Education and risks

Signs of Infestation

You should regularly check for signs of infestation, even if you employ a pest controller. It only takes a matter of days for an infestation to get out of hand, which can occur between your scheduled pest control visits.

Signs to look out for include:

  • Rodent droppings on the floor, shelves and other surfaces.
  • Gnawed food packaging and structure.
  • Greasy smear marks along the bottom of walls.
  • Rodents themselves either dead or alive.

General ways to prevent an infestation of pests

Pests can spread disease and affect public health. Good housekeeping and hygiene can help prevent an infestation.

We recommend:

  • Keep all open foodstuffs in tightly sealed containers
  • Keep surfaces, food preparation areas and floors as clean as possible
  • Clean kitchen areas intensively, focusing on areas where grease accumulates
  • Clear up after every meal and do not leave any foodstuffs around, especially overnight
  • Clean up clutter and don’t leave standing water hanging around
  • Remove rubbish regularly from inside and stored securely in sealed bins (wheelie bins) away from the house
  • Ensure any indoor drain access is sealed. The edges of the lids should be greased to ensure they are completely sealed.
  • Do not keep recyclables in the house, unless securely contained (information on compost boxes, and how to purchase one can be obtained here)
  • Cut tree branches and bushes so they do not touch your house and stack any wood off the ground.
  • Ensure pets are treated for and protected from fleas and other parasites
  • Regularly wash bedding or pet bedding at a hot temperature
  • Hoover carpets, mattresses and other soft furnishings, especially in crevices.

If you intend to carry out your own treatment, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when applying insecticide so that you do not cause harm to yourself or pets, contaminate food, or damage your furnishings.