The table below shows the history of the document and the changes that were made at each version.

Chapter 32 Pest control 1. Contents This Chapter contains the following topics: 1. Introductions 2. Definitions Page 2 Page 2 3. Key responsibilities Page 2 4. Risk assessment considerations Page 3 5. Further advice and assistance Page 6 Version The table below shows the history of the document and the changes that were made at each version. Version Date Summary of changes 1.0 13 th August 2012 First issue 1.2 8 th August 2013 Review V 1.0 Issued 13 th August 2012 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED Page 1 of 10

Introduction: Hackney Council's Pest Control Officers deal with pests that cause public health problems. The service aims to enhance the public's well-being in homes and businesses. Definitions A Pest can be defined as an animal which is detrimental to humans or human concerns. An animal could also be a pest when it causes damage to a wild ecosystem or carries germs within human habitats. Examples of these include those organisms which carry human disease, such as rats and fleas which carry the plague disease, mosquitoes which carry malaria and ticks which carry Lyme disease. Likely pests Bed bugs Bed bugs are flat, oval shaped insects about 5mm long. They are brown in colour but can become red after feeding. Their eggs are white with a cap, but are tiny and hard to see. Distribution and habitat Bed bugs are mostly found in the cracks of bed frames and other furniture during the day, and feed at night. They may leave small dark spots of excrement on bed linen, but the most obvious giveaway is the bite. These parasites are blood feeders, and they crawl into beds during the night while their victims are sleeping. Their bite is painless and a number of bed bugs may feed for an extended period of time on any area of exposed skin. The resulting bite wound may show generalised minor swelling into a raised bump followed by itching. See your pharmacist if you need advice on medication for bites. V 1.0 Issued 13 th August 2012 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED Page 2 of 10

Eggs are deposited in small cracks in the bed frame, mattress seams, or in baseboards, trim or furniture near the bed. Fortunately, bed bugs do not carry or transmit any human disease, but the mere presence of any blood-feeding insect is disconcerting, at best. Control and treatment Bedbugs cannot jump or fly, and can only crawl, or be transported by furniture or clothing. Regular cleaning and vacuuming can help reduce the risk of infestation. Washing clothes and bed linen at the highest possible temperatures can also remove bugs from infested items. Cockroaches Cockroaches have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms, and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. They can pick up germs on the spines of their legs and bodies as they crawl through decaying matter or sewage and then carry these into food or onto food surfaces. Distribution and habitat Cockroaches can be found infesting all types of buildings, from blocks of flats to industrial premises, and particularly kitchen areas. They are nocturnal and spend the day hiding in cracks and crevices (for example in sinks, overflow drains, cookers and skirting boards). The main problem with cockroaches is that they can live unseen in all areas a building. Humans often presume infestations have been suppressed when roaches might be present and growing in number. Germs that cockroaches eat from decaying matter or sewage are protected whilst in their bodies and may remain infective for several weeks longer than if they had been exposed to cleaning agents, rinse water, or just sunlight and air. V 1.0 Issued 13 th August 2012 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED Page 3 of 10

Fleas For every flea that you see on your pet, there are likely to be hundreds of eggs and larvae in your home and yard. The primary concern for any householder is the distress that flea bites cause to people and pets. Distribution and habitat Adult fleas live on a host usually a cat or dog, and less frequently human beings. Fleas may be found in carpets, soft furnishings and pet bedding. Adult fleas can spend most of their time on an animal, but flea eggs, larvae, and pupae are most often found in the pet's environment especially in carpeting, bedding, and under furniture edges. Fleas' bodies are compressed sideways, enabling them to move quickly through hairs or fur. They have relatively large hind legs, which are used for jumping, and the most common species are the cat and dog flea. Human fleas are very rare. The flea population usually reaches its peak in the autumn months. Control Methods You may be able to control a small flea infestation by taking these simple steps: Shampoo. Flea and tick shampoos help to rid a pet of fleas and ticks it already has on it, although some have residual activity. Work the shampoo in over the entire body and then leave it on at least 10 minutes before you rinse it off. Shampoos often contain pyrethrins. Vacuum. Pet bedding and upholstery should be thoroughly vacuumed and where possible washed, paying particular attention to carpet or floor edges. Wash. Wash pet beddings every week, preferably at a temperature of 50 C to kill fleas (but more importantly in accordance with the care labels!). Spray. The infested areas should then be treated with an insecticide spray formulated for fleas. Once you have sprayed the areas you should leave them for ten days before vacuuming thoroughly and repeating the treatment. Take care when transferring bedding, rugs, etc, to avoid spreading flea eggs. Insecticide will kill only adult fleas; it does not kill flea eggs, and this is why you will possibly need to repeat the treatment more than once for it to be effective. V 1.0 Issued 13 th August 2012 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED Page 4 of 10

Foxes Although many people enjoy seeing foxes, they can be a nuisance and sometime cause damage. Foxes are not a protected species as such, but they are protected against abuse and illtreatment. They are not classified as pest or vermin and local authorities do not have an obligation to act against them. Tips for deterring foxes The following tips may help to deter foxes: Don't use fertilisers like blood, fish and bone as the smell attracts foxes? Ensure that domestic waste in plastic bags is not stored outside unless the bags are kept in a secure container, and ensure that plastic bags are only put out for removal on the day of collection. Don't hand feed foxes or leave food out for them. Use bird feeders on a high bird table or feeder rather than leaving scraps on the ground. Ensure air bricks under your buildings are in good repair and use weld mesh to proof gaps below garden sheds. Make sure that small pets or chickens are kept in strong hutches or enclosures and that foxes cannot dig their way in. Fencing A secure barrier at least two meters high would be required to deter foxes. Ideally the fence should have a 30cm overhang at the top and be buried to a depth of at least 45cm into the ground. Repellents There are a number of commercial animal repellents available from garden centre s and hardware stores. These deterrents use smells to encourage foxes to leave the area, however they made need to be used persistently to ensure the fox vacates their territory. Only approved products can be legally used and they must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. If you have a fox problem you can contact Hackney Council s Pest control team on 02083566688 by calling V 1.0 Issued 13 th August 2012 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED Page 5 of 10

Mice A mouse infestation is more than an inconvenience - they can pose a serious risk to health and be responsible for the spread of many diseases. They can contaminate food with urine, droppings, fur and do significant damage to your home and furniture. What do mice look like? The adult house mouse can weigh up to 25 grams. The colour of its fur is usually brown on its body and grey on its under parts. The ears are large in relation to its body, whilst the tail is the same length as the head and body combined. Life cycle Mice are sexually mature after 3-4 months. They will have several litters before they die at an age of about one year. An average litter size is between 5 and 6. Prevention Do not leave any excess food waste outside overnight. Make sure food preparation areas and work surfaces are thoroughly cleaned. Place all household rubbish in the dustbin and keep the lid shut. Ensure any holes around waste pipes, under doors or in air vents are less than 6mm. Controlling a mouse problem Mice can be particularly difficult to control because of the rate at which they breed. If you think you have a mouse problem then you will need professional help in controlling the infestation. Edible poison baits can be used by placing in suitable locations. Alternatively traps may be used. Care should be taken with the use of baits and traps to keep them out of the way of children and other animals. V 1.0 Issued 13 th August 2012 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED Page 6 of 10

Pigeons In an urban environment, pigeons can cause extensive damage to buildings, cars and other property, and pose a health risk. They can spread disease and increase the risk of injury due to accidents caused by a build up of droppings, which are particularly slippery when wet. Prevention of problems Pigeons often use the interior portions of buildings to nest and roost if an opportunity for access is provided. Openings to lofts, steeples, vents, and eaves can be blocked with 1/2-inch galvanized wire mesh, wood, sheet metal, or other solid construction materials to prevent pigeons from entering. Please do not feed pigeons! Pigeons do not need your help to survive. They are very adaptable and are capable of finding food in an urban environment. Whilst we do not wish to discourage the feeding of wild birds, if you find you are attracting pigeons, please stop placing food where they can access it, or use bird feeders. Control Hackney Council provides treatments to deal with pigeon nuisance, and advice can be given to businesses or individuals who may be experiencing problems with pigeons. Rats Rats pose a significant health risk to humans and our pets. Common diseases carried by rats include salmonella, Weil s disease, e.coli, cryptosporidiosis and tuberculosis. Rats also carry fleas, mites and ticks and can cause acute allergic reactions. Rats in buildings, gardens or playgrounds It is extremely serious if rats are getting into your building, even if they are not entering a direct operating area. Any rat problem must be treated urgently. Rats in the garden and other external areas can also pose a serious risk, particularly in areas used by children or pets. V 1.0 Issued 13 th August 2012 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED Page 7 of 10

Problems caused by rats Rats can be hazardous to health, spreading disease. Their urine is known to contain bacteria that can cause Weil's disease, a dangerous illness with flu-like symptoms. Rats are also capable of spreading a disease known as salmonellosis, a type of food poisoning. They can also cause considerable damage to woodwork, water pipes, electric cables and foodstuffs. Signs of a rat problem Rats are nocturnal and usually hide from humans, so the typical signs to look for in the home are: Scratching Noises. Rats will make scratching noises that can easily be heard from within walls, under the floor, under decking and attics. Listen for their scratching and rustling noises after dusk when rats are most active Droppings. You can usually find droppings around food sources like pet dishes. The droppings will be small, capsule shaped, black and glossy. Grease marks. You may find these along beams and rafters (they are caused by a rat greasy fur) and gnawing marks on boxes and wiring. If you notice any of these signs, you probably have a rat problem and should contact a professional exterminator. Distinctive smell. Rats leave an ammonia-like smell that will be particularly strong in enclosed areas (for example, under cupboards or in loft spaces). Damage. Rats have teeth that grow continuously and gnaw on wood and plastic to keep them trim. Rats can even cause fires by chewing through cables. Ripped food packaging. Rats will tear open all types of packaging to find food. Nests. Rats build nests in warm, hidden places using shredded material such as newspaper, plastic and fabrics. Burrows. In gardens, rats will dig burrows, especially in compost heaps or under sheds. They will also build nests under garden decking. Prevention Below you'll find some steps you can take to prevent rats from entering your building: Keep piles of debris away from the building Do not leave any excess food waste outside overnight. Seal any holes you find with caulk or expanding foam and make sure all of your doors have good weather stripping in place. Seal any entrances to your building that are larger than a quarter of an inch Place all household rubbish in the dustbin and keep the lid shut. Do not leave areas of the garden piled up with rubbish or overgrown, as rats, may nest in this area. V 1.0 Issued 13 th August 2012 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED Page 8 of 10

Ensure that rats cannot escape through old drainage connections e.g. disused toilets. Do not throw food for birds onto the ground. Control Methods If you think that you have a rat problem then you will need professional help in controlling the infestation. Using poison or a trap may kill individuals but other steps may be necessary to prevent further infestations. Treatment Hackney Council provides a full service for the treatment of rats at domestic and commercial premises. Wasps Wasps deliver a nasty sting which can be serious if you're allergic to them. If you notice many in your home, it is likely that there is a nest nearby. The common wasp is classified as an insect. They measure about 1.6cm long and have a yellow/black body colour. Two species of wasp are found locally: 'common wasps' and 'German wasps', and both are known for their sting. Wasps are beneficial to the environment as they control other small pests and clear away dead insects, but when they stray too close to human habitats they can be a dangerous nuisance and must be controlled. Distribution and habitat Wasps live in colonies that form self-contained communities, each following a caste order of queens, males and workers. The only wasps that survive the winter are young fertilised queens, which emerge from hibernation in the spring to build new nests. Initially the queen lays 10-20 eggs and when they hatch into larvae she feeds them until they become workers. The workers then forage for food, feed the new larvae and defend the nest. By the end of the season a nest may contain thousands of these workers. In late summer, the colony produces males and new queens. They fly away to mate and the queens then find a place to hibernate. The cold weather eventually kills the males, workers and foundation queen. V 1.0 Issued 13 th August 2012 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED Page 9 of 10

Wasps' nests can normally be found in holes in the ground or inside hollow trees. Unfortunately for us, wasps feel equally at home in a garden shed, wall cavities, eaves and roofs. The types of food preferred by wasps are fruit and nectar, insects and dustbin waste. Wasps also feed on meat such as insect larvae, flies and spiders and can be beneficial to the environment. Prevention The following measures can help prevent wasp problems: Ensure dustbins have tight-fitting lids. Cover food. Don't let scraps build up around your sink. Clear fallen fruit from your garden. Control Wasp nests should be treated by professional Pest Control Officers. However, the following information may be of assistance: Wasp nests that are not causing a problem can be left alone. You can dispose of any old nests at the end of the following year. You may encounter queens that have chosen to hibernate in the nest for the winter period if you move it too soon. Old nests will not cause any damage if left in place. Nests that are built in lofts or under eaves are more difficult to treat yourself and are best treated from the outside. If the nest is treated from inside the loft, you may not be able to get at the nest entrance to treat if effectively and if you disturb the nest during treatment you may encounter a swarm of angry wasps trying to protect their nest. REMEMBER: Extreme care must be exercised when treating wasp nests. Further advice and assistance: Further advice and assistance is available from Hackney Council's Pest control team on 020 8356 6688. V 1.0 Issued 13 th August 2012 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED Page 10 of 10