Living in busy areas like Glasgow and East Kilbride means there’s always something going on — unfortunately, that sometimes includes pest problems. Whether it’s rats under the floorboards, wasps in the loft, or mysterious bugs creeping out of kitchen cupboards, pest issues can strike in all kinds of homes.
At Strathclyde Pest Control, we get asked a lot of questions by local homeowners, tenants, property managers, and business owners. So we’ve pulled together this helpful guide with answers to the most frequently asked questions about pest control in Glasgow, East Kilbride, and the surrounding areas.
Got a pest problem? You might find the answer right here.
What are the most common pests in Glasgow and East Kilbride?
The most reported pests in this part of Central Scotland include:
Wasps
Rats & Mice
Insect pests including ants, cockroaches, bed bugs, drain flies, fungus flies, and wasps
Birds, especially feral pigeons, which can require specialist bird control and bird proofing services
Depending on your property type, location, and time of year, you might see activity in loft spaces, kitchens, bin stores, cavity walls, or even garden decking.What are the signs of a pest infestation?
It depends on the pest type, but here are some red flags to look out for:
Gnaw marks on wires, food packaging or skirting boards (usually rodents)
Droppings, especially in kitchen cupboards, loft spaces, or under appliances
A musty or ammonia-like smell, which may indicate a rodent infestation
Scratching noises in the walls or roof at night
Live wasps nests, eggs, egg capsules, silk webbing or discarded wings
Damp or wet conditions in bathrooms or basements (can attract woodlice, silverfish, or carpet beetles)
Sudden appearances of birds roosting on roofs or window ledges
If in doubt, give us a call — our local technicians are experienced at identifying subtle signs during inspections..Are pest control treatments safe for children and pets?
Absolutely — at Strathclyde Pest Control, safety is our top priority. We use professional-grade poisons, bait stations, adhesive traps, and residual insecticide only when necessary, and always in line with Industry Standards and Health and Safety Executive guidelines.
We’ll always talk you through the risks and safe zones and tailor our treatment protocols to suit your home.Can I handle the pest issue myself?
DIY pest control is fine for the occasional wasp or house spider, but larger pest infestations are best left to professionals. Here’s why:
DIY sprays and traps often miss hidden nests
Chemical sprays bought in shops are often weaker and less effective
Rodent proofing and exclusion techniques need to be done properly to be effective
Pest controller inspections often reveal bigger issues — like entry points, damp issues, or proofing works that need repair
If in doubt, get a quote from a professional pest control firm like ours before you start spraying everything in sight.How much does pest control cost?
This depends on the pest type, the size of the infestation, and your property layout. We provide transparent, affordable pricing and can quote over the phone or arrange a fast inspection.
We also offer commercial contracts and domestic services — and we’re happy to advise homeowners, landlords, housing associations, and property managers.How often should pest control visits happen?
It depends on the risk factor. For example:
Low-risk homes: One-off visits or annual checks are usually enough
Food premises, shopping centres or multi-unit buildings: Regular service contracts are strongly advised
Pest-prone properties or buildings with previous issues: Quarterly or biannual treatments might be best
We’ll always recommend the right level of follow-up and further visits based on your circumstances.What happens during a pest control visit?
We’ll arrive on time, and carry out a full inspection. We’ll identify the pest, the source, and any risk factors. Then we’ll:
Create a treatment plan using heat treatments, biological controls, or chemical methods
Install traps or bait if needed
Give you clear advice on how to prepare or follow up
Provide paperwork or a Pest Control Leaflet for your records
Book a further visit if required
Expect professionalism, quick response times, and friendly customer service throughout.Do you cover commercial pest control?
Yes — we support both domestic properties and commercial properties. Our commercial contracts are ideal for:
Cafés, restaurants, takeaways and food businesses
Shops and shopping centres
Schools, offices, care homes and warehouses
We also understand legislative powers, safety audits, and the need for professional pest control solutions that won’t disrupt day-to-day operations.Do you offer bird control?
Yes — Strathclyde Pest Control provides humane bird proofing services for residential and commercial buildings. This includes:
Installing bird spikes or netting
Deterrents for pigeons, seagulls and other roosting birds
Advice on compliance with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981What if the rats or mice are coming from my neighbour’s property?
Rats and mice don’t care about fences or property lines — they’ll move freely between gardens, bins, and buildings. If you suspect the issue is coming from a neighbour’s home, it’s a good idea to have an open, friendly chat with them. They may not even be aware there’s a problem. In some cases, local councils may get involved if multiple properties are affected. Regardless of where the rodents start, we can still help you rodent-proof your property and prevent them from getting in.
Is a pest problem my responsibility or my landlord’s?
It depends on the cause of the infestation and what’s written in your tenancy agreement. In general, landlords are responsible for addressing pest issues caused by structural problems (like gaps in walls or roofs). If the infestation is due to lifestyle factors like poor hygiene or leaving food out, the responsibility may fall to the tenant. Either way, it’s best to report the issue to your landlord as soon as possible so they can arrange a solution — or reimburse you if you organise professional pest control yourself.
How quickly do pest control treatments work?
That depends on the pest and how bad the infestation is. Some treatments, like wasp nest removal or heat treatment for bed bugs, work almost immediately. Others — like rodent baiting or cockroach gel treatments — may take a few days to start working, and a week or two to see full results. We’ll always let you know what to expect, and we offer follow-up visits where needed to make sure the problem is fully resolved.
Will pests return after professional treatment?
If the root cause isn’t addressed, there’s always a chance pests will return. That’s why our service includes prevention advice — such as sealing entry points, managing waste, and improving hygiene. With the right measures in place, most pest problems can be kept away for good. We also offer service contracts and maintenance plans for ongoing protection, especially for commercial properties or repeat problem areas.
Do I need to be home during a treatment?
Not always. For internal treatments — like cockroach, rodent, or flea control — we usually need access inside, but you don’t always have to stay during the appointment. For external treatments like wasp nest removal or bird control, you may not need to be home at all. We’ll always discuss this in advance and arrange a time that suits you. Our team is discreet, fully insured, and happy to work around your schedule.
Whether you’re dealing with mice infestations in a Glasgow tenement flat, bed bugs in an East Kilbride rental, or wasps in your loft — we’re here to help.
Our Scottish pest control professionals are trained, trusted, and locally based. We know the area from the River Clyde to East Kirkdale like the back of our hand, and we’ve helped hundreds of households and businesses across Scotland.
Let’s sort your pest problem — quickly, safely, and properly.
