In winter, we’re not the only ones to spend more time indoors. Rats, mice and creepy crawlies also make a beeline for your nice warm, dry home.
So, how do you make your home pest-proof?
In this article:
- What are the most common pests in homes?
- Can pests cause damage to my home?
- How can I pest-proof my home?
- What if pests still get in?
- What if pest control isn't enough?
- What else do I need to know about pests?
What are the most common pests in homes?
In the colder months, the list of prime suspects includes: rats, mice, squirrels, moths, bed bugs, wasps, flies, ants, spiders, and last but not least, woodworm.
Can pests cause damage to my home?
Sadly yes! As well as carrying diseases, rats will gnaw through electrical wiring and pipes. In fact, they need to gnaw to keep their teeth in shape.
And although squirrels look cute, they’re also likely to nibble though electric cables. They’ve even been known to weaken roof joists.
By contrast, most insects are relatively harmless. Spiders, for instance, trap and kill smaller insects, so can be handy to have around. However, woodworm are far more destructive.
How can I pest-proof my home?
Pests are usually seeking food, warmth, and shelter. Here are some simple strategies you can adopt to keep unwelcome houseguests at bay:
- Seal your food
Make sure the food in your cupboards is well sealed. And don’t forget to seal any pet food too! - Clean up spills
Clean up any food spills, especially crumbs which will attract tiny bugs. This includes any bird seed spilled in your garden, which can attract rodents. - Empty indoor bins
Take your rubbish out regularly. Rinse out recyclable containers so they can be put into outdoor recycling bins. - Reconsider your rubbish
Try to keep waste food stored above ground level. That way, wildlife can’t get to it to create a food buffet for other creatures. - Vacuum regularly
Give rugs, carpets and soft furnishings a good vacuum. Make sure you don’t miss the spots behind or underneath furniture. This will help to keep bed bugs and carpet beetles at bay. - Cover air vents with mesh
Mesh will help to prevent mice getting in, while making sure your home’s kept well ventilated. - Invest in door seals
Got a gap under your exterior doors? Fit rubber or bristle strips on to the bottom. This can help stop rodents getting in and keep your home draught-free. - Cover drains and sewers
Rodents are accomplished climbers and can crawl up through broken sewer pipes. If you’re living in an area with older sewer systems, it’s a good idea to keep toilet seats closed. You can also keep plugs in sinks, but you’ll need to make sure your overflow works first. - Fix roofs and gutters
Holes in roofs and gutters can give creatures easy access to your loft and pipes. Make sure to fix any holes you spot. - Remove sheltering sites
Weeds, rotting windfall fruit, firewood, garden bags, compost piles and general outdoor clutter should be kept well away from your home. Rats are quite shy, so if you have a compost heap, use it regularly to keep them at bay. Keeping your compost heap in the centre of the garden can deter rats too. They prefer to stay at the edge to avoid predators. - Window screens
If you like to have windows or doors open, invest in a fly screen. This can stop flies, bees and wasps from entering your home. - Clear branches and add chimney caps
If squirrels are a problem, clear branches to stop them jumping onto your roof. By adding chimney caps, you can stop them getting into your house via your fireplace, too. - Mind the gaps
Seal gaps or crevices around pipes and under sheds. Rats only need a 15mm gap to gain entry. The same applies to leaks - if water can get in or out, creepy crawlies can too. - Look out for plants near windows and doors
Adult beetles that eat plant material may come indoors to lay their eggs on your wool & silk. - Air your wardrobes
Open your wardrobes from time to time. This will allow the air to circulate and let in sunlight. Pack away any clothes that you don’t wear often, so moths don’t feast on them. - Consider cable sleeves
If you’ve spotted signs of rats or mice in the area, you may want to consider a professionally installed rodent-proof cable sleeve. - Try eco-friendly insecticides
If all else fails, you can use eco-friendly insecticides to try to limit further damage. Look for colourless, biodegradable chemicals that are harmless to pets and people.
What if pests still get in?
Keeping pests at bay isn’t always easy. If they do get in, there are a couple of options you can consider to get rid of pests in your home.
Firstly, contact your local council to see if they can help. If you live in a communal building, you can speak with your management company too.
Pest controllers only use chemicals if necessary. They aim to leave little to no odour and use eco-friendly solutions that are less toxic to humans and pets.
If you have home assistance cover with your AXA home insurance, pest removal may be covered by your policy. Please check your policy details in your online account for more information.
What if pests control isn’t enough?
If pest control isn’t enough, you’ll need an exterminator.
Take bed bugs for instance. Throwing out your mattress and moving to another room won’t solve the problem. Not only will they hitch a ride on you, but they’ll also take up residence on your carpet and soft furnishings. Bed bugs are particularly tenacious and have survived as a species for around 115 million years. You’ll need to get professional help to get rid of them.
Please don’t be overly upset if you get bed bugs. It’s no reflection on you or the cleanliness of your home. For detailed advice on how to spot bed bugs, please check out the British Pest Control Association.
What else do I need to know about pests?
Not all unwanted animal visitors are pests, and you could get a fine if you cause unnecessary harm to an animal.
For instance, it’s an offense to:
- Interfere with badgers and their setts (the tunnels and chambers where they live). Even if they’re digging up your nice new lawn.
- Disturb or destroy bats, or any place they’re living, even if it’s inside your home.
- Keep or release some wild animals, like grey squirrels!
If you’re unsure of anything, please check the UK government site.
If you find a bug and don't know what is it, why not contact the Natural History Museum? They have a free identification service available to everyone. If it doesn’t creep you out, you might just learn something!
