When to call a pest controller and when to wait

One mouse or a problem?

A single sighting doesn't always mean an infestation. But some signs shouldn't wait, and knowing which is which saves you money and stops a small issue becoming a large one.

Signs you should call straight away

Droppings in more than one room, gnawed packaging or wiring, scratching in walls or ceilings at night, or a persistent smell you can't place. Any of these suggests something is already established rather than passing through.

Wasp nests near doors, windows or roof access should also be dealt with promptly rather than left, particularly if anyone in the building reacts badly to stings.

Signs you can reasonably monitor

A single fly, spider or ant is not an infestation. Nor is one wasp in a room in late summer. If you've seen something once, in one place, with no other evidence, it's fair to keep an eye on it for a few days.

The thing to watch for is repetition. Same room, same time of day, more than once, means something is living there rather than visiting.

What to do while you're deciding

Store food in sealed containers, clear away crumbs and pet food overnight, and empty bins regularly. Block obvious gaps around pipes and vents where you can. None of this solves an established problem, but it stops a passing visitor deciding to stay.

Don't put down poison bought off the shelf before you know what you're dealing with. Used wrongly it can make the problem harder to treat later, and it carries real risks around pets and children.

Why timing matters

Most pests breed quickly. A problem caught in week one is usually a single visit. The same problem left for a month often needs several, plus repairs to whatever's been chewed in the meantime.

If you're not sure, describing what you've seen over the phone is usually enough for us to tell you whether it needs a visit.