Latest news with #Pest-Stop
Daily Mirror
21 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Stop flies invading your home if you avoid expert's 1 common houseplant mistake
Small flies can seem to appear out of nowhere and are often mistaken for harmless gnats, but they can be a sign of a larger, unseen issue. The arrival of warmer weather has many Brits opening their windows to welcome the fresh air, only to be greeted by an unexpected influx of indoor pests. And as summer draws green-fingered individuals to their beloved houseplants, few realise that these botanical beauties could be a "breeding ground" for flies. An infestation can seemingly spring up out of the blue, with tiny flies buzzing around living rooms, kitchens and bathrooms. These nuisances, often confused with innocuous gnats, flourish in conditions that are frequently, albeit unwittingly, fostered within our homes. As we nurture our houseplants, the increased attention and watering may inadvertently lay the groundwork for another issue altogether. Sophie Thorogood, technical training manager at Pest-Stop, sheds light on why watering houseplants is a task that should be approached with caution. "Damp soil can act as both a breeding ground and a source of moisture for fungus gnats - a common type of small indoor fly," she pointed out, reports the Express. Excessive watering is a common blunder among plant enthusiasts, creating the perfect breeding ground for flies to proliferate unseen. "To prevent this, avoid overwatering your houseplants and ensure the soil dries out between waterings," Sophie recommended. "It's also important to avoid any standing water in plant trays." Failing to heed such advice can turn even the most spotless abode into a buzzing hub of fly activity, leaving homeowners to contend with a swarm before they know it. Sophie recommended a proactive approach to dealing with flies, advising: "placing yellow sticky traps near plants can help catch any flies that are already present and will prevent them from laying new eggs". She also highlighted the importance of eliminating moist conditions, ensuring a pleasant summer with both attractive houseplants and a fly-free environment.
Scotsman
30-05-2025
- Scotsman
Expert shares top tips to avoid bed bugs on holiday
As Brits pack their bags for long-awaited summer holidays, experts are warning travellers to stay vigilant and avoid bringing home an unwelcome and costly souvenir – bed bugs. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... These tiny, elusive pests are expert hitchhikers, sneaking into your luggage, clinging onto clothing and even hiding in books. Once they make it into your home, they can quickly multiply, leading to stressful and expensive infestations. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad According to Sophie Thorogood, technical training manager at Pest-Stop, 'Summer is peak season for bed bug activity. Expert shares top tips to avoid bed bugs on holiday 'With the surge in travel over the summer holidays, it's important to be proactive with simple precautions, as these can significantly reduce your risk.' To help travellers stay bed bug-free, Sophie shares her expert advice: 1. Inspect your accommodation upon arrival Before settling in and unpacking, take a few minutes to inspect your hotel room or holiday home. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Look along mattress seams, behind headboards and around bedside furniture,' says Sophie. 'Tiny black or brown spots may indicate bed bug droppings.' 2. Use the luggage rack Avoid putting your suitcase on the bed or carpeted floor. 'Use the luggage rack or place bags in the bathroom where bed bugs are less likely to hide,' Sophie advises. 'This reduces the risk of bugs crawling into your belongings and hitching a ride home with you.' 3. Check your suitcase before you check out Before packing up, carefully inspect your luggage and clothing for any signs of bed bugs. 'Shake out clothes and check bag seams to ensure no unwanted guests are hiding inside. Even small items like books or chargers can harbour pests,' Sophie warns. 4. Wash and heat-treat your clothes Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Once home, act fast. 'To effectively kill any bed bugs, wash all clothes – clean or worn – at 60°C and tumble dry on the highest heat available,' says Sophie. 'However, always check the care labels first to ensure your items can handle high temperatures.' 'For delicate garments that can't be washed hot, sealing them in a plastic bag and placing them in the freezer for at least 48 hours is an effective alternative.' 5. Be cautions with second-hand buys Bed bugs don't just travel via luggage – they can also hide in second-hand furniture, clothing and books. 'Before bringing any used items into your home, thoroughly inspect them for signs of infestation,' Sophie suggests. 6. Act fast if you spot signs Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad If you do discover bed bugs in your home, don't panic, but it's important to act quickly before they spread. Bed bugs are much easier to manage when caught early, while numbers are still low. 'The Pest-Stop Bed Bug Blitz Kit is a fast-acting solution that tackles infestations and offers peace of mind,' says Sophie. By following these preventative measures, you can relax and enjoy your summer holiday without worrying about what might come back in your suitcase. For more expert pest prevention advice, visit
Scotsman
06-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scotsman
Buzz off! Expert reveals how to keep flies out of your home this summer
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now With summer approaching and temperatures rising, flies can quickly turn from a minor nuisance to a major headache for UK households. From gorgeous Georgian town houses to jaw-dropping penthouses, converted campervans to bargain boltholes. Take a peek at the finest homes across the UK. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... These pesky insects breed rapidly in warm weather and are drawn to food, moisture and light - making them difficult to keep out. As well as being annoying, flies can also pose a serious health risk. They can transfer bacteria like Salmonella and E. Coli onto food and preparation surfaces. That's why taking proactive steps to prevent them is crucial in reducing the risk of food poisoning. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad To help Brits enjoy a fly-free summer, Sophie Thorogood, technical training manager at Pest-Stop, shares her expert tips on how to keep these unwelcome guests at bay. To help Brits enjoy a fly-free summer, Sophie Thorogood, technical training manager at Pest-Stop, shares her expert tips on how to keep these unwelcome guests at bay 1. Seal entry points 'Flies can squeeze through the tiniest gaps around doors, windows and vents,' says Sophie. 'Check for any cracks or tears in screens and seals and repair them to stop flies from getting inside.' 'Keeping windows and doors closed or installing fly screens or a window fly trap can also prevent them from entering your home.' 2. Maintain Cleanliness Keeping your home clean is one of the most effective ways to prevent a fly infestation. 'Flies are drawn to food residues and moisture,' explains Sophie. 'Make sure to wipe down surfaces, clean up spills and avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink or on countertops.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'They also breed in decaying waste, making household bins a prime hotspot,' Sophie says. 'To reduce fly activity, make sure rubbish is removed regularly and bins are kept tightly closed.' 3. Manage outdoor lighting 'Flies are attracted to light sources, especially at night. Turning off unnecessary outdoor lights or switching to warm-coloured bulbs can help reduce the number of flies hovering around your home,' advises Sophie. 4. Control moisture levels in houseplants 'Damp soil can act as both a breeding ground and a source of moisture for fungus gnats - a common type of small indoor fly,' explains Sophie. 'To prevent this, avoid overwatering your houseplants and ensure the soil dries out between waterings. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It's also important to avoid any standing water in plant trays. Placing yellow sticky traps near plants can help catch any flies that are already present.' 5. Using a fly killer ' Insect light traps are one of the most effective ways to manage indoor fly problems,' says Sophie. 'These devices use energy-efficient LED lamps to attract and capture flies, helping to maintain a cleaner, more hygienic environment.' 'For best results, install light traps at eye level and away from ceilings, where they'll be most effective in intercepting flying insects.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The most effective solution to a fly problem is using an indoor fly killer. It's an easy to use, non-toxic product that quickly attracts and eliminates flies, helping to maintain a cleaner environment,' states Sophie. 6. Natural remedies to deter flies For those looking for natural alternatives, Sophie recommends the following fly repellents: Cayenne pepper spray – 'Mix one teaspoon of cayenne pepper with a cup of water in a spray bottle and mist entry points. The strong scent repels flies, keeping them from entering your home.' Lavender – 'Growing lavender outside, keeping a bouquet indoors or using lavender essential oil near doors and windows will naturally discourage flies.' Citrus peels – 'Placing citrus peels in areas where flies tend to gather provides a simple yet effective way to keep them at bay.' Basil plants – 'Basil is not only a great addition to your kitchen but also an effective fly repellent. Keeping a pot near windows or entryways helps reduce fly activity indoors.' Apple cider vinegar trap – 'A simple homemade trap using apple cider vinegar and washing-up liquid in a covered glass with small holes can lure and trap flies.' Sophie adds: 'Flies can quickly become a real annoyance in the summer, but with a few simple changes, you can drastically reduce their presence in your home. 'Prevention is key – keeping your surroundings clean and sealing off entry points will make a huge difference.'
Scotsman
06-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scotsman
Buzz off! Expert reveals how to keep flies out of your home this summer
With summer approaching and temperatures rising, flies can quickly turn from a minor nuisance to a major headache for UK households. From gorgeous Georgian town houses to jaw-dropping penthouses, converted campervans to bargain boltholes. Take a peek at the finest homes across the UK. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... These pesky insects breed rapidly in warm weather and are drawn to food, moisture and light - making them difficult to keep out. As well as being annoying, flies can also pose a serious health risk. They can transfer bacteria like Salmonella and E. Coli onto food and preparation surfaces. That's why taking proactive steps to prevent them is crucial in reducing the risk of food poisoning. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad To help Brits enjoy a fly-free summer, Sophie Thorogood, technical training manager at Pest-Stop, shares her expert tips on how to keep these unwelcome guests at bay. To help Brits enjoy a fly-free summer, Sophie Thorogood, technical training manager at Pest-Stop, shares her expert tips on how to keep these unwelcome guests at bay 1. Seal entry points 'Flies can squeeze through the tiniest gaps around doors, windows and vents,' says Sophie. 'Check for any cracks or tears in screens and seals and repair them to stop flies from getting inside.' 'Keeping windows and doors closed or installing fly screens or a window fly trap can also prevent them from entering your home.' 2. Maintain Cleanliness Keeping your home clean is one of the most effective ways to prevent a fly infestation. 'Flies are drawn to food residues and moisture,' explains Sophie. 'Make sure to wipe down surfaces, clean up spills and avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink or on countertops.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'They also breed in decaying waste, making household bins a prime hotspot,' Sophie says. 'To reduce fly activity, make sure rubbish is removed regularly and bins are kept tightly closed.' 3. Manage outdoor lighting 'Flies are attracted to light sources, especially at night. Turning off unnecessary outdoor lights or switching to warm-coloured bulbs can help reduce the number of flies hovering around your home,' advises Sophie. 4. Control moisture levels in houseplants 'Damp soil can act as both a breeding ground and a source of moisture for fungus gnats - a common type of small indoor fly,' explains Sophie. 'To prevent this, avoid overwatering your houseplants and ensure the soil dries out between waterings. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It's also important to avoid any standing water in plant trays. Placing yellow sticky traps near plants can help catch any flies that are already present.' 5. Using a fly killer ' Insect light traps are one of the most effective ways to manage indoor fly problems,' says Sophie. 'These devices use energy-efficient LED lamps to attract and capture flies, helping to maintain a cleaner, more hygienic environment.' 'For best results, install light traps at eye level and away from ceilings, where they'll be most effective in intercepting flying insects.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The most effective solution to a fly problem is using an indoor fly killer. It's an easy to use, non-toxic product that quickly attracts and eliminates flies, helping to maintain a cleaner environment,' states Sophie. 6. Natural remedies to deter flies For those looking for natural alternatives, Sophie recommends the following fly repellents: Cayenne pepper spray – 'Mix one teaspoon of cayenne pepper with a cup of water in a spray bottle and mist entry points. The strong scent repels flies, keeping them from entering your home.' – 'Mix one teaspoon of cayenne pepper with a cup of water in a spray bottle and mist entry points. The strong scent repels flies, keeping them from entering your home.' Lavender – 'Growing lavender outside, keeping a bouquet indoors or using lavender essential oil near doors and windows will naturally discourage flies.' – 'Growing lavender outside, keeping a bouquet indoors or using lavender essential oil near doors and windows will naturally discourage flies.' Citrus peels – 'Placing citrus peels in areas where flies tend to gather provides a simple yet effective way to keep them at bay.' – 'Placing citrus peels in areas where flies tend to gather provides a simple yet effective way to keep them at bay.' Basil plants – 'Basil is not only a great addition to your kitchen but also an effective fly repellent. Keeping a pot near windows or entryways helps reduce fly activity indoors.' – 'Basil is not only a great addition to your kitchen but also an effective fly repellent. Keeping a pot near windows or entryways helps reduce fly activity indoors.' Apple cider vinegar trap – 'A simple homemade trap using apple cider vinegar and washing-up liquid in a covered glass with small holes can lure and trap flies.' Sophie adds, 'Flies can quickly become a real annoyance in the summer, but with a few simple changes, you can drastically reduce their presence in your home.
Scotsman
24-04-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Gardeners warned over 'destructive' insect ruining hedges this April
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now As April arrives, and the sunshine finally returns, gardeners across the UK are being warned to stay alert for an increasingly destructive pest – the box tree moth. Known for causing serious damage to boxwood hedges, used frequently for borders and topiary designs, this invasive species can leave lush shrubs brown, brittle and irreparable in a matter of weeks. From gorgeous Georgian town houses to jaw-dropping penthouses, converted campervans to bargain boltholes. Take a peek at the finest homes across the UK. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Sophie Thorogood, pest prevention expert at Pest-Stop, explains why April is the most critical time to take action - and how you can stop an infestation before it starts. Why box tree moths are back this April 'April is the beginning of the box tree moth's lifecycle here in the UK,' says Sophie. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Pest-Stop expert reveals how to protect your garden from a box tree moth invasion this April 'As temperatures rise, adult moths emerge and begin laying their eggs on the underside of box tree leaves.' 'Within days, the eggs hatch into hungry caterpillars that feed voraciously on foliage, often unnoticed until the damage is done.' These caterpillars not only strip the leaves but can also spin dense, sticky webbing that further weakens the plant, causing irreversible damage. 'By the time webbing becomes visible, the infestation is usually well underway,' Sophie warns. 'That's why early monitoring is key.' Five signs your box hedge could be under attack Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad To reduce the risk of irreversible damage from box tree moths, gardeners should inspect their box trees regularly, especially during spring and summer. Key signs include: Green-yellow caterpillars with black heads Webbing in and around the foliage Skeletonised leaves or thinning patches Adult moths (White-winged with a brown border) Sudden browning on what was previously a healthy growth An eco-friendly solution To help protect your garden without reaching for harsh chemicals, Sophie recommends using a moth trap – a reusable, pesticide-free trap that uses a pheromone lure to attract and capture male moths. 'By trapping male moths early in the season, you interrupt the breeding cycle and stop the next generation before it even begins,' she explains. 'It's a safe and sustainable way to monitor activity and reduce infestations before the larvae cause significant damage.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Simple to use and weather-resistant, the trap provides season-long protection and can be refilled with pheromones for continuous monitoring. How to use the trap effectively To get ahead of the first wave, Sophie recommends setting traps as early as possible: Set up traps in early April to detect the first wave of adult moths Hang one trap per box hedge area, ideally at chest height within the foliage Replace the pheromone lure every 3 months or when moth activity increases Regularly check and empty the trap to monitor population trends Keep your box trees protected all season long 'Box tree moths don't just appear once,' adds Sophie. 'They go through several generations between April and October – so it's vital to monitor all season long.' 'The box tree moth trap provides peace of mind for gardeners who want to protect their landscapes without resorting to chemical treatments.' By acting early and staying consistent, gardeners can enjoy healthy, thriving hedges throughout the year without the worry of sudden dieback or pest damage.
