Are the pesticides used in homes safe for my family? +
Professional pest controllers use pesticides that are approved by the Health and Safety Executive and applied at concentrations that are safe for humans and pets when used correctly. Your pest controller will advise you on any precautions — for example, keeping children and pets away from bait stations, or vacating a room after a spray treatment until it dries. Always follow the specific safety instructions given for your treatment.
What pests are most common in Leicester? +
The most common pest callouts in Leicester follow a seasonal pattern: rats and mice peak in autumn and winter as they seek warmth and food indoors; wasp nests are treated mainly between June and September; bed bugs occur year-round but spike in summer with increased travel; and ant infestations are most common in spring and early summer. Cockroaches are less seasonal and are typically found in older properties or commercial kitchens.
Can pest control help with moth damage to my clothes? +
Yes — if you are finding holes in wool, silk or cashmere garments, you likely have a clothes moth infestation. A pest controller can identify the species, locate the source (often in dark undisturbed areas like wardrobe corners or under furniture), and apply targeted treatment. Prevention includes regular vacuuming, washing clothes before long-term storage, and using cedar wood or lavender sachets as natural deterrents.
What should I do if I think I have bed bugs? +
Check your mattress seams, headboard joints and bed frame crevices for small dark spots (faecal marks) and tiny rust-coloured blood stains on your sheets. Bed bugs are 4 to 5mm long, flat and brown — they hide during the day and feed at night. Do not throw away your mattress or use shop-bought sprays, as this often spreads the infestation to other rooms. Contact a professional pest controller who specialises in bed bug treatment.
How long does it take to get rid of rats in Leicester? +
A typical rat treatment programme in Leicester takes two to four weeks from start to finish. The pest controller will lay rodenticide bait on the first visit, then return after 7 to 10 days to check bait take, replace stations and block any identified entry points. A final visit confirms the infestation has been eliminated. Severe infestations in older properties may take longer.
Will the pest controller need to visit more than once? +
Most pest treatments require at least two visits. The first visit involves a survey, identification of the pest species, and initial treatment. Follow-up visits — typically one to three weeks later — check whether the treatment has worked, replenish bait stations if needed, and carry out proofing to prevent re-infestation. Wasp nest treatment is the exception, as a single visit is usually sufficient.