CIBS can help with a flexible, efficient service to handle all your pest control requirements. Our services include the control of pigeons on buildings as well as treatments to control rats, mice, wasps, insects, squirrels and all other public health pests. In addition we supply a range of electric fly killers which are an economic and reliable way to control flying pests and maintain good hygiene practice.

We specialise in pest prevention, concentrating on minimising the risk of infestation and the threat of disease. To achieve this we carry out an initial survey of you property, followed by regular visits to bait and inspect infested areas. We also install pest detectors to monitor your premises closely, ensuring a fast response if action is necessary.

We offer an emergency call out service to deal with infestations between scheduled visits at no additional charge. To make sure information is properly recorded we provide a report book to track our findings. Through these procedures CIBS will maintain the hygiene of your office, ensuring that you work in a safe and pleasant environment.

THE RAT

The most common species of rat found in the UK is the brown rat. There is also the black rat which is much less common and is usually found in very few port side areas. Rats tend to be a problem as they are destructive and transmit many dangerous diseases.

Their characteristics. Rats are nocturnal animals. They live for 9-18 months in the wild and the females can have over 50 offspring in a year.

The treatment. Successful eradication maybe possible using a combination of rodenticidal baits and proofing.

THE MOUSE

The house mouse is a very common pest of buildings. Field mice and other less common rodents are not usually found in houses, but may cause infestations occasionally. The confirmation of droppings usually confirms mice are present. They can also cause damage to foodstuffs, chew wrappers and cause holes in a variety of materials.

Their characteristics. Mice are also nocturnal. They live for around 12 months and can produce around 80 offspring per year.

The treatment. Mice can be controlled using a combination of rodenticidal baits and proofing.

THE COCKROACH

There are many different kinds of cockroach. Some of the more common types that occur in the UK include Common cockroach, German cockroach, Brown-banded cockroach, American cockroach and Australian cockroach. Cockroaches can seriously harm business reputations, particularly within the food industry.

Their characteristics. Common cockroaches can infest premises for long periods before they are discovered. They are a widespread pest in the UK. The adult cockroaches are usually around 20-25 mm long and are reddish-brown in colour.

The Brown-banded cockroach is often found in residential premises. The adult cockroaches are quite small, usually around 10-15 mm long and are a yellowish-brown colour, with dark hoops around their body.

The German cockroach is often found in kitchens and laundries, hence its common name, the Steamfly. The adult cockroaches are quite small, usually around 10-15 mm long and are again yellowish-brown in colour but with two dark longitudinal marks or stripes.

The treatment. Infestations can be very deep-seated within buildings and need regular and thorough treatment to control them. This does vary depending on the type of cockroach. For more detailed information call us on 0800 075 7515.

THE FLEA

Fleas are parasitic insect pests of mammals. They depend on their 'host' animal for food and development. Their host can be a cat, a dog, a fox, a bird or even in rare cases humans

Their characteristics. Adult fleas vary in size, but are generally about 2-3mm long and reddish brown in colour. There are too many types to list as there are around 1400 known species of flea.

The treatment. First, the source of the infestation must be identified and treatment of the offending animal undertaken. Secondly, a thorough vacuum clean of the premises should be undertaken. Thirdly, all areas should be treated with an insecticidal spray to kill the adult fleas and larvae. Pupa often survive treatment, so it is usual to carry out a second spray treatment to ensure adequate insecticide is available when they eventually hatch out!

THE ANT

There are two main types of ants, the black or garden ant and the pharaoh's ant. The majority of ants are worker ants and sterile females which tend the young and forage for food. The ants prefer to eat protein rich foods, such as meat, cheese, as well as fats, sugar and chocolate.

Their characteristics. Black or Garden ants usually nest outdoors, although occasionally nesting occurs under houses or extensions, or under paving, in gardens or around walls. They are black and around 5mm in length.

Pharaoh's ants originated in North Africa/Mediterranean region and are now distributed widely around the world. They require warm and humid environments, which restricts them to internal areas in the UK. The ants are yellow-brown in colour and very small, usually around 2mm in length. Nests are located within the fabric of buildings, along heating ducts and in wall cavities.

The treatment. Garden ants require insecticidal treatment to destroy their trails, but tropical ants, like Pharoah's ants, need to be treated by baiting so that nests can be destroyed.

THE WASP

Wasps are social insects and form large colonies, or nests, which are socially structured and highly organised. Wasps are a widespread pest during the summer and cause fear and concern in many people because of their powerful stings especially as some species are quite aggressive.

Their characteristics. The queen usually spends the winter in a warm protected site often located in lofts, attics, wall cavities or in the ground. As many as 30,000 wasps can populate a nest.

The treatment. The wasps nest will be treated directly. If the wasp nest cannot be located, treatment may involve the use of perimeter baits containing insecticide. Alternatively, insect screens on doors and windows will help stop wasps entering buildings and the installation of electric fly killers will help to control wasps if they do get inside premises.

THE BED BUG

The bed bug enjoys the luxury of centrally heated dwellings, which they exploit all year round. They avoid the light and hide in/on furniture, on bed frames, in & behind skirting boards and plug sockets, on curtain poles, behind hanging pictures, inside divan frames, on mattresses and headboards.

Their characteristics. Bed bugs are parasites & feed exclusively on blood, usually human blood. The bugs climb over their human hosts during the night and use their piercing mouthparts to penetrate the skin for feeding. Adult bed bugs are approximately 5mm long and 3mm wide. They are oval in shape and usually dark reddish brown in colour, although the colour may vary. Bed bug eggs are pearly white and 1mm long. Females feeding regularly will lay 2 or 3 eggs per day, up to a maximum of 12!

The treatment. Insecticidal treatment will be required to eradicate bed bugs. It must be thorough and extensive and will often include treatment of furniture, skirtings and picture rails, curtains, bed frames, headboards and underneath the edges of carpets, etc. Treatment may be needed in all rooms, or all rooms on the same floor.

THE SQUIRREL

The grey squirrel is very common throughout the UK. They are found in many locations, particularly woodland, commons, parkland and gardens. Squirrels are mainly vegetarians and prefer to eat seeds, fruits, berries, and young shoots.

Their characteristics. Squirrels are around 250mm long with a tail around 230mm, and weigh about 500gm. There are two breeding seasons a year, with young squirrels emerging around February/March and then around August/September. Each litter contains 3-4 young.

The treatment. Squirrels can be very persistent. Trapping is the best method of control, although baiting may be an option in certain situations.

THE BEETLE

There are many different types of beetle. The two most common beetles are the larder beetle and the hide beetle. In addition to this there is the biscuit beetle and the Australian and Golden spider beetles just to mention a few. We can identify the correct one and deal with it accordingly. In domestic premises beetles are usually found inside larders, under kitchen units or plinths, generally away from direct light. Commercially, they occur in butchers, hide warehouses, pet food manufacturing premises and anywhere that animal products are handled.

Their characteristics. The larder beetle is around 8mm long and is black, apart from a wide beige band across its back with six black spots, and covered in small hairs. The larvae have dark brown hoops, with small white gaps in between, and are hairy. The hide beetle is often around 5-10mm long and is uniformly black/dark brown and covered in scale-like hairs.

Other species of beetles are mainly small, usually between 2-4mm long, although some are quite large. Beetles have a complete life cycle. When they hatch, the larva, or caterpillar, has well developed mouthparts and will commence feeding directly on the product.

The treatment. Thorough cleaning and insecticidal treatment will be required. Treatment on a large scale may include fumigation, spraying and cleaning though most treatments will vary depending on the beetle.

MOTHS

Moths are very common pests and there are many different types. For example the warehouse moth, the rice moth, the brown house moth etc. and each have their own characteristics.

Their characteristics. Moths have a complete life cycle, ie. egg, larva, pupa, adult. In general, the eggs are laid in the product and when they hatch, the larva, or caterpillar, feeds directly on the product. Moths themselves cause little damage, as they will only take liquid and never feed. It is the larvae which do all the damage.

The treatment. This problem is usually tackled through thorough cleaning, preferably by vacuum, and the disposal of all potential sources of infestation will be required, plus insecticidal treatment to kill off any larvae.

BIRDS

Birds can often cause problems, especially pigeons, They are an growing problem to public health in urban areas. This is because pigeons are carriers of numerous diseases, some of which can be transferred to humans. Apart from pigeons people find they can also have problems with house sparrows and starlings, especially in domestic properties. Gulls have also become a common pest in towns and cities.

Their characteristics. Feral pigeons are related to rock doves which is a reason for their desire to nest on buildings which brings them into contact with us. Through this nesting the droppings created make a terrible mess on buildings and in lofts.

House sparrows are small birds, which enter buildings primarily for nesting. Females lay several eggs in a clutch. Once the baby sparrows have hatched it takes about four weeks before they fledge.

Starlings can gather in huge numbers at certain roosting sites and cause a serious noise problem. They also tend to enter lofts and roofs for nesting. Gulls are large and noisy and cause problems when roosting or nesting on buildings. These birds usually find roosting sites near feeding grounds and can cause damage through this behaviour.

The treatment. Treatment varies depending on the bird. Generally treatment will usually involve removal of the nesting materials and dusting or spraying with insecticidal sprays to control any pest activity. Also access holes should be blocked to prevent re-infestation. Scaring techniques are used to good effect with roosting starlings. We also can take common anti-roosting measures include netting and specially modified 'spike' systems. In relation to pigeons we offer a number of treatments and preventative methods.

OTHER PEST

The silverfish - a small insect, approx. 10-15mm, with a flattened body. They are grey or 'silver' in colour with a three pointed tail. Mainly nocturnal, feeding on starchy materials including flour and paper. Abundant in houses. Prefer damp, humid environments such as under baths or kitchen units.

Firebrats - Similar shape and size as silverfish, but brown in colour with distinct patches of hair. Three pointed tail but with longer appendages. They prefer warmer environments and are particularly common in bakeries and heating ducts.

House crickets - The House cricket is the most common cricket pest in the UK. It has a bird-like warble and is nocturnal. Often found inside boiler rooms, bakeries or domestic properties. It is about 12-20mm in length when fully grown and will eat almost any kind of food or refuse.

Earwigs - Earwigs are elongate insects with a pair of pincer-like protrusions, called cerci, at the base of the abdomen. They do not fly and usually hide during the day. In winter they may hibernate. They feed on a variety of animal or vegetable material. There are only a few common species of earwig in the UK. They are not usually considered a pest but sometimes migrate into buildings in search of food.

There are a number of different pests which have not been mentioned but we cater for most. Just call us on 0800 075 7515 and we will deal with your problem to the best of our ability.