But when it comes to pests, putting things off can sometimes prove surprisingly expensive.

A mouse in the loft, a rat beneath the floorboards or signs of insects in a storeroom might seem relatively minor at first.

However, it’s often what you can’t see that causes the greatest concern.

Could a Mouse Really Cause a House Fire?

The answer is yes.

Rats and mice have teeth that continue growing throughout their lives, so gnawing is a natural part of their behaviour.

Unfortunately, they don’t distinguish between a piece of wood and an electrical cable.

Damaged cable insulation can expose wiring, potentially causing electrical faults or even fires.

The worrying part is that this damage may be happening behind a wall, beneath a floor or in a loft without the property owner being aware of it.

The Food You Throw Away Could Be Just the Beginning

Rodents don’t necessarily have to eat food to make it unusable.

Their urine, droppings and movement across food preparation surfaces can cause contamination.

For a householder, this might mean throwing away food from kitchen cupboards.

For a restaurant, café, shop or food business, the consequences could be considerably more serious.

Contaminated stock, disruption to trading, cleaning costs and reputational damage can all result from an infestation.

Take Action Before a Small Problem Becomes a Big One

The longer a pest problem is ignored, the greater the potential for damage, disruption and unnecessary expense.

At Aberkil Pest Control, we have over 40 years of experience in the pest control industry, helping homeowners and businesses throughout Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

Our professional team can investigate pest problems, identify the cause and carry out appropriate treatments to eradicate infestations.

Don’t wait until a small problem becomes an expensive one.

Contact Aberkil Pest Control today for professional advice and assistance.

Website: www.aberkil.com

Email: services@aberkil.co.uk

Aberkil Pest Control – Protecting homes and businesses across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

The post The Hidden Cost of Ignoring a Pest Problem – It Could Be More Than You Think! first appeared on Pest Control in Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire.

At Aberkil Pest Control, we deal with rat and mouse problems throughout Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, drawing on more than 40 years of pest-control experience.

How do rats and mice get into buildings?

Rodents are very good at finding weaknesses around properties.

Common entry points include:

• Gaps around pipes and cables
• Damaged air bricks or vents
• Spaces beneath doors
• Broken drainage systems
• Gaps around roofs and eaves
• Holes behind kitchen units
• Openings around extensions, garages and outbuildings

Mice can get through remarkably small openings, so an entry point may not always be obvious.

Signs that you may have rats or mice

One of the first signs is often noise.

Customers commonly report hearing scratching or movement inside walls, ceilings or loft spaces, particularly during quieter periods.

Other signs include:

• Rat or mouse droppings
• Chewed food packaging
• Gnawing around wood, plastic or cables
• Greasy marks along walls
• Damage inside cupboards
• Disturbed insulation
• Unusual smells
• Pets becoming interested in one particular area

Seeing one rodent can also indicate there are others nearby.

Why rodents should not be ignored

Rats and mice can cause considerably more than inconvenience.

They can contaminate food and surfaces and may damage parts of the property while gnawing.

Electrical cables can also be damaged, which is one reason rodent activity inside a building should be investigated rather than simply ignored.

Why traps or poison alone may not solve the problem

Removing the rodents is only part of effective pest control.

It is also important to understand why they are entering the property.

If the access point remains open, another rat or mouse may simply enter later.

A professional inspection can help identify signs of activity, likely entry points and the areas where rodents are travelling.

Rat and mouse treatment in Aberdeen

Aberkil Pest Control provides professional rat and mouse treatments for domestic and commercial customers throughout Aberdeen and the surrounding area.

Our aim is to eradicate the rodents that are present at the time of treatment and identify practical measures that may help reduce the risk of further problems.

We regularly cover areas including:

Aberdeen, Ellon, Inverurie, Banchory, Stonehaven, Portlethen, Newburgh, Kemnay and Peterhead.

What should you do if you hear scratching tonight?

Do not start sealing every hole immediately if rodents may still be inside the building.

Blocking an active route without understanding where the rodents are living can sometimes cause them to move into another part of the property.

Instead:

1. Keep food stored securely.
2. Clean up accessible food and pet food.
3. Avoid disturbing droppings unnecessarily.
4. Look for obvious signs of entry without dismantling the property.
5. Arrange an inspection if the activity continues.

Need help with rats or mice?

If you think you have rats or mice in your home or business, Aberkil Pest Control can investigate the problem and recommend the appropriate treatment.

We have been working in pest control since 1984 and provide professional pest-control services throughout Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

Aberkil Pest Control – Aberdeen

For advice or to arrange a visit, contact Aberkil Pest Control through our website or call us directly.

Fast response subject to workload.

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Before entering the pest control industry, I served in the British Army with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards as a tank crewman.

Life in a tank crew teaches you very quickly that success depends on teamwork. Every crew member has a specific role, and everyone must work together, communicate clearly and trust one another. When teamwork breaks down, problems follow. When teamwork is strong, the mission gets completed safely and effectively.

These are lessons that stayed with me long after I left the Army.

Building a Team-Based Business

When I founded Aberkil Pest Control, I wanted to build a business based on the same principles that served me well during my military service.

Over the years, most Aberkil employees have had some form of military training or military service. This has helped create a strong team culture built on reliability, discipline, professionalism and attention to detail.

Our customers may not see what goes on behind the scenes, but good teamwork is essential. From taking enquiries and arranging appointments to carrying out treatments and following up with customers, everyone plays an important part.

Why Teamwork Matters in Pest Control

Pest control often requires careful planning, communication and experience. Whether we are dealing with rodents, wasps, bed bugs, birds or commercial pest management, our team works together to provide an effective service for our customers.

The military taught me that nobody succeeds alone, and that remains true in business today.

Proud of Our Background

I am proud of my service with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and proud that Aberkil has benefited from the skills and values that military training instils.

The commitment, professionalism and teamwork learned through military service continue to influence how we operate every day.

Need Professional Pest Control?

Aberkil Pest Control provides pest control services throughout Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

Telephone: 01224 692152

Contact us today for advice or to arrange a visit.

The post From Tank Crewman to Teamwork: How My Army Service Still Influences Aberkil Today first appeared on Pest Control in Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire.

Professional Loft, Attic and Property Clearance Services

Pigeon droppings, also known as guano, can accumulate over time in lofts, attics, garages and vacant properties. Large build-ups can contaminate insulation, create unpleasant odours and leave properties in need of professional cleaning and clearance.

Aberkil provides pigeon droppings and guano removal services throughout Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. With over 40 years of pest control experience, we can safely clear contaminated areas and help restore them to a cleaner condition.

Common Areas Affected by Pigeon Droppings

• Lofts and attics
• Roof spaces
• Garages
• Empty houses and flats
• Commercial premises
• Storage areas
• Outbuildings

Our Pigeon Guano Removal Service

Our service can include:

• Removal of accumulated pigeon droppings
• Clearance of contaminated materials
• Removal of heavily affected insulation where required
• Loft and attic clearances
• Property clean-ups following bird infestations
• Advice on preventing future bird problems

Why Remove Pigeon Droppings?

Pigeon droppings can build up over many years, particularly where birds have gained access to a loft or roof space. The accumulation can create unpleasant smells and contaminate insulation and stored belongings.

Early removal can help prevent further deterioration of the affected area and allow any necessary proofing work to be carried out.

Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire Coverage

Aberkil provides pigeon guano removal and contaminated loft clearance services throughout:

• Aberdeen
• Inverurie
• Ellon
• Stonehaven
• Portlethen
• Banchory
• Peterhead
• Kemnay
• Newburgh
• Surrounding areas

Contact Aberkil

If you have discovered pigeon droppings, guano or contamination in your loft, attic or property, contact Aberkil for advice and an inspection.

Telephone: 01224 692152

Aberkil Pest Control
Professional pest control and property clearance services across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

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As winter sets in across Aberdeen and the temperatures drop, it’s not just people who are looking for a bit of warmth indoors. Rats and mice are on the move, and unfortunately, that often means they find their way into homes and businesses.

At Aberkil, we’ve seen a surge in calls during the colder months as these little critters seek shelter from the cold. In this blog, we’ll share why this happens, what signs to look out for, and some practical tips to keep your property pest-free. And of course, if you do find yourself with some unwelcome guests, Aberkil is here to help.

Why Winter Brings Rodents Indoors

Rats and mice are just like us in that they want to be warm and cozy. When the temperatures drop, they start looking for easy access points—gaps in doors, small holes, or even openings around pipes—to sneak inside. Once they’re in, they can cause all sorts of problems, from gnawing on wires to damaging plumbing.

Tips to Keep Your Home Pest-Free

Seal Entry Points: Check for any gaps or holes around doors, windows, and utility lines. A little bit of sealing can go a long way.

Keep Food Secure: Store food in sealed containers and make sure crumbs and spills are cleaned up quickly.

Regular Inspections: Especially in winter, do a quick check of your loft, basement, or storage areas for any signs of rodent activity—like droppings or chewed materials.

When to Call in the Professionals

If you’re noticing signs of rats or mice despite your best efforts, that’s where we come in. At Aberkil, we’ve got the expertise to handle these winter invaders quickly and efficiently, helping keep your business pest-free.

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Covid19 & Pests

At the beginning of the COVID19 pandemic I was travelling home from a pest control exhibition in Harrogate on the train I was very lucky to get into an awkward seat near the luggage. I arrived home to Aberdeen on the 8th March, from then I decided to isolate and it was just as well. One of my friends who I meet in the pub every week had caught the virus and it nearly lost his life.

When the call came to carry out the lock-down I thought that it would be a problem and I would have to let my work force go and I was dreading it. Luckily enough we became very busy as we were allowed to go out as part of a Public Health service.

After a few days, we started to get calls for rats being seen in the garden and eventually the calls were to inform us that the rats were coming into the buildings both commercially and domestically.

Rats are opportunistic creatures, usually they come out when we are sleeping, if we see rats during the day that usually means there are three reasons for it:

1. They are really hungry
2. There are many of them
3. You may have disturbed them

We were are able to respond and deal with the rats much to the relief of the clients. We carried out the work under the government guidelines on tradesmen entering houses.

We give our advice on how they were getting in to the building in the first place such as :

1. Broken grills
2. Gaps under doors
3. food bins overflowing

Unfortunately, people are feeding birds which is understandable however this is one of the reasons rodents are making their way to houses and gardens. If you are feeding birds and you are experiencing rats in the garden I would suggest stopping feeding them until you are sure that the rodents have been eliminated.

Keep safe folks

Aberkil

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Our wasp exterminators are getting ready for battle with wasps.

The technicians are making sure that their protective equipment is in working order and their application equipment is serviced ready to take on the wasps.

At this time of the year the wasp nests will not be too big but they will still be dangerous . If you should accidentally bump in to them. You need to check your outhouses and Wendy houses for any sign of a nest or wasp activity.

Aberkil are fully insured and trained to take care of your wasps nest.

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A bug in the system

I was speaking to my friend Jai Aenugu of the Techforce ltd about the origin of the phrase there is a bug in the system, in the early days of computing a moth got in to the inside of a computer and caused it to malfunction hence we still use the saying now.

Jai is very much in to the protection business as  his job is all about prevention of virus bugs getting in to computer systems to prevent disasters occurring . We have a similar theme and that is one of prevention as on our commercial contracts most of our time is monitoring and advising clients on how not to get pests in the first place. Jai is forever banging on about protecting against viruses and encourages people to install and update their software, however some of them do not listen and they frantically call him when a problem has occurred and in pest control we are the same, we encourage restaurants and food establishments to have a pest control contract.

What usually happens is that we get that frantic phone call too asking to get a visit to their premises as they have had a visit from the local environmental Health Officer and they have discovered a bug in the system and I mean real bugs such as beetles and cockroaches.

I would encourage you to be protected whether it is a computer or a food premises and not to let a bug in to your system.

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Invasion

The U.K is experiencing record numbers of Clothes Moths due to the mild winter and early spring; call-outs for pest controllers to treat for moths more than doubled between February and March of this year! My colleagues round the country agree that this is a bumper year for moths and this unfortunately can mean problems for households everywhere. Although a little cooler than down south, up here in Aberdeenshire, we do not escape the menacing jaws of the moth larva, intent on ruining someone’s day.

Moths spend the cold winter months as pupae, waiting for the longer, warmer days to encourage them out of hiding to breed and it is just one stage of the moth life cycle that causes most of the problems for the likes of you and I. It is the larval stage of moths that cause damage to clothes, carpets and other items made of natural products. The moth larvae eat natural fibres such as cotton and wool and this is what can turn a favourite garment into something that looks like it was worn by Steptoe & Son, or a new wool carpet into something that looks worn from years of use! Not a pleasant thing to discover as my customers can attest to.

Treatment

People may try to control a moth infestation by themselves and although this is possible, often they find that while they may have had some effect on the numbers of adult moths they see around the property, it is a tall order to really get on top of all the moth eggs, larva and adults that may be hiding around in all sorts of nooks and crannies. If you don’t manage to kill them all off, you can find your infestation returning pretty quickly and things getting out of control. The financial cost of moth damage can easily surpass the cost of a professional pest control treatment, so it can make financial sense to take the stress out of getting rid of these destructive pests.

Aberkil has carried out a number of moth treatments lately, one of which was a very large job involving multiple buildings and individual properties and often with cases like this, there was a lot of cross-infestation with the moths spreading from one building to another and for the residents it was getting out of hand and actually quite unpleasant dealing with the destruction of carpets, rugs and clothes. I have another couple of moth treatment jobs over the coming days and it seems likely we will be getting more calls very soon at this rate.

When you call in a professional to deal with a moth infestation, they will come and carry out an inspection to confirm the species and the extent of the problem. At this stage the pest technician can offer helpful advice on what the customer can do to help protect their valuable property from future moth problems, and also what they can do to help the technician maximise the benefits from a professional treatment.

Aberkil will vacuum the places likely to harbour moth eggs before applying a residual insecticide (long-lasting active ingredient) coupled with an ‘I.G.R’ which is an ‘insect growth regulator,’ basically a chemical that prevents insects reaching the adult stage that allows them to breed. Finally, a ‘space-spray’ is applied in all rooms and this is a fine mist of insecticide that billows out of a special machine and this produces a ‘knockdown’ effect that reaches into every corner and hiding place available. The whole process takes a few hours and for a further 4 hours afterwards, people and pets are required to be out of the property, to allow time for the space-spray mist to settle down out of the air.

Before a treatment for moths, customers can help themselves and us as professionals, by clearing away excess clutter from rooms and affected areas and this allows the technician to get the insecticide where it needs to go. With insecticide applications, it’s never a question of slapping large quantities down – on the contrary, it is how and where it is applied that matters, and in addition to that, we are legally obligated to follow the manufacturers instructions on dilution rates etc. We only use approved products that comply with all the relevant legislation and good industry Health and Safety practice.

Gordon Mackay,

Sales and Technical,

Aberkil.

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You’re outside and it’s freezing cold in the dark depths of Winter. Desperate to find some warmth and to fill your hungry stomach, you smell the lovely aroma of fresh bread in the air. Your nose leads you toward the source of that mouth-watering smell and you look up at a huge edifice, sure in the knowledge that inside on the other side of this wall, there is food to satisfy your belly, and warmth for you to rest in and curl up somewhere to sleep. You search left and right, looking for a door to get in through, you round the corner and find a huge rectangle of regularly spaced plastic beams with gaps between them. Alas! You can’t fit through the gaps. Onwards you tread, fearing you might not make it inside and will have to  struggle to stay alive out in this bitter cold. Onwards you plod and soon find another large rectangle of plastic beams, and hey! Hallelujah! One of the beams is broken, a section completely broken off and lost to time. Up you climb, pulling yourself into a dark but immediately warmer void. There is light in the distance piercing the dark, dark corridor. Now you smell many nice foods and making your way along to where the light is, you then tip-toe up for a careful peak of what is inside this mysterious but irresistible place of wonder!

But Really It Was…

What might be a series of events that begin a growing problem in your home that for many people is seriously distressing! A huge proportion of adults – male and female – have an innate dislike of mice (and rats), often bordering on phobia for many of them. And, despite being such a tiny animal that doesn’t present an immediate physical threat such as that from lions, snakes,crocodiles and the like, I have personally been in the company of middle-aged people who will freely admit that they belong to that interesting and quirky category of people who literally will stand on a

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