Advice
A Seasonal Pest Guide for Devon Homes
Pests follow the seasons, and knowing what to expect in each part of the year helps Devon householders spot problems early and act at the right time.
Read the guide →We start by finding out what the pest is and how it is reaching your property. Then we explain it simply and agree a plan with you, so you know what will happen before any work begins. Nothing is done until you are happy with the plan.
Why countryside properties attract rodents
Longcombe is a rural area close to Totnes, with countryside homes, farm buildings and outbuildings. Stored feed, log piles, compost, sheds and long grass all give rats and mice food and shelter, and they often move from an outbuilding into the house as the weather turns colder. Please tell us about every building on the site when you call.
The signs are usually droppings, gnawing, scratching in the roof or under floors, and runs along walls. We check outbuildings as well as the house, because treating one without the other tends to leave the problem sitting just a few metres away.
Wasps, hornet-sized worries and garden pests
Outbuildings, barns, old sheds and mature trees offer plenty of sheltered spots for wasp nests in spring and summer. A nest in a garage roof or a hedge can go unnoticed until the colony is large, so keep children and pets away and do not poke or block it yourself. Longcombe gardens with log stores and thick hedges are also favourite spots.
We treat wasp nests safely and can advise on clearing the old nest and reducing the chance of another. Fleas, ants and moths are also common in country homes with pets and natural fibres, and the same visit can cover them. Keeping pet food indoors and compost bins closed makes a real difference in Longcombe.
Pest control across Longcombe and nearby
We work in Longcombe and the wider TQ9 postcode area, and we also cover Totnes and Newton Abbot close by. Access to rural sites can take a little planning, so tell us about gates, tracks and outbuildings when you call. Our aim is simple: identify the problem, explain it clearly and deal with it carefully. Farm buildings and stables each have their own risks, and we will talk them through with you.
Frequently asked questions
Will you check my barn and sheds as well as the house?
Yes, and we think you should. Rodents often live in outbuildings and visit the house. We look at the whole property so the treatment and the proofing advice cover where the pests are actually coming from.
I live in the countryside near Longcombe, is a rat problem normal?
Rats are common near farms and stored feed, so seeing one is not unusual. A regular presence is a problem though. We find what is feeding them, treat the activity and suggest ways to reduce food and cover.
Can you get to a property down a rural track?
Normally yes. Please tell us about the access, gates and where the problem is when you book. That helps us arrive prepared and make the most of the visit.