We all love the warmer weather and beautiful flowers that come during spring. One thing we are less keen on though, is the increase in insects. While insects in your garden on the outside of your home are annoying, when they enter your home, spring insects can become real pests.

Infestations are never fun to deal with. However, they can be avoided by carrying out some simple DIY jobs.

Try these DIY tasks first. If they don’t solve the problem of keeping insects out of your property, give us a call on 020 8889 1036 for further advice.

Fill and Repair Cracks – Small spring insects can use cracks and holes in your property to enter your home. So, by filling these in, you make it harder for them to get inside.

Keep Your Garden Clean and Tidy – Self-explanatory, but if you want to stop attracting excessive numbers of spring insects, keep your garden well-maintained, clean and tidy.

Door and Window Screens Designed to Stop Spring Insects – Again, self-explanatory, but you can prevent bugs – while keeping your home ventilated – by using window and door screens.

Protect the Foundations – The foundations of your property can also provide an easy entry point for bugs and insects. Ants, fleas and cockroaches thrive and breed in damp areas, so keep your foundations clear and as dry as possible.

Seal Doors – Seal any gaps around doors in your property to stop insects getting inside that way. Doors and window lose sealing power over time and can warp.

Encourage Natural Predators – An easy way to keep the number of insects you have down, is by encouraging their natural predators to live around your property. Many breeds of bird eat spring insects, so providing them with nesting boxes – and growing bushes and trees to make their nests – can help.

Takes Care of Rubbish Properly – Bins provide bugs and insects with a veritable feast to dine on. To stop attracting nasties, store and take care of rubbish properly. Only keep food waste in your kitchen bin, and empty it regularly.

Declutter Your Home – Insects always seem to find a way into your house. But you can stop them from getting comfortable by making your home as unappealing as possible. Get rid of clutter and keep water and food sources protected.

Cover Over Large Openings – Larger holes are harder to cover over than the small cracks and holes we mentioned earlier. If your house has a chimney for instance, you can’t fill it with sealant. However, you can use wire mesh that’s fine enough to stop many insects from entering.

Seal Holes for Pipework – Gaps around pipework installations are another great entry point for bugs. Seal them, and you eliminate that option.

Moths can be a real pest, and if you have them, we sympathise with you. Normally people will look to their wardrobes, given that household moths are often given the name clothes moths. And the damage they can cause to your clothing.

However, did you know that the place moths love breeding more than anywhere else is your carpets? That is why they are often referred to as carpet moths.

But what causes carpet moths and why do they attack your clothes and carpets? That’s what we’ll be discussing in this post.

Identifying Case-Bearing or Carpet Moths

Before we can discuss where they come from and what causes carpet moths, it’s worth looking at how you identify them. When dealing with any pest, it’s best to understand what kind of problem you have first, before anything else.

Carpet moths are easy to spot and generally have the following traits:

• Small with a mottled brown colour and black spots across their front wings
• Have a wingspan measuring between 9 and 16mm
• Both their hind and forewings have hairy fringes.
• The moth larvae leave its casing behind. Therefore, if you find small cases that look a bit similar to rice, this is a sign that you probably have carpet moths.

So, What Causes Carpet Moths?

The larvae of carpet moths eat the keratin proteins found in skin and hair. So, they have a strong attraction to fur, silk, wool and other high quality and natural materials. If you don’t have silk or wool carpets in your home, there’s still a chance you will get moths. This is because they will happily make a home in synthetic carpet fibres too.

Within the pile of a carpet or rug, they can hide their eggs – safely out of harm’s way. Once the eggs start to hatch, they turn into hungry larvae. And even if the larvae don’t eat the actual fibres, they will still eat any dirt that collects in them, such as food debris, hair, skin and other household dirt. These are all full of all the nutrients they need to grow.

They’re also partial to dirty clothes for similar reasons. These items will be covered in hair, skin and sweat, all rich in keratin.

Another contribution to what causes carpet moths is the climate. They prefer warm temperatures, so are more active during the summertime.

How Can You Prevent Carpet Moths?

The best remedy is obviously to not have carpets at all. However, if that’s not possible, cleaning and especially hoovering your carpet regularly and often can control carpet moths from becoming an infestation.

Keeping clothing freshly laundered before going back in the wardrobe is also a strategy. And using pheromone moth traps will go some way toward curbing the population.

Prevention is better than cure, so try the tips above. If it is already too late, give Diamond a call and we will come out promptly. We use the latest and most effective moth control techniques.

Pigeons are one of the most common pests in the UK. Even if you’re a bird lover, you probably don’t like pigeons flying around and causing problems. Being such a common nuisance, customers often ask us for suggestions on what kinds of pigeon deterrent devices are most effective. No one likes pigeon droppings on their car and around their home or business property. Plus, their endless cooing can be irritating to say the least.

Pigeon poo is more than just unattractive, corrosive to buildings and dangerously slippery…

Pigeon droppings also toxic too and can transmit a variety of diseases and pathogens. And did we mention that pigeons carry lice and mites too?

Different Types of Pigeon Deterrent Devices

Given how much of a pest pigeons are, how on earth do you get rid of them? You’ll be pleased to know that there are several different pigeon deterrent devices that you can use. Many are humane as well as easy to use. To help you find the option that’s right for you, we’re going to discuss some of the best available.

Bird Spikes

As you’re probably aware, pigeons like perching under eaves, on window ledges and on the roof. They also favour making nests in these locations.

One solution to preventing these activities is to use something to block them from landing and roosting. Spikes are ideal for this. Installing a series of pointy and long steel things on edges and ledges does not allow a pigeon get comfortable!

Ultrasonic Bird Repellent

An ultrasonic bird repellent features an infrared motion detector that lets out a harsh and high-frequency sound when a bird comes near. It’s as effective at frightening these flying pests as clanging pots and pans or spraying them with a water hose. In fact, it’s so alarming for them that it will eventually stop them coming back to the spot where device is placed.

Predator Statues

Scarecrow style deterrents work just as well on pigeons as they do crows. Pigeons really do not like coming across an owl or another predator like a falcon.

So, placing lifelike statues of these predatory birds can be very effective in frightening pigeons off and away from your property. While many of these pigeon deterrent statues are static, some types are electronic. Some even move and make noises, to add a touch of realism.

Bird Repellent Gel

Perhaps the most direct of all the pigeon deterrent devices and options is bird repellent gel. This can be applied to just about anywhere you know pigeons like to land. Don’t be alarmed though…it’s not in any way the same as glue traps. You won’t find pigeons trapped and stuck to it. The gel is a translucent substance has a repulsive (to pigeons) scent. If they do risk the stench and land, they’ll soon be put off by the sticky texture of the gel and the way it gets on their feet.

The appearance of bed bugs is never a pleasant sight. And the last thing you want is for bed bugs to ruin your long anticipated Easter break. Friends and family will be arriving, and, if they are staying with you, it only makes matters worse.

With bed bugs present in your home, any Easter plans will be instantly put on hold while the problem is taking care of. Exasperated and stressed, you may ask yourself: How on earth did we get them? What is the cause of bed bugs? Sometimes bed bugs make their way into your home, and there seems to be no way to stop it.

If you’re suffering a bed bug control problem over the Easter break, make sure to call in a professional, so that none of your guests end up going away with more than a chocolate egg. If you live in London, Diamond have got a friendly and experienced team of technicians on hand at short notice. Whatever the cause of bed bugs in your home, we can help.

When people stay over

Another thing to be aware of is that your visitors may inadvertently bring some extra, unwanted guests with them. To give you a head start on stopping bed bugs at the door, you can by following these easy steps…

Guests are always popping in over the Easter weekend, so having a few extra people in your home is quite normal. But make sure they’re the only guests paying a visit to your home. Bed bugs love to travel to new places by hitching a ride: a known cause of bed bugs. You have to stop an infestation before it turns into a disaster.

It’s important to clean any bedding on a hot wash and tumble before your guests arrive and after they leave, just in case. Bed bugs love to hide, so use light coloured sheets that help you spot them right away if they do appear with your guests.

When you’re having a get together

Another cause of bed bugs is that they can enter your home on the clothes of your friends and family. So prepare a place where everyone can put their coats, such as a closet, and be sure to clean the area afterwards. If you are going to have people put their coats on your bed, put a sheet underneath them and throw it in the wash once the gathering is over.

Are you going away for the break?

If you’re staying in a hotel for your Easter weekend, use their luggage racks. You don’t know who has been there before you. The luggage rack is where the bed bugs are least likely to be. Do some research before you book your hotel, and check out the reviews. It will give you some peace of mind that there hasn’t been a recent bed bug problem at the venue you‘re hoping to stay in.

Carpenter ants are a UK pest that is often overlooked, but they shouldn’t be taken lightly. They can cause serious problems for homeowners. With Spring comes an increase in temperature, which means that carpenter ants are on the march and likely to become a big problem for many people.

UK carpenter ants are the one species of ant you don’t want anywhere near your house.

And you definitely don’t want them inside of it.

Common Black Ants Or Carpenter Ants?

When the temperature starts to rise following Winter, a lot of different pests become active and start to breed. And just like other insects, carpenter ant activity is increased at this time of year as they forage for food and water.

Many people will shrug off a few ants as being harmless. And in most cases, the culprits are ordinary black ants looking for a sweet treat from your kitchen. A nuisance and unhygienic, but not dangerous to your home the way carpenter ants are.

How To Tell The Difference

Carpenter ants are often black in colour, but they can also be brown or reddish-brown. They are larger than the size of a normal black ant, but come in a variety of sizes. You can tell them apart from most other types of ant by their heart shaped head.

Carpenter Ants UK Facts And Habits

• Carpenter ants make their nests in old, decaying wood. Because they like damp wood, they are normally found living outdoors. However, they sometimes come to nest inside people’s homes.

• Common signs of carpenter ants include small piles of sawdust, dead ant parts lying around, small bore holes and wood damage. You can sometimes hear soft crunching noises.

• Ants will enter a property in a number of different ways. They are so tiny they can slip through cracks around windows and doors. Carpenter ants UK may also use the eaves of your roof to infest your loft or attic.

• Carpenter ants don’t actually eat wood. Instead they carve out holes in the wood to nest in. This leaves the wood damaged and weak.

Treat Carpenter Ants Fast

DIY treatments for carpenter ants often don’t work. Unless all of the ants in a colony are eliminated, the ants will recolonise and be back in no time. If you have been noticing any kind of ants around your home, you should always act quickly, before the problem gets worse. With carpenter ants, though, there is added urgency. Structural damage to timbers can happen fast, and can be incredibly dangerous.

Calling Diamond out at the first sign of a carpenter ant problem is imperative in order to stop the infestation. Carpenter ant damage can be extensive and is very costly to repair if left untreated for too long. By investing in remedial action from a professional pest control company like Diamond for carpenter ant problems, you will avoid the financial and physical costs these insects can cause to your UK home.

Having proper pest control for restaurant and café businesses is incredibly important. Not investing in pest control for your restaurant or other food related business is taking a huge risk. Not only with staff and customer health, but a financial risk as well.

On many levels, having a pest infestation in a restaurant is very bad for business.

Let’s look at some of the main issues caused by pests in the food service industry. Plus  some solutions.

Health and Safety Considerations

Safeguarding public health is a primary concern for any restaurant owner. If a pest comes into contact with food, this can pass on salmonella and food poisoning to your customers. Flies, mice and cockroaches are the number one villains for spreading bacteria that causes people to become ill.

Food establishments are usually very busy places on a daily basis. It can be incredibly easy for a pest infestation to break out around food preparation, making restaurant kitchens a potential pest hotspot. And, because of all of the different food sources available, they are an open invitation to a whole range of insects and rodents.

Revenue and Reputation Are At Stake

As well as affecting people’s health, a pest infested restaurant will be seriously damaging to its reputation. A restaurant has to provide a reliable product and a positive customer experience in order to generate return business. If a customer gets a dodgy tummy, finds an insect in their salad or soup, or spot a cockroach scuttling across the floor, the reputation of your business will be tarnished for good. Lack of responsible pest control will lead to loss of business and eventually closure.

Pest control for restaurant environments needs to be handled carefully, with expert management of chemicals. If you have an existing infestation, a professional pest control company like Diamond have the experience and training to implement the safest, most effective methods. However, avoiding pests in the first place is best. Diamond are able to provide you with a commercial pest control contract to ensure long term pest prevention.

The 3 Rules Of Pest Control For Restaurant Premises

Educate your kitchen and waiting staff

Managers and staff alike should be up to date on pest control policies within the restaurant. Incorporate checklists for best practices in the kitchen, and make sure all staff are trained to know the first signs of pests before they become a big problem. Diamond can help you to establish a discreet way for your employees to report instances of pests.

Keep everything clean and accessible

Owning a restaurant means hygiene should be top priority. Ensuring you clean every area of the restaurant is important for pest prevention. Regular and thorough emptying of the bins is also important to stop infestations. We can help you put measures in place that protect your business from any kind of pest problems.

Have your premises checked regularly

Having a pest control contract for your business means peace of mind, with a plan tailored to your business. Diamond technicians check the property routinely for signs of pests, install appropriate equipment, and properly record, track and monitor. At any sign of infestation, we act swiftly to combat it before it can develop further.

Rats are one of the most detested pests in the UK. And for many UK home and business owners they are more than just a nuisance. They are upsetting to have around, and also pose a serious risk to human health and safety. Normally, we are able to put down rat poison and handle a minor infestation in the conventional way.

However, some of these pests have developed a rat poison resistance in recent years, making these “super rats” harder to treat.

What Rat Poison Resistance Involves

Rat infestations have been prevented and controlled using poisons for centuries. But because of the overuse of these poisons, the rat poison resistance in these animals is on the rise. Simply put, rat poison resistance means that many them have an immunity to normal rat poison pellets. In fact, immune rats are even using these pellets as a food source and sustaining rather than curtailing the population.

In Britain alone there is around 10.5 million rats. The rat is a mammal that constantly breeds. And an increasing proportion of rat species are resistance to normal household rat poisons. This could result in the number of rats in the UK doubling or even tripling in size if the issues isn’t addressed.

Defeating The Poison Resistant Rat

The fact that these super rats are so resistant to poison also results in them becoming hardier, larger and more robust in general. Stronger poisons are now needed to control this type of super rat, but they are not readily available over the counter.

Only licensed pest control professionals like Diamond should be treating any major rat infestations. This is because we are qualified to administer more powerful rodenticides, and are experienced with effective new methods that can treat a rat infestation effectively.

Rat poison immunity also means that pest controllers are using other methods to control the UK rat population. Among the most efficient equipment we have at our disposal are professional traps and baiting stations.

Rats Can Go Undetected

In London, it is said we are never more than 6 feet from a rat at any time. Despite this, you will rarely run into a rat during the day, and they keep a low profile at night too. Rat problems often go unnoticed until it is too late. This is because the small signs they leave behind can be hard to spot. However, there are signs you can keep an eye out for if you suspect a rat problem.

Check for droppings, gnawing marks and chew holes around the home, as well as greasy smears left from their fur. If rats are living in your attic, you may be able to hear them scratching when they become active at night.

If you think you have a rat infestation in your home, it’s imperative to seek out professional pest control as soon as possible. Diamond are on call 24 hours a day to assist you in any way we can. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions. We are always happy to help.