Throughout the North East, pests are a common problem for homeowners and property managers. The combination of wet, cold weather and older buildings make the towns and cities throughout the North East a haven for many species.

Even in more rural areas, pests often gravitate to populated areas in search of food and shelter, and once there they can cause significant issues. Many pests spread diseases and can cause significant distress.

As experts in providing pest control services in Newcastle, Middlesborough, Sunderland, Bishop Auckland, Darlington, Stockton-on-Tees and throughout the North East, Invicta understands the issues caused by common pests found in the area.

Keep reading to find out more about the most common species found in the North East and how to deal with their presence on your property.

What Is Considered A Pest?

There is a lot of wildlife found in the North East, and many species are not a pest, but just part of the local habitat.

So, what counts as a pest? Generally, the species that are considered pests are the ones that enter homes and commercial properties, and can cause health issues or property damage.

In some cases, pests may remain outside, but pose a threat to humans by damaging crops or spreading diseases through their droppings.

Some species, even those that are classed as pests, like pigeons, are protected by law. For these pests, preventative measures are required to stop them gaining entry to your space.

Alternatively, some non-native, invasive species, like Asian hornets and grey squirrels, are always considered vermin and must be reported or humanely dispatched.

If you’re unsure if you’re dealing with a pest problem, the best thing to do is identify the species, and if you’re still unsure, contact us to get expert help.

Common Pest Species In The North East

The North East is home to many pest species, and different areas face unique risks. Some of the most common household pests found in the North East are listed below.

Rats

In the North East, rats are frequently seen throughout both urban cities and rural towns, with Newcastle being considered one of the area’s rat infestation hotspots. Rats gravitate to many towns and cities in the North East that are located near rivers or have other water sources, such as lakes or public fountains.

Older buildings in cities such as Newcastle, Middlesborough and others offer readymade entry points for rats. Additionally, rats live in public sewers, and often chew through plastic pipes or use drain damage such as tree root ingress or displaced joints to get inside private drainage systems.

That’s why, before rat control can be carried out, pest control providers often recommend a CCTV drain survey. If rats are found to have made their way into your North East home or business’s drains, then rat drain blocker installation can prevent future issues.

Mice

Similar in appearance to rats, house mice are the most common species found in the North East, but yellow-necked mice and wood mice are also seen. Over recent years, harvest mice, which are less of a pest and more of a feature in fields and rural areas, have been seen more often in the North East.

Mice cause similar issues to rats, in that they have front teeth that are constantly growing and need to be warn down with regular chewing. As such, rats and mice can both cause significant property damage, and even pose a fire hazard if they gnaw through live electrical wiring.

If you find signs of mice in your North East home, then you need professional mouse control to identify their access points and seal them, so mice can’t return.

Ants

In the summer, ants are often found in homes, commercial kitchens and gardens. The most common ant species in the UK are black garden ants, but carpenter ants, Pharaoh’s ants, red ants and yellow meadow ants are also found across the North East.

While ants might not be as much of a health risk as other pests, such as bed bugs or fleas, they can contaminate food. Also, ants usually walk in long trails, which means you often see a lot of them, and this can be distressing and cause reputational damage for commercial premises.

Because ants usually build their nests outside, and just venture indoors in search of food, it can be tough to remove them without causing issues for the local habitat. Professional ant control will ensure that the ants are fully removed without causing issues for non-target species.

Cockroaches

Another pest species found in the North East, particularly in commercial kitchens or older homes with damp patches. Roaches thrive in moist, dark spaces, and can contaminate food.

Most cockroach species prefer tropical climates, but Oriental and German cockroaches are commonly found in the North East, and brown-banded and American cockroaches have also been sighted.

If you find cockroaches, it can be highly distressing, and these hardy pests are often resistant to over-the-counter insecticides. That’s why booking cockroach control from experts like Invicta can be the fastest and most effective way to eradicate roaches.

Parasites

Parasites are found throughout the North East, particularly bed bugs, which can spread through public transport, healthcare facilities and accommodation providers. Once bed bugs take up residence in your property, they can be difficult to eradicate, so professional bed bug treatment can be the only solution to ensure they don’t return.

Fleas are another common parasite, that spread primarily among homes with pets, but they can also infest gardens if visiting cats or wildlife. If you find fleas in your home or vegetation, you need expert flea control to get rid of them quickly before they cause significant distress and potential skin infections.

Fabris Pests

Fabric pests, including clothes moths, carpet beetles, and others, can cause significant damage to carpets, curtains, soft furnishings and clothing made from natural fibres.

These items, particularly in stately homes and older buildings across the North East, can be expensive to repair and impossible to replace, so it’s important that you get professional support.

With the right moth control or insect removal service, you can safely eradicate clothes moths, carpet or fur beetles from your property.

Pigeons

Pigeons are a common sight throughout the North East, as the North East is home to many pigeon fanciers and racing clubs. Additionally, pigeons enjoy spending time in densely populated cities, such as Newcastle, Durham, Middlesborough and others.

These areas offer opportunities for food and shelter, which are exacerbated by well-meaning locals who feed them. Feeding pigeons keeps them coming back, and can also attract rats, mice and other pests.

While pigeons don’t usually enter buildings, they like to land on windowsills and build nests on roofs, which can lead to a build-up of bird droppings. Pigeon guano contains bacteria and helps spread diseases to humans, pets and livestock. Additionally, pigeons carry other pests, such as fleas and bird mites.

Because all wild birds are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, proactive bird control is required, using deterrents such as bird netting, bird spikes, bird post and wire systems and laser dispersal systems to humanely repel nuisance pigeons.

How To Deal With Pests In Your North East Home Or Business Premises

If you notice signs of pest activity in your North East property, then it’s crucial that you act fast. Vermin can cause significant issues, including structural damage, health concerns and distress.

Getting rid of pests yourself can be challenging, as some species, including nuisance birds, are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Even for mammals that are classified as pests, laws including the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006 stipulate that you can’t cause them unnecessary suffering, and need to humanely dispatch them.

When it comes to insect pests, many DIY insecticide treatments are ineffective, as bugs have become immune to them. As such, you may find that the infestation continues without professional support.

At Invicta, our team are RSPH level 2 certified, with access to pest control products that aren’t available to the general public. We’re also fully compliant with all relevant laws, and know how to remove pests safely and humanely.

Alongside pest and bird control services, we can also provide specialist services, including high level cleaning, waste removal, landlord services and void property clearance, so we’re the only North East pest control provider you need.

Our team have created a handy pest identification tool that will help you clarify what species you’re dealing with at your North East home or commercial premises.

Once you’ve identified the issue, or if you’re still not sure, you contact us on 01388 309345 for expert pest control services.