Pests
Opkill have the experience and knowledge to deal with all the pest types found in the UK. To see more information on a particular pest, click on the images below or use the menu on the left for further categories.
Bees
Bees can be a nuisance because of nest building and their ability to sting. Bees only tend to sting when threatened and in some cases can cause a serious health risk from extreme allergic reactions. It is inadvisable to tackle Bee swarms as multiple stings can be fatal, Opkill provide professional Bee nest removal.
- Honey Bee
- (Apis mellifera)

- Size
3/4 inc - Colour
Reddish brown and black, with orange-yellowish rings on the abdomen. - Lifestyle and location
Honey bees live in a nest called a (Hive). A Single hive can home up-to 80,000 bees, Most of these bees are workers. The hive will also be ruled by the queen she can be identified as the largest been within the hive. The Nest location can vary as long as they are sheltered and away from predators. Normally a nest/hive can be located within trees however recent years chimneys and roof spaces have also been favored spots to build a hive. There has been a dramatic reduction of the number of honey bees in this country due to the varroa mite which has nearly destroyed all wild colonies. - Sting
Bees have a stinger which can be very sharp and has a barb on it if unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end this can be painful. Honey bees will only sting if they feel threatened or the hive is under attack.
- The Bumblebee
- Bombus Terrestris

- Size
1.5-2.0 cm - Colour
Black and yellow striped fur/hair with a orange/white tail spot. - Lifestyle and location
Bumblebees build their colony within dry grass cuttings, small cavity holes and ventilation systems and appear from June through to August. Bumblebees are not as aggressive as other nesting insects such as wasps, however they may still sting if provoked and should be left alone wherever possible. Sting: Bumblebee Queens and workers have an un-barbed sting that causes a sharp, painful wound that lasts for a few hours and can be life threatening if the individual stung is allergic. - Sting
Bumblebee Queens and workers have an un-barbed sting that causes a sharp, painful wound that lasts for a few hours and can be life threatening if the individual stung is allergic.
- The Solitary Bee
- Osmia, Megachile, Hylaeus, Coelioxys

- Size
5-7 mm - Colour
Small black abdomen with reddish hair around thorax. - Lifestyle and location
This type of Bee is often called the Mortar Bee and the Queen will burrow into soft rock and mortar to nest and lay eggs which hatch during the early summer. There are over a couple of hundred different species in the UK alone, fortunately most of these do not sting. Should you require assistance with treatments for solitary bees we can help, however it can prove difficult as multiple points need to be treated. - Sting
No Sting
Wasps
Wasps are much more aggressive than Bees and can cause a real nuisance to residences and business alike. The Common or Social Wasp (Vespula vulgaris) and the German wasp (Vespula germanica) are the wasps you are most likely to see in your home or business.
- Common (Social Wasp) and German Wasp
- Vespula Vulgaris and Vespula Germanica

- Size
12–17 mm - Colour
Yellow and Black - Lifestyle and location
Wasps will look to build their nests early spring and can be active up until winter. Wasps can often be found nesting within the eves of roofs, along the river banks, small holes underground, small holes within the brickwork and the cavity walls of premises. The rough location of a wasps nest can often be spotted during a sunny day as this is normally when the nest is most active. - Sting
Care should be taken when surveying for wasps/Hornets as these insects can become aggressive if they feel threatened and can sting multiple times causing serious pain and swelling and sometimes allergic reactions. - Advice
Should you believe you have a Wasp nest on your premises we advise that you don’t attempt to remove it yourself and ensure it is removed by a professional who will have relevant protective gear and tools to remove it safely.
Hornets
Hornets are much more aggressive than Bees and can cause a real nuisance to residences and business alike. The best known species is the European hornet (Vespa Crabro).
- European hornet
- Vespa Crabro

- Size
2–3.5 cm - Colour
- Lifestyle and location
Hornets are the largest wasps. Hornets nests are made in spring and the queen then becomes fertilised. Hornet nests tend to be found in trees or loft spaces. They make cells in which the eggs can be laid in, taking only take 5-8 days to hatch. Hornets are most active during summer periods. - Sting
Workers defend the hives against any threats using their stingers. These insects don’t normally sting humans unless provoked and their venom can cause an allergic reaction. - Advice
Flies
Are you suffering with a problem from flies within the home or workplace? Flies can become a real nuisance as well has a potential health hazard within all environments. Searching online for that remedy can also be a mine field of information. There are many types of fly’s which can cause problems which is why identifying the insect is important. Incorrect identification can result in failure to control the infestation. Below are a few examples of the common invaders within our premises.
- Common House Fly
- Musca Domestica

- Size
5-8 mm Long - Colour
Grey Thorax with four Small black stripes - Wing
The 4th vein of the wing is slightly bent and the wing tip is slightly pointed. - Locations
The Common house fly are very fast moving and the pupae can be very difficult to locate. However typical locations may include Farms, Restaurants, Rubbish Tips, Factory’s, Homes & Poultry Houses. - Eggs
Around 1 mm long laid in large batches Laid within decaying moist matter i.e rubbish, poultry houses, food residues. Eggs take around 8 hours to 3 days. - Larva
(Maggot) These are around 12 mm long once mature larval development will typically take 4-60 Days. - Pupa
The pupa is dark reddish brown barrel-shaped pupa development into adult takes around 3 – 28 Days. To avoid infestation, strict sanitary measures should be taken as well as exclusion techniques, such as repairing damaged window screens. If your home is already host to a house fly infestation, contact opkill to discuss methods of eradication.
- Lesser House Fly
- Fannia Canicularis

- Size
4-6 mm long - Colour
Grey thorax 3 black stripes on the front end of the thorax. - Wings
All veins running almost straight from the end of the wing. - Locations
The Lesser house fly will typically fly in very irregular and triangular pattern courses within a room can be typically found within the house. - Eggs
The eggs of the lesser house fly are laid in batches of up 50+ the eggs can be laid in a variety of substances including liquid although the preferred would be poultry, Dog, Cat, & Cow feaces. Hatching time normally occurs within 24 hours. - Larva
The larva of the lesser house fly looks very similar to that of a very small caterpillar with a small like hair to it its slightly flat and able to move in liquid food the larva develops within 1-4 weeks. - Pupa
The pupa lasts for around 1-4 weeks and is often found buried within soil.
- Blowflies Blubottles & Greenbottles
- Calliphora & Lucilia

- Size
6-12 mm long blue bottle 5-9 mm long green bottle - Colour
Shiny metallic blue and hairy or shiny metallic green - Locations
Known for burrowing into wounds particularly on sheep causing sheep strike. Typically found on farms but also in homes. They also are attracted to rubbish. Ensure rubbish is cleared and animals are shaved and as clean as possible. - Eggs
1.5 mm in batches up to 200 usually in meat cheese or on dead animals. Hatching within 18 hours Some hatch as flies others as larva see below. - Larva
Maggots that feed on flesh take up to 12 days to develop usually around 18 mm long at full growth stage. - Pupa
Can be found in soil is a reddish brown colour matures in up to 12 days.
- Vinegar Flies (Fruit Fly)
- Drosophila Melanogaster

- Size
3 mm long - Colour
Yellow/brown Tends to hover - Locations
Typically found around decaying fruit and sticky substances and also around bins. - Eggs
Laid one by one they are white and can lay up to 25 per day. - Larva
Develops in rotten fruit or sweet substances sometimes in pubs. - Pupa
The Pupa are usually found within soil and has horns for respiration. - Adult
The Adult takes from 7-30 days and can live up to 9 weeks and can be found in fruit and veg productions breweries and bars.
- Autumn Flies
- Musca Autumnalis

- Size
6-8 mm long - Colour
Orange with a dark stripe down its centre. - Locations
Outside - Eggs
laid in batches usually of around 20 eggs takes up to 6 days to hatch, these eggs are normally laid in animal dung. - Larva
These are yellow in colour and they feed on the dung - Pupa
whitish grey colour, it pupates in soil - Adults
Usually hibernates during the Autumn
Cluster Flies
The Cluster fly is typically a seasonal pest which often is found within the roof space of premises between the months of September through to March. Cluster flies can be seen in large numbers as described a large fly infestation. The adults live outdoors during the summer months congregating around trees, posts, & walls in the sunlight, These fly’s will migrate indoors in the autumn and often in vast numbers.
- Green Cluster Fly
- Dasyphora Cyanella

- Breeding
Contrary to belief the cluster fly will not breed on dead animals and is often confused with the blue bottle or Blow flies. - Eggs & Lava
Cluster flies lay their eggs in soil and the larva bore through the skin of earthworms that act as a parasitic after about 10 weeks it penetrates the worm cuticle into the soil and continues its development within decaying matter. - Pupa
The pupa will continue the development for a further 6 weeks until they emerge as the adult flies. - Signs of infestation
Having a high volume of fly activity? This can be indicated by evidence found in various locations within the property from fly bodies and live Insects. Infestation would also indicate Cluster fly (Pollenia Rudis.) Cluster flies tend to live outside within the summer months and live in loft spaces throughout the winter. They are attracted various types of buildings due to them being south facing and white with a large number of windows. The UV rays from the sun bouncing off the building attract the flies in the attempt to warm up. The flies are quite docile due to the fact that they are cold and have limited energy. This indicates normal activity. Due to the nature of this pest there is unfortunately no quick fix, as typically each winter a new infestation occurs.
Mosquitos & Midges
- Mosquito
- ...

Adult mosquitoes usually mate within a few days after emerging from the pupa stage. Female mosquitoes are usually larger than males. Females have fine threadlike antennae with few hairs, whereas males have bushy antennae. In most species, the males form large swarms, usually around dusk, and the females fly into the swarms to mate. Many mosquitoes are not blood eaters however of the bloodsucking mosquitoes only the females that eat blood, it is common for them to be carriers of disease.
- Bite
Uses proboscis to bite - Wings
Wings are longer than its body - Lifestyle and location
Always develop in stagnant water - Risk
May carry diseases
- Midges
- ...

Midges are small flying insects they are often mistaken for mosquitoes. They are approximately a half-inch in length and light green to brown in colour. Midges appear in large swarms mostly near water. For example creeks streams canals & any large bodies of water. These are very attracted to lights e.g street lights or outside lights etc. Although midges do not bite, they often occur in large numbers and can be annoying
- Bite
Cannot bite - Wings
Wings are shorter than its body - Lifestyle and location
Develop in mud on the bottom of lakes, ponds, etc - Risk
Does not carry diseases
Things to look for:
- Large swarms near lighting particularly white lights.
- Humide temperature
- Swarms around dusk
The insect itself are about 5mm long, Flat and oval shaped the coloration of this insect is a reddish brown. It is likely these are the first things to spot however these insects also lay a cluster of around 500 eggs over a couple of months and are normally found within the close proximity of the host under the underside of the mattress or behind bed boards etc.
The insects also exhibit incomplete metamorphosis where as they grow they shed their skins which look like a light brown shell which can be seen in bedded within the mattress and close to the hosts. These insects also excrete a black fecal substance after feeding these can normally be identified on the sheets in the morning which can be identified as Blood spots.
Ants
Are you having a problem with ants? Ants can prove to be a nuisance both at home and within the work place although there are no disease risks associated with ants you still don’t want them crawling over your food. Ants normally live outside and are scavengers looking for food debris and sugars to take back to the nest.
When dealing with ant infestations it is always important to identify the species of ant so the correct treatment can be used. Our team of technicians can quickly locate the source of the infestation and implement the best treatment program relevant to the infestation. All of our technicians are fully qualified in accordance with the British Pest Control Association which enable them to apply some of the leading pesticides used only by professionals.
- Garden Ant
- ...

- Size
3-5 mm - Colour
Black - Lifestyle
Soil & Patios, some light mortar
- Ghost Ant
- ...

- Size
0.5-1.5 mm - Colour
Dark head, translucent legs and abdomen - Lifestyle and location
Bathrooms, Steamrooms – require humidity
- Fire Ant
- ...

- Size
5-6 mm - Colour
Black & reddish - Lifestyle and location
Soil, Patios, light mortar - Sting
Painful sting
- Pharaohs Ant
- ...

- Size
1-2″ - Colour
Yellow & reddish brown - Lifestyle and location
Temperate areas – warm buildings
Cockroaches
You will be aware of Cockroaches in your home as they emit an unpleasant odour and may make sounds – hissing or chirping. Cockroaches can and will enter human homes through cracks, vents and drain pipes. They like to breed in warm areas near water and food, and do so very quickly.
Cockroaches can vary in size from half to 2 inches, sometimes even bigger in hotter climates. They have six legs, two antennae and some have wings. If you only see minimal cockroaches during the day beware, this could mean the infestation is more severe than you think and there are a lot more in hiding as Cockroaches are mainly nocturnal. Many allergies, especially athesma, can be triggered by the debris created by cast-off cockroach skins, dead bodies and droppings.
Cockroache infestations within any food industry can be very serious and have contributed to a very high numberof prosecutions from the public health departments. It is important that you seek professional advice if you believe to have a cockroach infestation as these insects can carry a number of diseases injurious to man. It is believed that a significant proportion of inner city dwellers show allergic respiratory reactions to debris from cockroach infestations.
- German Cockroach
- ...

- Length
12-15mm - Colour
Yellow Brown with dark stripes - Ootheca
Carried unit hatch - Number of oothecae
4-8 - Hatching time
1 month - Food
Omnivorous - Habit
Nocturnal
- American Cockroach
- ...

- Length
28-44mm - Colour
Shiny Reddish Brown - Ootheca
Deposited after several days - Number of oothecae
10-15 - Hatching time
1-2 month - Food
Omnivorous - Habit
Nocturnal
- Oriental Cockroach
- ...

- Length
25-30mm - Colour
Dark Reddish Brown to black - Ootheca
Deposited after a few hours - Number of oothecae
5-10 - Hatching time
2 month - Food
Omnivorous - Habit
Nocturnal
Silverfish
- Silverfish
- ...

-
Silverfish are nocturnal insects. They are typically 0.5–1 inches long they are normally greyish in colour with a metallic shine. They are wingless insects. These insects can live up to 8 years.
They prefer to dark, damp areas such as, attics, kitchens and bathrooms. They are particularly fond of paper and dam clothing, they are very destructive and often ruin clothing and wallpaper. They are able to survive in any environment but prefer dark humid areas which is why they are often found in bathrooms.
They reproduce by males laying spermatphores which the female takes they can lay anything from 2 – 20 eggs and live 2-8 years. - What to look for?
Silverfish leave small holes in materials they bite and may also cause yellow staining. They can be found in dark and damp locations such as bathroom Visulaly seeing them particularly in bathroom areas.
Bedbugs
- Bedbugs
- Climex Lectularius

-
(Climex Lectularius) are attracted to humans from body heat and the carbon dioxide within the atmosphere of the surroundings. Bed bugs generally feed during the evening and hide away within small cracks and crevices during the day they are most often found within very close proximity of the host in the bedroom although can also be found elsewhere.
Bed bugs will bite and may cause a reaction to the skin which can often cause red bumps and rash like marks which may result in a burning sensation. Bud bugs usually bite around the neck or face of the host which can normally be identified by the straight lined bite marks.
- What to look for?
The insect itself are about 5mm long, Flat and oval shaped the colouration of this insect is a reddish brown. It is likely these are the first things to spot however these insects also lay a cluster of around 500 eggs over a couple of months and are normally found within the close proximity of the host under the underside of the mattress or behind bed boards etc.
The insects also exhibit incomplete metamorphosis where as they grow they shed their skins which look like a light brown shell which can be seen in bedded within the mattress and close to the hosts. These insects also excrete a black faecal substance after feeding these can normally be identified on the sheets in the morning which can be identified as Blood spots.
Fleas
- Fleas
- ...

-
Fleas are wingless insects they will normally be 2-3 mm long flattened side to side with a well-developed spine. They are usually reddish brown. Fleas can lay several hundred eggs once hatched these larva feed on hot skin and blood. Adult fleas can live for weeks without feeding, although they cannot produce eggs during this time they can still survive.
- Feeding
Fleas are well adapted especially their mouth areas and legs, with tube-like mouth-parts adapted to feeding on the blood of their hosts which in turn pierce the skin. They have long legs adapted for jumping, and feet designed to cling to the host. A flea can jump vertically up to 7 inches and horizontally up to 13 inches. - Reproducing
Once the flea reaches adulthood, it will mainly be looking for food i.e. blood and then to reproduce. Female fleas can lay 5000 or more eggs over their life! Biting lice often feed on skin and other materials on the skins surface. The life span of a flea can be as short as one year, but may be several years in their ideal conditions. Including the correct temperature a food supply. A flea can usually live at least up to 100 days normally 3 months. - Habitation
Commonly fleas are found on pets the main culprits for flea carriers are birds Dogs or cats. Most commonly the cat flea known as Ctenocephalides Felis Cat fleas can be found in both cats and dogs. There is also the human flea known as Pulex Irritans. Fleas are known to act as a host for tapeworm which can in turn affect humans. - Things to look for
Do you have pets? Are they scratching excessively particularly around the head and neck.
Have the pets or yourself experience itching or bites.
Red itchy bites small red bumps particularly in fold of elbows and knees on ankles and legs in groups of three or four.
Moths
Moths and other textile pests present a nasty problem to your living space; particularly in natural fiber such as clothes, rugs and carpets. We recommend you take extra care when you have these sort of items in your home, as not dealing with a problem can lead to bigger problems in a short space of time. We can solve your textile pest problem at it’s source and provide you with a service to keep your delicate textiles safe from future textile pests. Although there is no severe health risks associated with these pests they can cause significant levels of damage to your textile possessions. They normally feed on the protein Keratin which can be found in natural fibres such as cotton, wools, silks and many more. Although natural fibers are not always required for these pest to cause damage.
- Common
- ...

- Adults
6-8 mm - Colour
Pale yellow - Larvae
White with dark head - Damage
Irregular Holes
- Case Bearing
- ...

- Adults
6-8 mm - Colour
Dark with faint marks - Larvae
white carry cocoon - Damage
regular Holes
- Brown House
- ...

- Adults
8-14 mm - Colour
Brown & dark spots - Larvae
White 20mm in size - Damage
Natural fibres
- Brown House
- ...

- Adults
6-10 mm - Colour
White head - Larvae
White with dark head - Damage
stored products
What to look for?
The most common textiles in our homes/premises are carpets and often the presence of moths and other textile pests are closely followed by damage. This can normally be seen with the naked eye located behind furniture and areas which may have not been moved for some time. It is also likely that the larvae may be visible or the castell cocoons are left behind
Mice
The House Mouse (Mus domesticus) – The house Mouse one of Britain’s most damaging rodents believed to have originated in this country around the 10th century BC. These pests have become very adaptive to surviving some of the most challenging climates and are often found dwelling particularly over the winter within the premises in the attempt to keep warm which plays a key part of information during rodent control. This pest is considered to be omnivorous feeding on a wide range of foods. The house mouse can sustain on very little water as moisture is largely taken in from the content of food. Therefore when controlling a rodent infestation these needs to be taken into consideration.
- Mice
- ...

- Reproduction
It is important that should you believe to have an issue with mice at your premises or workplace and are in need of Rodent control you are act quickly as the house mouse from birth will become sexually mature within 8 to 12 weeks reproducing up to 6 litters per female. The gestation period is around 17-20 days where 8 weeks the cycle repeats itself. Infestations can establish quickly and may be difficult to control should the infestation not be identified correctly. - Live or dead sightings of rodents
The most obvious signs of an infestation would be the visual sightings of the rodents be sure to call in the professionals in help identifying as often baby rats can be often mistaken for mice. It is important to keep a note of the time of day and how often you are seeing the rodents as this information to a professional this will help in understanding of the level of infestation at our premises. - Droppings
On average each mouse can produce up to 120 droppings per day the finding of droppings can be a clear indicator in having a problem with rodents. Mouse droppings are spindle-shaped and are approximately the size of a grain of rice. Mice can spread transmit diseases and viruses through their droppings, urine and saliva. It is very important that any surfaces that have come into contact with mice or droppings from rodents should be disinfected. It would be advised that you should call in a professional in carefully removing any Mouse droppings and debris. Please note it is very important not to vacuum or sweep any mouse droppings, these cleaning methods can release airborne virus particles. If it is necessary that you are to undertake the removal of droppings be sure to wear protective gloves and Dispose of any towels or cloths that come into contact with feces. Gloves should then be disposed of, and it is suggested that the hands be washed several times after cleaning.
- Smear mark/Tracks
Rodents have a grease on their bodies this will attract dirt that will be deposited at various locations. Once a rodent has established home they will often stick to the same runs used regularly by rats and mice. This can be often identified as dark marks that are commonly found in association with holes in structures, over ledges or along pipes, cables or other areas. - Damage
Mice can cause a significant amount of damage to the home or work place. Rodents have a need to gnaw due to the continued growth of the incisors/Teeth. which puts a number of items at risk such as personal items, Stock, Paper, even wiring which may result in electrical fires or general loss of data.
Rats
- Norwegian Rat
- Rattus Norvegicus

- Rattus norvegicus (Norwegian rat), is the UKs most popular pest with the ability to breed all year in the most challenging conditions. It can re-produce up to at least 5 litters per year of up to 14. They tend to live in large hierarchical groups where they can normally be found to be residing within external burrows sewers and cellars.
- Burrowing
Renowned for is burrowing and often creates a network of multiple levels of tunnels often having a second entrance. These burrows provide shelter and food storage as well as shelter from the cold and other predators. It is often found that rats have burrowed under the foundations of a premises in the attempt to warm up over the colder months. - Damage
Rats can cause a significant amount of damage to the home or work place. It is believed that rats have the ability to gnaw through mild steel which puts a number of items at risk such as personal items, Stock, Paper, even wiring which may result in electrical fires or general loss of data. Damage may not only be physically as the presence of rodents may impact customer reputation ultimately costing money.
- Black Rat
- Rattus Rattus

(Rattus rattus) – The Ship, Roof or Black Rat. Originated from Southeast Asia Believed to have reached Western Europe sometime in the Middle Ages during a time when rodent control was low. Once a very dominant species in this country - now rarely seen and often confined to busy ports. Unlike the brown rat the black rat often resides within the premises and loves to climb so can be found up within the roof space.
Against popular belief the Rattus Rattus cannot be easily distinguished between Rattus norvegicus from colour as this is not a reliable feature. Although usually black can also be grey, brown or tawny very similar to that or the Norwegian rat. Characteristics and behaviour are generally the best way to identify the difference.
- Damage
Can cause a significant amount of damage to the home or work place. Rats have a need to gnaw due to the continued growth of the incisors/Teeth. - Disease danger
Rats are one of the largest disease risk carriers here in the UK and are blamed for the spread of in infamous Black death in 1348. Although we are at low risk of the plague, rats do still carry many other diseases such as:
- Weil’s disease
- Salmonella
- Tuberculosis
- Cryptosporidiosis
- E.Coli
- Foot and mouth disease
What to look for
Live or dead sightings of rodentsThe most obvious signs of an infestation would be the visual sightings of the rodents be sure to call in the professionals in help identifying as often baby rats can be often mistaken for mice. It is important to keep a note of the time of day and how often you are seeing the rodents as this information to a professional this will help in understanding of the level of infestation at our premises
DroppingsOn average each rat can produce up to 60 droppings per day the finding of droppings can be a clear indicator in having a problem with rodents. Rat droppings are spindle-shaped and are approximately 1 and 1/2 inches (30-40mm). Rats can transmit diseases and viruses through their droppings, urine and saliva.
It is very important that any surfaces that have come into contact with rats or there droppings from should be disinfected. It would be advised that you should call in a professional in carefully removing any rat droppings and debris.
Please note it is very important not to vacuum or sweep any mouse droppings, these cleaning methods can release airborne virus particles. If it is necessary that you are to undertake the removal of droppings be sure to wear protective gloves and dispose of any towels or cloths that come into contact with feces. Gloves should then be disposed of, and it is suggested that the hands be washed several times after cleaning.
Smear mark/TracksRodents have a grease on their bodies this will attract dirt that will be deposited at various locations. Once a rodent has established home they will often stick to the same runs used regularly by rats and mice. This can be often identified as dark marks that are commonly found in association with holes in structures, over ledges or along pipes, cables or other areas.
×Moles
- European moles
- Talpa Europea

European moles (Talpa Europea) are is the only mole known present within the British isles. These pests can be very destructive to lawns, Fairways Turf, and gardens. Moles create a series of complex tunnels due to the rodents ability to tunnel up to 4 metres per hour.
Moles have very limited sight and there sense of smell is not that good either. The heightened sense of the mole is acquired through vibration and touch. Moles feed off insects and worms.
The breeding season for these moles is generally around February through to May where the males let out a high-pitched squeal to attract the females. Moles are very solitary creatures and will generally only come together to mate. The complex tunnel systems can overlap with other moles so never be fooled into having just the one.
- Damage Risk
Having moles can prove very costly as they will ruin soil, grass, plants, trees and even golf courses on their hunt for food. The mole hills can really spoil the lawn not to mention the tunneling of the moles can also cause the soil to drop creating trip hazards. The hills will eventually get bigger creating homes for other pests such as mice.
It is important to call a professional to come and resolve your mole problem as quickly as possible to try and keep damage to minimum.
- What to look for
- Noticeable molehills.
- Plants and grass start to die.
- You won’t see the mole; it’s highly unlikely, but you will certainly see where he has been.
Squirrels
Squirrels range in size but are generally classed as small animals they range from 3 inches to 30 inches and colours are often varied from grey to reddish colours or brown it really depends on the particular species. They will normally have bushy tails as well.
- Squirrels
- ...

They breed up to twice a year and can have anything up to 4 offspring. Females normally take care of this offspring. Their lifespan is usually between 3 and 8 years in total. Often they will nest inside human homes particularly attic spaces as they are dry, warm and safe. They often stash food supplies in walls and openings as they take up residence inside a property. They are also very territorial spraying their scent around to mark their territory. They can prove difficult to get rid of so it’s best to call a professional to help you if you have an infestation.
Squirrels’ diets consist primarily of a variety of plants, including nuts, and seeds, and sometimes cones and fruit.
Many people are under the misconception that squirrels are friendly, they are known for their predatory behaviour particularly ground squirrels. If they get into your property particularly roof spaces they can cause a lot of damage and disruption including; gnaw damage, such as for food and nesting sites, as well as hearing them they will be generally loud as they are quite heavy. Their territorial habits means they will leave a strong odour behind also.
- What to look for
- Loud noises including banging in your loft space particularly at night
- Gnawed materials in the area
- A strong scent coming from the particular area
Gulls
- Seagulls
- ...

-
Seagulls are typically medium to large birds, usually grey or white sometimes with black markings on the head or wings. They typically have harsh wailing or squawking calls. They are carnivores, that scavenge for opportunistically. They often feed on crabs and small fish. Large white-headed gulls can live as long as 20 years or in some cases up to 40. They usually lay 1-3 eggs.
Gulls display mobbing behavior, attacking and harassing would-be predators and other intruders. They are known as pests and often steal food from humans. Gulls are known for causing damage to property when making their nests etc. They are extremely noisy and leave behind huge messes from fouling and droppings, that land on anything or body below.
- What to look for
There will be many birds droppings on or around the ground, Sightings of gulls often hovering around looking for food they are quite large and are hard to miss, you will also hear them; they emit a lot of noise sounding like squawks.
Pigeons
- Pigeons
- ...

-
There are many different breeds of pigeon or doves as they are sometimes known probably in or around 300. Ranging from Collared dove,Rock dove,Stock dove,and Turtle dove. The most common breed and most recognised is the Woodpigeon. The woodpigeon is normally grey with a white neck patch and white wing patches. They are particularly tame in city areas and around humans, these pigeons have adapted to living around humans and human habitation.
Pigeons mate for life and share responsibility of raising their young, they can often be found nesting in roof spaces particularly guttering preventing their function. Pigeons multiply rapidly and cause a nuisance leaving droppings on floors, windows and over cars. They are also known for swooping and flapping in very close proximity to humans.
Doves feed on seeds, fruits, and plants and lay one or two eggs, both parents care for the young, which leave the nest after seven to 28 days. They have no specific breeding times and therefore reproduce fast Pigeons are considered disease-spreading birds, a pest. They have been known to spread bird flu. Spread through direct contact with humans or through their droppings for instance if cleaning up their droppings.
Do you currently have a problem with pigeons? Call Opkill for a free quote or survey. We have many options that could help resolve your infestation including proofing and preventative measures.
Image Sources
Below is a full list of all the sources used for the imagery on this page:
- David Smith/ wikimedia
- John Haslam / flickr
- Marco Sacchi / flickr
- Daniel X. O’Neil / flickr
- Ingrid Taylar / flickr
- Tony Hisgett / flickr
- Orangeaurochs / flickr
- André Karwath / flickr
- jacinta lluch valero / flickr
- S. Rae / flickr
- Mr.TinDC / flickr
- Paul Lucas / flickr
- Chris/ flickr
- Sarah Camp/ flickr
- Miran Rijavec/flickr
- David Short / flickr
- Jerry Kirkhart/ flickr
- Donald Hobern / flickr
- Maarten van Kleinwee/ flickr
- Frédéric BISSON/ flickr
- likeaduck / flickr
- Alexey Krasavin/ flickr
- Dluogs/ flickr
- Jean-Jacques Boujot/ flickr
- Animal Diversity Web / flickr
- Marufish / flickr
- Mick Talbot Web / flickr
- Chris Sorge Web / flickr