Living in the UK comes with the inevitable problem of unwanted pests invading our homes. While pests are a nuisance, most of them pose little danger and can be easily controlled with some knowledge and prevention. Here we’ll look at the most frequent intruders that share our UK living spaces, the problems they create, and how to evict them.
Rats
The most common and notorious pest in the UK is the brown rat. These rodents are adaptable and skilled at finding ways into our homes through the tiniest of holes. They’re able to gnaw through wood, plastic and even concrete to gain entry and once inside, they breed rapidly.
Rats carry diseases and can contaminate food with their urine and droppings. They will eat almost anything, but prefer cereal grains and pet food. Rats have strong teeth and can chew through electrical wires, causing fires. They make rustling noises at night, keeping homeowners awake. Getting rid of rats requires professional rodent control using baited traps and sealing up all possible entry points. In areas like Bristol, rodent control and pest management services in Bristol provide effective mouse exterminator solutions to get rid of rats and mice.
Mice
The common house mouse is another prevalent pest. Much smaller than rats, mice can squeeze through holes the size of a dime. They are constantly searching for food, contaminating whatever they encounter with the bacteria, viruses and parasites they carry. Mice are prolific breeders and a home can quickly become overrun. They gnaw on woodwork, furniture, paper and electrical wires. Their constant gnawing causes considerable damage over time. Mice are timid creatures but can become quite bold when they live indoors around people.
Getting rid of mice requires sealing up even the smallest openings in the home’s foundation and walls. Traps and poisons are commonly employed to kill invading mice. Professional mouse exterminator Bristol services provide thorough mouse eradication and pest control solutions for bad infestations.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are deemed one of the most repulsive pests that share our homes. There are over 4,000 species worldwide, 70 of which reside in the UK. They prefer warm environments with access to water. Cockroaches contaminate food surfaces, cooking utensils and plates with saliva and droppings that can spread food poisoning and gastroenteritis. They can also provoke allergies and asthma in sensitive individuals.
Cockroaches are resilient bugs that can live without food for up to a month. They can feed on a wide variety of food waste including grease, crumbs and even books. Getting rid of roaches involves removing all possible food sources, sealing up access holes and crevices and using gels or sprays to kill them.
Ants
There are many species of ants that can invade UK homes. Some species like Pharaoh ants can damage electrical equipment, while Carpenter ants can cause structural damage. Sweet-eating ants are attracted to sugary foods in kitchens and can contaminate surfaces with waste.
Ants create nuisance colonies in wall voids, under floors and in other hard to access places. Getting rid of ants requires sealing up access points, removing food sources and using baited traps and ant powders. Cleaning up grease, spills and open food eliminates attractions for ants. Insecticide sprays and dusts applied into wall voids and hiding areas helps eradicate colonies.
Controlling common household pests requires depriving them of food, water and access. Sealing up the home, keeping clean, removing pet food at night, and using baits and traps helps prevent most invaders. For difficult infestations, professional pest control and extermination services may be required.
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