Common Signs of a Pest Infestation

A man defends his kitchen from cockroaches

Like the M. Night Shyamalan movie - Signs are everywhere! Whether it’s rodents, insects, or something sneakier, pests always leave evidence behind. Here’s what to watch for:

1. Droppings

Let’s start with the obvious—and the gross. Rodents, cockroaches, and other critters leave behind droppings in places they frequent:

✔ Kitchen cupboards

✔ Behind appliances

✔ Under sinks

✔ In lofts and attics

💡 If you find small, dark, pellet-like droppings, it's time to search "pest control near me" to call in the pros.

2. Strange Noises

Hear scratching in the walls or ceiling at night? Spoiler alert: it’s probably not a ghost. Rodents like rats and squirrels are most active after dark and love roof spaces, lofts, and wall cavities.

3. Damage to Property or Food

In a bid to satisfy their insatiable appetites, pests chew, gnaw, and nibble at all sorts of materials. Keep an eye out for:

• Torn food packaging

• Chewed wiring or wood

• Damaged insulation

• Holes in walls or floors

  
  

⚡️ Rodents in particular can be a fire hazard if they chew through wires. Not ideal.

4. Some Odd Smells

A musty, ammonia-like odour can mean rodent urine. Cockroach infestations can also produce an unpleasant oily smell. If your home starts smelling funky, pests could be the cause.

5. Nesting Materials

Found shredded paper, fabric, or loft insulation in a little pile? That could be a nest. And if there's one nest… there may be more.

6. Visible Pests

It seems obvious, but spotting a single cockroach or mouse in the open—especially during the day—is a major red flag. Most pests are nocturnal and hide well. If they’re showing themselves, you likely have a larger problem lurking.

South East London's Top rated Pest Control Experts!

Why Early Detection is Critical

The earlier you act, the easier it is to control the infestation—and the cheaper it is to treat. Left unchecked, pests can:

• Spread diseases

• Contaminate food and surfaces

• Cause costly structural damage

• Harm your reputation (especially for businesses!)

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That’s why professional pest control services are essential—not just for treatment, but for prevention and peace of mind.

🧰 DIY vs Professional Pest Control

It’s tempting to try DIY traps or sprays from your local shop. But here’s the truth:

⛔ Most DIY methods are temporary and don’t solve the root issue.

✅ Professional pest control companies like Pest Piper use targeted, humane, and long-term solutions.

So before you waste time and money, get it sorted properly the first time.

✅ Why Choose Pest Piper?

At Pest Piper, we’ve got over 15 years of experience dealing with every kind of pest—from stubborn rodents to sneaky insects. We offer:

✔ Fast, discreet service

✔ Affordable pricing from £159

✔ Fully insured and trained technicians

✔ Humane pest control solutions

✔ Friendly support with no judgment (we’ve seen it all)

We’re proud to be one of the top-rated providers of pest control in London, trusted across homes and businesses in South East London. Whether you’re Googling “exterminators close to me” or comparing local pest control services, Pest Piper is your answer.

📞 Don’t Wait for the Infestation to Grow

Pests are sneaky, but the signs are there if you know what to look for. If anything in this blog sounds familiar, don’t ignore it. Call Pest Piper today, or visit our website to book an inspection.