Issue 39 Sept 23 - Journal - Page 90
Removals in newer properties should normally be
straightforward with the help of a bee removal specialist.
Often found around the heating ducts and boiler rooms
of large centrally heated buildings, as well as around pipes,
stoves and sinks, cockroaches are notoriously difficult to
treat.
In the case of a listed property, this can become more
challenging and may require liaising with your local council, or a relevant organisation such as Historic England.
A more common pest problem in the UK is wasp nests.
In low traffic areas such as little-used parts of the garden,
wasps can be safely left to their own devices, but nests in
busy areas may need to be treated.
Ideally, relocating the bees, comb and honey from the nest
site will help avoid any property damage and prevent attracting other pests such as wax moths.
Nests have been found in some unusual places, such as a
toilet cistern and brass instruments, which bring them
into close contact with people. In old buildings, they’ll
often be under eaves, in lofts and chimneys.
Risks of damage to property
Pests are rarely at the top of the list when considering
factors that can cause property damage, but electrical fires
and floods have been attributed to rodent activity, while
pigeon droppings can corrode brick and stone.
An established nest can be home to around 5,000 wasps
- and if just one feels threatened it may emit a pheromone
which acts as a call for back-up and can trigger a defensive
stinging frenzy.
Rats and mice both need to gnaw to maintain their teeth.
Both are capable of gnawing through wood, metal, cables
and brick, which can cause leaks, electrical faults, fires,
floods and even structural damage.
Wasp stings can lead to anaphylaxis – an allergic reaction
that can be fatal – hence the need to ensure a nest
that requires treatment is dealt with by an experienced
professional.
Another common issue can be feral pigeons, which carry
a variety of diseases that can be transmitted to people via
contact with the bird and its droppings, which, when dry,
can become airborne in small particles that can lead to
respiratory complaints.
It’s also vital to correctly identify the species, and to seek
help from a professional if you’re not sure.
In the UK we have more than 250 species of bee, including one honey bee, 24 bumble bees and the remainder
being solitary bee species.
Pigeon droppings are also acidic and can corrode metals,
stone and brick. Nesting materials used by birds can block
chimneys, flues and guttering, which can then lead to
water overflows from blocked gutters, or possible issues
with carbon monoxide.
Honey bees often make their home in a difficult to reach
location, such as a cavity wall, loft or chimney.
Nests can also cause secondary infestations of mites, fleas
and beetles.
Below, Rat: Rats can gnaw through wood, metal, cables and brick
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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