Spotting the Signs of Pest Activity

Whether it’s in the domestic or agricultural environment keeping an eye out for pest activity within your property or land can prove beneficial.

We often find people choose to ignore the signs of pest issues, whether it is scratching in the loft or hoping that one mole hill doesn’t turn into several! Unfortunately leaving them till it’s too late will often only result in further problems.

Most pest species will cause damage to your land or property, almost all pest species are inquisitive and unfortunately this often results in serious damage.

Water pipe damage from a pest.

This year we have noticed a sharpe spike in integral property damage, we are yet to work out the reason why but several of our customers have been suffering from chewed electric cables, chewed piping and quite a few dishwasher waste pipes gnawed through.

More often than not the signs of pests are obvious, maybe the pest has been seen? Heard or visible damaged noticed, we would always recommend that if you notice any of the signs you contact us as early prevention can often be easier to control resulting in less cost for you.

What to Look out For?

The Rat –

Rats will often make their way into your property through your garden, look for visible signs, digging, holes, dropping, gnawing, and damage to bins. Rats may also access the property through the drainage system; this may result in hearing noises in the loft, floorboards or cavity walls.

The Mouse –

Mice are obviously smaller creatures, they are often light on their feet which may be harder to hear within the home. We would suggest checking your loft spaces, stair cupboards, garden sheds and garages every three months to look for the common signs of mice: droppings, chewed material and holes within the building.

Birds –

Birds can often be the unsuspecting pest, but we are often called out with birds in lofts, chimneys or trapped in buildings. Birds creating nests within a building can prove quiet dangerous, bird nests in chimney breasts could cause a chimney fire if the fire was to be lit. Look out for birds regularly perching on the roof, flying in and out of property gaps or scratching within the roof space. Bird faeces can pose a possible risk to human health as some birds are known to carry Histoplasmosis, Cryptococcosis and Psittacosis.

Birds nesting in roof insulation

Insects –

Wasps, ants, bees, fleas are common pests within the domestic environment, unfortunately these pests can quickly become a real nuisance, as stinging and biting insects can pose a serious threat to your family. Insect populations can multiply extremely quickly, don’t ignore wasps entering your building or a random bite whilst sat in your living room, call AgriPest for a professional inspection or treatment.

Moles –

Mole activity can quickly appear overnight, you draw back the curtains in the morning only to be greeted by several heaps in your lovely garden. Keep an eye out for mole hills in neighbours gardens or adjoining fields as there is a chance they may be coming your way. Unfortunately until they have arrived, little can be done, but keep a vigilant eye and contact a professional as soon as you can.

An example of an area covered with Mole hills.

Above are just a few pests we deal with on a day to day basis, having pests within the domestic environment can be worrying but don’t hold it off to get it sorted. Within the agricultural environment pest can become costly and damaging to your business that’s why it is vital to always be aware of the signs of different pests.

Call AgriPest Management for free advice or professional treatments within the Harrogate, Wetherby, Boroughbridge and York areas.

For advice on explosive pest populations or general pest issues give us a call.