Herald Express (Torbay, Brixham & South Hams Edition)
Stop bugs getting too snug
There are a variety of ways to banish those bugs, creepy crawlies and critters, says
AS we switch seasons, the change in climate can be a breeding ground for some uninvited guests – seeking warmth, shelter and food indoors. Here, experts share their tips to keep pests at bay...
Ants and flying ants
Ants are usually attributed to hot summer days, however, due to the turbulent weather this year, they don’t seem to be shifting, notes Joanna Baumard, co-founder of Purlfrost.
With warm weather encouraging them to flock inside, she says window film can help deter flying ants in your home.
“Not only does blue and green decorative film add a pop of colour to your windows and give your home a stylish touch, it also acts as a natural bug repellent,” says Joanna
“Bugs are unable to detect blue and green hues on the UV spectrum so, by simply adding these colours to your windows, you’re able to keep those pesky bugs at bay without the need for harmful chemicals.”
Textile moths
“If you’re preparing to pack away your summer clothes and bring out your winter wardrobe, you should keep an eye out for moths which could wreak havoc on your favourite knitwear, carpets, fabrics, and more,” warns Paul Blackhurst, head of the technical academy at Rentokil Pest Control.
Moth larvae can damage and create holes in clothes, carpets, blankets and curtains by feeding on the keratin contained in animal fibres such as wool, fur, silk, feathers, felt and leather, explains Paul.
“As the moth larvae feed on the keratin in the fabric, they can cause significant damage to clothes, blankets, carpets, curtains and upholstery.”
Signs of a moth infestation include holes in clothes and fabrics, silken tubes (or ‘cases’ in which the moth larvae live), and small maggot-like larvae on surfaces.
Paul says to always ensure clothes are clean before storing them while items that are being stored for long periods of time, such as suits and wedding dresses, should be placed inside sealed bags or suitcases.
“Clean and vacuum regularly to remove moth eggs before they hatch, and keep curtains drawn at night to help prevent moths from entering your home,” advises Paul.
Slugs
Mild, wet weather in autumn provides the perfect conditions for slugs to thrive, says Robert Collins, pest control expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk
“With lots of leaf litter to hide under, they can be hard to spot.” He continues. “But slugs tend to move around in the open at night, making them easier to pick out. So, go around with your torch and remove them from your garden.”
Encourage hedgehogs and birds into your garden to do the job for you.
Vine weevils
Young vine weevil grubs can cause lots of damage over autumn and winter, warns Robert. “They feed on roots, leading to the wilting and death of your beloved plants.”
Robert says barrier glues on the rims of containers can stop the adult beetles from laying their eggs, but if you suspect grubs are present, rummage in your soil or compost and physically remove them.
In early autumn, while the soil is still warm, you can also use nematodes – microscopic pest-control creatures – which can be bought from specialist gardening suppliers.