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Other Insects/Invertebrates

West Lothian Council deals with a large number of pest invertebrates. Some we cannot treat. The reasons are outlined below.

All insects/invertebrates we treat apart from Wasps, Bed Bugs and Fleas are treated at the following costs.

£170.91 (Incl VAT) for a complete treatment (a maximum of 5 visits),

£85.46 (Incl VAT) for a full treatment (a maximum of 5 visits) for those entitled to any concession.

Non domestic properties are charged at £170.91 (Incl VAT) for the initial visit then £71.94 (Excl VAT) per hour or part thereof for each subsequent visit. 

Should you not know which type of insect you have, please capture a sample in a crush proof container prior to contacting the Pest Control Service who will then visit and, if we can identify it on site and carry out a treatment we will do so there and then. Alternatively we will organise a further visit to treat where possible. If we cannot identify it on site, we will carry out the identification in the office and contact you with information about treatment or steps you can take yourself to remove the problem if we can.

If it is an insect we cannot treat (see the list below) we will give advice and direct you to someone who can deal with your infestation (if possible).

As this is a call out charge, we unfortunately will not be able to reimburse you should we not be able to carry out a treatment for any reason.

Insects/Invertebrates we will not treat:


Bees

All species of bee were added to the UK Biodiversity list for protection and conservation in 2007.  Bees are beneficial insects and may not be routinely killed.

If there are large numbers of bees in a clump they are likely to be honey bees and a beekeeper should be contacted to remove them safely. See Bees for more information on how to decide what type of bees you have and who to contact about honey bee swarms. Please do not contact the volunteer bee keepers about any other types of bee.


Woodworm

Woodworm is a very specific insect and the treatment is outwith the scope of pest control.  Treatment of woodworm is a timber preservation issue and suitable trained and qualified companies should be used.  You should contact a reputable timber preservation specialist.


Slaters (Woodlice)

These are casual intruders and the only effective way of dealing with them if they are coming into your house is by finding their access point and sealing it up.


Slugs/Snails

These are casual intruders and the only effective way of dealing with them if they are coming into your house is by finding their access point and sealing it up.  Under no circumstances should slug pellets be used as these are very poisonous to children and pets and may result in death.  If you feel you need to try and control them within your house before you can seal up their points of entry, the use of salt may help.  Either sprinkle salt around the area you think they are entering (inside only) or make up a strong salt solution and spray it around the area affected.


Flies

Flies can come from a large number of sources depending on species.  There is no one treatment that can resolve fly problems.  The usual course of action is to find out the source and eliminate that.  The pest control service can assist in the identification and possible remedial action which you should take.  Flies may be submitted for identification at any council office.


Earwigs

These are casual intruders and the only effective way of dealing with them if they are coming into your house is by finding their access point and sealing it up.  Under no circumstances should slug pellets be used as these are very poisonous to children and pest and may result in death.


Spiders

No species of spider is a designated pest and therefore no treatment or advice is offered by the council.