Pests

Yes, Magnolia is in the countryside and there are animals other than humans living here. Some do come into the house. Here you will find the main culprits and what to do.

See Wildlife – Animals & Insects for ideas about what you may see in around the area.

Ants

They get inside the walls of the house and on hot evenings (I believe 26 DegC or above) they will hatch in large numbers. There is nothing you can do other than open the window that they are attracted to. Here you can see the main bathroom window is open allowing them to escape. In the morning they will all be gone.

If you do see them in the kitchen, it is probably because there is food for them. Please check for crumbs o the surfaces and store away food.

There is spray and traps in the side entrance. Use spray if you see them inside the house (usually around doors).

Mice

They will come into the house. If you do see them, please don’t use poison. Use a classic mouse trap, chocolate is the best “bait”. Make sure the kitchen surfaces are clean. The “wet” bin has its lid on at all times. A favourite spot is under the cooker, there is also a classic mouse hole in the 1st floor rear hallway, behind the Singer sewing machine. 

For some reason they loved this carpet. They can be quite destructive.

Massive Millipedes

Usually only seen in sinks early in the morning. They will run away pretty quickly. The first time you see them, it can be a shock, but they are pretty harmless. 

Food Moths

If food such as flour and cereals are left open, ie not sealed, there is a risk that moths lay their eggs which turn into caterpillars (they look like small maggots) – which leave behind silk. If you find dead moths in the food pantry, it is an indicator that a package of food has been left open, usually unintentionally. Simply look for caterpillars, silk trails and displose the of the guilty package. Check all packages.

Mosquitoes

There are two types of Mosquitoes in France – normal ones, that come mainly at night and early morning, plus the more troublesome tiger mosquitoes – they also come during the day.

July-September are the worst months. During this time, especially if you are susceptable to being bitten, it is necessary to spray yourself. Use a deterent which contains DEET. Here are some top-tips:

    • Put suncream on first.
    • Don’t forget your feet and ankles.
    • Use the mosquito nets above the beds, tuck the walls under the matresses.
    • Once sprayed let it sink-in before touching surfaces, some sprays can damage surfaces such as metal, sunglasses etc