INFORMATION LEAFLET –

ADVICE ON COCKCHAFERS (OR MAY BUG) L18

FACTS ABOUT COCKCHAFERS

The cockchafer (colloquially called may bug, billy witch, or spang , particularly in East Anglia) is a European beetle of the genus , in the family .

Once abundant throughout and a major pest in the periodical years of "mass flight", it had been nearly eradicated in the middle of the 20th century through extensive use of and has even been locally exterminated in many regions. However, since a change in beginning in the 1980s, its numbers have started to grow again.

 Also known as Maybug or Junebug as they are usually seen in late Spring and early Summer.  Cockchafers are 15mm to 20mm long.  Their colour range from light brown/grey to dark brown/black.  Large , which are clumsy and make a very loud buzzing sound when flying.  Mostly affect flats and high rise buildings.

RECOGNISING A COCKCHAFER PROBLEM

 Cockchafers gather together on top of buildings.  They are active in late evening and enter buildings through open windows or down chimneys.  They do not bite or sting and are not a danger to health.  They nest outdoors in over grown gardens or undisturbed ground.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

 Put up fine mesh over door and window to stop them entering your home.  We do not provide pest control treatment for Cockchafers as they only live up to 48 hours.

FURTHER ADVICE

Wrexham County Borough Council previously provided a pest control service, but this service ceased as of 1st April 2015 to non-Council owned premises. Council tenants can continue to request a pest control treatment by contacting the Council via the contact details below.

For residents/owners of non-Council owned premises, unfortunately we cannot recommend any pest control companies but we would recommend that you look for a professional pest controller in a local Telephone Directory or via an internet search engine. Preferably choose a Pest Control company that is a member of a trade association such as the British Pest Control Association (www.bcpa.org.uk) and/or National Pest Technicians Association (www.npta.org.uk).

To obtain further advice on any other pest issues, please contact the Housing, Public Protection and Environment Department:

Telephone: 01978 298989 Email: [email protected] Or visit us at www.wrexham.gov.uk