As spring progresses and summer approaches, Sefton Council is pleased to announce that in-house pest control services for wasps and ants will begin from Monday 18th May.
A significant nuisance
Wasps and ants can become a significant nuisance during the warmer months and should always be dealt with carefully. The council’s fully qualified and expertly trained pest control team is now available to treat a wasp nest or an ant infestation at domestic and commercial properties for a fee.
Despite being a nuisance when wasps nests are close by and populations grow too large, it is important to recognise that wasps do play a beneficial role in the garden. They consume vast quantities of common garden pests, providing effective, natural pest control.
Wasps can also act as “accidental” pollinators. These are insects that transfer pollen while visiting flowers for purposes other than feeding on nectar or collecting pollen. Therefore wasps still contribute to pollination when they move between plants, supporting overall garden health and biodiversity.
Wasps not bees
Wasps and bees are often mistaken for one another, but it is important to know the difference. While both can sting if provoked, wasps are generally more aggressive and are able to sting multiple times.
Wasps can be identified by their narrow waist and yellow dots below their head. Both have yellow stripes, but wasps’ stripes are brighter and more distinct. Bees have duller stripes with a softer edge.
Our team does not deal with bees as they are, beneficial, endangered and usually less aggressive than wasps.
Advice and chargeable treatments
Sefton Council’s pest control team also offers advice and chargeable treatments for rats, mice, cockroaches, bed bugs and fleas.
Steve Smith, Environmental Health & Trading Standards Service Manager, said:
“I am delighted that the council is once again able to offer this service after more than 15 years without it.
“While insects play an important role in our ecosystem, a wasps’ nest or an ant infestation can be a real nuisance, particularly if it is close to an entrance or where children or pets may be at risk of being stung and bitten. Ants can also damage people’s property and contaminate food.
“Wasps can be aggressive when disturbed, delivering a painful sting. That is why it is essential that nests are dealt with safely and professionally, using the correct equipment and by experts with the appropriate training.
If something on your property is causing concern, I encourage residents to contact our trusted team for advice and support.”
Prices and more information
Domestic property prices can be found on the council’s website at www.sefton.gov.uk/pest-control
Commercial premises, including Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), will be quoted individually. To arrange your appointment, please call the team on 0345 140 0845.
There are no concessions for wasp and ant treatments, as they are not classified as public health pests, unlike rodents, cockroaches and bed bugs.
To find out more about the service and associated fees, visit www.sefton.gov.uk/pest-control.