So how should you deal with these pests? Take a look at our advice below!

Rats 

Rats tend to settle in basements, near rubbish and sewers or indeed anywhere where they are unlikely to be disturbed. They possess very strong jaws that can gnaw through a variety of materials, including plastic and piping. In addition, they can spread diseases such as cowpox, rat-bite fever and jaundice.

Our advice:

• Keep gardens and property tidy. Don’t provide rats with convenient places to hide.
• Don’t leave food lying around. Store it in tight glass or metal containers.
• Don’t forget about the risks posed by pet food and bird seed. Clear away all food and store it safely.
• Rats are attracted to rubbish, so make sure they don’t have easy access to discarded food. Store rubbish in robust metal bins.
• If you’re using compost heaps, avoid putting food in the compost. Otherwise, rats will swarm to it.

Top tips for you:

• How to identify a rat infestation
• How to prevent rats before they enter your property
• How to get rid of rats
• The rise of the rats in Ireland
• Effective and discreet rat control for business
• Protect your car from rodent damage

Mice

Most people encounter mice in their homes at some stage. These small pests like to gather in basements and attics.  Indeed, they’ve been known to cause electrical fires by chewing on wires in ceilings and attics. And they can spread diseases such as tapeworms and salmonella.

Our advice:

• First, check for signs of mouse activity. These include nibbled food, gnawed wires, torn paper and mouse droppings.
• Because they are so flexible, mice can squeeze in through tiny holes and cracks. Seal any cracks or holes in your property using steel wool or caulk.
• Don’t give mice hiding spaces. De-clutter your basement and attic, and store boxes on shelves.

Top tips for you

• How to identify a mouse problem
• Difference between a rat and a mouse
• Mouse in your house? What’s next?
• How to get rid of mice quickly
• Effective mouse trap to prevent mice
• DIY rodent control

Cockroaches

Finding cockroaches in your home or business can be very distressing. As known carriers of diseases such as Salmonella, Dysentery & Gastro-enteritis, exposure to this pest also poses significant health risks. Increases in eczema and asthma have even been linked to cockroach droppings.

The most common cockroach found in homes is the German cockroach. These pests usually enter the home hidden in bags, boxes and second-hand purchases. They congregate where they can find food and moisture. As well as spreading diseases, cockroaches can trigger allergic reactions in some people.

Cockroaches are very tough insects and their ability to breed rapidly makes professional treatment essential to control any infestation. Only expert products and solutions are powerful enough to eliminate all stages of their lifecycle.

Our advice:         

• Keep your property clean. Clear away any crumbs or spillages. Don’t leave discarded food lying around. And clean up all pet trays every night.
• Keep your property tidy. Cockroaches seek refuge in clutter, such as stacks of newspapers and discarded boxes.
• Carefully store away food. Cockroaches will hunt out food, so don’t make it easy for them!
• If you are unable to eradicate the cockroaches yourself, consult a professional pest control company.

Top tips for you:

• Signs of a cockroach infestation
• Top 5 cockroach prevention tips
• How to get rid of cockroaches quickly 
• Cockroach radar riddance for business
• DIY cockroach control

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs can strike in the winter as well as the summer. Bed bugs have become a significant problem in Ireland and around the world. Most people have never seen a bedbug, and until recently, most people have never had a problem with bed bugs. They thrive in holes and crevices, and of course bed clothes. They are easy to spread and difficult to treat, resulting in a rapid growth in the number of bed bug outbreaks. Many people still associate bed bugs with public places such as hotels or cinemas, not realising they can be easily transported into your own home.

There has been a recent resurgence of bed bugs in homes biting people at night. It is widely thought that this is related to a global increase in international travel (bed bugs are known to travel in luggage or clothing).

Our advice:

• Keep the bedroom tidy. This will make it much easier to spot a bed bug infestation.
• Wash and dry all clothes regularly, using hot water.
• If you see bed bugs, you can try to vacuum them. However, this is unlikely to complete erase the problem.
• When visiting other homes, don’t bring clothes or furniture if you can avoid it. This will help prevent the spread of bed bugs to other properties.

Top tips for you:

• Bed bug bites: what you need to know
• How to check for bed bugs in a hotel
• How to get rid of bed bug quickly
• DIY bed bug treatment
• Chemical-free bed bug treatment

Cluster Flies

Although flies can be a nuisance at most times of year, cluster flies tend to become most problematic as autumn turns into winter. Seeking shelter from the frost and wind, they come indoors and settle down for the winter.

Like many insects, they move inside for the winter months. They usually enter through gaps in roofs and eaves, and settle in warm, sun-facing spaces. Although the leave around early spring, they have been known to return to previously occupied spaces, leading to annual infestations.

Although cluster flies don’t pose a direct health risk to humans, they can be an annoyance. They tend to travel in huge swarms of thousands of flies. While they hibernate over the winter, their accumulated excrement can give off a noticeable stench. They can also stain fabrics and walls.

Cluster flies pose a particular problem for the food industry because they could contaminate the food or spread diseases. You need to ensure that all food storage and preparation areas are free from the pests. Otherwise, you could face reputational damage if customers see flies swarming around your premises. In addition, you could be fined or even shut down on health grounds.

Our advice:

• Clean up any spills or discarded food or liquids
• Store rubbish in clean, lidded containers
• Remove and discard of any dead flies
• Clean any animal excrement, as this attracts flies
• Pour away any standing or stagnant water

Top tips for you:

• Fly infestation: what you need to know
• How to prevent fly infestation
• How to get rid of flies quickly
• Electric fly killers
• External fly control

Spiders

Many spiders are harmless, but they can cause distress to some people, especially sufferers of arachnophobia. However, some spiders are venomous and can pose a real danger. Spiders thrive in undisturbed spaces, building their nests in garages, attics, basements and closets.

Our advice:         

• If you think you have been bitten by a spider, seek immediate medical advice.

• Spiders may gain entry to property via tree branches. Be sure to trim your garden, and keep walls and roofs clear from overhanging limbs.
• In order to get rid of spider eggs, you’ll need to carefully vacuum your property. Don’t forget to vacuum the dark, neglected corners of your property.
• Use plastic containers for clothes and shoes. If any items aren’t used frequently, they may become a nest for spiders!

Top tips for you

• Common spider species in Ireland
• Spider bites: what you need to know
• How to get rid of spiders

Professional Pest Control

While DIY prevention and action will help you control many infestations, there will be times when you simply have to call in pest control experts. They have the equipment, knowledge and skills required to deal with your problem.

If you have a pest problem, contact Rentokil for a FREE survey.

The post Winter pests: what you need to know appeared first on deBugged.

Wasps, Bees, and Hornets

Have you ever had an idyllic summer picnic ruined by a swarm of wasps, bees or hornets? During the hot summer months, stinging insect populations can soar.

Wasps’ behaviour changes in late summer as their preferred food shifts from sugars to proteins. Because of this, you will more likely encounter them wherever food is consumed outdoors and around garbage collection areas.

In Ireland, 2016 is set to be a bumper year for wasp populations because of the warm weather. In the warmer days of spring, queen wasps emerge from their winter hibernation. Their first priority is to find suitable locations to build new nests. As they build the nest, it reaches its maximum size in late summer and early autumn. Each queen lays queen eggs and drone eggs, with each nest holding up to 1,500 new queens.

If you notice large numbers of wasps in your home or garden, there is likely to be a nest nearby. It may be in your house, in your garden or very close by. A mature nest in summer/autumn can contain thousands of wasps.

• What are signs of wasps nests in your home?
• Wasp stings: what you need to know
• Difference between wasps and bees

How to Prevent Wasps

Prevention is key if you want to avoid problems with wasps, especially during the summer months when they are most active.

• Check for nests – Check your home and garden in early spring for nests, early on they will be walnut or golf ball in size – early small nests have fewer wasps and are easier to treat quickly. Look for nests in lofts, garages, sheds, cavity walls or under eaves.
• Secure bins – Ensure outside bins have tightly fitting lids. Keep bins at a distance from doors and windows so wasps are not attracted to the contents.
• Keep windows and doors shut – To prevent wasps entering inside your home and business premises.
• Keep safe – If you have spotted a nest, make sure you keep children and pets away from the area

• How to remove wasp nests

Ants

Like many pests, ants swarm indoors once they find a good food source. Ants will travel in a wide range searching for food, following trails they have established and clustering around the source of food, becoming a nuisance in homes, organisations and businesses. Small piles of earth around holes in soil and at the base of exterior walls indicate their origin.

Word spreads quickly around the ant colony, and soon you could have a tiny army following the scent trail into your kitchen. However, because the kitchen is a food-preparation area, you’re likely to be reluctant to use pesticides or sprays to get rid of the ants, for fear of contaminating your food. However, by taking practical steps to eliminate the ants and then ensuring you prevent a re-infestation, you can soon take control of the problem.

• 10 interesting facts about ants
• How to identify ant infestations in your property
• How to get rid of ants in your home
• Flying ants: what you need to know

How to prevent ants in your home

If you’re worried that you might be at risk from an ant infestation you can put in place some simple ant repellant and ant deterrent measures. The checklist below will help you keep your home or business free from ants, or make sure your infestation doesn’t grow.

• Clear up – food and liquid spillages immediately.
• Sweep up – any food crumbs from under your kitchen appliances and units.
• Store your food – in airtight containers wherever possible.
• If you have a pet – clear away any food that isn’t eaten straight away.
  
• Block off – the entry points for ants by sealing all cracks and crevices around your doors and window frames.
• In the garden – keep your compost enclosed and make sure all rubbish bins have tightly sealed lids.

Moths

Moths come in many varieties and can pose a number of risks to crops, food, and fabrics. They are also an invaluable part of the food chain, being a meal for many birds, insects, and mammals.

Webbing clothes moths are a particular menace to fabrics. Small buff-coloured insects, they can grow up to 5 cm in length. They tend to favour dark spaces, such as attics, closets, basements, and wardrobes. They often hide in the folds of fabrics and clothes and may have already caused a lot of damage before you’re even aware of their presence.

Interesting, they seem to have a taste for animal-based fabrics, usually avoiding synthetics. Clothes, pillows, blankets and even carpets can fall prey to their appetites.

• What are the common signs of moth infestation?
• What damage do moths cause?
• What are common moth species in Ireland?

How to prevent moths in your home

Preventing moths in your home or business must always include ways to deny them entry indoors. Once inside moths will lay eggs in dark and rarely disturbed areas such as wardrobes or cupboards, where clothes or other textiles are stored and could be damaged.

• Use fly screens – or draw curtains at night to prevent moths entering your home through doors and windows.
• Vacuum regularly – ensure hidden areas such as under large furniture or sofas are regularly vacuumed, to try and remove moth eggs before they hatch.
• Keep stored textiles in sealed bags – if you plan to store textiles for a long period of time, keep them in sealed plastic bags or suitcases to prevent moth’s access to lay eggs.
• Clean clothes – moths are attracted to dirty or soiled garments, so always clean clothes thoroughly before storing them.

Flies

There are over 120,000 species of flies worldwide.  Flies are considered pests because they pose a health risk to humans, pets and livestock. They can infest your home or business and spread diseases like Salmonella and E. coli. A few species may even bite humans and animals. This current heatwave in Ireland seems to be leading to an increase in flies

• What are the common signs of a fly infestation?
• House flies and diseases: What you need to know

How to prevent flies in home

Fly prevention units are critical to help prevent flies in areas where food is readily available. This will help to keep you and your family or your customers safe from harm. If you want to prevent flies, there are some practical steps you can take to deter them. Some of these methods are totally cost-free and only require your time to action.

• Deny flies access – after dark, keep windows and doors closed or block out the light with curtains.
• Fly screens - fit fly screens to windows especially around kitchen and waste areas.
• Cover food – flies spread diseases by landing on food before we eat it.
• Clear away – clear food debris and liquid spillages immediately from under kitchen units and appliances.
• Dustbins – ensure all dustbins have tightly sealed lids.
• Pets – clean up after pets. Not only are faeces a perfect breeding place for flies, they may land there before landing on your food.
• Clear up dead flies – they provide a tasty snack for other pests such as carpet beetles.
• Water butts - cover these with well fitted lids.
• Standing water - do not leave standing water (in watering cans for example) as this offers mosquitoes opportunity to breed.
• Ponds – if you have a garden pond, introduce goldfish as they will eat fly larvae

• How to get rid of house flies

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs can be a huge burden for home and business owners alike and the sheer thought of these blood sucking insects is enough to keep anyone up all night. These crawling insects can deliver a multitude of aggravating bites which can itch for hours, and can sometimes be particularly troublesome to control.

In Ireland, 2016 sees 80% increase in bed bug infestation, compared to the same period in 2015. If you have bed bugs in your house, the only thing on your mind will be getting rid of them as quickly as possible. Bed bugs stay close to a food source, so are found where people tend to rest and sleep, hence the name bed bug. The frustration they can cause is not only due to the emotional stress of dealing with parasites, but also the irritation of their bites and the potential for secondary infection from constant scratching.

• What are the common signs of bed bugs?
• What do bed bug bites look like?
• How can I treat bed bug bites?
• How can I prevent bed bug bites?

How to prevent bed bugs

• Wash and dry clothes at the highest possible temperatures.
• Eliminate clutter in your house to give bed bugs fewer places to hide.
• Avoid spreading bed bugs to your friends and family by not taking any clothes, suitcases or furniture to their homes.
• Tidy all areas of your bedroom, especially the floor around/underneath your bed and bed-side cabinets.
• Vacuuming can greatly reduce the size of the bed bug population, but only when they’re clearly visible. It cannot guarantee total elimination. (Empty and clean the vacuum to avoid transferring eggs to other rooms.)
• Use DIY products, to help to eliminate some bed bugs – it’s a good start but shouldn’t be relied on to get rid of the problem completely.

• How to prevent bed bug when you travel
• How can I get rid of bed bugs fast?

Cockroaches

Finding cockroaches in your home or business can be very distressing. As known carriers of diseases such as Salmonella, Dysentery & Gastro-enteritis, exposure to this pest also poses significant health risks. Increases in eczema and asthma have even been linked to cockroach droppings.

You might see cockroaches in a variety of places in your home: pipe holes, sinks, fridges, cupboards, wall cracks, boxes or bins. Cockroaches are very tough insects and their ability to breed rapidly makes professional treatment essential to control any infestation.

• 10 fascinating facts about cockroaches
• How to identify cockroach infestation
• Can cockroaches attack your body and your food?
• What are common cockroach species in Ireland?

How to prevent cockroaches in your home

Like it or not, homes and business properties are ideal breeding grounds for certain species of cockroaches. With plenty of food, warmth, water and nesting sites, these formidable pests can remain active all year round.

• Eliminate food sources - The most effective way to deter cockroaches is to deny them food, water and shelter. To get rid of them, get rid of what sustains them
• Clean - Clear all waste food and liquid spillage, cleaning up food debris from food preparation areas, under sinks and appliances. Remove pet food, drink and litter trays before nightfall.
• De-clutter - Cockroaches release an aggregation pheromone in their droppings telling others they have found a safe harborage. Remove old stacks of newspapers and magazines, unused cardboard boxes and all other forms of clutter from the floor or bottom of cupboards where these pests have easy access.
• Take preventive measures - Varnish or paint wood shelves to seal them, and wipe them clean regularly and check key risk areas where cockroaches may gain entry into the home – cracks, crevices, vents, sewers and pipe drains
• Take prompt action - Without specialist know-how and equipment, cockroach control can sometimes be a losing battle. Should you have an existing cockroach problem not responding to a DIY approach, contact a pest control professional.

If you suspect you have a serious pest problem in your property, you should contact a pest control specialist immediately. And remember to practise good sanitation afterwards to prevent a re-infestation.

The post Top 5 Summer Pests and Prevention Tips appeared first on deBugged.

So what are the main types of pests that you are likely to encounter in a kitchen?

Rodents

Kitchens are a favourite target for rats and mice. A commercial kitchen provides them with plenty of food, liquid, warmth and shelter. Once they establish a presence in a kitchen, they can spread many germs, pathogens and bacteria, resulting in sickness or even death for people who come into contact with them. Their droppings are a particular risk, so if you spot rodent droppings in your premises, take action immediately. Unfortunately, evidence of one rodent is usually evidence of many rodents!

Read more: How to identify a rat from a mouse

Rodents gain access to kitchens through holes, cracks and gaps in floors, walls, windows and ceilings. They may also come in through drains and vents. Examine your kitchen for possible access points, and take necessary precautions, such as sealing up gaps. Also, make sure you don’t accidentally invite rodents inside. Don’t leave discarded food or rubbish lying around. This proves an irresistible temptation to rodents. Cleanliness and tidiness are essential. In particular, make sure you sanitise any surfaces where there has been suspected rodent activity. And remember to close doors and windows. If you find evidence of rodents, set traps and baits to catch them.

Read more: Get rid of mice with Rada Mouse Trap

Flies

The buzzing of flies in a busy kitchen can be particularly annoying for staff, and indeed disconcerting for customers. Apart from the irritating noise, flies can create health problems by spreading pathogens, bacteria and germs on surfaces that they touch. For example, they could spread salmonella, resulting in food poisoning for your customers. Fruit flies are a particular nuisance in premises that serve drinks.

Because of their size, it can be difficult to prevent flies entering your kitchen. Fly screens can help reduce the risk. However, you should also try to reduce the attractions for flies. Don’t leave food and liquids lying around. Clean up any spills and remove rubbish promptly. Aim to maintain a hygienic, clean kitchen at all times. And make sure all surfaces are cleaned if flies come into contact with them.

If you’re unfortunate enough to suffer an infestation, you’ll need to find the source of the problem: the breeding site. Electric fly killers can eliminate flies are they travel into the kitchen. Also, the Fly Box is a unique fly control unit that is designed to effectively control the number of flies around external refuse areas of a premises, before they enter the building and potentially spread disease. You may also use insecticides, but be sure to check that they are safe for kitchen use.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are an alarming sight in any kitchen. They come in numerous varieties, such as German, Oriental and American cockroaches. Like other pests, they are looking for food and shelter. Although relatively small pests, they can pose a big health risk. Many people, especially asthma sufferers, are allergic to them. And they can spread bacteria and disease as they travel through the kitchen.

There’s been a 69% increase on cockroach infestation reports over the past year, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to end soon

A clean, tidy kitchen is less likely to suffer an onslaught from cockroaches. Ensure that rubbish and spillages are removed in a prompt, safe manner. And keep your kitchen in a sanitary condition.

If you notice cockroaches in your kitchen, take immediate action to eliminate them. And ensure you take action to prevent a re-infestation.

Read more: Cockroach Riddance Innovation

Ants

Ants can be a tricky pest to control because of their tiny size. They are able to access the kitchen through tiny cracks and openings, in their search for shelter or food. Dealing with ants, like dealing with most pests, is a two-step process: remove the source of the problem and prevent it re-occurring.

If ants are crawling around your kitchen, you need to track them down to their source colony. And you should see where they are gaining access to the kitchen, and seal up vulnerable gaps and crevices. You can also use baits and insecticide to eliminate them.

As when dealing with other pests, you need to implement a strict cleaning process in your kitchen in order to reduce the risks of ant infestation. Discarded food is going to attract ants, for example, and must be removed immediately.

Stored Product Insects (SPIs)

It’s not just the kitchen that’s vulnerable, of course. Food storage areas can also become a feast for all sorts of pests. Stored product insects, as their name suggests, attack food that’s stored in pantries, cupboards and so on. They may access the storage area through an open door or window. Or they may already have been hiding in food that was delivered to the store.

Once you discover food that has been contaminated by stored product insects, you need to dispose of the food and fastidiously clean the surrounding areas. You should also take steps to eliminate the pests, using insecticides. Also seal up entry points, if feasible.

Pests can pose many threats in a kitchen. As well as being unpleasant to encounter, they can pose health risks. And don’t forget the costs associated with eliminating them and preventing new infestations. And consider the damage they can cause to your reputation and brand.

If you spot pests in your kitchen, take action immediately. If unsure of how to deal with them contact your local pest control experts.

The post What pests are lurking in the kitchen? appeared first on deBugged.

Seeing a cockroach is enough to set off alarm bells for most people. However, these insects are more than just an unsightly nuisance. They can pose a danger to you and your food.

Although we might regard cockroaches as invaders, they have existed on our planet for millions of years. Wherever humans have gone, cockroaches have followed and adapted to their new surroundings. Indeed, they are so resilient that they could even survive a nuclear attack!

You might see cockroaches in a variety of places in your home: pipe holes, sinks, fridges, cupboards, wall cracks, boxes or bins. Nobody likes to see them scurrying around. However, many people regard them as nothing more than a harmless embarrassment. In fact, although cockroaches do not cause diseases themselves, they do spread germs and bacteria.

Cockroaches can attack your body and your food.

Your body

The most obvious way a cockroach can attack your body is simply by biting you. They tend to favour toenails, fingernails, and soft skin. Although their bites are usually not dangerous, they can be irritating. Be aware also that cockroaches could enter your body through your nose or ear while you are sleeping.

If you are prone to allergies, cockroaches can become a serious problem. The allergens in their bodies and saliva can cause rashes, sore eyes and sneezing. People who suffer from asthma are particularly vulnerable, and could have a serious reaction to a cockroach infestation. Cockroaches can even cause asthma to develop in people who are not asthmatic.

Read more: Common signs of cockroach infestation in your house

Your food

As well as directly attacking your body, cockroaches can attack the food you put into your body. Cockroaches will eat almost anything, including paper, leather, waste materials, and dead plants or animals.

When cockroaches attack food, they can spread bacteria through cross-contamination. They pick up bacteria while eating and these bacteria then reside in their guts. When they attack your food, they often leave their waste products (and the bacteria!) on the food. They also may carry the bacteria on their bodies, and pass it on to the food when then touch it. Humans who eat the contaminated food can then be infected by the bacteria and suffer food poisoning. Indeed, cockroach cross-contamination can lead to the spread of, among other bacteria, salmonella, streptococcus and pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Read more: Common cockroach species in Ireland

The post Cockroaches put you and your food at risk appeared first on deBugged.

How do you get bed bugs?

Bed bugs have become a significant problem everywhere in recent years. Since the early 2000s there has been a drastic increase in the number of bed bug infestations around the globe. In Ireland, 2016 saw an 80% increase in bed bug infestation, compared to the same period in 2015.

Hotels and other overnight accommodation facilities play an important part in the spread of bed bugs. The increase in global travel has led to these facilities receiving a high amount of human traffic. This allows bed bugs to spread easily, discreetly travelling from one occupant to another. With the increasing travel at this time of year, the problem becomes more prevalent.

How to avoid bed bugs when travelling at Christmas

Avoid bed bugs on airplanes

We’ve all heard about the problem of bed bugs in hotels. But this isn’t the only risk travellers might face. Recent years have seen an increase in reports of bed bugs on airplanes. And these insects don’t distinguish between economy and business class!

Airplanes provide an ideal environment for bed bugs to thrive in. People’s belongings are left unattended for hours. Passengers sit close to each other and do not move for long periods. In such confined spaces, it’s not surprising that bugs can be transmitted from person to person.

Avoid bed bugs in the hotels

Check your hotel room for bed bugs

Contrary to their name, bed bugs are not only found in beds. Easily transportable in clothing and baggage, these insects can thrive in just about any crack or crevice. Rarely seen in the day, they hide their paper-thin bodies in all kinds of furniture.

When staying in a hotel, motel, or any other overnight accommodation this Christmas, inspecting the room for bed bugs can help ensure you don’t find yourself giving these biting insects a free ride back to your home.

What are signs of bed bugs?

• Dark/black stains– on the mattress and surrounding area from bed bug excreta.
• Sweet scent– an unpleasant, sweet, sickly scent.
• Cast nymphal skins– small crisp-like insect skins that are cast off as the bed bug nymphs grow from stage to stage.
• Live insects– despite being small (adults are only 4-5mm long) it’s possible to spot live bed bugs and shed skins.

Avoid bed bugs on public transportation

When you mention bed bugs, most people will first think of hotels. But did you know that bed bugs are hiding and waiting to hitch a ride home with you in many public places? They are like tiny monsters that are nearly visible to the naked eye. You need to know where they may be sheltering if you want to protect yourself from health risks. Let’s check out the bed bug infestation risks in public places where you may accidentally pick up

DIY bed bug strategies

Travel

You all like to get a restful sleep and nice DREAM when you travel this Christmas:

• Do a survey of the bed to see if there are any telltale indications of infestation, such as noticeable spots on the mattress or bed clothes.
• Raise the mattress and the bed itself. The bedbugs are more likely to be hiding there during the day.
• Elevate your belongings. Don’t leave them lying on the floor or bed. Use luggage racks or tables.
• Analyse your belongings when you get home. Did you bring back any unexpected passenger bugs with you?
• Machine-dry your clothes in a hot drier to ensure no bedbugs are snuggling up in them.

Use luggage stands with caution

Luggage stands in hotel rooms are a hot spot for bed bug activity. Bed bugs often use luggage to travel and infest a new home. Because of this, luggage stands are often the first point of contact for bed bugs.

When staying in a hotel it’s a good idea to store your luggage in the ensuite bathroom whilst carrying out an inspection of a room, and during the whole stay. This can drastically reduce the risk of bringing bed bugs home with you.

Get rid of bed bugs at home

So your Christmas break is over. You’ve managed to avoid bed bugs. Nothing more to worry about, right? Wrong! When you get back home in the new year, remember to use your WITS:

• Wash your bed clothes at a temperature of at least 60℃, and if possible place the items into a tumble dryer for at least 30 minutes. Bed bugs aren’t great survivors in high temperatures. Washing clothing will help eliminate both adult bed bugs and bed bug eggs, reducing the risk of a bed bug in your home.
• Inspect your luggage, clothes, beds and furniture for signs of infestation. And remember to check after visitors too.
• Tidy your rooms. You can see signs of infestation more clearly when your rooms are clean and tidy.
• Send old clothes and linens to charity shops. Don’t leave them lying around in closets. If you don’t wear it, you don’t need it.

Professional Bed Bug Treatment

If you have found yourself with a bed bug problem, the best way to remove bed bugs from your home or business is to enlist the help of a pest control professional. Or simply Tweet us at @Rentokil_PestIE to get immediate assistance.

Get in contact with Rentokil for expert advice, free survey, and solutions on how to get rid of bed bugs.

The post Christmas Travel – How To Avoid Bed Bugs appeared first on deBugged.

Do you hate cockroaches? Well, you’re not alone! These creepy-crawlies make most people shudder. Maybe it’s because people associate them with filthy environments. Also, cockroaches can spread many diseases, so you’re not going to want to cuddle up beside them any time soon.

So you have good reasons for avoiding these disgusting insects. But it’s also worth taking the time to understand them. Consider these fascinating facts:

1. They are cannibals!

Want another reason to hate them? We all know that cockroaches aren’t fussy when it comes to food. Fruit, glue and faeces will all find a place on the cockroach menu! And in lean times, they’ll even eat each other.

Although this might sound disgusting, it makes sense from a survival perspective. If food is scarce, you have two choices. Lower the bar about what you’ll eat. Or eat the competition. Cockroaches do both. By eating other cockroaches, they find a handy food source while also thinning out their numbers. Think of it as a radical form of population control!

2. They’re old!

Most cockroaches live for about a year. However, these insects’ ancestors have been scuttling around this planet for a very long time. According to PennState College of Agricultural Science, fossils prove that cockroaches have been here for more than 300 million years!

The next time you find yourself trying to chase a cockroach out of your home, remember that your cave-dwelling ancestors faced the same problem…

3. They won’t survive a nuclear explosion

Okay, we’re not suggesting that you use the nuclear option in order to get rid of cockroaches!

A persistent urban legend has argued that cockroaches could actually survive a nuclear blast. After all, many cockroaches survived the 1945 nuclear blasts in Japan. MythBusters decided to test this theory. Their research indicated that cockroaches can indeed survive higher levels of radiation than humans can. However, not even these resilient insects could survive radiation levels of 100,000 rads. Of course, if you don’t have a nuclear warhead handy, you might want to consider more conventional ways to get rid of your cockroaches.

4. They are very flexible

We’re not talking about their attitude here! We simply mean that their bodies are very flexible and can squeeze through tiny gaps and cracks.

They are able to do this by manipulating their exoskeletons. They flatten their exoskeleton and spread their legs out. This enables them to wriggle through a gap quarter the height of their own body!

Check out this National Geographic video to see this in action:

5. They can trigger asthma

Yes, cockroaches can trigger a whole range of allergies, including asthma.

Why is this? According to The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, cockroach saliva, faeces, and body parts can trigger asthma when they are kicked up in the air. In addition, The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America points out that cockroaches contain a protein that can trigger an asthma attack.

6. They can survive a week without a head

When things get a bit volatile, cockroaches have been known to lose their heads. Literally! And they can carry on just fine.

Cockroaches don’t need their heads in order to survive. They breathe through spiracles (tiny holes) in their body. Remember also that cockroaches can survive without food for a month. So the loss of a head doesn’t become a serious problem for a cockroach until about a week later.

7. They are very fast

Have you ever watched cockroaches scuttling around? They move with lightning speed. In fact, they can reach speeds of 1.5 metres per second. That would be like a human running at 200 miles per hour!

Survival comes into play here again. Cockroaches need to be able to move quickly in order to avoid the many predators that are looking to make a meal of them. Evolution provides the necessary defences.

8. They can’t fly

Many species of cockroaches have wings. But they can’t really fly.

They use their wings to move around, but it’s all very ungraceful and ineffective. They don’t soar majestically like wild eagles! Instead, they tend to glide and flutter like damaged kites. Anyway, who needs to fly when you can scurry at 1.5 metres per second?

9. They love beer!

Just when you thought cockroaches had no redeeming features!

It turns out that cockroaches like their cold pints! However, they’re not exactly party insects. They’re not drinking to get drunk. Instead, they’re simply attracted to the sugars and hops found in beer. That’s their excuse anyway…

10. They can hold their breath for 40 minutes

Think cockroaches will leave willingly? Don’t hold your breath! Unless you’re a cockroach yourself.

Remember how cockroaches breathe? They use the spiracles on their bodies. They also use these tubes to transport water vapour. So, if they need to conserve water, they shut down the tubes and stop breathing.

Have any more facts about cockroaches? Send us a tweet to @Rentokil_PestIE.

Bibliography

1. http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/mythbusters/mythbusters-database/cockroaches-survive-nuclear-explosion/
2. http://phenomena.nationalgeographic.com/2016/02/08/watch-amazing-video-reveals-why-roaches-are-so-hard-to-squish/
3. http://acaai.org/allergies/types/cockroach-allergies
4. http://www.aafa.org/page/cockroach-allergy.aspx

The post Cockroaches: Ten fascinating facts! appeared first on deBugged.

Both homeowners and businesses have good reason to be concerned about cockroaches. When people see a cockroach scuttling across your floor, they’ll think that your premises are dirty, unhygienic and even unhealthy. Remember that cockroaches can spread a range of diseases, as well as trigger asthma and other allergies!

However, when people discover cockroaches in their premises, their first reaction is often to try and deal with the problem themselves. Indeed, some of these do-it-yourself (DIY) solutions can initially appear to be successful. However, they rarely solve the problem in the long term, with the result that infestations may recur.

Home remedies for cockroaches 

Let’s take a closer look at some of these DIY remedies.

Fabric softener

Can fabric softener kill cockroaches? Many people believe that fabric softeners suffocate cockroaches by blocking their skin pores. You can create a spray by mixing three parts fabric softener with two parts water. You then spray the mix near cockroach hotspots such as drains and bins.

The problem

The fabric softener mix can indeed kill cockroaches. However, for this method to be effective, you need to apply it directly to the cockroaches. It won’t affect any insects that it doesn’t touch. It is very difficult to spray the mix directly on the cockroaches because they usually hide themselves from humans. Therefore, this method is unlikely to clear an cockroach infestation.

Soap and water 

If fabric softener doesn’t work, what about just using soap and water? This solution is also believed to suffocate cockroaches.

The problem

The problem again is that the solution has to be applied directly on the cockroaches, which if very difficult to do.

Lemon

Is it true that cockroaches can’t stand the scent of lemon? Many people use a solution of water and lemon juice to clean their home after a cockroach sighting.

The problem

This method is effective, but not for the reason you might think. The scent of lemons does not affect cockroaches at all. What is effective, however, is cleaning your home!

Coffee grounds

Coffee can be used in two ways to deal with cockroaches. First, you can make a trap using a jar, water and coffee grounds. The cockroaches are attracted to the coffee and drown in the trap. Alternatively, you can sprinkle coffee around your home to repel the cockroaches.

The problem

Did you notice the problem with these two methods? One method assumes that cockroaches are attracted to coffee, while the other assumes they are repelled by it! Actually, cockroaches are indifferent to coffee. They neither love nor hate it. So coffee is unlikely to be an effective element in your DIY solution.

Bay leaves

Cockroaches are believed to find the smell of bay leaves repellent. According to this DIY solution, you need to crush bay leaves into a powder. You then sprinkle the powder around the cockroach hotspots in your home. The essential oils that are released when you crush the leaves are supposed to repel the cockroaches.

The problem

There is some truth in this solution. However, in order to create a smell repellent enough to irritate cockroaches, you’d need a jungle of bay leaves! The smell released by a few crushed leaves simply wouldn’t be powerful enough. After all, these are insects that will merrily tuck into animal faeces, so the smell of a little powder is unlikely to bother them too much.

Cucumber

It is thought that cockroaches also hate the smell of cucumbers. One popular DIY method is to place cucumber slices or peels overnight near cockroach hotspots such as sinks, kitchen counters, and cabinets.

The problem

Unfortunately, cockroaches don’t really mind the smell of cucumber. And this method might have the unintended consequence of attracting cockroaches to a free cucumber dinner.

So how can you get rid of cockroaches yourself

Simply use a mop and bucket!

Cockroaches are attracted to filth and food. If you remove the filth and food, you make your home less attractive to cockroaches. So you need to:

• Clean all floors, counters and work surfaces
• Empty bins on a regular basis
• Store food in airtight containers
• Clear up spillages and crumbs.

Professional cockroach control

The best way to exterminate cockroaches is with the help of a pest control professional.

The main issue with DIY solutions is that although they may seem to work, they don’t fully remove cockroaches from your property. This is because cockroaches often operate within dark areas, away from human sight. So, to the untrained eye, they may seem to have packed their bags and moved on, but more often than not they are just hiding in a different area.

A pest control professional can:

• Identify a cockroach problem
• Offer prevention advice
• Provide professional solutions to fully exterminate cockroaches
• Ensure the infestation doesn’t return.

Have a cockroach problem? Get in contact with Rentokil today!

The post Myth Busting: DIY Cockroach Control appeared first on deBugged.

Autumn has officially arrived and with it the need to maintain your home for two very good reasons. One, to efficiently keep out the colder, wetter weather and two, to prevent common autumn pests.

Both these reasons make good financial sense too.

If you seal gaps and holes in your home, you will help conserve your heating and save on energy bills. At the same time, you will also prevent the need to spend money on professional pest control to get rid of pests that have gained entry indoors.

Autumn Pests

In the northern hemisphere, wasps and flies will be reducing in numbers. At the same time though, the colder weather signifies increased risk of other common household pests like rats, mice and fleas.

Common Autumn Pests

• rats
• mice
• cockroaches
• fleas
• bed bugs
• squirrels
• birds

Pest hotspots in your home

Below is a list of common areas in your home vulnerable to pest problems. As well as explaining the reason it is at risk, I will offer advice on how to possibly prevent a problem before it happens.

1. Attic

Your attic offers a fantastic retreat for rodents like rats and mice to spend their winter. It gives them shelter and warmth, and places them fairly close to a food source – your kitchen.

If you are really unlucky, you may also find wasps overwintering up in your attic too!

Prevention Tips:

• Replace all damaged roof tiles
• Fill cracks with roofing cement
• Inspect roof space regularly for pest activity
• Keep attic tidy and clutter free
• Store items in plastic boxes (not cardboard) to prevent rodent nesting.

2. Pipes & Drains

With more rain than sunshine at this time of year, it is also easier to spot any defaults in your guttering. This usually presents itself in the form of a waterfall gushing out of the gutter.

Some insects like cockroaches are attracted to moisture and excess water. A badly maintained downpipe or guttering is very attractive in their eyes.

Prevention Tips

• Check downpipes regularly for leaks
• Repair any damage with gutter sealants
• Check drains are free flowing and remove obstruvtions such as fallen leaves

3. Bedroom

Fashionistas might now be preparing to swap their summer clothes for their a/w collection. In other words, dragging winter wool jumpers from the back of the cupboard to the front and vice versa. This may also be the time you notice a possible sign of a moth problem in the form of an unsightly hole in your treasured cashmere sweater. Whilst this means you already have moths, it also means you can prevent further damage to other valuables in your collection.

Prevention Tips:

• Check clothes regularly for signs of damage
• Use sticky traps or moth killer strips to confirm signs of activity
• Wash all clothes and store in sealed bags
• Vacuum and clean the inside of clothes cupboards regularly

Another common problem in the bedroom is with bed bugs. This pest never goes away and is a problem all year round, peaking during and after holiday season. So, if you have been on holiday recently or have invested in some second-hand furniture it pays to just check your room for any signs of bedbugs.

Bed Bug Prevention Tips:

• Check all areas of your bed for signs (blood spots, droppings, shed skin)
• Inspect furniture and carpet
• Wash holiday clothes and bedding on a high temperature setting
• Clean and vacuum the bedroom thoroughly and regularly

4. Chimney

If you live in a flat, apartment or a serviced housing estate you can probably ignore and skip this part. However facilities managers and private home owners should take note. Birds, and squirrels like to make homes in chimneys.

The main risks are from damaged property, nuisance noise and potential secondary pest infestations.

Prevention Tip:

• Install a suitably-sized chimney cap to keep animals out and prevent secondary pest infestations

5. Garage

Most people use their garage more for storing items like back issues of certain magazines, albums (LPs) and even furniture rather than their car. Be warned though, that rodents love to find nesting sites amongst all your valuable junk.

Prevention Tips:

• Cover air vents with galvanised mesh to prevent entry
• Store items in plastic containers and keep off the floor to prevent nesting sites

6. Kitchen

The kitchen is often the one room singled out by pest controllers as most at risk of a pest problem.

This usually comes down to the fact of how plentiful the food is in just this one room of your house. As pests need food for survival, this is the area of your home they gravitate towards.

Prevention Tips:

• Store food in air-tight containers
• Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink
• Regularly empty contents of rubbish bins
• Clear food debris off the floor
• Regularly clean and inspect under sinks, cookers and behind the fridge

7. Laundry room

It is really easy to overlook gaps around new pipes and even old pipework and dismiss them as no major cause for concern. However, did you know that young mice only need a gap the width of a pencil to gain entry inside? Will this make you think more differently about those gaps?

Prevention Tips:

• Seal holes around any old or new pipework
• Caulk, expanding foam and other DIY products are available to fill cracks

8. Garden & Outdoor Bins

Irish people like to do gardening in warm sunshine. Shrubs, grass, and trees are left unmanaged and overgrown in the autumn which can provide great hiding spots, shelter and even an easy access route into your home. Black rats, in particular, are very good climbers.

Prevention Tips:

• Keep branches and shrubbery trimmed away from the house
• Keep compost in a sealed area, a good distance away from the home
• Ensure outside bin lids and secure
• Do not leave rubbish bags out in the open

9. Pet Food

Rodents are not fussy eaters. As well as being attracted to our human food, their powerful strength of smell will also attract them to your pet’s food bowl.

Prevention Tips:

• Remove pet food before night fall
• Store pet food in air tight, plastic containers

10. Windows

Cracks around windows, front doors, balcony and patio doors are easy to overlook. At this time of year though when the temperature outside drops you might think of it more as a nuisance because you will start to notice the draft in your hallway or lounge.

It pays to cover these gaps somehow both from an energy saving and a pest prevention point of view.

Prevention Tip:

• Install bristle strips under doors and replace worn weather strips on all windows

Worried you may already have a pest problem?

Contact us for advice and solutions on how to get rid of pests from your home.

The post Autumn Pest Prevention Tips appeared first on deBugged.

Unlike other common pests such as rodents and cockroaches, bed bugs need blood to survive, relying heavily on it to complete their life cycle. This makes us the perfect midnight snack for these blood sucking creatures whilst we sleep.

One of the most common signs of bed bugs is finding bed bug bites littered over your body. You may be wondering:

• What do bed bug bites look like?
• How can I treat bed bug bites?
• How can I prevent bed bug bites?
• How can I get rid of bed bugs fast?

Find out everything you need to know about bed bug bites below  

What do bed bug bites look like?

Like most insect and spider bites, bed bug bites come in the form of red bumps on your skin. Because of this, it can be quite difficult to distinguish a bed bug bite from a flea bite or a mosquito bite. This is because everyone’s immune systems react to insects bites in a different way. What looks like a flea bite on me might look like a bed bug bite on you.

Bed bug bites usually appear in small groups in a single place and are usually found in a line. If there are multiple bite locations on your persons, this can often mean that multiple bed bugs have feasted on you during the night, or a bed bug has been disturbed whilst feeding.

Where do bed bug bites appear?

Bed bug bites usually occur on parts of the body not covered by bedding. They can usually be found on:

• Head and face
• Neck
• Arms
• Legs

Do bed bug bites itch?

One of the common symptoms of bed bug bites, along with other insect bites, is swelling. This can also lead to the bite becoming very itchy and irritating. In some cases, red welts can also develop. However, it’s important to know that for some individuals, bed bugbites do not leave a mark, or even itch.

What do bed bug bites feel like?

Initially, the victim of a bed bug bite might feel a slight burning sensation around the area (although this is quite rare). This occurs before the bites develop the red colouring as well as swelling and itchiness.

Bed bug bite rashes

In some extreme cases, the victim might develop a reaction to the bed bug bite. This causes a rash to develop (also know as papules or wheals), and can sometimes result in dramatic swelling and blister-like skin inflammations to occur.

What happens when a bed bug bites you?

The reason why your body reacts to bed bug bites in a certain way is down to how the bed bug delivers a bite.

When a bed bug bites you it pierces the skin with its elongated beaks. These are used to suck the blood from your body, this is usually done between 3 and 10 minutes until they have fully engorged themselves on you.

A bed bug will also inject an anesthetic and an anticoagulant through its beak during the initial piercing. This helps prevent the bite from itching immediately, allowing the bed bug to dine without being disturbed. The anticoagulant stops the blood from clotting, allowing for the blood to flow freely. It is only when the anesthetic wears off that the itchiness is felt.

Bed bug bites vs flea bites

Just like with flea bites, bed bug bites can often be mistaken for ones from mosquitoes. Mosquito bites are often random and isolated, which differs from the aligned and grouped formation of bed bug bites.

How to treat bed bug bites

Treating bed bug bites is a relatively simple task. Bed bug bites can often be treated by applying an ice pack to the infected area, this will help reduce the swelling, and taking an antihistamine to help combat the itchiness.

Home remedies for bed bug bites

There are a few home remedies for bed bug bites available to help reduce the swelling and itchiness. These remedies often consist of items you can find in your home.

• Calamine lotion: Calamine lotion is great for treating bed bug bites. It provides relief from the itching and also helps to dry any rashes and protect the skin as it heals.
• Baking soda and water: Making a paste out of baking soda and water are a great home remedy for bed bug bites. Applying the paste directly to the bite and leaving it to dry before removing helps with swelling.
• Apple cider vinegar: Like with insect stings, apple cider vinegar works well as a home remedy for bed bug bites. It helps relieve the itching. White vinegar also works well.
• Toothpaste: The menthol attributes of toothpaste make it a good home remedy for bed bug bites. Applying a generous amount to the bite will help soothe any burning sensation and relieve the itching.
• Witch Hazel: Being a liquid astringent, witch hazel is great for treating bed bug bites as it contains a mild anesthetic effect which helps calm the itching caused by these bites.

Natural remedies for bed bug bites

On top of the home remedies, there are also a handful of natural remedies for bed bug bites available. The majority of these methods can be used by utilising items found around your home, or that can be purchased from your local supermarket.

• Aloe vera: Either fresh aloe vera or aloe vera gel works well for this natural remedy for bed bug bites. The active compounds and amino acids found in aloe vera help ease the itching and burning sensations caused by bed bug bites.
• Lemon juice: The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and the fact that it is a natural astringent makes lemon juice a great natural home remedy for bed bug bites. Lemon juice can help dry out rashes and keep itching at bay whilst also reducing redness and swelling.
• Banana peel: Like mosquito bites, the banana peel is a great natural remedy for bed bug bites. The natural oils found in the peel can help reduce itching and redness.
• Peppermint oil: Like toothpaste the menthol attributes of peppermint oil makes it a perfect natural remedy for bed bug bites. The best course of treatment is to add a couple drops of peppermint oil to a hot bath

How to get rid of bed bugs?

The best way to successfully prevent bedbugs from biting you is to eliminate them from your home. There are a handful of options available to help get rid of bed bugs, these can range from simple home DIY techniques to enlisting the help of a pest control professional.

If you have spotted bed bug bites on yourself and think you might have a bed bug problem, follow these steps to help get rid of them from your home:

• Wash: Remove the bedding from your bed and wash them on a high heat of at least 60℃ (and for ideally 90mins). If possible, tumble dry the bedding afterwards too, for a min. 30minutes.
• Vacuum: Vacuum your house thoroughly and empty the contents in an outside bin.
• Contact a professional: The best way to get rid of bed bugs is to enlist the help of a pest control professional with specialist solutions, like heat treatment, targeting bed bugs at every stage of their life cycle.

Preventing bed bugs

One of the main ways in which bed bugs find their way into your home is through travelling. During your holidays/travels bed bugs can easily hitch a ride in your suitcases from infested hotel rooms, youth hostels, B&Bs and furniture. Checking your hotel room for bed bugs can help prevent bed bugs from grabbing a free ride to your home.

How to check your hotel room for bed bugs

We have come up with a free guide to checking your hotel room for bed bugs in 5 easy steps to help limit the possibility of inviting bed bugs to your home.

Just returned from holiday and worried about bed bugs?

• We recommend you store your suitcase and luggage in your garage or utility room, or an area furthest from your bedroom and main living areas.
• Place the contents of your luggage into a bin bag and transfer them to your washing machine and wash on a high heat.

This will help deal with any bed bugs which have stolen a ride in your suitcase.

How to get rid of bed bugs fast

For more information on bed bugs click here. Alternatively, if you think you have a bed bug problem, get in contact with us today.

The post Bed Bug Bites: What You Need To Know appeared first on deBugged.

There has been a 50% increase in callouts for cockroach infestation in Ireland in 2016 compared to last year. 65% of the callouts in 2016 have been to residential properties and three quarters of that figure has been to houses and apartments in the capital.

You might see cockroaches in a variety of places in your home: pipe holes, sinks, fridges, cupboards, wall cracks, boxes or bins. Nobody likes to see them scurrying around. However, many people regard them as nothing more than a harmless embarrassment. In fact, although cockroaches do not cause diseases themselves, they are a danger to you and your food and do spread germs and bacteria.

What should you do if you find Cockroaches in your home?

Preventing Cockroach Infestation

Learn the top 5 ways of preventing cockroaches from infesting in your property:

Eliminate food sources - The most effective way to deter cockroaches is to deny them food, water and shelter. To get rid of them, get rid of what sustains them –

• Do not leave liquids in sinks or buckets
• Do not leave food sitting out on counters
• Store dry foods in tightly sealed containers
• Rinse cans, bottles and plastics before putting them in recycling bins
• Empty the rubbish on a daily basis

Clean - Clear all waste food and liquid spillage, cleaning up food debris from food preparation areas, under sinks and appliances. Remove pet food, drink and litter trays before nightfall.

De-clutter - Cockroaches release an aggregation pheromone in their droppings telling others they have found a safe harborage. Remove old stacks of newspapers and magazines, unused cardboard boxes and all other forms of clutter from the floor or bottom of cupboards where these pests have easy access.

Take preventive measures -

• Varnish or paint wood shelves to seal them, and wipe them clean regularly
• Check key risk areas where cockroaches may gain entry into the home – cracks, crevices, vents, sewers and pipe drains
• Seal areas such as cracks in walls, around skirting boards, behind electrical sockets, under kitchen sinks and bathroom cabinets to reduce potential hiding areas

Take prompt action - Without specialist know-how and equipment, cockroach control can sometimes be a losing battle.

Should you have an existing cockroach problem not responding to a DIY approach, contact a pest control professional.

The post 5 ways to prevent cockroaches in your home appeared first on deBugged.