Signs of rat control
- Scratching or scurrying in the loft, walls or under the floor, mostly at night
- Dark, spindle-shaped droppings around 1–2cm long
- Gnawed wood, plastic, food packaging or cables
- Greasy smear marks along skirting boards and walls
What Pest Do I Have?
Tick the signs you've noticed and where, and we'll show you the likeliest pest and what to do about it. For a certain answer, WhatsApp us a photo.
1. What have you noticed?
Tick everything that applies.
2. Where is it?
Your result
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Your likeliest pest appears here, with what to do next. Not sure? A photo on WhatsApp is the fastest way to know.
Identification Guide
What each pest leaves behind, so you can tell them apart. Every card links to how we treat it.
Signs of mice control
- Small dark droppings, around 3–6mm long, in cupboards or along skirting
- Scratching in walls, ceilings or under floors at night
- Nibbled food packaging, especially cereals and pet food
- Shredded paper, fabric or insulation used as nesting
Signs of squirrel control
- Scratching, scampering or thumping in the loft, especially at dawn and dusk
- Chewed roof timbers, fascias or soffits
- Shredded loft insulation or nests of leaves and paper
- Gnawed electrical cables in the roof space
Signs of rats in drains
- Rats in walls, ceilings or under floors with no obvious way in from outside
- Rat problems that return after treatment
- Rats seen near manholes or outside gullies
- A sunken patch or hole near a drain run in the garden
Signs of mole catcher
- Fresh molehills appearing in the lawn or borders
- Raised ridges or surface runs across the grass
- Soft, sinking patches of lawn
- Young plants lifted or wilting from disturbed roots
Signs of fox control
- Holes dug under sheds, decking or fences
- A strong, musky smell in one part of the garden
- Fox droppings on lawns, paths or patios
- Lawns dug up, often looking for grubs
Signs of bird control
- Pigeons roosting on ledges, signs or the roofline
- Droppings building up on windowsills, paths or roofs
- Nests in gutters, roof voids or under panels
- Cooing and scratching in the roof space
Signs of solar panel proofing
- Pigeons flying in and out from under the panels
- Cooing or scratching on the roof above bedrooms
- Twigs and nesting material poking out from under panels
- Droppings on the roof, gutters, windows or patio below
Signs of pest proofing
- Pests returning after a previous treatment
- Gaps around pipes where they enter the building
- Broken or missing air brick covers
- Daylight visible under external or garage doors
Signs of commercial pest control
- Droppings in storage areas, under equipment or in dry goods
- Gnawed packaging or stock
- Cockroaches seen at night or behind equipment
- Flies around bins, drains or food prep areas
Signs of emergency pest control
- A rat or mouse seen inside the house
- A wasp nest near a door, window or play area
- Bed bug bites or sightings in a hotel or rental
- Pests found in a food business
Signs of woodworm treatment
- Small round holes in floorboards, joists, beams or furniture
- Fine, powdery dust (frass) below the holes
- Small brown beetles near windows in spring or summer
- Timber that crumbles at the edges
Identification FAQs
Straight answers about how pricing works, safety around children and pets, and what happens on the visit. Can't see your question? Call or message us.
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Droppings are the quickest clue: rat droppings are 1–2cm long, like large grains of rice, while mouse droppings are 3–6mm, like dark seeds. Rats also leave greasy smear marks and dig burrows outside; mice are more often heard in kitchens and wall cavities. See our guide to rat vs mouse droppings.
Bed bug bites usually appear in lines or clusters on skin exposed while sleeping (arms, neck, face), often with small blood spots on the sheets. Flea bites tend to be around the ankles and lower legs, and pets are usually scratching. See bed bug bites vs flea bites.
Wasps are smooth with sharp yellow-and-black bands and build grey, papery nests; bumblebees are round and furry, nesting in bird boxes, compost or holes in the ground. Bees are relocated wherever possible and bumblebee nests are usually best left alone. See hornet vs wasp and bumblebee nests.
Yes. WhatsApp a clear photo of the insect, droppings or damage to 07999 935 929 and we'll tell you what it is and what we'd recommend, for free.
Book In Under A Minute
Book A Local Pest Controller In 3 Quick Steps
No long forms and nothing to pay online. Tell us what you've found and where, and we'll hold the earliest day for you. If it's urgent — a wasp nest by a door or rats indoors — call us instead.
- Free advice by phone or WhatsApp
- Clear, upfront advice on cost
- Discreet, unmarked vans
- Rated 5.0 on Google
- 01
Tap the pest
Rats, mice, wasps, bed bugs, fleas or something else — pick what you've found.
- 02
Add your address
Start typing and pick it from the list. We hold the earliest day for you.
- 03
Leave your name and number
No payment online. We confirm, and the technician calls when they're on the way.