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Pest Information

Our team is dedicated to providing fast, friendly and effective pest control solutions to all residents living in and around the Manchester/North West area.

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Homes Protected

Your Local Experts in Safe, Effective Pest Control

When using us you can expect each of our technicians to be on-time, courteous and always willing to provide you their best recommendations when providing you an in-home or in-work free inspection. 

We strive to be different in many ways compared to other pest control services in the area and we are so confident our pest control services we provide, that if we are unable able to fix your rodent problem through completion of our recommended services, we will come back free of charge until the problem is resolved for good. 

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Rat

Rodents are often a normal household nuisance and are never a fun problem to have to deal with.

Pro Pest Manchester will be able to help rid your home of these vermin and get you back to living in a healthy and safe living environment.
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Many people tend to immediately assume that they have a mice problem in there home, but there is also a chance that they actually have rats. 
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We will be able to quickly tell what type of animal you are dealing with and create the appropriate solution for your needs.

Not only does this help with your current problem, but you will be able to better seal your home against pest invasions in the future.

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Pharaoh Ants

Insects can become more of a problem than Rodents if left alone too long

​From flying insects such as wasps, crawlers such as roaches, ants and spiders, through to bed bugs, Pro Pest Manchester have a variety of solutions suited to each infestation.

As well as resolving the issue first time every time, we use Eco Friendly solutions which have no side effects on your home or workplace.​

Calling us early will also be your most cost-effective option too, before the problem gets any worse, as it very quickly can do with insects.

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Prevention is just as important as a cure

Pro Pest Manchester can assess any situation in regards to any issues in your home or workplace.

We will then carry out the correct cleaning solution to help prevent any further pest issues.​

We don’t doubt your home is clean, but there is a clean home and there is a pest preventing clean home, using eco-friendly products which pests won’t like but won’t effect you in any way.

Consultation is FREE and our cleaning services can be one offs or on a contract basis.

  • Rodent control 
  • Bird control 
  • Insect control
  • Flying insects 
  • Fox control
  • Moles
  • Covid-19 Disinfectant sprays
  • Proofing
  • Vermin cleaning
  • Hoarder cleaning
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Pest Information

If you think you have a particular pest problem, the information below will give you more information. Just click on the links to find out more…

What Our Customers Say

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Kim Cartwright
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I cannot recommend Propest enough fantastic and successful treatment of our property the pictures will show the problem and Propest attended a couple of times and problem is fully resolved so pleased with their professional service
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claire pickering
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Thank you so much for what you did to help me with my problem with Rats in my loft I highly recommend this company to anyone that has any pest problems honestly he was so helpful and understanding and friendly and very reassuring also he did a fantastic job of cleaning and sanitizing my loft I can now relax and sleep now after that awful time thanks Curt .
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Esther
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The service was efficient, professional and friendly. Kurt answered any questions I had and went above and beyond in providing helpful information.
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Sam Allan
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Brilliant service, including customer service. All staff have gone above and beyond to help with our pest problem. Very reasonably priced and got rid of our problem. Even came for a second treatment a few weeks later included. Becky helped to get us sorted quickly and efficiently as we have a baby at home. Pest problem? Go to Pro Pest!
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Mohsin Ali
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Called outside of working hours as during a wasp emergency and I can say Kurt was a massive help. Fully appreciated the work he did and couldn’t be more thankful with the service. Highly recommend!!
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Caroline Kelly Shanahan
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Pro pest did a great job.i highly recommend them and a great aftercare service too.curt was a really friendly guy
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Sam Cork
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As the Facilities Co-ordinator of a busy shopping centre, I know how important it is to maintain a clean and pest-free environment for our shoppers. That's why we rely on Pro Pest Manchester Ltd, and they never disappoint! Their team is incredibly professional and efficient. They respond quickly to any concerns we have and always get the job done thoroughly. We've been particularly impressed with their proactive approach to pest prevention, which has helped us avoid any major infestations. Pro Pest Manchester Ltd is a reliable and trustworthy partner, and I highly recommend their services to any business looking for top-notch pest control.
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Chloe Browne
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Curt was fab! Really reliable and reassuring. Did a great job and solved our issue. Would definitely recommended!
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Julie McMullin
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First class service. Highly recommended

Why Choose Pro Pest Manchester?

As a family-run business, we prioritise your needs. Our experienced technicians are dedicated to providing fast and reliable pest control solutions.

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We treat every customer like family.

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We treat every customer like family.

Eco-Friendly Solutions for a Safer Environment

We treat every customer like family.

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We treat every customer like family.

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Though we are based in Manchester, our services are available across the entire UK, ensuring that wherever you are, we can assist you.

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Wasps

What do they look like?  

All the wasps found in the United Kingdom, with the exception of the hornet, are very similar with black and yellow bands on their body and two pairs of wings. 

Where do they live? 

In Spring, the queen leaves her hibernating quarters to seek nesting sites. These could be holes in the ground, hollow trees, sheds, loft spaces etc. The queen starts to build her nest with a papery material that she makes by chewing wood mixed with saliva; this is known as wasp paper. She will raise the first few workers who will then enlarge the nest and care for the immature wasps to follow. The nest construction starts in Spring and will reach its maximum size in September, when up to 10,000 workers may be present. An old nest is not used in subsequent years. 

What do they eat? 

Wasps usually eat insects, which are mainly garden or household pests. They also feed on dustbin waste and animal carcasses. 

Pest status 

A wasp, unlike a bee, can sting many times. Although the wasp sting is not normally serious, it can be very painful, and in certain cases can cause a severe reaction.  

Control 

  • Is it necessary? Nests located in areas away from human contact can be left untreated. It should be remembered that wasps have a beneficial aspect as they kill many garden insect pests.  
  • D.I.Y. treatments; If you do decide to treat the nest yourself, suitable products can be purchased from hardware shops and garden centres. You must first locate the entrance to the nest. Following the flight pattern of returning wasps may help. Treatment should be carried out very early or late in the day when activity is at a minimum. Apply the insecticide to the entrance of the nest, or directly on to the nest if it is visible. (Consider the risks carefully before attempting a treatment yourself. Wasps are very aggressive when their nest is threatened, and multiple stings may result if your protective clothing is inadequate). 

When using pesticides always follow the instructions on the label 

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Rats

What do they look like? 

The common rat typically has brownish fur on its back and grey underneath but colour can vary from white through to black. Adult body length is 200 – 270mm plus a tail length of 150 – 200mm. 

The ship rat, which is nowadays rarely encountered in Britain, is smaller than the common rat and usually black in colour. It has large hairless ears and a tail that is longer than its head and body length.

Where do they live? 

Common rats live in any situation that provides food, water and shelter. In homes they will live in loft spaces, wall cavities, cellars or under floorboards. In gardens, they will burrow into compost heaps and grassy banks or under sheds. They are commonly found living in sewer systems. 

Ship rats are agile climbers and are usually found indoors, living in roof spaces. They are rarely found in sewer systems. 

What are the signs of infestation? 

  • Sightings of live rats.  
  • Common rat droppings can be 12mm long and taper at both ends.  
  • Runs – rats follow the same routes when travelling, and leave trails through the grass and low vegetation.  
  • Footprints and tail swipes – on muddy or dusty surfaces.  
  • Smears – dark grey marks left on surfaces by repeated contact with rat fur.  
  • Burrows – entrance holes 7 – 120mm in diameter in grassy banks, under tree roots, at the edge of paving or drain cover surrounds.  
  • Nests – sometimes found indoors, in lofts or under floorboards.  
  • Gnawing – rats gnaw continually, even on non- food materials, in order to wear down their front teeth.  

What do they eat? 

Their favourite foods are cereal products, although they will eat almost anything that humans eat. 

Most of the damage they do is by gnawing and ripping open packets. They also foul food with urine and droppings. 

Pest status 

  • Rats can transmit many diseases to humans, including Salmonellosis (food poisoning) and Weils disease.  
  • Rats will eat or contaminate food intended for humans. It is estimated that up to 5% of food produced world-wide is lost as a result of rodent activity.  
  • Damage to buildings and other structures due to rat gnawing and burrowing.  

Control 

Rats are adaptable, highly mobile and breed rapidly. This combination makes rat control a difficult task for the untrained individual.  

The Local Authority provides a service for the treatment of rats in domestic properties. Fully trained Pest Control Officers will survey the infestation, then place poison bait in the most appropriate locations. Follow up visits will be made to ensure the success of the treatment.  

Householders can assist in preventing infestation by some simple measures: 

  • Remove potential nesting sites by keeping yards and gardens clean and tidy, and by cutting back overgrown areas.   
  • Do not feed wild birds or other animals to excess – you may be feeding rats as well.   
  • Keep your home in good repair so that rats cannot gain access to it. Ensure that the drain inspection covers are in place and are in good repair.   • Do not leave household waste where rats can get at it.          

When using pesticides always follow the instructions on the label 

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Pharaoh Ants

Biology and behaviour 

Pharaoh’s ants probably originated in North Africa but are widely found throughout the British Isles, usually in hospitals, prisons, but are increasingly being found in domestic properties and blocks of flats they are generally not found outdoors. 

The ant may carry disease organisms and can penetrate and contaminate foodstuffs and sterile dressings due to its small size.  The ant can rapidly infest large buildings due to its reproductive rate, unlike the black ant pharaohs ant colonies can have many queens and can split into sub colonies extending the infestation to other areas. It can also be transported from one property to another.  

What do they look like? 

  • Transparent yellow/orange in colour  
  • 2mm in length approx  
  • Black eyes  

Signs to look for: 

  • The most obvious signs of pharaoh’s ants are the trailing ant patterns sometimes resembling moving veins on the walls of a property.   
  • Pharaohs ants can sometimes be found trailing to & from pet foods or bins as they may use this as a food source  

 Control 

  • Insect growth regulators are usually the most effective way to treat pharaoh’s ants and can take some time to reach a level of control. The use of traditional insecticides can also encourage the spread of the ants as they will avoid treated areas. 
  • Good hygiene and housekeeping are essential for treatments to be effective as alternative foods will distract them from ant baits. 

When using pesticides always follow the instructions on the label 

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Moths

Species 

There are three common species of moth that we see as pests in the home are; 

  • The clothes moth 
  • The brown house moth 
  • The white-shouldered house moth.  

They feed on materials containing wool or woven fibres, fur and feathers, and even fertilisers, causing physical damage as well as contamination. 

What is the difference between these moths? 

  • The clothes moth is the smallest of the three moths, being pale beige or straw coloured. There are no spots or marks on the wings. Clothes moths do not often fly; they tend to move by running or occasionally jumping. 
  • The brown house moths are mottled and darker than the clothes moths, commonly found in food stores and homes. They prefer kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and any place where adequate food supplies can be found. 
  • The white shouldered house moth is paler than the brown house moth, but can be distinguished from the clothes moth by its obvious white head and “shoulders”. These moths do not often feed on fabrics, but they are attracted to dust and debris that is collected under carpets. 

Is it the adult moths that do the damage to clothes and carpets? 

No, it is the larvae (caterpillars or grubs) that cause the damage. The larvae are usually creamy white with a darker head. The mother has a four-stage life cycle: egg, larva, pupa and adult. The larval stage can last up to six months, but adult moths only live for two to three weeks. Adult female moths lay their eggs amongst fibres which will form the food for the larvae when they hatch before forming a pupa. 

What attracts them? 

Moths are attracted to woollen fabrics, and carpets stained with food, perspiration or urine. 

How can I prevent an infestation? 

  • Wash clothes regularly, and make sure they are clean before replacing them in cupboards and drawers – by doing this you should also reduce the risk of damage by moths. 
  • Woollen items should be sealed in plastic bags or stored in closed cupboards. 
  • Dispose of contaminated foodstuffs correctly, keeping all food waste tightly sealed in bags or bins. 
  • Thoroughly clean up any spilled foods and regularly clean storage cupboards 

Control 

  • You can treat your carpets with residual insecticides specifically made for this purpose and frequent use of the vacuum cleaner on your carpets should reduce the risk of infestation.  
  • You may find moth grub damage to carpets under heavy furniture, and spraying with the insecticide here every six months or so should help.  
  • Moth larvae cannot survive in bright lights, so you can air clothes, blankets and easily removable furnishings outside on a sunny day. Give them a good shake or brushing before you put them away again. Ideally we would recommend you seek professional help if you do have an infestation.  

When using pesticides always follow the instructions on the label 

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Mice

What do they look like? 

The common mouse found in buildings is the house mouse. The fur colour varies between light brown and grey. Body length varies between 60 – 90mm and the tail can add an additional 100mm. Often, the droppings found are black, rod-shaped and 3 – 6mm long. 

Where do they live? 

Mice live in nests, which are often built inside houses, especially during the winter. Nests are built wherever there is access to a good source of food. Spaces under floors and lofts are favoured places for nests, which are built out of cloth, wool and paper. 

Mouse holes are normally 20 – 30mm in diameter. Mice are mainly active at night and can be heard running about as they search for food. 

Mice can squeeze through cracks as small as 5mm. 

What do they eat? 

Their favourite foods are cereal products, although they will eat almost anything. Most of the damage they do is by gnawing and ripping open packets. They also foul food with urine and droppings. Mice will gnaw their way through wood to get to sources of food. 

Control 

It is important to get rid of mice quickly, before they damage pipe cables and insulation. It is possible to carry out the work yourself. 

To get rid of mice you should do either of the following: 

  • Set traps (All traps should be handled with care); Break-back traps may be used and these should be placed next to walls where mice tend to travel. The trap should be baited with chocolate, biscuit or cereal. Use several traps and examine them daily, removing dead mice as soon as they are discovered.  
  • Lay poison (Put the poison in a safe and secure place to ensure children and pets cannot get to it and eat it); Mouse poison can be bought from hardware stores and most garden centres. Always select the most suitable type. Wash hands after use. 

When using pesticides always follow the instructions on the label 

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Grey Squirrels

What do they look like? 

The adult grey squirrel weighs 500g and is approximately 25cm long, with a tail of similar length.  The winter coat is grey with a white underside, whilst the summer coat is brownish grey and shorter.

Where do they live? 

Grey squirrels build their nests in the forks or hollows of trees, using twigs, leaves and grass.  Occasionally nests are made in the roof spaces of houses. Squirrels retire to their nests during wet or cold weather, but remain active throughout the year. 

Pest status 

  • Damage to buildings; Squirrels usually enter the roof spaces of buildings by climbing or jumping from nearby trees.  Once inside they will tear up insulating material to build their nests.  They will gnaw woodwork, plastic piping and electric wiring, which could lead to floods or fires.  They also contaminate water tanks with their droppings.    
  • Within gardens; Squirrels will often gnaw on the bark of trees causing considerable damage. Squirrels will also take cultivated fruit and vegetables, dig up plants and bulbs, and dig holes in lawns.  Often they raid the nests of small birds to steal eggs and young. 

Control 

  • Proofing; The most effective control method is to physically prevent entry to the roof space by blocking up gaps and entrance holes.  Loose or damaged soffits should be replaced, and any remaining gaps should be plugged with tightly wedged wire mesh.  All proofing work should be carried out when squirrels are out of the roof space.    
  • Removal of food sources; Reposition bird tables and bird feeders or fit squirrel proof tables and feeders.    
  • Do not feed the squirrels! 

When using pesticides always follow the instructions on the label 

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Garden Ants

What do they look like? 

The black or garden ant is the commonest British ant to enter houses and it is found in almost all parts of the country. The worker is very dark brown, almost black, and about 5mm long.  The queen, which is rarely seen except for certain months in the Summer, is about 15mm long and mid-brown in colour. 

Where do they live? 

The queen makes the nest in the soil, in grassed areas beneath paving and patios and sometimes in hollow trees. The nests are usually outside buildings although sometimes they may be found in the walls or foundations of a house. 

What do they eat? 

The foraging workers follow well-defined trails to their feeding grounds, which may be many metres from the nest. They enter buildings, often through very narrow crevices, and if one ant finds food, there will soon be many others. Ants foraging for food in houses may cause considerable nuisance to the householder. 

Pest status 

  • Worker ants will frequently enter dwellings foraging for food, particularly sweet substances. While not a risk to human health, they can be present in sufficient numbers to cause a nuisance.  
  • The emergence of numerous winged ants (usually on a hot day in summer) can cause alarm to some people, particularly if these ‘flying ants’ are emerging inside a building. These flying ants may be a nuisance, but they are harmless and nothing can be done to stop them swarming.  

Control 

  • Insecticidal dusts; are an effective treatment against garden ants; these can be purchased from hardware shops, do-it-yourself shops and garden centres. The dust should be puffed lightly into void spaces, cracks and crevices where the nests may be located.  
  • Insecticidal aerosols; suitable for crawling insects can be used for spraying into cracks and crevices, and for application as a band around skirting boards, door frames, air bricks and other access points. Flying ants can be treated with any aerosol suitable for the control of flying insects.  
  • Bait formulations; these products rely upon worker ants taking the bait back to the nest and sharing it with other ants.  

When using pesticides always follow the instructions on the label 

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Fleas

What do they look like? 

Adults fleas are normally 1 – 4mm long, brownish in colour, without wings but with powerful legs adapted for jumping. Female fleas can live up to two years, during which time they can lay up to 1000 eggs each. 

Where do they live? 

Adult fleas live exclusively as parasites of warm-blooded animals. The females lay their eggs close to or on the infested animal. Wall-to-wall carpeting and soft furnishings also provide a relatively undisturbed environment for fleas to develop. They can also live in cracks and crevices in bare floors. 

What do they eat? 

Larvae feed on debris and adult flea droppings. Adult fleas feed solely on blood. 

Pest status 

  • Disease transmission; Fleas are not thought to transmit any serious illnesses to humans.    
  • Flea bites; Although not all people are affected by flea-bites, they can cause severe irritation.  

Control 

  • Hygiene; Regular cleaning, particularly with a vacuum cleaner, will help prevent the build-up of infestation by removing eggs and larvae from floors, furniture and where pets sleep.    
  • Treatment of pets; In order to achieve effective control, pets MUST also be treated with a product approved for veterinary use. 
  • Chemical; The standard treatment for infested premises is the application of a residual insecticide, either as a powder or a liquid spray. The insecticide is applied to all floor surfaces, (Patience is needed as these areas must not be vacuumed or washed for at least 10 days after the treatment, or longer if possible). Although new adult fleas may still be emerging from cocoons up to a month after treatment, there should still be sufficient insecticide to kill them off. 

When using pesticides always follow the instructions on the label 

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Feral Pigeons

An urban pest  

Flocks of feral pigeons have become an increasingly common sight in many towns and cities. They thrive in urban areas in particular because there is usually a good food source and also because of the absence of predators. The result is that they can become pests in built up areas. 

What attracts pigeons? 

  • Food litter; More people are choosing to buy from “fast food” outlets and to eat their snacks and meals outdoors. The amount of food spillage and litter containing food waste has increased in recent years, and this source of food has been exploited by the feral pigeon population.    
  • Feeding pigeons; Feeding is one of the main reasons why flocks congregate around many shopping centres. Some people feed pigeons in the mistaken belief that the activities of the birds are harmless to humans. 
  • Roosting sites; Vacant buildings, structural defects and building design can all provide attractive roosting sites. Various proofing methods are available to deter roosting. 

Pest status 

Pigeons cause many problems including: 

  • Fouling of buildings; Fouling occurs where birds nest or roost. Apart from being unsightly, the acidic droppings can erode stonework resulting in costly long term damage. Gutters and drainpipes can become blocked causing flooding. Ladders and fire escapes can become coated with droppings, making them unsafe to use.    
  • Hazards to pedestrians and drivers; Pigeon droppings are a danger to the public as they can cause slippery pavements and roads. Startled flocks will take flight suddenly, causing hazards to pedestrians and drivers. 
  • Encouragement of other pests; The feeding of pigeons attracts rats and mice, which take any uneaten food. Pigeon nests, droppings and dead carcasses provide a home for a wide variety of insects. These infestations can spread into buildings causing nuisance, damage and skin irritation. 
  • Disease transmission; Pigeons carry a number of potentially infectious diseases such as Salmonellosis, Tuberculosis and Ornithosis. Contamination of food by pigeon droppings or by the birds themselves can transmit these diseases to humans.  

Why pigeons should not be fed 

  • Human food lacks the necessary nutrients the birds require for good health.  
  • Feeding attracts pigeons into an area that is potentially hazardous to them – resulting in damage to wings and feet.  
  • Feeding results in all year round breeding which causes overcrowding in roosting sites, allowing disease to spread quickly within the flock. The birds therefore live in an unhealthy and stressful condition, exposed to parasites and disease which can be passed on to other wild birds.  
  • Pigeons are wild birds, capable of searching out their own natural food supply. Regular feeding by humans destroys their ability to fend for themselves and makes them dependent on humans.  

What can we all do? 

  • Dispose of food carefully!  
  • Use litterbins provided!  
  • Do not feed the pigeons!  

Control 

The Pest Control Service carries out all aspects of proofing work and cleaning against pigeon infestation including the installation of bird nets, pin and wire and spike systems. Please contact the service for a survey and quotation.  

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Cockroaches

What do they look like?  

The two main species of cockroach in Britain are the Oriental cockroach which is dark brown in colour and about 30mm long, and the German cockroach which is light yellowish brown, and about 12mm long.  The bodies of both species are divided into three sections.  They have long antennae protruding from the head. 

Where do they live? 

Generally found indoors, such as in cellars, basements, kitchens, bakeries, and heating ducts etc.  The Oriental cockroach can survive outdoors in Britain during the summer months. 

What do they eat? 

All Cockroaches will feed on a wide range of substances, particularly refuse and human food.  Cockroaches can survive for several months without food but will not live for more than a few weeks without water. 

Pest status 

Cockroaches will often remain hidden during the day using cracks and crevices as harbourage. This means that in most cases they will not be visible during the hours of daylight.  Most species can climb with ease, especially the German cockroach which can climb smooth vertical surfaces.  

Control 

  • Hygiene; Before carrying out a treatment against cockroaches, a thorough cleansing of the area to be treated should take place, paying particular attention to removing food sources and hiding places.    
  • Sticky Traps; The use of sticky traps is not recommended for controlling cockroaches, and should only be used for monitoring the extent of the infestation. 
  • Insecticidal Control; Carrying out a successful treatment against cockroaches will depend on what insecticides are chosen, and how thorough the application is.  Many of the insects and their egg cases are hidden in cracks and crevices, so particular attention should be paid to these areas when applying insecticides.  To control an infestation, the insecticide used should last until the egg cases have hatched.  This may mean further applications may be necessary. 
  • Insecticide Baits; Baits can give continuous control of cockroaches over an extended period.    

When using pesticides always follow the instructions on the label 

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Bed Bugs

What do they look like? 

Adult bed bugs are oval shaped, flattened and about 6mm long.  When unfed they are pale brown in colour but become reddish brown to mahogany when full of blood.  Young bugs (nymphs) are nearly colourless, becoming brownish as they mature.  The legs are well developed and they can crawl up vertical surfaces of wood, paper and plaster. They are unable to crawl up smooth polished surfaces. 

Where do they live? 

Bed bugs are usually found in areas such as in floor cracks, under carpets, behind loose wallpaper, wall pictures, loose skirting boards and door frames, and in the seams of bed mattresses etc. What do they eat? 
Bed bugs feed exclusively on blood, generally only in darkness.  Although human blood is preferred, they can survive on other blood from rabbits, rodents etc.  Bed bugs can survive extremes of starvation, and have been known to survive for up to 12 months without feeding. 

Pest status 

Disease Transmission; Bed bugs are not thought to transmit any serious illnesses to humans.  However, the bite can cause considerable irritation and may result in loss of sleep and lowering of general health.  

Control

  • Hygiene; The routine washing of bedding and clothing, followed by drying in a tumble dryer at normal temperature, will kill any bedbugs and eggs present.    
  • Chemical; treatment for bed bugs is complex and may involve the use of several different chemicals across a number of treatments and should be carried out by a qualified operative. 

When using pesticides always follow the instructions on the label 

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Pest Control Information

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