Common Pests to Watch Out for in West London Homes

Published 15 April 2025

West London, known for its charming neighbourhoods and historic architecture, is unfortunately also a hotspot for residential pest infestations.

The combination of old buildings, dense population, and temperate climate creates a welcoming environment for various pests.

Mice and rats are among the most common pests troubling households in West London.

These rodents are highly adaptable and often infiltrate homes through tiny gaps in walls, roofs, and piping. Once inside, they cause significant damage by chewing through wires, insulation, and food packaging, while also posing serious health risks through their droppings and urine.

Signs of rodent activity include:

. Scratching noises behind walls or ceilings
. Droppings found in cupboards or along baseboards
. Gnaw marks on food containers or wiring
. Unpleasant odours caused by nesting materials and rodent waste

At On Time Pest Control, we deploy advanced rodent monitoring systems, humane traps, and non-toxic bait stations to manage infestations without endangering pets or children.

Cockroaches are notorious for their resilience and rapid reproduction.

In West London’s urban landscape, German and Oriental cockroaches are the most frequently encountered species. These pests thrive in warm, humid environments like kitchens, bathrooms, and boiler rooms, contaminating surfaces with disease-causing pathogens.

Key indicators of cockroach infestation include:

. Shed skins and egg casings
. Foul, musty odour
. Nocturnal sightings of cockroaches scurrying when lights are turned on

Our expert technicians use gel baits, residual sprays, and insect growth regulators (IGRs) to eliminate all life stages of cockroaches.

Black garden ants, the most common species in West London homes, often enter in search of sugary foods.

Once a food source is found, they lay down pheromone trails, which attract large numbers of workers, creating a full-blown infestation in just days.

Common entry points include:

. Gaps around doors and windows
. Cracks in the foundation
. Damaged brickwork or wooden structures

We utilise non-repellent sprays and targeted baiting strategies to ensure ants carry the poison back to their colony, resulting in the complete eradication of the nest.

During summer, wasps and bees become a significant threat, especially when nests are built in roof eaves, wall cavities, or garden sheds.

Wasps, in particular, are aggressive when disturbed and can inflict painful stings, which may trigger severe allergic reactions.

Warning signs include:

. Increased wasp activity near a specific location
. Visible nests in lofts, trees, or gutters
. Buzzing sounds in walls or attics

Our fully licensed pest controllers handle nest removal swiftly and safely, using specialist insecticides and protective equipment to avoid provoking swarms.

West London has witnessed a sharp increase in bed bug infestations, often introduced through second-hand furniture, luggage, or public transportation.

Bed bugs are incredibly difficult to detect and eliminate due to their small size and ability to hide in mattress seams, headboards, and cracks.

Tell-tale signs of bed bugs include:

. Tiny blood stains on sheets and pillows
. Dark faecal spots on mattress seams
. Itchy red bites in rows or clusters

Our approach combines heat treatment, residual sprays, and deep vacuum extraction, ensuring even the most deeply hidden bugs are exterminated.

Homes with pets are especially vulnerable to flea infestations, but fleas can also be introduced via clothing, visitors, or wildlife.

Fleas multiply rapidly, and their bites cause itching, rashes, and allergic reactions in both humans and animals.

Signs you may have fleas include:

. Constant scratching by pets
. Small jumping insects in carpets or bedding
. Clusters of red bites, especially around ankles

On Time Pest Control offers targeted flea treatments that include professional fumigation, pet-safe insecticides, and vacuuming strategies to eliminate larvae and eggs.

Historic homes in West London are especially prone to textile pests such as clothes moths and carpet beetles.

These pests feed on natural fibres like wool, silk, and cotton, silently ruining expensive clothes, upholstery, and carpets.

Damage indicators include:

. Irregular holes in clothing
. Shed larval casings or insect wings
. Bald patches on rugs or upholstered furniture

We conduct thorough property inspections, applying non-staining insecticides and integrated pest management (IPM) techniques to eradicate infestations and prevent reinfestation.

Our solutions are:

✅ Bespoke

Tailored to your property’s specific pest issues

✅ Eco-friendly

Using non-toxic, pet-safe methods whenever possible

✅ Comprehensive

From inspection and treatment to prevention and education

✅ Compliant

In line with UK pest control regulations and best practices

Whether you're facing an ongoing infestation or want to safeguard your home before pests become a problem, On Time Pest Control is here to help.

Our unmatched expertise, cutting-edge equipment, and customer-first approach ensure your home stays protected year-round.