Pest infestations can sneak up on even the cleanest homes or businesses in Crawley. Whether it’s rats in the loft, ants in the kitchen, or bed bugs in the bedroom, catching these issues early is key to preventing major damage, health risks, and expensive treatments. By learning to identify the subtle signs of pest activity, you can act quickly and effectively to keep your property protected.
Here’s a guide to spotting early signs of a pest infestation in Crawley—and what you can do next.
1. Unusual Droppings or Smears
One of the clearest signs of pests is the presence of droppings. Rodents, cockroaches, and insects all leave behind waste, often in hidden or low-traffic areas.
✅ Look for:
Small, dark droppings near food sources, behind appliances, or along skirting boards (often rodents or roaches)
Smear marks along baseboards, pipes, or walls—usually from rats and mice navigating regularly-used paths
2. Unexplained Noises
Scratching, gnawing, or squeaking sounds—especially at night—can indicate rodents in walls, ceilings, or under floorboards.
✅ Common pest noise clues:
Light tapping or scurrying in the loft (mice, rats, squirrels)
Buzzing in the walls or attic (wasps, bees)
Clicking or rustling near cupboards (insects or small critters)
3. Nests or Webbing
Many pests build nests in hidden areas. You might spot shredded materials, webbing, or signs of burrowing.
✅ Check:
Behind cupboards, in attics, under floorboards
For insect webs or wasp nests around eaves and sheds
For chewed fabric, cardboard, or insulation materials used in nesting
4. Gnaw Marks and Damage
Rodents chew constantly to wear down their teeth. This can lead to visible damage to structures, furniture, wires, and food packaging.
✅ Watch for:
Bite marks on wood, wires, or plastic
Torn open food packaging or scattered food debris
Damaged electrical cables (a serious fire hazard)
5. Insect Trails or Sightings
Even a few visible pests could mean a larger problem. Ants, cockroaches, and silverfish are social and often travel in numbers.
✅ Be alert to:
Regular trails of ants leading to food or moisture
Daytime or nighttime cockroach sightings (a likely infestation)
Small, jumping bugs in beds or upholstery (possible bed bugs or fleas)
6. Unpleasant Smells
Certain pests give off strong, musky, or rotten smells when present in large numbers.
✅ Odour clues:
Ammonia-like smells from rodents or their urine
Oily or musty scent from cockroaches
Dead animal smells in hidden areas if pests have died in walls or under floors
What to Do if You Spot Signs
If you suspect a pest issue in Crawley, don’t delay—early intervention is crucial. DIY traps and sprays may help temporarily, but professional help is often needed to locate and eliminate the source effectively.
???? Contact a trusted local expert like Pest Control Crawley for a thorough inspection and tailored solution. Their experienced team knows how to spot and treat pest issues before they get out of control.
Final Thoughts
Early detection is your best defence against pests. By keeping an eye out for these subtle warning signs, Crawley homeowners and businesses can avoid the stress, damage, and cost of full-blown infestations. Stay vigilant, stay clean, and when in doubt, call in the pros for peace of mind.