Whether you are based in London, the suburbs or throughout the Home Counties, it is important that you consult professional help in the case of an infestation. Pest control in London is easily maintained with the right preventative measures in place, and a helping hand from Empire Pest Control.
We utilise a number of different pest control methods. More information about some of the methods that we use can be found here. For now though, let’s take a focused look at a few of the most common and persistent pests in London…
Dealing with Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are one of the most prolific pests that can invade your home or business, especially in areas with a higher population. Although they don’t necessarily carry diseases or bacteria that are overly harmful, the damage they cause is through skin irritation when they feed, and sleepless nights for fear of being bitten. Scratching bites can break the skin further which can also lead to infection. 
Reactions to bed bug bites vary from person to person; some may not even notice they have been bitten while others will be covered in swollen, irritated welts.
Bed bugs have flat bodies that can squeeze into tight crevices – such as in skirting boards and mattresses. They often feed at night time, attracted by the carbon dioxide we exhale as we breathe. These pesky bugs need to feed numerous times before they can develop, mature and reproduce, however, they can go for months at a time without feeding which can make extermination difficult.
Bed bugs do not jump or fly and are often brought into your home or business passively – transported via luggage or clothing from a place that has an active infestation. Influxes of bed bugs are common in businesses with a high volume of traffic and people – such as hostels, hotels and house shares.
Although you will need help from expert pest control in London to remove an infestation, you can help prevent bed bugs from returning by ensuring you wash clothes and linens on high temperatures and tumble dry to kill off any bugs. Clean and hoover your home, clothes, furniture and luggage thoroughly on a regular basis to make it harder for bed bugs to hide.
Dealing with Mice, Rats and Rodents
As with any other city, pest control London is largely focused on rodents like mice and rats. These pests carry bacteria and diseases that can cause harm so it is important to act quickly if you suspect you have an infestation. 
Rodents are attracted to food waste, along with the insects that rubbish can attract. While small spillages and accidents do happen, if you forget to clean them up or are not as thorough as you usually would be, it doesn’t take long for a population of mice or rats to appear.
Rodents are able to squeeze into tiny cracks and crevices in buildings, enabling them to seek out shelter within your home or business. Keeping on top of structural repairs is essential if you are looking to prevent an infestation.
Should your home or business be privy to rats or mice, you need to act fast. These pests reproduce at a rapid rate with up to ten litters a year. It is therefore advised that you be aware of the signs of these pests in your vicinity.
Signs include:
- Greasy smears on skirting boards and lower walls and doors
- Droppings – these are small and brown/black in colour
- Holes in boxes and teeth marks on wooden furniture – these pests like to gnaw
- Hearing scratching noises in walls and ceilings, particularly at night time
Our team of pest controllers are experts in sniffing out infestations and will be able to deal with your problem in no time at all. They are also on hand to offer tips for prevention in the future.
Dealing with Cockroaches
Cockroaches are known for being resilient when it comes to pest control services, in London and around the world. In the UK, they are most likely to be found in restaurants and residential housing during the colder months. Cockroaches breed much like rodents do, which can result in an infestation getting out of hand before even being discovered.
These pests carry diseases like Typhoid, Dysentery and other harmful bacteria, as well as causing allergic reactions that can be difficult to live with. As they walk around, the cockroaches leave these diseases and bacteria in a trail behind them. This can often mean that on their travels, they have contaminated parts of our homes and businesses that we would usually believe to be clean and safe – especially in the kitchen.
Signs of a cockroach infestation include a musty smell that will not clear, especially around drains and sinks; droppings and regurgitated food waste – particularly around cracks and crevices. Due to their resilient nature and tendency to hide, cockroaches can be very difficult to eradicate without professional help.
Our team of experts will be able to assess your situation to determine the extent of the infestation before deciding on an appropriate plan of action based on your needs. A number of treatments may be required to eliminate the pests fully.
To discuss your requirements in more detail, please do not hesitate to contact us today on 0800 633 5220.
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