Pest Biology
COCKROACHES
There are two main types of cockroach found in this country. Both have distinctive characteristics and very different treatments are needed to control them. Swiftclear combine traditional techniques with new products to gain control as quickly as possible.
Name German Cockroach Blatella germanica
Colour/length Light Brown / 17mm
Life cycle Complete metamorphosis
No: of young in Egg An egg case (Ootheca) has 30-40 young
Areas found Hot dry places i.e. kitchens etc.
Name Oriental Cockroach Blatta orientalis
Colour/length Dark reddish brown / 25mm
Life cycle Complete metamorphosis
No: of young in Egg An egg case (Ootheca) has 16-20 young
Areas found Drains, voids etc.
Wasps
This summer/autumn pest can cause panic amongst people. In some serious cases an allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock can be brought on. Each queen wasp will build her nest in a dry secure place and this nest could hold thousands of wasps. Whilst the wasp is a frightening pest, Swiftclear can destroy a nest easily and quickly. Once destroyed, a wasp nest will never be used by other wasps in future.
Swiftclear will identify the best measures to gain control quickly and effectively.
To book Swiftclear to eradicate your wasp nest, contact us by phone or e-mail.
Bed Bugs
This insect pest has increased in numbers dramatically in the past few years. This is thought to mainly be due to the amount of foreign travel and short stays being taken. A Bed Bug is surprisingly noticeable, reddish-brown in colour and measuring up to 5mm long – 3mm wide. The bug grows larger as it feeds. Each female can lay between 200-500 eggs during it’s life span. Should you believe that you have an infestation, Swiftclear would carry out a full inspection of the affected area, including curtains, furnishings, carpets etc. Once the level of infestation has been confirmed, we can offer a number of solutions, ranging from spray treatments, dusting with organic dusts, heat treatments etc. All designed to eradicate the insects in the safest and most effective manner.
Fleas
Fleas are a common pest within the home, pets can carry them in very easily. However, once established their numbers can become very high in a short space of time. At only 2-3mm long and a flattened body, they can be extremely hard to find. A flea can live for up to 12 months between feeds.
Due to the hardiness of this pest, one single treatment may not eradicate a population. Therefore, Swiftclear will always advise at least 2 spray treatments 14-21 days apart and for the client to vacuum all floors and furnishings prior to the 1st treatment, throwing the vacuum bag away straight afterwards.
To book a free survey & quotation contact us by phone or e-mail.
Rats
The common rat Rattus norvegicus are omnivorous creatures, which means that they’ll eat almost anything, cereal, grain or meat. Although most people are scared of rats, it is a little known fact that they suffer from Neophobia a fear of strange objects in their regular environment. Swiftclear have paid special attention to this as the rat avoid control methods if not placed carefully, this will reduce the effectiveness and prolong the infestation.
Swiftclear use several methods of control against this evermore present pest, including baits, contact dusts, traps etc.
To book a free survey & quotation contact us by phone or e-mail.
Mice 
The most common mouse found inside a dwelling would be the House Mouse Mus domesticus. From time to time his cousin the Wood Mouse may venture inside as well. This pest has adapted to the urban life amazingly and can live without drinking water as long as their diet contains enough moisture to sustain them. Once mice have established in a property their numbers will increase rapidly and without a professional control method an infestation can cause damage to food stocks, electrical wiring and even the fabric of the building. Swiftclear use call upon a varying amount of control methods, including traditional baits & traps as well as some more modern methods. To book a free survey & quotation contact us by phone or e-mail.
Grey Squirrel
This mammal was introduced to the UK from America many years ago. Whilst, it is thought of as a cute animal when seen in the woods or countryside, it becomes one of the most destructive pests once it enters a building. They have been known to damage roof joists to the point of collapse and gnaw through electric cables causing expensive repairs and even fire. Swiftclear will always look to control the squirrels by proofing them out of a property, but where this is not practical, we can use other methods.
To book a free survey & quotation contact us by phone or e-mail.
Feral Pigeon
The Feral Pigeon Columba livia has become a major pest within our urban towns and cities. A flock will breed continually throughout the year and the number is only determined by the amount of available food in the area. Their roosting sites become smelly and full of insects which will infest the adjoining buildings. Also, the nests and droppings will block drains and down pipes causing flooding if not dealt with. Swiftclear have years of experience when dealing with Pigeons and other pest birds. We offer a full range of solutions to deal with all levels of infestations including, netting, spiking, cleaning and culling if needed. Trapping can be arranged but will not control a flock without other measures in place.
To book a free survey where Swiftclear can offer advice & quotation contact us by phone or e-mail.
To control these pests takes time and a systematic approach. Hygiene and housekeeping play their part plus, spray and gel treatments are the most affective. Swiftclear can also utilise the use of the latest organic insecticide dusts for the safest form of treatment. A free survey by Swiftclear will identify the best measures to gain control quickly and effectively. To book a free survey & quotation contact us by phone or e-mail.
