Who Do You Share Your Home With?

House Mites

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House mites are found in most homes.  They are microscopic in size, they are not parasites and do not bite, but they can cause allergic reactions.  Symptoms include sneezing, respiratory problems, rhinitis and in severe cases asthma and eczema.  Although dust mites can not be eradicated, changing your environment can help ease allergies.  Try and keep your house as dust free as possible, vacuum regularly,  reduce humidity within your home, wash linen on a hot wash, use laminate or wooden flooring as carpets trap dust and non fabric sofas such as leather as they attract less dust.

Fleas

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Adult fleas are long and brownish in colour.  They are usually between 2-7 mm long.  They have a laterally flattened body and have large hind legs for jumping.  These long legs enable the flea to jump up to 30 cm.

They are parasites and live on warm-blooded animals. Fleas that live on cats and dogs also live on other animals, but  they cannot live for long periods or reproduce on  humans. 

The Flea’s life cycle usually lasts about four weeks, but can last longer if subjected to low temperatures.

They can be eradicated by thoroughly cleaning all infested bedding and clothing.  Vacuuming carpets and soft furnishings.  Pets should be checked and treated as well.

Cockroaches

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Cockroaches are large insects.  They can range in size from 10-23mm in length.  They have two sets of wings and long antennae.  They are nocturnal and hide in drains, cookers and cracks.  They can be seen scurrying if a light is switched on.  Large infestations can be detected as they emit an almond like smell.

Cockroaches will feed on almost anything including faeces.  Their droppings carry typhoid, dysentery and food poisoning organisms.

The female can produce eight egg cases a month and each case holds up to 30 eggs.

Most over the counter insecticides eliminate cockroaches.  Good hygiene and keeping buildings in good repair will stop cockroach infestations.

Bed Bugs

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Bedbugs are brown, oval shaped and flat.  The can be up to 5 mm long.  They usually feed at night and hide in bed frames and furniture during the day. Their bites become red and can itch.  The bugs usually turn reddish after feeding.  They cannot jump or fly.

Vacuuming regularly and washing linen on high temperatures can eradicate infestations.

Rodents

The House Mouse

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The house mouse has a slim, pear shaped body.  It’s maximum weight is 25 grammes.  House mice are usually active at night, but can sometimes be seen during the day.  They are good at climbing and squeezing into tight spaces.  They nest under floorboards and partitions.  They will tend to nest near food.

 The Field Mouse

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The long tailed field mouse has large ears, grey/brown fur and can weigh up to 50 grammes. It’s tail is almost as long as it’s body.

Field mice tend to be common on farms, but can become pests if the take up residence in your home.

Mice spread many diseases through the droppings, urine and fur.  Their droppings are smaller than an apple pip and black in colour. Mice also damage property  by gnawing through wood, wires and pipes.  They live for approximately one year and can reproduce every four weeks.

 Rats

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Britain has two types of rat.  The Ship Rat is the one most likely to nest in homes, wall cavities and underneath floor boards.  It is the least common of the two.  It has black or brown fur and hairless ears.  It’s tail is longer than it’s body and it weighs 100-300 grammes.

The Common Rat has brown fur and it’s tail is shorter than it’s body.  It weighs 100-500 grammes.  It is most likely to live in gardens, compost heaps, sewers and sheds.

Rats droppings are 20mm long and dark brown in colour.  They gnaw on soft metals and wood. Rats are predominantly nocturnal, but can be seen in the day.  They spread diseases such as Typhus, Tapeworms, Food poisoning, Leptospirosis and Weils Disease.  Rats can breed litters of up to eight, five times a year. Contact your local council if you suspect you have Rats on your property.

Garden Ants

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The Garden ant is black/brown in colour and 3-5 mm long.  Ants live for about 2 months, but their nests can be active for years. They mate in flight and flying ants can be seen from mid July to September.  They nest under paving stones, grass and walls, and homes.  If ants nest in your house, seal all sweet foods in containers and clean regularly. Ants are a nuisance, but do not spread diseases.

By following the trail of ants you can find the nest .  They can be controlled by insecticides.

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