Insects and rodents can be scary to deal with at home, and, in large numbers, are a sign of unhealthy and unsanitary living conditions. As a property owner, you need to protect your apartment not only from burglars and vandals but also from pests. Pest infestation is more common than you might think, and it’s the landlord’s responsibility to deal with a pest infestation in a house they are renting out.
As the property owner, you are responsible for undertaking any repairs necessary to stop the entry of pests (like a hole in the wall). You are also the person that needs to call pest control, or find a long-term solution. Regular maintenance and upkeep can prevent a pest infestation or help you catch it early on.
Working with a block property management company like Habitare can help landlords and RMC directors stay on top of property maintenance checklists without investing too much time or effort.
Common Pest Infestation in UK Properties
Some common types of pest infestation in houses in the UK are:
- Bed bugs
- Rats, mice, and other rodents
- Cockroaches
- Flies
- Birds like pigeons and doves (can damage the exterior of the property)
- Ants
How to Identify Pest Infestation in Properties
Identification of pest infestation in a property is the first step towards eradicating the problem.
Wondering how to identify pest infestation in your property? Here are some signs that you need to look out for:
1. Pest Droppings
Droppings or excretion are a clear sign of a pest infestation. Even if you haven’t spotted the rodent or the bug that has made your apartment its home, you may still find its droppings. Rodent and bird droppings are, of course, much more easily noticeable than those from insects or bugs.
2. Musty Smell
If you can smell a musty or rotten scent, especially in closed areas such as attics or bathroom cabinets, you need to actively start searching for other pest infestation signs.
3. Creaky Sounds
If your tenant hears sounds, especially in the dark, such as wings flapping or tapping, it might be a sign of pests such as birds or rodents. Birds might often make nests in attics or on the roof, and your tenant will be able to hear them, especially in the evening or early morning. Rodents can be heard scurrying behind walls or on the floor at night.
4. Physical Signs
If you find broken twigs, leaves, chewed-up pieces of paper or wood chippings in and around your property, then it’s possible that pests are to blame. Termites can burrow through wood and walls, and leave trails of burrow and mazes and piles of faeces.
Rats and mice can chew through electrical wiring, paper, clothes, furniture, and even food material. If your tenant reports this damage, you must immediately seek help. Look for bird nests near the attic, roofs and eaves.
Now that you know how to identify pest infestation, you might be wondering which is the best way of preventing pest problems.
Top Tips to Prevent Pest Infestation
1. Dispose of Rubbish
Regular rubbish disposal is very important to keep vermin, ants, cockroaches, and flies at bay. Advise your tenant to throw out their waste at the end of the day, especially food waste as it can attract flies and rodents. It is also a good practice to use closed-lid bins inside the home.
2. Patch and Repair Any Holes
If you’re wondering which is the best way to prevent pest problems, the answer is: don’t let pests enter the property. Tiny holes or cracks in the exterior of your property offer easy access to unwarranted guests, especially rats, mice, insects. and cockroaches. Check the walls, as well as the opening near pipes and roof tiles, for any repairs or maintenance work that might be needed. This proactive approach can help prevent insect infestation in homes.
3. Deep Clean the Property
Deep cleaning of your property is an important step in preventing pest infestation. If you’re renting out the property, it’s a good practice to deep clean your home between each renter. This will ensure clean and habitable living conditions for your tenants.
Deep cleaning also involves cleaning gutters, water pipes, drains, garages, and common areas such as stairwells, foyers, and driveways. You can hire professionals to do a thorough deep clean for you.
4. Don’t Keep Food Items Out
Insects and rodents have a heightened sense of smell, so they can easily track down food or drink that has been kept out. Keep any leftover food in airtight containers or in the refrigerator. Insects and ants can be attracted to easily accessible foods and will not only contaminate the food but also lead to an infestation outbreak.
Contact Habitare for Regular Block Property Maintenance
If you notice an infestation in your house, then you have a few ways to respond. You could take certain preventive measures on your own, like setting up rat traps or cleaning your house. But if the infestation is on a larger scale, you might need to seek help from professional pest control companies.
Regular property maintenance and taking proactive measures can help to prevent any kind of pest infestation. At Habitare, we undertake regular property inspections and work with highly vetted contractors who offer exceptional service. To learn more about how we can help with property upkeep and avoiding pest infestation, contact us today.