subject: 2. The pest test – is your home protected? [print this page] 2. The pest test is your home protected?2. The pest test is your home protected?
There are surely few more hideous experiences than the sight of a rodent or any other type of pest - invading your home. For this reason, it's essential that you ensure your property and surrounds are guarded against unwelcome visitors as much as possible.
From traps to poisons, there's a multitude of ways to keep vermin at bay - here's five things that should form your own personal pest test':
1. Is your home a haven for rats or mice? The majority of us keep our homes clean and tidy to enjoy our time in them, but there are many places even the biggest clean freak could miss. For example, do you regularly clean under fridges, cookers or dishwashers? Have all of your cupboards been cleared of food remnants or mouldy and out-of-date items?
2. Are you managing your waste bins effectively? Collection arrangements can vary between councils, so it's important to know when, where and how to store your rubbish. If your local binmen come fortnightly, consider investing in a lockable outside container which can help to stop rats being attracted to your property.
3. Have you got a plan of action for times of the year when you'll have more rubbish, such as Christmas, New Year and birthdays? Collections can be reduced at certain times of the year especially the festive period - so stay up to date and work out where you'll store your waste at these times.
4. Are your neighbours keeping up their end of the bargain? All your hard work could be undone if other properties on your street are attracting rats to the area. A little word in their ear may be all they need to think more carefully about their waste disposal.
5. Have you got adequate home emergency cover? If a rodent gnaws through a wire or gets into your water system, you could be left with serious problems to deal with. Being covered means you have peace of mind that whatever pests throw at your home, you'll be protected.
Of course, one of the main problems people with pests can have is deciding when to act. If you've spotted a mouse in your kitchen, was it a one-off? You've seen a few wasps lurking at the end of your garden is there a nest nearby? Taking out pest extermination cover means that you can tackle a problem-head on - as soon as it occurs - without the worry of resorting to a costly call out to solve the problem.
