Rats

Rats can spread diseases through parasites, bites, urine, droppings and skin contact. Rats are approx 20cm to 27cm (8" - 10 3/4") long. Their tail is shorter than their head and body. They produce droppings approximately 2cm (3/4") long. This is usually the first indication of an infestation.

Air bricks and ventilators should be covered with fine mesh with holes no larger than 6mm diameter (do not seal air bricks). Find out more by downloading the rats leaflet on the right hand side of this page.

House mice

Mice cause damage by eating, gnawing and contaminating food and they can carry diseases such as salmonella. Find out more by downloading the house mice leaflet on the right hand side of this page.

If you are treating mice you must seal all holes up to at least 24cm (9 1/2") off the ground as mice can get through very small holes. Air bricks and ventilators should be covered with fine mesh with holes no larger than 6mm diameter (do not seal air bricks).

Bed bugs

Bed bugs are nocturnal parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and other mammals. They are not regarded as disease carriers but can cause severe irritation as their bite can cause a hard white swelling. Find out more by downloading the bed bugs leaflet available on the right hand side of this page.

Fleas

Fleas are biting insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals and can cause severe irritation. Find out more about how to best treat them by dowloading the fleas leaflet:

Ants

Common black ants do not bite, sting or transmit disease but they can cause a nuisance in the home. Discourage ants by making sure all food is in secure containers. Find out more by downloading the ants leaflet available on the right hand side of this page.

Wasps and bees

Wasps and honey bees are very useful garden insects and should only be destroyed if the nest is in a position that causes nuisance. If you have to remove a bee nest you should contact a local bee keeper. Only as a last resort should the nest be destroyed.

Find out more about how to control wasps and bees by downloading the bees and wasps leaflet.