Advice on pests and their identification
View a list of common household pests from Wikipedia.
Other pests include:
Oak processionary caterpillars
Oak processionary caterpillars are covered in tiny hairs that can cause itchy and painful rashes if they come into contact with skin. They can also cause irritation to eyes and throats. They emerge in spring from nests in oak trees and they are spreading. You are advised to steer clear of touching the caterpillars or their nests.
If you spot a nest or you think an oak tree is infested with these caterpillars:
- If the tree is on private land, visit the The Arboricultural Association website to find your nearest contractor
- If the tree is not on private property, email trees@enablelc.org
More about Oak processionary caterpillars is available on the Forestry Commission website.
Bees
We do not offer a service for the control of honey bees or bumble bees.
Visit the British Bee Keepers Association website if you have a swarm or require further information.
Foxes
We do not deal with foxes. Our policy is not to undertake treatment in normal circumstances.
Advice on foxes
Foxes are wild animals that have adapted to live and scavenge in the urban environment.
We advise you not to feed foxes because it:
- Encourages them into gardens. They lose their fear of people and are more likely to enter homes when there is an opportunity.
- Will lead to an increase in the number of foxes. The number of foxes depend on available food - an abundance of food will lead to an increase in the number of foxes.
Deter foxes
You can deter foxes by removing access to food supplies and places of shelter. Find out more about how to deter foxes from the RSPCA website.