, call Key West Pest Control. Our operatives are furnished with the latest techniques and technologies contrived towards the control and elimination of cluster flies and other pests.

Moles - what to look out for

European Garden Moles can be a very costly and time-consuming pest with which to deal. They are known to do considerable damage to turf, formal gardens, lawns, greens, sports grounds and fairways. The cause of such damage is their survival need to dig underground. Their ability to do so is impressive in itself: moles can dig up to four metres an hour in their aim to create complex systems of burrows. The rapidity of this behavioural tendency enables moles to establish themselves in your business premises or your home garden very quickly.

 

We are most likely to experience the effects of the behaviour of moles on our business or domestic property when they create extensive networks of feeding tunnels. It is very rare that we will see a garden mole – they rarely come above ground and they are solitary creatures for the majority of the year. A mole tunnel system can cover 100 – 1000 metres in length. The tunnelling of moles can damage the roots of young plants and can throw up stones and debris to the surface ground, which can damage machinery (such as gardening and farming machinery: i.e. lawn mowers and combine harvesters). For businesses that rely on the external environment – i.e. businesses that that employ lawns, grounds, gardens and greens – this nuisance behaviour can be very costly. Also, livestock may injure their legs when walking on ground that has been affected by the tunnelling of moles.

 

The European Garden Mole has slate-grey, velvet-like fur and shortish hand-like front feet, which are used for the digging. They are around 15cm in length and weigh between 75g and 130g.. As has been mentioned, they are solitary creatures except during the breeding season, which takes place between February and June. They bare one litter per year of 3-4 young. Moles tend to feed on earthworms, insect larvae and slugs.

 

Fresh mounds of earth that spring up overnight on lawns and other similar areas are called ‘molehills’. It is advisable that you take prompt action at this, the first sign of moles on your business or domestic property. Another sign of moles is the distinctive raised ridges that can be seen on lawns and other similar areas. These indicate the presence of tunnels.

 

If you have found molehills or ridges in the grounds of your business premises of domestic property it is important to remember that the largest molehill is not always the newest, and that moles can build up to six new molehills within 24 hours. If you find many molehills, it might not necessarily translate that many moles are present in the system.

 

If you have identified the signs it is time to call in Key West Pest Control before they can do any more damage. We will use the latest techniques to eliminate the problem in order that you can restore the grounds of your business premises or domestic property to their proper state.

 

Do you have a problem with mice?

An infestation of mice can occur at any time of year. They happily seek out leftover food on work surfaces such as worktops, tables and cupboards. They are by no means particularly fussy about what food stuffs they will consume. This is why your businesses and homes can act as havens for mice in accommodating their needs.

 

A danger that arises with an infestation of mice is the spreading of diseases. They potentially may spread pathogens and diseases such as Salmonella, Leptospirosis and Hantavirus.  Salmonella is a group of bacteria that causes typhoid fever, food poisoning, gastroenteritis, enteric fever and other illnesses. People become infected mostly through contaminated water or foods, especially meat, poultry and eggs. Leptospirosis is caused by a strain of bacteria called leptospira, which is found in certain animals and can spread to humans. Many different kinds of animals can carry the bacteria, but it is most commonly associated with rats and mice, dogs and some farm animals. Hantaviruses are single-stranded, enveloped, negative sense RNA viruses in the Bunyaviridae family. They normally infect rodents and do not cause disease in these hosts. Humans may become infected with hantaviruses through contact with rodent urine, saliva, or faeces.

 

Mice seek to find easy access to our properties for food and shelter – and any type of property will be sufficient. They look for abundant sources of food and undisturbed areas in which to nest. The removal of readily available and easily accessible food sources will make your property less attractive to mice. Doing this will also reduce the risk of spreading disease by decreasing the possibility of food contamination.

 

An infestation of mice can make us feel uncomfortable, concerned and even distressed. It is, however, a very common problem and there is no need to become unduly worried. At Key West Pest Control, we can solve problems such as mice infestation with quick, safe and effective solutions. Every infestation is different; but we can deal with that.

 

Signs that you might have such an infestation include an ammonia-like aroma and droppings. If you suspect that you have an infestation of mice, contact us. We will investigate the situation and identify the species and the extent of the problem. This will ensure that we will be able to deal with and eradicate the infestation effectively, employing the most latest techniques and technologies

Rats - do you have them?

 

The discovery of an infestation of rats can be very distressing whether it is found in your business premises or in your home. For a significant number of people the presence of rats is a cause of fear as a phobia of rats is a fairly common one. Rats can transmit very serious diseases and can, in fact, be a cause of fire – these rodents have a tendency to chew through electrical wiring. Rats have incisor teeth and are capable of chewing through wood, plastics and mild steel in order to gain access to a building

 

Rats are extremely persistent pests and if they gain access to your business premises or your home they can spread disease, contaminate food and cause physical damage to the fabric of your property. One pair of rats sheds more than one million body hairs each year and an individual rat can leave up to 25 000 droppings. If you suspect that you have an infestation of rats in your business premises or your home prompt action at the first sign of it will ensure that your problem can be quickly remedied.

 

Rats tend to be at their most active between dusk and dawn; it is therefore easier to spot the signs of a rat problem rather than an actual rodent. The most important signs indicating that you have a rat infestation or rat problem can be quickly learned. The signs to look out for are as follows:

1.       Rat droppings – the droppings of the brown rat are dark brown in colour; they are spindle-shaped, somewhat like a grain of rice

2.       Scratching noises – black rats are notoriously agile climbers therefore you might hear scratching noises at night when they are in your loft

3.       Rat nests – rats typically shred whatever materials are available to them in order to make their nests such cardboards and materials used in loft insulation

4.       Footprints – footprints and tail marks are sometimes left by rats in dusty, infrequently used areas of buildings

5.       Rat holes – a tendency typically found in brown rats is the digging extensive systems of burrows, which they use for food storage, shelter and nesting

6.       Rub marks – rats often leave smudges on surfaces made by grease and dirt on their bodies

 

As mentioned, a danger that arises with an infestation of rats is the spreading of diseases. They potentially may spread pathogens and diseases such as Salmonella, Leptospirosis and Hantavirus.  Salmonella is a group of bacteria that causes typhoid fever, food poisoning, gastroenteritis, enteric fever and other illnesses. People become infected mostly through contaminated water or foods, especially meat, poultry and eggs. Leptospirosis is caused by a strain of bacteria called leptospira, which is found in certain animals and can spread to humans. Many different kinds of animals can carry the bacteria, but it is most commonly associated with rats and mice, dogs and some farm animals. Hantaviruses are single-stranded, enveloped, negative sense RNA viruses in the Bunyaviridae family. They normally infect rodents and do not cause disease in these hosts. Humans may become infected with hantaviruses through contact with rodent urine, saliva, or faeces.

 

At Key West, we recommend quick action as rats are well known to spread diseases, damage property, contaminate food stuffs and also introduce parasites like fleas, lice and ticks into your business premises or home. If you suspect that you have a rat problem, contact Key West Pest Control.

Spiders Are Coming Indoors

Spider season - the time of year when spiders creep indoors - is beginning early this year owing to unseasonable warmth. Around this time each year arachnophobes dread the start of the season when male spiders go in search of a mate and venture inside our domestic and commercial premises. You may have already found a spider in your bath, running underneath your sofa or hiding in dark corners of your house.

 

Globally, there are literally thousands of species of spider in existence; it is likely that many species have yet to be discovered. In the UK there are approximately 650 species. Only a handful of these might be encountered within your business or domestic premises. The vast majority of spiders to be found within the UK are harmless, including those that you are most likely to find in your home and workplace. These spiders – those fund in the UK – are not considered to be pests; indeed, it is worth taking into consideration that we treat them as being quite the reverse. Spiders, as is commonly known, spin webs in order to catch insects on which to feed. The insects that spiders are most likely to catch in their webs are, in most cases, considered to be pests. All manner and species of fly are caught by spiders, and sometimes wasps. The advice of Key West Pest Control, therefore, is to avoid destroying spiders’ webs and to avoid killing spiders. Spiders can rightly be considered to be nature’s own form of pest control.

 

The spider species that you are most likely to encounter around and about you domestic and business premises are: the Zebra Jumping Spider; the Cellar Spider; the European Garden Spider; the Giant House Spider; the False Widow Spider; the Wolf Spider. Here follow some facts about these species of spider, which are worth considering the next time you encounter one with a mind to preserving it.

Zebra Jumping Spiders (Salticus Scenicus) are named for their black and white markings and can be found all over Britain and Europe. The adult body length, excluding the legs, varies from 5-9mm for females and 5-6mm for males. The distinctive black and white stripes are formed from black and white body hair. The power of their vision is remarkable: they have eight eyes. The two forward eyes are the largest.

 

The Cellar Spider (Pholcidae) is colloquially known as the daddy longlegs spider. Its proper name is given owing to the fact that it is primarily found on the ceilings of rooms or cellars. Adults are 2.5cm in length and have four pairs of long legs and two body parts. The cellar spider will rapidly shake its body on the web when it is disturbed. The legs are very long and thin.

 

Wolf Spiders (Trochose ruricola) hunt at night but spend the day concealed, usually amongst moss and decaying matters. The adult female is approximately 8 mm in length and the male - 6 mm. They are generally between brown and grey in colour.

European Garden Spiders (Araneus diadematus) are found across the UK and all over Europe. They are colloquially known as the ‘cross spider’ because of a distinctive white marking on the abdomen.

The adult body length, excluding the legs for females varies from 6 -20 mm and from 5 - 13 mm for males. Colouring can range from light yellow to a very dark grey. All European garden spiders have the distinctive, mottled white markings across the abdomen resembling a cross.

 

The Giant House Spider (Tegenaria gigantea) has an adult body length ranging between 11-18mm for females excluding legs and for males from 10 - 14mm. They are mainly brown in colour on the body with conspicuously hairy legs, palps and abdomen. They are generally found during the Autumn months scampering across the floors of your business or domestic premises in search of a mate

 

False Widow Spiders (Steatoda) have a brown bulbous abdomen with pale markings. The females grow to 15mm. False Widow spiders will only bite in defence if they feel threatened.

 

Wasps, Insects and Pollination

Wasps are bad news for us. They can be a nuisance to our homes and outdoor leisure activities. When they perceive us as a threat to themselves or especially to their nests they can cause us pain by stinging us. Only the females are endowed with the capacity to deliver stings.

When they sting us, the sting can be fatal to for a minority of individuals unfortunate to react to the venom with anaphylactic shock. As has been highlighted previously on the Key West blog, wasps are carnivorous. Consequently, they do not present themselves as a nuisance to us for the most part of the summer. Wasps do, however, over the course of their lifecycle become addicted to a sweet secretion that is exuded by the growing grubs on which they feed. In August when the grubs have grown to adulthood this sweet secretion ceases to be available. In the absence of this sweet treat, they turn their attention to our picnics and dining tables. Thus they become an annoying nuisance to us, potentially spreading disease to us by transmitting it from dirty locations in which they have previously been feeding, to our food.

And yes, they are indeed a threat to human life – consider that the poison in their stingers can cause anaphylactic shock in some people. If the circumstances are unfortunate, and swift action is not taken, an individual’s breathing faculties can become swollen such that they are unable to continue the essential process of respiration.

Wasps look like bees, but are generally not covered with fuzzy hairs. Consequently, they are much less efficient in pollinating flowers. This is because pollen is less likely to stick to their bodies and to be moved from flower to flower.

Here are some facts for you to digest about pollination:

Did you know that 1500 species of insects pollinate plants in the UK? These pollinators include our friends the bumble bees, honey bees and solitary bees. They also include hoverflies, flies, beetles, butterflies and moths.

Did you know that 25 species of bumble bee, 260 species of solitary bee, 1 honey bee species and hundreds of different types of butterfly, moth and hoverfly inhabit the UK?

Did you know that 70 of the 100 crop species providing 90% of food on a global scale are pollinated by bees?

Did you know that the value of insect pollination to crops owing to increases in the yield and quality of seeds and fruit is estimated to be £600 million.

It imperative that we protect our pollinators – they are vital to our all we know and the continuation of the human species. Defra, or the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is well aware of these facts. Indeed, they make five recommendations that UK citizens – families, gardeners, farmers, developers, land owners, local authorities -  can play their part in effecting, however small or large that part is.

      (1)    Grow more shrubs, trees and plants   

      (2)    Leave patches of land to grow wild

      (3)    Cut grass and mow lawns less frequently

      (4)    Don’t disturb insect nests and hibernation locations

      (5)    Think very carefully before using pesticides

Wasps and Anaphylaxis

Wasps have their uses (believe it or not). They can be of use around the gardens of our commercial and domestic premises as consumers of flies and dead insects. In as far as they relate to us, however, they can be a real nuisance. Aside of the pain caused by the stinging, their persistent nature can be a real irritation and threat to those individuals who have the misfortune to be allergic to their sting. If you are stung in the neck or in the mouth, or, indeed, if you experience nausea, giddiness, unusual swelling or extreme pain following being stung you must immediately seek medical assistance.

We are all aware, especially those of you who have been paying attention to the Key West blog, that wasps can sting multiple times without dying. Did you know, however, that the venom in wasps contains a pheromone the makes other wasps more aggressive? Bear this in mind if you are tempted to swat a wasp within close proximity of other wasps, or its nest. In other words: don’t do it.

For the majority of people a wasp sting should wear off within 24 hours. For a small minority the venom in wasp stings causes anaphylactic shock. This can be fatal.

What can cause anaphylactic shock?

Certain foods will cause anaphylactic shock in some people. These include: peanuts, almonds, walnuts, cashews, Brazil nuts, sesame, fish, shellfish, eggs and dairy products.

Other non-food causes include: natural latex (rubber), penicillin and other drugs and injections, and the stings of bees and wasps.

For some people, physical exercise can trigger an anaphylactic reaction, in some cases simply by itself; in other cases when it is done in conjunction with another cause such as foods or drugs such as aspirin.

The symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include the following:

1 (1) A sense of impending doom

2(2) Swelling of the throat and mouth

3(3) Alterations in heart rate

4(3) Flushing of the skin generally over the body

5(4) Hives anywhere on the body (this is similar in appearance to nettle rash)

6(5) Difficulty in speaking and swallowing

7(5) A sharp decrease in blood pressure (in this case the patient would experience a sudden feeling of    weakness)

8(6)  Severe asthma

9(7) Abdominal pain 

  (8) Nausea and vomiting

1(9) Collapsing and unconsciousness

Not all symptoms might be present in the same episode of anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis occurs, as with any allergic reaction (although anaphylaxis is the most extreme), because the immune system reacts disproportionately in response to the presence of a substance. The body’s immune system is incorrectly perceiving such substances as a threat.

The symptoms of anaphylaxis are the result of a sudden release of chemical substances, which include histamine, from cells found in the blood and stored within tissues. Such a release is engendered by an interaction between the allergic antibody Immunoglobin and the falsely offending substance (allergen), which includes wasp venom. This immunising defence is very sensitive and even extremely small quantities of the allergen can cause a reaction. When the reaction has been triggered by an allergen the released chemicals act on the blood vessels, causing swelling. For people with asthma, the reaction is mainly located in the lungs. A fall in blood pressure may be experienced.

For people who are known to experience a severe reaction, adrenaline auto-injectors are prescribed. Adrenaline, or epinephrine, acts swiftly to constrict blood vessels and relax smooth muscles in the lungs to help improve breathing. The adrenaline will also help stimulate the heartbeat and help to stop swelling around the face and lips.

Who is at risk from anaphylaxis?

If an individual has experienced a serious allergic reaction in the past, then no matter what the cause was, future reactions are probably going to be severe. If a tiny dose of an offending substance causes a significant reaction, or if a reaction has occurred between such a substance when in contact with the skin, this is an indication that a larger dose might well trigger a severe reaction. If an individual has asthma or other allergies it is important that they see an allergy specialist – asthma puts an individual in a higher risk category. If you believe that you have an allergy, see your GP. If there is a chance that your allergy is severe, the GP should refer you to an allergy clinic.

Bear all of this in mind when you are dealing with wasps. The main points to take away are: (1) if you swat a wasp near other wasps, others will follow (don’t do it); (2) if you have experienced bad allergic reactions in the past, you may be vulnerable to wasp stings and might react with anaphylactic shock; (3) anaphylactic shock can be fatal; (4) if you suspect you have an allergy, see you GP.

August is the Time for Wasps

It is the glorious month of August. The summer flowers are in full bloom and the deciduous trees are lush and in full leaf. Children and young people are free to engage in leisure as the summer holiday continues with endless days of high-jinx and wonder. The long break from school presents the opportunity for family days out, which in turn enables the forging of pleasant memories to be cherished. August is, of course, the eighth month of year between July and September in both the Julian and Gregorian calendars. For those born in this month, the birthstones are the peridot and sardonyx. The Western Zodiac signs for the month of August are Leo and Virgo. The birth flower of August is the gladiolus or poppy, meaning, rather appropriately, beauty, strength of character, love, marriage and family. Family days out with picnics on which to feast are an attractive prospect. The reality is, however, that the consumption of foodstuffs outdoors and in open spaces are activities that tend to draw the presence of wasps. Why, then, do they become such a nuisance in August?

Looking broadly at the lifecycle of wasps, we know that they are active from spring when the hibernating queens awaken and emerge to construct small nests and lay eggs in order to create the first workers. Here, the wasps differ from the bees – in their case the entire colony more or less hibernates. The dissimilarity does not end there: unlike bees, wasps are carnivorous. Consequently, they do not present themselves as a nuisance to us for the most part of the summer. Wasps do, however, over the course of their lifecycle become addicted to a sweet secretion that is exuded by growing grubs. It is roughly in the month of August when the grubs have grown to adulthood that this sweet secretion ceases to be available. In the absence of this sweet treat, they turn their attention to our picnics and dining tables. Thus they become an annoying nuisance to us, potentially spreading disease to us by transmitting it from dirty locations in which they have previously been feeding, to our food. They are also a threat to human life – consider that the poison in their stingers can cause anaphylactic shock in some people. If the circumstances are unfortunate, and swift action is not taken, an individual’s means of respiration faculties can become swollen such that they are unable to breathe.

A method for discouraging the bombardment of your summer dining and picnics by wasps presents itself when you are first disturbed by a loan wasp. If a loan wasp discovers that you have foodstuffs favourable to itself, the behavioural tendency is to return to the nest to communicate the location of you and your food to the other wasps. You might then experience an inundation of wasp activity. If, however, you are able to isolate the loan wasp and trap it in a container from which it cannot escape, you will reduce the likelihood of other wasps following in its flight path.

In as far as your domestic and commercial premises are concerned, the earlier a nest is given treatment, the better – as the summer progresses the number of wasps increases and they become more aggressive. If you suspect an infestation in your commercial or domestic premises you can locate the nest by being diligent and watching the flight path of wasps as they return to your buildings. Given that the number of wasps within a nest increases throughout the summer, such vigilance is more easily rewarded the further into the summer you are.

Prevention is always better than the cure in the case of a wasp nest and in pest control generally speaking. Certain measures can be taken to reduce the risk of a wasp problem. Altering habits in relation to the handling of food and drink can assist in the reduction of risk. Make sure that you check for nests. In the early spring, check in those place mentioned earlier – sheds, garages, under eaves, bird boxes, roof spaces, wall cavities – for the nest in its infancy: it will be around the size of a golf ball. The earlier, the better. Make sure that windows and doors are shut – it is a common misconception that during warm, or even hot, weather an open window will cool down your commercial or domestic premises. This just lets warm air into the building and increases the internal temperature. Make sure that your rubbish bins have tightly fitting lids, and keep the bins a good distance from doors and windows if you are able – wasps are often attracted to the contents of rubbish bins. If you have spotted and located a nest, keep children and domesticated animals away from the area.

While the detection of high numbers of wasps in your commercial or domestic premises may mean that a wasp nest is nearby, the removal of the nest might not be feasible. Nests found in confined, restricted and difficult-to-reach locations will be more difficult to treat. If the wasp nest is not located on your own property, your control over the situation is limited. If you do suspect the presence of a wasp nest in your commercial or domestic premises, and it is a real cause of concern, call Key West Pest Control – we will advise on the best course of action, and if professional intervention is required, we have the relevant, certified expertise to act appropriately. 

Restaurants in the Summer Months

It is the summer, and we in the UK are experiencing hot weather at the moment. This can inspire great joy and presents many opportunities for leisure. Weather of this nature, with high temperatures, encourages friends and families to dine out at restaurants in greater numbers than is usually the case. Refreshment is sought when people are encouraged by improvements in their overall mood by the increase in sunlight and ambient temperature. This results in a higher risk of the transmission of disease to customers simply by virtue of the upsurge in business. From the perspective of restaurant patrons and managers, whether they are relatively new to the trade, or even if they are highly experienced, it is worth taking a moment to remind yourselves about common sense legal requirements pertaining to pest control for your business.

The importance of pest control to work environments involving the preparation, serving and waste management of food cannot be underestimated. Pests have the capacity to carry harmful bacteria that can contaminate foods and food products and cause illness. Such harmful bacteria can be transmitted to food resulting in contamination by contact with the hair, faeces and urine of pests. It is also well worth taking into consideration the fact that pests can cause serious damage to the fabric and structure of food serving premises.

By ‘pests’ here we include the following animals and birds: rats, mice and other rodents; insects such as flies, cockroaches, beetles, ants, wasps, bees and other creatures that might be found in stored products; birds, such as pigeons, starlings, sparrows, crows and seagulls.

The risk posed by such creatures to your food serving business can be greatly reduced when you engage Key West to implement measures that will help pest-proof the structure and fabric of your commercial premises. At Key West, we believe that prevention is the most effective route to take, and are experts in the provision of preventative measures. Such measures are contrived with the overall aim of ensuring that your commercial premises are in good condition and repair such that access to pests is restricted and the opportunity to provide potential breeding sites is greatly reduced. We would take measures such as the use of wire mesh screens to pest proof air vents, the sealing of holes and other access areas, providing the advice, where it is needed, that floors, walls, roof, doors and window openings are in a good state of repair and devoid of gaps and spaces. We would also advise on the fitting of covers on drains in order to prevent access.

We know, and we make restaurant owners aware that windows that open directly into areas in which the preparation of food is carried out must be fitted with screens capable of resisting common flying insects – ideally the apertures in the screens ought to be 2mm square or less. We know that screens must also be removable in order to allow for cleaning. We know that doors open to the outside air must also be fitted with such screens.

In addition, at Key West, we can advise on the correct and compliant use of electronic fly-killing devices, their maintenance and cleaning. We have the expert knowledge to advise on the inspection of perishable stock and food products and how to recognise whether stock has visible signs of damage. We know how to maintain the cleanliness and protective measures required for refuse stores. We can advise and help you plan procedures to ensure that foods awaiting preparation, being defrosted, or undergoing a process of cooling must remain covered.

At Key West, we are able to produce ongoing compliant pest prevention plans for your food serving business that ensures the correct measures are undertaken for the containment of food waste and the frequency of its removal. We will factor into your plan the necessary procedures to ensure that food is stored off the floor and away from walls, in rodent proof containers. We can advise on how vegetation around the exterior of your commercial premises ought to be kept to a minimum.

In the food industry, especially on premises which involve food production and preparation, it is crucial that surfaces are kept clean and highly hygienic and the presence of pests is indeed unacceptable. Key West's network of local technicians covering the UK and Ireland provide tailored commercial pest control services and provide advice on best practice and what business owners should be doing in order to comply with legislation.

According to the 1990 Food Hygiene Regulations, the “walls, floors, doors, windows, ceiling, woodwork and all other parts of the structure of every food room shall be kept clean and shall be kept in good order, repair and condition as to prevent so far as reasonably practical the entry of birds, and any risk of infestation by rats, mice, insects and other pests”. In short, in order to make sure that your business complies with requirements described by the Food Hygiene Regulations 2006 you need to do your utmost to uphold the highest food hygiene standards and prevent pest contamination.

Section 21 of the Food Safety Act 1990 allows anyone who may be facing legal action to use the defence of “due diligence” during the proceedings. Due diligence is taken into account and you can defend yourself by proving that you have taken all reasonable precautions to avoid the offence being committed.

Engaging the services of Key West Pest Control for your restaurant of food service business means that we will devise a plan for the maintenance of preventative measures, we will monitor your commercial premises with regularity, reports will be written on the well-being of your commercial premises from the perspective of pest control, and corrective action will be carried out if it is required. 

Key West Sponsorship: Methley Under-11’s Football Team

The village of Methley, located near Oulton, Rothwell, Allerton Bywater, Woodlesford and Mickleton, south east of Leeds within the triangle formed by Wakefield, Castleford and Leeds, can boast some very interesting points of interest. The Yorkshire Imperial Band, formerly known as the Yorkshire Imperial Copperworks Band, used to rehearse in Methley. Composer Edward Elgar was friends with the former owner of ‘The Cedars’, which is now a residential home, and used to stay as a house guest. The drummer of the Kaiser Chiefs, Nick Hodgson, has family connections in Methley; and each year the village holds a scarecrow festival. Methley has a history of mining and records of the existence of a location called Methley go back as far as 1086. Add to these tributes the fact that the village is home to a well-regarded junior football club: Methley JFC.

Key West Pest Control is proud to sponsor the Under-11’s football team at Methley JFC and our name and logo will be appearing on the Under-11’s football shirts in the new season. The club trains children and young people across a broad range of ages from Under-6’s to Under-17’s, including both girls and boys.

Fixtures for matches and the administration of league activity requires a great deal of organisation. Consequently, the administration of the club is governed by committee. The club is keen to keep opportunities open for all and operates an official Anti-Discrimination and Equal Opportunities Policy. Not only is the club welcoming in this way, Methley JFC collects feedback on its activities from playing members and parents.

The club acts as a local hub, not only for the promotion of fitness, good health and sporting prowess, but as a community focal point. Social events and one-off intra-club friendly events such as Parents versus Kids matches provide family fun. While keeping things fun within an organised structure is essential to the vibrancy and success of the club as an important part of the local community, this does not distract from the serious business of training and playing matches. Support is always at hand for players wishing to learn more about tactics, training methods, set pieces and the general improvement of individual skill.

With this in mind the club is technologically up to date in giving playing members an online forum to discuss matters relating to skills improvement and the club general on their website. Experienced coaches are more than willing to impart advice and guidance where it is needed. Support is always there.

Key West is very proud to be sponsoring the Under-11’s for these reasons. It is important to us to make a positive contribution to the local community, as a part of a wider, regional community from which we derive our business. It is a way for us to give back. If we can do it in a way that contributes to the well-being of a community by providing a focal point around which a structured and healthy activity is centred, so much the better.

To Methley Under-11’s and Methley JFC in general we say good luck for the forthcoming season. 

It's Summer - Time for Wasps!

Wasps

The vast majority of people in the UK will be familiar with the wasp. Wasps are the bane of picnics, beer gardens, beaches and barbeques. In this country, the Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris) and the German Wasp (Vespula germanica) are armed with the most painful stings: these two species are the most annoying and the ones that you are most likely to find invading your commercial or domestic premises. Despite being adorned with distinctive yellow and black striped bodies, the wasp is frequently confused with the Hornet, which is not common in the UK. Hornets can of course still sting and cause pain. Other species of wasp are also considered to be pests but far less commonly found. Sadly, wasps are also frequently confused with bees. It is worth bearing in mind how the treatment for the removal of wasp nests differs from that of a bees nest.

At Key West Pest Control, we have tried our best to highlight the plight of the bee – they are endangered. A bee nest will only be removed if the attendant presence of bees poses a significant threat to people in close proximity. Key West would only remove a bee nest as a last resort. The range of treatments for a wasp nest are far more commonly employed: we can carry out such a treatment quickly and safely.

As has been mentioned, wasps are frequently confused with bees, and at Key West we would urge you to take note of the differences between them and those physical qualities that make wasps distinct. You will find that wasps have considerably less hair on their bodies than bees. Between the thorax and abdomen wasps have a tighter waist than that of bees. The wasp has distinctive bright yellow and black stripes around its body. A wasp’s body comprises three main parts: the head, thorax and abdomen. Only female wasps sting us, but unlike bees, they can do so repeatedly. Worker wasps vary in size from 12 -17mm

Wasp Nests

In the spring when a Queen wasp begins to build a nest its origins are diminutive, being the size of a golf ball. The nest grows in size rapidly roughly to the size of a basketball as summer approaches. During this period the number of wasps living in the nest increases, as you might expect. The nest itself is constructed from chewed wood pulp and saliva; the result is a papery consistency. Such nests are usually found in sheltered areas that are easily accessible from the exterior. Common wasp nest sites include sheds, garages, bird boxes, roof spaces, under eaves and wall cavities.

Prevention

The earlier a nest is given treatment, the better – as the summer progresses their number increases and they become more aggressive. If you suspect an infestation in your commercial or domestic premises you can locate the nest by being diligent and watching the flight path of wasps as they return to your buildings. Given that the number of wasps within a nest increases throughout the summer, such vigilance is more easily rewarded the further into the summer you are.

Prevention is always better than the cure in the case of a wasp nest and in pest control generally speaking. Certain measures can be taken to reduce the risk of a wasp problem. Altering habits in relation to the handling of food and drink can assist in the reduction of risk. Make sure that you check for nests. In the early spring, check in those place mentioned earlier – sheds, garages, under eaves, bird boxes, roof spaces, wall cavities – for the nest in its infancy: it will be around the size of a golf ball. The earlier, the better. Make sure that windows and doors are shut – it is a common misconception that during warm, or even hot, weather an open window will cool down your commercial or domestic premises. This just lets warm air into the building and increases the internal temperature. Make sure that your rubbish bins have tightly fitting lids, and keep the bins a good distance from doors and windows if you are able – wasps are often attracted to the contents of rubbish bins. If you have spotted and located a nest, keep children and domesticated animals away from the area.

While the detection of high numbers of wasps in your commercial or domestic premises may mean that a wasp nest is nearby, the removal of the nest might not be feasible. Nests found in confined, restricted and difficult-to-reach locations will be more difficult to treat. If the wasp nest is not located on your own property, your control over the situation is limited.

If you have a wasp problem, certain DIY products are available such as wasp repellents. Do NOT attempt to apply such treatments without the assistance of another person or even if you suspect that you are allergic to wasp stings and are likely to react with anaphylactic shock. If you are going to apply a repellent, make sure that you are wearing protective clothing – goggles, gloves, dust masks. Before you treat the nest wait until night time after scout wasps have made their final return journey to the nest. Always read very carefully the instructions written on the repellent container – you will learn not to stand directly below the nest, for example. Once the treatment has been applied – i.e. with a spray – leave the nest for a MINIMUM of 24 hours before even attempting careful removal of the nest – foraging wasps may take several days to return to the nest. As wasps do return and enter the nest they will be contaminated.

You can of course save yourself all of this hassle and risk by calling Key West Pest Control.

Even then, after having been professionally treated with insecticide a wasp nest should not be removed directly, because of the staggered return of foraging wasps. When the nest is totally dead it should be sealed in two thick plastic bags and disposed of in an external rubbish bin with a secure lid: tightly sealed. If the nest is in an inaccessible location and you cannot remove, not to worry, the insecticide will kill off the wasps and then will break down quickly leaving little residue. It is also worth bearing in mind that wasps will not return to a used nest in subsequent years. If you have any doubts about enacting any of this advice and require assurance or professional pest control, then call Key West.

It's That Time of Year - Moths

Moths can be source of great distress: a fear of moths is called Mottephobia. If moths are present in your business or domestic premises they can be a source of frustration and expense. They can cause damage to fabrics and material and while the damage to such items may be costly to replace, they may also have sentimental value. Consider quilts sewn by relatives who wished to lend a personal touch to their gift, or a wedding dress stored for the use of daughters and granddaughters. Then we might consider the expense incurred if we had to replace upholstery, curtains, fabric and other such furnishings. Moths are not, however, a health risk.

It is a curious fact that the moths themselves don’t actually eat the fabric. In the life of a moth the main drive and purpose is to reproduce: it is the moth larvae that damage your goods. While we find that there are thousands of species of moth worldwide, in the UK there are only 4 species that actually cause damage to fabric and material. These four have differing preferences for the materials in connection with which they are problematic. As mentioned, it is their larvae that cause the damage.

The Brown House Moth (Hofmannophila pseudospretell) is very commonly found in business and domestic premises. The adult is 8-14mm long and is brown in colour with three or four darker spots. The pestilential larvae are, individually, up to 20mm long. These larvae prefer to feed on animal textiles such as leather, wool and feather. They generate annually and the larva may travel large distances before pupation. These are considered to be scavengers.

The White-Shouldered House Moth (Endrosis sarcitrella) are, on the whole, less damaging to textiles. The adult is 6-10mm in length with a white head and mottled wings. The larvae are up to 12 mm long, cream coloured and with a red-brown head. The pupa is in a silk cocoon. They generate once annually and can often be found in unheated outdoor buildings and outhouses. The larvae scavenge on a broad range of foods

The Common Clothes Moth (Tineola bisselliella) is known for making irregular holes in fabrics. The adults have straw coloured wings with no markings. They are 6-8mm in length and the trailing edge of the wings is fringed. The larvae are up to 10mm long, cream white in colour with a brown head. From egg to adult the duration is usually about 6 weeks. In terms of longevity, the common clothes moth may reach 10 to 18 months depending on food quality and ambient temperature. The adult does not feed curiously enough; it runs rather than flies and avoids light

The Case-Bearing Clothes Moth (Tinea pellionella) makes regular holes in fabric. Adults are 6-8mm

long with dark buff forewings topped with three faint spots, which may appear as two spots. The larvae are up to 10mm in length and creamy white in colour. In terms of lifecycle, the Case-Bearing Clothes Moth is similar to the Common Clothes Moth. These are, however, more rare. Imported goods are a common hiding place for these moths such as hides or objects of an animal origin.

In a case of moth infestation, people generally first notice the damage to clothes, fabrics carpets etc. There are other indications and signs that you might have such an infestation:

Small maggot-like larvae

Silken sheath-like tubes and cases in which moth larvae live

Silk cocoons, or pupae, from which larvae emerge as moths

You might also notice adult moths crawling rather than flying

 

The prevention of moths and moth infestation in your domestic or business premises can be difficult. There are certain practical steps that you can take to reduce the risk. At Key West Pest Control, we would advise trying to deny moths access in to your buildings. You might try using fly screens or drawing curtains at night to deny entry. We would advise vacuuming regularly: this will ensure that hidden areas beneath large furniture and sofas will be free of eggs. You might also keep textiles stored within sealed bags or suitcases in order to prevent access. Making sure that clothes are clean, and not dirty, will help – moths prefer dirty clothes. Moth repellents and other DIY pest control products are available for you to try to control a small problem. If you wish to guarantee complete control of a large and repeat infestation, call Key West Pest Control: we’re the professionals equipped, trained and certified to rid you of your woes.

Areas in your domestic and business premises that are at high risk for moth infestations include infrequently used cupboards, drawers and wardrobes; underneath beds; and in lofts and attics – moths can be attracted to bird nests.

 

Finding and Sourcing Plants and Seeds Favourable to Bumblebees

 

Making your garden favourable to Bumblebees can be a pleasant activity applicable on any budget

You can, if you wish, source your plants from a garden centre. Plants from garden centres will typically be sizeable and well established although more expensive than other options. It is common practice among garden centres to display plants for sale when they are flowering. This approach to marketing the plants enables you to judge which flowering plants are favourable to bumblebees – the bumblebees will be present at the flowers of their choosing: job done.

Increasingly online shops are selling mail-order plug plants. Usually, these come in trays of multiple plants, including wildflowers and garden favourites. Although such plants are small, they are well established with strong root systems. Patience is the requisite virtue in the case of this option – in many cases you will have to wait for a year until they flower. Nevertheless, this method is cost-effective.

Even more cost effective than this option is that of purchasing seed packets. They are available in garden centres, via catalogues and can be ordered online. Again, in most cases, you will have to wait a year until the plants flower, unless they are categorised as ‘annuals’.

Another option, ideal for more experienced gardeners, is propagation. A very broad range of bee-friendly plants can be split at the roots or will continue and take well from cuttings. If you favour this option, it would be worth your while making friends and acquaintances with other gardeners with an interest in promoting the interests and survival of bumblebees. You are likely to find such people in gardening clubs, community groups, or facebook groups. If you cannot find a related facebook group relevant to your geographical area, why not start one?

 

A further option is to gather a wild seed collection. There are many native bee-friendly plants that will make your borders look splendid. The wild plants that are best adapted to your soil type and regional climate are those found locally to your garden. These will be the most resistant to pests. At Key West Pest Control we would urge you not to dig up the plants themselves by way of propagation. Our advice is to mark or remember the location of such plants and return to gather seed later in the year. We would also advise avoiding plants found on private land, but to favour those growing on riverbanks and road verges. Furthermore, we would urge you to refrain from collecting seed from rare plants or from places where the given species is scarce.

 

A garden that is favourable to the survival of bumblebees should provide bee-friendly flowers that are rich in pollen and nectar, which are easily accessible from the spring until the late summer. The aim should be to ensure a good supply pollen at all of the crucial times:-

(A)When the queens are establishing nests; (B) When nests are growing; (C) When nests are producing new queens and males; (D) When queens are trying to fatten up in preparation for hibernation.

The higher the number of suitable flowering plants in your garden the better. Aim for at least two kinds of bee-friendly plant for each period of flowering.

 

What to avoid.

While certain plants bring real aesthetic beauty a garden, some ought to be avoided in the interest of the local habitat. Some species tend to ‘escape’ from gardens can invade nearby wild habitats. We would, therefore, urge you to avoid Rhododendron ponticum and Himalyan balsam.

 

Certain flowering plants produce flowers with shapes that cannot be used by bumblebees. Some flowers consist of petals that form long tunnels. Such tunnels are too long and narrow for the bees to gain access and feed. The reverse physical characteristic also causes problems for bumblebees. Some plants produce flowers with multiple tightly packed heads offering very little access to the bumblebee

Certain plants offer too little pollen and nectar to bumblebees. Typically, these plants have been selectively bred by horticulturalists in order to produce flowers that are very pleasing in appearance. Pansies and double begonias are examples of this phenomenon. We would advise avoiding these

Key West Pest Control would also urge you to avoid using any pesticides in your garden. Such pesticides are often given the retail label of ‘bug killers’ etc. The vast majority of these domestic pesticides are harmful to bumblebees.

Interesting others

If you have succeeded in making your garden a haven for bumblebees, well done! – you should tell others about it. Why not gain the interest of others in preserving the bumblebee? We would suggest holding an open garden day. You might charge an entrance fee and direct the funds towards bumblebee conservation. You might request a guest speaker to pass on expertise to your guests. Again, why not organise such an event with an event page on facebook?

 

  
 
 

Summer Is Here: Watch Out for Ants

Summer has arrived and the ambient temperature of our natural environment is generally increasing. As our minds turn to thoughts of holidays and summer romance, colonies of ants turn to thoughts of foraging, which can inadvertently cause a nuisance in your home or commercial premises

Taking both the natural and man-made, synthetic world on the whole, the vast majority of ant species can be found to inhabit warm, hot countries that experience plenty of sunlight. The climate experienced by the UK is not suitable for most species found in the world. The small number of species found in the UK can, however, be source of consternation and inconvenience when they have entered your domestic or commercial premises.  Garden ants and Black ants are not considered to be serious problem because they are not thought to carry diseases. Problems can arise from their presence in your domestic or commercial premises because they might carry unsavoury material into your buildings from where they have been foraging. Taking into account this consideration, we might well reflect that we would not be overjoyed to find them marching through our food cupboards.

It is typical of ant behaviour for them to march across a wide ranging area in search of food. They will follow well established trails that cluster around a source of food and might lead through commercial and domestic property therefore can cause a nuisance. The origin of such trails can be identified by small plies of earth and matter around holes in soil and at the base of external walls. You can take action yourself in order to prevent the nuisance once detected. You should:

1.       Identify the point at which the ants are entering your premises and seal off this entrance

2.       Clear away and cover/ seal foodstuffs which might act as a source of food for ants

3.       Clear and clean sticky, sugar-related residues on work surfaces. Ants are attracted to sweet food

Certain facts about different species of ants are worth considering if you are to identify them

Pharoah Ant

•Workers 1.5–2mm long, yellow–brown with brown abdomen.

•Males 3mm long, black and winged.

•Queens 3.5–6mm long, dark red in colour with wings.

•Black eyes. 2 small segments at the pedicel.

Lifecycle:

•Multi–queen colonies.

•Swarming can take place at any time of the year.           

•Winged adults seldom fly so rarely seen. Wings are soon lost after mating.

Habits :

•Well–defined trails are laid which are often associated with heating systems. Feeds indoors on high protein foods — meat, fats, blood, dead insects, etc.

•Swarming characteristics — new colonies are often formed through nests that have been disturbed e.g., as a result of insecticide spray treatments. Each queen produces up to 3500 eggs in its lifetime.

•Nest locations — deep seated in cavities in heated buildings. Often found in hospitals. Associated with humid conditions. Colonies can range from a few dozen to 300,000 individuals.

Garden Ant

•Workers 4-5mm long.

•Queens 15mm long.

•Dark brown-black in colour.

•1 small segment at waist point (pedicel).

•No sting present.

•Queens over winter in soil. The eggs are laid in late spring and the larvae hatch 3–4 weeks later.

•Larvae feed on secretions from the queen’s salivary glands until the first worker ants emerge.

•Worker ants continue with larval care, nest building and food foraging.

•Fertile males are produced later in the season.

Habits :

•Foraging worker ants follow well–defined trails around food sources. Sweet foods are preferred but high protein foods will also be taken.

•Swarming characteristics – mating between queens and fertile males takes place on the wing during late summer and the males perish after mating.

•Nest locations – often outdoors in soil and below paving slabs on the sunny side of buildings. Nest locations can be identified by the presence of finely powdered soil around nest exit holes.

A small garden ant problem might be easily dealt with via the use of DIY products. Multiple infestations or even one large infestation of, for example, Pharoah, Fire or Ghost ants will require professional preventative services in order to ensure that it will not recur. That’s where Key West Pest Control comes in. We will identify the particular species of ant in the infestation and calculate which type and power of insecticide to apply to the problem such that it will not happen again. In such a situation we always act in such a way that causes no harm to your family and pets.