Like cluster flies, Yellow Swarming Flies (Thaumatomyia notata) are normally active in places where lights are left on all the time. This population was found in an unused room in a block of flats in Haywards Heath. These pests look for places with nooks and crannies to overwinter so it’s best to get on top of the problem before winter. In this case, there were lots of dead flies in the light fittings which could cause a fire risk if not removed.
All our staff are brilliant and award-winning but, once a month, we thought we’d shine the spotlight and help you get to know some of our staff who have particularly interesting customers or backgrounds. This month, we’re getting to know our Pest Control Technician Bob.
Bob’s first job was as a postman and he also worked on a trout farm (as he is a keen fisherman) before he joined Rentokil at the age of 21 and worked there for 18 years.
It’s becoming a popular tradition in most households - the family going out for the day to a local farm to select pumpkins for the spooky season. As fun as this is, it’s important to be aware of what you may also be bringing back home with you!
It’s time to pack away those bikinis, flip flops and sun hats and get out the rain coats, wellies and fluffy socks. As we bid a fond farewell to summer, our attention now turns to the colder months. It’s a common misconception that, as we go into the colder months, pest activity decreases. Each season poses its own pest problems with different pests being active at different times - autumn does not mean we can become complacent when it comes to pest control. Here are the top five pests you should be looking out for this coming season.
As we hit the peak of August, those summer pests are in full force! The particularly warm year we’ve had also means numbers of some insects are much higher than last year due to their life cycles being accelerated by the warm climate. Though the sun can help businesses thrive this time of year, it can also bring some unwanted customers - especially if you're in hospitality. So here are some tips to protect your business from those pesky summer pests.
Keep it Clean
Schools are out for summer! This may be daunting news for many who have to keep their little ones occupied for 6 weeks. But it does mean you can finally go on that family holiday you’ve been thinking about all year! However, you don’t want to be bringing back any unwanted souvenirs. When returning home from a holiday, you could potentially bring back several pests in your luggage. Here are some to look out for:
Bed Bugs
Glis glis are very cute-looking animals and are also commonly known as the Edible Dormouse or the Fat Dormouse. However, these little furry creatures can actually cause a lot of damage to properties, crops and infrastructures. With summer rapidly approaching, this is the time of year (between June and November) that we begin to see Glis glis. So what are these pests and what problems do they bring?
Climate change is rapidly changing all aspects of our planet and natural world, with pests being one of them. A rise in temperatures is leading to a rise in pest populations, their active periods and their geographical reach. But exactly how is climate change directly affecting pests and what does this mean for the future? Let's have a look at these altered patterns in more detail:
Warm Winters
As the chill of winter recedes and the first signs of spring begin to show, nature awakens in full bloom. While flowers start to blossom and the days grow longer, this season also signals something less welcome: the return of pests. If you’ve noticed an increase in the number of insects or rodents around your home or business as the weather warms up, you’re not alone. Spring is an ideal time to schedule pest control services to prevent infestations and ensure your property remains pest-free throughout the year. Here's why:
It’s two o'clock on a Friday afternoon and Cleankill Directors Paul, Jon, Clive and Ian are enjoying a cuppa after a busy week. Their peace is disturbed by the telephone ringing. Ian answers and is greeted by a distressed lady calling from a flat in Weybridge shouting: “come quickly please, I have got an infestation of crickets in my flat and I have a young baby….you must get here now!”. The four men looked at one another puzzled…crickets?