In the UK, native spiders are not considered dangerous or a threat to health but some households suffer with ‘nuisance’ house spiders, and because of common fears (arachnophobia) many require pest control. If you require this particular you can contact one of our members to obtain advice and possible treatment methods, usually smoke generators. If you are experiencing problems from a species in which you do not identify with the UK and are worried, you can contact the Natural History Museum or y

There are two main species of cockroach in Britain, Oriental and German Cockroaches. Cockroaches are distinguished by their very long whip-like antennae, flat oval bodies and rapid, jerky walk. The adult German Cockroach is a light yellowy/brown and is 10 to 15mm long. The Oriental Cockroach is dark brown/black and is 20 to 24mm long. Immature stages of Cockroach, look exactly like adults, just on a smaller scale.

The commonest species that invades houses is the Black Garden Ant, which is actually very dark brown. All ants have the main divisions of the body (head, thorax, abdomen) distinctly separated by very narrow waists and have a sharp elbow joint in their antennae. They are highly organised social insects. It is the foraging worker ants that invade buildings in search of food. These are from 3 to 5mm in length and are attracted to sweet foodstuffs which they take back to the nest to feed to the larv

The most common species of Flea is the Cat Flea, known for readily biting humans. The Bird Flea are next in importance, followed by the rare Dog Fleas, although other species may become temporarily attached to dogs. Finally Human Fleas which are extremely rare.

There are two types of rat. The Brown Rat is the larger of the two, often weighing over half a kilo and measuring about 23cm, without counting the tail. The Black Rat weighs half as much and is shorter. It has a pointed muzzle, large, almost hairless ears, a more slender body, and a long thin tail that is longer than its body.

The House Mouse body length ranges between 60-90mm and the tail can add an additional 100mm. They weigh less than 25g, and their fur colour varies between light brown and grey.

There are many types a beetle found in the UK many of which can cause damage to stored goods and buildings. For more details please contact IEP Pest Control.

There are different types of Bees in the UK, all of which may require different treatment methods, correct identification is vital and IEP will then arrange their safe removal. Hornets are twice the size of the common wasp and brown and yellow instead of black and yellow. Builds nests in hollow trees and similar sites and individuals only occasionally enter houses. Wasps Large, conspicuous buzzing insects with yellow and black striped, wasp-waisted bodies, 10-15mm long. They have a sweet tooth.