Recent work : Wasps, bats, rabbit proofing and bird proofing

Now that summer is in full swing our focus is more on wasps and other insects which are becoming more active. We are also able to install preventative measures ready for when other animals and birds become a nuisance around properties.

Here are a few of our featured jobs.

Bird proofing in Bognor

We were called out to an office block in Bognor Regis where gulls had been perching on the building’s flat roof and fouling on the parked cars below.

Our proposals for a long term solution to this problem were to supply and fit a gull proof net above the flat roof of the main office. This black net was fitted above the flat roof supported on 2mm tensioned braided stainless steel wires. Eight non-piercing pyramid base mounts hold the support wires and netting above the flat roof. Strainers, angle brackets, cladding bolts, and staples used for the final fix are of fully corrosion proof stainless steel.

For health and safety reasons we provided a tower scaffold, cones, and barrier tape for the duration of the job.

New tools to deal with insects such as aphids

Tim delivered a ‘toolbox talk’ recently to demonstrate some new equipment, a power sprayer which is used for treating large areas of box moths, aphids, greenfly and other pests.

We always use the latest technology and treatment methods, and the team receive ongoing training on all aspects of pest prevention and control.

Tim used the power sprayer on some aphids in a local school where wasps were attracted to them and causing danger for the children. Wasps feed on the aphids and the trees were covered with aphids and their sticky secretions. Using the power sprayer regularly to treat large areas will kill the aphids, and the wasps will go elsewhere, away from the children.

We also have a new organic spray which is very effective and is harmless for people and other animals – it just targets the pests which are causing a problem.

Woolly aphids

Tim has been treating something close to home recently – some woolly aphids which have been attacking the fruit trees in his garden. Woolly aphids leave a sticky surface on leaves and create a woolly structure which you can see in trees and on bushes. They suck the goodness out of leaves which makes them curl up and eventually die.

We have a range of effective treatments for all types of aphid so if you notice any damage to trees, bushes or plants do get in touch.

Rabbit proofing

The technicians were called out to a property to conduct rabbit proofing in an area behind a summerhouse where they were burrowing under a fence.

We excavated a narrow trench along the inside of the fence, extending down past the summerhouse to join the existing rabbit proofed section. A rabbit proof wire mesh barrier was buried within the trench and the finished soil surface levelled.

This treatment is very effective for preventing rabbits accessing your property.

A fence with rabbit proof mesh fitted, fixed to concrete posts to stop rabbits gaining access.

Wasp nests

Chris was called to a local school where he found a wasp nest deep in a ceiling void. Wasps were entering the classroom toilet through gaps in a suspended ceiling which is very dangerous for any children and adults nearby.

The wasp nest was inside an old disused vent that would have once been used for a kitchen. The rusty weather guard had to be removed and then replaced with a new one in order to treat effectively.

We carried out a risk assessment and ensured staff were made aware that the area could not be used for at least 24 hours.

Bats in a meter cupboard

And finally we have an interesting case to report where we were called out to look at some bats which had gathered in an electric meter cupboard. Bats are protected and as some were still alive we referred the customer to the Bats Conservation Trust to see their advice.