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April 01, 2022Check out the link below for a brilliant GTN Xtra guide on just some of the exciting product and marketing developments we have for our customers.Contact us today for more information.info@stvuk.com
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April 01, 2022
Ants work in complex nests, and like any living being, one of their main needs is food! Worker ants have the objective of going out in search for food to bring back to the nest. Foraging leads them into homes, and anywhere they might find traces of edible material. The peak of this activity is found from April until September, with cosumer searches for ant pest control products peaking during these months.
Signs of Infestation
The typical tell-tale sign of an ant infestation is seeing the ants running around. The number of ants you see is an indicator of the size of the infestation.
Small piles of soil or dirt outside holes in the ground can indicate the presence of a nest. These are often located in sunny spots outside, within wall cavities, or under paving slabs. Nests are often intricate tunnels underground, in mounds or within trees.
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January 25, 2022
What do mice eat? If cartoons lead us to believe anything, a big block of cheese laying tantalisingly on a mouse trap is irresistible to a mouse. However, the answer may not be as black and white as cartoons lead us to believe!
Research on mice and their feeding habits show that they will eat pretty much anything that has some nutritional value. However, like humans, they have dietary preferences. So, whilst in a pinch they would eat cheese, this does not mean it is the most effective way to bait them and would often not succeed. So, we wouldn't waste your best mature cheddar on these rodents, and instead try the options below:
Sweet Treats
When given the choice, mice seem to have a preference for sweet treats like fruit, or high calorie & fatty foods like peanut butter. Our Fresh'N'Tasty rodent attractant is made from a prune extract, which is extremely enticing to rodents and
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January 18, 2022
Cats can be a welcome companion in your home, but they can also be a nuisance in your garden, digging in your flowerbeds and doing their unwanted business on your grass. The problem can quickly get out of hand, but as a friendly reminder, cats should never be harmed and are protected under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. So here are our top welfare friendly solutions to keep the cats at bay:
-DETER WITH UNPLEASANT SMELLS
Cats are extremely sensitive to smells, having over 80 million smell receptors. To
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January 12, 2022
During the colder months, rodents will be on the lookout for sustenance and warm conditions, often this can mean that they are drawn into our homes. We've created the list below to show just some of the signs you need to be aware of in case you have any unwanted house guests at the moment.
EVIDENCE OF A RODENT IN AN AROUND YOUR HOME
Sound
Rodents are nocturnal and feed mostly at night so that scuttling sound waking you during the early hours could indicate their presence in your home.
Droppings
Mouse droppings: 3-6 mm long, black and rod-shaped. Approximately 80 droppings per day, often appearing in clusters.
Brown Rat (Rattus Norvegicus) droppings are 1.5cm long with blunt ends.
Black Rat (Rattus Rattus) droppings are 1.3cm long with pointed ends.
Both appear in clusters.Smear marks
Dark grey marks on surfaces from oil on hair.
Nest
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November 01, 2021
With the autumn upon us, chilly mornings and dark evenings herald the arrival of hibernation season for hedgehogs. As the leaves begin to pile up and with the creation of bonfires, they become the ideal spot for sleepy hedgehogs seeking a home for the winter months. Bonfire night is one of the biggest risks of the year for hedgehogs and since 2000 their numbers have dropped by 50% in rural areas, so it’s important that we take whatever steps we can to ensure they stay safe this November.
Build on the day
It may be convenient to build your bonfire in advance however, this allows more time for hedgehogs to find their way in. It is much safer to build your bonfire as close to lighting as possible, giving local hedgehogs less time to get into the pile. If you have stored materials outdoors ahead of your bonfire, move them to a different patch of ground before you start. When building your
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February 01, 2021
Rats outnumber people two to one for the first time ever as lockdown triggers a surge in population.
The UK rat population is reckoned to exceed 150 million, more than twice the number of humans (68 million), say professional pest control operators www.pest.co.uk
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January 01, 2021
At the start of January The Independent published an article shaming leading UK garden and DIY retailers for “promoting poisons” that it said “cause huge suffering and kill owls”.
Click Here for The Independent Article
It is largely based on a “secret shopper” survey conducted by animal-welfare campaigner Humane Society International, with supporting comment from the Barn Owl Trust. The article is unbalanced, misleading and, we believe, factually incorrect to claim that:
• DIY chains are selling rodenticide baits that “kill owls”
• “retailers sell highly toxic poisons to untrained people for uncontrolled use.”
Neither assertion is true. And as the founder of the UK’s lea -
June 08, 2020
Grow-your-own is no longer an aspiration, but a necessity for many home-bound families enduring lockdown. And as the nation digs in and home-grown produce becomes a more essential part of everyday life, so the swing to organic gardening is growing, too.
In particular, chemical-free plant protection is proving a hit on home-grown salad and vegetable crops this Spring, with sales of wool-based Defenders Slugs Away products increasing dramatically with on-set of warmer weather at the start of April.
The biodegradable wool pellets form nutrient-rich mulch after a good soaking from rain or irrigation water, which also creates in-penetrable barrier to protect young salad crops against slug and snail damage.
Slugs Away Wool Mats from Defenders are a new, ready-to-roll mulch matt that will boost soil temperature as well as provide pest protection. The Wool Matts are ideal for transplanting delicate plugs and seedlings through, and as -
April 27, 2020
Small birds can be pleasant to watch in the garden and are beneficial in removing insects that may otherwise cause damage. However, they can cause damage, especially when roosting or feeding from newly sown grass or plantings. Pigeons and seagulls are the worst offenders. When roosting, they can break away roofing tiles or guttering, and cause blockages to drainage. Their nests can also encourage infestations of insects.
Pigeon droppings can cause health risks: they are a slip hazard and can lead to the spread of diseases such as e coli and salmonella. When dry, the particles can be become airborne and flare up respiratory problems such as asthma.
Surfaces liable to corrosion can be damaged if they come into contact with bird mess. It’s important to reduce the risk of this in areas where children play, near kitchens, and around commercial areas. Keeping birds away from chimneys can be important: if t
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April 20, 2020
Continued over-the-phone and online support of its products by pest control specialist STV has been welcomed by home-users since the start of lockdown, with incoming call-rates and emails exceeding 100 a day and rising.
The most common query is simply, “Where can I buy your products?” according to STV team member Kerry Spicer-Denford, who reckons the demand for mouse and moth killers is reaching an all-time high.
“Customers really do appreciate getting a quick response to their queries and any over-the-phone advice that we’re able to offer them,” says Kerry, who says DIY store closures and the restricted availability of online vendors including Amazon is making it difficult for home-owners to buy everyday pest control essentials.
With the continuation of lockdown and the nation at home and out in the garden, every pest problem is a big problem, according to STV. Day-to-day production and distribution from the company’s Norfolk site has continued t -
April 18, 2020
Earwigs can be easily identified by their pincers at the tail, and antennae at the head. Their pincers are used as a defence mechanism, usually against other earwigs. There are around 2,000 different species with only four found in the UK. Adults can grow to a size between 5-25mm and have 6 legs.
Like other insects, earwigs produce a pheromone that acts as a marker to lead large groups in outdoor areas. They typically don’t pose a problem until their population gets out of control. The damage they cause is comparable to that of caterpillars or slugs: irregularly shaped holes in leaves and gnawing on shoots.
Earwigs feast on young sprouts or dying vegetation, preferring to hide in moist or damp conditions and becoming active at night, or when their cover has been disturbed. Like woodlice, they can be beneficial in garden areas, helping to break down garden waste. When living on fruit trees they target aphids as a food source, helping to protect your crop. Earwigs enter h
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April 15, 2020
Foxes and the pest control industry go way back. Initially introduced to the British ecosystem by Normans (after 1066) to cull the then astronomical population of rabbits (also introduced by Normans), they were once on our side. They were a valuable asset too, not only are they proficient hunters but they have tendency to surplus kill too. For example, if left in a chicken coup alone, they would undoubtedly kill the lot and cache remaining carcasses in a den for later consumption. For these reasons, the Normans saw foxes as an intelligent method of population control. However, it served as a catalyst to a lengthy war between man and fox which is still being waged to this day.
Maybe people dislike foxes because, despite our superior ranking in the animal kingdom, they manage to outwit us at every turn. The idiom ‘sly as a fox’ is not undeserved. Being crepuscular and solitary, foxes hunt by themselves at hours when human activity is at its lowest. They do so by implementing their ext
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April 12, 2020
The grey heron (Ardea cinerea) is known for its long neck, black feathers on its head, and stalk legs for wading. The body of a heron can be up to 60cm in length and they can boast a wingspan of around 6ft. Typically found near sources of water, herons can cause a headache for those with fishponds, preying on costly ornamental fish. Although fish are their primary diet, they’ll also eat amphibians, small rodents and ducklings. The heron hunts by standing stationary in or near shallow water before striking prey with its long bill.
Signs of an infestation
Herons are solitary birds but will nest in a colony called a heronry. Nests are quite noticeable, created high in the top of trees. A single tree can house up to 10 nests. The most obvious sign of a heron problem is spotting the bird by your pond or noticing that your fish have been disappearing. Herons tend to fee
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April 09, 2020
The garden mole (Talpa europaea) is a stocky, black/dark brown nocturnal mammal that has adapted to life underground. It has wide, flat paws with sharp claws to assist with digging and burrowing for earthworms. A bite to the head of an earthworm immobilises it and they can store them alive in specially created chambers for later consumption. Almost blind with a weak sense of hearing, moles rely on the vibrations they feel to hunt worms and avoid danger.
They’re typically found in woodlands or grassy areas, such as gardens. Moles eat insects that may destroy the roots of crops and their digging aerates soil, making it better for growing plants in. However, they can cause a headache for gardeners who have plant beds and mowed lawns upturned.
Once a permanent tunnel has been established deep underground, it can be used by future generations of moles. Feeding tunnels can be temporary and are usually just below ground, often breaking the ground to create molehills. T
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April 07, 2020
Commonly found throughout the rural areas of the UK, rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are a small, brown-furred mammal. Originally introduced by the Normans in the 12th century for their fur and meat, they multiplied quickly. They may look cute but they have a destructive nature when it comes to chewing and burrowing. It is estimated that they cause over £100 million in damage every year. The Pests Act of 1954 made the majority of England a rabbit clearance area; this means you’re responsible for the control of rabbit damage if they’re on your land and must take action to stop the damage spreading to neighbouring crops. Rabbits must be controlled in a way that doesn’t cause unnecessary distress or suffering to the animal.
They are typically more active overnight but can be sighted during the day if they feel safe enough. Their burrowing causes unsightly holes and can lead to the ground becoming weakened by their tunnels underneath.
They are renowned for their breedi
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April 01, 2020
There are two kinds of squirrels in the UK: the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is native to the UK, but has diminished in numbers following the introduction of the grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). Originating in North America, the grey squirrel was brought over to the UK by the Victorians and it now populates around 90% of the country. The red squirrel is mainly found in Scotland. Not only do they compete for food and shelter, the grey squirrel transmits the squirrelpox virus to its red cousin. Harmless to the grey squirrel, the virus will kill a red squirrel within 2 weeks.
Although often regarded as being cute, the grey squirrel can cause massive damage to homes and woodlands. They can cause trees to weaken and die, and will feast on bird eggs and fledglings. The UK Forestry Commission estimates between £6-10 million in damage is done to UK forests each year.
Listed as an Invasive Alien Species, it is illegal to release any captured grey squirrel under
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March 29, 2020
Relying on moist conditions, spotting woodlice in the open is uncommon in the summer, and are typically found throughout the other three seasons. Any woodlice living without damp conditions may often die from dehydration, so they’ll rarely enter homes without damp conditions encouraging them inside. They feed on leaves, rotting wood and mould, so taking moisture out of the mix impacts their food sources. You can typically find them in the garden hiding underneath plant pots.
There are three main species of woodlouse, with about 30 in total living in the UK; the Common Wood Louse (Oniscus asellus) being the largest, growing to a length of up to 15mm. They are one of the few types of land-based crustaceans; to the eye they appear to wear grey/black armour, and some species when feeling threatened will curl up into a ball for protection.
Woodlice aren’t a risk to health and whilst contained in the garden, are useful in helping break down garden waste, particularly in
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March 28, 2020
Woodworm refers to the larvae of any wood-boring beetle, rather than one particular species. In the UK, the most common are the Common Furniture Beetle, Deathwatch Beetle, House Longhorn Beetle and Powderpost Beetle, all of which will consume wood until mature enough to leave.
Signs of an infestation
There are many signs that can inform you of a woodworm. Small round holes in your woodwork, usually leaving a fine powdery dust around these holes (this is known as frass). Even if you can't see any holes, you might also find frass escaping from the back or underside of old furniture, which can also suggest woodworm activity. Other signs can include crumbly edges to boards and joists as well as the obvious, seeing adult beetles emerging from the holes or present around the house.
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March 01, 2020
STV has re-launched its consumer website, offering customers a comprehensive array of tools and product support.
The website includes helpful A-Z pest guides that empower end-users in identifying infestations and product recommendations with best-use tips, to downloadable information sheets, posters, sales sheets and more for stockists.
Our well-used product finder has had a refresh, making it mobile-friendly for use across all portable devices, and complete with the 'Find a Stockist' feature to direct them to their nearest independent hardware or garden Key Stockist in their area.
STV regularly updates product pages, and after sign-in, trade users have access to exclusive content, including downloadable product information and POS material.
The new website launches the next step in STV’s online and digital presence, invigorating our online activity. We aim to become the go-to site for any end-user with a pest problem.
general faq
frequently asked questions-
How do I safely dispose of unused rodent bait?
Unused bait should be double-bagged and placed into household waste disposal units with a secure lid or taken to a civil amenity site.
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What should I do if my pet eats your bait?
The Fresh 'n Tasty Mouse & Rat Attractant that comes pre-filled in certain traps, and is sold separately, is prune-based so not harmful to pets.
A cat or dog would have to consume a large portion of rodent bait to have a detrimental effect. For example, STV213 All-Weather Block Bait 10g contains Difenacoum. A dog would need to consume 1kg of bait per kg of its body weight, and a cat 2kg of bait per kg of its body weight to cause any harm. Therefore a dog weighing 30kg would need to consume 30kg of this bait, or 3000 10g blocks (or 100 packs of STV213).
Ultra Power Block Bait Rodent Killer contains Brodifacoum in 20g blocks. A dog would need to consume 5-20g of bait per kg of its body weight and a cat 500g of its kg of its body weight to have a lethal dose.
If your pet does consume rodent bait, we advise that you monitor your pet regularly and if you feel they're not acting as normal, take your pet to a vet along with the packaging of the bait for reference.
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Where are you based?
Our main office is located outside Thetford in Norfolk, UK. We're not open to the public for direct sales. Please use the Key Stockist finder to search for retailers local to you that stock our products.
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Where can I find the product code?
The product code can be found near the barcode on the product packaging or tag. It will start either STV or ZER and consist of 3 numbers.
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Where can I buy your products from?
There are a number of retailers which stock and sell our products. You can find your nearest stockist by using our 'Find a Stockist' feature. It's not currently possible to purchase from us directly.
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Are your products safe for pets?
Some of our products may contain poisons or chemicals. You should always read the instruction label on the product before use around pets. If you're unsure, please contact our Customer Services team.
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Where can I find the instructions for one of your products?
You can find instructions for individual products by going direct to that product on our website. Use the search bar at the top of the site to help with navigation or select from the appropriate menu options. Alternatively, contact our Customer Services team who will be more than happy to help you.