Susan Jefferson

How to get rid of wasps Wasps are one of the more unwelcome sights of the summer – buzzing menacingly around bins, the doors of your home and patio dining tables. While wasps have an important part to play in nature, they can also be a serious pest owing to their tendency to deliver multiple painful stings. As a result, the sight of wasps buzzing around your home or work premises is very often an unwelcome one - but be prepared as wasp season is due to get underway anytime now. Summer is officially wasp season with increasing numbers becoming apparent from May onwards. While August and September are usually the height of wasp season, wasps will become established from the very start of the warmer months. While wasps are excellent helpers in the fight to control plant-damaging insects for families they are certainly unwelcome in numbers. Plan ahead to avoid problems with wasps If you are concerned about the number of wasps that you are seeing around your home or business – or...

How to get rid of wasps Wasps are one of the more unwelcome sights of the summer – buzzing menacingly around bins, the doors of your home and patio dining tables. While wasps have an important part to play in nature, they can also be a serious pest owing to their tendency to deliver multiple painful stings. As a result, the sight of wasps buzzing around your home or work premises is very often an unwelcome one - but be prepared as wasp season is due to get underway anytime now. Summer is officially wasp season with increasing numbers becoming apparent from May onwards. While August and September are usually the height of wasp season, wasps will become established from the very start of the warmer months. While wasps are excellent helpers in the fight to control plant-damaging insects for families they are certainly unwelcome in numbers. Plan ahead to avoid problems with wasps If you are concerned about the number of wasps that you are seeing around your home or business – or...

The Covid-19 lockdown means that some services which you may have taken for granted before will no longer be easily accessible - and for some problems that will be more of an issue, such as pest control. While staying home, you certainly don’t want to be sharing your space with household pests. Ideally on discovery of an insect invasion you would normally be able to call in a professional pest control service or nip out and pick up a deterrent – which is not so easy under lockdown. There is hope, however, thanks to DIY methods that can help to keep problems such as insect invasions at bay. DIY solutions for ant invasions Ants tend to be a problem that emerges at the start of the summer months – so that could be anytime soon. Once in your home ants can get everywhere and become a real pest. Plenty of homes must be able to sympathise with returning home from holiday in the middle of a hot spell to the horror of ants running riot in kitchen cupboards and across worktops. The good ...

There are times in the year when the threat of being invaded by bugs seems so ever-present it can leave us wishing for a change in the weather. Pest control services in Birmingham are in demand throughout the year but seasonal changes can dictate which unwanted visitors are making their way indoors. Not surprisingly the weather has a major impact on insects and rodents that we hope would make their home outdoors, rather than in our home or business. How do the seasons affect pest services in Birmingham? At any point in the year there is a chance you could find a pest in your home and need pest services in Birmingham but different weather brings different visitors. Summer The heat is a magnet for many insects and on your travels abroad you will have no doubt witnessed how some larger insects thrive in the sunshine. Thanks to the Great British climate cockroaches and mosquitoes are far less prevalent in this country. However, even milder summers can lead to calls for pest servi...

Fair weather fiends or winter woes? How the weather might affect your need for Pest Services in Birmingham   There are times in the year when the threat of been invaded by bugs seems so ever-present it can leave us wishing for a change in the weather.    Pest control services in Birmingham are in demand throughout the year but seasonal changes can dictate, which unwanted visitors are making their way indoors.    Not surprisingly the weather has a major impact on insects and rodents that we hope would make their home outdoors rather than in the dark corners of our home or business.    How do the season s  affect pest services in Birmingham?   At any point in the year there is a chance you could find a pest in your home and need p est ser vices in Birm i ngham  but different weather brings different visitors.    Summer   The heat is a magnet for many insects and you travels further afield will have no doubt revealed how some larger insects thrive in the sunshine. Thanks to the G...

As the name suggests cluster flies are a problem due to their preference to gather in large numbers – but what do you do if they move into your home or business?   Cluster flies in themselves are not harmful to humans, so wh i le the thought of these insects making themselves at home in your house  or business  may be  unpleasant  they will not actually cause you any ill effects.    Looking like a normal housefly ,  expect for some tell-tale yellow hairs ,  cluster flies are slow mover s  that will fly languidly around your house and gather at the windows.    The main way in which they differ from other flying pests is that they are a problem in winter.   As heat - seekers  cluster flies  will appear on the side of homes or at windows as they aim to bask in the warm rays of the sun.    From here they will quite often head into the att ic  – or even the walls of your house or business – as they look for a warm place to rest  and hibernate before waking up in spring .   Why ...

As a countr y the UK can generally regard itself as lucky when considering the  pests  we have to deal with but that doesn’t mean you can be complacent  – you never know   when you  may  need the help of pest services in Birmingham !   As frustrating as it can be ,  the Great British weather is helpful in keeping dangerous pests at bay with many preferring a warmer climate.    But there are still plenty of  pests  looking out for a warm home that could make their way into your ho us e if you are not careful.    While any creepy crawly is unwelcome in great numbers there are a few pests you  definitely would  not want to share your home with – and some that could pre s ent a health hazard.    Thankfully with the help of pest services in Birmingham ,  infestations caught early and treated properly can quickly  halt  a pest problem.    Mainly attracted by  warmth and a food source there are  a number of  different species that can become problem pests in Birmingham and across the UK.    M...

As a countr y the UK can generally regard itself as lucky when considering the  pests  we have to deal with but that doesn’t mean you can be complacent  – you never know   when you  may  need the help of pest services in Birmingham !   As frustrating as it can be ,  the Great British weather is helpful in keeping dangerous pests at bay with many preferring a warmer climate.    But there are still plenty of  pests  looking out for a warm home that could make their way into your ho us e if you are not careful.    While any creepy crawly is unwelcome in great numbers there are a few pests you  definitely would  not want to share your home with – and some that could pre s ent a health hazard.    Thankfully with the help of pest services in Birmingham ,  infestations caught early and treated properly can quickly  halt  a pest problem.    Mainly attracted by  warmth and a food source there are  a number of  different species that can become problem pests in Birmingham and across th...

You’re fairly certain you have pests in your home – you’ve heard scratching, spotted the signs of an inse c t infestation o r  have even seen an unwelcome visitor scurry past – and now you are wondering what to do next.    The sensible answer is always to call pest control experts in  Birmingham ,  however, some people may be tempted to try to solve the problem themselves.    And while there is no shortage of DIY pest control solutions to try out at home – it is that word ‘try’ that becomes problematic. After  all,  if you have pests in your home we assume that you want a solution quickly.    Take effective action quickly with pest control in Birmingham   Putting traps in the wrong places, applying the wrong treatment or not being vigilant enough can leave space for the problem to worsen instead of actually tackling the problem head on.   The wrong traps, the wrong bait – you name it, it is enough for the pests that have invaded you r  home to go on living  there  without a pro...

There are few things more disconcerting than hearing the sound of scratching and gnawing above your head as you try to sleep, which makes an early call to pest control Birmingham a priority. Fast action is imperative in tackling an unwanted pest in your attic to stop the problem in its tracks – and restore your sleep. A number of pests are known to make their homes in lofts of houses around the UK, namely rats, mice , squirrels, bats and birds. Identify what is living in your loft with pest control Birmingham What pest is in your loft does make a difference to how serious the problem is and the best way to remedy it. Any pest that has got into your loft is an opportunist that has made the most of even just the tiniest gap to enjoy the warmth and shelter you roof provides. Calling in help from pest control Birmingham at the first signs of a problem will be a massive step in helping to keep it contained.  As pest control experts, Pest Busters will want to identify what species is ...

Unwanted critters can be a real problem if they make their home in your property but following a few simple rules can help to establish efficient pest control in Birmingham. Keep bins secure Rubbish bins invariably contain lots of discarded food, including meat. Sealed with a lid this should be no problem in regard to pest control in Birmingham. However open and overflowing bins outside your home will act as an open invitation to rodents looking for a warm, sheltered home with a ready supply of food. Monitor compost Compost is an economical and environmentally-friendly way to deal with food waste. Managed carefully this is an excellent way to feed your garden. However to make sure rodents don’t make their home in your compost ensure the unit is secure and food scraps are not dropped on the floor nearby. Be careful feeding birds Pest control in Birmingham is familiar with urban problems that can encourage rodents – and one that people may underestimate is birdfeed being knocked to t...

The cooler months are upon us but it is not just your family that will be seeking shelter and warmth inside this winter, pests will also have their eyes on your Birmingham home. A warm place to live, food to snack on and shelter from the rain – sounds appealing, well it certainly is for some common Birmingham pests! Most domestic pests are domestic pests for a reason; they prefer to live inside than outside when the opportunity arises. Have you given any thought to the number of spiders you have returned to the wilds of the garden only to discover another one twice the size nestled happily behind the sofa? And while many of the pests you are likely to find in your Birmingham home are not dangerous, wanting to share your home with them is another issue. Avoiding pests in your Birmingham home So what should you do to avoid the seasonal deluge of creepy crawlies? Prevention is always better than cause and the start of autumn is a great time to get your house in order. The place to ...

Summer pests can be, well... a real pest. No sooner have you opened the windows to enjoy the warm summer air before a bevy of winged insects descend on your kitchen. Wasps, flies and fruits flies all love the tastes of summer, or perhaps that should more specifically be, they love all the rapidly decaying fruit and vegetables. While the idea of al fresco dining is what summer evenings are all about, flies and wasps can turn a pleasurable experience into a fly-swatting nightmare. The kids scream as wasps hover dangerously close to their apple juice while you turn back to discover a fly happily sitting on your burger. Not a recipe for the most relaxing evening. And that is only outside. Wasps and flies will, of course, also make their ways indoors to continue terrifying children and exercising squatters’ rights on any rogue crumbs or leftover sandwiches that happen to have been left on the side for a nano-second. Then there are fruit flies. Lured in by the rapid ripening of fruit in...

Bed bugs are the sort of pest that might not cross your mind unless you are travelling around the world, but rather than being a thing of the past bed bugs are actually increasing in the UK and becoming a real pest control problem. While bed bugs were once a common pest problem in the UK, they had largely been eliminated from homes, but an increase in travel has seen a fairly rapid rise in reports of local infestations in Birmingham , Manchester , London , Bristol and across many parts of the UK. How to spot a bed bug Despite their name, you can actually find bed bugs pretty much anywhere. It is common to find bed bugs on mattresses, bedding and furniture but they can also be found in fittings and personal items, such as suitcases and children’s toys. However, it is their habit of feeding on the blood of people as they sleep that has earned them the name ‘bed bugs’. Seeing the human body as a food source they will take blood as people sleep in bed, leaving small bite marks where ...

Well done Dave for raising over £3000 for Demensia Revolution Our Chairman Dave Nash completed the London 2019 marathon in 6 hours and 20 minutes on Sunday. He entered the Marathon in memory of his Mom who passed away last year after a five year struggle with Dementia and Alzheimers. Dave has had great support from family, friends and businesses to raise over £3000 in aid of Demensia Revolution. THANK YOU ALL for donating.   https://www.pest-busters.co.uk/pest-control-news/pest-control/chairman-dave-completes-london-marathon-for-charity/

With sleigh bells’ ringing, jingle bells a-rockin’ and with a certain Father Christmas making his way downtown, the festive season really is in full swing come this time of year. With lists of names to buy presents for along with food and drink to purchase, it can be easy to lose track of what it is your supposed to be doing! One thing you may not have considered is the risk of unwanted visitors this Christmas. Whilst most people associate pests with the summer sunshine, the warmth and shelter of our homes become a much more attractive refuge for pesky lodgers at this time of year. At PestBusters, we specialise in  pest control in Birmingham  and around the West Midlands and pride ourselves in the high standard of service we provide. Working both domestically and commercially, we understand the discreet and quick-action needed when dealing with pests. With years of experience dealing with domestic pests and large scale vermin, we aim to work efficiently and effectively to ensure that...

Councils over the UK have been subjected to significant cuts to their annual budgets, with some councils reporting over 30% in budget cuts over the last five years. Pest control services have seen some of the largest budget cuts, with some councils completely removing any pest control services from the services that they offer. A freedom of information request by the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) was undertaken, and the report showed that councils are simply not handling as many pest control issues, with some authorities seeing reductions by 22%. The report has also shown that only 7% of local authorities are still offering free of charge pest control services due to lack of resources and budget cuts, which does not assist residents in their time of need.   Council Pest Control Charges Birmingham City Council pest control department currently offer a free of charge service for treating rat problems, but services for treating other pest problems do now carry a charge. Pes...

The stealth-like ability of pests to invade homes makes pest-proofing a difficult job, and while keeping them out completely would be very tricky a few simple steps will help to keep your home pest free. The New Year is always a good time for a clear out – but it’s also a good time to set things in order. Keeping pests at bay relies on a combination of the two. So while having a New Year clear-out, also take the time to check your house is not inadvertently attracting pests. Top tips for a pest-free home Check bins are in good condition – well fitting lids will stop pests getting in and food spilling out. Make sure there are no cracks or splits and that the general area around bins is well maintained and clean. Fix leaks – a leaking hosepipe in the garage or a drip under the kitchen or bathroom sink can help to create the kind of conditions that pests such as cockroaches thrive in. Dark, damp areas of the home should be sorted as soon as possible Check brickwork – Brickwork th...

Well done Dave for raising over £3000 for Demensia Revolution Our Chairman Dave Nash completed the London 2019 marathon in 6 hours and 20 minutes on Sunday. He entered the Marathon in memory of his Mom who passed away last year after a five year struggle with Dementia and Alzheimers. Dave has had great support from family, friends and businesses to raise over £3000 in aid of Demensia Revolution. THANK YOU ALL for donating.   Pest Busters (Birmingham) Highfield Farm, Middle Lane, Kings Norton, Birmingham B38 0DX 0121 695 9076 www.pest-busters.co.uk https://www.pest-busters.co.uk/pest-control-news/pest-control/chairman-dave-completes-london-marathon-for-charity/

Quips about old clothes looking moth-eaten are plentiful – but if you are unlucky to have suffered a moth infestation in your home you will know it is not a laughing matter. And unfortunately, it is not just old clothes that moths – or more specifically their larvae - will devour, new clothes, carpets and even pet fur are all on the menu! With such a penchant for fabrics the potential for damage in your home is high if moths decide to make it their home too – after all one hole is enough to ruin your favourite cashmere jumper. How to avoid moths coming into your home Moths are attracted to the light, even though they prefer to hide out and make their homes in dark spaces. Try to avoid leaving windows open while the lights are on at night-time as this will serve as an open invitation to moths. While moths may have come into your home un-noticed making sure you regularly clean areas they will typically make their home will help to keep any larvae at bay. Vacuuming under beds and sofas r...