Summer Pest Watch: Keeping Wasps and Flies Under Control

As the weather warms up across Ireland, so does the activity of flying insects. Wasps and flies are the two pests most likely to disrupt a summer at home or in business, whether that is a wasp nest under the eaves or flies threatening hygiene standards in a busy kitchen. The team at Principal Environmental explain what to look out for and how to stay protected.

Wasps: annoying, and potentially harmful

Wasps can be the most aggravating – and the most dangerous – of all summer pests. They sting, they work in numbers, and they can create a real disturbance both at home and in the workplace. It is often possible to identify where a nest is located by watching, from a safe distance, where wasps are entering and leaving, such as under the eaves of a house or around a vent.

If you do find a nest, the golden rule is simple: do not approach or disturb it. A fully developed wasp nest can contain several hundred wasps or more, and disturbing it can provoke an aggressive response. The safest approach is to arrange professional wasp control and nest removal, where a trained technician can assess the situation on site and decide on the best treatment.

It is worth remembering that bees are a protected species. Principal Environmental works with a number of beekeepers who will happily relocate hives rather than treat them.

Flies: a hygiene risk you can’t ignore

Flies may seem like a minor nuisance, but in industries such as hospitality, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing, a fly-free environment is essential. An infestation can contaminate food and production lines, spread disease, and leave a poor impression on customers and staff – large aggregations of flies can even produce a noticeable, unpleasant smell.

Practical fly control measures

• Fit fly screens to windows and doors, and seal entry points such as gaps around window frames
• Keep waste bins covered
• Clean drains and gullies regularly, especially in kitchens, to remove organic material
• Use residual insecticide treatments on surfaces where adult flies rest
• Combine physical proofing with professional treatment for the best long-term results

Because proofing alone is rarely 100% effective, a tailored programme of fly control and prevention is the most reliable way to protect a commercial environment through the summer months.

Don’t let rodents slip under the radar

While flying insects take centre stage in summer, rodents remain a year-round threat – and warm weather does nothing to slow them down. Rats can gnaw through cables, plastic and even mild steel, and up to 60% carry potentially lethal diseases, so prompt rat control and prevention is always worthwhile. Mice are just as persistent, breeding rapidly and squeezing through the smallest of gaps; our guide to mouse control and prevention covers the signs to watch for and how to keep them out.

Time for action

Whether you are dealing with a wasp nest, a fly problem or an unwelcome rodent, the earlier you act the better. Principal Environmental provides comprehensive pest control for domestic, commercial and industrial customers right across Ireland, backed by a 24/7 call-answering service.

For expert advice or to arrange a callout, contact our team or call your nearest branch:

• East: (01) 493 9007
• West: (096) 579 97
• South: (091) 399 007