The types of unwelcome insects or animals in the home, often described innocuously as “pests”, can do more than make you jump out of your skin. Pests can be the source of disease and bacteria. We look at some of the pests you might find in your home and how to deal with them.
It can happen at any time but, as the summer progresses and we start to get morning dews, the little creatures we prefer not to see indoors will be ramping up their efforts to move into our homes for somewhere safe and dry to live, preferably with a ready supply of food. Anything from flies to rats and squirrels can be considered a pest, and the sooner you deal with them, the better.
Of course, prevention is always better than cure but, if you’ve already got a pest problem, find out what it is in the home that is attracting them.
Food Hygiene
Whether it’s in the fridge, a cupboard or displayed on a cake stand – make sure food is covered or in a sealed container. Bacteria, such as Salmonella and E Coli, can be spread through pests’ droppings, saliva and urine – as can Leptospirosis which can lead to Weil’s disease and can be fatal in humans.
Waste food is a feast to pests as much as a fresh Victoria sandwich or big roast dinner is to us, so don’t leave it lying around. Clean up spillages as soon as they happen and regularly empty your kitchen bin. And if you or your family are in the habit of taking a plate to bed – don’t forget to clean it up as soon as possible.
Many local authorities now encourage us to recycle food waste and even provide a bin to store it. Make sure you keep the lid on tight and put the container out for recycling regularly. If you don’t have food recycling facilities in your local area, make sure you wrap food up before disposing of it.
Water
Few creatures exist without water and even wasps and cockroaches can be seen taking a drink. Many can only survive for a short time without it, so don’t make it easy for them.
Not only that, but bacteria can begin to grow in water in as little as a few hours, so don’t leave washing up bowls or drinking vessels filled when they aren’t being used.
Breeding spaces
Our home’s offer safe, dry and warm places where pests can find shelter and somewhere to raise a family. Any unfilled crack, dusty corner or uPVC window or door frame will provide a great place for pests to call home.
It’s just as important to deal with holes and cracks in your property’s walls, roofs and drains as it is to store woollen clothing carefully so that clothes moths aren’t tempted to munch on them.
Clean around window and door openings regularly as well as carpets, kitchen and bathroom floors and any other area that might provide a beastie with a bedroom.
Rental Property
The landlord is responsible for ensuring that a property is clear of any pest infestation prior to the beginning of the tenancy.
Of course, if pests invade the home of a tenant because of their unclean habits, it is their responsibility to get rid of them or deal with any health problems they cause. However, if you rent out a property to a tenant and fail to maintain it properly, you could be responsible for dealing with any resultant pest infestation.
Make sure maintenance issues including holes and cracks and uncovered drains are dealt with to avoid the expense and hassle a pest invasion can cause. You might also consider making sure that your insurance covers such emergencies.
If your tenants’ habits are causing pest infestations you will need to explain to them that this is not acceptable.
Pest Control
Once they’re in your home, many creatures can be dealt with simply. Flea infestations from your cat or dog, for instance, can be treated with appropriate sprays, although it is far better to avoid the problem in the first place by giving your pet regular flea treatment.
Some councils may provide a pest control service, although a fee may be charged. If you aren’t using a pest control company, it’s important to be aware of what you can do to control pests yourself. It is not permitted to trap or kill every type of pest in the home or even to disturb or damage places in which a protected species is sheltering or breeding.
Read our articles on how to deal with specific pests here:
Woodworm: Woodworm – a Surveyors guide to insect infestation
Rats: Tuck your trousers in your socks and stand on a chair! Rat invasion on its way
Bats: Bats (and other protected species) in your belfry
Moths: Climate change behind mammoth clothes moth attack
Read more on this subject the government website: www.gov.uk/pest-control-on-your-property