The 5 Most Common Pests in Oxford and How to Identify Them

Oxford, a city renowned for its prestigious university and historical landmarks, is not immune to pest problems. Pests can cause significant damage to properties, spread diseases, and create an unpleasant environment. Let’s take a look at the five most common pests in Oxford: birds, bedbugs, cockroaches, rats, and foxes, and how to identify them.

Birds

Birds can be a nuisance, especially when they nest on buildings and produce excessive noise and mess. The most common pest birds in Oxford are pigeons and seagulls. Pigeons are grey with a round body and short legs, while seagulls are white with grey wings and black markings.

To identify a bird infestation, look for nests and debris on rooftops, ledges, and gutters. Bird droppings and noise are other clear signs of their presence. If birds are causing problems, it is essential to implement a bird control strategy, as their droppings can carry diseases and damage building structures.

Bedbugs

Bedbugs are small, wingless insects that feed on human blood. They are reddish-brown, oval-shaped, and approximately the size of an apple seed. These pests are usually found in mattresses, bedding, and furniture. Bedbugs can cause skin irritation, itching, and sleep disturbance.

To identify a bedbug infestation, look for small blood spots on bedding, tiny black droppings, and shed skins. A musty odour may also be present. If you suspect bedbugs, you will need to act quickly, as they can multiply rapidly and spread throughout a property.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are a common pest in most urban areas because of the huge amount of potential food sources available. These insects are brown or black, with a flattened body and long antennae. They can grow up to 2 inches long and are known to carry diseases such as salmonella and E. coli.

Cockroach infestations can be identified by their droppings, which are small and resemble black pepper. A strong, musty odour may be present, and you may also see the cockroaches themselves scurrying around at night. If you spot any signs of a cockroach infestation, it is recommended that you seek professional help to assess the severity of the situation and prevent the spread of diseases.

Rats

Rats are a significant concern in Oxford, as they can cause damage to properties and food supplies, and also spread diseases such as leptospirosis and salmonella. Rats have a pointed snout, large ears, and a long, hairless tail. They are typically brown or grey and can grow up to 9 inches long, excluding their tail.

To identify a rat infestation, look for droppings, gnaw marks on food packaging or structures, and burrows in your garden. You may also hear noises coming from your walls, ceilings, or under your floorboards.

Foxes

Foxes are common in urban areas like Oxford and can cause problems by digging up gardens, scattering rubbish, and occasionally preying on pets. Foxes have a reddish-brown coat, pointed ears, and a bushy tail with a white tip. They are primarily nocturnal and can be heard making a high-pitched screeching sound during the night.

To identify a fox problem, look for evidence of digging in your garden, tipped-over rubbish bins, or missing pets.

Pests can be a significant issue for homeowners and businesses in Oxford. If you suspect any of these pests are present, it is essential to act quickly to prevent damage and protect your health.

Our Oxford pest control team can help ensure these pests are effectively and safely dealt with. We specialise in dealing with all types of pests and provide thorough and effective solutions to remove and prevent infestations.

For further advice and information on any type of pest control, or to book an initial survey in Oxford, call us on 0333 567 2020, or contact us today.

Author: NBC Environment/Orkin