Wallace Pest Control

Insect Identification Lancashire

Why Insect Identification Matters

Spotting mystery insects around your home or business can be unsettling, especially when you don’t know what they are or if they’re causing damage. The problem is that many insects look alike, and guessing wrong often leads to wasted time, money, and ineffective treatments.

That’s where our professional insect identification survey comes in. We help you get answers fast, identifying exactly what you’re dealing with and whether it’s something that needs action or not.

Correct identification is crucial for understanding risks, seasonal behaviours, and the right control methods, especially when it comes to pests like beetles, moths, or biting insects.

Contact Wallace Pest Control

If you have an insect infestation that you need urgent help with, please contact us using the form below or call us on 07496 680879, and our experienced, friendly team will offer advice and provide an effective solution.

Don't let insects take over your space of comfort. Instead, contact a professional pest control service today to eliminate the problem.

Treatment Process & Price - What Happens During An Insect ID Survey?

The UK is home to thousands of insect species, over 9,000 types of wasps alone, which is why a Google search or a quick glance often isn’t enough.

Our job is to take the guesswork out of it. Here’s how we do that:

We start by talking to you, gathering details on where and when you’re seeing activity.
Our technician then inspects the area, looking for insects, droppings, shed skins, or other evidence.
If needed, we’ll collect samples, live or dead, and use magnification or a microscope for proper identification.
Some insects, like fleas, require close inspection of tiny features such as the genal comb (a row of spines on the cheek) that you’d never spot with the naked eye.
We photograph findings for records and further analysis if necessary.
Finally, we’ll provide you with a clear explanation—either on-site or after a lab check—along with a written report and advice on what to do next.

Insect Identification Survey Cost: Just £60—and it could save you hundreds by avoiding the wrong treatment.

Signs You Need An Insect Identification Service

You may need to book an Insect Identification service if you have some unknown insects/bugs in your home. Due to the small size of most insects, they can be very difficult to identify correctly. Incorrect identification leads to the wrong treatment and a waste of money and time!

If you are unsure of what type of insect (including everything from beetles to bed bugs) we’d always recommend consulting an expert!

This Insect Identification service is designed to provide you with clarity on the insects present at your property or business, helping to determine whether any action is necessary. If you have any questions before or after your survey, feel free to get in touch.

Common Insects We Identify

We get it, sometimes you just want to know what you’re dealing with before deciding what to do next.

Here are some of the most common insects we’re called out to identify across Lancashire:

Common Insects

Ants

Black garden ants invading kitchens
Flying ants causing summer swarms
Less common species that require specific treatment

Cockroaches

German, Oriental, or American cockroaches
Often found near heat sources or drains
Known for spreading bacteria

Flies

Cluster flies filling loft spaces
Drain flies breeding in damp areas
Fruit flies around bins or kitchens

Beetles

Carpet beetles and their larvae damaging fabrics
Biscuit, grain, and larder beetles infesting stored foods
Wood-boring beetles (woodworm) damaging timber

Fleas

Cat and dog fleas biting humans and pets
Often confused with other small insects
Requires expert identification, especially in vacant properties

Moths

Clothes moths eating natural fibres
Pantry moths contaminating stored food

Wasps, Hornets & Bees

Identifying species matters, some are protected, others require control
Includes solitary wasps or invasive species

Other Bugs

Silverfish, booklice, and other small household invaders
Often harmless but sometimes a sign of damp or other issues

FAQs: Insect Identification

1How do I identify insects?

Identifying insects can be tricky, many species look alike, especially to the untrained eye. Some insects are easily recognised, like ladybirds or wasps, but others require close examination of tiny features that aren’t visible without magnification.

2Do I have an infestation?

Seeing a few insects indoors doesn’t always mean you have an infestation. Seasonal changes, open windows, or stored food can all attract occasional insect visitors. However, spotting consistent activity, large numbers, or insects in multiple areas might suggest a developing problem. Key signs of an infestation include:

Regular sightings over several days
Evidence like droppings, cast skins, or webbing
Insect damage to fabrics, food, or wooden structures

Our insect survey can help determine if what you’re seeing is an infestation or just a one-off occurrence.

3Are insects harmful?

Some insects are harmless or simply a nuisance, but others can pose health risks or cause property damage. Certain species like fleas, cockroaches, and some flies can transmit diseases through bites or contamination. Others, such as wasps and bed bugs, can trigger allergic reactions; in rare cases, stings from wasps or bees may cause anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. There are also insects that damage materials, wood-boring beetles weaken structures, and textile pests like clothes moths destroy natural fibres. Proper identification is essential to understand the risks and decide on the right course of action.

4How do I tell what bugs are in my house?

Start by observing when and where you see them:

Are they near windows, in the kitchen, or around drains?
Do they appear at certain times of day or night?
What size, colour, or shape are they?

If you’re unsure, collect a sample in a clear jar or on tape (without crushing it) and get in touch . We can survey your property, inspect activity areas, and use specialist tools to identify exactly what you’re dealing with—whether it’s harmless, seasonal insects or something that needs addressing.