Other insects

We get asked about a variety of insects which are either a minor nuisance, or we do not deal with. We also have leaflets with more indepth information about habitat and biology. These include:

Ants

Ants are generally only a nuisance pest. Prevention is far better than cure with regard to ant infestations. We recommend that you watch the ants to see what they are eating i.e. dropped crumbs, sugar granules etc from the floor or work surfaces, and clean up the food source.

We may provide a treatment service for this pest. Please note that the treatment comes with no guarantees to eradicate the problem completely.

See our Fees and charges and Conditions of service pages for more information, or our leaflet about ants (will open as a pdf)

Bed bugs

We do offer a treatment for bed bugs (Cimex lectularis). Treatment will cover up to 2 rooms.

An initial visit will be made by the pest management officer to assess the infestation and recommend what actions should be undertaken before treatment can proceed. We will make up to 3 further visits to monitor infestation levels as considered appropriate by the Pest Management Officer.

To help make sure the suspect is positively identified see more information on our Insects page about our insect identification service

Also see our Fees and charges and Conditions of service pages

Brown Tail Moths

Please note that East Hampshire District Council does not offer a service to treat or remove Brown Tail Moths or any other horticultural pests.

If a human has skin contact with the larvae of these moths they are likely to receive a reaction possibly leading to a rash. In most cases this rash will subside after a day or two. If it does not, or the hairs of the larvae have contacted the eyes, it is advisable to contact your local pharmacy or GP for advice.

Brown Tail Moth larvae are easily identified. They have a series of white dots along their backs (a line along each side) and 2 distinctive red spots close together at one end.

See the Hants Moths website for more information and pictures

Earwigs

They are usually dark brown in colour, approximately 12 to 20 mm in length with a slender body. The most common characteristics is the forceps or pincers at the tail end of which are harmless to humans. Earwigs are generally horticultural pests, although they actually feed on aphids and other small insects which mean they are beneficial to your gardens.

Control is not really needed but the best way to stop them coming indoors is to block off any entry points either by sealant or expanding foam or sand and cement for larger holes. If this does not stop them then you can use a residual insecticide spray or dust suitable for killing crawling insects. Always remember to read and follow any instructions on insecticides as this will make the treatment more effective and reduce any risk to members of the family or pets.

See our leaflet on earwigs for more information (will open as a pdf)

Bristle tails (inc silverfish)

There are about 23 species of bristletails in Britain of which firebrats and silverfish are the best known. Firebrats need higher temperatures usually found in bakeries and cooking ranges whereas Silverfish prefer cooler, damp locations such as bathrooms and pantries.

They are more a nuisance than a destructive pest, unless they are in large numbers. They can cause damage to books and wall paper where the glue is rich in protein, they can also chew through leather and fine textiles.

To control these insects you can spray a 'Crawling Insect' spray around possible harbourages, or use an insecticidal dust in cracks and crevices where pests may be hiding. Always remember to read and follow any instructions on insecticides as this will make the treatment more effective and reduce any risk to members of the family or pets.

See our leaflet on bristle tails for more information (will open as a pdf)

Booklice

Booklice are small insects that are not easily seen by the naked eye. They are about 1 to 1.5 mm in length, a greyish colour with a soft appearance. They can easily be mistaken for lice or mites. They are generally not a problem to human health but can be a nuisance.

The safest way of treating these pests is to remove their food source, i.e. mould and mildew. This can be done by using a mould and mildew remover or by drying out the area to stop the growth of this food source. General good housekeeping, cleanliness and regular airing of potentially damp areas will help prevent re-infestations.

See our leaflet on booklice for more information (will open as a pdf)

Beetles 

Beetles have mouths that bite, cut and chew. Most species have a hard case covering their wings called elytra. Beetles come in all shapes, sizes and colours. Many species are carnivores and many are herbivores. These insects can cause a large amount damage to soft furnishings but can be treated. The most common query we get is for Varied Carpet Beetles.

When treating against any pests it is crucial to identify the pest and to locate the source of the infestation and remove it. For example an old birds nest, animal remains, or wool based carpets.

A general clean and vacuum should be carried out before treatment, ensuring to get close to the floor perimeter and deep inside furnishings to remove as many larva as possible.

Insecticidal treatment can be carried out using a suitable crawling insecticide spray or dust. Carpet edges should be treated as well as any noticeable bald patches also furnishings where natural fibres are present. Clothing should be dry cleaned and not coated with insecticide for health and safety reasons. A follow up treatment should be completed about 2 weeks after the initial treatment to ensure a thorough job is done. If unsuccessful it may be necessary to call in a professional to reassess the problem.

Always remember to read any follow any instructions on pesticides as this will make the treatment more effective and reduce any risk to members of the family or pets. 

See our leaflet on beetles for more information (will open as a pdf)

Woodlice

Woodlice grow to about 15mm in length, they are usually grey in colour, they have long bent antennae and have one pair of legs on most body segments. If you spot woodlice, you may have a problem with damp as these insects live in and around damp areas. Woodlice are not vectors of disease but can be controlled.

The control of woodlice indoors can be helped by regular cleaning and disposal of insects. The sealing of any potential entry points will prevent infestations. Infested areas should be dried out as they cannot survive in dry conditions. The use of an insecticidal dust can be used around the perimeter of infested rooms only if the conditions are dry to help reduce the numbers. When using pesticides always read the label and follow instructions carefully to ensure an effective treatment is carried out and no laws are broken.

See our leaflet on woodlice for more information (will open as a pdf)