PEST CONTROL
Trends in nuisance pest outbreaks can peak at specific times of the year depending on a number of factors. For instance, we see more mouse infestations during winter months when the rodents are looking for shelter and warmth. So the team is primed to manage a broad range of pest control issues at such times, with the resources already in place, employing a range of technologies and methods to ensure that the solution is a lasting one.
A team that is trained in both pest control and building services can help to manage wider issues; considering where the pests are entering the property and the best way to approach this. The following case studies highlight the SCS approach.
A RECURRING PROBLEM A recurring mouse infestation at
a terraced bungalow in Liverpool required an alternative approach; the housing association property had an issue with mice for over 14 months. The elderly female tenant was becoming increasingly frustrated as the rodents continued to return following attempts to manage the issue.
Upon inspection, the property was found to have several possible entry points, particularly across a wall where there were areas of damaged brickwork. The brickwork was designed in such a way that the mice were able to climb vertically up the wall using the damaged ledges as a ladder in effect and making their way to a window where they squeezed in through small crevices and cracks.
The inspection had to focus on the wider picture in this instance and look at possible entry points across the property, and in particular around the window. Mice can be incredibly clever and will find innovative ways to get inside if they are looking for food and shelter.
The team spent a full day at the property, proofing internally whilst repairing the brickwork and window externally. In the final stages, problem areas such as the loft and under the kitchen units were baited
www.tomorrowsfm.com
to kill off any mice that remained inside, ensuring they could not leave the property. Once the bait was checked and untouched, SCS were able to confirm that the property was pest free.
This has certainly seemed to do the trick. We’ve returned for two visits since the work was carried out and I’m really pleased to say that the tenant hasn’t seen had any more visits.
The firm’s work with major housing associations sees the team visiting properties across the North West, managing infestations that range from pigeons to cockroaches, rats, beetles and more. The intensity of the issues vary according to how long they have been left unmanaged. Many of the pests that the firm deals with are naturally fast breeders and therefore once an insect or rodent finds its place within a property, the home can quickly become overrun.
as cracks and crevices and dark areas to which they are naturally attracted. Cockroaches are incredibly fast breeders and the team found thousands throughout the property.
This was a particularly bad infestation, simply because the issue had been allowed to escalate for some time. The approach to cockroach infestation remains the same, however, and will become more labour intensive as volume increases.
The cockroaches in the flat were found to be German and therefore a specific plan for removal was needed. In this instance a pheromone trap offered the best solution, containing an alluring scent that traps and kills German cockroaches.
The trap also has three entry points, a silicone surface to prevent escape, and a low profile to fit into small, tight corners. These features help make the trap one of the best for ’roaches and offer a good solution in sensitive areas where other control methods are prohibited.
“COCKROACHES ARE INCREDIBLY FAST BREEDERS.”
INSECTS ARE
TAKING OVER A major infestation of cockroaches at a property owned by housing association, Places for People, required several visits to manage the problem, before finally resulting in a pest-free home.
The second floor flat in Longsight, Manchester, had suffered from a major infestation for some time, but had only been reported to the social landlord recently. As such, the infestation had grown and the property was found to be swarming with the insects.
On initial inspection, the SCS team found cockroaches in all rooms including household furniture, door frames, architraves as well
The cockroach traps allowed SCS to get an initial feel for quantity and areas that were most affected. This turned out to be the entire property, and so the team moved on to using Goliath Gel Cockroach Bait, a fast action solution that begins to work within minutes killing all roaches in hours. SCS frequently checked the bait and changed monitoring traps to ensure they where decreasing in numbers. Finally, the flat was sprayed with an insecticide with one final visit to ensure all traps where ‘roach free.
It really is a case of finding the right solution to deal with the individual infestation and persevering until the property is clear. This was an extreme case but one that is now complete, signed off and cockroach free.
Whilst work with housing associations forms the main stay of the SCS pest control business, the firm also work with private landlords and businesses direct as well as home owners and tenants.
www.specialisedcleaningservices.co.uk TOMORROW’S FM | 49
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