Invasion of the Ladybirds: When Helpful Garden Guests Become Unwanted Houseguests
One of the most fascinating parts of working in pest control is never knowing what each day will bring. Today’s surprise? An invasion of ladybugs! Literally thousands of these pretty little insects descended from the sky, creating a red-and-black cloud that caught everyone’s attention.
Ladybugs: The Gardener’s Friend
Despite being a nuisance when they arrive in large numbers, ladybugs are actually beneficial insects. They’re a gardener’s best friend, feeding on aphids and other plant pests that can damage your flowers and vegetables. So while they might be crowding your window ledge right now, they’ve likely done a lot of good work in your garden this year!
Why Are There So Many Ladybugs This Year?
The large numbers we’re seeing this year may be due to the warm, dry summer. These conditions often lead to an increase in aphids — and more food means more ladybugs. As the nights draw in and temperatures drop, ladybugs begin looking for a safe, dry place to spend the winter.
Where Do Ladybugs Go in Winter?
When the weather cools, ladybugs seek out sheltered spots such as garden sheds, lofts, roof spaces, and even the corners of windows and curtains. They tend to cluster together in large groups to keep warm during the colder months.
What to Do if Ladybugs Invade Your Home
If you notice ladybugs gathering indoors, don’t to panic. They don’t bite, sting, or cause damage to your home. The best approach is to gently collect them and release them back outside where they can find a more suitable winter spot.
To prevent future invasions, you can:
- Seal up small gaps around windows, doors, and roof spaces.
- Use fine mesh screens on vents and attic openings.
- Avoid using chemical sprays unless necessary — they’re rarely needed for ladybugs.
A Final Word from Your Local Pest Control Experts
At EcoTrap Pest Control, we love sharing insights about all kinds of insects — even the helpful ones! While ladybugs aren’t typically harmful, we understand how frustrating a home invasion of any kind can be. If you’re dealing with unwanted pests, large or small, give our friendly team a call. We’re here to help you keep your home pest-free, safely and effectively.
Ladybirds
Invasion of the Ladybugs: When the Garden Friend Become Unwanted Houseguests
Pest ControlInvasion of the Ladybirds: When Helpful Garden Guests Become Unwanted Houseguests
One of the most fascinating parts of working in pest control is never knowing what each day will bring. Today’s surprise? An invasion of ladybugs! Literally thousands of these pretty little insects descended from the sky, creating a red-and-black cloud that caught everyone’s attention.
Ladybugs: The Gardener’s Friend
Despite being a nuisance when they arrive in large numbers, ladybugs are actually beneficial insects. They’re a gardener’s best friend, feeding on aphids and other plant pests that can damage your flowers and vegetables. So while they might be crowding your window ledge right now, they’ve likely done a lot of good work in your garden this year!
Why Are There So Many Ladybugs This Year?
The large numbers we’re seeing this year may be due to the warm, dry summer. These conditions often lead to an increase in aphids — and more food means more ladybugs. As the nights draw in and temperatures drop, ladybugs begin looking for a safe, dry place to spend the winter.
Where Do Ladybugs Go in Winter?
When the weather cools, ladybugs seek out sheltered spots such as garden sheds, lofts, roof spaces, and even the corners of windows and curtains. They tend to cluster together in large groups to keep warm during the colder months.
What to Do if Ladybugs Invade Your Home
If you notice ladybugs gathering indoors, don’t to panic. They don’t bite, sting, or cause damage to your home. The best approach is to gently collect them and release them back outside where they can find a more suitable winter spot.
To prevent future invasions, you can:
A Final Word from Your Local Pest Control Experts
At EcoTrap Pest Control, we love sharing insights about all kinds of insects — even the helpful ones! While ladybugs aren’t typically harmful, we understand how frustrating a home invasion of any kind can be. If you’re dealing with unwanted pests, large or small, give our friendly team a call. We’re here to help you keep your home pest-free, safely and effectively.
Ladybirds
Rat Control in Tunbridge Wells: Why Garden Rat Infestations are Surging
UncategorizedIf you’re a resident of Tunbridge Wells, you may have noticed a worrying trend — rats are becoming more visible, more aggressive, and harder to control. According to a recent report by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, rat call-outs in the area have increased by a staggering 73% in 2024, ranking the town as having the 4th highest rate of infestations in the UK. The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) attributes the recent rise in rat activity across the UK to warmer, wetter winters, which extend breeding seasons and allow rats to forage for longer periods.
So, what’s driving this surge in rat activity — particularly in residential gardens and outdoor spaces?
Key Reasons Behind the Spike in Garden Rat Infestations
Wetter Winters:
Warmer and wetter winter conditions offer an ideal breeding ground for rats. The mild climate allows them to reproduce year-round, increasing the likelihood of infestations in gardens, sheds, and compost heaps.
Blocked Drains and Food Waste:
Blocked or damaged drains can serve as easy access points for rats, especially when combined with poor waste disposal practices. Overflowing bins and unsealed compost attract rodents quickly.
Ageing Sewer Systems:
Tunbridge Wells, like many older towns, relies on an aging infrastructure. Cracked or crumbling sewers provide rats with an underground highway that often leads directly to homes and gardens.
What You Can Do
If you’re dealing with garden rat infestations, you’re not alone — and it’s essential to act quickly. Rats pose health risks and can cause serious property damage.
We specialize in rat control in Tunbridge Wells, offering professional, and environmentally responsible solutions. Whether it’s a recurring issue or a sudden surge in rodent activity, our expert team is ready to help you reclaim your home and garden.
increase in rats Tunbridge Wells
Why Are There So Many Wasps This Summer?
Pest ControlHave you noticed more wasps buzzing around your garden this summer? You’re not imagining it there are more wasps about, and at EcoTrap Pest Control Ltd, we’ve definitely seen a rise in activity. The media have reported the same trend, and pest controllers like us have been busier than ever with early-season enquiries and more frequent wasp nest removals.
Why Are Wasp Numbers Up This Year?
Several things have contributed to the increase in wasp numbers this summer:
Mild Winter: More queen wasps survived hibernation due to the unusually mild winter.
Warm Spring: Early warm weather allowed nests to become established weeks earlier than normal. Hot Summer: The ongoing heatwave has accelerated wasp colony growth, and more people outdoors means more interactions (and complaints).
As a result, we’ve seen larger nests forming earlier in the season and in more locations than usual—especially in roof spaces, under eaves, wall cavities, sheds, in bushes and even underground.
The Wasp Control Challenge in 2025 – The removal of Ficam D, our long-trusted product for treating wasp nests, has presented pest control professionals with a new challenge. The replacement products work in an entirely different way and is less effective leading to more call-backs and the need for follow-up treatments. As a registered pest control professional, we follow the guidance set out by the British Pest Control Association, the UK’s leading authority on pest control standards, training, and best practice. They’ve also reported an increase in wasp-related enquiries this summer.
A typical wasp nest can contain thousands of individuals by mid to late summer. Worker wasps travel up to half a mile from the nest foraging for food, Sugary drinks and food (which is why they love your BBQ!),
While wasps can be a nuisance, they also play a vital role in ecosystems. Conservation organisations like Buglife highlight their importance as natural pest controllers and pollinators, encouraging balance in how we deal with them. The Big Wasp Survey is a citizen science project tracking the numbers and distribution of wasp populations across the UK
.
Tiny Intruders: The Bedtime Pest Control Nightmare You Need to Know About
Pest ControlThe Bedtime Pest Control Nightmare You Need to Know About
A customer recently contacted EcoTrap Pest Control in shock after discovering microscopic bugs in their bed. After conducting a professional pest inspection, our team confirmed the presence of tiny pests crawling on the bedsheets.
These unwanted visitors were identified as bird mites — small, nearly invisible parasites commonly found in homes, especially where birds have nested nearby. Although often mistaken for bed bugs, bird mites are a different type of pest infestation that can cause serious discomfort.
Signs of a Bird Mite Infestation:
Itchy skin, especially at night
Red bite marks or rashes
Persistent skin irritation similar to eczema or dermatitis
A crawling sensation on your skin
If you’ve been waking up with unexplained bites, don’t dismiss it — it may not be bed bugs. It could be a bird mite problem, and professional pest control services are often required to eliminate them effectively.
The Importance of Electric Fly Killer Units for Food Premises
Pest ControlMaintaining good hygiene standards in food premises is crucial to protect food from contamination ensure compliance with health regulations and safeguarding customers. One of the most effective methods for controlling flying insects, particularly flies, is the use of Electric Fly Killer (EFK) units. These devices are designed to attract and eliminate flies quickly, making them an essential part of pest control in kitchens, restaurants, cafes, and food processing facilities.
Flies carry food poisoning diseases such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria and are a serious health risk in food-handling environments. Electric Fly Killers offer an efficient, chemical-free solution to this problem by using UV light to lure attract into a glue board or a high-voltage grid effectively trapping and killing them.
Key Benefits of EFK Units
Effective Fly Control – Rapidly reduces fly populations in food premises.
Hygienic & Chemical-Free – Ideal for environments where food is prepared and stored.
Compliance with Food Safety Regulations – Helps businesses meet hygiene standards set by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and HACCP guidelines.
Low Maintenance – Modern units require minimal upkeep, making them a cost-effective long-term solution.
Choosing the Right EFK Unit
When selecting an Electric Fly Killer unit, consider factors such as coverage area, energy efficiency, and placement. Units should be strategically installed away from food preparation areas but in locations where flies are most active. Regular servicing and replacement of glue boards, UV bulbs ensure optimal performance.
Investing in a high-quality Electric Fly Killer can significantly improve fly control and enhance food safety standards in your business. To find the best EFK unit for your premises, contact EcoTrap pest control specialist today!
For expert advice on fly control solutions, get in touch with our team – we’re here to help keep your business pest-free!
EFK Servicing
New Electric Fly Killer Units Installed
Controlling Flies for Public Health: Ensuring Food Safety in the UK
Pest ControlBox tree caterpillars
Pest ControlAn invasion of caterpillars has been on the march across my local town traveling from garden to garden and leaving all the box hedges stripped of leaves in their wake. Including my beloved box hedge. Box tree caterpillars are the larvae of the box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) and have become a pest on Box […]
Ants in Homes and Businesses
Pest ControlAnts As the weather warms up, we are starting to see ants coming into our houses and businesses. As the ant colonies wake up, they send out scouts to forage for sweet sugary foods and our houses are an ideal target. The most common species of ant we find coming into to homes and businesses […]
Rat Control Tunbridge Wells
Pest ControlI received a call from a resident in Tunbridge Wells “There’s a rat in my Kitchen?!” The first step to good rat control is identify where the problem is coming from? A thorough inspection of the kitchen found that there was indeed a rat/rats in their kitchen living under their Kitchen units. Evidence of rat […]
Troubled by Wasps this Summer
Pest ControlWe are all eager for some sunny weather and the chance to enjoy eating outside with a BBQ or a summertime picnic, but we don’t want to be joined by those pesky wasps. For most of the summer we don’t pay wasps much attention, until they pay attention to us! Wasps play an important role […]