MJ Backhouse Pest Control

09/10/2026

A throwback to a large-scale pigeon netting project at York University 📍

This wasn’t just about keeping pigeons away, it was about protecting a busy site from the knock-on problems birds can create behind the scenes.

Rooftop areas like this can quickly become hidden hotspots for nesting, fouling and debris. That means more cleaning, more maintenance callouts and potential disruption for the people managing the building. So by installing a tailored pigeon netting system, we helped create a protected zone that blocks access without interfering with the look or use of the space. 🐦❌

A practical solution for a busy site that needs long-term protection, not short-term fixes. ✅

05/10/2026

If you manage stock, this is something worth knowing. 📦👀

Stored product insects can affect a wide range of goods and are often discovered later than expected. The challenge is recognising the signs early and understanding how they develop in the first place.

In this blog we dive into what stored product insects are and why they are important to be aware of in commercial environments. Take a look if you want to stay one step ahead. 🏢✨
➡️

You might not see them in your stock room. You might not notice anything wrong until you open a bag of flour or find webbing in a spice jar. Stored product insects are one of the most costly and underestimated pest problems in food businesses across the UK and the particular difficulty with them is....

28/09/2026

Here's something worth knowing as we move into the last week of September...

The pests that cause the most problems for commercial sites in autumn aren't the ones most people are watching for! 🍂🐀

Everyone's on alert for wasps and flies through summer. By the time September arrives those start to wind down and there's a tendency to assume the pressure is off for a while. What actually happens is the opposite. Rodent activity increases significantly as the temperature drops. Mice and rats that have been living outdoors through the warmer months start actively searching for a way into buildings and they're remarkably good at finding one.

Cluster flies become an issue in larger commercial premises around this time too. They gather in roof spaces and wall cavities in huge numbers to overwinter. 🪰

If your site isn't currently set up with that in mind, it's worth a conversation before the colder weather arrives. Drop us a message and we'll chat through what makes sense for your site.
🔗 https://www.mjbpestcontrol.co.uk/contact

25/09/2026

🐦 Solar panels are perfect for saving energy but... they’re also a perfect hiding spot for pigeons.

This job in York involved fitting proofing around the solar panels to stop pigeons from landing, roosting and nesting where they shouldn’t. Once pigeons move in, they can leave behind droppings, nesting materials and debris that can block gutters, affect roof areas and lead to costly cleaning or repairs.

A tidy, effective install that helps protect the property and the customer’s solar investment. ☀️✅

Want to stop pigeons making themselves at home on your roof? Get in touch with our team. 👇
🔗 https://www.mjbpestcontrol.co.uk/

23/09/2026

When people recommend your work, it says a lot. 💬✨

Whether we are working directly with a client or supporting someone on their behalf, our goal is always the same. Deliver a professional service, minimise disruption and make the process as straightforward as possible from start to finish.

We're grateful for feedback like this and proud to be a trusted partner for businesses and property professionals across Yorkshire! 🤝🏢

21/09/2026

Current mood: mission accomplished. 😄

First job of the week already done, van loaded and coffee on board. 38 years of Mondays like this and we wouldn't have it any other way.

If you've got something that needs sorting this week, give us a shout.

📞 0800 542 6359

18/09/2026

A few ants might not seem like a major issue. In a commercial kitchen, they can quickly become a hygiene and compliance concern. 🐜⚠️

The challenge is that dealing with the ants you can see is only part of the picture. Ants can travel across floors, drains and prep areas before reaching food surfaces, making them a risk that food businesses cannot afford to overlook.

Without understanding what is attracting them in the first place, the same trails can keep returning! Our latest blog looks at why ant trails develop, where businesses often go wrong, and the practical steps that help keep commercial kitchens protected. 👨‍🍳📖

➡️ https://www.mjbpestcontrol.co.uk/news/preventing-ant-trails-in-commercial-kitchens/

10/09/2026

⚡ ZAP... and the flies were gone! 🪰❌

Throwing it back to this installation at Dixon's Milk Ices, where we fitted 3 electric fly killer units to help keep flying insects away from food preparation, serving and customer areas.

As the warmer weather increases so does fly activity, which is why these units have been put in place to help support hygiene standards, protect the premises and keep things running smoothly during busy periods. Because the only extra toppings customers should be getting are the ones they ask for! 🍦😆

Need fly control for your business? Get in touch with our team. 👇
🔗https://www.mjbpestcontrol.co.uk/contact/

08/09/2026

Autumn update: the mice have started house hunting. 🍂🐀

And honestly? Your building is getting great reviews... Warm. Sheltered. Quiet at night. Stockroom fully stocked. The gaps around the pipework are apparently a lovely touch. Five stars on MouseAdvisor. Would nest again. 😂

Jokes aside, this is the time of year when rodent activity on commercial sites picks up. As the temperature drops outside they start looking for a way in and they're annoyingly good at finding one.

Give us a call before they get comfortable. 👇
🔗 https://www.mjbpestcontrol.co.uk/contact

03/09/2026

A full terrace on a sunny day is great for business. It can also be exactly what pests are looking for. ☀️🍽️

Food, drink, footfall and warmer weather create the perfect conditions for wasps, flies, birds and even rodents to become a problem. The challenge is that many businesses focus on what is happening inside, while the biggest pest risks are building up outdoors.

In our latest blog, we explore some of the most common pest issues affecting outdoor dining areas and the practical steps businesses can take to stay ahead of them before they start impacting customers. 🐝🔍

🔗 https://www.mjbpestcontrol.co.uk/news/outdoor-dining-area-pest-management-in-yorkshire/