When moving into a new property, checking over the cleanliness and general condition is incredibly important. There is the potential for properties to have issues with pests, and this is something that you want to prevent. However, pest infestations can affect anyone, including landlords; not just new homeowners or prospective buyers.
At Dependable, we offer a wide range of services to ensure your property is fit for new tenants, from cleaning services, to safety checks. Dealing with pest infestations is never nice, but with our team of cleaning experts, you will never have to worry about a pest infestation in your home. In this article, we’re going to be giving you a head start, so you can find out the key signs of a potential pest infestation.
What Are Pest Infestations?
Pest infestation refers to an abundance, or invasion, of an animal or species that is considered a pest. A pest can be any type of animal or organism that destroys crops, food, or livestock. Pests are not necessarily directly harmful to humans, but they can spread nasty diseases, and turn a clean home into a filthy and unhabitable environment.
Pests will often swarm to a certain area, and with more pests come more bacteria and nasty germs Once this has happened, it can cause great health concerns to the people living in this area, as well as property damage. Pest infestations can cause diseases, so if you suspect you have a pest infestation, you should act quickly.
What Are Common Pests?
Pests can infiltrate your home, damage your environment, and even spread diseases. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of pests in the UK.
Rodents:
The rodent group includes mice and rats, and are arguably the least desirable pest to have in your home.
House mice seek warmth and shelter to nest in quiet and warm places, such as cabinets, lofts or under floorboards. Although mice do not appear harmful, they will seek out food by chewing on your walls and flooring, and any kinds of packaging. They are also known to spread diseases due to the way they live, and can multiply into a larger problem very quickly.
This is the same from rats. Brown rats are the most common type of rat to find in a pest infestation. Similar to mice, rats will seek food and shelter, and spread nasty diseases.
Insects:
Insects include wasps, flies, and moths, and are the most common and least threatening kinds of pests. It is common for people to have the occasional moth, fly, or wasp, but an infestation causes bigger issues.
Moths will lay eggs on linen or cotton material, with their caterpillar larvae eating any soft furnishings. Although they do not spread diseases, you may find holes in your shirts! Wasps may be found inside walls, and they will come into your home through an open window, often seeking something sweet and sticky. Flies are common, but they actually carry a wide range of diseases, due to feeding on dead animals and rotting food.
Bugs:
Bugs include cockroaches, fleas, and bed bugs, and they will all cause some nasty itching.
Bed bugs will be found in the bed, but also in any cracks in the walls. They feed on blood, and they can be extremely difficult to get rid of unless it is done quickly.
Fleas are transmitted through animals, and they are equally difficult to get rid of.
Cockroaches tend to be attracted to warm places, such as the kitchen or living room. They will feed on any food that is lying around, and they carry diseases.
Where Do Pests Come From?
Pests come from outside, but when there is something desirable for them inside your home, they will come inside. Pests are attracted to your home because they crave warmth, food, and moisture. If you live in an area close to where pests are most likely to be found (near a wooded area, close to tip/recycling area) you may be more likely to suffer from an infestation.
Specific types of pests may even be attracted to blood, and carbon dioxide. This means that any area where you may prepare raw meat will be more susceptible to a pest infestation, meaning you should always keep these types of areas spotless.
What Is An Indicative Sign of a Rodent Infestation?
An indicative sign of a rodent infestation is droppings, especially found around food or cupboards, signs of chewing, shredded clothes, fabric, or paper, and holes in walls and floors.
Rodents are difficult to find, because they will usually hide in warm, dark places. If you have any signs of a rodent infestation, take action immediately, and look into a cleaning service.
How To Identify Two Signs That You May Have Pests In The Kitchen
The kitchen is the most likely place to find pests, due to food preparation, and discarded food in the bins. The two biggest signs of a kitchen pest infestation are dead insects or larvae in fruit, vegetables, and flour, and droppings or evidence of nesting.
Bugs and flies around food is the most obvious sign, but if you look closer, you may find larvae in your produce. Nesting and droppings from rodents will also be found near bins, and inside cupboards close to the floor.
Signs You Have Mice
Mice may look cute, but they carry diseases and will damage your home. Common signs for a mice infestation includes:
- A musty smell, often smelling like urine.
- Gnawed, small holes, often in thin walls or flooring.
- Strange noises from inside walls or cupboards.
- Oily marks along walls.
- Droppings on the floor.
- Nests made from shredded materials, often in warm, dark places.
- Inquisitive behaviour from your domestic pets.
Dealing with an Infestation
Nobody wants a pest infestation, and they can cause a lot of health issues and property damage. At Dependable, we can handle any pests thrown our way, as well as clean up any potential messes that will attract pests! Get in touch for more information about our services, and always try to keep your environment clean and tidy.
