Pest Control in the North East

Bed bug bites usually appear as small, red, itchy bumps, often in a line or tight cluster on skin exposed while you sleep: arms, neck, shoulders and face. They can take a few days to show. If you are seeing repeat bites in a pattern, it is worth checking mattress seams and headboards for live bugs or dark spotting.

Bed bugs are not caused by a dirty home, they are hitchhikers. They are most often carried in on luggage after travel, on second-hand furniture and mattresses, or through shared walls in flats. Once inside they breed quickly, which is why early professional bed bug treatment is far more effective than shop-bought sprays.

The safest way to get rid of a wasp nest is to have it professionally treated rather than knocked down. Disturbing a nest provokes the colony and risks multiple stings, so never block the entrance. A treated nest is neutralised at source, and our North East team can usually deal with an active nest the same week during summer.

Start by removing what is drawing them in: fallen bird seed, pet food, open compost, and harbourage like log piles or dense clutter. Then block gaps into sheds and under decking. Rats breed fast, so if you are seeing droppings or runs regularly, garden baiting and proofing by a professional is the reliable fix.

Seal every gap larger than about 6mm, as mice squeeze through surprisingly small holes around pipes, air bricks and door frames. Combine proofing with well-placed traps. If you are hearing scratching in walls or lofts, or finding droppings, an infestation is usually established and needs a proper mouse treatment plan rather than a couple of traps.

Cockroaches need thorough gel baiting and strict hygiene: removing food debris, standing water and cardboard harbourage. DIY sprays often just scatter them and make an infestation worse. Because they breed rapidly and hide in cavities, cockroaches are one of the pests where a professional treatment programme is almost always needed to fully clear them.

First identify the type: clothes and carpet moths damage fabrics and wool, while pantry moths get into dry food. Clean and hoover affected areas thoroughly, dispose of infested items, and use the right pheromone traps. For a widespread carpet-moth problem, a professional moth treatment stops the larvae that cause the actual damage.

Woodlice are harmless and moisture-driven, so the real fix is reducing damp: improving ventilation, clearing leaf litter against walls, and sealing gaps where they enter. They rarely need chemical treatment. If you are seeing large numbers indoors, it usually points to a damp issue worth investigating.

Flying ants in the house are usually the winged reproductives swarming on a warm day. They are harmless and short-lived, but persistent activity means a nest nearby. Locating and treating the nest, rather than just clearing the winged ants, is what actually solves it long term.

Flea bites tend to cluster around the ankles and lower legs, while bed bug bites usually appear higher up on the arms, neck and torso, often in a line. Fleas point to a pet or carpet source, while bed bugs point to the bed and bedroom. Correct identification decides the treatment, so it is worth confirming before acting.