Are cockroaches in my home a health risk? +
Cockroaches are a serious health hazard. They carry bacteria including Salmonella, E. coli and Staphylococcus, and their droppings and shed skins are a known trigger for asthma and allergies, particularly in children. A single cockroach sighting usually indicates a larger hidden population. Contact a pest controller immediately — cockroaches breed rapidly and an infestation will worsen quickly without professional treatment.
How long does a wasp nest take to die after treatment? +
After a pest controller treats a wasp nest, the colony will typically die within 24 to 48 hours. You may notice increased wasp activity around the nest entrance immediately after treatment — this is normal as returning wasps carry the insecticide inside. Keep windows closed and avoid approaching the nest during this period. The nest does not need to be physically removed once treated.
Are the pesticides used in homes safe for my family? +
Professional pest controllers use pesticides that are approved by the Health and Safety Executive and applied at concentrations that are safe for humans and pets when used correctly. Your pest controller will advise you on any precautions — for example, keeping children and pets away from bait stations, or vacating a room after a spray treatment until it dries. Always follow the specific safety instructions given for your treatment.
What should I do if I find rats in my kitchen in Coventry? +
Remove all exposed food immediately and store everything in sealed glass or metal containers — rats can gnaw through plastic. Clean surfaces with disinfectant, as rat urine and droppings carry Weil's disease (leptospirosis) which can be fatal in humans.
What should I do if I think I have bed bugs? +
Check your mattress seams, headboard joints and bed frame crevices for small dark spots (faecal marks) and tiny rust-coloured blood stains on your sheets. Bed bugs are 4 to 5mm long, flat and brown — they hide during the day and feed at night. Do not throw away your mattress or use shop-bought sprays, as this often spreads the infestation to other rooms. Contact a professional pest controller who specialises in bed bug treatment.
Is a wasp nest near my front door dangerous? +
Yes — a wasp nest near a frequently used entrance is a genuine safety risk, particularly for children, elderly people and anyone with a wasp sting allergy. Wasps become aggressive when they feel their nest is threatened, and multiple stings can cause anaphylactic shock in allergic individuals. Do not attempt to block the nest entrance or spray it with household products. Call a pest controller for safe removal.