THE CITY PEST COMPANY · LONDON

City Pest blog articles

Browse practical guides about pests, property care, preparation and prevention.

Call for a no-obligation quote · 0203 393 2338

Browse the articles

Small signs of a pest problem: what to record before you call

An unfamiliar sound, mark or damaged packet can make a home feel uncertain. A useful first response is to write down exactly what was observed, where it ap

Explore small signs of a pest problem: what to record before you call

Spiders in the home: when to seek help and what to check

Seeing a spider indoors does not establish an infestation. Many household spiders enter or become visible without a persistent problem. If sightings are fr

Explore spiders in the home: when to seek help and what to check

Pigeons at a property: assess the site before choosing proofing

Pigeon activity can affect roofs, ledges, balconies and access areas differently. A photograph of the location and a note of when birds are present help se

Explore pigeons at a property: assess the site before choosing proofing

An unfamiliar insect in your London home: start with identification

A small insect in a kitchen, bathroom or near a window can be easy to misname. Treatment chosen for the wrong pest may waste time and obscure the evidence.

Explore an unfamiliar insect in your london home: start with identification

Pharaoh ants in a flat: why identification matters

A trail of very small ants in a flat is not enough to identify pharaoh ants. Different species and building layouts call for different responses, so a care

Explore pharaoh ants in a flat: why identification matters

DIY or professional pest control: how to compare the full cost

The cheapest product on a shelf is not the same thing as a priced plan for a property. A fair comparison includes identification, time, access, materials,

Explore diy or professional pest control: how to compare the full cost

Fruit flies in a clean kitchen: find the source first

A clean-looking worktop can still have a small source of fruit-fly activity. Fermenting produce, recycling, a spill beneath an appliance or a waste contain

Explore fruit flies in a clean kitchen: find the source first

Natural pest control: what prevention can and cannot do

Good prevention starts with the pest, entry route and food or shelter it may be using. Sealing an appropriate gap, managing waste and keeping relevant area

Explore natural pest control: what prevention can and cannot do

Rat activity in winter: what to check around a home

Colder weather can make outdoor signs more noticeable, but a winter sighting does not tell you where a rat is nesting. Keep the observation precise: place,

Explore rat activity in winter: what to check around a home

Why a pest problem may recur after treatment nearby

A neighbour’s treatment history can be useful context, but it cannot diagnose your property or explain every new sighting. The species, access routes and w

Explore why a pest problem may recur after treatment nearby

Clothes moths and stored garments: inspect before treating

Damage to a jumper or stored blanket can be distressing, but the damage itself does not identify the insect. Clothes moth larvae, other textile pests and o

Explore clothes moths and stored garments: inspect before treating

Garden ants around a patio: distinguish nuisance from damage

Ants using the edge of a patio may be a seasonal nuisance without entering the house. Before deciding on treatment, work out whether the concern is an outd

Explore garden ants around a patio: distinguish nuisance from damage

Silverfish in a bathroom: investigate the conditions

A silverfish sighting can prompt concern about a bathroom, but one insect does not prove a structural defect. Repeated sightings, moisture and hidden crack

Explore silverfish in a bathroom: investigate the conditions

Bird mites: a careful response to suspected activity

Tiny moving specks near a window or roof space are not automatically bird mites. Identification matters, especially when people are experiencing irritation

Explore bird mites: a careful response to suspected activity

Urban rats: focus on routes, evidence and repairs

A rat seen in a city street is not proof that it is entering your building. The useful questions are where activity occurs, whether the property offers foo

Explore urban rats: focus on routes, evidence and repairs

Pantry moths: check the food source before replacing everything

A moth in a kitchen does not automatically mean every cupboard item is affected. Pantry moths need to be distinguished from clothes moths and other small f

Explore pantry moths: check the food source before replacing everything

Cluster flies at an autumn window: identify before treating

A group of flies at a window in autumn can have several explanations. Location and season help, but identification still matters before anyone treats a lof

Explore cluster flies at an autumn window: identify before treating

Mouse signs in a London home: the cost of leaving gaps open

A scratching sound or damaged packet can be worrying, but neither identifies a mouse on its own. The earlier you record precise evidence, the easier it is

Explore mouse signs in a london home: the cost of leaving gaps open

Squirrels in a loft: record the signs and arrange a safe survey

Activity over a ceiling is not automatically a squirrel. Birds, rodents and building movement can create different sounds. The safe first step is to record

Explore squirrels in a loft: record the signs and arrange a safe survey

Ants in London homes: follow the trail to the source

An ant trail tells you where insects are travelling, not necessarily where they are nesting. One doorway, food cupboard or window may be the useful startin

Explore ants in london homes: follow the trail to the source

Fleas in a home without pets: questions worth asking

Not keeping a pet does not identify or rule out fleas. A previous occupant, visiting animal or another source may be relevant, but the insect should be ide

Explore fleas in a home without pets: questions worth asking

A wasp nest near your home: what to do before removal

A few wasps visiting flowers or bins do not prove a nest is on your property. Repeated travel through one opening may be relevant, especially near a door o

Explore a wasp nest near your home: what to do before removal

Carpet moth damage: identify the source before treating a rug

Damage to a wool rug may be caused by a textile pest or ordinary wear. The position of the damage, stored fabric nearby and any insect evidence matter befo

Explore carpet moth damage: identify the source before treating a rug

Pigeons on balconies and ledges: plan proofing around the building

A balcony can have repeated pigeon visits while a nearby ledge remains unaffected. Proofing is more effective when the exact landing and roosting places ar

Explore pigeons on balconies and ledges: plan proofing around the building

Cockroach signs near an appliance: plan an inspection

An insect near a fridge or cooker should be identified before being called a cockroach. If confirmed, the appliance location, food access and nearby gaps m

Explore cockroach signs near an appliance: plan an inspection

Clothes moths in a wardrobe: focus on larvae and materials

An adult moth flying near a wardrobe is a clue, not proof that every garment is affected. Textile damage is usually linked to the immature stage, so the fa

Explore clothes moths in a wardrobe: focus on larvae and materials

Rats around a London property: distinguish sightings from entry

A rat on a boundary wall, near a drain or in a garden is not the same as a rat inside a home. Map the observations before assuming an entry point.

Explore rats around a london property: distinguish sightings from entry

Bed bugs in a London home: practical first steps

The fear of bed bugs can be more disruptive than the first signs themselves. A calm record of the actual evidence helps the team decide whether identificat

Explore bed bugs in a london home: practical first steps

Wasps around outdoor seating: assess the route safely

Wasps visiting food outdoors are different from wasps repeatedly travelling to one opening. If a business or household seating area is affected, note the a

Explore wasps around outdoor seating: assess the route safely

Where mice can enter a London home: an inspection checklist

A tiny gap at a pipe, an ill-fitting door and a damaged vent are different repair jobs. Finding a possible opening does not prove it is in use; pair the bu

Explore where mice can enter a london home: an inspection checklist

Fleas and soft furnishings: coordinate home and pet care

A flea concern can involve flooring, bedding, seating and an animal, but the response for each is different. Confirm the insect before treating a whole roo

Explore fleas and soft furnishings: coordinate home and pet care

Cockroaches in a shared kitchen: coordinate evidence and access

A report from one resident or worker in a shared kitchen should be recorded precisely. Different cupboards, appliances and waste areas may need different a

Explore cockroaches in a shared kitchen: coordinate evidence and access

Rats returning after proofing: what to review next

Fresh activity after a repair does not by itself show whether the repair failed, whether another route exists or whether the earlier signs were correctly i

Explore rats returning after proofing: what to review next

Mice in a London flat: a clear first enquiry

A suspected mouse in a flat raises practical questions about private rooms and shared building routes. A good first enquiry distinguishes what happened ins

Explore mice in a london flat: a clear first enquiry

FROM THE BLOG

A useful guide for your next step.

Read a practical guide, then talk to us about your own property if you need advice.

Explore all guides →
Calm resident speaking by a hallway note and house keys.FEATURED GUIDEWhat to expect when you first call City PestKnow which details help on a first pest-control call, what can be decided remotely and what may need an inspection. Call 0203 393 2338.Read the guide

A CLEAR NEXT STEP

Talk to us about your property.

Call now, or leave your details and we will discuss a no-obligation quotation.

Call for a no-obligation quote0203 393 2338
Call now to book0203 393 2338

PREFER US TO CALL YOU?

Let’s talk.

Speak now: 0203 393 2338

Checking whether online enquiries are available. You can also call 0203 393 2338.

Click here to leave more information or choose a preferred appointment day

Children or pets at home? Tell us when we speak so we can explain the right precautions.

Preferences are requests, not live availability. No appointment or payment is confirmed.

Read our privacy notice. We confirm receipt after your enquiry has been accepted.

Before you see the image

BROWSE IN COMFORT

How would you like to see the site?

This guide includes real photographs of pests and signs of activity. Choose whether those references appear automatically, or use gentle storybook characters and picture-free explanations. Skin-mark, bite and other sensitive close-ups always keep their own warning.

Your choice applies across the site for this browsing session. Change it any time using “Images” in the menu. All written guidance remains available.

Prefer to talk? Call 0203 393 2338

This does not change your image preference for the rest of the site.

AI GUIDE

Ask City Pest

Ask about pests, preparation or next steps. Our team confirms prices and appointments.

AI answers are general guidance. Do not enter payment, medical or other sensitive details. Your question is sent to our AI provider. Privacy information.