Hertfordshire Pest Advice

Even the cleanest and most well maintained of buildings are at risk from pests, with rat infestations leading to food contamination and health risks, rodent droppings contaminating floors and causing damage and cockroaches spreading diseases such as dysentery and typhoid. If these pests can access a property through gaps or cracks, they can spread quickly and cause extensive damage. Despite taking precautions such as securing food, blocking entry points and keeping the property clean, many people find themselves with a pest problem that requires the services of a professional.

The most common Hertfordshire pest advice are rats, mice and cockroaches. They can infest kitchens, bathrooms, lofts and bedrooms, causing damage and odours. They can also pose a fire risk by chewing through electrical wires and contaminate food with their droppings, causing illness. In some cases, rodents can carry bacteria such as Leptospirosis which can be transmitted to humans.

Keeping a property free of potential entry points will help prevent rodents entering the building, with regular inspections to spot evidence of their activity. Check for signs of droppings around the outside of the property, in the garden and in any outbuildings. If possible, keep rubbish bins and waste bins away from the house and ensure the lids are closed. It is advisable to regularly clear out leaf litter and log piles as these provide shelter for rats. Garden sheds and timber decking also offer rodents warmth, a quiet place to breed and food. It is a good idea to monitor bird feeders as they can attract rats and mice into the garden, while drains and sewers should be checked for signs of rat activity such as burrows and gnawed cables.

If you are experiencing pest problems, your local pest controller will perform a thorough inspection of the property and assess the extent of the infestation. This will enable him to recommend the appropriate treatment. The pest control technician will then implement the required treatment, with follow-up visits if necessary to ensure complete pest elimination.

There are 7,000 insect species in the UK and some, such as cluster flies, can be particularly difficult to eliminate once they have formed a mass indoors. These can cause odours and make surfaces sticky, whilst they also disturb the airflow in ventilation systems.

You will need a licence from the council if you feed, handle or have unsupervised access to wild birds, bats, hedgehogs and squirrels in any premises that you own or rent. You may also need a licence if you run a business which involves looking after or accommodating other people’s dogs or cats.

If you are considering using a pest control service, make sure you use an approved provider that has signed up to one of the industry bodies such as the British Pest Control Association. You should be able to check this on the BPCA website. You can also check if the pest control company has insurance in case you are not satisfied with the service that they provide.