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There’s nothing more unpleasant than realising there is something in your home that you didn’t invite and don’t want. Pest control workers handle everything from pesky squirrels to problem rat infestations, issues with crawling insects to issues with fleas. But are there steps you can take to try and prevent pests from entering your home in the first place?
Preventing rats and mice
Problems with rats and mice are two of the most common reasons for pest controllers to visit a house in Cheltenham and around the area. Vermin control can then deal with the problem, but prevention is always the best option.
Mice and rats are very much creatures of opportunity – give them an opportunity to get into the property and the right conditions inside and they will make themselves at home. Both are good climbers or can make use of overhanging branches or electricity cables to gain access to the roof. And both will cause damage with chewing and droppings. Therefore, it is important to make sure there are no gaps in walls, under doors or around the roofline that they can use to gain access.
Fleas
Fleas are often brought in by pets when they move through grasses and other plants where the fleas are found. Other animals can carry them and can pass them when they encounter your pet. Regular vacuuming is a good step to preventing fleas and regularly washing pet bedding is also important. Flea combs or treatments can be helpful to reduce the chance that pets carry them into the house.
The big problem with fleas is that their cocoons can lay dormant for up to two years and only hatch when conditions are just right. Flea eggs are around half a millimetre long so hard to spot. And their lifecycle can be anywhere from 2 weeks to 8 months – and they breed quickly. So, if you think there is a problem, it is important to get help quickly before it takes over the home.
Cockroaches
While cockroaches may not seem as common a problem in the UK as in other countries, there are several species that are found here. Preventing them from coming into your home involves several steps:
- Eliminate food sources – ensure food isn’t left on counters and is stored in tight lid containers
- Regularly empty rubbish
- Clean up waste food and liquid spills, especially under sinks and appliances
- De-clutter by removing stacks of papers, unused cardboard boxes and other places that make homes
- Watch for cracks and gaps in the exterior of the property where they could sneak in
Crawling insects
Crawling insects are the hardest to prevent gaining access to your home. And in some cases, you may not want to. For example, spiders may make your skin crawl, but they are great for eating flies that carry diseases. Some key tips for preventing insects is to dispose of waste regularly to remove a potential food source. Also, seal up those small cracks and holes in the home’s exterior to provide less access to the property.
