web analytics

Squirrels

rat control London

Top 10 Household Pests

Our homes are considered our safe spaces, but unfortunately, sometimes our peace and safety are at risk from pests. Whether it’s rats, mice, bed bugs or other pests; dealing with household pests can be a challenge. Here’s a list of the top 10 household pests that might be unwelcome guests in your living space:

  • Mice
  • Rats
  • Birds
  • Bed Bugs
  • Squirrels
  • Wasps
  • Cockroaches
  • Fleas
  • Moths
  • Flies

MICE

Mice are common household pests known for their ability to squeeze through tiny gaps, our rule of thumb is that if you can fit a pencil through it a mouse can get through! They can contaminate food, spread diseases, and cause damage by gnawing on various materials. 

BED BUGS

Bed bugs are notorious for causing sleepless nights with their bites. These tiny, reddish-brown insects hide in cracks and crevices around beds. Bed bugs are common across the world and increases in travel have allowed bed bugs to spread wide and far.

COCKROACHES

Cockroaches thrive in warm, moist areas and are attracted to food preparation areas. They are often found in kitchens or boiler cupboards. There are two common types of cockroaches in the UK; German Cockroaches and Oriental Cockroaches.

RATS

Rats are larger than mice and pose similar threats to health and property. 90% of rat infestations are linked to drain defects hence the more common name of “sewer rats”. Rats are neophobic (scared of new objects in the environment) making treatment tricky especially if the underlying entry points aren’t found and sealed.

SQUIRRELS

Squirrels can enter homes looking for shelter, especially during colder months. They are known to use overhanging branches to gain access to your roof and make themselves at home in attic spaces. When cornered, squirrels can be aggressive and very destructive.

FLEAS

Fleas often enter your homes from your pets. Cat fleas are the most common flea in the UK but other animals are prone to fleas. Once in our homes, fleas will rapidly multiply by feeding on your pets and you. Fleas will lay larvae in your carpets, bedding and soft furnishings making eradication tricky.

FLIES

Flies are not only annoying but also carry food-poisoning bacteria. There are a number of common fly species in the UK; whether you are dealing with bluebottles, fruit flies or drain flies, it’s important not to ignore the risks associated with them.

URBAN BIRDS

While birds might seem harmless, they can become pests when nesting in under your solar panels or window ledges. Birds can cause health risks when guano (droppings) build-up. Guano can damage your building materials, harbour harmful bacteria and pathogens, and create slip hazards.

WASPS

Wasps can be aggressive and can cause life-threatening stings to those allergic. Wasps will create nests in your garden, wall cavities, attic spaces and even underground. Wasp nests are most active between the summer months; June and August.

MOTHS

Common clothes moths can be tricky to deal with. The moth caterpillars, known as “woolly bears” due to their hairy exterior are what cause the damage to clothes. They will feed on textiles and fabric to grow and are often left unnoticed until damage has been done. 

As a homeowner, being proactive in identifying, preventing, and controlling household pests is essential. We would always recommend you seek professional pest control services to deal with rodents and insects effectively. Call us on 020 8355 3443 to get advice or book a professional visit today.

squirrel control London

Our top squirrel deterrent tips for protecting your attic this winter!

Squirrels aren’t usually the first animal that springs to mind when we talk about pest control. But, as with all of the pests we deal with, once they are in your home, they certainly are pests!

If you have ever had a squirrel in your attic or are worried it could happen to you then these top squirrel deterrent tips will help you keep your home squirrel free.

Squirrels can be an issue all year round. However, the winter months, from September to March while the temperature is at its lowest, are the most common times for squirrels to find their way inside.

Why do squirrels go into attics?

Attics provide a warm and secure place for squirrels to make nests and shelter from the harsh weather outside. A squirrel nest, called a drey, is usually made in a tree from twigs, branches and leaves. However, given the opportunity, squirrels will come into an attic and use twigs and branches they may bring in. They will also use any insulation or shredded papers and boxes they may find in your attic to make a nest.

Our top 5 tips on how to prevent squirrels

Your Garden: Squirrel Deterrent

Whilst you can’t prevent squirrels from entering your garden, there are ways to make your garden less welcoming. This in turn will reduce the likelihood of them entering your home.

Tip no. 1: Trim and tree branches that overhang your roof or near your roof. These are used as pathways for squirrels to access the roof. Squirrels can jump from anywhere between 8ft – 12ft so consider this when cutting back your foliage. The same goes for dense ivy on your building, this can be used as a ladder for squirrels giving easy access to the roof.

Tip no. 2: squirrel deterrents; use squirrel guards or baffles on your bird feeders to make your garden less inviting. If squirrels know they are unable to get food easily in your garden they will move on to easier pickings.

Squirrel leaps from rooftops to tree branches

Your Home: Squirrel Deterrent

If the squirrels have managed to get past the garden defences, then the next step it to ensure your home is secure. 

Tip no. 3: Proofing! Seal all entry points to your attic using metal plates or mesh. Squirrels are strong and can gnaw through softer materials so expanding foam won’t cut it.

Food Storage

Squirrels are attracted to live in close proximity to humans due to the abundance of food. We leave food in our gardens for the birds. We leave our rubbish bins full of food outside. Their basic need for food keeps squirrels coming back time and time again. 

Tip no. 4: Keep any bird feed or nuts in secure, airtight containers to prevent squirrels from getting access to them.

Tip no. 5: Keep your bins sealed with lids on to prevent squirrels from finding food sources.

Hopefully, these top tips will help you prevent squirrels from getting in your attic. If however, you find yourself coming across this article too late and you already suspect you have a squirrel in your attic, our team of local, professional pest controllers are here to help.

Call our team on 020 8355 3443 to find out treatment options for squirrel removal or request a free call back.

Scroll to Top