Pests
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Pest control
We do not provide a pest control or treatment service but there are many local pest control operatives available. The websites of the British Pest Control Association, National Pest Technicians Association, or similar professional bodies have lists of local specialists who will be able to help.
Unfortunately we cannot provide any contractor recommendations, nor advise on their quality or suitability. The external links provided are outside of our control but are provided to help you. We advise you carry out necessary checks beforehand including finding out the cost of the works and extent of the service before agreeing to it. We would also advise you get more than one quote and bear in mind that each contractor may have a different basis of charging.
The responsibility for controlling pests lies with the owner or occupier. However, we will investigate and take appropriate action on insects from industrial trade or business premises (not domestic premises) that are prejudicial to health or a nuisance and on properties that need clearing and cleaning of vermin. We also have powers to require rats or mice to be destroyed on land that isn’t agricultural land for that land to be kept free of them. In either of these cases, please feel free to report the matter to us.
Honey bees
Honey bees are not considered as pests. If you are being troubled by bees then rather than have them destroyed a bee keeper may be interested in taking the colony. You will find information about bees and what to do if you find a swarm on the Gloucestershire Beekeepers Association website.
Asian giant hornet
The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is a species of hornet not native to the UK. Whilst it poses no greater risk to human health than other hornets or bees, they do pose a risk to honey bees and other pollinating insects. For this reason it is important that suspected sightings are reported. When a sighting is confirmed, experts from the National Bee Unit (NBU) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) will work quickly to find and destroy any active nests in the area.
There are a few ways you can report suspected sightings, you can do so using the ‘Asian Hornet Watch’ app available on both iPhone and android. You can also report sightings by emailing alertnonnativie@ceh.ac.uk. Please include information on location, date and if possible the number of hornets you have seen. A photo can also help the experts identify the insect.
More information can be found at: www.gov.uk/government/news/asian-hornet-uk-sightings-in-2018