Coquet Pest Control Provides Insect Infestation Solutions that work
We remove a variety of pest problems from homes and businesses from across Northumberland and the North East including, cockroaches, ants, fleas and flying insects too.
Our team has a wealth of knowledge and experience in pest control and are fully certified to industry standards. If you think you have a pest problem, or would like an insect infestation removed, contact Coquet Pest Control.
How to spot an insect infestation
One of the most obvious signs of an insect infestation is droppings. If you notice droppings in your home, you should investigate immediately. Some insect droppings can look like poppy seeds. You may also hear noises such as scratching or scurrying if you have an infestation of larger insects. These noises will typically come from the insides of the walls or in a loft space.
Other signs include both live and dead insects or insect carcasses that have been cast.
Types of Infestation
Spotting an infestation can be tricky and you usually won’t notice until you have an established problem. As they are so small, insects find it easy to set up home in tiny cracks and crevices. If you don’t tackle the problem quickly the infestation can pose risk to both your health and your home.
Ants
The main cause of ant infestations is food. They do not carry disease but can create a contamination risk by walking over food and some species can cause a nasty bite. There are several types of ant which cause infestations in the UK including the Pharaoh Ant and Garden Ant. Correct identification is important as there are different colonies and caste systems depending on the species which means different tactics must be employed when exterminating.
Woodworm
Wood-boring insects are collectively known as woodworm and are beetles or insects that lay larvae in wood. Once the larvae hatch, they feed on the wood which can compromise the structural integrity of a building. Species include the Furniture beetle, Deathwatch beetle, Longhorn beetle and the Powderpost beetle. Woodworm typically live outside, however, if they manage to get inside your home you can quickly become infested. Look out for pinholes in your wood, there can sometimes be a small pile of dust where the larvae have fed.
Bed Bugs
The number of bed bugs in the UK has risen significantly over the last 10 years. With air travel becoming even more accessible, people are visiting places where bed bugs still thrive, then transporting them back to the UK. The popularity in vintage furniture has also contributed to the problem with second-hand furniture providing the perfect place for bed bugs to breed. Signs of a bed bug infestation include reddish brown stains on bedding or small dark spots, 1mm eggs and shells or even the bed bugs themselves!
Fleas
Fleas are one of the most common insect problems in the UK and mostly live on domestic pets and feral animals. The can also live in pet bedding, carpets and other nooks and crannies and can live for several months before having to feed on the blood of an animal. Signs of infestation include you cat or dog scratching or itchy bites. If you have a particularly bad infestation, you may be able to see them jumping around. Pest control services are often needed as domestic vacuums will not able to completely remove eggs from carpets.
Spiders
Since the first sightings of the ‘False widow spider’ in the UK, spiders have become a growing concern. Finding shelter in garages, sheds, attics and other secluded areas, spiders spin their web and start to breed. Spider infestations can often be very stressful for the occupier and is best dealt with by a professional. Although there are no harmful spiders in the UK, the ‘false widow spider’ imitates the deadly Black Widow spider.
Cockroaches
The cockroach can be identified by their long antennae and 2 sets of wings. They are known for their rapid breeding and massive appetite. They create a problem in the food industry, carrying diseases such as dysentery, salmonella and typhoid. Infestations have also been known to worsen eczema and asthma symptoms. Cockroaches can withstand difficult habitats which makes them difficult to get rid of. The most common species of cockroach found in the UK are the German cockroach (15mm) and the Oriental cockroach (up to 25mm), both having a life expectancy of around 6 months.