Knowledge center

The house mouse (Mus musculus) is one of the most common indoor pests. It is frequently encountered in older buildings, but also in restaurants, warehouses, offices, and residential properties, where warmth, shelter, and food are available.

Adult house mice are typically 7–10 cm long (excluding the tail) and have large ears, a pointed snout, and a short coat that ranges from grey to brown. Because mice are mostly active at night, they are often present long before they are actually seen.

Early signs of mice:

• Mouse droppings – usually around 5 × 2 mm, dark and rice‑shaped
• Scratching or rustling sounds, especially at night
• Gnaw marks on food packaging, cables, or furniture
• A musty smell caused by urine and nesting materials

Why must early signs of mice be treated seriously?
Mice reproduce extremely quickly. They become sexually mature within just a few weeks after birth. A single female mouse can produce 5–10 litters per year, with 3–14 young per litter, and a gestation period of only about 19 days. This means a small issue can quickly develop into a large mouse infestation if left untreated. Having mice does not mean your home or business is dirty. Mice are opportunistic: if they find a way in and access to food or shelter, they will take it.

Prevention is often the most effective and cost‑efficient way to stay in control and avoid a serious infestation. We recommend the following prevention measures against mouse:

• Seal small gaps, cracks, and openings in walls, floors, and around pipes
• Store food in sealed containers, both at home and in businesses
• Keep spaces clean and organized to reduce food remnants
• Remove clutter that could provide nesting opportunities
• Pay attention to basements, kitchens, storage areas, and loading zones

Common risks:

• Mice pose risks to health, safety, and property, especially in food‑related or regulated environments.
• Health & hygiene risks
• Transmission of diseases via viruses, bacteria, and parasites, including hantavirus, leptospirosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM), typhus, etc.
• Contamination of food, raw materials, and surfaces through droppings, urine, and hair
• Property & business risks such as damage to cables, insulation, packaging, and goods due to gnawing, ire hazards caused by damaged electrical wiring, unpleasant odours, reputation damage for businesses, fines or enforcement actions related to inspections and government control.

If you have seen one mouse, there is almost always more. Early professional mouse control is key to preventing further spread and damage. Reach out to iRotec for a professional inspection and tailored mouse control solution. We focus on identifying the root cause, applying effective treatment, and preventing the problem from returning — quickly, safely, and predictably.

In the Netherlands, two types of rats are commonly found: the Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the Black Rat (Rattus rattus). The Brown Rat is by far the most widespread species, while the Black Rat is less common and mainly found in southern provinces and port areas.

The Brown Rat is typically found in lower‑lying areas such as basements, sewers, gardens, warehouses, and around buildings. It is recognized by its larger, stockier body and a relatively short tail. The Black Rat has a slimmer build, a longer tail, and darker colouring. It prefers higher locations and is often found in barns, attics, roof spaces, and upper floors of buildings. Because rats are cautious and mostly active at night, they are often present long before they are actually seen.

Early signs of rats:

• Rat droppings, larger than mouse droppings and often spindle‑shaped
• Scratching, gnawing, or movement sounds, especially at night
• Gnaw marks on cables, wood, packaging, or pipes
• Burrows or holes near foundations, gardens, or waste areas
• Strong ammonia‑like odour caused by urine and nesting materials

Why must early signs of rats be treated seriously?
Rats reproduce extremely quickly. They become sexually mature at 5–8 weeks of age and can produce large litters of up to 20 young. Female rats are capable of becoming pregnant again within 24 hours after giving birth, which means populations can grow rapidly if not controlled. In extreme cases, this can result in hundreds of offspring per year from a single breeding pair. Just as with mice, having rats does not mean your home or business is unhygienic. Rats are opportunistic — if they find shelter, warmth, food, and an entry point, they will take advantage of it.

Prevention is often the most effective and cost‑efficient way to stay in control and avoid a serious rat infestation. We recommend the following rat prevention measures:

• Seal gaps, cracks, and openings in walls, foundations, doors, and around pipes
• Store food and animal feed in sealed, rodent‑proof containers
• Keep waste areas clean and ensure bins are properly closed
• Reduce clutter indoors and outdoors that could provide nesting places
• Pay extra attention to basements, gardens, storage areas, loading docks, and waste zones

Common risks of rats:

• Rats pose significant risks to health, safety, property, and business continuity, especially in food‑related or regulated environments.
• Health & hygiene risks, transmission of diseases via viruses, bacteria, and parasites, including hantavirus, leptospirosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM), salmonellosis, rat‑bite fever
• Contamination of food, raw materials, and surfaces through droppings, urine, and hair
• Property & business risks, such as damage to cables, insulation, packaging, and goods due to gnawing, fire hazards caused by damaged electrical wiring, unpleasant odours, reputation damage for businesses, fines or enforcement actions following inspections and government control

If you have seen one rat, there are almost certainly more. Early professional rat control is essential to prevent further spread, damage, and health risks.Reach out to iRotec for a professional inspection and a tailored rat control solution. We focus on identifying the root cause, applying effective treatment, and preventing the problem from returning — quickly, safely, and predictably. 

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, blood‑feeding insects that mainly bite people and animals at night while they sleep. They are found worldwide and can occur in homes, hotels, short‑stay accommodations, offices, and other places where people rest. Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and are often introduced through luggage, furniture, or clothing rather than poor hygiene.

Adult bed bugs are flat, wingless, and reddish‑brown in color, ranging from 1 mm to 7 mm in size depending on their life stage and whether they have recently fed. Because they hide well in cracks and crevices, bed bugs are often present for some time before they are noticed.

Early signs of bed bugs:

• Small bites on the skin, often appearing in clusters or straight lines
• Dark spots on bedding or mattresses (bed bug droppings)
• Shed skins or live insects in mattress seams, bed frames, headboards, or furniture joints
• Blood stains on sheets or pillowcases
• Increased itching or skin irritation, especially after sleeping

Why must early signs of bed bugs be treated seriously?
Bed bugs do not reproduce as quickly as mice or rats, but they are extremely difficult to eliminate once established. They can survive several months without a blood meal, allowing them to remain hidden even when a room is unused. If early signs are ignored, a small infestation can spread to multiple rooms or neighboring properties.

Having bed bugs does not mean your home or business is unhygienic. Bed bugs are opportunistic and are often brought in unintentionally through travel, guests, second‑hand furniture, or shared spaces.

Early detection and prevention can make bed bug problems far more manageable. We recommend the following bed bug prevention measures, especially for frequent travellers:

• Inspect mattresses, bed frames, and headboards when staying overnight away from home
• Check luggage and clothing after travel before bringing them into bedrooms
• Avoid placing suitcases directly on beds or floors
• Be cautious with second‑hand furniture and inspect it thoroughly before use
• Regularly check sleeping areas for signs such as shed skins or dark spotting

Common risks of bed bugs:
Bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases to humans. However, they can still cause significant discomfort and secondary effects.

• Health & well‑being risks, such as itching and skin irritation caused by bites, allergic reactions (in some cases), sleep disturbance and fatigue, anxiety or stress related to ongoing infestations, skin infections resulting from excessive scratching. Bed bugs inject an anaesthetic and anticoagulant when they bite, which is why bites are often not felt immediately. Bite marks may only appear one to several days later and can resemble mosquito or flea bites.
• Property & practical impact, such as spread to multiple rooms or neighbouring units, disruption to daily life or business operations, reputation concerns for hospitality and accommodation providers.

If you suspect bed bugs, early professional treatment is essential to prevent the infestation from spreading and becoming more difficult to control. Reach out to iRotec for a professional inspection and an effective bed bug control solution. We focus on accurate identification, effective treatment, and preventing recurrence — quickly, discreetly, and predictably.

Birds can become a pest when they nest or gather in large numbers around buildings. In urban and industrial environments, species such as pigeons, starlings, and sparrows are most commonly involved. They are often attracted to buildings that provide shelter, ledges, warmth, and food sources, such as offices, warehouses, retail locations, and residential complexes. While birds are a natural part of the environment, persistent nesting and roosting on buildings can lead to structural damage, hygiene issues, and safety risks, particularly in business and public spaces.

Early signs of bird problems:

• Large amounts of bird droppings on roofs, ledges, walkways, or façades
• Nesting materials in gutters, roof edges, ventilation openings, or solar panels
• Blocked gutters or drainage systems
• Increased bird activity around entrances, loading areas, or rooftops
• Noise and debris caused by roosting birds

Why must early signs of birds be treated seriously?
If bird activity is not addressed early, small issues can quickly escalate. Birds often return to the same nesting or roosting locations year after year, and droppings accumulate rapidly. Over time, this can lead to costly maintenance issues, safety hazards, and compliance concerns.

Importantly, bird presence does not mean a building is poorly maintained. Birds are opportunistic and will settle wherever conditions are favourable and access is easy.

Prevention is the most effective and humane way to manage bird activity around buildings. We recommend the following bird prevention measures:

• Regularly clean and maintain areas where birds tend to gather
• Secure waste, food sources, and open containers that may attract birds
• Inspect roofs, ledges, and façades for early nesting activity
• Prevent access to preferred roosting and nesting locations
• Use animal‑friendly bird deterrent solutions tailored to the specific situation

Common risks of birds:
Birds can pose risks to health, safety, and property, especially in business and public environments.

• Health & hygiene risks, such as exposure to bacteria, fungi, and parasites present in bird droppings, increased hygiene risks in food‑related or regulated environments, accumulation of droppings on surfaces, equipment, and air intakes
• Property & safety risks, such as damage to roofs, façades, gutters, and ventilation systems, blocked drainage causing water damage, slip‑and‑fall hazards from droppings on walkways, ledges, and entrances, increased cleaning and maintenance costs.

If birds are repeatedly nesting or gathering around your building, early professional intervention helps prevent long‑term damage and ongoing disruption. Reach out to iRotec for professional advice and a tailored bird control solution. Based on your specific situation, we provide effective, compliant, and animal‑friendly deterrent measures that protect your building while respecting wildlife.

Wasps can become a serious problem, particularly during late spring and summer, when their activity increases and they become more aggressive in search of food. In the Netherlands, common wasps and hornets are most frequently involved. They are often found around homes, gardens, terraces, hospitality areas, and workplaces, where food and sheltered nesting locations are available. Wasps typically build their nests in walls, roof spaces, eaves, sheds, attics, and other enclosed structures. When nests are located close to people, the risk of stings increases significantly.

Early signs of wasp problems:

• Frequent wasp activity around one specific area or opening
• Wasps flying in and out of small gaps in walls, roofs, or eaves
• Visible nests in roof spaces, sheds, trees, or wall cavities
• Increased wasp presence near food, drinks, bins, or outdoor seating areas
• Aggressive behaviour when people approach nesting sites

Why must early signs of wasps be treated seriously?
Wasps are highly territorial and defensive, especially when their nest is disturbed. As a nest grows, so does the number of wasps protecting it. What starts as limited activity can quickly escalate into a situation where stings become likely, particularly around entrances, workplaces, or outdoor living areas. While not everyone reacts severely, wasp stings can be dangerous, especially for children, pets, and people with allergies. Even individuals without known allergies can experience severe reactions after multiple stings.

Prevention is the safest way to reduce the risk of wasp activity around buildings. We recommend the following wasp prevention measures:

• Regularly inspect buildings early in the season for small, developing nests
• Seal gaps, cracks, and openings in walls, roofs, and eaves
• Avoid leaving food, sugary drinks, or waste uncovered outdoors
• Keep bins closed and clean, especially in summer months
• Use deterrents responsibly and avoid disturbing active nests yourself

Common risks of wasps:
Wasps pose risks to health, safety, and comfort, particularly in residential areas and public or commercial spaces.

• Health & safety risks, such as painful stings, which may cause swelling, pain, and irritation, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in sensitive individuals, increased risk of multiple stings when nests are disturbed.
• Property & operational risks, such as nests built inside walls or structures, making removal more complex, disruption to business operations, hospitality areas, or outdoor work, safety concerns for employees, customers, and visitors.

If you notice increased wasp activity or discover a nest in or around your home or workplace, professional intervention is strongly advised. Attempting to remove a nest yourself can be dangerous and often makes the situation worse. Contact iRotec for a professional inspection and safe wasp control solution. Our specialists assess the situation carefully and choose the most effective and responsible approach — protecting people, pets, and property.

Flies are common pests that can pose serious health and hygiene risks, particularly in hotels, restaurants, shops, medical facilities, warehouses, factories, and outdoor spaces. The most common problem species include house flies, fruit flies, and blowflies, all of which are attracted to food, waste, moisture, and warm environments. Because flies frequently move between waste, organic material, and food preparation areas, they can easily contaminate surfaces and products, making them a major concern in food‑related and regulated environments.

Early signs of fly problems:

• Increased numbers of flies indoors or around entrances
• Flies gathering around food preparation areas, bins, drains, or waste zones
• Small flies hovering near fruit, beverages, or organic waste
• Larvae (maggots) found in waste containers or damp organic material
• Persistent fly activity despite routine cleaning

Why must early signs of flies be treated seriously?
Flies reproduce extremely quickly. Their entire life cycle can take as little as 7–10 days, allowing populations to grow rapidly if conditions are favourable. A single female fly can lay up to 150 eggs per batch, and multiple batches can be produced within a short time. This means a minor issue can quickly escalate into a full‑scale fly infestation if left untreated. Once flies establish breeding sites, control becomes more challenging and often requires a combined approach targeting both adult flies and their breeding sources.

Prevention is the most effective way to reduce fly activity and avoid infestations. We recommend the following fly prevention measures:

• Store food in sealed containers and clean food preparation areas thoroughly
• Dispose of waste regularly and keep bins clean and closed
• Fit doors and windows with fly screens where possible
• Clean up spills, residues, and organic waste promptly
• Pay attention to drains, storage areas, and outdoor waste zones

Common risks of flies:
Flies pose risks to health, hygiene, comfort, and business reputation, especially in food‑handling and customer‑facing environments.

• Health & hygiene risks, including spreading bacteria, viruses, and parasites through contact with food and surfaces, increased risk of foodborne illnesses, contamination of raw materials, equipment, and preparation areas
• Property & business risks, such as compromised cleanliness and customer experience and non‑compliance with hygiene and food safety standards.

If you notice persistent fly activity, early professional intervention is key to preventing rapid population growth and ongoing contamination risks. Reach out to iRotec. Based on your specific situation, we recommend an effective combination of pest control services and provide clear, practical preventive measures to keep your home or business protected — now and in the future.

Cockroaches are highly resilient pests that can quickly infest premises, especially in warm, humid environments. They are commonly found in restaurants, food production areas, hotels, shops, warehouses, medical facilities, and apartment buildings, where food, moisture, and shelter are available.
Cockroaches pose significant health and hygiene risks: they move between waste, drains, and food areas, spreading bacteria, viruses, and allergens through contaminated surfaces and food. Droppings, saliva, and shed skins can contribute to asthma and allergic reactions, particularly in children and sensitive individuals.

Early signs of cockroach problems:

• Live or dead cockroaches, often seen at night
• Droppings resembling small dark specks or coffee grounds
• Musty or oily odour in infested areas
• Smear marks along walls, cupboards, or floors
• Shed skins or egg cases in cracks, crevices, or hidden areas

Why must early signs of cockroaches be treated seriously?
Cockroaches reproduce rapidly and are extremely difficult to eliminate once established. Depending on the species, a single female cockroach can produce 10–40 eggs at a time and up to 500 eggs during her lifetime. Newly hatched cockroaches can become capable of reproducing within weeks, allowing populations to grow quickly if left untreated. Because cockroaches hide in small cracks and are mostly active at night, infestations are often much larger than they initially appear.

Importantly, having cockroaches does not mean your premises are unhygienic. Cockroaches are opportunistic — if they find warmth, moisture, food, and access points, they will settle in.

Prevention is the most effective way to reduce cockroach activity and avoid infestations. We recommend the following cockroach prevention measures:

• Keep areas clean and promptly remove food crumbs and spills
• Store food in tightly sealed containers
• Dispose of waste regularly and keep bins clean
• Seal cracks, crevices, and gaps around doors, walls, and windows
• Fix leaks and reduce humidity, as cockroaches are strongly attracted to moisture

Common risks of cockroaches:
Cockroaches pose risks to health, hygiene, comfort, and business reputation, particularly in food-handling and regulated environments.

• Health & hygiene risks, such as the spread of pathogens that can cause foodborne illnesses, contamination of food, utensils, and surfaces, and allergens that may trigger asthma and allergic reactions.
• Property & business risks, e.g., compromised cleanliness and customer experience, non‑compliance with hygiene and food safety standards, reputational damage, and increased inspection findings.

If you have seen one cockroach, there are almost certainly more. Because infestations are difficult to assess visually, early professional intervention is essential to prevent rapid spread and long‑term problems. Reach out to iRotec for a professional inspection. We identify the root cause, apply effective treatment, and provide clear preventive recommendations — helping keep your home or business protected.

Ants are common pests that can invade homes and businesses, especially in search of food, water, and shelter. They are frequently encountered in kitchens, storage areas, offices, hospitality environments, and residential properties. While many ant species are mainly a nuisance, others — such as carpenter ants — can cause structural damage by nesting in and weakening wood.

Ants may carry bacteria from unsanitary areas into food preparation spaces, posing hygiene and contamination risks, particularly in food‑related and customer‑facing environments. Because ant colonies are highly organized and persistent, infestations can be difficult to control without a targeted approach.

Early signs of ant problems:

• Trails of ants moving along walls, floors, or work surfaces
• Ants appearing around food, sinks, or water sources
• Small piles of debris or wood shavings near nesting sites (carpenter ants)
• Ant activity increasing during warmer periods
• Repeated ant presence despite cleaning efforts

Why must early signs of ants be treated seriously?
Ant colonies can grow quickly and often consist of thousands of individuals, supported by one or more queens. Once ants establish a nest indoors or near a building, they continuously send out workers to search for food and water. If early signs are ignored, the infestation can spread further and become increasingly difficult to eliminate.

Carpenter ants require special attention, as they excavate wood to build nests, which can lead to long‑term structural damage if left untreated.

Prevention is the most effective way to reduce ant activity and avoid infestations. We recommend the following prevention measures:

• Store food in sealed containers
• Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, walls, and foundations
• Keep areas dry by fixing leaks and reducing excess moisture
• Remove food sources and regularly clean kitchens and storage areas
• Pay attention to entry points such as door thresholds and service openings

Common risks of ants:
Ants pose risks to hygiene, property, comfort, and business reputation, particularly when infestations persist.

• Health & hygiene risks, e.g., contamination of food, spread of bacteria from unsanitary areas, reduced hygiene standards
• Property & business risks, such as structural damage, persistent infestations, disruption to daily activities and customer experience

If you notice recurring ant activity, early professional intervention is key to preventing colonies from expanding and causing further disruption or damage. Reach out to iRotec for a professional inspection and a tailored ant control solution. We will help you keeping your home or business protected now and in the long term.