Pests In Your Loft This Winter

Now is the perfect time to be checking that loft space for unwanted guests this festive season. Most of us tend to store our Christmas decorations in the loft, and very rarely venture up there throughout the year. This means it is the perfect location for birds, squirrels, rats and mice to nest undisturbed, whilst having access to food and water. Now if you did have an infestation of any of these pests, it is more than likely you will hear them scurrying about or making some sort of noise in the early hours (squirrels are notorious for being active during the early hours of the morning). But pest control is not just about removing a pest issue, it is also about proofing your home against pests. Removing or blocking entrance points can save you the hassle and money of dealing with pests after they have gained access to your home. 

Access points in your loft

So there are a few ways these pests can gain access to your home. Birds can fly, rats and mice can climb, and squirrels can jump, so access points at height are not a problem for these pests.

Loose or broken roof tiles are the prime starting point. Any weakness will be found and can act as the perfect access point. Make sure that you regularly check the tiles on the roof, replace any broken ones and secure any tiles that are loose. 

Poorly sealed windows or vents are another way. Mice especially, can squeeze through the smallest of gaps so be sure to make sure your property is well sealed. 

Signs of pests

• No matter what the species of pest, a sure sign that you have an infestation is droppings
• Noises will keep you awake at night (typically)-gnawing, scratching, bird calls, rustling...
• Damage to storage boxes, insulation, wires or wood to name a few materials (rats can chew through metal!)

What should you do?

If you are noticing any of the above signs of an infestation, we strongly recommend you call in SOS Pest Control. We can assess the extent of the infestation and treat it effectively and efficiently. Dealing with these kind of infestations without the help of a professional can typically end up costing you more money, not to mention the stress that comes along with it! We also offer proofing services, so if you think you could be susceptible to these kind of pests getting into your home, get in touch!

 Rats in your home?

Now that the weather is turning colder, it is a prime time for rats to start making their way into your home or business. They are looking for warmth, shelter and food to get them through the winter months. Rats are able to chew through all types of materials to gain access; brick, metal, wood, just to name a few. This does mean that rats are unstoppable when it comes to gaining access and why it is really important to do all you can to proof your home and not give them any reason to try. 

 

Pest controllers can help with proofing your home, but there are things you can do yourself first. Things like making sure all rubbish bins are sealed and no bags are just left on the floor. Keeping rubbish bins clean too can also help deter rats from sniffing out your rubbish. It is also good practice to ensure any gaps in brickwork or roof tiles are repaired and filled quickly. Rats are wonderful climbers so getting to any part of the home is easy for them. They typically use wall cavities to move around, although they can also be found under floorboards and in the loft. 

 

Rats are distinguished by their long hairless tails typically. They are usually brown in colour with long noses. They have long teeth which need to be filed down regularly which they do by gnawing through materials. 

 

Now is the time to check your home for all those potential entry points. If you find you are already being visited by these pests, then give us a call today. We can help!