Identify the pest you have found
Common UK pests we treat across North West England, with where they hide, the risk level and how each is usually treated.
High riskRats
Common in older North West housing, drains and commercial waste areas.
- Where they hide
- Drains and sewers, Under decking and sheds, Loft spaces, Cavity walls, Compost heaps
- Season
- Year round, peaking in autumn and winter
- Treatment
- Survey, targeted treatment, drainage and proofing checks, follow-up visits
Moderate riskMice
Small, fast breeding and able to squeeze through gaps the width of a pencil.
- Where they hide
- Behind kitchen units, Under floorboards, Stud walls, Meter cupboards, Loft insulation
- Season
- Year round, more noticeable in colder months
- Treatment
- Inspection, targeted treatment, proofing advice, monitoring visits
High riskWasps
Nests build rapidly through summer in lofts, soffits, sheds and garden banks.
- Where they hide
- Loft spaces, Soffits and eaves, Wall cavities, Sheds and garages, Garden banks
- Season
- May to October, peaking in August and September
- Treatment
- Locate the nest, treat at source with protective equipment, aftercare advice
High riskCockroaches
A serious concern for food businesses and a fast-spreading problem in flats.
- Where they hide
- Behind appliances, Boiler rooms, Service voids, Drainage runs, Under kitchen units
- Season
- Year round in heated buildings
- Treatment
- Species identification, harbourage treatment, monitoring over several visits
Moderate riskBed Bugs
Travel on luggage and second-hand furniture, and hide in seams and joints.
- Where they hide
- Mattress seams, Bed frames and headboards, Skirting boards, Sockets, Bedside furniture
- Season
- Year round
- Treatment
- Inspection, preparation brief, structured treatment, repeat visit
Moderate riskFleas
Usually arrive with pets, then persist in carpets and soft furnishings.
- Where they hide
- Carpets and rugs, Pet bedding, Upholstery, Floorboard gaps
- Season
- Most active in warm months and in heated homes
- Treatment
- Whole-property treatment with preparation and vacuuming regime
Low riskAnts
Garden ants trailing indoors in summer, and occasional indoor-nesting species.
- Where they hide
- Under paving and patios, Cavity walls, Beneath floors, Garden borders
- Season
- Late spring through summer
- Treatment
- Trail and nest treatment, entry point advice
Moderate riskMoths
Clothes moths damaging wool and carpets, and food moths in dry stores.
- Where they hide
- Wardrobes, Under furniture on carpets, Dry food cupboards, Loft storage
- Season
- Year round in heated homes
- Treatment
- Source identification, targeted treatment, cleaning and storage advice
Moderate riskSquirrels
Grey squirrels in lofts and roof spaces, causing noise and cable damage.
- Where they hide
- Loft spaces, Roof voids, Soffit gaps, Chimneys
- Season
- Peaks in spring and autumn
- Treatment
- Survey, lawful control, proofing of access points
Moderate riskPigeons & Birds
Fouling, blocked gutters and nesting on commercial and residential buildings.
- Where they hide
- Roof ledges, Solar panels, Signage and canopies, Gutters, Loading bays
- Season
- Year round
- Treatment
- Proofing, netting, spiking and fouling clearance
Low riskSilverfish
Damp-loving insects found in bathrooms, kitchens and cellars.
- Where they hide
- Bathrooms, Under sinks, Cellars, Behind wallpaper, Skirting gaps
- Season
- Year round, worse in damp conditions
- Treatment
- Moisture control advice with targeted treatment where needed
Low riskCluster Flies
Autumn loft invasions, common in rural and semi-rural North West properties.
- Where they hide
- Loft spaces, Window frames, Roof voids, Unused rooms
- Season
- Autumn and winter
- Treatment
- Loft space treatment and proofing advice
Moderate riskStored Product Insects
Beetles and weevils in dry goods, a key risk for food businesses.
- Where they hide
- Dry food stores, Flour and grain products, Pet food, Warehouse racking, Spilled product under shelving
- Season
- Year round
- Treatment
- Source tracing, stock inspection, treatment and housekeeping programme
Found something you cannot identify?
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