Dan Stephenson, Author at Sykes Pest Control

Do Pests Really Go Away in Winter?

Dan Stephenson — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 19:13:49 +0000

When the temperature drops and the evenings get darker, it’s tempting to assume pests are a summer problem. No wasps around the garden table, fewer flies at the window – job done, right?

Not really.

Many pests don’t vanish in winter; they simply change where and how they live. A warm, cosy home with food and hiding places is incredibly attractive when it’s freezing outside. That’s exactly why companies like Sykes Pest Control stay busy all year round.

This guide walks through what pests typically do in winter, the signs to watch for, and when it may be sensible to call in professional help rather than hoping the cold weather sorts things out on its own.

Why cold weather doesn’t mean a pest-free home

It’s a comforting idea that frost kills off most pests. In reality, a lot of species are very good at surviving winter. Some slow down, some hide in sheltered outdoor spots, and others head indoors.

Modern homes are ideal:

Central heating keeps rooms warm
Insulation creates cosy nesting spots
Gaps around pipes, vents and roofs offer easy access
Food crumbs, pet food and bin areas provide a constant food source

So you may see fewer pests outside, but you could actually have more activity inside, tucked away in lofts, wall voids, cupboards and under floors.

Common winter pests and what they get up to

Rats and mice – moving indoors for warmth and food

Rats and mice are probably the most common winter pest. As natural food sources decline outdoors, they’re drawn towards houses, sheds, garages and commercial buildings.

Indoors, they may:

Nest in loft insulation, behind walls or under kitchen units
Chew wiring, pipes, timber and stored belongings
Contaminate food and surfaces with droppings and urine

You may not see them directly, but hear scratching, notice gnaw marks, or find droppings in quiet corners. Once rodents are comfortably settled, numbers can build surprisingly quickly.

Squirrels – noisy winter visitors in the loft

Grey squirrels often look charming in the garden, but inside the loft they’re a different story. In winter they may break in through damaged tiles, fascias or gaps in the roof.

They have a habit of:

Stripping insulation to build nests
Gnawing wood and cables
Making loud thuds, scrabbling and “rolling” sounds

A squirrel infestation is more than just annoying; it can cause serious damage over time.

Bed bugs – not bothered by the weather outside

Bed bugs don’t care whether it’s snowing or sunny. As long as they have access to people and a heated environment, they can stay active.

Winter can even make things worse:

More time spent indoors, especially in bedrooms and living rooms
Thick winter bedding giving extra hiding spots
Guests staying over, or you travelling and accidentally bringing them home in luggage

Small issues may be missed at first and blamed on “dry winter skin” or allergies. By the time people realise, the infestation can be well established, and DIY sprays are unlikely to fix it.

Cockroaches – thriving in warm, humid spots

Cockroaches prefer warmth and moisture. In winter, they tend to retreat deeper into kitchens, bathrooms, boiler cupboards and behind appliances.

They often hide:

Behind fridges and cookers
Under kitchen units and in pipe voids
Around boiler cupboards and hot water tanks

Seeing even a couple of cockroaches can signal a larger hidden problem. They breed quickly and can be difficult to eliminate without a structured treatment plan.

Cluster flies and other overwintering insects

Some insects, like cluster flies, seek shelter to overwinter in large numbers. They may gather in roof spaces, wall voids or unused rooms, then appear around windows on warmer winter days.

They’re more of a nuisance than a serious health risk, but they can arrive in big numbers and leave staining and mess behind. Their presence also suggests your property has the gaps and voids other pests may use.

Winter pest problems are easy to miss

One of the big issues with winter pests is that the signs are often subtle. Instead of obvious wasp nests or ants in the kitchen, you’re dealing with quieter problems in hidden areas.

You might notice:

Scratching, rustling or thumping sounds at night
Droppings in lofts, cupboards, behind appliances or under sinks
Chewed packaging, cables, insulation or wood
A musty smell in enclosed spaces
Flies around upper windows on mild winter days
Unexplained bites or small blood spots on bedding

On their own, these may not feel dramatic. But together they can point to a growing infestation that is easier and cheaper to treat early.

How Sykes Pest Control can help during winter

Sykes Pest Control specialise in dealing with pests throughout the year, including the quieter-looking winter months when problems may be out of sight but still active.

How we deal with pest issues

Inspect thoroughly
Identify the type of pest, where they’re nesting, and how they’re getting in. That may involve checking lofts, voids, outbuildings and external access points.

Put together a targeted treatment plan
Use methods suited to the pest and the environment, rather than a one-size-fits-all spray or a handful of traps.

Consider safety and discretion
Choose treatments carefully where children, pets, food preparation or business operations are involved, and work as discreetly as needed.

Tackle the cause, not just the symptoms
Focus on proofing, hygiene and habitat changes, so you’re not dealing with the same issue again next winter.

Sykes Pest Control can take you from “I can hear something in the loft” or “we keep seeing droppings in the stock room” to a clear, practical plan for getting your property back under control. Contact us today

The post Do Pests Really Go Away in Winter? appeared first on Sykes Pest Control.

Autumn Rodent Rush

Dan Stephenson — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 07:57:52 +0000

As the evenings draw in and temperatures dip, rats and mice start looking for warmer, safer places to nest. That often means your loft, garage, kitchen voids and outbuildings. Each year, September to November brings a clear spike in rodent call-outs across West Yorkshire. This guide explains why activity jumps in autumn, the risks to homes and businesses, the early signs to watch for, and how Sykes Pest Control deals with infestations quickly and safely.

Why autumn drives rodents indoors

Food becomes scarce outdoors after harvest, hedgerow cover thins, and cold nights push rodents towards reliable warmth and food. Buildings offer both. Lofts and wall voids mimic burrows without the weather. Kitchens provide steady crumbs, pet food and bins. Outbuildings, log stores and cluttered storage create perfect harbourage. Add in easy access points—gaps under doors, missing brush strips, broken air-brick grilles, or cracked drain connections—and you have a seasonal invitation.

Autumn behaviour changes to know about

Shelter seeking: Expect nesting in insulation, under floorboards and behind kitchen plinths.
Foraging shifts: Rodents focus on food bins, bird feeders, compost, animal feed and waste areas.
Drain routes: Norway rats in particular can travel through sewers and enter via defective pipework or disused gullies.
Breeding cycles: Populations built up over summer spread out to establish new harbourage as the weather turns.

Early signs you shouldn’t ignore

Noises after dusk: Scratching, scurrying or gnawing in lofts, wall voids or under stairs.
Droppings: Mice leave small, rice-sized droppings; rat droppings are larger and spindle-shaped. Fresh droppings are dark and soft.
Gnaw marks and shredded material: Chewed cables, pipe lagging, cardboard and insulation used for nesting.
Grease marks and ammonia smell: Rub trails along regular routes; a musky odour in confined spaces.
Pet interest: Cats and dogs fixating on kickboards, under-cupboard spaces or behind appliances.
For businesses: Unexplained packaging damage, bait station take, or sightings near waste and loading bays.

If you notice two or more of these together, assume active ingress rather than a one-off visit.

Risks to homes and businesses

Health and hygiene: Rodents contaminate surfaces and stored foods. In food premises, that risks failed inspections and business disruption.
Property damage: Gnawed wiring increases fire risk; chewed pipes and fittings can cause leaks; insulation damage reduces energy efficiency.
Compliance and liability: Landlords and commercial operators have clear responsibilities to maintain pest-free premises. Ignoring activity only increases cost and exposure.

Autumn hotspots to check first

Lofts and eaves: Around cable and pipe penetrations, loft hatches and soffit gaps.
Door thresholds: Worn weather bars and missing brush strips, especially on garage and external store doors.
Kitchens and utilities: Behind appliances, under plinths, around service entries.
Outbuildings and storage: Sheds, log stores, garden cupboards and cluttered corners.
Drains and vents: Broken covers, disused gullies, uncapped redundant pipes, damaged air-brick grilles.

Common missteps that make problems worse

Using soft fillers or foam alone: Rodents chew through these quickly; gaps appear again within days.
Placing rodenticide randomly: Unplanned use is unsafe around children, pets and wildlife, and can drive bait-shyness.
Feeding birds right by the back door: Spilt seed near entry points trains rodents to forage at your threshold.
Waiting it out: Rodents are prolific breeders. A small problem in October can be a larger one by December.

How Sykes Pest Control tackles the autumn surge

1) Detailed survey and identification
We start with a methodical inspection to confirm species, trace activity routes and locate entry points and harbourage. We look at internal and external risk factors—waste management, storage, vegetation, drains and structural gaps.

2) Targeted treatment plan
Based on the survey, we implement a focused programme using professional-grade baits and/or trapping systems placed securely and in line with current legislation and best practice. The aim is fast knockdown of activity while protecting non-target species.

3) Robust proofing
Long-term control depends on closing entry points properly. We specify and fit appropriate materials—mesh to the correct gauge, rodent-resistant sealants, escutcheon plates, bristle strips, and repairs to vents and thresholds.

4) Monitoring and follow-up
We revisit to check uptake, remove carcasses where relevant, adjust placements and confirm that signs have ceased. You’ll receive clear recommendations and, for commercial clients, the documentation needed for audits.

5) Discreet, local service
We cover West Yorkshire with prompt attendance and can operate discreetly where required. Our technicians are experienced in domestic, landlord and commercial environments, including food premises and multi-occupancy buildings.

Housekeeping that genuinely helps (no home treatments)

These practical steps reduce attractants and harbourage without risking safety:

Secure waste: Keep outdoor bins closed; wipe rims and lids; ensure regular collections.
Store feed properly: Keep pet food and bird seed in sealed containers; tidy spills immediately.
Declutter key areas: Raise firewood off the ground; keep sheds and lofts tidy so activity can’t go unnoticed.
Shut the gaps you can:* Refit worn door brushes and weather strips; re-seat ill-fitting kickboards; fit pest-resistant cowlings on external vents.
Good closing routines (businesses): Clean floors under racking, rotate stock correctly, and lock waste areas.

*Where structural gaps or drains are involved, let us specify materials and carry out the work so you don’t inadvertently block ventilation or drive rodents into new areas.

Landlords and commercial sites: seasonal checks that pay off

Pre-winter inspections: Voids, risers, plant rooms and roof spaces should be checked for activity and access points.
Waste and loading areas: Repair bin store doors and thresholds; ensure clear demarcation between clean and dirty zones.
Records and compliance: Keep site plans, visit reports and proofing logs up to date for Environmental Health and third-party audits.
Routine monitoring: Contracted visits through autumn and winter maintain an early-warning system and reduce emergency call-outs.

When to call Sykes

Get professional help if you notice persistent scratching after dusk, fresh droppings, chewed wiring or pipes, or signs of ingress from drains or shared walls. Call sooner if there are children, vulnerable adults, pets or food operations on site. Swift action prevents spread, reduces cost and protects your property.

Book a survey

Seeing signs of an Autumn Rodent Rush? Sykes Pest Control provides rapid, compliant treatments and lasting proofing across West Yorkshire. Book a survey and let our technicians stop activity at the source and keep it from coming back.

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The Asian Hornet Invasion: How to Spot and Report This Dangerous Pest in the UK

Dan Stephenson — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 16:17:38 +0000

The UK is no stranger to invasive pests, but one recent arrival is causing particular concern among experts, beekeepers, and environmental agencies alike — the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina). With sightings on the rise, especially in southern England, it’s crucial that homeowners and businesses learn to identify this dangerous insect and know exactly what to do if they encounter one.

In this article, Sykes Pest Control explains what the Asian hornet is, why it’s a threat, how to spot it, and how you can play a vital role in stopping its spread.

What Is the Asian Hornet?

Originally from Southeast Asia, the Asian hornet has been steadily making its way across Europe since it was accidentally introduced to France in 2004. It has now established itself in several countries, and unfortunately, the UK is no longer exempt.

The first confirmed UK sightings occurred in 2016, but reports have increased dramatically in 2023 and 2024, particularly in coastal regions. The species is now classified as an invasive non-native threat by the UK government.

Why Is the Asian Hornet a Problem?

Asian hornets pose a significant risk to both people and the environment:

Devastates Pollinator Populations: They are highly aggressive predators of honeybees and other pollinating insects. A single hornet can kill dozens of bees in a day, and their impact can devastate hives.
Ecosystem Disruption: By targeting bees and other insects, they interfere with essential pollination processes, threatening crops and native plants.
Public Health Risk: Though not usually aggressive toward humans unprovoked, Asian hornets will defend their nests fiercely. Their sting can be painful and, for those with allergies, potentially life-threatening.
Difficult to Control: Nests are often built high in trees or well-hidden, making early detection and removal difficult.

How to Identify an Asian Hornet

Correct identification is essential. Here’s how you can tell an Asian hornet apart from native species:

Size: Around 25–30mm long (queens may be larger), smaller than the native European hornet.
Colouring:
- Body: Mostly dark brown or black.
- Abdomen: Distinctive yellow/orange band near the rear (on the 4th segment).
- Face: Orange with dark antennae.
- Legs: Yellow tips on the legs.
Wings: Slightly tinted.

They’re most often seen foraging near flowers, beehives, or outdoor food sources.

When and Where Are They Most Active?

Asian hornets are typically active from spring through to autumn, with peak activity during late summer and early autumn when nests are at their largest.

Where they nest:

High trees
Hedges and bushes
Outbuildings, sheds, and garages
Roof spaces or wall cavities

While sightings have been concentrated in southern England, including Kent, Devon, and Hampshire, vigilance is needed nationwide.

What to Do If You Spot an Asian Hornet

If you believe you’ve seen an Asian hornet:

Do not approach or disturb it.
Do not attempt to remove or destroy a nest yourself.
Take a clear photo if you can do so safely.
Report the sighting immediately:

Via the Asian Hornet Watch app (available on iOS and Android)
Online at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Through the Non-Native Species Secretariat (NNSS)

Quick, accurate reporting is vital to help environmental teams locate and eradicate nests before they spread further.

How Sykes Pest Control Can Help

At Sykes Pest Control, we understand the danger posed by invasive species like the Asian hornet. Our team is trained in safe pest identification and control methods, and we operate in line with official UK guidance.

We offer:

Site inspections if you suspect Asian hornet activity
Professional advice on identification and reporting
Safe removal of wasp and hornet nests (excluding protected species)
Ongoing support for commercial and domestic clients

If you’re concerned about hornets, wasps, or any pest issue, contact our experienced team today for fast, local support.

The post The Asian Hornet Invasion: How to Spot and Report This Dangerous Pest in the UK appeared first on Sykes Pest Control.

Bee Swarms in the UK

Dan Stephenson — Mon, 26 May 2025 21:03:02 +0000

As warmer months arrive, so too does the unmistakable buzz of increased bee activity. While bees are essential pollinators and a vital part of our ecosystem, encountering a large group of them in or around your home can be unsettling. Bee swarms in the UK are more common than many people realise — especially in spring and early summer — and knowing what to do when you see one can make all the difference.

At Sykes Pest Control, we are fully equipped to safely manage bee swarms and nests across West Yorkshire. In many cases, we can relocate the swarm humanely, protecting both your safety and the wellbeing of the bees.

What Is a Bee Swarm?

A bee swarm is typically a cluster of bees that leave an existing colony to form a new one — this is most common with honey bees, but swarming behaviour can also occur with other bee species. You might notice a dense mass of bees hanging from a tree branch, fence post, chimney, or even inside a shed or loft.

This behaviour is natural and temporary, and swarming bees are often less aggressive than expected — their primary focus is finding a new home, not attacking humans.

Types of Bees You Might Encounter

Not all bees behave the same way. Here’s how to tell them apart:

Honey Bees

Often swarm in large numbers
Create visible clusters
Can usually be safely relocated by professionals

Bumblebees

Do not typically swarm
Nest in compost heaps, wall cavities, or under decking

Solitary/Masonry Bees

Do not swarm or form hives
Nest in brickwork, soil, or wood
Not aggressive and vital for pollination

Correct identification is crucial before taking any action. Sykes Pest Control can assess the situation quickly and determine the best course of action.

Are Bee Swarms Dangerous?

Despite the panic they often cause, bee swarms are usually not dangerous if left undisturbed. Swarming bees are focused on protecting their queen and finding a new nest site. However, if they are nesting near doorways, play areas, or ventilation systems, they can pose a risk of stings, particularly to those with allergies.

If you suspect a bee swarm near your property, the best course of action is to keep your distance and call a professional.

What Should You Do If You Spot a Swarm?

If you see a cluster of bees forming on your property or nearby, follow these steps:

Stay calm – Do not swat at the bees or disturb them.
Keep pets and children away from the area.
Do not attempt to spray or remove them yourself — this is both dangerous and potentially illegal.
Contact Sykes Pest Control for safe assessment and assistance.

We’ll quickly identify the bee species and determine whether it’s a relocation or observation situation. If it’s a honey bee swarm, we may be able to relocate it safely depending on the circumstances.

Why Choose Sykes Pest Control?

We’re not just any pest control company — we take a responsible and ethical approach to bee-related callouts.

With Sykes Pest Control, you get:

Humane bee swarm handling where appropriate
Fast, local service across West Yorkshire
Expert knowledge in bee identification and behaviour
A commitment to environmentally responsible pest control

Where relocation is not possible, we’ll offer safe, lawful solutions and advice on the next steps.

If you’ve spotted a bee swarm or are unsure what type of bees you’re dealing with, don’t take risks. Let Sykes Pest Control handle it safely and professionally. Contact us today

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