Pests
If you have problems with pests such as rats, mice or wasps, Environmental Health Officers can offer free advice and can visit your home to:
- identify the pest infesting your property and give you an indication of the extent of the problem
- tell you which treatment is best suited to the pest and the area in which it has been found
- advise you of cleaning practices and improvements to help avoid attracting pests to your property
- advise you about employing a pest control contractor if you cannot carry out the treatment yourself
Advice
Rats and mice
- Fill in holes in door or window frames, skirting boards, drainpipes and central heating pipes
- Cover ventilation bricks with wire mesh
- Regularly clear out the drain trap in your garden
- Always cover food and store in sealed containers
- Cut grass and hedges regularly
- Never leave rubbish lying around
- Don't leave food scraps out for birds, even on bird tables
Fleas
- Vacuum your house regularly
- Get pets regularly treated by a vet for signs of fleas
- Groom your pet outdoors to prevent fleas getting into your home
- Wash animal bedding regularly using a mild detergent
- Spray floor surfaces, particularly cracks and crevices, with an anti-flea spray
Flies
- Always store leftover food in sealed containers
- Clean your bin and drains regularly and never leave rubbish lying around
- Use a fly spray
Bedbugs
- Check old or second hand furniture for signs of infestation
- Wash and vacuum bedding regularly
- Check your luggage and clothing after arriving back from holiday for signs of bedbug activity
Cockroaches
- Always store leftover food in sealed containers
- Never leave rubbish or food waste lying around
- Mend cracks, holes, loose wallpaper and broken tiles
- Seal holes in door or window frames, skirting boards, drainpipes and water and central heating pipes
For more information contact the Public Health and Hygiene Team on 0300 013 3333.