Frequently Asked Questions

How do i know if i have rats/mice?
If you have seen a rat or a mouse on your property, chances are there are a lot more close by. They are nocturnal animals so they are most active at night, and can often avoid being seen by using the cover of darkness.

However, there are other signs to look out for:
  • ​NOISES - Scurrying, scratching or squeaking for example
  • DROPPINGS 
  • GNAWING - Food packages, containers, wooden utensils or even furniture may have signs of gnawing and/or scratching
  • RUB MARKS - Smears of dirt and grease
  • NESTS - made of shredded paper, cardboard, furniture stuffing or other soft materials

If in any doubt it is always best to check with a Pest Professional, we are here to help!

do rats and mice breed all year round?
Urban rats and mice do breed all year round, with cosy indoor nesting sites. Young adults are ready to breed at only 3 months old and after giving birth, they are ready to mate again in just 24 hours. It is easy to see how numbers can be substantial even before an infestation has been detected.
how do rats and mice get into my property?
Rats can gnaw through wood, insulation, plastic, even brick in order to find a way into your home. Rats and mice are also very good climbers, can fit through very small gaps, and can even swim! It's not surprising that they can find a way into almost anywhere.
​Following an infestation, it is important to identify the entry point(s) so that action can be taken to prevent a re-infestation. Our Technician will offer advice and recommendations to help solve the problem for good.
my house is clean and tidy, why do i have rats?
Similarly to Humans, Rats and Mice are looking for somewhere warm and safe to build their homes, with food available. A house doesn't need to be dirty to attract these rodents, although ensuring all food waste is cleaned up properly and food is stored securely in containers does certainly help reduce the likelihood they will stick around.  
is rodenticide safe to use around pets and children?
Rodenticides are potentially harmful to all mammals and birds if ingested in high enough quantities. Our Technician will be fully trained and qualified to ensure a safe placement of the rodenticide bait, away from the reach of children and pets, and that the appropriate bait boxes are used as an extra precaution to protect it from curious little fingers and mouths. You will always be informed of any location that rodenticide has been used, and, if there are any concerns at all about safety, our Technician will opt to use other methods such as traps instead of rodenticide.
can i get rid of rats and mice by myself? 
There are a number of products available to get rid of rats and mice in a DIY fashion, some of which may even be successful if the infestation is caught early enough. However, due to the complex behaviours and biology of these rodents, it is often the case that an infestation will be difficult to get rid of without professional help, or could return quickly after.
Only qualified professionals are legally able to use and purchase higher strength rodenticides, and crucially, they know how to use them effectively and responsibly.
Our Technician will be armed with a wealth of knowledge and experience, along with specialist equipment such as special cameras and traps, and the latest techniques such as UV tracking dust and bait attractants.
A lot of the time, you could end up spending as much, or more, on DIY products over the course of time than it would have cost to hire a professional.
We also advise against purchasing 'deterrent' devices such as an Ultrasonic device, because in our experience they simply do not work.
Do you remove wasp nests?
A wasp nest will need to be treated and left for 48 hours prior to safe removal. This is to ensure that the colony is completely dead before disturbing the nest. 
Can you get rid of spiders?
Spiders in the UK are not generally considered a pest as they are a beneficial species. A spider infestation can be best treated through thorough cleaning and good housekeeping. However spiders can cause a nuisance in some circumstances, particularly causing distress to people with a phobia. False Widow spiders are known to be present in Cornwall and do carry a venomous bite, which can cause localised swelling and occasionally infection. We can treat a spider infestation when necessary, please get in touch to discuss further.
How long does it take to kill wasps?
A wasp nest can be treated quickly and efficiently in a single visit. Most wasps within the colony will die within 15 minutes of the treatment being applied, however it is advised to not approach the nest until at least 24 hours after treatment, as some wasps may still be returning to the nest from their travels within this time. It is only on their return to the nest that they will come into contact with the insecticide.
Is flea treatment safe to use around children and pets?
Our flea treatment involves the use of professional grade insecticide, meaning that all people and animals will need to vacate the property whilst treatment is applied. Fish tanks will also need to be covered. Once the insecticide is fully dried, it is safe for children and pets to return to the property. This can take a few hours or more depending on climatic conditions and type of flooring.
What areas do you cover?
We offer pest control services to all areas of Cornwall, including:

Penzance
Lizard
Hayle
St Ives
Camborne
Pool
Redruth
St Agnes
Perranporth
Newquay
Truro
​Helston
Falmouth
Penryn
Roseland
Wadebridge
St Austell
Bodmin
Liskeard
Launceston