Mice
- Signs
- Small droppings, nibbled food, scratching at night.
- Why it matters
- They contaminate food and chew wires.
Pest guide
A field guide to unwelcome guests
Not sure what you have found? Here is how to spot the common ones and what to do about them.
Know your pest
Spot the signs
The most common pests we are called out for, and what to look for.
Rats
- Signs
- Larger droppings, gnawing, greasy marks along walls.
- Why it matters
- They carry disease and can damage pipes and cables.
Wasps
- Signs
- A papery nest, wasps flying to one spot.
- Why it matters
- Stings, and nests grow fast in summer.
Ants
- Signs
- Trails to food, small piles of soil by paving.
- Why it matters
- Spread bacteria and contaminate food.
Cockroaches
- Signs
- Small dark droppings, a musty smell, night activity.
- Why it matters
- They spread germs in kitchens.
Fleas
- Signs
- Itchy bites on the ankles, pets scratching.
- Why it matters
- Painful bites and a quick spread.
Bed bugs
- Signs
- Bites in lines, tiny dark spots on bedding.
- Why it matters
- Lost sleep and a quickly growing problem.
Moths and carpet beetles
- Signs
- Holes in wool, silk and carpet, small flying moths.
- Why it matters
- Ruined clothes, rugs and furniture.
Do it yourself
Four ways to keep them out
Seal the gaps
Block holes around pipes and vents. A mouse fits through a gap the width of a pen.
Store food safely
Use sealed tubs for dry food and do not leave pet bowls out overnight.
Keep it tidy
Clear clutter in lofts, garages and under sinks. Pests love quiet hiding places.
Look early
Check dark corners, the loft and the shed each spring and autumn.
Found one of these?
Send us a quick message or a photo and we will tell you what to do next.