Recently we were asked to undertake pest management at a commercial housing site in South West London. In this case study we explore the tools and techniques we used to tackle the long-standing issues on this site.

We attended the site in Wimbledon, South West London, due to reports of Bed Bugs, Stored Products Insects, German Cockroaches, and Mice and Rats. 

Context

The building consists of 72 flats with a long history of pest issues. When the contractor called Mercury Pest Control, several pest control contractors had tried to tackle the problems, but with little success. As a result, there were many issues on the site, including:

• Poor hygiene in multiple flats. 
• Multiple occupancies and tenants were moving from flat-to-flat spreading activity into other building areas. 
• Inconsistent reporting regarding hygiene standards and a ‘one size fits all’ approach to treatment. 

Additionally, no measures were in place to prevent external ingress, such as around doors and external pipework. 

How did we approach the pest management at the commercial housing site in South West London?

The initial approach to monitoring and control using structured Integrated Pest Management

• We inspected the flats and utilised a traffic light reporting system. This approach used a Red for high risk, Amber for Medium, and a Green for low risk. This approach meant we could identify the main culprits and properties with high levels of pest activity. 
• Flats were then closely monitored using insect monitors and gel baits applied for the German Cockroaches. However, we did not apply rodenticides to avoid the Cockroaches using them as a food source, which previous pest controllers overlooked.  
• We advised on hygiene standards. For example, those with poor hygiene were Flats with poor hygiene were then instructed to carry out deep cleans and wash clothing at a high temperature.
• External rat control units were applied around the London site to monitor rat activity, as the residents had reported multiple sightings. In addition, the building is next to an industrial and waste management site, so external influences for rodent activity were high and needed to be considered. 

We undertook regular follow-up visits to monitor our approach

We took significant steps to remedy the issues at this site. Initially, the focus was those flats with the most activity to ensure treatment plans were in place. We also:

• Applied residual insecticides to control bed bug activity and German Cockroaches;
• Used monitoring traps to identify any further German cockroach activity in other flats (German cockroaches are nocturnal and visual sightings are not always possible with low-medium infestations during daytime treatment visits);
• Applied gel baits behind kitchen appliances, wiring, pipework, fridges, washing machines and dishwashers where harbourage for the cockroaches is desirable; 
• Removed risers, ceiling panels, and applied gel baits and insect monitor traps for intrusive baiting and monitoring between floors. This is highly effective when carrying out pest control treatments for blocks of flats in London; and 
• Inspected external rat units to identify where takes were found in the car park and refuse area. Bait station units were replenished accordingly and reviewed them regularly at follow-up visits
• We also checked for any deceased rodents, removing them when found. 

Pest proofing 

• We undertook a separate report to identify internal and external pest ingress points throughout the site, which was then shared with the building management. We included critical recommendations for the phasing of each stage of the proofing. 
• For instance, external areas such as doors, pipework, weep holes and air-bricks and defects on external air-bricks usually require immediate attention to reduce the risk of further ingress. 
• In comparison, the recommendation was to prove internal proofing last to avoid pushing activity around the building areas. Completing proofing too early is a typical pest control contractor mistake. Proofing areas too early – will only move rodents into other building areas and cause disruption rather than eradication. Internal proofing is most effective when implemented during low activity levels or once entirely eradicated.

Conclusions and key learnings: commercial housing pest management 

• An integrated pest management approach to tackling areas of high infestation is critical to address issues and proof against future risks of pest ingress. 
• Regular communication with site staff, residents and management through detailed reporting and recommendations is essential. 

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Balham, formerly known as the ‘gateway to the south’ is a bustling spot in south west London. Balham is home to some of London’s most well-known brunch spots, Milk Balham and Brickwood. The centre of Balham, Balham High Road is the number one spot for independent coffee shops, bars and restaurants. A stones throw from Tooting Common and 20 minutes to central London on the northern line, it is easy to see why Balham is a number one choice for families looking for the balance between the bright city lights and a leafy suburb. Unfortunately, pests thrive in this busy part of London and as a result, providing pest control services in Balham is familiar to us at mercury pest control.

With our headquarters in Wandsworth, we have significant experience providing expert pest control solutions for customers in Balham, SW12. Mercury pest control deals with a range of pests in Balham: mice, rats, wasps, squirrels, moths and carpet beetles. As well as serving domestic customers, including landlords, homeowners and tenants living in Balham, we also offer commercial pest control services for business operating in Balham. Whether you’re about to embark on a new business venture on Balham High Road, you’ve spotted a mouse in the kitchen in your home, or you’ve got moths in your wardrobe – mercury pest control should be your number one choice for pest control in Balham. Give us a ring today on 0208 166 5110 to discuss how we can help you!

Finding a trusted pest control service in Balham

There are a few key things to look out for when looking for trusted pest control in Balham:

• local business: trusted local businesses such as mercury pest control know the area like the back of their hands and are here to help with your pest issues.
• accreditation: ensure that your chosen pest control company has relevant accreditation. National Pest Techincians Association (NPTA) and  Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH).
• reviews: ensure the pest controller is reputable, and by looking at checkatrade reviews and Google will give you an honest reflection from previous customers.

Rat pest control Balham

Unfortunately, you are never more than two metres from a rat in London and Balham is no exception. There are a couple of early signs of a rat infestation in your home or business:

• smell of ammonia from rat ammonia
• scratching in the walls
• rat droppings (which are slightly larger than mice droppings).

Typically, rats will enter your home or business via the drain network, you can find out more about this here.

At mercury pest control, we undertake a thorough internal and external survey of your home or business before proceeding with a rat control treatment. This will include inspecting drains/manholes to identify any potential sources of activity.  If you think you have an issue with rats it is important to seek the services of a professional pest control company, such as Mercury pest control.

Mice pest control Balham SW12

Mice can squeeze through a hole which is the width of a pencil. In the winter months, mice seek a warm place to live, meaning that your home, flat or business can be the perfect place for a mice to nest.  If you think you have mice, these are some of the early signs to look out for:

• Scratching in the walls
• Mice droppings
• Smearing marks
• Small holes in food packages that are left unsealed
• Crumbs around food production areas, i.e. where a mouse has chewed through a packet of food for sustenance.

At mercury pest control our pest controllers are experienced in providing specialist mice treatments for domestic and commercial customers.  As well as providing mice control treatments, we can also provide mice proofing, which can prevent future mouse infestations.

Wasp nest pest control Balham

Wasp infestations are pretty common during the summer months in London and we typically receive increasing enquiries from customers from May onwards as this is the time when wasp nests become more actives. There are a few common places you might find a wasp nest in your home or business in London:

• fascia boards
• wall cavities
• air-bricks
• roof tiles
• garden sheds

We specialise in moth treatments in Balham

Did you know that wool carpets, some soft furnishings and clothing items contain Keratin? Common clothes moths feed off keratin and can cause havoc in your home. Have you ever noticed that a favourite item of clothing in your wardrobe is covered in lots of tiny holes? This is because moths lay their eggs on items containing keratin, subsequently the eggs feed off the keratin to grow. Damage to carpets and moth sightings are both signs that you may have a moth infestation. While moth infestation are most common in the summer, if you think you have an issue with moths at any time of the year, it is essential to seek the services of a professional pest control company. At Mercury pest control, we can promptly identify the root cause of the moth infestation, and work with you to eradicate it.

Mercury pest control is your number one choice for pest control in Balham

Whether you’re a local home owner in Balham, SW12 looking for a pest controller to deal with a domestic issue. Or you are a commercial company, such as a food business, restaurant or bar, looking to ensure you meet all relevant legislation, Mercury Pest Control is your number one choice. We have over 15 years experience providing professional pest control in Balham, SW12. If you think you have a problem with pests, give us a call today on 0208 166 5110.

The post Pest control Balham, SW12 appeared first on Mercury Pest Control.

Covid-19 lockdown presents all business owners with challenges. Recent government guidance states that all non-essential businesses should be closed. The British Pest Control Association (BPCA), states professional pest management is a critical service that supports public health. At Mercury Pest Control, we balance the risks of covid-19 against the risk of inadequate management of control and management of pest species. During this period, we can work with your business to keep it pest free, safely and securely. In this latest blog, we discuss some steps you can take as a business owner to remain pest free during covid-19 lockdown.

Maintain exceptional hygiene standards

Pests are often in search of their next source of sustenance! Mice can live off up to three grams of food per day. During covid-19 lockdown, empty businesses and reduced waste collections means more opportunity to source food-stuffs. It is therefore essential to maintain exceptional hygiene standards during this period:

• minimise the amount of foodstuffs kept on site: by reducing the frequency of food orders from your suppliers.
• keep all foodstuffs in sealed containers: which cannot be nibbled open by a pesky mouse in search of nutrition.
• deep cleaning: steam/deep cleaning of the premises will reduce risk of commercial pest issues, from mice, cockroaches and flies.
• be aware of the signs of infestations: so that you can take rapid action. Early signs of a mice infestation could be droppings, smearing marks or chewed kick-boards. Signs of a rat infestation include droppings, footprints or scratching noises.

Regular interval visits

Mice and rats do not like to be around humans! During covid-19 lockdown, your business may be empty. Empty businesses can be perfect nesting spots for pests. Where possible, it is important to regularly visit your business. Regularly visiting your business is important to identify any early signs of pest intrusion. Additionally, this could prevent pests from nesting in your property unknown for weeks on end. At Mercury Pest Control, our flexible commercial pest control contracts include regular detailed inspection visits of your site. As part of these visits our technicians can ensure all measures are in place to protect your business against pests during covid-19 lockdown.

Pest proof your business

All businesses closed during covid-19 lockdown should identify potential points for pest intrusion. Commercial pest proofing blocks off these entry points and protects against infestations. There are some key areas pests could enter your business:

• gaps under entrance doors: mice can squeeze through a space as small as a pencil! It is therefore important to cover these gaps, for example with draft excluders.
• external air-bricks: are a key entry point for mice, should be covered to prevent mice entering the site in search of a warm place to nest and sustenance.
• pipework: mice will especially use pipework to network around buildings, so proofing any gaps or holes around them will help prevent pest ingress.
• maintain regular pest control inspections: commercial pest control remains an essential service during covid-19 lockdown. It is therefore essential to work with your pest control contractor to maintain these inspections during this period to help monitor and control any activity.

Pest management contracts

Mercury Pest Control can work with your business during covid-19 lockdown to ensure it is pest free. The safety of your business and customers is our number one priority at Mercury Pest Control. Covid-19 lockdown presents business owners and commercial pest control with new challenges. Our professional pest controllers can work with you and your staff to ensure that your business will remain pest free during covid-19 lockdown. Our RSPH Level 2 qualified technicians work in line with BPCA guidelines to covid-19 secure pest control services. We have over 15 years experience in the pest control industry and significant experience working with business owners across London to ensure they remain pest free during covid-19 lockdown.

The post Keep your business pest free during covid-19 lockdown appeared first on Mercury Pest Control.

If you are after an effective and reliable local pest control service in Clapham, mercury pest control should be your number one choice. With over 15 years experience in domestic and commercial pest control services, we are the experts in our field. Whether you’ve got a wasps nest in your roof, mice in the kitchen, or you’ve opened a new bar in Clapham in need of a commercial pest control contract, we have got you covered. If you are looking for pest control in Clapham give us a call today on 0208 166 5110 to discuss how we can help you!

Finding a trusted pest control service in Clapham

Choosing a local pest control company can be a daunting task. With so many to choose, how do you know which one? Firstly, it is important to identify if they are a local business. Mercury pest control is a south west London based business, so when it comes to choosing local, we have you covered.  It’s also good to check accreditation, RSPH level two and BPCA are good places to start, as well as NPTA membership. These bodies assure the work of pest controllers to make sure standards are kept high. Finally, making sure your pest controller is reputable, so checking sites such as checkatrade and google reviews will give you a good insight to any recent work.

Mice exterminator Clapham

Mice can squeeze through a hole which is the width of a pencil. In the winter months, mice seek a warm place to live, meaning that your home, flat or business can be the perfect place for a mice to nest.  If you think you have mice, these are some of the early signs to look out for:

• Scratching in the walls
• Mice droppings
• Smearing marks
• Small holes in food packages that are left unsealed
• Crumbs around food production areas, i.e. where a mouse has chewed through a packet of food for sustenance.

At mercury pest control our pest controllers are experienced in providing specialist mice treatments for domestic and commercial customers.  As well as providing mice control treatments, we can also provide mice proofing, which can prevent future mouse infestations.

Rat treatments Clapham

Some people say that you are never more than six feet away from a rat. London’s drain and sewer network are an ideal location for rats to call their home. Rats can enter your property via several entry points, but one of the most common issues we see in Clapham homes is rats entering properties via external drains.  If you think you have rats in your Clapham home or business, these are some of the early signs to look out for:

• ammonia smells
• scratching in the walls
• rat droppings (which are slightly larger than mice droppings)

At mercury pest control, we undertake a thorough internal and external survey of your home or business before proceeding with a rat control treatment. This will include inspecting drains/manholes to identify any potential sources of activity.  If you think you have an issue with rats it is important to seek the services of a professional pest control company, such as Mercury pest control.

Squirrels treatments Clapham

Squirrels may look soft and fluffy but they can cause havoc in your home, they can enter your roof of loft extension by gnawing through fascia boards or finding a weak spot in your roof. Once squirrels have entered, they will usually try to nest there due to the warmth and ideal insulation lofts can provide! If squirrels are nesting in your roof, it’s likely that you’ll hear lots of noise as they run about playing. Not only do squirrels like to nest, their sharp teeth means they love to chew too! This can also present damage and a real hazard to your home. For example, they can chew through electric and water pipes in your property. Mercury pest control provides emergency squirrel control treatments in Clapham.

Wasp nest removal Clapham

There isn’t much worse than trying to enjoy a picnic in the garden during the summer months and a wasp comes along and wants to taste your sugary drink. Wasps are small but mighty. Dependent on their age wasps can be up to one inch in length, but can sting a human up to 17 times before meeting their fate. Wasps are more common during the summer months and can nest in some surprising places within your home or garden. There are some common places to look if you think you may have a wasp infestation. Here are some common places we have identified wasps nests:

• fascia boards
• wall cavities
• air-bricks
• roof tiles
• garden sheds

Mercury pest control provides emergency wasp nest removal services in Clapham. Our expert technicians offer a rapid and effective response for wasps nests, dealing with them safely and effectively and ensuring you are free from the risk of a nasty wasp sting.

We specialise in moth treatments in Clapham

Did you know that wool carpets, some soft furnishings and clothing items contain Keratin? Common clothes moths feed off keratin and can cause havoc in your home. Have you ever noticed that a favourite item of clothing in your wardrobe is covered in lots of tiny holes? This is because moths lay their eggs on items containing keratin, subsequently the eggs feed off the keratin to grow. Damage to carpets and moth sightings are both signs that you may have a moth infestation. While moth infestation are most common in the summer, if you think you have an issue with moths at any time of the year, it is essential to seek the services of a professional pest control company. At Mercury pest control, we can promptly identify the root cause of the moth infestation, and work with you to eradicate it.

If you are a business based in Clapham, a commercial pest control contract is essential

If you are a Wandsworth business, working with a local pest control company can be key to your success. For example, if you own a cafe or restaurant, a specialist approach to pest control can ensure you receive a five star hygiene rating. In addition to this, if you are a food production company, a structured approach to pest management can prevent any pests entering your business from the supply chain. Finally, as a property manager or landlord, securing the services of a pest control company can reduce your stress and keep your tenants happy! At Mercury pest control, we have significant experience working with a range of commercial customers in Clapham to ensure they meet business guidelines and legislation.

Mercury pest control is your number one choice for pest control in Clapham

Whether you’re a local home owner in Clapham, SW4 looking for a pest controller to deal with a domestic issue. Or you are a commercial company, such as a food business, restaurant or bar, looking to ensure you meet all relevant legislation, Mercury Pest Control is your number one choice. We have over 15 years experience providing professional pest control in Clapham, SW4. If you think you have a problem with pests, give us a call today on 0208 166 5110.

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Did you know that the larvae of the carpet beetle is known as a woolly bear? Carpet beetles are a small and oval shaped textile insect which can cause damage to your property. Similar to common clothes moths, they feed on natural fabrics, such as wool, fur and cashmere. In our latest blog we explore how you can identify if you have a carpet beetle infestation. We also discuss how to prevent and eradicate carpet beetles and the specialist carpet beetle treatments we provide. If you think you have carpet beetles, why not give us a ring today on 02081665110 to discuss our professional carpet beetle removal service.

Where do carpet beetles live?

Contrary to popular belief, carpet beetles do not just live in carpets! Carpet beetle larvae, known as ‘woolly bear’ feed off woollen items of furniture and clothing. Examples include rugs, soft-furnishings, mattresses and fur clothes. The first step of carpet beetle removal is to identify if you have an infestation. If you think you have carpet beetles in your home or business, here are some areas to investigate:

• the loft: a perfect breeding ground for carpet beetles as it is dark. We are all guilty of storing items in the loft which get forgotten about. If you have off-cuts of carpet or rugs in the loft, it is advisable to inspect these regularly for signs of infestation.
• bedroom: there are several areas within the bedroom where carpet beetles can breed. Carpet beetle larvae feed off wool, which is commonly found in carpet. If you have items of clothing made from wool or cashmere stored in your wardrobe, the larvae could also be found in these items. Therefore, it is advisable to regularly inspect these for signs of infestation, such as small holes found on clothing.
• the living room: include several items where the carpet beetle can live. Cashmere throws and rugs feel beautifully soft, but they are a source of nutrition for carpet beetle larvae. Many London homes we inspect for carpet beetle removal will also have a piano, which can be a common place for carpet beetles to live due to the felt.
• old bird’s nests: larvae can feed off bird’s feathers. Bird’s nests are commonly found in trees within your garden, but they can also be found on the roof of your home or business. A thorough approach to carpet beetle removal will inspect the interior and exterior of your home to identify sources of infestation.

Carpet beetle bites

An extremely common misconception is that carpet beetles bite. Some customers can often contact us for a bed bug treatment when it is in fact a carpet beetle treatment that they require. This is because the fine hairs on the carpet beetle larvae, which are known as ‘woolly bears’, can cause an allergic reaction in some people. One way in which the body can react to the ‘woolly bears’ is for the skin to develop welts. These welts can be commonly mis-diagnosed as bed bug bites. The bristles from the larvae can also enter the air within people’s homes and can cause respiratory problems, such as difficulty breathing. Professional carpet beetle treatments will remove the larvae and the beetles and prevent allergic reactions. Therefore, if you think you have carpet beetles, contact us today to discuss our professional carpet beetle treatments.

How can I prevent carpet beetles infestations?

As with many common pests, exceptional hygiene standards can prevent carpet beetle infestations. Here are some top tips for preventing carpet beetles in your home or business:

• de-clutter your loft: which are dark and untouched can attract a carpet beetle infestation. Following a home renovation, it is common for people to store of f-cuts of carpet in their loft. We would advise against this as a way to prevent carpet beetle infestations.
• regularly sort through clothes in your wardrobe: particularly those which contain keratin. A key sign to look out for is small holes in your clothes where the larvae have fed off the keratin. Regularly sorting through these items is a sure way to spot this early sign of a carpet beetle infestation. A common misconception is that the small holes are cause by moths. However, there are different signs to look out for if you think you have a moth infestation. 
• dry clean cashmere or woollen items: regular dry cleaning of cashmere or woollen items can prevent carpet beetle infestations. Often when we complete a carpet beetle treatment, we will recommend our customers dry clean these items and store them in vacuum packed bags to prevent further infestations.
• vacuum: regular vacuuming can pick up debris, as well as the carpet beetles, eggs and larvae. Therefore, if you have an existing carpet beetle infestation, then using a small-nozzle vacuum cleaner can pick up traces of the carpet beetles in the small crevices in your carpet.

Mercury Pest Control provides professional carpet beetle treatments in London

At Mercury Pest Control, we have over 15 years experience of providing professional pest control services in London. We can provide rapid carpet beetle treatments for domestic and commercial customers in London. That means, whether you’re a London home-owner who’s identified carpet beetles in your loft or your an antique dealer with taxidermy in the window – we are are here to help! Contact us for a quote or call us on 0208 166 5110 to discuss our professional carpet beetle treatments.

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It’s very common for Mercury Pest Control to receive calls from customers complaining of mice in the walls at home. An early sign of mice in your home could be the sound of scratching or gnawing in the walls, which can be a nightmare when trying to sleep at night. There are a number of preventative measures you can look out for and take to stop mice entering your home. If you think you have a mice infestation in your home, contact us today or call us on 0208 166 5110 to discuss how we can help you.

How to tell if you have mice in your home

There are some tell tail signs to look out for if you think you have mice in your walls:

• gnawing sounds coming from wall cavities: mice need to constantly gnaw and sharpen their teeth down to prevent them growing too long.
• mice droppings: which are brown/ black and typically the size of a grain of rice. It is worthwhile checking under kitchen units, under utility room cupboards (i.e. boiler and gas) and close to internal pipework for mice droppings.
• smells: an off-putting smell can from the walls can be an indication that you have a mice infestation. For example, this smell could be a decaying rodent in the walls.
• smear marks: these are black oily marks left behind by mice. Smear marks can typically be found around entry points. For example, under the dishwasher kick-board, see here for further information .
• electrics not working: spotlight not working? Mice can often gnaw through electrical cables in your home which will lead to lights not working. This alongside one of the above can usually confirm you need to take action.

Speak to your neighbours

Once you have established that you have mice in your home, it is advisable speak to your neighbours. Speaking to your neighbours can help identify the source of the problem. Mice can enter your home via different routes dependent on the type of property you live in:

• blocks of flats: if you live in a top floor apartment or flat, mice could be entering your home from a ground floor flat. Alternatively, if you hear mice in your ceiling, it could be that your upstairs neighbour has mice in their kitchen.
• flat above a restaurant or food establishment: mice are attracted to where they can find sources of food. Therefore, if you live in a flat above a restaurant or pub and you think you have a problem with mice, it is advisable to speak with the owners to see if they are having issues too and what action is being taken.
• terraced houses: mice can move between terraced homes. If you have mice in your home it would be worthwhile speaking with neighbours on both sides to establish if they also have an issue.

Tips for preventing mice in your home

As they say prevention is always better than cure. There are a number of steps you can take to prevent mice entering your home:

1. maintaining exceptional hygiene standards is imperative: especially in food preparation areas. You should avoid leaving dishes out over night and regularly empty and disinfect your bins.
2. use sealed containers for food storage: mice can live off as little as 3mg of food per day. You won’t be surprised to hear that mice can chew through cardboard boxes and thin plastic containers. Therefore, it is vital that you store all foodstuffs in your home in airtight containers which mice cannot chew through.
3. store your toaster in a cupboard on an evening: this is because mice are small enough to climb into your toaster. Therefore if you are experiencing problems with mice it is important to put your toaster away on an evening to stop mice climbing into it in search of breadcrumbs and seeds.
4. don’t leave pet food out at night: dog and cat food left out can be another source of food mice in your home. If you have pets, put their food bowls away on an evening, and store their food in sealed containers.
5. avoid the use of bird feeders in the garden: while we know the sound of birds singing in the garden on a morning is a serene sound, don’t forget that bird feeders can be attractive for mice and rats, especially in cities such as London.

Pest proof your home

Mice are small versatile creatures and will seek to enter your home via the smallest spaces. Internal and external pest proofing can reduce the opportunities for mice to enter your home. Pest proofing is especially important during the winter months as mice seek out a warm place to nest.

1. install draft excluders on external doors: mice can squeeze through gaps as small as a pencil. Installing a draft excluder on all external doors can reduce the opportunity for mice to enter your home via the front door.
2. cover air bricks with mesh grills: mice are attracted to hot air from external walls. Pest proofing air bricks can stop mice entering your home via these small external holes in the walls.
3. seal gaps around pipe work: mice will use pipes and wiring to network around your home. Therefore, sealing small gaps around pipes can reduce the opportunity for mice to move around within your home.
4. ensure external bins have sealed lids: as we mentioned above mice will go to any lengths in search of food. It is therefore important to ensure that all external bins have a sealed lid.

Mercury Pest Control has significant experience dealing with mice in walls

At Mercury Pest Control we have over 15 years experience providing pest control services in London. For domestic and commercial customers we provide detailed inspection and treatment reports to identify the source of the mice infestations. We use specialist products to eradicate the problem and will provide recommendations for internal and external pest proofing when necessary. If you have mice in your home, why not call us today on 0208 166 5110.

The post Mice in walls appeared first on Mercury Pest Control.

Mercury pest control specialises in pest control in Wandsworth, SW18 London. Whether you’ve spotted a mouse, can hear a rat in the walls, or have opened a new restaurant in SW18 and looking to excel in your food hygiene inspections, we have got you covered. If you are looking for pest control SW18 call us on 0208 166 5110 to see how we can help you!

Choosing pest control near me SW18

Choosing a local pest control company can be a daunting task. With so many to choose, how do you know which one? Firstly, it is important to identify if they are a local business. Mercury pest control is a Wandsworth based business, so when it comes to choosing local, we have you covered.  It’s also good to check accreditation, RSPH level two and BPCA are good places to start, as well as NPTA membership. These bodies assure the work of pest controllers to make sure standards are kept high. Finally, making sure your pest controller is reputable, so checking sites such as checkatrade and google reviews will give you a good insight to any recent work.

Mice exterminator Wandsworth

Did you know that mice can survive of less than three grams of food a day? Did you also know that mice can squeeze through a hole which is the width of a pencil. In the winter months, mice seek a warm place to live, meaning that your home, flat or business can be the perfect place for a mice to nest. Scratching in the walls, mice droppings or smearing marks are some of the early signs that you may have a mice infestation in your home or business. At Mercury pest control our pest controllers are experienced in providing specialist mice treatments for domestic and commercial customers. Not only do we provide mice control treatments, we can also provide pest proofing services, which can prevent future issues.

Rat exterminator near me Wandsworth

Some people say that you are never more than six foot away from a rat. London’s drain and sewer network are an ideal location for rats to call their home. Rats can enter your property via several entry points, but one of the most common issues we see in Wandsworth homes is rats entering properties via external drains. For this reason, it is essential that any rat control treatments undertake thorough internal and external inspections of your property to identify the root cause of the issue. Ammonia smells, blocked drains and scratching under the floorboards are all signs of a rat infestation. If you think you have an issue with rats it is important to seek the services of a professional pest control company, such as Mercury pest control.

Moth treatments Wandsworth

Did you know that wool carpets, soft furnishings and clothing items all contain Keratin? Common clothes moths feed off keratin and can cause havoc in your home. Have you ever noticed that a favourite item of clothing in your wardrobe is covered in lots of tiny holes? This is because moths lay their eggs on items containing keratin, subsequently the eggs feed off the keratin to grow. Damage to carpets and moth sightings are both signs that you may have a moth infestation. While moth infestation are most common in the summer, if you think you have an issue with moths at any time of the year, it is essential to seek the services of a professional pest control company. At Mercury pest control, we can promptly identify the root cause of the moth infestation, and work with you to eradicate it.

Commercial pest control Wandsworth

If you are a Wandsworth business, working with a local pest control company can be key to your success. For example, if you own a cafe or restaurant, a specialist approach to pest control can ensure you receive a five star hygiene rating. In addition to this, if you are a food production company, a structured approach to pest management can prevent any pests entering your business from the supply chain. Finally, as a property manager or landlord, securing the services of a pest control company can reduce your stress and keep your tenants happy! At Mercury pest control, we have significant experience working with a range of commercial customers in Wandsworth to ensure they meet business guidelines and legislation.

Mercury pest control is your number one choice for pest control in Wandsworth, SW18

Whether you’re a local home owner in Wandsworth, SW18 looking for a pest controller to deal with a domestic issue. Or you are a commercial company, such as a food business, restaurant or bar, looking to ensure you meet all relevant legislation, Mercury Pest Control is your number one choice. We have over 15 years experience providing professional pest control in Wandsworth, SW18. If you think you have a problem with pests, give us a call today on 0208 166 5110.

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If you are a property management company or a landlord, professional pest control is an essential service. The thought of dealing with pest issues can be daunting and stressful. Mercury Pest Control provides emergency pest control London, block management pest control and pest proofing. From rat control treatments in Wandsworth to moth treatments in Chelsea, we have got you covered.If you are a property manager or landlord contact us today to discuss your needs.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DEALING WITH PEST INFESTATIONS WHEN RENTING

People will often ask: who is responsible for dealing with pest infestations when renting? Unfortunately, the answer to this question is not always clear-cut. As set out in the tenancy agreement, tenants have a duty to maintain good hygiene standards. Tenants must also be aware of the risk of pests entering their rental property. For example, bed bugs or common clothes moths can enter a property on personal items. Landlords however, have an obligation to deal with pest issues that arise from previous tenants, as well as addressing pest intrusions that arise from building issues. For example, if a rat was to enter the property via drains, (information about rats in drains can be found here), if mice enter via external brick work or there are squirrel infestations in a loft space. Ultimately, all parties have their role to play in preventing, acting on and dealing with pest issues.

EMERGENCY PEST CONTROL SERVICES WILL TAKE YOUR STRESS AWAY

Rats and mice infestations can be extremely distressing for tenants, especially when a sighting occurs out of the blue. It is essential that emergency pest control is responsive and effective to reduce stress. Mercury Pest Control has substantial experience providing emergency pest control in London. From the moment you request our services, we will contact the tenants to arrange a pest control treatment. Whether there’s a rat trapped in a bin cupboard, or there’s mice in the bread bin, Mercury Pest Control will provide rapid pest control services. We have significant experience working with distressed customers, and know how important it is to reassure them they are in safe hands!

CLEAR REPORTING FOR LANDLORDS AND PROPERTY MANAGERS IS ESSENTIAL

As a property manager or landlord the thought of dealing with pest problems in rental properties can be daunting. For this reason, detailed pest management reports are essential. Pest management reports can highlight issues within the property, such as poor hygiene and can provide recommendations to prevent future issues. Detailed pest management reports with photos improve lines of communication between property managers and landlords. We provide detailed reports identifying the source of pest issues in rental properties and recommendations for preventative measures.

PEST CONTROL CONTRACTS FOR BLOCKS OF FLATS

There are several entry points for pests in blocks of flats. For example, mice can enter via car parks, loading bays and plant rooms. In addition to this, pests can travel within the network of a building via pipe-work and wiring in riser cupboards. Refuge areas can provide food sources for mice and boiler cupboards are also potential nesting locations for german/oriental cockroaches and pharaoh ants. In order to retain a pest free environment it therefore essential to have a block management contract in place. Block management contracts provide regular pest control services to ensure that all areas are pest free. At Mercury Pest Control we provide a comprehensive block management pest control service which can be tailored to the needs of your building.

PEST PROOFING FOR RENTAL PROPERTIES IS ESSENTIAL 

As identified above, there are several potential points for pests to enter a property. For example, air-bricks are an ideal entry point for mice,and drains can succumb to a rat infestation. Therefore, as a property manager or landlord it is essential to pest proof your housing portfolio to prevent pest issues. Following our initial visit to the rental property, Mercury Pest Control will provide detailed pest prevention recommendations. For example, stainless steel grills for air bricks or internal pest proofing to prevent mice. Similarly, we can install rat prevention systems for the drain network, for further detail see our rats in drains blog.

MERCURY PEST CONTROL PROVIDES A RANGE OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT PEST SOLUTIONS

From mice treatments in Clapham, to carpet beetles in Balham, whether you are a property management company or landlord we have got you covered. Mercury Pest Control has significant experience working with property managers and landlords in London to provide tailored pest control solutions. We provide rapid control measures which address pest issues effectively and ultimately reduce stress for both landlords and tenants. Contact us today to discuss your property management pest control needs.

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To comply with hygiene legislation all businesses operating in the food industry should have effective pest management. Mercury Pest Control’s systems are regularly audited against third party audit standards, including the British Retail Consortium, SALSA and the Soil Association. Mercury Pest Control is also compliant with supermarket audit standards, including: Tesco; Aldi; Co-operative; Waitrose and Marks and Spencer, as well as AIB international and International Food Quality (IFQ). Mercury Pest Control specialises in food production pest control. If you are a food production company, contact us today to discuss how we can support you.

Pest control in the food industry is a legal requirement

Pests can carry diseases which can be a serious threat to public health. Food production companies are legally obliged to produce food which is safe for human consumption, and free from pests and disease. Therefore, if you are a food production company, pest control is a legal requirement. Complying with the Good Manufacturing Practices for food businesses can support effective pest management. Employing a systematic preventative approach such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) to food safety can also prevent pest infestations. Ultimately, working alongside a commercial pest control company, such as Mercury Pest Control can be a solid foundation for exceptional food hygiene.

Preventing pest infestations from supply
chains

There is always a high risk of pests unknowingly entering a food business from the supply chain. An example is where pests breach via food packaging or products from external businesses, e.g. Stored product insects (SPI). However, this threat can minimised by due diligence, such as checking products and packaging on arrival. At Mercury Pest Control we can also provide pest manuals and training for staff to support identification of potential pest issues from supply chains.

Pest awareness training for staff is essential

Staff should have basic pest awareness training for exceptional food safety. Training will support identification of pest issues throughout the food business. An example of this is where pest issues can arise in storage areas. It is imperative that staff are aware of the basic signs of pest activity such as mice and rats, flour beetles, pantry moths and german cockroaches. As a result of pest awareness training, staff will be more confident in identifying early warning signs of pest activity and can report issues to us. At Mercury Pest Control we can provide comprehensive pest awareness training.

Clean your way to exceptional food hygiene standards

Combining effective pest management in addition to cleaning is the bricks and mortar of pest prevention in the food industry. In contrast, pest management is not sufficient without a structured approach to cleaning. A zero tolerance to poor hygiene is essential to prevent pest infestations on-site. In particular, regular deep cleans, spot checks and adequate flooring can all support excellent food hygiene standards. In addition, you can prevent drain flies and gnats by jet washing the drainage network and regular pipework cleaning. At Mercury Pest Control our regular inspections will identify any poor cleaning practices, and provide recommendations for action to improve food hygiene, where necessary.

Prevention is better than cure

Pest proofing forms a key part of effective pest management. Pest ingress is sometimes inevitable. However, Mercury Pest Control can complete a detailed survey to identify any potential ingress points and options for pest prevention. A common issue we identify is gaps under doors where rats and mice can enter the site. Examples of the pest proofing services we provide include proofing air bricks, doors and pipework and other nooks and crannies which may present risk. We can also provide external monitoring to control rats and mice entering the site.

Commercial Pest Control from Mercury Pest Control

At Mercury Pest Control we have cross-industry expertise, including domestic households, restaurants, hotels, pubs, farms and florists. Our pest controllers all hold a minimum RSPH level two and are experts in providing pest control for the food production industry. In addition, our in house technical team is experienced in developing bespoke solutions to meet pest and audit requirements for a range of food production companies, including: bakeries; canneries; mills; breweries; and fruit and vegetable production and packaging. We recognise the importance of working closely with our customers to develop strong relationships to support exceptional audit results. Our structured reporting systems will ensure that your food business complies with all legislation.

Contact us to discuss your pest control requirements.

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London’s sewer network is vast and spans more than 100 miles, therefore it is an ideal harbourage location for the thousands of rats in London. During the covid-19 lockdown, there was a reduction in waste collections and pest control services in London. As a result, Mercury Pest Control saw a significant increase in emergency pest control callouts for domestic rat control in London. From our local borough of Wandsworth to Westminster, central London there’s not an area rats haven’t been breaching our drains. If you think you have rats in your drains contact us today for a free consultation 

Signs of rats in drains

• Blocked drains
• Sewage smell
• Dead rat in drain pipe
• Overflowing rain gully’s
• Gnawing and squealing in wall cavities
• Drain flies
• Rat droppings and ammonia smells
• Gnawed flexi pipes at the back of your toilet
• Leaking pipes

Common questions about rats in London’s drain network

Who is responsible for rats in drains?
We all have our role to play in preventing rats in drains in London. For example, if the rats are a result of a defect or blockage in your drain then any repairs or rat control treatments are your responsibility. On the other hand, the issue could be with a main sewer or a shared drainage system. If this is the case, Thames Water is responsible for dealing with any repairs and will ensure that baiting is conducted. See the Thames Water website for further information.

How can I prevent rats in my drains?
Rats in London can travel between buildings via the interconnected drain network. There are some proactive actions you can take to prevent rats entering your drains:

• • Pest survey to identify any rats in your drains and install preventative measures
  • Drain survey before purchasing a property
  • Replacing plastic rain gully covers with cast iron covers, see picture for an example of a rain gully gnawed by a rat
  • Sealing off redundant pipes

How long will it take to eradicate rats in my drains?
Eradicating a rat infestation is not always a quick fix, for example it depends on the size and the scale of the problem and of course, how long it has been an issue. On average our rat treatments consist of 3 – 4 visits over the course of 2- 3 weeks.

Are your methods safe for children and pets?
Yes, your safety is our number one priority and a full risk and COSHH assessment will be carried out upon our initial visit. All traps will be safely applied out of reach to any children and pets onsite.

Will I get bad smells from the rat treatment?
Many rat control treatments which are focussed on applying a significant amount of rodenticide on the first visit can result in bad smells as a result of deceased rats in wall cavities and inaccessible locations. At Mercury Pest Control we do not believe in applying rodenticide in homes on the first visit without using traps first. Our tried and tested approaches to rat control will eradicate rat issues in your home or business with minimal risk of smell.

Can rats climb up a toilet?
It is possible for rats to climb up a toilet but it is not as common as you may think! Rats will prefer to gain entry underneath a property, or in wall cavities.

Can I get rats in my drains if I live in a new build property?
Yes, rats can enter most properties. New build properties often have plastic pipework which can be easily gnawed.

Can I get rats in my drains if I am living in an upstairs flat?
Rats are less common in upstairs flats, however they can climb up pipes and for that reason they can enter drains in an upstairs flat.

At Mercury Pest control we offer a professional pest service to get rid of rats in your drain

• • Monitoring and control of drainage network
  • Rat control treatments and expert trapping methods
  • Detailed treatment reporting
  • Expert pest consultancy
  • Long-term solutions

If you think you have rats in your property in London, contact us today for a free consultation

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