Pest Invasion Alert: Banish Rats, Bedbugs & More From Your Home Now!

Prevent Entry

As the cooler months approach, unwelcome guests such as rodents and insects seek the warmth of our homes. While tolerance for these creatures varies, most people prefer not to share their space with them.

The most effective strategy is to take preventative measures to avoid their entry altogether.

Depending on the type of pest, methods will differ. For rodents, a good first step is to inspect both the interior and exterior of your home for any potential entry points that a mouse or rat could exploit.

Keep in mind that mice can squeeze through openings as small as 6-10mm.

Seal any gaps you find around your home, including those around pipes, with materials that rodents cannot chew through, such as steel wool or metal sheets, and secure them with strong adhesives or screws.

“For air bricks, installing a specially designed cover or opting for a replacement might be the most effective solution,” suggests Niall Gallagher, technical and compliance manager at the British Pest Control Association.

Maintain Cleanliness

A critical preventative measure against pests is to keep your home clean and organized. Rodents are particularly attracted to accessible food sources.

Gallagher advises cleaning all bins, including recycling and food waste containers, as these can attract pests with leftover food scraps. He also emphasizes the importance of regularly cleaning surfaces, avoiding sweeping crumbs under appliances, and storing food in containers that pests cannot penetrate.

Such cleanliness is also crucial in deterring other pests like cockroaches and involves addressing moisture issues like leaks.

Inspect Common Hideouts

Rats often take refuge in attics, so Gallagher recommends checking these areas more frequently than just during seasonal decoration times.

Bedbugs, attracted by human body heat and the carbon dioxide we exhale, typically reside in beds. When changing your bedding, look for signs of bedbugs such as live insects, exoskeletons, dark spots, or eggs around the mattress seams or bed frame.

Sarah Spratt, owner of a pest control firm, points out that prime locations for bedbugs include behind headboards and beneath bed bases. She advises thorough inspections of hotel rooms to avoid bringing bedbugs home, suggesting that travelers unpack only after ensuring their room is bug-free.

For a quicker check, keep luggage away from the bed as a precaution, and always inspect secondhand furniture before bringing it into your home.

Reach Out to Your Landlord

If you’re renting and encounter a pest issue, first check your lease agreement to see if pest control falls under your landlord’s responsibilities.

Should your landlord be responsible but unresponsive, contacting your local council might be necessary, especially if there’s a potential health risk involved.

Residents of council housing should contact their local authority directly, as they typically provide pest control services.

Utilize Natural Repellents

For those seeking humane pest control options, natural repellents can be effective. Peppermint oil is popular for deterring mice, while cinnamon is known to repel rats.

To use peppermint as a deterrent, you can soak cotton balls in peppermint oil or mix the oil with water and spray it around potential entry points and nesting areas. However, be cautious around children and pets as peppermint oil can be toxic.

Ultrasonic devices, which emit sound waves that pests find intolerable but are inaudible to humans, can also be an effective deterrent and are relatively inexpensive.

Julie*, a resident of a Victorian terrace in Cornwall, combines physical barriers like wire wool with natural repellents like cinnamon and strategic food storage to keep rats at bay. Claire from Margate uses humane traps baited with chocolate and peanut butter to catch and release mice from her home.

Purchase Pest Control Products

For those considering DIY pest management, a variety of products are available online and in stores. It’s wise to compare prices as they can vary significantly.

When using chemical treatments, always prioritize safety by wearing appropriate gear and keeping products out of reach of children and pets. Also, ensure you don’t spread an infestation by inadvertently moving infested furniture or mattresses around your home.

Develop a Treatment Strategy

If you opt to hire a professional pest control service, Gallagher suggests documenting any signs of infestation to help identify the specific pests and tailor the treatment appropriately.

Professional services typically involve an initial inspection to identify entry points and infestation signs, followed by a customized treatment plan. Pricing varies, but a typical rodent control visit might average around £180 for two sessions in the UK.

For bedbugs, professional treatments may include chemical applications, steam, or heat treatments, though costs can be high for some methods. Temporary measures like thorough vacuuming can also help reduce bedbug populations.

* Name has been changed