Advice
A Seasonal Pest Guide for Devon Homes
Pests follow the seasons, and knowing what to expect in each part of the year helps Devon householders spot problems early and act at the right time.
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Pest-proofing means removing the food, water, shelter and entry points that attract unwanted visitors, and most of it can be done safely with simple jobs.
Every pest that enters a home is looking for something: food, water, warmth or a safe place to nest. Proofing works by taking those things away and closing the routes in. It is more reliable than reacting after the event, and it avoids the stress of finding a problem in the middle of the night.
No home can be made completely pest-proof, but you can make yours a much less attractive place. Older Devon properties, with their stone walls, timber roofs and many small gaps, need a little more attention than a modern house, but the principles are the same.
Walk slowly round the building and look closely at the walls, roof and ground level. Mice can pass through gaps about the width of a pencil, and many insects need far less. Look at the places where pipes and cables enter, air bricks, door thresholds, the eaves, and any damaged render or brickwork.
Check the roof for slipped or cracked tiles and loose soffits, which are common entry points for wasps and rodents. Keep the garden tidy near the house, trim back climbing plants that touch the walls, and move wood piles and compost away from the building.
Indoors, concentrate on food and clutter. Keep dry goods such as flour, cereal, pasta and pet food in sealed containers made of hard plastic, metal or glass, since mice can chew through bags and cardboard. Wipe worktops, sweep crumbs and take rubbish out regularly.
Reduce hiding places by clearing clutter from lofts, garages, under stairs and behind appliances. Fewer boxes and piles mean fewer places for pests to nest unseen, and it is far easier to notice droppings or damage when you can see the floor and walls.
Damp attracts a wide range of pests, from booklice and silverfish to woodlice and slugs, and it can encourage mould that some insects feed on. Fix leaking pipes, dripping taps, blocked gutters and faulty seals as soon as you find them.
Good ventilation helps, especially in a damp climate. Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms, open windows when you can, and avoid drying laundry in closed rooms. In rooms that stay cold and damp, a dehumidifier or gentle background heating can make a noticeable difference.
Do not use poison in the hope of preventing rodents. It is not a form of proofing, it risks harming pets, children and wildlife, and a poisoned animal may die somewhere you cannot reach. Likewise, avoid blocking vents completely, since that can lead to damp and poor air quality.
Take care with sealing. If you find that rodents are already living in the building, sealing the entry points before they are cleared can trap them inside, where they may damage wiring or die in the walls. That is a time to talk to a professional first.
Call us if you notice droppings, gnawing, scratching in the roof or walls, a wasp nest, or insects that return despite your efforts. We can identify the cause, deal with an existing infestation safely and then advise on proofing that suits your particular building.
A professional visit can also be useful before you buy or let a property, or when you are renovating. We often spot entry points and risks that are easy to miss, and we will tell you honestly if the work needed is a job for a builder rather than for us.
Proofing is not a single job. Gaps open up as buildings move and weather takes its toll, so a regular check keeps your efforts working. Pick a time each season to walk round the property and check the loft and outbuildings.
After storms, building work or a period when the house is empty, look again. A small repair made early is simple and inexpensive in effort, and it is the surest way to keep your home comfortable and pest free.
Mice can squeeze through openings roughly the width of a pencil because their bodies are flexible. This is why even tiny gaps around pipes, vents and door frames matter. Rats need a larger opening, but they can gnaw to enlarge a gap, so use durable materials when sealing.
Rodents can chew through soft materials such as foam, plastic and wood, so a hard, durable material works better, such as metal mesh or a cement based filler. The right choice depends on the location and the gap. If you are unsure, ask us for advice before you start.
Cleanliness helps a great deal, but it cannot stop pests that are drawn by warmth, shelter or damp, or that enter through gaps. A clean home with open entry points can still have mice or ants. Cleaning, sealing and dry conditions work well together.
Be careful. Sealing every entry point while mice are still inside can trap them in the property. It is wiser to have the situation assessed first, so the animals are cleared and the proofing is carried out in the correct order. We are happy to advise.
If you would like a professional to look at the problem, call us on 01392 590 140 or send an enquiry.
Pests follow the seasons, and knowing what to expect in each part of the year helps Devon householders spot problems early and act at the right time.
Read the guide →Pests follow the seasons, and knowing what to expect in each part of the year helps Devon householders spot problems early and act at the right time.
Read the guide →Call us, message us on WhatsApp or send an enquiry. We will agree the price with you before any work starts.