Do I have a pest problem?

As the weather warms up and outdoor spaces see more visitors, pest activity can often increase. For schools, councils and commercial sites, this can raise issues around health & safety, reputation and daily operations.

So, how do you know whether you have a pest problem on your site?

Here are some common pest issues that we see this time of year, as well as signs to look out for.  

Rodents

Spring marks the start of breeding season for many pests. This combined with increased outdoor activity, creating more food sources, can increase the likelihood of a pest issue. Whilst rodents are active all year round, activity often increases throughout Spring in search for nests and food. Here are some common signs to look out for:

• Dropping near bin stores or sheds

• Gnaw marks on structures, fencing or cables

• Small burrows in grassy areas or around building foundations

• Unusual, unpleasant smells or scratching noises

Insects

This time of year often sees an increase in insects, particularly around bins, outdoor areas and kitchens. Identifying these concerns early is particularly important here, as wasps can establish their nests quickly which become more difficult to remove later down the line. Some common indicators that we see are:

• Increased flies around bins, outdoor spaces and entryways

• Wasps around roofs or sheds as they begin to build nests

Ants enter a dormant stage during the colder months. So, during seasonal changes, ants become more active, in their search for food, water and new nesting sites. What may start as a small trail can develop into a much larger infestation if left unsolved. Signs of an ant activity:

• Lines of ants along paths, patios, walls or building edges

• Ants entering kitchens, staff rooms, classrooms or offices

• Small piles of soil indicating nests beneath paving, turf or walls

While ants are often seen as a minor nuisance, infestations can be disruptive in communal areas or kitchens, and in serious cases can require professional treatment to prevent repeated outbreaks.

Birds

During varying birds nesting seasons, nuisance birds can become more territorial and vocal. For schools and public spaces, this behaviour can pose safety risks and disruptions. Similarly, droppings can create hygiene concerns, slip hazards and health risks, whilst the acidity can cause long-term damage to structures if left untreated. Common signs of a bird problem include:

• Birds gathering repeatedly on rooftops, ledges or playground equipment

• Nesting materials including twigs, feathers and debris appearing around buildings

• Increasing amounts of dropping on pathways, entrances and outdoor areas

• Aggressive behaviour from nuisance birds, particularly when people approach nesting sites

So, do I have a pest problem?

Pest issues don’t always start with obvious infestations. In most cases, the beginning signs of a pest problem are subtle, whether it’s a rise in bird activity, ants appearing along pathways or rodents near bin areas. Particularly at this time of year, small indicators can develop into more serious issues later down the line.

Taking a proactive approach and enlisting a trusted Pest Control partner for early intervention can help protect your people, property and reputation, as well as minimalise disruptions during the busiest months of the year.

Why Landscape Services?

Landscape Services provide professional, discrete and reliable pest control solutions catering to the needs of your specific site. Whether you have an urgent issue or simply need to proof and prepare your site through the seasonal change, our experienced team is ready to help.

If you’re unsure of if you have a pest problem, or want to proof your property before it starts, now is the ideal time to seek expert advice. Speak to one of our team today to discuss what pest control could look like for your property.