Kent

Cleankill Pest Control has long been recognised for its expertise in the provision of pest control measures to stop problem birds such as pigeons, gulls and parakeets.

The sudden increase in temperature and sunshine has meant an explosion of blossom and noticeable increase in bees going about their work.

There has also been a worrying surge in calls to pest controllers from people confusing bees with wasps and asking for treatment.

The lockdown has resulted in an increase in calls from residential premises to a London pest control company as people are spotting furry intruders and insects that would often go unnoticed.

Managing Director Paul Bates of Cleankill Pest Control says the mental health implications of having an infestation during lockdown when you can’t leave your home can be quite serious for some.

Cleankill is warning people not to tackle wasp nests this year as the dry weather has resulted in extra-large nests and more wasps surviving than usual.

Cleankill received a record number of call-outs for wasp problems in London and the South-east during July, and August is set to be busy as well. Last year, because of the wet weather, there were fewer calls than usual.

Cleankill Pest Control now has a bird on the payroll to help meet the demand from clients wanting natural methods of pest control.

Since six-year-old Luna the Harris Hawk joined the firm a few months ago her handler and Pest Control Technician Alan Day has been out and about getting her used to traffic noise and other unfamiliar sounds.

While Luna has been undergoing her own training, Alan has been studying for a professional Falconry qualification through LANTRA.

Surrey based Cleankill has become one of the first pest control companies in the world to be awarded the Investors in People Gold Standard, demonstrating the company’s commitment to high performance through good people management.