Services Archives - Beaver Pest Control

Lighting the Way: Top 5 Electronic Fly Killers

In the ever-evolving landscape of pest control, staying ahead of the game is crucial. One aspect that has seen significant advancements in recent years is the use of Electronic Fly Killer (EFK) units.

This blog will explain how these devices work. It will discuss the switch from fluorescent bulbs to UV LEDs. It will also highlight legal updates. Additionally, it will present our top 5 EFK units.

Understanding EFK Units:

Electronic Fly Killers, or EFKs, have been crucial in for pest controllers for many years. These devices attract flying insects using UV light.

Electric fly killers protect places where food is prepared and high-risk fly areas. The UV light emitted by the EFK attracts the pests into the unit, where they come into contact with either an electrified grid or a sticky board, effectively eliminating them.

The Shift to LED Lighting:

Recently, many industries have switched from old fluorescent bulbs to Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology. Technological advancements and legal changes drive this transition, aiming to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. In the next two years, the old-style fluorescent EFK tubes will no longer be for sale. Many older EFK units will need replacement or retrofitting to accommodate newer LED bulbs.

Legal Changes and Environmental Benefits:

Authorities are implementing regulations to phase out traditional fluorescent bulbs in favour of more energy-efficient options, including LEDs. LED lighting not only consumes less energy but also has a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

The environmental benefits of LEDs extend beyond energy efficiency. LEDs are safer for humans and the environment than fluorescent lights because they do not contain harmful elements such as mercury. As a responsible pest control company, Beaver Pest Control aligns with these environmental initiatives, promoting sustainable practices within the industry.

Top 5 Electronic Fly Killer Units with UV LED Bulbs

Chameleon® Qualis
Chameleon® Sirius X
Chameleon® 1×2 Discretion
Titan 300
ON-TOP PRO X

Chameleon® Qualis

The Chameleon® Qualis establishes a new benchmark for energy-efficient and sustainable fly control with its sleek, contemporary design. This equipment, designed primarily for the food and packaging industries as well as industrial kitchens, is both attractive and technologically advanced.

Key Features:

Quantum X LED Filament Tubes: Fitted with next-generation Quantum X LED filament tubes, boasting FEP shatter-resistant coating as standard. Ideal for glass exclusion zones.
Extended Light Distribution: Quantum X technology ensures an extended pattern of light distribution, enhancing the unit’s efficiency.
Dual Chassis Options: Available with white-coated steel or 304 food-grade stainless steel chassis, providing flexibility for various environments.
Annual energy savings of up to £66 per year compared to current EFK models.

Chameleon® Sirius X

The Chameleon® Sirius X is the top-tier fly control unit designed for sophisticated front-of-house use. With its sleek design, this unit easily fits into restaurants, cafes, or hotels, combining style with top-tier functionality.

Key Features:

Quantum X Shatterproof Tubes: Fitted with two Quantum X shatterproof tubes for enhanced durability and efficiency.
LED Range Glue Board: Designed with a dedicated LED range glue board, contributing to energy savings and sustainability.
Dual Wall Mounting Options: The Sirius X offers flexible wall mounting, either horizontally or vertically, adapting to various spaces.

Chameleon® Sirius X Electronic Fly Killer

Chameleon® 1×2 Discretion

Discover discreet and efficient fly control with the Chameleon® 1×2 Discretion. This slim, wall-mounted unit offers a free-standing bracket option, providing flexibility in placement. The appealing front cover hides the sticky board and catch, making it a great choice for public areas where looks are important.

Key Features:

Discreet Design: Slim and wall-mounted, with a free-standing bracket option for versatile placement.
Attractive Front Cover: Conceals the sticky board and catch, making it perfect for areas in view of the public.
Enhanced Features: Offers similar features as the standard 1×2 model, with added discretion.

Titan 300

The Titan 300 is a sturdy all-metal unit that delivers outstanding fly control performance. Its wrap-around chrome guard ensures 360° protection. This device, built to tackle high fly infestations, is strong and adaptable, making it suited for bigger areas and a variety of commercial applications.

Key Features:

360° Protection: A wrap-around chrome guard ensures comprehensive fly control performance.
High-Performance Transformer: Equipped with a high-performance transformer for enhanced efficiency.
Multiple Mounting Options: Versatile installation with options for wall mounting, ceiling suspension, or freestanding placement.
Tool-Free Servicing: Easy and fast servicing without the need for additional tools.
Adaptable Design: Can be modified to operate as a cluster fly unit by removing the tray.

ON-TOP PRO X

The ON-TOP PRO X is an innovative, discreet, and stylish fly trap designed for ceiling installation in both new and existing suspended ceilings. These LED models solve the challenges of space limitations, making them the perfect solution for supermarkets, convenience stores, fast-food outlets, and areas where conventional installations are impractical.

Key Features:

Unique Overhead Design: Fits discreetly and easily into new or existing suspended ceilings.
Patented Concept: Ideal for spaces with limited room, providing a practical solution for challenging installations.
Quantum X Shatterproof Tubes: Both models are equipped with two Quantum X shatterproof tubes for efficient fly control.
Large Polished Aluminium Reflector: Enhances the efficiency and economy of controlling flying insect infestations in public spaces.

Beaver Pest Control leads the way with innovative EFK solutions that meet regulatory standards and promote a sustainable and efficient approach to pest management. Illuminate your space while safeguarding it from unwanted pests with our top-of-the-line EFK units.

Talk to our experts about the right Electronic Fly Killer for your business. Get rid of flies with these eco friendly led fly killers.

Call us today on 020 8355 3443.

Nesting Season Preparedness: Why Early Bird Proofing Matters for Your Business

Services

Gull nesting season is fast approaching which makes now the perfect time to prepare your building. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 protects wild birds, their nests and eggs which means dealing with birds during nesting season is very challenging. When it comes to birds, prevention is considered the best option.

Biology

Once a breeding site is chosen, Gulls will return to it each year. This means if you had a gull problem last year, you are likely to have a reoccurrence this spring. Gulls will lay eggs in April and May. Once the eggs are laid they will take approximately 30 days to hatch and a further 10 days before the chicks can take their first flight.

Why are nesting birds a problem?

There are a number of potential problems that can arise with nesting birds:

Property Damage

The Gulls will make nests with a wide variety of debris which can lead to blockages in drain pipes and damage to roofs. Bird guano (bird droppings) can also degrade the building over time. These can lead to costly repairs, especially where access is difficult.

Health Hazards

Bird guano is known to harbour a variety of bacteria, fungi and parasites that are harmful to humans. During nesting season guano will accumulate around the nest. I can also lead to slip hazards for people entering your building.

Operational Disruptions

During nesting season Gulls are particularly aggressive to anyone working in the vicinity of the nest. This can disrupt your staff in carrying out their duties. They can also generate a lot of noise causing distraction and disruption to your day.

Benefits of Early Bird Proofing

Considering the risks and hazards posed by these birds, carrying out early birdproofing is the right strategic decision to save your company in the long term.

Long-Term Cost Savings

Early bird proofing should be considered as a preventative measure for any business. The cost of repairs following damage from just one nesting season can soon outweigh the cost of proofing.

Improved Business Continuity

Uninterrupted business operations is paramount to the success of every business. Consider the repercussions of having to stop work due to a gull attack, and if this is during nesting season when the nests are protected, you run the risk of this happening multiple times before you can carry out the appropriate proofing.

Protect your Reputation

Your building is a representation of your business, if your customers are arriving and there is guano on the floor and side of the building, your reputation can quickly be damaged. The noise and aggressive tendencies during nesting season can also be very off-putting for customers.

Customised Bird Proofing Solutions

We recognise that every business is unique requiring a customised solution for each customer. Our commitment to innovative solutions ensures we are able to carry out proofing in even the most complicated buildings.

Our Solutions

The urgency of early bird proofing is not to be underestimated. If you require bird proofing carried out before nesting season you need to consider having surveys carried out from November – February at the latest. This will ensure a customised solution can be planned and works can be fully carried out before the start of nesting season.

If you are interested in finding out more about any of these bird control solutions contact us on 020 8355 3443.

Bed Bug FAQ: Answering your burning bed bug questions.

Commercial, Residential, Services

Bed bugs are tiny pests that can cause big problems. These sneaky creatures love to hide in cracks, crevices, and bedding, making it hard to spot them. As a pest control company working with both businesses and residents in the UK, we come across bed bugs frequently. This blog is to share the answers to some of key questions people are asking about bed bugs. We’ll explore the appearance of bedbug bites, the characteristics of these bugs, and delve into the life cycle of bedbugs, including their eggs to help you understand if you are dealing with bed bugs or another type of pest.

What do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?

Bed bug bites can vary from person to person, but they generally share some common characteristics. These bites often appear as small, red lumps with a darker middle. The bites may be grouped in a line or a cluster on your neck, shoulders, back, legs or arms. Itching is a common symptom, and some individuals may experience an allergic reaction that leads to more severe reactions.

What Does a Bed Bug Look Like?

Early detection of a bed bug infestation is crucial for effective pest control. Adult bed bugs are small, oval-shaped insects with a reddish-brown colour. They are about the size of an apple seed, 4-6mm in length. They are flat, allowing them to hide in cracks and crevices easily. Bed bugs have six legs, antennae, and a specially adapted mouthpiece that they use to pierce the skin and feed on blood. The nymphs (young bed bugs) are smaller and lighter in colour but share the same general body shape.
Bedbug

How Long Do Bed Bug Eggs Take to Hatch?

The life cycle of a bed bug includes several stages, with egg hatching being a critical part. Bed bug eggs typically take about 6 to 10 days to hatch, depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. Warm and humid conditions are favourable for faster development, while cooler environments may extend the hatching time
.

What Do Bed Bug Eggs Look Like?

Bed bug eggs are tiny, measuring about 1mm in length, and are often translucent or pearly white. They are usually found in clusters and are attached to surfaces like furniture or fittings with a sticky substance. The eggs are resistant to many common insecticides, making thorough inspection and treatment essential for effective control.

How Long Can a Bed Bug Live Without Feeding?

Bed bugs are resilient when it comes to survival without a blood meal. In ideal conditions, adult bed bugs can live for several months without feeding. However, they are opportunistic feeders, and when a suitable host is present, they will actively seek a blood meal. Nymphs, on the other hand, may only survive a few weeks without feeding.

Do bedbugs transmit diseases through their bites?

Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that bed bugs transmit diseases through their bites. However, their bites can lead to itching, discomfort, and in some cases, allergic reactions.

How can I prevent a bedbug infestation?

Regularly inspect your living and sleeping areas for signs of bedbugs, such as small reddish-brown insects, tiny eggs, or dark fecal spots. Keep your living space clutter-free and consider using protective mattress covers. If you are running a business that is affected by bed bugs on a regular basis such as hotels, you should consider pro-active bed bug monitoring such as Spotta.

Proactive Bed Bug Monitoring for Hotels

Spotta™ Remote Bed Bug Monitoring

Spotta™ is an innovative technology which uses remote monitored Bed Pods which attract insects and identifies bedbugs at an early stage. The
Bed Pods automatically notify your local pest control technician.
Spotta™ is a highly effective solution that requires zero commitment from
hotel staff and zero visibilty to guests. The Bed Pod has no wires, no sound
and no smells. It is also placed hidden from view to protect your reputation.
This 24/7 automatic detection solution is an innovative approach to bed
bug monitoring.

Dog Screens

Dog screens use highly trained dogs to detect bed bugs throughout your hotel. They are a quick and efficient way of screening rooms. The dogs will provide an accurate assessment of which rooms have an active infestation and are in need of treatment at the time of the screening. They can be used as an early detection service if used on a regular basis. It only takes a trained dog 1-2 minutes to search an entire hotel room. They are a great opportunity to provide due diligence and protect your business from false claims.

TruDetX Bed Bug Rapid Test

The TruDetx Bed Bug Rapid Test is a fast-acting, reliable test kit designed to accurately detect bed bug infestations, whether at high or low levels. According to scientific tests, Trudetx rapid bed bug tests were performed with 90% precision. This was achieved with extremely low bed bug activity and in hard-to-reach areas. They can now detect even low-level bed bug infestations quickly with a science-based test. This means that our customers can feel confident in moving forward with treatment to solve the problem quickly.

If you are concerned you may have bed bugs contact one of our team today on 020 8355 3443 and we can help you assess your pest problems.

Drain Surveys carried out by technician in home in London

National Association for Drainage Contractors

Commercial, Residential, Services

In 2021, we decided to bring CCTV drain surveys in-house and train up a team of drainage experts. The majority of rat infestations are connected to drain defects. Therefore, carrying out the surveys ourselves allowed our team to use their knowledge and experience of rat behaviour to deal with rat problems quickly.

Our drain surveys differ from your standard drainage service. As pest controllers first and foremost, we can identify issues before they escalate into a larger problem. We use specialist tools to create maps of the drainage systems. We also provide a combined drainage and pest control report showing any drainage defects as well as any rat ingress points.

Our drainage team has been growing, gaining more experience, and undergoing specialist training. We have taken the decision to join the National Association for Drainage Contractors.

Why we joined the N.A.D.C?

The N.A.D.C represents the interests of sewage and drainage operatives in the UK. As part of our membership, we will have access to more training, qualifications, and up-to-date industry news. Our work is carried out the highest standards incorporating our extensive knowledge of rat behaviour.

We are also keen to increase the presence of pest controllers in the drainage industry. As part of the industry, we will have a say in the future of drainage and can work with like-minded professionals to share knowledge and experiences and support homes and businesses across the UK to remain rat-free.

What are the next steps for drain surveys?

More jobs, more training and more technicians. Our drainage team is expanding ensuring we have a range of qualified technicians carrying out high-quality CCTV drain surveys and repairs for homes and businesses across London & the South East.

For more information about drainage and rat control london contact us.

Preventing mice by proofing

Commercial, Residential, Services

The best way of preventing mice is to stop them from entering the building in the first place. Mice can get through extraordinarily small holes, some not much bigger than the width of a pen. Mouse proofing is a quick and effective way to stop mice entering the building.

So how can you stop them from coming in?

The trick is to understand how mice move around a building and what is likely to attract them. Preventing mice will help reduce the risk of damage to your building.

The first thing to do is to check the outside of the building. Air vents and holes in brickwork can all be access points. Mice can climb rough brickwork so even if the hole is above ground level there is a risk that it could be used. Block broken vents with vent covers or mesh. If using mesh make sure it is small gauge mesh.

If you are in a block or a terrace of buildings it may be that the mice are entering your building via another building in the same block.

Mice are likely to be drawn to areas where food is available. To proof these areas will mean removing kickboards and potentially appliances. Mice usually travel via the holes made for the pipework. Pipework will normally travel through the entire building and sometimes connects to other buildings. In these cases block proofing will become necessary.

If you have large holes you will probably need a builder to work in conjunction with a pest control company for the pest result. Smaller holes can be filled by your pest control company. It is better to use a specialist as they will have access to specialist materials. Mice can easily chew through expanding foam so this on its own is not usually good enough.

Mouse proofing is not as expensive as you may think and will go a long way to keep pests out. If you don’t proof then you are likely to have reoccurring problems.

For free advice on proofing contact the proofing team on 02083553443.

Bird Free Gel – It’s magic !

Commercial, Services

We first discovered Bird Free gel in 2012, it was a product new to the market in 2011. We were sceptical at first and it took a lot of persuading and evidence before we really bought into the benefits of the gel.

But once we got it, we really got it.

2016 was our busiest year so far, and we laid 7050 pots of Bird Free gel. Quite often we will combine Bird Free gel with other bird control methods to give the best possible solution to our customers. It’s very important to lay the gel according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pots which are laid in incorrect formations or too far apart from each other will not have the desired effect.

For those of you unfamiliar with Bird Free gel, it’s an optical gel using UV in a way which creates an optical illusion which looks like fire to bird species. As well as creating the optical illusion of fire. Birds are also repelled by the smell and the stickiness of the product. Dominant birds will continue to try and land on the building for a few days. However even the dominant birds will move on once they smell and touch the gel.

Through our work, we discovered the gel is particularly effective on feral pigeons and gulls. Interestingly it didn’t affect the Harris Hawk which carried out some falconry work recently. No harm is caused to the birds and the gel pots are visually more aesthetically pleasing than spiking or bird wire.

Drain surveys – drain company or pest control company?

Commercial, Residential, Services

Scenario – You have an on-going rat problem and your pest controller has advised you to carry out a drain survey. Your existing pest control company does not have the ability to carry out a drain survey.

Should you commission a drain survey company or another pest control company? Does it matter? They are all drain surveys, right?

Well yes and no.

What is a drain survey?

A drain survey should include a comprehensive inspection of your drainage system. The purpose of the drain survey is to identify any damage to the drains which could allow rodents access into your building. Common signs are when rodents are seen or damage is identified in toilets or bathrooms.

Recent studies in Denmark found that 90% of rat activity came from the sewage systems.

Following the drain survey, you should expect to receive a full written report with pictures showing the state of the drainage system. Some of these reports can be very technical and quite incomprehensible to the layperson. It is important that reports are clear and pinpoint any issues. It is also important that the remedial issues are identified and costed. Drain repairs can be very costly so it’s important that the correct issues are identified within the report.

Pest control company or drain company?

It’s true to say that both the drain company and the pest control company will use similar equipment to survey the drainage system. These include sonde’s which map the drainage system and any redundant inlets. They will both use drain cameras and will probably also use dye testing if required.

However, the pest control company will better understand the behaviour of rats and the likely points of ingress. This knowledge is key to making sure the correct areas of concern in the drainage system are identified and fixed. Missing them can be very costly.

We would recommend that you ask the following questions before commissioning a drain survey:

Can I see an example report?
How long will the survey take?
How are your engineers trained to identify rodent activity?

If you would like further advice on drain surveys, please contact 0208 355 3443 and speak to one of our friendly customer service team.

Services

Understanding EFK Units:

The Shift to LED Lighting:

Legal Changes and Environmental Benefits:

Top 5 Electronic Fly Killer Units with UV LED Bulbs

Chameleon® Qualis

Chameleon® Sirius X

Chameleon® 1×2 Discretion

Titan 300

ON-TOP PRO X

Biology

Why are nesting birds a problem?

Benefits of Early Bird Proofing

Long-Term Cost Savings

Improved Business Continuity

Protect your Reputation

Customised Bird Proofing Solutions

Our Solutions

Proactive Bed Bug Monitoring for Hotels

TruDetX Bed Bug Rapid Test

Why we joined the N.A.D.C?

What are the next steps for drain surveys?

So how can you stop them from coming in?

CIS Details

Policy

Address

CONTACT Information