Family Run Pest Control Business

Ours is a small, family-run business. I am a second-generation pest controller, having spent most of my childhood following and learning from my father.

Now I’m busy training a new Pest Controller in the shapes of young Jack and Harry.

They are often to be found following along on any jobs they are allowed on, proudly wearing their Ian Smith Pest Control uniforms.

I provide pest control all over the North West, including:

Commercial and Domestic Pest Control In Bolton, Preston and Greater Manchester

Many different areas suffer from differing pest issues. As a Pest Controller for many years, I have dealt with almost all of the pest issues England can offer!

The main pest issues I deal with are rats, wasps, birds, ants, bed bugs, bees, fleas, flies, mice, moles, and squirrels. However, I am often called out for many other pest control issues, so whatever your pest problem may be, I can help.

Since starting Ian Smith Pest Control, my service ethic has always been reliability, discretion, and value for money. I always aim to arrive on time, at a time that suits you and your business. Should there be any delays, I always keep customers updated.

I always use an unmarked car for discretion. I will deal with your problem without neighbours or customers being aware of my presence. I know my prices are the cheapest around for the service I offer.

Pest control is my passion so you can always be sure of a good service.

Over the past year, bedbug cases have risen at a rate that’s surprised even those of us who deal with pests every day. Reports have increased across the UK — and globally — but the Preston and Bolton areas in particular have been noticeably affected.

In the last 12 months alone, I’ve had more than 15 callouts specifically for bedbug activity in Preston and Bolton. That number might sound small at first glance, but for a single operator in a relatively compact area, it’s a clear signal that cases are climbing and spreading more quickly than they used to. Bedbugs travel easily on clothing, luggage and soft furnishings, so it only takes one unsuspecting journey or one second-hand item to bring them into a home.

If you think you may have a bedbug problem — even if you’ve only spotted a bite or two or noticed something unusual on the bedding — it’s important to act promptly and sensibly. Bedbugs are hardy insects and can multiply fast, so early intervention makes a huge difference to how straightforward the treatment will be.

Before you start stripping beds, moving furniture or throwing anything away, take a moment to read through my dedicated bedbug advice page. It explains the signs to look for, the mistakes to avoid, and what to expect during a treatment. Most importantly, don’t remove anything from the bedroom until you’ve spoken to a trained pest control professional, as this can spread the infestation to other rooms or even other properties.

If you’re in Preston, Bolton or the surrounding areas and need help or advice, I’m here to guide you through the next steps and carry out thorough, effective treatment to get your home bedbug-free again.

Rats, Mice and Fleas In Bolton, Preston, Chorley and Surrounding Areas

We regularly receive calls about wasps getting into bedrooms, bathrooms, and lofts. Even outside peak wasp season, it’s not unusual for queens or stray workers to find their way indoors in search of warmth and light. They’re often drawn to light bulbs, loft spaces, or areas near central heating.

Rodents are another issue we deal with every day. The idea of a ‘quiet season’ for rats and mice is long gone. Heavy rainfall can flood sewers and drains, pushing rodents into homes and businesses where they look for food and shelter.

If you’re hearing scratching sounds, finding droppings, or spotting damage to food packaging or wiring, it could be a sign of rodent activity.

If you’re dealing with pests or just want advice on prevention, we’re here to help. For expert pest control in Bolton, Preston, and throughout Lancashire and Greater Manchester, speak to Ian Smith Pest Control. We’re happy to talk through your concerns and recommend the best solution for your home or business.

Rats in Lofts

Rats in lofts are one of the most common pest problems we deal with across Bolton and Preston. As the weather changes or food sources dry up, rats often move indoors – and lofts are the perfect hiding spot.

They’re warm, quiet, and rarely disturbed, which makes them ideal for nesting. You might hear scratching in the ceiling or notice droppings, gnawed wires, or insulation damage.

If you think you’ve got rats in your loft, it’s important to act quickly. Rats can cause serious damage and may carry disease.

We’re spending more and more time in roof spaces across the North West. Our experience means we know exactly where to look and how to deal with loft infestations fast.

Call today for advice or message us to book a visit. We’ll inspect your loft and recommend the best pest control solution to get rid of the problem for good.

All our visits are done in line with current industry and government guidelines.

Wasps and Cluster Flies

When I’m climbing around in lofts looking for wasps’ nests, I often come across cluster fly infestations as well. Both pests are drawn to lofts and roof spaces, but for different reasons.

Wasps are usually active during spring and summer. By autumn, nests are often abandoned—but old nests can still be found tucked away in corners, roof beams, or behind insulation. Occasionally, late-season queens may try to overwinter in loft spaces, which is why we still get the odd wasp call even in colder months.

Cluster flies, on the other hand, become a real issue as the temperature drops. These flies aren’t like the ones you find buzzing around bins. They don’t breed in your home or feed on waste. Instead, they gather in large numbers to hibernate in lofts, attics, and wall cavities, attracted to the warmth and shelter.

At first, they often go unnoticed. But as heating comes on or the sun warms roof tiles, they can start emerging and buzzing around light fittings, windows, or loft hatches. It’s usually around Christmas, when people go up into the loft for decorations, that the problem becomes clear.

If you’re seeing large numbers of flies, especially in upper rooms or loft spaces, there’s a good chance cluster flies are the cause. Although they’re not harmful, they can be a real nuisance and will return year after year if not properly treated.

We offer effective treatments for both wasps and cluster flies, including safe removal of old nests and targeted fogging for loft infestations. Get in touch if you’d like to book a visit or need advice on what to do next.