September Pest Prevention London

Although pests can be a problem all year round, there are things you can do to pest-proof your home before winter comes. As we enter the seasonal change, pests such as; mice, rats, cockroaches, bats, birds, squirrels, fleas and bedbugs are looking for locations to settle down for the colder weather. A nice warm, dry home is the perfect place! There are many hotspots within the home and the close surrounding areas that provide shelter and prime opportunity for pests to make themselves comfortable. Below you will find a selection of tips to help you keep those unwanted pests out!

Garden

It is important to keep your garden (where possible) in a good state over the colder months. Overgrown trees and grass for example can offer great shelter and also a gateway into the home.

Common pests to look out for-

Rats, Mice, Birds

Prevention tips

• Ensure bins are cleaned and lids are securely fitted
• Do not leave rubbish bags out in the open and for long periods of time
• Keep the garden trimmed and any greenery from touching the house

Garage

This is an easily accessed location for pests, and not always a place that is visited regularly if it is used for storage rather than to house a car.

Common pests to look out for-

Rats, Mice

Prevention tips

• If you use your garage for storage purposes, it is good practice to store items in plastic sealable containers and off of the floor
• Check the garage is water tight to prevent damage to items but also pests can fit through the smallest of gaps
• If your garage has air vents, we suggest covering these

Kitchen

Being the main location for storing and preparing food, the kitchen is a prime location for pests to get all the food they could possibly want!

Common pests to look out for-

Mice, rats, cockroaches

Prevention tips

• Keep your kitchen clean
• Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink or on the sides
• Clear food off of the sides and floors
• Regularly empty your rubbish bins and clean them
• It is good practice to clean under the cooker, under the sink and under/behind the fridge
• Store any food in sealable containers
• If you have pets, try not to leave pet food unattended for long periods of time and remove before nightfall

 Pipes and drains

• Cockroaches really like warmth and water so keep an eye out in the kitchen and bathrooms for any signs of these pests
• Best practice is to check for blockages and leaks regularly and getting those leaks sealed up as soon as possible

Bedroom

We all like to change up our wardrobe when the colder weather comes in, swapping out t-shirts for jumpers and thicker duvets. When storing items such as these though, they are great places for some pests to set up camp.

Common pests to look out for-

Moths, fleas, bedbugs

Prevention tips

Moths

• Check items regularly for damage
• Before storing clothes, wash them and then store them in sealed bags
• Clean the inside of your wardrobe/cupboard regularly
• If you think you might have a pest problem, it is a good idea to use some traps to see

Bedbugs

• Clean your bedroom thoroughly and regularly, especially if you have been away for a while
• Wash clothes and bedding on a high temperature
• Check for any signs of bed bugs

Roof/Chimney

This hotspot is great for pests to settle down and nest in as the colder weather comes in. Whether you use your loft for storage of prized possessions or just to hideaway those items you’re not sure what to do with, nothing is safe from pests.

Common pests to look out for-

Mice, rats, squirrels, birds, bats

Prevention tips

• Inspect your roof space regularly
• Store items in plastic sealed containers
• Fill any cracks or leaks
• Replace any broken tiles

For the chimney

• Invest in a chimney cap. By installing this, you will prevent the nesting of birds, squirrels and bats

If you find any pests in your home and need help getting rid of them, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us!