Ribble Valley Council issues warning over pests and insects

Ribble Valley Council have announced that help is available for properties troubled by pests and insects this summer.

Pests can gain entry to your property via gaps and build nests in your attic or garage, wall cavities and even in unused cupboards. As the weather gets warmer they start to emerge from the cosy hideaways they have made in homes and businesses.

Queen wasps in particular emerge from hibernation in lofts, sheds and cavity walls, and quickly start building a new colony of wasps, which can contain up to 6,000 wasps. Meanwhile, rodents can enter homes and businesses through the tiniest of gaps, just 6mm for mice, while rats often gain access via faulty drains.

However, Ribble Valley Borough Council’s pest control team are promising to offer a helping hand, offering visits which take place by appointment on weekdays, but stress repeat visits may be required to fully treat problems.

The council has a pest control officer whose knowledge and expertise can be called upon to deal with many insect-related issues, such as mice, rats, moles, grey squirrels, wasps, flies, fleas, ants and moths.

Andrew Dent, the council’s head of environmental health, said: “Mice and rats can enter homes and businesses throughout the year to either keep warm or forage for food. As well as nibbling through cereal and biscuits, they have also been known to gnaw through wires and other materials in walls and plumbing systems, such as brick, concrete and even metal..”