Pest populations have spiraled out of control here in the UK. Ever since covid spending saw cuts to street repair budgets, local councils are no longer keeping the tide of rodents at bay. This article explores helpful tips for pest-proofing your UK property against invasion.
Rats are out of control in this country – and not just rats. Every summer, we suffer a plague of horse flies, or we endure swarms of flying ants so thick that they show up as rain on the weather monitoring equipment of TV stations. Every summer, country homes must bat aside wave after wave of field. We have everything from termites to cockroaches here in Britain. Do not make the mistake of assuming it is too cold for them to survive here. Instead, let’s focus on how to keep them out of our homes.
Are Pests a Problem in the UK?
Although our local services might not be as busy as the pest control Sydney companies, we get a run for our money. Pests are such a significant problem here that the British Pest Control Association exists. They bring together the UK’s pest control industry under one banner. This association draws heavily on stratagems for pest control from international sources. Multiple minds are far better than one.
According to the BPCA, there are standard techniques that we can all use to keep pests off our property. For example, the methods they advise us Brits to use to eliminate rodents, termites, squirrels, extensive infestations, and more.
Common UK Pests
Common UK pests include:
- Mice are so common in houses we call them house mice
- Bed bugs increase in problematic nature the further south you travel
- Brown rats roam the sewers, streets, and sometimes your bedroom
- Wasps are out of control in the late summer months
- Ant infestations start with just a single crust
- Moth infestations leave you with holes in your clothes
You can see this article for more on how much pest control costs in the UK. Preventing the infestation costs much less than getting rid of it.
How to Prevent Pests in Your Home
If you want to stop pests from entering your home and property, try the following things.
Food Storage
Don’t store food on ground level. Make sure you use airtight containers. Don’t leave food scraps lying, and clean up spills quickly.
Access Points
Pests like wasps and moths get in through the windows. Make sure you close them if you have a nest nearby or before it gets dark outside. Leaving your door wide open is an invitation to rats, mice, and even the odd bold fox. Block up holes in your building to prevent their entry.
Food Scraps
Ensure your rubbish is regularly taken outside and the outside bin has a tight lid.
Decluttering
When you have empty rooms with lots of clutter or new gardens with lots of rubble and debris, the pests will find spaces to hide. Decluttering takes away that safety and leaves them out in the open.
