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A practical guide to common pests in Nigeria.

Recognise possible signs, understand why the pest may be present and know when a professional inspection is the sensible next step.

Pest library

Find the concern you have noticed.

This guide supports recognition but does not replace on-site identification. Similar signs can have different causes.

Cockroaches

Medium–high concern

Cockroach activity is commonly associated with kitchens, drains, warm equipment voids and cluttered harbourage.

Signs to look forLive insects at night, pepper-like droppings, egg cases, shed skins or a persistent musty odour.
Useful first actionStore food securely, repair leaks, reduce grease and crumbs, seal gaps and avoid scattering activity with repeated aerosol use.
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Termites

High concern

Termites can feed inside timber or travel through concealed areas, allowing damage to progress before it becomes obvious.

Signs to look forMud tubes, hollow or papery timber, damaged frames, bubbling surfaces, or piles of discarded wings after swarming.
Useful first actionArrange an assessment promptly, preserve visible evidence and avoid disturbing active areas before inspection.
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Rats & mice

High concern

Rodents exploit small access points and can contaminate food, damage goods and gnaw cables or building materials.

Signs to look forDroppings, gnaw marks, rub marks, scratching sounds, nesting material, tracks or a stale odour.
Useful first actionSecure food and waste, close doors, reduce clutter and request a plan that combines control with proofing.
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Mosquitoes

Medium–high concern

Mosquito pressure is sustained by standing water, shaded resting areas and nearby drainage or vegetation.

Signs to look forFrequent biting indoors or outdoors and visible larvae in water-holding containers, gutters or drains.
Useful first actionEmpty containers weekly, maintain screens, improve drainage and consider targeted treatment where pressure remains high.
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Bed bugs

High concern

Bed bugs hide close to resting areas and can move in luggage, furniture, clothing or between adjoining rooms.

Signs to look forLive insects, dark spotting, pale eggs, shed skins or repeated evidence around mattress seams and furniture joints.
Useful first actionDo not move belongings between rooms or discard furniture without advice; photograph and preserve evidence for identification.
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Ants

Low–medium concern

Ant trails often connect food or water inside with a nest located in a wall, soil, roof void or nearby vegetation.

Signs to look forOrganised trails, recurring activity around food, soil deposits or winged ants emerging from a nesting point.
Useful first actionClean trails and spills, seal food, correct moisture and use identification-led control rather than random spraying.
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Flies

Medium–high concern

Fly activity usually points to a breeding or attraction source such as waste, drains, decaying material or exposed food.

Signs to look forRepeated adult activity, larvae near waste or drains, resting spots, or clusters around windows and lights.
Useful first actionRemove breeding sources, clean drains and waste areas, improve screening and keep doors closed where practical.
Request an assessment

Stored-product pests

Medium concern

Weevils, beetles and moths can enter with grains or dry goods and spread to other vulnerable products in storage.

Signs to look forSmall beetles, webbing, larvae, holes in packaging, dust-like residue or adult moths near cupboards.
Useful first actionIsolate affected goods, inspect nearby products, clean cracks and rotate stock using first-in, first-out practices.
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Do not rely on bites, droppings or damaged wood alone for identification.
Take clear photos, note where and when you found the evidence, and avoid disturbing the area before an assessment if it is safe to leave it in place.
Prevention basics

Most pests are looking for access, food, water or shelter.

Reducing those four factors can support treatment and make a property less attractive over time.

  • Seal gaps around pipes, doors, vents and service routes
  • Repair leaks and improve drainage around the property
  • Store food and animal feed in secure containers
  • Manage refuse and clean spills without delay
  • Reduce clutter and inspect incoming goods
Read the prevention guide
Technician treating a tropical garden for mosquitoes

Seen a sign you cannot identify?

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