Wasps

Wasps are commonly found throughout the UK and northern Europe. Like ants, (to which they are related) they are social creatures, and form colonies consisting of workers (infertile females), males and a queen. Hornets are part of the wasp family, and their life cycle is very much the same.

Where do they live?

Typically, wasps nests are found in earth banks, in buildings (roof spaces or cavities in walls), in trees or bushes. They build nests every year, with the colder months killing off workers and males. Only the young queens survive the winter to make a new nest the following spring. All nests are totally evacuated at the end of each year and never re-used.

Why are wasps such a nuisance to humans?

Wasps cause a nuisance for various reasons. It is usually the late summer when the workers do not have to feed the larvae with high protein food, and they can indulge in sweet substances - fruit, jams, syrups etc. They enter kitchens in search of sweet food, and while not particularly hostile, they will sting if aggravated. As the cooler weather comes, the wasps become more irritable, and this is not helped by them feeding on over-ripe fruit, giving them the appearance of being "tipsy". Again they are better left alone when in this condition. Earlier in the year the only nuisance caused by wasps is minor damage done to wooden fences, for example, and wooden fabric of buildings when the wood is needed to build nests.

Do wasps do any real harm?

Wasps do have a useful role scavenging for the larvae of other insects, controlling garden pests and clearing carcasses early in the season. They even dispose of rotten timber if available. However, they may carry disease picked up during their visits to dustbins, bottle banks and carcasses and can contaminate food if allowed to settle on it. A wasp sting is caused by the injection of poison into the victim, causing redness and swelling. In some cases more serious effects occur, and you should seek medical advice if this happens.

How do I get rid of them?

You can dispose of individual wasps using domestic insecticides, although this will not control or eliminate the colony itself. Ideally the whole nest and colony should be destroyed and we recommend that professional help is sought here as the risk to an untrained person dealing with a wasps nest can be significant. Call 01273 514411 for prompt wasp nest destruction.

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Rats

The Brown rat also known as the Norway, house, or sewer rat is dull brown in colour and measures between 12-1/2" and 17" (32 cm to 43 cm) from nose to tail. It has small, close-set ears, a blunt muzzle, and very sharp teeth.

Do rats cause damage?

Worldwide, rats are the most destructive pests known to man. Rats are a known source of numerous diseases afflicting humans and domesticated animals. Rats contaminate food and cause extensive damage to buildings and equipment in warehouses, granaries, restaurants, and bakeries anywhere food is handled or stored. Rats will gnaw through wood and enlarge masonry openings to gain entrance into buildings. In the construction of their nests, rats destroy all types of materials and can cause fires by chewing through insulation on electrical wires.

Are rats hazardous to humans?

Yes. Rats are a serious hazard to public health. Aside from contaminating food with their droppings and urine, fleas from rats were responsible for spreading the bubonic plague. Today, such diseases as salmonella bacteria (food poisoning), leptospira ( jaundice), and typhus are commonly spread by rats. Because of their unsanitary habits, secondary infections from rat bites can be serious and sometimes fatal. An infestation of rats must not be tolerated.

When are rats most common?

Rats are year-round pests. Under certain conditions, rats can survive outdoors during the winter, however activity and indoor migration increases as weather gets cooler and outdoor food and water sources decrease. Rats are widespread in the sewer system in the UK particularly in built up areas which still have victorian drainage systems.

When am I most likely to see rats?

Rats are most active during the evening and remain so until the middle of the night. If food and water are scarce, or in the case of large infestations, rats become active during daylight hours.

Where do rats build nests?

Rats nest in any safe location near food and water. Outdoors, rats burrow into the ground. Indoors, nesting occurs in double walls, between ceilings and floors, in closed-in areas around worktops, and anywhere rubbish is allowed to accumulate.

What are their breeding habits? Do rats multiply quickly?

The average life span of a rat is 18 months. Young are born about 22 days after mating and mature rapidly. Single females may have as many as 6 litters per year, averaging 6 to 14 young each. By 3 months of age, the young are independent and capable of reproduction. If not controlled, an infestation of rats will rapidly increase.

How can I tell if I have an infestation of rats?

Rat droppings near available food sources is the most common indication of an infestation. Evidence of gnawing, rub marks, tracks, burrows, nests, and damage to stored products are indications of the extent of an infestation.

What can l do to prevent an infestation of rats?

Rats will invade almost any business premises, however it is the presence of unsanitary conditions that encourages their activity. All goods must be stored in properly sealed containers and waste should be prevented from accumulating, or kept in containers with tight-fitting lids. Seal all openings to the outside, including wood around doors and windows; repair masonry and seal openings for utility lines, conduits, and drains. The government produce a useful leaflet on rats and there are two other publications that give more information on the treatment of rats The Health and Safety Executive have produced this guidance on treating for rats using rodenticides.

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Mice

the house mouse is a small, slender rodent that has a slightly pointed nose; small, black, somewhat protruding eyes; large, sparsely haired ears; and a nearly hairless tail with scale rings. House mice are considered among the most troublesome and economically damaging rodents in Britain. Adult house mice weigh from 1/2 to 1 ounce. They are generally greyish brown with a grey or buff belly. The house mouse is very adaptable and often lives in close association with humans. Therefore it is known as a "commensal" rodent as are Brown rats. House mice are much more common in residences and commercial structures than are rats. Next to humans, it is regarded to be the most common mammal in cities.

Where do they live?

House mice live in and around homes, farms, commercial establishments, and in open fields and agricultural lands. At times they may be found living far from human settlements, particularly where climates are moderate. House mice eat many types of food but prefer seeds and grain. They are not hesitant to eat new foods and are considered "nibblers," sampling many kinds of items that may exist in their environment. Foods high in fat, protein, or sugar may be preferred even when grain and seed are present. Such items include bacon, sweets, and butter. Unlike brown rats, house mice can survive with little or no free water obtaining their water from the food they eat. House mice are mainly nocturnal, although in some areas a lot of daytime activity may be seen. Seeing mice during the day does not necessarily mean that a high population is present, although this is usually true for rats. They may nest in the ground or in any protected location. Nests are constructed of shredded fibrous materials such as paper, or other similar items, and generally have the appearance of a "ball" of material loosely woven together. Nests are usually 4 to 6 inches in diameter. Litters of 5 or 6 young are born 19 to 21 days after mating, although females that conceive while still nursing may have a slightly longer gestation period. Mice are born hairless and with their eyes closed. They grow rapidly, and after 2 weeks their eyes and ears open and they are covered with hair. They begin to make short excursions from the nest and eat solid food at 3 weeks. Weaning soon follows, and mice are sexually mature at 6 to 10 weeks of age.

Why are there so many?

Mice may breed year-round. The female has 5 to 10 litters per year. Mouse populations can therefore grow rapidly under good conditions. Studies indicate that during its daily activities, a mouse normally travels an area averaging 10 to 30 feet in diameter. Mice seldom travel farther than this to obtain food or water. Because of their limited movement and feeding behaviour they are much more difficult to control in some situations.

Do they do any harm?

When house mice live in or around structures, they almost always cause some degree of economic damage. In homes and commercial buildings, they may feed on various stored food items or pet foods. In addition, they usually contaminate foodstuffs with their urine, droppings, and hair. A single mouse eats only about 8 pounds of food per year but destroys considerably more food than it consumes because of its habit of nibbling on many foods and discarding partially eaten items.