Latest news with #ShieldPestControl
Daily Mail
12-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mail
There really ARE more wasps this year! Driest spring in 132 years plus summer heat has boosted number of colonies, experts say
Britain has been swarmed by an exceptionally high number of wasps this year due to a dry spring and the summer heatwave, experts have said. With last month England's hottest June on record and the third heatwave of the summer set to peak today with temperatures of 32C, wasp populations have increased in 'numerous' numbers. Seirian Sumner, UCL's professor of behavioural ecology, told The I Paper that the early summer heat and driest spring conditions in 132 years have resulted in a 'good wasp year' for 2025. Professor Sumner explained that a cold and wet spring means that wasp nests are 'more likely to fail', with the high UK temperatures increasing insect populations that wasps then hunt as prey and feed to their brood. Spring weather always has a big impact on wasp success as it is the most vulnerable time in their life cycle. It's at this time of year that the wasp queen emerges from hibernation and builds her nest alone. She then has to forage to feed the brood, and if it's a cold, wet spring then survival of nests is low. But this year, Daniel Steward, managing director at Shield Pest Control, insists that his teams have received a 'noticeable increase in wasp-related enquiries' across the summer. He told the publication that the stark rise in temperatures have sped up the wasp breeding cycle, resulting in 'nests forming sooner and reaching larger sizes by mid-summer'. The result is that an unusually high number of adult-sized wasps buzzing around, with Mr Steward advising both homeowners and businesses to remain 'vigilant' as the numbers continue to soar. And there is even more bad news for those fearful or fed up with the unwelcome insects - wasp numbers could reach an all time high as we head into August. While for most of the year adult wasps hunt insects to fee the larvae - in exchange for a sugary substance released by the larvae as a reward, the late summer months of August and September bring less larvae, as they pupate in the warm summer months. So adult wasps are forced to hunt out sugar of their own, which explains why the insects tend to fly straight towards sugary drinks and food. In contrast, last year, wasps were hit by a wet spring and cold start to summer, with Adam Hart, professor of science communication at the University of Gloucestershire telling MailOnline that 'all of the signs' suggested it was a 'very poor summer for wasps'. Professor Hart added: 'While that may sound like great news if you're out on a picnic, wasps play a crucial role as pollinators and natural pest controllers, keeping on top of insects that feed on crops and garden plants. Meanwhile, Professor Sumner added that due to competition for resources, if the wasp population levels tend to be high one year then they typically drop the next, indicating that 2025 is likely to be a strong wasp year. The UK's biggest annual monitoring scheme, the Big Wasp Survey, co-led by Professor Sumner, is set to undertake its next sampling phase between August 2 and August 10. Despite the annoyance of nature's unloved insects and the painful sting they can leave behind, Professor Sumner previously told MailOnline that we need to 'actively overhaul the negative image of wasps to protect the ecological benefits they bring to our planet' Designed to 'help to quantify wasp species, abundance, diversity and distribution', the results should eventually give a good indication of the changes and trends of the UK wasp population over a 60-year period. Those wishing to take part in the survey need to create a simple trap using a plastic bottle and 200ml of lager, then log the number of wasps caught. All wasps bar the queen die by the end of summer, so the traps shorten their lives by only a week or two. Despite the annoyance of nature's unloved insects and the painful sting they can leave behind, Professor Sumner previously told MailOnline that we need to 'actively overhaul the negative image of wasps to protect the ecological benefits they bring to our planet'. Adding that the species are facing a similar decline to bees, he said that wasps are essential due to their role in pollinating our flowers and crops, alongside destroying pests and insects that carry human diseases. But for those fed up with the incessant number of wasps plaguing their home this summer, there are several humane insect repellents that can help keep the buzzing intruders out. Fresh lemons and cloves, pungent scents that are said to be repulsive to flies, or even oranges, can be used to help deter wasps. Simply halve two lemons and stick a handful of cloves into the cut flesh. Then, balance each half inside an egg cup and place on windowsills and kitchen counters, inside doorways and beside rubbish bins. They'll last up to a week. Handheld insect catcher devices, available to purcahse online, can help to catch the wasps, although insect-phobes fearful of the creepy-crawlies may be less inclined to get so close. As wasps eagerly circle your food as you attempt to enjoy a meal sat outside in the scorching sun, fly-proof fans can also help to confuse wasps and also stimulate a threat.
Scottish Sun
02-05-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Two kitchen ingredients can prevent foxes from ruining your flowerbeds this summer – you'll have them in your cupboard
THE warm weather brings everyone out, even foxes, who are foraging for food. So if you're planning on enjoying summer barbeques and other meals al fresco, this DIY hack can help repel the animals from your garden. 3 According to pest control experts, two kitchen ingredients can repel foxes from your garden (stock image) Credit: Getty According to the experts at Shield Pest Control, two household ingredients can deter foxes from your property. And if you're an animal lover, don't worry because this technique won't harm the nocturnal creatures. Simply raid your spice rack, and take out your chilli powder and garlic for this hack. "Sprinkling these foods around your garden will naturally prevent foxes from coming near your home and garden," the experts explained. "There's no need to resort to extreme measures if you don't have to." Simply boil these ingredients in some water and blend the solution to create a fine solution. Then spray the fiery blend around your garden, leaving a "potent smell" that'll send foxes running. And you can find everything you need without breaking the budget at Asda. A bottle of chilli powder is available for just £1 while a chilli paste costs just 98p. Meanwhile, garlic granules will set you back just £1. Tips and Tricks to Keep Your Garden Pest-Free You could also opt for fresher ingredients, with a bag of Hot and Fiery chillies available for just 48p and a large bulb of garlic is just 39p. Foxes have a highly developed sense of smell, allowing them to detect and avoid certain odours. While they are known to be opportunistic feeders, they tend to avoid foods with strong smells like garlic. Specific compounds in garlic, such as alliinase and capsaicin, are thought to cause the pungent odour. However, be careful when adding garlic to your garden as it can be harmful to other animals, experts warn. Tips for keeping pests from your garden Plant companion plants such as peppermint to repel rats. Place Garden Netting Pest Barrier, over your flowerbeds. Fill open-top containers with beer and place in soil to repel slugs. Spray plants with Neem Oil, to repel ants, flies, and spiders. Dust your flowerbeds with Diatomaceous Earth. Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap, 10 drops peppermint oil, and 4 cups water and spray on flowerbeds. Place eggshells around your plants to protect from slugs and snails. Foxes also tend to avoid chilli due to the compound the capsaicin, which irritates the pain receptors in the mouth and throat. A 49p hack helps to keep wasps from your garden, but you'll want to act soon. Another trick prevents squirrels from digging up your garden and all you need is a kitchen staple. And common storage mistakes may be attracting rodents to your garden shed. Another budget-friendly hack can help to banish slugs and snails from your garden. 3 According to experts, foxes tend to avoid chilli powder because it hurts the pain receptors in their mouths (stock image) Credit: Getty
The Sun
02-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
Two kitchen ingredients can prevent foxes from ruining your flowerbeds this summer – you'll have them in your cupboard
THE warm weather brings everyone out, even foxes, who are foraging for food. So if you're planning on enjoying summer barbeques and other meals al fresco, this DIY hack can help repel the animals from your garden. According to the experts at Shield Pest Control, two household ingredients can deter foxes from your property. And if you're an animal lover, don't worry because this technique won't harm the nocturnal creatures. Simply raid your spice rack, and take out your chilli powder and garlic for this hack. "Sprinkling these foods around your garden will naturally prevent foxes from coming near your home and garden," the experts explained. "There's no need to resort to extreme measures if you don't have to." Simply boil these ingredients in some water and blend the solution to create a fine solution. Then spray the fiery blend around your garden, leaving a "potent smell" that'll send foxes running. And you can find everything you need without breaking the budget at Asda. A bottle of chilli powder is available for just £1 while a chi l li paste costs just 98p. Meanwhile, garlic granules will set you back just £1. Tips and Tricks to Keep Your Garden Pest-Free You could also opt for fresher ingredients, with a bag of Hot and Fiery chillies available for just 48p and a large bulb of garlic is just 39p. Foxes have a highly developed sense of smell, allowing them to detect and avoid certain odours. While they are known to be opportunistic feeders, they tend to avoid foods with strong smells like garlic. Specific compounds in garlic, such as alliinase and capsaicin, are thought to cause the pungent odour. However, be careful when adding garlic to your garden as it can be harmful to other animals, experts warn. Tips for keeping pests from your garden Plant companion plants such as peppermint to repel rats. Place Garden Netting Pest Barrier, over your flowerbeds. Fill open-top containers with beer and place in soil to repel slugs. Spray plants with Neem Oil, to repel ants, flies, and spiders. Dust your flowerbeds with Diatomaceous Earth. Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap, 10 drops peppermint oil, and 4 cups water and spray on flowerbeds. Place eggshells around your plants to protect from slugs and snails. Foxes also tend to avoid chilli due to the compound the capsaicin, which irritates the pain receptors in the mouth and throat. A 49p hack helps to keep wasps from your garden, but you'll want to act soon. Another trick prevents squirrels from digging up your garden and all you need is a kitchen staple. And common storage mistakes may be attracting rodents to your garden shed. Another budget-friendly hack can help to banish slugs and snails from your garden. 3 3
Daily Mirror
25-04-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Get rid of spiders from your home for good with 'great natural deterrent'
As temperatures rise and the days get longer, spiders are expected to come out of their winter hibernation and start hunting for prey. But a pest expert has shared a natural way to keep them at bay As spring approaches and temperatures begin to climb, spiders will awaken from their winter slumber and start hunting for food. While finding spiders in your home isn't as problematic as discovering other household pests like moths or carpet beetles, many Brits still find them a nuisance. With their eight legs, spiders are often found in moist, humid environments such as bathrooms, where they hunt for moisture-loving insects. Keeping these eight-legged creatures out of your home may seem like a daunting task, but according to Daniel Steward, managing director at Shield Pest Control, there's one deterrent that works wonders. He revealed: "Spiders are highly sensitive to strong smells and acidity, which overwhelms their senses and encourages them to stay away." While quirky hacks like using conkers to deter spiders are often suggested, Daniel recommends a few everyday cupboard ingredients instead. "A great natural spider deterrent is a mixture of white vinegar and water sprayed onto areas where spiders are commonly found", the pest expert advised. Since spiders smell through their legs, strong scents are particularly effective, reports the Express. To create this homemade spider repellent, simply combine equal parts vinegar and water in a spray-top bottle and spritz it around common spider hotspots in your home. Although vinegar is considered an effective remedy against arachnids, it should be used alongside other efforts for long-term results. Daniel advises: "Our favourite approach is to use a hard, stiff broom or a handheld vacuum cleaner to remove spider egg sacs and webs physically. "This not only disrupts their habitat but also helps prevent future infestations." While natural repellents like peppermint, cinnamon or garlic can be useful due to their strong scents for spiders, the effectiveness of conkers as a deterrent is less certain. Daniel explained: "While some people believe that a compound found in the nut repels them, it's not something you should rely on, especially if you're noticing an increase in spider activity. "Due to their strong sense of smell, peppermint oil is a more reliable natural deterrent. You can also try placing peppermint plants around your home for a longer-lasting effect." For those battling bathroom spider invasions, a dehumidifier might help by cutting down on moisture. In terms of bedrooms and living rooms, decluttering could be key as spiders thrive in messy spaces. Daniel also recommends inspecting for any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and foundations, noting: "Spiders can easily slip through small openings, so sealing these areas can help prevent them from getting inside." He concluded with a tip for drafty rooms: "If you're noticing an influx in rooms with drafty windows, that could be the entry point."
Daily Mirror
25-04-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Cheap kitchen staple can stop foxes invading your garden without harming them
If you're sick and tired of foxes invading your garden, then there's a simple and cheap kitchen staple that can help you get rid of them for good without having to turn to extreme measures A natural item you already have in your kitchen could keep foxes out of your garden. Urban foxes can be a nuisance in gardens, especially in the spring when you're trying to encourage plants to grow and grass to flourish after the miserable winter months. Foxes can dig up plants and flowerbeds while searching for insects to eat or to bury surplus food, and they also mark their territory by leaving droppings and unpleasant scents all over your garden. They also make noisy "screams" at night that can keep you awake, and if you have small outdoor pets like rabbits, they could even kill and eat them. While none of us want foxes in our gardens, we also don't want to hurt them - and thankfully, there are natural solutions you can use to deter them without causing any harm. According to the experts at Shield Pest Control, there's an everyday kitchen staple that foxes can't stand, and anyone who has a fully stocked spice rack will already have some on hand - chilli pepper. And if you don't have any because you're not a fan of spice, there's another common ingredient you can use instead - garlic. The experts said: "Sprinkling these foods around your garden will naturally prevent foxes from coming near your home and garden. There's no need to resort to extreme measures if you don't have to." Experts have cooked up a clever concoction to keep pesky foxes away from your garden, suggesting a potent mix of chilli and garlic is the key. Simply boil these ingredients, whizz them in a blender, and spray the fiery blend around your patch, they say, leaving behind a "potent smell" that'll send the critters running. Bargain hunters can snap up "hot and fiery" Bird Eye chillies for a mere 45p at Asda, while adding a single bulb of garlic to your basket amounts to just 39p – a thrifty total of 84p for the homemade repellent. For those who aren't keen on their garden reeking of spices, Combat Pest Control offers a sweet-scented alternative: scattering lemon peels as a fragrant means to "effectively repel" the furry visitors. Gardener's World chimes in with their two pence, pointing out that a fox's "strong sense of smell" can be turned against them – safeguard your bins with locks and dispose of any droppings to make your garden less inviting, they advise.
