Top 5 Pests in Scotland

Scotland is a beautiful country that boasts of scenic landscapes, historic sites, and a rich cultural heritage. With a population estimated to be just over 5.5 million people, Scotland is home to a diverse range of urban and rural communities that face unique pest control challenges. From urban cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh to rural areas like the Scottish Highlands, pest infestations can cause significant health, environmental, and economic problems if not properly managed. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the most common pests in Scotland, from rabbits and rodents to moles and birds.

What are the most common pests in Scotland?

Rabbits

Rabbits are common in Scotland and can cause a variety of problems for gardeners and farmers. They have a tendency to dig burrows and nibble on crops, which can cause significant damage. In urban areas, rabbits can also be a nuisance for homeowners, as they may damage lawns and gardens and can also affect foundations, by weakening the ground and can cause subsidence. Controlling rabbit populations requires a tailored approach, which our experienced technicians are well-equipped to provide. By combining various control methods, they effectively manage rabbit problems while taking care to minimise any adverse effects on the surrounding environment and other wildlife.

Rodents

Rodents, such as mice and rats, are another common pest in Scotland. They can cause damage to buildings, electrical wiring, and food supplies, and can also spread disease. Urban areas often attract rodents because they offer a wealth of resources, including plentiful food, water, and shelter. As a result, they frequently set up their nests in various locations, such as in the roofs, walls, beneath floors, and even in the sewer systems.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are a persistent and unsanitary pest that can be found in most urban areas. They thrive in warm, moist environments, and are often attracted to food and waste. They are notorious for spreading diseases and contaminating food, which can pose a serious health risk to people. Additionally, they can reproduce quickly, making it difficult to eliminate them. It is important to be proactive in controlling cockroaches in urban areas to maintain a safe and healthy environment. 

Moles

Moles are common in Scotland and can cause significant damage to lawns and gardens. They dig tunnels and create mounds of soil that can damage the roots of plants and disrupt the appearance of lawns and gardens. In addition, moles can undermine foundations and other structures, causing serious damage to homes and buildings. For farmers, moles can cause significant damage to crops and fields, reducing yields and impacting profitability. Furthermore, moles can pose a threat to wildlife and the ecosystem by altering the natural balance of the soil and disrupting the food chain. As a result, many people consider moles to be pests and take measures to control and manage their populations.

Birds

Some birds are considered pests in Scotland for a variety of reasons. For example, large flocks of birds can cause damage to crops and orchards, leading to economic losses for farmers. Birds can also become a nuisance in urban areas, where they cause damage to buildings and infrastructure by nesting in gutters, vents, and other crevices. In addition, birds create a mess by depositing droppings on pavements, roofs, and other surfaces. These droppings can spread highly dangerous bacteria and pathogens, posing a risk to public health. Furthermore, birds can also carry parasites and diseases that could be transmitted to pets, livestock, and humans. Large flocks of gulls in a residential area can cause stress due their loud noises keeping people awake at night. They have also been known to cause injury by swooping and attacking people in their own gardens or as you simply try to enter a property where there has been a nest built.

Whether you're a homeowner or a business owner, taking steps to control pests will help you maintain a healthy and hygienic environment and protect your property from damage. Our Scotland pest control team are experts in dealing with all the above pests.

Our services can help you with any pest problems in commercial or residential properties across Scotland, including the major cities of Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow. 

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

Author: NBC Environment/Orkin