Pest Identification

Residents who are unsure of the exact nature of a pest you can request a Pest Control Officer to phone at a pre-arranged date and time, who may be able to identify the pest by the information given and provide advice to the customer. Advice of this nature is free.

Appointments

During an appointment the Pest Control Officer may advise the customer on action that will act as a deterrent for pests.

Re-treatments

Sometimes treatments need reapplying to fully eradicate a pest.  New pests can take over the space once occupied by an eradicated pest.  A new pest infestation requiring new treatment will be treated as a new treatment request.

Pests We Do Treat

Ants

The life cycle from egg to ant takes around two months.  Ants and nests can be inaccessible and difficult to destroy.

Allerdale Borough Council’s Pest Control Officers will provide a service for the treatment of ants in a domestic property.  A charge will apply.

Bed Bugs, Beetles, Cockroaches Cluster Flies, Silverfish, Red Spider Mite and Woodlice

Allerdale Borough Council will offer free advice and will treat the problem for a charge.

Fleas

Allerdale Borough Council provides free advice and a chargeable service for the treatment of fleas.

Fleas are 1 to 8mm long.  Adult fleas live as parasites on warm blooded animals such as cats, dogs, rabbits and birds. 

Cat Fleas

Any cats or dogs living in the property must be treated before a Pest Control visit.  Fumigation of the whole household including furnishings such as carpets, curtains, beds, bedding etc, will normally take place as part of the service.

The householder will be asked to remove any delicate pets such as birds, hamsters, tropical fish etc, in order that fumigation can take place.

Mice/Rats

Allerdale Borough Council can provide a treatment for both rats and mice in domestic premises for which there is a charge.

Advice will be provided to the householder on safety precautions and follow-up visits are carried out to remove any surplus bait.

Treatments are also available for commercial premises such as farms, hotels etc.

Information is passed on to the Environmental Health Unit regarding any requests from food premises.

Wasps

Wasps live in nests that are typically found in roof spaces, airbricks, cavity walls, garden sheds and trees.  Wasps nests develop during the spring and early summer. Wasps are aggressive when disturbed and will sting.  If a nest is causing a nuisance then it is best treated professionally.

Allerdale Borough Council’s pest control officers will treat wasp problems.  A charge for the service will apply.  No external treatment will be carried out at a height higher than a standard two storey building.

Pests we do not treat but can provide free advice

Bees

Bees, both honey bees and bumble bees, are a protected species.  Allerdale Borough Council do not treat either species.

Pigeons

Many people feed pigeons. The number of pigeons attracted to an area depends on the food available.  If pigeons are being fed, more pigeons will be attracted to the area.  Pigeons nest and roost on balconies, window ledges and roof areas of surrounding buildings.

Allerdale Borough Council does not normally provide a service for treating pigeons.  Each case is treated individually and in special circumstances fees and charges costs will apply.

Termites

Moles

Insects (earwigs, weevils, blue bottles, furniture beetle, flying ants and moths

Birds

Seagulls

Bats (protected species)

Squirrels

Cats

Rabbits

Fumigations