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Humane Pest Control

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 21:23:59 GMT

Humane Pest Control: Why It Matters and How We Do It

Nobody wants pests in their home or business, but the way we deal with them is just as important as getting rid of them. Humane pest control puts people, the environment, and local wildlife first. At Command Pest Control, we’ve spent over 35 years using smarter, kinder approaches to pest problems across the eastern counties.

What’s Humane Pest Control?

Humane pest control means choosing solutions that work without unnecessary harm—starting with prevention and focusing only on the pest. Instead of jumping straight to harsh chemicals, we look at what’s really causing trouble, block entry points, and use targeted, responsible methods.

Why Choose a Humane Approach?

Protecting Wildlife: Traditional chemicals and poisons can harm pets, birds, or helpful insects. Our careful methods only affect the pest, not anything else.
Caring for the Environment: Aggressive treatments can pollute soil and water. We stick to strict standards and use eco-friendly options whenever possible.
Keeping People Safe: Family, staff, and customers come first. Our focus on low-toxicity methods and our DBS-checked team mean you can trust us, even in sensitive places.
Meeting High Standards: We help businesses meet certification requirements like BRC, Red Tractor, and ACCS, always tailoring our solutions to your needs.

How Do We Do It?

Every job starts with a thorough inspection—we check for pests, entry points, and what’s attracting them. From there, we tailor solutions that fit your home, farm, or business.

Proofing: Sealing gaps, fitting mesh, and offering advice so pests can’t get in.
Targeted Treatments: Using modern, humane traps, biological controls, and careful insect or bird proofing—always with an eye on the environment.
Knowledge: Our trained team, including a Chartered Biologist/Entomologist, means we’re equipped for any pest, big or small.

Responsible Pest Control You Can Trust

You shouldn’t have to choose between sorting out a pest problem and doing the right thing by the planet or local wildlife. With the right know-how, you can sort infestations efficiently, humanely, and responsibly. That’s what Command Pest Control is all about. After more than three decades on the job, we know how to help homes and businesses get the results they want without compromising their values.

Got unwelcome visitors and want a pest control service you can feel good about? We’re here for you. Give Command Pest Control a call today for a responsible and effective solution to your pest problems.

The Role of Grain Fumigation in Protecting Your Harvest

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 19:11:53 GMT

The Role of Grain Fumigation in Protecting Your Harvest

A successful harvest is the culmination of months of hard work, investment, and dedication. Yet, the work is not over once the crop is brought in from the field. Protecting your stored grain from pests is a critical final step to secure its value and quality. Grain fumigation is a powerful tool in your arsenal, providing an effective defense against insects that can devastate your yield and profitability.

Understanding the role of grain fumigation is essential for any farmer or agricultural professional. This process helps prevent financial losses, ensures your produce meets strict quality standards, and upholds food safety.

The Importance of Preventing Pest Infestations

Pest infestations in stored grain can lead to significant problems that directly impact your bottom line. Stored product insects (SPIs), such as grain weevils, saw-toothed grain beetles, and flour mites, are not just a nuisance; they are a direct threat to your business.

Protecting Your Financial Investment

Insects can cause substantial quantitative and qualitative losses. They consume grain, reducing the overall weight and volume you have to sell. A single weevil can lay hundreds of eggs, and a small, unchecked population can quickly multiply, leading to tonnes of lost product. This direct loss of yield translates into a direct loss of revenue.

Maintaining Grain Quality and Grade

Beyond just eating the grain, pests cause significant quality degradation. Their feeding activity creates dust and broken kernels, known as 'fines', which can lead to a downgrading of your crop and a lower price at market. The metabolic activity of insects also generates heat and moisture, creating 'hot spots' within the grain store. These conditions promote mould growth, caking, and musty odours, further diminishing the grain's quality.

Ensuring Compliance and Market Access

Many grain buyers, from millers to exporters, have zero tolerance for live pests. The presence of even a single insect can result in the rejection of an entire lorry load. This not only costs you the sale but can also damage your reputation as a reliable supplier. Effective fumigation ensures your grain meets these stringent industry standards, securing your access to premium markets.

Notice Early Signs of an Infestation?

Contact Us Today to Request a Service

Protecting your stored grain is just as important as growing a healthy crop. Grain fumigation serves as a critical line of defense against the devastating impact of pest infestations. By preventing losses, maintaining quality, and ensuring market compliance, it directly protects your profitability and business reputation.

When used as part of a comprehensive storage strategy that includes diligent cleaning, temperature control, and regular monitoring, fumigation is an invaluable tool. Always prioritise safety and compliance by working with certified professionals. For 35+ years, Command Pest Control Ltd has been the go-to provider of reliable grain fumigation, pre-harvest, and post-harvest solutions for farmers and commercial clients across Ipswich, Sudbury, Norwich, and the entire Norfolk and Suffolk counties.

Whether you need urgent treatment for an active infestation or a preventative strategy to safeguard your stores, our team has the tools and expertise to help. Contact us today to schedule a survey and request a quote on your fumigation service.

Common Pests to Look Out for In the Fall

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 15:54:29 GMT

Why Do Pests Invade in the Autumn?

As the leaves begin to turn and a chill enters the air, we start spending more time indoors, cosying up for the colder months. Unfortunately, we’re not the only ones with this idea. Autumn is a prime time for various pests to seek shelter, warmth, and food inside our homes. The shift from summer to autumn signals a change in the behaviour of many animals and insects. As temperatures drop and natural food sources become scarce, pests begin their search for a safe place to overwinter. Our homes provide the perfect environment: consistent warmth, protection from the elements, and a reliable supply of food and water.

Small gaps in brickwork, cracks around windows, or vents can all serve as an open invitation. Once inside, these unwelcome guests can cause damage, contaminate food, and in some cases, pose health risks.

Knowing what to look for can help you prevent a small nuisance from becoming a major infestation.

Rodents (Mice and Rats)

Perhaps the most notorious of autumn invaders, rats and mice are experts at finding their way indoors. A mouse can squeeze through a hole the size of a biro, and a young rat can get through a gap no bigger than a 10p coin.

Why they are a problem:

Damage: They constantly gnaw on materials to keep their teeth trim, which can include electrical wires, wood, and plastic pipes. This creates a serious fire hazard and can lead to costly repairs.

Health Risks: Rodents carry diseases like Salmonella and Weil's disease, which can be transmitted through their droppings, urine, and saliva.

Contamination: They will raid your cupboards and pantries, contaminating food and surfaces as they go.

Signs of an infestation: You might hear scratching noises in walls or ceilings, find small, dark droppings, or notice gnaw marks on furniture and packaging. A distinct ammonia-like smell can also indicate their presence.

Spiders

While most spiders in the UK are harmless, autumn is their mating season. This is when you are most likely to see large house spiders moving about as males leave their webs in search of a female. They are often found in corners, sheds, and garages.

Why they are a problem:

Fear and Phobia: For many people, the primary issue with spiders is the fear they provoke. A sudden appearance can be quite alarming.

Webs: While not damaging, an abundance of webs can make a home feel unkempt and dirty.

Signs of an infestation: The most obvious sign is an increase in the number of spiders you see, along with a build-up of cobwebs in corners, around windows, and in undisturbed areas.

Cluster Flies

Unlike common houseflies, cluster flies do not breed indoors. Instead, they enter buildings in large numbers during the autumn to hibernate. They are often found clustering together in sun-facing attics, lofts, and wall voids, seeking warmth.

Why they are a problem:

Nuisance: While they don't pose a health risk, their sheer numbers can be a significant nuisance. On warmer days, they may emerge from their hiding spots and buzz around windows.

Staining: Their droppings can leave small dark spots on walls and window frames.

Signs of an infestation: The main sign is a large number of sluggish flies gathering around windows, particularly in upper rooms of the house. You might also notice a sickly, sweet smell in heavily infested areas.

Wasps

As autumn progresses, wasp colonies begin to break down. The queen will seek a sheltered spot to overwinter, such as in a loft, shed, or wall cavity. While the workers will eventually die off, a queen that successfully hibernates in your home can start a new nest nearby the following spring.

Why they are a problem:

Aggressive Behaviour: Late-season wasps can become more aggressive as they search for sweet foods, increasing the risk of stings.

Future Nests: An overwintering queen can lead to a new, larger problem in the spring.

Signs of a problem: Seeing a large number of wasps around your property, especially near potential entry points like eaves or air bricks, can be a warning sign. Finding a queen indoors is a clear indicator she is looking for a place to hibernate.

Notice Early Signs of an Infestation?

Contact Us Today to Request a Service

If you suspect you have an infestation, it's important to act quickly. While some minor issues, like a few spiders, can be managed on your own, larger problems often require professional help. For rodents, wasps, or cluster flies, contacting a certified pest control service is the safest and most effective solution. A professional can correctly identify the pest, assess the extent of the problem, and implement a targeted treatment plan to remove them and prevent their return. At Command Pest Control Ltd, we have over 35 years of experience providing pest, rodent, and insect control to commercial and domestic properties in Ipswich, Sudbury, Norwich, and the entire Norfolk and Suffolk counties.

Don't let uninvited guests spoil your autumn. By taking preventative measures, you can ensure your home remains a peaceful, pest-free sanctuary throughout the season. In the event you notice pests finding their way into your home, don’t wait. Enquire with us today to request a service.

Mink Control

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 09:36:31 GMT

Pest Control - Mink Removal Services

Mink are an invasive, non-native species and can cause significant damage to UK ecosystems. These amphibious creatures are typically found along rivers and coastal areas. Without the proper form of support, it can prove quite difficult to eliminate your mink issue. Thankfully, our wildlife management team are skilled and will use clay tracking cartridges, rafts, and traps to humanely control the population and preserve our native species from this predator.

Be sure to browse the following gallery to view our pest control professionals in action. As always, you're welcome to contact our certified team to learn more about our mink removal services. We provide dedicated assistance across Ipswich, Sudbury, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex, ensuring the ultimate satisfaction of our local clients.

View Our Pest Control Team in Action

How we helped with a Mole Issue

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 10:15:24 GMT

Pest Control in Essex - Moles

We are delighted that our team could assist with customer with their mole issue. Moles do cause considerable damage to fields and gardens and can quickly establish themselves. Jack did a wonderful job in explaining a moles behaviour which the customer really appreciated & swiftly resolved their issue.

“I called command as I have an ever-increasing mole issue year on year & this time, they have been relentless. What started with mole hills in runs under fencing has quickly spread to hills all over the fields, so I had to take action to get something done. Upon speaking to Command’s office, Jack called me back. He listened to the issue and explained how Moles worked. He said they could tunnel up to 4 metres an hour and would create complex burrowing systems. He also advised me that they could be attracted to areas which are insect rich as most of their diet will consist of earth worms – which I could relate to! Jack offered me advice on how the treatments could be done with using gas or traps. Due to having livestock close and the large number of hills, it was decided to move the livestock to another field and then trap the moles. This worked really well, and we were soon catching! Jack kept calling back to ensure the traps were emptied. Since the treatment, we have had no more re-occurrences and are extremely happy with everything which was done. I will defiantly be recommending this service”.

If you have an issue with Moles in your garden or your Commercial Property, please get in touch with our local team at Command Pest Control .

Rented Property - Rodent Control

Sat, 28 May 2022 10:15:00 GMT

Small Rodents in Rented House, in Sudbury, Suffolk

Here at Command Pest Control, we offer a wide range of services including help for landlords and rented properties. We are really pleased to see that our team have offered outstanding customer service, and we have another happy customer.

"Command have really gone above and beyond.

I called command on Thursday as a property I let had a mice issue inside. A spoke to a lady in their service team who advised she would raise a request for a technician to attend and that they would call me and arrange a time.

In less than 30 minutes I had a call from Paul who said he would be passing the house in the early afternoon and would call in for me.

Paul attended just after lunch and was extremely friendly and helpful. I wasn’t on site to see him, but he called me direct to let me know the outcome which I thought was excellent service and above what I have seen with other companies.

He sent me a couple of pictures showing me where the mice had come in and gave me some pointers in how to get the repairs done.

From start to finish it was seamless and I cannot thank Paul enough for his help."

The Royal Warrant

Thu, 05 May 2022 11:56:59 GMT

The Royal Warrant

A Royal Warrant of Appointment dates back to the 15 ^th century and is granted as a mark of recognition to people or companies who have regularly supplied goods or services to HM The Queen, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh or HRH The Prince of Wales or their Households. It takes at least five years of supplying goods or services to the member of the Royal Family before a company is eligible to have its application considered for recommendation.

There are currently around 800 companies in the UK who are Royal Warrant holders, of which less than 10 of which are in Suffolk, with Command Pest Control being the only pest control company in the area to hold this. We are extremely proud to obtain the royal warrant, and it reflects the excellent standards which we provide to all our customers.

Rabbit Case Study

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 14:10:11 GMT

Rabbit Control Case Study within Suffolk

We recently completed visited this client within Suffolk, who had a long tern issue with rabbits, and were delighted to receive the following feedback:
"I called Command on Monday morning following a weekend of relentless rabbits on our gardens and paddocks.

I received a call back from a gentleman called Matt within an hour. Matt told me he was their wildlife manager and asked me some questions about what I had seen.

He pulled up an aerial image on his phone of my property whilst speaking to me which made it very easy for both of us to understand what was happening.

Matt kindly arranged a safety check and assessment on site the next day and let me know he would arrange an events number from the police.

We agreed a night shoot as he felt this would be more successful which it was.

I am incredibly pleased with the service provided by Matt and the rest of the team and will certainly call if I get any more problems."

We were really happy to help this client with their issue with rabbits. Our team ensured that the laws were followed and got the issue fixed quickly using our humane services. Our Wildlife manager conducted a full risk assessment and site survey, ensuring the weather forecast was just right (as this will influence rabbit behaviour – for example a warm night previously with a bright moon will ensure rabbits have been out eating).

We are really pleased to see great feedback from this client.

Should you wish to contact us about an issue you may have with rabbits, please give us a call on 01787 248049 .

You can only Hire a Professional for Grain Fumigation

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 17:12:31 GMT

Why You can only Hire a Professional for Grain Fumigation

During the harsh winters insects seek out favourable conditions. To thrive, these product damaging insects find their way to warehouses, and grain storage buildings for food and habitation. To protect your property, profits and reputation from an insect infestation, it will be necessary to hire a reputable fumigation company.

At Command Pest Control Ltd, with our specialised training and equipment available, our team is standing by ready to help.

Only a fully qualified fumigator can legally carry out fumigation work using aluminium or magnesium phosphide. Here at Command Pest control, we have the knowledge and expertise to safely and successfully carry out fumigation work at your premises using what is probably one of the most dangerous substances available in the pest control industry.

Using Command Pest control has many benefits to the customer, such as:

· Guaranteed work – Command Pest Control will guarantee your commodity will be pest free at the end of all treatments.

· Licenced and experienced fumigators – All our fumigators are fully qualified to RSPH standards. We can often see problems arising with a commodity long before the untrained eye.

· We are fully Insured

· We have access to a full range of pesticides and UK legal fumigants

· Full UK coverage

· Price - We offer an inexpensive way to rectify distressed grain and commodities.

· Convenience – Should you have an issue we can arrange to treat your grain or commodity at a time which suits you.

· Trouble free sales with your purchaser – We supply fumigation certificates for proof that your commodity has been successfully treated

· We use the most up to date electronic gas monitoring equipment available in the UK

· BPCA membership

Contact Us Today to Schedule a Grain Fumigation Appointment

In the event you discover an outbreak of insects in or around your property or product –contact the professionals at Command Pest Control Ltd for a safe, effective, and licensed grain or commodity fumigation. With over 35 years of experience in the fumigation industry, our fully trained and qualified operators will not only find the root cause of the outbreak and treat the problem, but very often can isolate small problems using pheromone traps and complimentary insecticidal treatments thus saving time, effort and money treating a much larger bulk.

Do not expose yourself to harmful chemicals, turn to the professional team at Command Pest Control for a free quotation and a service tailored to suit your needs.

Rodent Case Study

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 14:28:42 GMT

Rodent Control in Ipswich

This client based in Ipswich, Suffolk made an enquiry because they could hear scratching noises within their property. Scratching noises are one of the most common signs of an issue with rodents, other include droppings and damage to food items in the pantry - you can learn more about other common signs of pests on our FAQs page

Command Pest control were able to visit the property within 3 days of their enquiry to do an initial assessment, and upon inspection found that the suspected issue with rats was with a small next location towards to the rear of the property.

After discussion with the client, we agreed that the best course of action was to do a course of three visits. The first visit was to survey the premises and lay poison baits and traps in a safe manner. The second visit was attended 10 days following this and we checked for further activity and re-baited as needed.

On the final visit, attended 2 weeks later, we checked the problem was solved, before removing all toxic material and traps

We also advised how the owner could make improvements to the property to stop the rodent regaining entry should another issue occur in the future, including blocking smalls gaps between the property and their conservatory.

We're happy to hear that the client is very pleased with their service.

Should you require help with rodents, please do not hesitate to get in contact to discuss the options available on 01787 248049

Why You Should Hire a Professional for Pest Control

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 20:41:41 GMT

Pest control professionals get rid of pests safely and effectively

Nobody wants to discover pests in their home. There are few things that can make you feel more uncomfortable in your home than finding that pests have taken up residence. The only thing you know for sure upon finding pests in your home is that you want them gone immediately. Obviously, you wish that they would just leave and never come back, but it’s never that simple. These pests will have to be removed. Unfortunately, most people have no idea how to fully remove pests from their property. Sure, you could try to do it yourself, but that will likely just be a huge source of frustration. Trying to remove pests on your own is often a futile effort.

Trying to get rid of pests yourself is dangerous

The most effective way to remove pests is typically through the use of chemicals. Since these chemicals can be dangerous to use, you’ll want to hire a pest control professional who knows how to handle them responsibly and effectively. Unless you know how to use chemicals designed to flush out pests from your home, you’re better off giving a ring to a pest control professional.

Reasons to hire a pest control professional include:

Ensure full safety in your home – There are too many risks to just assuming you were able to take care of all the pests you found in your home. You need to make sure they are completely gone for good because pests can bring with them harmful diseases. A pest control professional will eliminate the chance of disease brought on by pests by removing their sources of food and any stagnant water. A professional will make sure disease-carrying pests won’t come back.

No chemical risk - The process for eliminating pests from your home involves using chemicals that can be harmful if not used properly. If you mishandle chemicals designed to treat pests, it could result in you or someone else in your home getting sick from exposure. Avoid this risk by hiring a pest control expert who knows how to use chemicals properly.

Avoid damage to your home – We’ve all seen it a million times. Someone who thinks they can handle a project on their own ends up in way over their head and causes harm to either themselves or their property. This is certainly true of untrained professionals who think they can take care of pests by themselves. You’ll likely try risky methods that result in damage to your walls, floors, carpets or even your belongings. Avoid damage by instead hiring a pest control professional who knows what they’re doing.

Be done quickly – If you’re not a pest control expert, you might waste all your time simply trying to locate those unwanted pests. A pest control professional knows how to identify these pests quickly, even if they are hiding. A professional then uses the best methods to quickly eliminate these intruders.

No need to think about pests again – When pest control is handled in professional fashion, it means that all pests in your home will disappear and will no longer be expected to come back. A professional will use techniques that will prevent pests from reappearing. The reason for their appearance in the first place will be removed. With a professional’s help, you’ll no longer have to think about pests living with you.

If you notice pests on your property, call us right away

If you notice the appearance of rodents or other pests on your property, including infestations, you should call Command Pest Control Ltd for professional pest control services. We can drive these pests out and help you avoid future pest problems. We handle everything from fumigation and rodent control to wasp nest removal.

Our professional pest control services are available for home and business owners in Ipswich, Sudbury, Norwich, Norfolk and Suffolk. We respond promptly to your calls for help and work efficiently to completely remove your pest problem. We have the knowledge, experience, tools and expertise that’s needed to handle a pest or rodent control job. Give us a call today if you’re in need of professional help.

Call now for pest control services
01787-248049

How to Prevent Wasps from Building Nests on Your Property?

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 16:33:20 GMT

How to Prevent Wasps from Building Nests on Your Property?

After a long, cold, and harsh UK winter, wasps leave hibernation around early to mid-April in search of a suitable home. Due to their social nature – wasps are bound to the colony with a queen at its centre. To protect the queen, the workers begin construction of a hive, which can be commonly found around commercial and domestic properties, warm roof spaces, sheltered patios, dark wall cavities, as well as soil and trees. With easy access to these types of places, a colony of wasps will be attracted to your property and build up a nest in little to no time.

To protect your property, your family, and your employees from future wasp nests, there are a few preventive measures you should consider.

Seal Entry Points and Patch Up Gaps: When it comes to wasp nest building – they tend to focus on existing wooden structures to use as a support. By using regurgitated wood fibres, wasps can “paste” their nest vertically on ceilings, awnings, and corners of a roof. To prevent nest building – it's recommended to try and seal and block off any potential gaps that may be practical options to any scouting wasp. You can do this by using screens around your chimney or venting, as well as caulking up existing gaps in your siding or structure.

Cover Access to Your Decks, Porches, or Sheds: In an effort to remain safe from the elements and other predators, wasps will keep their nests inaccessible at all costs. To keep protected – they focus on warm, covered, and dark places such as beneath decks, and even underneath sheds. In an effort to stop nests from forming near or underneath your patio, we recommend installing fencing to close off access to your foundation.

Clear the Clutter and Remove Food Sources: In the spring and summer months, wasps travel upwards of 915 meters in search of food from a range of sources. Unlike honeybees, wasps don’t focus on nectar – instead, they gravitate towards bins and rubbish containers, high sugary foods and proteins. To prevent wasps from gathering and making a nest near your property, it’s important to cover any source of food, remove any unwanted rubbish, and rinse out beverage containers.

Contact Us Today to Schedule a Wasp Nest Removal Appointment

In the event you discover a wasp nest in or around your property – we recommend to not try and rid the nest yourself. While wasps tend to avoid people, they can become overly aggressive and territorial if they feel threatened which can quickly become a dangerous undertaking. Don’t expose yourself or your family to harmful store-bought chemicals, turn to the professional team at Command Pest Control Ltd for safe and effective wasp nest removal .

We have over 35 years of experience providing pest control to both commercial and domestic properties throughout Ipswich, Sudbury, Norwich, and the entire Norfolk and Suffolk counties. Enquire with us today to get started.

What are Some Common Signs of a Rodent Infestation?

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 15:24:03 GMT

With the colder months approaching, it is not uncommon for mice, rats, and other rodents to begin to seek shelter and warmth. Unfortunately, rodents tend to try to make their homes in your house, shed and other unwanted areas of your property. Since rodent populations can expand so quickly, it is best to catch the infestation early, before it gets out of hand.

By learning the signs of a potential infestation, you can eradicate the rodents quickly and before they do any damage. Some ways to tell you may have a rodent problem include:

Chew Marks & Visible Damage – Finding small chew marks on wood, furniture, cardboard and other materials could be a sign that there is a rodent in your home. Rodents are known to chew on everything from baseboards to boxes to wiring.
Droppings & Urine Stains – Rodent droppings are one of the most common signs of an infestation. Mice droppings are small and dark brown with pointed ends, whereas rat droppings are longer and can vary in shape depending on the species. Urine can stay anywhere rodents run across. Any signs of excrement are unhealthy, unattractive and unwanted so contacting a professional immediately after finding droppings is a must.
Interior or Exterior Holes – Rodents will chew small holes in thin walls or materials inside or outside of your home. They do this in order to gain new entry in and out of your home, while inviting their friends and other pests to join them.
Scratching or Gnawing Noises – Do you hear scampering noises coming from inside your walls? Can you hear scratching or gnawing in the dead of night? If you can hear any running, gnawing or scratching noises inside your walls, ceilings, or attic, there’s a chance it could be a rodent.
Musky & Unpleasant Odors – A rodent infestation is normally accompanied by a musky and unpleasant odor. As the infestation grows, so does the smell. Unfortunately it is not uncommon for rodents to pass away, creating a rotting dead odor that can be hazardous and strong smelling.
Odd Pet Behaviors – Has your dog or cat started acting strangely? Are they hyper focused on corners of the room or constantly sniffing under furniture? Your pets have better smelling capabilities than humans so if they start to act erratically or oddly, they could be alerting you of an unwanted rodent in your home.

Have you noticed any of the above signs on your property? Contact a professional rodent control technician as soon as possible to avoid further damage, hazardous situations or an infestation that takes over.

Residents and business owners throughout the Ipswich, Sudbury, Norwich, Norfolk and Suffolk areas rely on Command Pest Control Ltd. for prompt and efficient pest control services. We have the knowledge, experience, tools, and materials to eradicate any rodent and prevent it from returning. Give us a call today to discuss your rodent control needs!

What is the Point of Wasps?

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 09:29:15 GMT

So, what's the point of Wasps?

You're having a few drinks in the garden with your friends, or a family BBQ, when a load of pesky wasps arrive to spoil the party. You haven't seen them all summer and then suddenly they're all over the place, annoying everybody, causing panic and helicopter hands. Sound familiar?

August is the time of year when people start to ask 'what is the point of wasps?' The answer may surprise you.

Did you know that there are approximately 9,000 species of wasp here in the UK? These include the parasitic wasps, some of which are so diminutive they are like pin heads. Of the 250 larger wasps which have a stinger, the majority are solitary and cause no upset to humans.

However, when we talk about wasps, we're almost certainly referring to the nation's nemesis, the Common wasp (Vespula vulgaris). To understand why these wasps become really annoying this time of year, you first need to understand their life cycle.

Common wasps live socially like bees but unlike honeybees, they haven't evolved a way of storing food to allow the colony to survive the winter. In fact the only survivors are the young, fertilised queens who hibernate over winter. They emerge in the spring to build little walnut sized nests where they lay around 20 eggs.

The queen feeds the resulting larvae until around May, when they mature and become workers. Then she focuses on more egg-laying and the workers get on with feeding them, enlarging the nest as they go along. By this time of year the nest has grown to around 40cm in diameter, often larger, and that nest can contain up to 10,000 wasps!

Then, in late August and September, a dramatic change takes place. The queen quits her egg laying (save a few that will go on to be future queens and males to fertilise them) and no longer releases the pheromone that causes the workers to work.

Basically, these workers are made redundant, and are left jobless and disorientated. And the problem for us is that, although adult wasps are insect predators, that meat is to feed the larvae not themselves. In their adult state wasps are not able to digest solid food and need sugary liquid to survive. Now, with fewer larvae to feed, they become uncontrollably and insatiably hungry.

Wasps love easy food such as over ripe fruit and your fizzy drinks. Towards the end of their brief lives, their hunger drives them to search for easy sugar at exactly the time when we are more likely to be using our gardens and outdoor spaces for eating sweet things. The timing couldn't be better for them or worse for us.

So why are those who panic and try to swat them away more likely to be stung than those who remain calm?

Well the problem is that these redundant workers have their own pheromone, which helps protect the nest from attack earlier in the year, and that's essentially a chemical rallying cry to other workers that the nest is under attack.

So when you swat that annoying wasp and it feels under threat, that rallying cry will go out. Suddenly it all kicks off and many more wasps will start arriving in aggressive 'red-mist' mode, fired up and ready to defend their nest. This is why the best advice is to stay calm.

Think of it this way, from May that wasp has been working its socks off helping to keep things nice on planet earth. Now it’s going to die. So why not give it a break. Save your swats and instead put a bowl of sugary drink somewhere out of your way and let it go out on a nice sugar rush ��. At the very least don't kill it.

So then, what's the point of wasps? Without them it’s likely that human life would not survive because, in the absence of their role as predators, our planet would be overrun by even more damaging insects such as aphids, ants and caterpillars.

It is always best to seek professional help when thinking about removing a wasp nest; Command Pest Control offer safe and effective wasp nest removal across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and wider East Anglia.

Should I remove a wasp nest myself?

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 16:28:18 GMT

Don't Try To Remove A Wasp Nest Yourself

Wasps can tend to be naturally aggressive, especially when they feel threatened or when something comes close to their nest. Due to their volatile tendencies, hundreds of wasps can begin to swarm and overwhelm the threat. A single wasp sting causes a significant amount of irritation and pain but when stung by multiple wasps, the situation can potentially turn deadly. Unlike honeybees who can only sting once, then die, a wasp's stinger remains intact allowing it to continually inject venom.

Safety should be the number one priority when handling a wasp nest. If you are unable to access the proper protection equipment or strong enough chemicals to successfully eliminate the hive, you can put yourself and your family in potential danger. Additionally, many people who have not experienced a sting before may be unaware if they are allergic to a wasp's venom or not. This potential health risk is not worth the result.

Traditionally, people turn to the use of store-bought pesticide or chemicals when it comes to insect removal. Whilst there may be a variety of chemicals and products to choose from, you cannot receive high-quality professional pesticide. In turn, you can further cause harm to yourself through chemical exposure from the store-bought product.

Don't try to remove a wasp next yourself, contact Command Pest Control for Wasp Nest Removal services across East Anglia and the surrounding counties.

What does a wasp nest look like, and where are they found?

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 16:28:17 GMT

Common Appearance & Areas Where Wasp Nests are Found

Wasp nests are open-celled and paper-like, shaped similar to an umbrella. Depending on the species that made them, the wasp nest can very in size and appearance and be above or below ground. Above ground nests are generally grey or light tan in colour and round in shape. They usually have one entrance or exit hole and look like they are made of mud or a paper-like substance. Below ground nests are obviously underground and therefore are not visible. The only evidence of an underground wasp nest is the entrance hole, which will have many wasps entering and exiting on a consistent basis.

Wasps usually like to make their nests in places where they will not be disturbed. Above ground wasps often build nests on the undersides of eaves and soffits, under decks or stairs, behind shutters, near outdoor light fixtures, on mailbox stands and in other cracks or crevices around your property. It's not uncommon to find nests in your landscaping, trees, or bushes as well. Underground wasps tend to favour areas under rocks, below fallen branches or beneath concrete slabs, such as your driveway or patio.

Ranging in size from a few to a few hundred wasps, removing any nest yourself can be dangerous. Wasps are naturally aggressive and will sting readily when their nest is disturbed. Stings from a wasp can be extremely painful and cause swelling. If not taken care of properly, a sting can potentially get infected. Save yourself the time, aggravation and pain by hiring a professional to remove any wasps nests on your property. Call our experts today for safe and effective wasp nest removal throughout East Anglia and the surrounding counties.

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Don't Try To Remove A Wasp Nest Yourself

What does a wasp nest look like, and where are they found?

Common Appearance & Areas Where Wasp Nests are Found

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