Although not a serious health hazard, black ants can cause alarm. To identify the nest, 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 other animals. 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 or contact a pest control professional.

Although sometimes annoying, badgers and bats are protected by Law. Advice on proofing and control is available from Natural England and they should be consulted before any action is taken.

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.

How to get rid of bedbugs

Contact a pest control service - it's unlikely you'll be able to get rid of bedbugs yourself because they can be resistant to some insecticides.

Wash affected bedding and clothing - use a hot wash (60C) or tumble dry on a hot setting for at least 30 minutes.

Put affected clothing and bedding in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer (-16C) for 4 days (alternative to hot washing).

Clean and vacuum regularly - bedbugs are found in both clean and dirty places, but regular cleaning will help you spot them early.

Thousands of bees settle temporarily, hanging in a mass from a tree or lamppost for an hour or so while their scouts find new accommodation. If the swarm stays longer, you will need to contact a beekeeper who will remove the swarm for their own hives, free of charge.

Please visit the British Beekeepers Association website for more information

All fleas live as parasites on warm blooded mammals and although they do have a 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.

As Seagulls are a protected species eggs and nests cannot be destroyed consequently we are unable to take any action relating to Seagulls.

Herring Gulls are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Birds cannot be taken or their eggs or nests destroyed unless there is a serious hazard to public health, and such cases are rare. Less serious but still annoying issues such as fouling or noise nuisance can lead to calls for a cull. It is however generally acknowledged that culling is ineffective as outside populations of birds soon move in to fill the vacuum left by culling.

Prevention is better than such drastic cures. This means encouraging gulls back to the cliffs and away from residential areas or public places by storing refuse safely, and denying them food and perching space.

You are recommended to seek professional help in dealing with a problem wasps nest. You will need to contact a specialist pest control company who provide this service at a moderate charge, as we are unable to provide a service. Consider the risks very carefully before attempting a treatment yourself.