RODENTS
Rodents like brown rats, black rats, and house mice are the most common pests in the UK. They cause structural damage by gnawing, contaminate food, and spread diseases such as Salmonella, Hantavirus, and Leptospirosis (Weil's disease).
SIGNS OF INFESTATION
- Droppings → rat droppings are larger (10-20mm, banana-shaped); mouse droppings are smaller (3-8mm, rice-like).
- Gnaw marks, greasy rub marks along walls, or nests in hidden areas.
- Scratching noises, especially at night.
- Strong musty odours or sightings of live/dead rodents.
INSECTS
Common household pest insects in the UK include bed bugs, cockroaches, fleas, garden ants, carpet beetles, clothes moths, and woodworm (wood-boring beetles).
Signs of infestation vary but often involve sightings, droppings, or damage:
- Bed bugs: Itchy bites in lines/clusters (often on arms/legs), dark faecal spots or blood stains on bedding/mattresses, shed skins.
- Cockroaches: Musty/oily odour, brown egg cases, smear marks; active at night (German cockroach most common indoors).
- Fleas: Pets scratching excessively, "flea dirt" (black specks turning red when wet) on fur/carpets, bites on human ankles.
- Garden ants: Visible trails of workers leading to food or entry points.
- Carpet beetles & clothes moths: Irregular holes in natural fabrics/carpets (wool, silk, cotton), larval cases, webbing, or shed skins.
- Woodworm: Small round exit holes (1–2 mm for common furniture beetle) in timber, fine powdery frass (wood dust).
BIRDS
In the UK, common pest birds include feral pigeons, gulls (e.g., herring gulls and lesser black-backed gulls), and starlings. These thrive in urban areas, roosting on buildings and scavenging food waste.
They can cause property damage from acidic droppings and nesting materials, plus health risks from diseases such as salmonella or ornithosis.
Signs of infestation include:
- Flocks frequently gathering on roofs or ledges
- Accumulations of droppings on surfaces
- Loud chirping, cooing, or flapping noises
- Nests in eaves, gutters, or vents, with feathers and debris
