Common Pests
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are resilient insects that thrive in warm, humid environments. They contaminate food, surfaces, and indoor air with bacteria, allergens, and pathogens, posing health risks to humans. Their presence can trigger asthma and allergies, and they can cause food poisoning by transmitting harmful microorganisms.
Rats
Black rats (Rattus rattus) are agile climbers that infest buildings, contaminating food, water, and surfaces with their feces and urine. They gnaw on electrical wiring, insulation, and structural materials, causing property damage and fire hazards. Their presence poses health risks, transmitting diseases such as leptospirosis and salmonellosis.
Mice
House mice (Mus musculus) are small rodents that infest homes, contaminating food, surfaces, and belongings with their feces, urine, and saliva. They can cause structural damage by gnawing on wires, insulation, and furniture. Their presence poses health risks, transmitting diseases such as salmonella and hantavirus.
Flies
Flies are common pests in the UK, spreading diseases such as salmonella and E. coli through contamination of food and surfaces with their feces and vomit. Their presence can lead to food poisoning, gastrointestinal infections, and other health problems, posing risks to human health and hygiene.
Bed bugs
Bedbugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on blood, often at night while their hosts sleep. Infestations can lead to itchy bites, skin rashes, and psychological distress. Though they don’t transmit diseases, their presence can cause anxiety and disrupt sleep, leading to emotional and mental strain.
Wasps
Wasps are stinging insects that can build nests in and around buildings, posing risks to occupants. Their stings can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. Additionally, they can damage crops and disrupt outdoor activities, leading to economic losses and social inconvenience.
Ants
Ants are social insects that form colonies and forage for food. While they play a role in ecosystems by aerating soil and preying on pests, they can also cause damage to homes and structures by nesting indoors, contaminating food, and inflicting painful bites.