Autumn Pests- Time To Get Proofing
As we enter in the Autumn season, days become shorter, the weather turns colder, and in typical UK spirit, the cloudy days get more regular. As this seasonal weather starts to come in, now is a great time to start looking at potential entry points for pests to gain access to your home, garage or shed. Pests do not really like the cold either, so they will be looking for warmth, shelter and a good food supply so naturally, your home is the perfect location. Some of the main pests that are likely to try and get into your home are birds, squirrels, rats and mice. Although there are many other pests that you may come across too! Below we look at two hotspots in the home;
Roof/Chimney
Pests such as birds and squirrels are likely to try and nest in your loft space. The area is warm and dry and easy to access. Birds come with a multitude of problems, their feathers and nests can be infected with mites, their droppings are not only unsightly but can be a heath hazard. Squirrels are extremely noisy, especially during the early hours of the morning. They are destructive too, tearing up insulation, cardboard and fabrics to make a nice comfy nest.
What can you do?
- Check roof for loose tiles or holes in the insulation
- Make sure any nearby trees are pruned and kept away from the roof to keep access for squirrels to a minimum
- Keep guttering clear from any debris
- Put a cap on top of the chimney to stop birds trying to nest in there
Kitchen
Rats and mice can be a particular problem in the winter and your kitchen is a great place to stock up on food. They are not picky eaters either, so they will be sure to find something to their liking in your home. Mice by nature are far more inquisitive than rats so they will happily explore far and wide around the home. Rats are very destructive, being able to gnaw and chew their way through a variety of materials so no area is out of bounds. Any rat or mouse infestation can grow extremely quickly so if you one or evidence like droppings, it is highly suggested that you treat the problem quickly. Not only are they destructive, but rats and mice carry a lot of diseases that are harmful to humans.
What can you do?
- Make sure any pipe holes in the walls are sufficiently filled and proofing applied to those that run from outside to inside the property
- Keep your kitchen clean and tidy from food spillages and debris
- Make sure all foods are stored and secured in airtight containers
Whatever the pest, we are here to help. SOS Pest Control can deal with all sorts of pests and help you get your home proofed against them before winter comes.
