Are you a host to unwanted visitors?
A definition of a pest is the wrong animal in the wrong place at the wrong time. Proper hygiene and proofing should keep pests out of our 'place' without the overuse of chemicals.
TOR2 offer pest and vermin control for domestic and commercial properties.
Although not a serious health hazard, black ants can cause alarm, perhaps because they seem so organised. But this social behaviour can lead to their undoing. To trigger this, place a spoonful of sugar where foraging ants have been spotted and neat supply lines will quickly form between the food and their nest/colony often well hidden outside under patios, walls or flagstones. This trail can be traced through entry points such as a crack, pipe entry point or ventilator which can then be filled or sealed with fine mesh.
Aerosol sprays are little use with ants because they only will only kill one or two individuals and disperse the rest. Powder or gel ant pesticide can be laid on the last visible trail outside, preferably in a perforated container to avoid harming non target species such as Tiddles the tom cat. Ants will take this down into the nest as food and the nest will be poisoned from within thus avoiding the need to dig up patios or rockeries. As always read and follow the label instructions.
Although sometimes annoying, badgers and bats are protected by Law. Advice on proofing and control is available from English Nature 
and they should be consulted before any action on 0845 6014523.
and they should be consulted before any action on 0845 6014523.Bed bugs are bloodsucking parasites of man and also feed on chickens, bats and some domestic animals. They live in bedclothes, mattresses, bedsprings and frames, soft furnishing, cracks and crevices and under wallpaper. Because they are so small, bed bugs are hard to see. They do leave signs that they are present, such as black or brown spots of dried blood, eggs, egg-shells, and cast skins on the surfaces where the bugs rest.
All fleas live as parasites on warm blooded mammals and although they do have preferred host, both the cat and dog fleas can be found on other animals and man. By taking a few simple steps, you can deal with a minor infestation yourself. Many different sprays and powders can be bought from pet shops and DIY stores and when used properly and safely can help to prevent further problems. Thoroughly clean any infested building and clothes. Check your pets regularly for fleas and if necessary treat them and/or fit a flea collar. If this does not work and you are still troubled by fleas, a Pest Controller can spray the area affected for a fee.
Controlling rats and mice is a difficult business and requires professional attention. But you can help prevent infestations by taking a few simple precautions: make sure your premises are in a good state of repair which will make it difficult for rats and mice to get into your property; do not leave food around the house and garden; remove potential nesting material from your garden e.g pipes or timber or overgrown vegetation. Although Torbay Council no longer offers a pest control service, TOR2 bait properties free of charge if the vermin are inside the property.
Hazardous nests can be treated with insect powder from DIY stores or garden centres. Nests are easily recognised by the flight of wasps entering a hole in the ground or under the eaves of buildings carrying insects in and refuse out. Around dusk is the best time and pesticide labels should always be read carefully. Bees are much less aggressive but can seem quite alarming when they swarm in late Spring, often due to overcrowding in their colony. TOR2 keep a list of beekeepers who will remove the swarm for their own hives free of charge.
Contact
Recycling and Waste Enquiries- Tel: 01803 207900
