Insects

Insects present a range of risks to human health and wellbeing, from painful stings and bites through to the spread of serious disease. Early identification and treatment is essential to protect your household or business premises.

Stinging Insects

Wasps, hornets, bees, and certain species of ant all possess venomous stings capable of inflicting significant pain. For most people this is a temporary discomfort, but for those with allergies the consequences can be far more serious.

A single sting can trigger anaphylactic shock in susceptible individuals — a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. If a nest is present on or near your property, professional removal is strongly recommended rather than attempting to treat it yourself.

Biting Insects

Several insects feed on human blood, causing irritation, skin reactions, and in some cases transmitting disease. Common biting insects include:

• Fleas — often introduced by pets, but capable of infesting a property even without animals present
• Flies — certain species bite as well as spreading disease through food contamination

Ants

Ants are one of the most common insect pest problems in the UK, and whilst they do not typically pose a direct health risk in the same way as flies or cockroaches, an infestation should not be ignored.

• Black Garden Ant (Lasius niger) — by far the most common species encountered in UK homes; colonies can number in the tens of thousands and foraging workers will readily contaminate food sources
• Pharaoh Ant (Monomorium pharaonis) — a much more serious pest, particularly in hospitals, care homes, and food premises; this small tropical species thrives in heated buildings, can carry and transmit pathogenic organisms including Salmonella and Staphylococcus, and is notoriously difficult to eradicate without professional treatment
• Ghost Ant (Tapinoma melanocephalum) — increasingly encountered in the UK, particularly in heated buildings; similar habits to the Pharaoh ant and similarly problematic to treat
• Red Ant (Myrmica rubra) — commonly known as the European fire ant, this species is widespread across the UK and frequently encountered in gardens, lawns, and under paving slabs. Unlike most ant species, red ants sting rather than bite, and will do so repeatedly and aggressively when their nest is disturbed. Particularly problematic in gardens where children play or where outdoor dining takes place.

Ant infestations can be persistent and frustrating to deal with. Over-the-counter treatments frequently fail to address the colony at source, leading to repeated outbreaks. Professional treatment targets the nest directly, providing a far more reliable and lasting solution.

Disease Transmission

Cockroaches and flies are among the most significant insect vectors of disease in the UK. Both species thrive in unsanitary environments — sewers, drains, animal waste, and rotting matter — before moving freely into kitchens, food preparation areas, hospitals, and homes, carrying pathogens with them.

Diseases associated with cockroach and fly contamination include:

• Dysentery
• Gastroenteritis
• Salmonellosis
• Typhoid fever
• Enteric fever
• Bubonic plague
• Leprosy
• Escherichia coli infection (E. coli)

For food businesses, a cockroach or fly infestation can also constitute a serious breach of the Food Safety Act 1990 and associated hygiene regulations, potentially resulting in prosecution or closure.

How PCM Pest Control Can Help

Our service covers all common insect pest species across Devon, including inspection, identification, treatment, and advice on preventative measures to reduce the risk of re-infestation.

📞 Call PCM Pest Control today: 07712 230411 / 01626 836126

Cockroaches.                                                            Ants eating pear.