We understand pests are a major inconvenience. That’s why we’ve narrowed down everything you need to know. Contact us directly to learn more.
GNAT FLIES
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Small, long-legged flies attracted to moisture; often found in summer near compost, plants, and household food/drinks.
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Damage plants, seedlings, fruits, vegetables, and can spread bacteria from rotting matter, potentially causing infection.
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Use sticky traps, store food in sealed containers, and reduce moisture to control infestations.
DRAIN FLIES
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Small, fuzzy, heart-shaped flies breed in drains, taps, and moist organic matter; live about two weeks but lay hundreds of eggs.
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Spread bacteria from drains can worsen respiratory conditions like bronchitis, and are a nuisance in large numbers.
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Cover drains with cling film, keep windows shut, and use sprays to disrupt their life cycle before contacting pest control.
FRUIT FLIES
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Tiny oval flies with red or dark eyes, often enter homes via infested fruit/veg or poorly sealed goods
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Carry harmful germs like E. coli, salmonella, and listeria; breed quickly on rotting fruit and fermented substances.
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Remove rotting food, clean bins regularly, store fruit properly, and use sticky traps if needed.
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BLUE/ GREEN BOTTLE FLIES
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Blue bottle: metallic blue abdomen, lays up to 600 eggs in 18 days, attracted to rotting matter.
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Green bottle: metallic green body, less of a nuisance indoors but lays eggs on corpses and decaying matter.
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Both spread diseases (e.g., typhoid, salmonella, dysentery) through food or wounds; reduce by removing waste sources.
BED BUGS
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Small, reddish-brown, blood-feeding insects about the size of an apple seed; females lay up to 500 eggs.
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Cause itchy bites, allergic reactions, and leave black faecal stains on furniture and bedding.
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Wipe/dispose of eggs, deep clean affected areas, and in severe infestations, discard contaminated furniture.
ANTS (GENERAL)
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Colonies revolve around queens; infestations persist until queens are removed, making control difficult.
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Common UK species include black garden ants, pavement ants, carpenter ants, and pharaoh ants.
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Control varies: seal food, use powders/baits, but seek pest control for species like pharaoh ants that scatter.
BLACK GARDEN ANT
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4–6mm, black, nests in soil; queens can live up to 28 years.
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Not harmful but invade homes seeking sugary foods.
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Prevent by sealing food; insecticides can temporarily reduce activity.
PAVEMENT ANT
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3mm, brown/black, nests under pavements, multiple queens.
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Can sting and spread bacteria but don’t cause structural damage.
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Keep food sealed; use insecticides for short-term control.
CARPENTER ANT
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3–13mm, queens up to 20mm, attracted to damp wood.
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Can cause structural damage by hollowing out wood.
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Use ant baits while awaiting pest control.
PHARAOH ANT
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Tiny (2mm), yellow-brown, multiple queens, nests in warm, dark areas
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Spread harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Staphylococcus.
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Avoid DIY sprays—colonies scatter; contact pest control immediately.
INDIAN MEAL MOTH
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Pantry moths that infest grains, cereals, and dry foods.
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Not harmful to health but contaminates food and spreads in cupboards.
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Use pheromone traps and sprays; keep cupboards clean.
CLOTHES MOTH
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5–8mm, feeds on natural fibres like wool, silk, and cashmere.
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Destroys fabrics, causing holes and damage to clothes
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Use sprays and pheromone traps; store clothes properly
GERMAN COCKROACH
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Brown/tan with stripes; reproduce rapidly (up to 300 offspring per female)
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Carry diseases like gastroenteritis, causing diarrhoea and cramps.
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Keep areas clean, use sticky traps, and reduce food sources.
ORIENTAL COCKROACH
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Large, dark brown/black, prefers damp cool areas (basements, sewers).
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Spread salmonella and E. coli, leading to food poisoning
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Maintain hygiene and use sticky traps to monitor infestations.
VARIED CARPET BEETLE
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Small (3mm), oval, larvae feed on keratin; adults often fly in during summer.
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Causes allergic skin reactions and damages fabrics like wool, silk, and cotton
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Steam-clean carpets thoroughly; call pest control for strong infestations.
STORED PRODUCT INSECTS (SPIs)
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Includes beetles, weevils, mites, and moths found in food storage areas.
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Contaminate pasta, grains, flour, and other dry goods, making them unfit to eat.
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Clean storage areas, dispose of infested goods, and seek pest control if persistent.
PIGEONS
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Urban-dwelling birds nesting on buildings, can produce up to 12 chicks per year.
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Droppings are acidic and damage building structures if not cleaned properly.
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Remove nests only after chicks leave; seal entry points and contact pest control.
WASPS
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Live in colonies of up to 10,000; nests in trees, burrows, or buildings.
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Sting humans, causing pain, infection, or allergic reactions.
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Do not approach nests; contact pest control for safe removal.
