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Pest Library – Common Pests in London

Identify common pests affecting London properties with our comprehensive pest identification guide. Browse photos, descriptions, and expert advice for rats, mice, bed bugs, cockroaches, wasps, and more.

Available 24/7 for emergency pest control across all London boroughs. BPCA certified technicians. 4-month guarantee. Trusted by 12,500+ customers since 2008.

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Winter Alert: Peak rodent activity as mice and rats enter homes seeking warmth and food.Get Emergency Help →

Rat Removal

high

Rattus rattus & Rattus norvegicus

Discovering rats in your property can be one of the most distressing and urgent pest situations any London resident or business owner faces. The sight, sound, o...

Size:Body: 20-25cm, Tail: 18-23cm
Active:Primarily nocturnal, most active at dusk and dawn
Common:Westminster - particularly around restaurant districts where food waste attracts large populations, Camden - Victorian terraces with connecting drainage systems create rat highways
⚠Weil's disease (Leptospirosis)
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Mice Treatment

medium

Mus musculus

The discovery of mice in your home can be surprisingly distressing - these small, seemingly harmless creatures actually pose significant health risks and can ca...

Size:Body: 6-9cm, Tail: 7-10cm
Active:Nocturnal, most active just after dusk
Common:Kensington & Chelsea - luxury apartments where central heating creates ideal year-round conditions, Westminster - high-density housing with abundant restaurant food sources nearby
⚠Salmonella
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Cockroaches

emergency

Blattella germanica & Periplaneta americana

Cockroaches are one of the most persistent and challenging pests to control in London. These resilient insects can quickly establish large colonies in homes, re...

Size:German cockroach: 12-15mm, American cockroach: 35-50mm, Oriental cockroach: 20-30mm, Brown-banded: 10-14mm
Active:Strictly nocturnal, most active 2-4 hours after lights out, scatter immediately when lights turned on
Common:Tower Hamlets (dense housing and commercial food establishments), Newham (high-density residential areas and restaurants)
⚠Salmonella poisoning from contaminated food preparation surfaces
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Bed Bug Removal

emergency

Cimex lectularius

Discovering bed bugs in your home can be incredibly distressing, and we understand the anxiety this brings. At Pest Pro London, we've helped thousands of London...

Size:Adults: 4-7mm (apple seed size), Nymphs: 1-4.5mm, Eggs: 1mm (grain of salt)
Active:Primarily nocturnal, most active between 2-5 AM when CO2 levels peak, emerge 1-3 hours before dawn
Common:Westminster (high hotel density), Kensington & Chelsea (short-term rentals)
⚠Allergic reactions ranging from mild to severe
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Wasp Removal

emergency

Vespula vulgaris & Vespula germanica

Wasp problems can quickly escalate from a minor annoyance to a serious safety threat, especially for families with children or anyone with allergies. We underst...

Size:Workers: 12-17mm, Queens: 20-25mm, Drones: 13-15mm
Active:Diurnal (day-active), most active 10 AM to 4 PM in warm weather, reduced activity below 10°C
Common:Richmond upon Thames (extensive green spaces), Bromley (suburban gardens with fruit trees)
⚠Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) requiring emergency medical attention
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Ant Control

high

Lasius niger & Monomorium pharaonis

An ant invasion can transform your peaceful home into a frustrating battleground, with endless trails of insects marching through your kitchen and contaminating...

Size:Garden ant workers: 3-5mm, Pharaoh workers: 1.5-2mm, Queens: 9-15mm, Flying ants: 6-8mm
Active:Most active during daylight hours (diurnal), peak activity in warm weather above 15°C, reduced activity in cold conditions
Common:All London boroughs affected by garden ants, Camden (high density housing with Pharaoh ant issues)
⚠Food contamination from foraging through unsanitary areas
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Spiders

medium

Various species

Spider phobia affects millions of people, and discovering webs throughout your home can trigger genuine fear and anxiety. While we understand that spiders are n...

Size:House spiders: 6-20mm body, False widows: 7-14mm, Garden spiders: 10-18mm, Cellar spiders: 2-10mm
Active:Varies by species - house spiders mostly nocturnal, garden spiders diurnal, false widows active day and night
Common:All London boroughs affected by common house spiders, Southern boroughs (Croydon, Bromley) with increasing false widow populations
⚠False widow spider bites causing pain, swelling, and potential infection
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Moth Pest Control

high

Tineola bisselliella & Plodia interpunctella

Discovering holes in your favorite clothes or finding larvae in your food storage can be heartbreaking and costly. We understand the frustration of opening your...

Size:Clothes moths: 6-8mm wingspan, Pantry moths: 8-10mm wingspan, Larvae: 10-12mm when mature
Active:Adults primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, larvae active continuously in favorable conditions
Common:Kensington & Chelsea (high concentration of valuable textiles and period properties), Westminster (museums, galleries, and commercial premises)
⚠Allergic reactions to moth scales and larval hairs
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Flea Removal

emergency

Ctenocephalides felis & Ctenocephalides canis

Few things are more frustrating than the persistent biting and jumping of fleas throughout your home, especially when they continue to appear even after treatin...

Size:Adults: 1.5-3.3mm, Cat fleas slightly larger than dog fleas, Larvae: 4-10mm when mature
Active:Most active when hosts are present, peak activity during warm weather, dormant during winter but revive quickly with heating
Common:All London boroughs affected with pet ownership, Residential areas with high pet populations
⚠Severe allergic reactions and flea allergy dermatitis
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Fox Pest Control

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Vulpes vulpes

The haunting scream of urban foxes in the middle of the night can be deeply unsettling for London residents, and discovering evidence of fox activity in your ga...

Size:Body: 60-75cm, Tail: 40cm
Active:Mainly nocturnal, some daytime activity
Common:Bromley - extensive suburban areas with large gardens providing ideal territory and abundant food sources, Barnet - mixture of parkland and residential areas creating perfect fox habitat corridors
⚠Mange transmission to pets
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Squirrels Pest Control

medium

Sciurus carolinensis

The sudden sound of scampering, scratching, and chattering in your loft space can be deeply unsettling, particularly when you realize these noises are caused by...

Size:Body: 25-30cm, Tail: 20-25cm
Active:Diurnal, most active dawn and dusk
Common:Richmond - extensive parks and mature tree coverage provide ideal habitat and access routes to properties, Hampstead - wooded areas and large Victorian houses with accessible roof spaces
⚠Disease transmission (rare)
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Pigeons

medium

Columba livia

The sight of pigeons congregating on your building, leaving acidic droppings that stain and corrode surfaces, can be incredibly frustrating for any London prope...

Size:32-37cm length, 64-72cm wingspan
Active:Diurnal, roost at night
Common:Westminster - tourist areas and historic buildings provide abundant food sources and roosting sites, City of London - office buildings and construction sites create perfect nesting opportunities with minimal disturbance
⚠Histoplasmosis
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Silverfish Pest Control

low

Lepisma saccharina

Discovering silverfish in your home can be particularly unsettling - these alien-looking, fast-moving insects seem to appear from nowhere and disappear just as ...

Size:12-19mm long
Active:Nocturnal, hide during day
Common:Kensington & Chelsea - period mansion blocks with poor ventilation and high humidity levels, Camden - Victorian terraces with original lime mortar creating perfect moisture conditions
⚠Allergens from scales
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How to Prevent Pest Infestations in London Homes & Businesses

🏠 Home Protection

Common in London: Victorian terraces, modern flats, and older properties

  • Seal cracks and entry points
  • Fix leaky pipes and moisture issues
  • Store food in sealed containers
  • Regular cleaning and decluttering
Learn About Residential Services →

🏢 Business Protection

Essential for: Offices, warehouses, retail stores, and healthcare facilities

  • Regular professional inspections
  • Staff training on pest awareness
  • Proper waste management
  • Maintenance contracts
Learn About Commercial Services →

🌳 Garden & Outdoor

Prevent: Rats, foxes, wasps, and other outdoor pests

  • Remove standing water
  • Trim vegetation from buildings
  • Secure compost bins
  • Clear garden debris
Get Emergency Help →

Frequently Asked Questions About Pest Identification in London

What are the most common pests found in London homes?

The most common pests in London homes are mice and rats (appearing in 42% of properties), bed bugs (particularly in densely populated areas), German cockroaches (increasing 23% annually), ants (especially during summer), fleas (from pets and wildlife), and wasps (peak activity July-September). Rodents are most active October to March seeking warmth, while insects peak during warmer months. Our pest library includes detailed identification guides with photos for each pest.

How can I identify bed bugs in my London property?

Bed bugs are small (4-5mm), reddish-brown insects found in mattress seams, bed frames, headboards, and furniture crevices. Look for dark spots (fecal stains) on bedding, tiny white eggs in cracks, shed skins near hiding places, and sweet musty odours in severe infestations. Bites appear as red itchy welts in lines or clusters on exposed skin. If you suspect bed bugs, inspect your mattress seams with a flashlight and contact our 24/7 emergency service for professional identification and heat treatment.

What's the difference between rats and mice in London?

Rats are larger (20-25cm body length) with thick tails longer than their bodies, small ears, and blunt noses. Common species include brown rats (sewers, gardens) and black rats (roof spaces). Mice are smaller (7-10cm), with large ears, pointed noses, and thin tails. House mice are the most common indoor species. Rats leave large droppings (12-18mm), cause significant structural damage, and are more aggressive. Mice leave small droppings (3-6mm) and squeeze through 6mm gaps. Both carry diseases and require professional pest control in London.

How do I identify cockroaches versus other insects in my London property?

Cockroaches in London are typically German cockroaches (12-15mm, light brown with two dark stripes) or Oriental cockroaches (20-25mm, dark brown/black). Unlike beetles, they have long antennae, flattened oval bodies, and run quickly when exposed to light. Look for them in warm, damp areas: behind appliances, under sinks, in cupboards, and near pipes. Signs include musky odour, dark droppings (coffee ground appearance), egg cases (oothecae), and smear marks on walls. If you see one cockroach, hundreds may be hiding. Contact us immediately for professional identification and treatment.

What pests are most active during summer in London?

Summer pests in London (June-September) include wasps reaching peak aggression with maximum nest size, ants invading properties seeking food and water, flies breeding rapidly in warm conditions, mosquitoes near standing water, fleas from increased outdoor pet activity, and carpet beetles damaging fabrics. Wasp nests can contain 5,000-10,000 workers by August. Ants establish super-colonies in gardens. Summer heat accelerates pest breeding cycles. Our emergency service provides same-day treatment for aggressive wasp nests and ant infestations across all London boroughs.

How do I know if I need professional pest control or can handle it myself?

Contact professional pest control for: rats or mice (disease carriers, rapid breeders), bed bugs (resistant to DIY treatments), cockroaches (infestations grow exponentially), wasp nests (dangerous stings, aggressive behavior), fleas (complex life cycle requires specialized treatment), and any pest infestation that persists after DIY attempts. Professional treatment is essential for: food business premises (HACCP compliance), landlord properties (legal obligations), structural damage risks, and health hazards. DIY may work for: isolated ants, single spiders, or minor fly problems. Our free pest identification service helps determine the best treatment approach for your situation.

Which London boroughs have the highest pest problems?

Westminster, Camden, Tower Hamlets, Southwark, and Hackney report the highest pest activity due to dense populations, older buildings, and restaurant concentrations. Rats thrive near Thames (Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Westminster), bed bugs peak in tourist areas (Westminster, Camden), cockroaches cluster around commercial kitchens (City of London, Camden), and mice infest Victorian terraces (Islington, Hackney). However, all 32 London boroughs experience pest problems. Our local technicians understand borough-specific pest patterns and provide targeted solutions across North, South, East, West, and Central London.

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