Unwelcome visitors to your Home

From mice and wasps to woodworm and wet rot, we can help you banish unwanted pests - and keep them out.

Fungal attack

Prevent fungal attack of woodwork by keeping the home well ventilated. Keep air bricks around the house clean and free from obstruction.

Mould

Black moulds will form on painted, plastered or tiled surfaces in warm, damp conditions. The mould can be washed away with warm, soapy water, but damaged wallpaper will have to be replaced. Using wallpaper paste which contains fungicides and treating walls with a fungicide will reduce the mould. Pinpointing the cause of the damp is key to long-term eradication. Seal a small piece of kitchen foil over the mouldy area and check after 24 hours. Moisture on the side against the mould indicates damp is coming in from outside. If it's on the surface, it indicates a condensation problem from within.

Woodworm

Small holes about 2mm across in woodwork indicate woodworm attack. Signs of fine wood dust around the holes mean the woodworm (the larvae of wood boring beetles) is active. Treat small, localised attacks with woodworm fluid available from any DIY store. Extensive or serious areas need to be treated by a specialist company, which should give a guarantee on its work.

Wet Rot

Wet rot is common in wooden window frames and doors where the woodwork is continually damp. Probing wet rot with a screwdriver will reveal soft, pulpy wood. Cut away all rotten wood, apply three coats of wood preservative and repair the wood either with filler or a section of preservative-treated timber.

Dry Rot

A more serious condition than wet rot, dry rot forms in damp, musty places such as cellars and under wooden floors. White fluffy strands and a large, pancake-like fungus are accompanied by a musty smell. Dry rot should be treated by a professional company and all affected wood removed and burned.

Bats & Birds

Bats and birds nesting in the eaves of the house create very few problems. Bats are protected by law and should not be disturbed.

Wasps

If you have a problem with a wasp nest call your local authority. Most County councils will give free advice, but they may charge to come out and deal with the nest.

Mice

Mice are often more of a problem in the autumn when they find their way into the home and nest in attics and under floorboards. They can cause problems by gnawing through electrical wiring. Use poisons and traps, but seek advice from your local DIY centre. For rat and mice infestation, contact your local authority.